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
Board Policy 3001 – Travel, Meals and Hospitality Expenditures – Trustees
Ontario Public School Boards’ Association Policies and Procedures
Effective Date:
June 2000
Revisions:
June 21, 2021, May 13, 2024, March 9, 2026
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 1.4 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. Application

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.

2.2 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.

2.3 The Board of Trustees may also nominate any eligible trustees for the open positions during the OPSBA Annual General Meeting or at OPSBA’s request for nominations.

2.4 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