Want to be a public school trustee? Apply now

WATERLOO REGION — Elected public school trustees will pick a new trustee June 7, after inviting the public to apply for a seat vacated by a resignation.

Applications are due May 19. The Waterloo Region District School Board will screen applicants, forwarding up to nine names to trustees who will vote by secret ballot after shortlisted candidates make a five-minute presentation in public session on a predetermined question.

Two losing candidates from the 2014 election will be placed among the nine shortlisted candidates if they apply. Both have expressed interest. A third losing candidate has declined after moving out of the region.

The board is filling the Cambridge and North Dumfries seat vacated by Andrea Mitchell, who resigned due to poor health.

“It’s similar to other processes that other boards have used in similar situations,” board chair Scott McMillan said. “We’ve done a good job at increasing the transparency, and creating a fair process that’s easy to understand.”

It’s common for school boards to invite public applications and appoint replacements late in a four-year term rather than seek a costly byelection. The Waterloo Catholic District School Board did this last fall. The new trustee will keep the seat until the 2018 municipal election.

Trustees have said this is an opportunity to increase diversity on the board, and have also recognized the importance of previous campaigns for office.

Trustees are paid $15,700 and one-third of the salary is tax-free. This equals a taxable salary ranging from $17,000 to $21,700 depending on other income.