Huron-Superior Catholic Board Sets New Honoraria Rates for Trustees

Trustees of the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board (H-SCDSB) have approved new honoraria rates during a recent board meeting, effective from November 15, 2025. This decision aligns with the requirements set forth by Ontario Regulation 357/06 of the Education Act, which mandates that school boards establish policies regarding the compensation of trustees.

The approved honoraria for H-SCDSB trustees includes a base amount of $5,900 alongside additional compensation based on the board’s enrollment figures and other criteria such as attendance at meetings and travel distance. According to Justin Pino, H-SCDSB’s superintendent of business, the total honorarium for each trustee will amount to $6,756, which consists of both the base and enrollment amounts.

The chair and vice-chair of the board will receive their standard honoraria in addition to their respective leadership roles. This means the chair will receive a total of $12,256, while the vice-chair will receive $9,506, including their base amounts of $5,000 and $2,500, respectively.

Trustees’ Role and Government Oversight Concerns

Trustees are elected officials tasked with overseeing the board’s duties under Ontario’s Education Act, which emphasizes student achievement and well-being. They are responsible for voting on matters that affect the board while also representing their constituents’ interests.

Amid discussions about governance, Education Minister Paul Calandra hinted earlier this summer at a potential shift in power, suggesting the government might consider eliminating trustee positions to enhance provincial oversight of school boards. This proposal has raised concerns among current board members.

Both Sandra Turco, chair of H-SCDSB, and Jennifer Sarlo, chair of the Algoma District School Board (ADSB), articulated their opposition to the minister’s comments in September. In an email, Turco expressed her apprehension regarding the possible elimination of school trustees, stating, “Trustees and school boards play a crucial role in ensuring that educational decisions reflect the unique needs of the communities they serve.”

She emphasized the importance of local representation, stating, “Families, students, and staff deserve to have representatives who understand the specific contexts of their communities and can effectively advocate for them at the board table.”

The ongoing dialogue surrounding trusteeship reflects broader conversations about educational governance and community representation in Ontario, highlighting the essential role of local voices in shaping educational policies. As the H-SCDSB moves forward with its new honoraria rates, the implications of proposed changes to trustee roles remain a significant topic of discussion among educators and community members alike.