Student Trustees and Student Senate
Student Trustees are elected students who represent all students in the Durham District School Board (DDSB). They participate in Board of Trustees meetings and guide the Student Senate. They are also members of the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association, where they work with student trustees from across Ontario to advocate for students. They are elected by students to a one-year term, beginning August 1 of each year.
Ben Cameron (he/him)
Ben is the Student Trustee elected from Pickering-Ajax and a Grade 12 student at Dunbarton High School. He is honoured to be serving students in his second term as Student Trustee. He is also serving on the OSTA-AECO Executive Council as Chair of its Indigenous Student Trustees’ Council, where he advocates for Indigenous students across Ontario.
Ben has focused his time as Student Trustee on empowering student voice and creating a link between the Board of Trustees and the student body. He is excited to continue that work and advocate for DDSB students.
Ben is known for being hard-working, high-energy, loud, dramatic, and fun. In his free time, he likes to run, watch trashy television, and play the flute.
Kayla Hoare (she/her)
Kayla is the Student Trustee elected from Brock-Scugog-Uxbridge. She is a Grade 12 student at Port Perry High School, passionate about business, art, and working with people.
Kayla is dedicated to putting in the work it takes to ensure that all students are heard and represented within the Board. She is so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of generating impactful waves of change within our communities along with her fellow Trustees.
This is Kayla’s first term serving as a Student Trustee, and she is happy to expand her knowledge throughout the year and eager to observe and discuss all of the topics brought to the table.
Neha Kasoju (she/her)
Neha is the Student Trustee elected from Whitby-Oshawa. She is a Grade 12 student at Donald A. Wilson Secondary and works diligently to ensure her community is supported and empowered. Neha is passionate about science, technology, engineering, and math, and hopes to pursue a career in these fields.
Neha is a seasoned leader dedicated to making a positive impact with her outgoing, hard-working personality. When Neha isn’t at a club meeting, you can find her dancing or reading books.
Neha is extremely grateful to be serving the students of Durham. As Student Trustee, her unwavering commitment lies in unlocking the potential within students, providing them with boundless opportunities.
Send your feedback!
Your voice matters to the Student Trustees. Send an email to voice anything you would like, in relation to your school, the Board, Student Senate or the Student Trustees.
Interested in becoming a Student Trustee?
Student Trustees are elected prior to the end of February every year. Students interested in running for Student Trustee should contact their Principal prior to the winter break to learn about the process and put themselves forward as a candidate.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the Student Trustees via email:
Student Senate
Student Senate is a body made up of student leaders from each secondary school in the Durham District School Board (DDSB). Student Senate represents all students in the DDSB. It does so by voicing student concerns and perspectives on school and Board matters. Student Trustees relay these thoughts to the Board of Trustees.
Executive Council
Student Senate is led by a student Executive Council, made up of a president, a vice-president, three regional representatives, and three working group chairs, all elected by Senators.
Interested in becoming a Senator?
Senators are elected prior to May 30 every year. Full-time secondary students in the DDSB are eligible to run for Student Senate. Students should contact their school Principal to put themselves forward as a candidate.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding Student Senate, please reach out to the Student Trustees via email:
Constitution
Constitution of the Student Senate
For more information, please contact a staff advisor for the Student Senate.
Staff Advisors
Student Senate staff advisors assist and guide the Student Senate in their work. This year’s staff advisors are:
