Trustees for the Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) recently unanimously approved the appointment of an Indigenous Student Trustee position on the board, beginning in the 2018-2019 school year.
The LKDSB currently has two student trustees serving as members of the board. However, trustees expressed support for adding an additional Indigenous Student Trustee position beginning in the 2018- 2019 school year to further reflect Indigenous students’ perspectives in board decisions.
Following a decision in November to explore the possibility, senior administration investigated the requirements in the Education Act for appointing an Indigenous Student Trustee; funding for the position; reviewed the LKDSB’s Policies, Regulations and Administrative Procedures; as well as consulted with Thames Valley District School Board, which is the first school board in Canada to elect an Indigenous Student Trustee.
Senior administration recommended LKDSB self-identified Indigenous secondary students elect the Indigenous Student Trustee using a similar process used to elect the current LKDSB Student Trustees. Members of the LKDSB Indigenous Liaison Committee will also be consulted.
Prior to the appointment of an Indigenous Student Trustee, the LKDSB will revise its Policy and Regulations on Student Trustees for Board approval.
“This is a significant milestone for the Lambton Kent District School Board,” said LKDSB Chair Elizabeth Hudie in a news release. “The addition of an Indigenous Student Trustee will further ensure Indigenous students’ voices and perspectives are reflected in the decisions of the board.”
