| Municipal Election Day is Monday, October 26, 2026 |
|---|
York Region District School Board is comprised of 13 trustees representing all nine of York Region’s municipalities and Indigenous students. Trustees are responsible for overseeing a progressive educational system that serves more than 126,000 students in 216 schools. Elected for a four-year term by public school supporters (in accordance with the Municipal Elections Act), trustees are empowered under the Education Act to set policy for the operation of all public schools in York Region. The Indigenous trustee is appointed. All school board trustees are an important link between the school system and the community. On October 26, 2026, trustees will be elected for a four-year term beginning November 15, 2026 and ending on November 14, 2030. |
Important Information
Recent legislative amendments have resulted in changes to the election calendar.
The first day nomination papers may be filed is Friday, May 1, 2026. Nominations will close at 2:00 p.m. on Friday August 21, 2026.
Here are the certified municipal candidates, as of 4:00 p.m. Monday, August 24, 2026. Each York Region municipality lists information regarding the municipal and school board trustee candidates.
- City of Markham
- City of Vaughan
- Town of Aurora
- Town of East Gwillimbury
- Town of Georgina
- Town of Newmarket
- Town of Richmond Hill
- Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville
- Township of King
Trustee Roles and Responsibilities
Under the Education Act, trustees are mandated to;
- promote student achievement and well-being
- deliver effective and appropriate educational programs
- develop, maintain and monitor effectiveness of Board policies
- develop, communicate and review annually a Multi-Year Strategic Plan
- monitor the performance of the Director of Education
- practice responsible stewardship of Board resources
Learn more about Trustee Roles and Responsibilities.
2026-2030 Trustee Electoral Areas
The Board has decided on the Trustee Electoral Areas for the 2026-2030 Municipal Election.
- Georgina and East Gwillimbury (PDF)
- Aurora and Whitchurch-Stouffville (PDF)
- King and Vaughan, Ward 1 (PDF)
- Markham, Ward 1 and 8 (PDF)
- Markham, Wards 2 and 6 (PDF)
- Markham, Wards 3 and 4 (PDF)
- Markham, Wards 5 and 7 (PDF)
- Newmarket (PDF)
- Richmond Hill, Wards 1, 2 and 4 (PDF)
- Richmond Hill, Wards 3, 5 and 6 (PDF)
- Vaughan Wards 2 and 3 (PDF)
- Vaughan Wards 4 and 5 (PDF)
- York Region's Indigenous Trustee Area (PDF)
Candidate Qualification Guidelines
Candidates must adhere to the qualification/disqualification guidelines outlined in Section 219 of the Education Act, and must be;
- a Canadian citizen,
- a resident of York Region,
- at least 18 years of age, and
- a public school tax supporter.
Individuals interested in becoming a trustee should contact their local Municipal Clerk’s office to obtain instructions about the election and nomination processes, campaign finances and any other important information outlined in the Municipal Elections Act.
- City of Markham
- City of Vaughan
- Town of Aurora
- Town of East Gwillimbury
- Town of Georgina
- Town of Newmarket
- Town of Richmond Hill
- Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville
- Township of King
Public school supporters in York Region are eligible to vote for the position of York Region District School Board Trustee. For questions or to change your school support preference, please contact your local Municipal Clerk’s Office.
Timelines
| Municipal Election Period Begins | May 1, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Nomination Day (last day to file or withdraw nomination papers) | August 24, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. |
| Election Day | October 26, 2026 |
| First Day of New Term of Office | November 15, 2026 |
| York Region District School Board Inaugural Board Meeting | November 16, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. |
| Filing Deadline for Campaign Expenses (Candidates may contact Municipal Clerk’s Office for additional details) | March 30, 2027 |
Information for Public School Trustee Candidates
There are several resources available for individuals interested in becoming a Public School Trustee Candidate.
About York Region District School Board:
- Budget and Finance Information
- Committee Meeting Agendas and Dates
- District Action Plan
- Multi-Year Strategic Plan
- Operational By-Law
- Policies and Procedures
- About YRDSB
- School Profiles
- Student Trustees
- Trustee Committee Involvement
- Trustee Determination and Distribution
- Policy #275.0, Partisan Activities and Campaigning
- Policy #530.0, Staff Members Who Are Candidates for, or Elected to, Public Office
Information about the Role of Public School Trustee:
- Bill 212, Good Government Act, 2009
- Centralized School Board Elections Website
- Good Governance Guide
- Municipal Elections Act
- Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Municipal Elections Information
- 2026 Voter’s Guide
- 2026 Candidate’s Guide
- 2026 Third Party Advertisers’ Guide
Answers to frequently asked questions and additional information for candidates is available in the Municipal, Provincial and Federal Elections Guideline.
Trustee Honoraria
Effective November 14, 2025, based on student enrolment calculations, in accordance with the Education Act and Ontario Regulation 357/06, Trustee honoraria is set at $23,148.74 for trustees, $28,148.74 and $33,148.41 for the Vice-Chair and Chair respectively. Additional funds are allocated for reasonable miscellaneous, professional development and communication expenses incurred in a trustee’s term of office, as outlined in Policy and Procedure #220.0, Trustee Services.
For further information
Please contact Trustee Services by email at trustee.services@yrdsb.ca or phone at 905-727-0022 Ext. 2266, 2327 or 2049.