School trustee elections lack fanfare of municipal council races

Some candidates running for school board trustee say it's difficult to get noticed during the municipal election.

Those running for a seat say they don't get nearly as much attention as those running for city council.

George Saarinen has served on the Lakehead Public School Board for the past eight years.

"Very few people know what a trustee even does. So, it's hard to explain."

Saarinen said the job includes setting policy and procedures throughout the board, and creating long-term goals.

"The people who are involved in education know it and get it. But, the general community don't,” he said.

Stephen Margarit is running for Thunder Bay's Catholic Board for the first time.

He said it's been tough to get attention, but noted parents should take the trouble to check the credentials of the candidates.

"We're in control of your kids’ future, so I think you people should spend a little more time, and think about it,” Margarit said.

Paul Caccamo of the high school teachers union agrees that what trustees do is important.

"They play a significant role in carrying forward concerns that are expressed directly to them through members of the community.”

Caccamo said one of the trustees' most difficult jobs is dealing with declining enrolment.

The prospect of challenging times ahead is not enough to deter new candidates like Margarit, who said trustees are given the opportunity for a “hands-on experience.”

“You really get to see a one-on-one with some of the students in the Catholic board,” he said,

“It's something you can do and really make a difference."

Who’s running in Thunder Bay

• 11 candidates running for English Public trustee in Thunder Bay (8 positions on board)
• 9 candidates running for English Separate trustee in Thunder Bay (7 positions on board)
• 1 candidate for French Public (acclaimed) (Anne-Marie Gelineault)
• 6 candidates for French Separate school board