Residents in West Prince (Electoral Zone 1 — the Westisle family of schools) can now apply to fill a vacant seat on the Public Schools Branch (PSB) board of trustees. The by‑election, overseen by Elections PEI, aims to find a new representative so local families have a direct voice in decisions affecting their schools.
The person who wins the seat will join the PSB board of trustees. Trustees do not manage schools day‑to‑day; instead they set policy and provide oversight — influencing budgets, school reviews (which affect school capacities), and initiatives to support student well‑being.
Nomination papers must be submitted by January 30, 2026 (2:00 PM AST). To be eligible, a candidate must collect signatures from at least five eligible voters who live in the relevant school electoral zone (Zone 1).
This by‑election is part of the province’s return to elected school trustees after a 14‑year period of ministerial appointments; elected trustees were reinstated in late 2022. The 2026 PSB voting process will include a new online voting option alongside mail‑in ballots — one of the first major tests of online ballots for PSB trustee elections — intended to address historically low turnout (about 1% in some past cycles).
If you are interested in running or need more information, consult Elections PEI’s candidate information for PSB trustee elections and the Public Schools Branch information on the Board of Trustees for zone maps and eligibility details.
