Could you be a Catholic school board trustee?

Editor’s note: Toronto’s Cardinal Frank Leo recently released a resource to help guide discernment for those contemplating running for school board trustee in municipal elections this fall. The Register shares some of the Cardinal’s guide here:

Why should I consider becoming a Catholic school board trustee? 

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Serving as a Catholic school board trustee is an opportunity to place your faith, gifts and experience at the service of Christ, His Church and future generations of students. Through their governance role, trustees help ensure that Catholic schools remain faithful to their mission of forming young people in faith, knowledge and virtue while supporting educational excellence. For many trustees, this is not simply a public office — it is a vocation of service. 

Why are Catholic school trustees important? 

Catholic trustees help preserve one of the Church’s most important ministries. Their leadership helps ensure that Catholic schools continue to: 

• proclaim the Gospel through every aspect of school life; 
• place Christ and the teachings of the Catholic Church at the centre of students’ learning experiences; 
• support parents as the primary educators of their children; 
• foster communities rooted in prayer and faith; 
• provide an education inspired by Catholic values; and 
• prepare young people to become faithful disciples  and responsible citizens. 

What does a Catholic school trustee do? 

Catholic school trustees provide governance and strategic leadership for their local Catholic school board. Among their responsibilities are: 

• safeguarding and promoting the Catholic identity of the school systems; 
• establishing policies, strategic priorities and annual budget; 
• exercising responsible stewardship of public resources; 
• supporting student achievement, faith formation and well-being; 
• working collaboratively with fellow trustees and senior administration; and 
• advocating for the value and mission of Catholic education. 

Trustees establish and monitor direction and policy. They do not manage the day-to-day operations of schools. 

Who should consider serving? 

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You may wish to discern this ministry if you: 

• are a practicing Catholic committed to the teachings of the Church; 
• value the gift of Catholic education;
• possess integrity, humility and sound judgment; 
• enjoy working collaboratively with others;
• have a desire to serve your community; and
• believe your gifts could benefit the Church,  students and families. 

No particular professional background is required. Trustees come from many walks of life. 

“The Church depends upon faithful lay women and men who are willing to place their gifts at the service of Christ and His people. If you have been invited to consider serving as a Catholic school board trustee, take that invitation to prayer. The Lord often calls us in simple and unexpected ways. Ask Him whether this may be the way He is inviting you to help preserve and strengthen the gift of Catholic education for future generations,” said Cardinal Leo. 

What qualities make an effective trustee? 

Faithful Catholic trustees are called to be: 

• prayerful; 
• compassionate; 
• collaborative; 
• prudent; 
• respectful; 
• courageous; 
• committed to lifelong learning; and 
• motivated by service rather than personal recognition.

Before you say yes... Pray and reflect. 

Perhaps someone has approached you and encouraged you to consider serving as a Catholic school trustee. You may be honoured by the invitation, excited by the opportunity or perhaps even surprised. Before making a decision, take time to pray. 

Throughout Sacred Scripture, God calls ordinary people to serve in extraordinary ways. Moses, Esther, Peter and countless others did not feel fully prepared when they were called. They responded not because they had every answer, but because they trusted that God would guide them. 

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The same is true today. 

Serving as a Catholic school trustee is more than accepting a public office. It is an opportunity to place your gifts at the service of Christ, His Church and the young people entrusted to our Catholic schools. 

A version of this article appeared in the August 30, 2026 issue of The Catholic Register with the headline "Could you be a Catholic school board trustee?"