3006 – Student Trustees

Legal References
Education Act; Ontario Regulation 7/07
Related References
Board Policy 3001 Travel, Meals and Hospitality Expenditures – Trustees; Administrative
Student Trustee Handbook
Board Policy 1004 – Harassment
Board Policy 1017 – Human Rights
Effective Date
May 1998
Revisions
June 19, 2017, December 9, 2019, May 14, 2025
Reviewed

1. Purpose

1.1 The Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) recognizes the benefits that accrue when students are involved in the planning of their education through participation in the role of Student Trustee.

1.2 The Board shall have at least two but not more than three student trustees. O. Reg. 7/07, s. 3.

1.3 The WRDSB Multi-Year Strategic Plan emphasizes the importance of all students’ voices. The WRDSB will strive to centre students and their voices in decisions about their education and ensure students are heard and have a sense of connection and belonging at school.

2. Application

2.1 Student Trustees must be enrolled as full-time (taking at least 3.0 credits per semester or 6 credits in a non-semestered program) senior division student in a WRDSB Secondary School and have secured parent or guardian permission if they are under the age of majority or;

2.1.1 Is an exceptional pupil in a special education program for whom the Board has reduced the length of the instructional program on each school day under subsection 3 (3) of Regulation 298 of the Revised Regulations of Ontario, 1990 (Operation of Schools – General) made under the Act, so long as the pupil would be a full-time pupil if the program had not been reduced. O. Reg. 42/11, s. 1.

2.2 A Student Trustee shall resign their position in the event that:

  • The student fails to maintain the required qualifications (as outlined in 2.1 above);
  • The student fails or is unable to comply with the terms of office outlined in this policy;
  • The student is required to serve a sentence of imprisonment in a penal or correctional institution.

2.3 If the Student Trustee is unable to perform the duties of the role, as laid out in the Student Trustee Handbook, due to unexcused absences, a meeting will be scheduled with the Student Trustee Mentors, Chairperson, and Director of Education to discuss plans for the remaining term of office.

2.4 Any vacancy created by the disqualification or resignation of a Student Trustee shall be filled by means of a by-election. O Reg 7/07, s. 7.

2.4.1 In consultation with the remaining Student Trustee, the Board may decide not to fill a vacated position provided that the remaining Student Trustee continues to serve the term of office.

2.5 Each Student Trustee will serve a twelve-month term from August 1 until July 31, inclusive. 

2.6 Student Trustees shall receive an honorarium in the amount of $2500 if that role is retained for a complete term. If less than a complete term is served, the honorarium shall be prorated according to the proportion of a term for which the Student Trustee holds office.

2.7 Student Trustees shall be reimbursed for expenses while on Board business in accordance with Policy 3001 (Travel, Meals and Hospitality Expenditures – Trustees). 

2.8 Student Trustees may serve up to two terms if elected in accordance with the Selection Process regulations outlined in the Student Trustee Handbook.

2.9 By accepting the role of Student Trustee, students agree to:

2.9.1 Release to the WRDSB, its agents, and employees all rights to record and share their input and suggestions through board meeting minutes.

2.9.2 Acknowledge that both print and electronic forms of board meeting minutes will be made publicly available and kept as a permanent record.

2.9.3 Recognize that Board-related meetings or events may be shared on WRDSB websites and social media channels and may include photographs and video recordings taken of them.

2.9.4 Collect student voice through various student trustee communication channels and routinely share findings to the Board of Trustees. 

2.9.5 Share relevant information from Board meetings to students through official student trustee communication channels.

2.9.6 Attend Board and Committee of the Whole meetings.

2.10 Student Trustees will co-chair regular Student Roundtable meetings in accordance with the Student Trustee Handbook.

2.11 Two Trustees will be appointed to serve as mentors to the Student Trustees and to the Student Roundtable.

3006 – Student Trustees and Student Representation within the Board