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 District resources and opportunities for training as required to be successful in their role and shall be reimbursed for eligibleexpenses incurred in the course of their duties.
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 Director of Education shall implement appropriate procedures and appoint such personnel as the Director of Education may deem appropriate to:
- adequately support the Student Trustees and the Student Senate in understanding and fulfilling their respective roles and to administer the Student Trustee election.
- 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.
- develop and manage the Student Senate and Student Trustees’ professional development budgets.
Ontario Student Trustees’ Association:
3.6 Student Trustees are members of the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association (OSTAAECO). They can attend four (4) OSTA-AECO conferences per term, including AGM,FGM, and EAC, to develop their skills and to be kept informed of issues in education.
3.7 The District shall be a member organization of OSTA-AECO and pay the associated annual fee.
Cooperative Education:
3.8 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:
3.9 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.
3.10 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.
3.11 Where possible, school visits should be planned to avoid loss of instructional time.
3.12 Student Trustees must be accompanied by either a school administrator or their designate during all visits.
Orientation:
3.13 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.
3.14 The Director of Education shall meet with the Student Trustees prior to the first meeting of the Board of Trustees.
