Be a Student Trustee at Grand Erie
The need for a strong student voice is a must in all school boards throughout Ontario, and Grand Erie is no exception. Each year the Grand Erie District School Board selects two Student Trustees to represent students from this jurisdiction. One Student Trustee is selected from the northern (Brant County/City of Brantford) area of the Board and one is selected from the southern (Haldimand/Norfolk) area of the Board.
Student Trustees are young adults (senior students) who are involved, passionate, and have demonstrated leadership capabilities. The position of Student Trustee is not an easy one. Some of the responsibilities include: communication between Board members and students throughout the Board and regular attendance at scheduled Board meetings.
The selection of Student Trustees occurs each April, with the term running from August 1st to July 31st.
Applying for the position
Start the process by speaking with your principal.
Qualifications
Any student may apply to be a Student Trustee who:
- is a full-time student on August 1st in a secondary school of the Grand Erie District School Board;
- will be a full-time pupil in the senior division;
- has written parental consent, (if under 18 years of age);
- agrees to adhere to the Provincial Code of Behavior for Schools at all times
while performing the functions of a Student Trustee; and
- Any student who applies for the position of Student Trustee must indicate a willingness to make the necessary commitment to attend scheduled Board meetings.
- Once appointed, the Student Trustees and Alternates must complete the Student Trustee Permission Form (Appendix A) and forward to the Director.
Responsibilities
- Student Trustees are non-voting members at the Board table. Student Trustees may
participate fully in discussions on all matters before the Board except as
defined in part (d) of this section.
- On any motion the Student Trustee may have their position officially recorded in
the minutes but their vote is non-binding.
- Student Trustees may sit on Board committees. They may not take the place of an
elected Trustee on committees that have a legislated requirement for Trustee
participation.
- Student Trustees may attend in-camera meetings except when the agenda item
includes the disclosure of intimate, personal or financial information in
respect of a member of the Board or committee, an employee or prospective
employee of the Board or a pupil or his or her guardian.
- Student Trustees are expected to host Student Senate Meetings within their own
area of the Board.
- Student Trustees, under the age of 18, are permitted to attend Student Trustee
events if they are accompanied by Board administrative or academic staff, an
elected Trustee, or their parent/guardian.
Student Trustees will be paid an honorarium in the amount of $2,500.00 per year. This honorarium shall be prorated for a student trustee who holds office for less than a complete term.
Co-op Credit
Service as a Student Trustee may be eligible for either a co-op credit or community service hours, with the approval of the Student Trustee’s principal and co-op teacher. The Director shall assist the Student Trustee through the co-op process.
Communication with Students
A major responsibility of the Student Trustees consists of communication between the Student Trustee and the students from their particular area (north/south). Student Senate meetings, school visits, and the Grand Erie District School Board website are available to the Student Trustees as a means of communicating with all students.
Applying for the position
Start the process by speaking with your principal.