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 / OPSBA President
- Mike Brant, Hastings and Prince Edward DSB / Indigenous Trustees’ Council
- Sarah Cipkar, Greater Essex County DSB
- Laurie French, Limestone DSB / Ex Officio
- Mark Mannisto, Superior-Greenstone DSB
- Dr. Margo Shuttleworth, Halton DSB
OSTA-AECO’s Representatives include:
- Public Board Council President Jazzlyn Abbott, Renfrew County DSB
- Public Board Council Vice-President Aisha Mahmoud, Hamilton-Wentworth DSB
Special thanks and recognition to Huron-Superior Catholic DSB student trustee and Handbook designer, Adam Morgenstern.