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Revised (Dec 4 2008)
Where to turn for information and support
As a school trustee, there will be times when you are frustrated, exhilarated, perplexed and empowered. In addition to this guide, there are other places to turn when the work seems overwhelming and the issues appear impossibly complex. To remain effective in your role, you need readily available sources of information and inspiration.
Other Trustees
Your most valuable resources are other trustees. Those who’ve been through many challenges and even those in their first term can provide insight and fresh approaches to help you overcome whatever awaits.
Your Association
BCSTA is a non-profit, voluntary organization dedicated to assisting boards of education. Currently, all of BC’s 60 publicly elected boards belong to BCSTA. Boards choose membership in the Association in order to have a unified provincial voice and a way to network, share information and build skills through shared education programs. BCSTA operates from an office on the fourth floor of the Vancouver School Board building, at 1580 West Broadway in Vancouver.
Your Association offers seminars, committee meetings and the annual general meeting to enable trustees to meet one another and develop their support networks. The Association also offers educational events and services for school trustees, communications support and information-sharing through a variety of publications and advocacy work.
For more information about the services and structure of BCSTA, see the Reference materials section, Your Association.
District Staff
Much of the information you receive will come from school district staff. Everything the board does is dependent on a trusting and respectful relationship between the board and senior staff.
The Internet
You will want to have good background information when difficult issues comes up. Your school district’s website and policy manual are good sources. The BCSTA website also carries the policies of other school districts and backgrounders on a wide range of issues. The Ministry of Education website is very comprehensive as well.
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First things first
