3007 – Membership in Ontario Public School Boards’ Association

Legal References:
Education Act 191.2(3) – Other Expenses (Board Members)
Related References:
Board Policy 3003 – Trustee Professional Development Expenses
Ontario Public School Boards’ Association
Effective Date:
June 2000
Revisions:
March 2007, June 21, 2021, May 13, 2024
Reviewed:
May 9, 2022, June 12, 2023. May 14, 2025

1. Purpose

1.1 The Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) recognizes the inherent values in maintaining a positive relationship with other public district school boards throughout the Province of Ontario through membership in the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA).

1.2 OPSBA represents English public district school boards and public school authorities across Ontario, which together serve more than 1.3 million public elementary and secondary students. OPSBA advocates on behalf of the best interests and needs of the public school system in Ontario. OPSBA is seen as the expert voice of public education in Ontario and is routinely called on by the provincial government for input and advice on legislation and the impact of government policy directions.

1.3 OPSBA serves its Member Boards through its expertise and provincial work in the following areas:

  • Education Program Policy
  • Policy Development
  • Legislation and Regulation Monitoring and Analysis
  • Government Relations
  • Communications and Media Relations
  • Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
  • Labour Relations and Human Resources
  • Education Finance
  • Networking and Facilitation
  • Conference, Meeting and Event Coordination
  • Professional Development and Issues Awareness

2. Membership Renewal

2.1 Membership in the OPSBA will be renewed annually in conjunction with the development of the WRDSB operating budget. At that time, this policy (Board Policy 3007 – (Membership in OPSBA) will also be reviewed.

3. Annual Appointments/Nominations

3.1 In accordance with OPSBA’s bylaws, appointments to the following positions must be approved by the Board of Trustees annually prior to OPSBA’s Annual General Meeting:

  • Voting Delegate and Alternate for the OPSBA Annual General Meeting;
  • Director on the OPSBA Board of Directors.

3.2 The Board of Trustees may also nominate one of their members for the following positions during the OPSBA Annual General Meeting or at OPSBA’s request for nominations:

  • Executive Officers – President, First Vice-President, Second Vice-President (any trustee from a member board is eligible for nomination);
  • Regional Chair – Central West Region (any trustee from a member board in the Central West Region is eligible for nomination);
  • Regional Vice-Chair – Central West Region (any trustee who is appointed by a district school board to the OPSBA Board of Directors is eligible for nomination);
  • Regional Appointment to Core Issue Work Groups.

4. OPSBA Expenses

4.1 Expenses related to attendance at OPSBA events are governed by Board Policy 3003 – Trustee Professional Development Expenses.

3007 – Membership in Ontario Public School Boards’ Association