New Resource for School Boards

OPSBA and the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association (OSTA-AECO) are pleased to announce the publication of a new Student Trustee Handbook, which was produced by the trustee members of the OPSBA-­OSTA Liaison Committee and student trustees on the Public Board Council (PBC) of OSTA-AECO.

It has been created for use by all school board trustees to understand fully the requirements for the role of student trustees in the governance practices of the board, but also to build appreciation of and identify processes that will fully mobilize the valuable resource student representatives provide. A key goal is to standardize some of the activities in school boards across the province.

In order to maximize their role, student trustees require support from trustees and school board staff. Having a strong support system allows student trustees to adapt to a new work environment, and receive valuable advice to further our leadership. Student trustees are the voice of students in decisions about education and they help keep students informed about important decisions that affect them.

Download the Handbook (PDF)

The Handbook is a “living document” that will be updated when new and relevant information becomes available. The Committee is also committed to regularly reviewing the Handbook for improvements and greater means of accessibility.

Members of the OPSBA-OSTA Liaison Committee are:

  • Cathy Abraham – Kawartha Pine Ridge DSB (Central East)  
  • Crystal Hewey – District School Board Ontario North East (North)
  • Margo Shuttleworth – Halton DSB (Central West)
  • Tiffany Lloyd – Limestone DSB (Eastern)
  • Sarah Cipkar – Greater Essex County DSB (Western)
  • Howard Archibald – District School Board Ontario North East (Indigenous Trustees’ Council)
  • Deborah Williams – Toronto DSB (Black Trustees’ Caucus)
  • Kathleen Woodcock – OPSBA President

OSTA-AECO’s Representatives include:

  • Alexandra Gauthier – DSB Ontario North East
  • Shivani Vimal – Thames Valley DSB