This year the Ontario government passed Bill 101, the Putting Student Achievement First Act (Royal Assent May 7, 2026). It keeps elected trustees, but it significantly changes what they can do. If you are voting for a Simcoe County District School Board trustee, you deserve a clear picture of the job as it exists now — not the job as it existed a few years ago.
A plain-language guide for Barrie voters in Wards 1, 2 and 3
Throughout my professional career in Human Resources, I have focused on building fair workplaces, promoting transparency, supporting respectful dialogue, and creating solutions through collaboration. These values guide my approach to public service and leadership.
My commitment to Waterloo extends through my volunteer involvement and community leadership. As a Neighbourhood Connector, I help strengthen local connections by bringing families and neighbours together through community events, creating opportunities for residents to connect, support one another, and build a stronger sense of belonging.
GET TO KNOW More About Wes AyrantoFor decades, elected trustees at English public boards like the SCDSB:
Approved and could amend the annual budget
Hired and could dismiss the Director of Education
Took part in central collective bargaining through trustee associations (OPSBA)
Passed motions with financial implications
Set much of the board’s public messaging
Received an honorarium that, at the SCDSB, was about $14,200 plus expenses
Acted as the main community contact when families could not resolve issues at the school
Top staff role
Director of Education ran both operations and education.
The Director is now the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and must have business qualifications. A Chief Education Officer (CEdO) — appointed by the CEO — focuses on student achievement and curriculum. One person can hold both titles if they qualify.
Budget
Trustees developed, amended, and approved the budget.
The CEO leads budget development. Trustees can recommend changes. If the board cannot agree, the matter can go to the Minister of Education.
Hiring and firing the top official
Trustees hired and could dismiss the Director.
Trustees still hire the CEO. They cannot dismiss the CEO without written approval from the Minister.
Labour negotiations
Trustee associations (OPSBA) were the central employer bargaining agent.
The Council of Ontario Directors of Education (CODE) now bargains centrally. English public trustees do not vote to ratify the central contract. Local ratification sits with the CEO.
Financial motions
Trustees could pass motions with spending implications.
Resolutions with financial implications can require confirmation by the CEO, chair, or another official set by regulation.
Pay
Honorarium based on a provincial formula (base + enrolment). SCDSB trustees were paid about $14,200.
Honorarium capped at $10,000.
Expenses
Boards reimbursed a wider range of trustee costs.
Discretionary expenses limited mainly to mileage for significant travel to meetings and essential tools (phone, computer). Boards cannot pay membership fees in external organizations or costs for non-essential conferences.
Number of trustees
Set by regulation; TDSB had 22.
Every board: minimum 5, maximum 12 elected trustees (plus First Nation appointees and student trustees). SCDSB already has 12, so Barrie’s three seats stay.
Communications
Boards and trustees set much of their own public messaging.
The Minister can set policies for official board communications. Trustees speaking for the board must follow those rules. Personal opinions as a private citizen remain allowed.
Buildings and land
Boards had more independent control over sites and capital projects.
Minister approval is required to buy land. The Minister can set rules for additions, repairs, and projects, and can take over a project if rules are not followed.
The position was not abolished. An elected trustee for Barrie Wards 1, 2 and 3 still:
Represents families in those wards at the SCDSB table
Votes on board policies, strategic priorities, and matters that remain under the board
Sits on statutory committees such as Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC), Parent Involvement Committee (PIC), Audit Committee, and others
Appoints the CEO
Asks questions and demands accountability in public meetings
Brings local issues forward — enrolment pressure, school capacity, transportation, special education, safety, and program access
Speaks as an individual to parents, media, and the community (while official board statements follow provincial guidelines)
Helps families navigate the system by pointing them to the right staff, school, superintendent, or the new support office
Less of this
Writing the budget
Firing the CEO on their own
Sitting at the central bargaining table
Using the board as a platform for wide political statements
Broad expense accounts
More of this
Parent and student advocacy
Local oversight and tough questions
Connecting families to answers
Policy and strategic direction
Keeping Barrie issues visible at a 12-trustee county board
As of September 1, 2026, every Ontario school board — including the SCDSB — has a Student and Family Support Office.
The province created these offices so families have a clear next step when a concern is not resolved with the teacher or principal. At the SCDSB:
Start with the teacher, then the principal
If it is still unresolved, use the Student and Family Support Office
Email: supportoffice@scdsb.on.ca
Acknowledgement within 2 business days; target response within 5 business days
The SCDSB covers all of Simcoe County. Barrie elects three public-board trustees:
Wards 1, 2 and 3 — one seat
Wards 4, 5 and 6 — one seat
Wards 7, 8, 9 and 10 — one seat
The board has 12 trustees in total (11 elected + 1 First Nation representative). That number did not change under Bill 101.
Do they show up and do the homework?
Do they listen to parents and report back in plain language?
Do they ask hard questions when staff answers are incomplete?
Do they understand Barrie schools, growth, and the pressure on classrooms?
Some people have said the trustee role is now “just advisory.” That undersells it.
You still elect the only people at the board table who answer directly to voters in Barrie Wards 1, 2 and 3. Staff answer to the CEO. The CEO answers in part to the Minister. Trustees answer to you.
In a system that has been centralized, a trustee who:
communicates clearly,
stays independent of staff talking points,
and treats parents as partners
Days
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