School Board Elections

Running for School Trustee

The next school board elections will be on held Wednesday, October 28, 2026. School board elections are a great opportunity for Manitobans to get involved in public education - by voting for your local trustee or by running as a candidate. This section provides information for both candidates and school boards. The materials on this page have been prepared as a guide; candidates are encouraged to review the relevant legislation (see links on this page) for complete information.

About School Boards and School Trustees

School Boards and Trusteeship in Manitoba Decorative Object

You can find out more about the role of a school trustee by talking to a current or past board member, by attending a school board meeting or by visiting your school division's website. The primary role of a school board is the determination of policy or the laws under which a division or district operates. Click here to view board policy manuals.

You can learn more about the nomination and election process in the association's guide, School Boards and Trusteeship in Manitoba or by reviewing the relevant sections of provincial legislation governing school board elections (see sidebar).

Frequently Asked Questions

Some of the questions we are asked most frequently at the Manitoba School Boards Association office, and their answers, are listed below. If you have questions about trusteeship please contact us. We can be reached by phone at 204-233-1595, or toll-free at 1-800-262-8836.

If you have questions that are specific to your own school division or district, contact the school board office.

An individual whose spouse works for a school division or district may still be a trustee in that same division or district. There are, however, some matters which come before the board where that trustee would be considered to have a conflict of interest. In those situations (such as salary negotiations), that trustee would not involve themselves in the debate or voting on that specific matter. There are a number of other situations where a trustee could have a potential conflict of interest. Legislation requires that situations such as these be declared when a trustee takes office.

Most school divisions and districts offer orientation sessions for new trustees, to familiarize them with local policies and procedures. As well, resources and training are offered by the Manitoba School Boards Association, shortly after each school trustee election. Together, local and provincial learning opportunities help new trustees better understand their new role, and develop skills they need to be effective board members.

Resources (Preparing to Vote)

Questions for School Board Candidates (PDF)
Talking About School Boards and Communities (PDF)
Talking About Education Funding (PDF)
Municipal Advisory Services - Municipal and School Board Elections 2026 (website)

Resources (Preparing to Run)

Talking About" Becoming a School Trustee (PDF)
10 Characteristics of Effective Board Members (PDF)
Campaign FAQ
Schools Boards and Trusteeship in Manitoba (PDF)
Commissions scolaires et commissaires d'école au Manitoba (PDF)
Municipal Advisory Services - Municipal and School Board Elections 2026 (website)

School Board Election Campaign Financing Guidebook (EN) (PDF)
Guide du financement de campagne pour les élections scolaires (FR) (PDF)
Campaign Finance Reporting Template (EN) (Word Docx)
Modèle de rapport sur le financement des campagnes (FR) (Word Docx)

Senior Election Official (SEO) Information

Resources (Videos)

Below, you will find links to videos that school boards have created over the years to showcase the work of school trustees and highlight the importance of their role:

River East Transcona School Division: Why Do People Become School Trustees?
Pembina Trails School Division: A Closer Look at the Role of our Trustees
Good Spirit School Division (Saskatchewan): Becoming a GSSD Trustee

Election Videos

MSBA Election Video Playlist
(Directs to MSBA YouTube Channel)

Legislation

Elections in Frontier S.D.

The Board of Trustees consists of 10 members who are first elected to their local school committee, then to the Area Advisory Committee and finally to the Board. Contact Frontier S.D. for more information or click here for an overview.