Student Trustees and Student Senate Policy - Draft

Governance

1.1 The Durham District School Board (DDSB) values student voice and engaging students in leadership opportunities where their opinions are valued, heard and respected. The DDSB is committed to encouraging and cultivating student voice throughout the system, including at the Board table.

1.2 The DDSB recognizes the benefits derived from the involvement of students in the decision-making process of the Board of Trustees.

1.3 This Policy is adopted in accordance with section 55 of the Education Act and O. Reg. 7/07 made under the Education Act.

2.1 The objective of this Policy is to establish the framework for supporting Student Trustees in carrying out their role as stipulated in the Education Act, O. Reg 7/07 under the Education Act and the DDSB’s Consolidated By-laws.

2.2 This Policy affirms the Board’s commitment to engaging students and supporting Student Trustees and Senators in their work.

2.3 This policy is to be interpreted and applied in accordance with the District’s commitment to promoting and upholding Indigenous Rights and Human Rights and the Safe and Respectful Workplace and Harassment Prevention policy in all of its learning and working environments.

3.1 The role of Student Trustee at the DDSB is as set out in the Education Act, Ontario Regulation 7/07 made under the Education Act and the Board’s Consolidated By-laws, as the case may be.

3.2 The Board shall have three (3) Student Trustees.

Resources and Support:

3.3 Student Trustees are entitled to access staff provided resources and opportunities for training.

3.4 At the annual Organizational Meeting each year, the Board of Trustees shall elect a member to serve as the Trustee Mentor to the Student Trustee. This person shall act as a mentor and resource to the Student Trustees on matters of governance and meeting procedures.

3.5 The Chief Executive Officer shall implement appropriate procedures and appoint such personnel as the Director of Education may deem appropriate to:

  1. adequately support the Student Trustees and the Student Senate in understanding and fulfilling their respective roles and to administer the Student Trustee election.
  2. foster a welcoming environment for Student Trustees with appropriate orientation and training so as to enable and encourage Student Trustees to fully engage in Board meetings and meetings of the Committees of the Board.
  3. develop and manage the Student Senate and Student Trustees’ professional development budgets.

Cooperative Education:

3.6 A Student Trustee may use the experience of being a Student Trustee to fulfill the requirements of a cooperative education credit(s), as may be applicable.
Connecting with DDSB Students:

3.7 Student Trustees shall have the opportunity to attend both elementary and secondary schools within the DDSB for the purpose of engaging with students. All such visits must be scheduled in advance and approved by the school administration and are not to include in-class attendance during instructional time. Any request for a school attendance must be made with sufficient notice to school administration to allow for appropriate preparation and coordination.

3.8 Student Trustees shall prepare any/all presentation materials and informational content intended for student engagement prior to any school attendance and must submit such materials for review by the Student Trustee Advisor and Staff Advisor(s) two weeks in advance.

3.9 Where possible, school visits should be planned to avoid loss of instructional time.

3.10 Student Trustees must be accompanied by either a school administrator or their designate during all visits.

Orientation:

3.11 Student Trustees shall be provided with orientation, prior to their first Board or Committee meeting, as the case may be, that covers the scope of their role, rights, and responsibilities under the Education Act, O. Reg 7/07 under the Education Act and the DDSB’s Consolidated By-laws, which shall include a package of relevant information and contact information for key contacts.

3.12 The Chief Executive Officer shall meet with the Student Trustees prior to the first meeting of the Board of Trustees.

4.1 The Board recognizes the role of the Student Senate as articulated in the Constitution of the Durham District School Board Student Senate.

5.1 This policy may be reviewed and updated as may be deemed necessary or appropriate, but it shall be reviewed at least every five (5) years.

Adopted:
June 17, 2024

Effective:
June 17, 2024

Amended/Reviewed
October 21, 2025