2026 Municipal and School Board Elections
The next municipal and school board election will take place on Monday, October 26, 2026.
This election is an important opportunity for Catholic ratepayers to help shape the future of Catholic education in our communities by electing trustees who will represent their voice at the board table.
The Role of a Catholic School Board Trustee
Catholic school board trustees are locally elected representatives who advocate for publicly funded Catholic education. Guided by faith and a commitment to student success, trustees play a vital role in shaping the direction of the school system.
Trustees are responsible for:
- Supporting student achievement and well-being
- Making decisions that benefit the entire board community
- Upholding the mission and values of Catholic education
- Representing and communicating with constituents
- Ensuring accountability under the Education Act
Considering Becoming a Trustee?
Serving as a Catholic trustee is a meaningful way to contribute to your community and support the future of Catholic education.
7 Trustees will be elected to the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board in the 2026 Municipal Election.
Two in the Municipality of Clarington
Two in the City of Peterborough
One in Peterborough County
One in Northumberland County
One in the City of Kawartha Lakes
Who Can Run for Catholic School Board Trustee
- A resident within the jurisdiction of the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board;
- A Catholic school supporter;
- A Canadian citizen;
- At least 18 years old;
- Not legally prohibited from voting; and,
- Not disqualified by any legislation from holding municipal office.
Review the 2026 Candidates’ Guide for more information.
Key Responsibilities of a Trustee
The key responsibilities of a School Board Trustee include:
Board and Committee Meetings
Regular Board meetings are held once per month, on Tuesday evenings during the school year in the Boardroom of the Catholic Education Centre, 1355 Lansdowne St. W., Peterborough. Special Board meetings are held at the call of the Chair or at any time as determined by resolution of the Board. In addition to Regular Board meetings, Trustees may be involved in various Statutory Committees, Standing Committees, and ad hoc or other committees.
Time Commitment
Trustees can expect to dedicate several evenings each month to meetings and preparation, along with additional time for reading, training, and community engagement.
Community Involvement
Trustees are often present at school and system events such as graduations, liturgies, Catholic Education Week activities, and community celebrations.
Communication
Trustees serve as a link between the board and the community, responding to questions and sharing important updates with constituents.
Honorarium
Trustees receive an honorarium established in accordance with the Education Act and related regulations. The current honorarium for trustees is set at $9,577 per year and is revised annually based on enrollment factors.
Nomination Process
The nomination fee for school board trustee is $100 and is paid at the time of filing along with the Nomination Form. Nominations may be filed in person by the candidate (or by an agent representative) at the applicable municipal office between May 1 and August 21, 2026 during the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, and between 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on August 21.
To file nominations, a nomination form must be provided to the Clerk, in addition to the nomination fee. Check your municipality’s website for details on how to file your nomination with your municipality’s clerk.
Important Dates
- Nomination Period Opens: Friday, May 1, 2026
- Nomination Period Deadline: Friday, August 21, 2026 at 2 p.m.
- Deadline for Municipalities to verify candidate eligibility and certify or reject nominations: Monday, August 24, 2026
- Election Day: October 26, 2026
(Check back regularly for updates as key dates are confirmed.)
The Importance of Catholic School Support
To vote for a Catholic school board trustee, you must be registered as a Catholic school supporter.
Many families are unaware that their school support designation may not reflect their preference—even if their children attend Catholic schools.
Ensuring your support is directed to Catholic education helps protect and sustain the future of our system.
Learn how to confirm or change your school support designation
School support designation must be completed by June 1st to ensure your vote will count towards Catholic School Trustees.
Who Can Vote
Anyone can vote in a municipal election who, on the day of the election, is:
- 18 years of age or older;
- A Canadian citizen;
- Either a resident of the municipality or a property owner or tenant or the spouse of an owner or tenant in the municipality during a specified time just before the election; and,
- Not otherwise prohibited from voting.
- Included on the voters’ list in.
To check if you are on the voters’ list or to update your information visit Ontario’s Register to Vote website.
How and Where to Vote
Visit your local municipality’s election website for information on how to cast your ballot, including advance polling, positions being elected besides School Board Trustees, and polling station locations.
Resources
For additional information, view the following websites and resources:
Why It Matters
Catholic trustees help ensure that faith-based education remains strong, vibrant, and responsive to the needs of students and families.
Your vote—and your voice—helps shape the future of Catholic education at PVNC Catholic.