GFESS student elected DSBN trustee representing Niagara youth

Grade 11 student William Connor of Greater Fort Erie Secondary School (GFESS) was elected to the role of District School Board of Niagara (DSBN) student trustee earlier this month.

Connor, 16, will represent the voices of students across the region at board meetings, joining two other student trustees including an Indigenous representative. Students can expect him to bring local concerns to a broader stage.

His election comes as Ontario’s Education Minister, Paul Calandra, has signalled a review of the school board trustee system, with some suggesting trustees may be removed altogether. The Ford government’s proposed Bill 33 would allow the province to replace elected school board trustees with government-appointed supervisors whenever it determines it is in the “public interest.”

Connor said he believes student trustees are essential because they bring forward perspectives that would otherwise be missing.

“We carry the voice of students. Regular trustees are adults, but we give students an outlet to speak,” said Connor.

Connor, who previously served as a student senator with the DSBN, said he was motivated to run after seeing other GFESS students like Audrey Akharoh and Julianna Marcel take on the role.

“I’ve had a lot of really great role models…just seeing what they do really inspired me,” Connor told Fort Erie Radio.

His interest in public affairs also motivated him to pursue the role. He said it offered a chance to use his voice in a meaningful way and to help shape decisions that affect students across Niagara.

At the DSBN, each high school elects two student senators who bring forward issues from their schools, while trustees chair the discussions and raise matters with the larger community board of trustees. Connor’s fellow student trustees this year are Barrett Dockstator from West Niagara Secondary School and Jacklyn Saddler of A.N. Myer Secondary School.

Connor will also chair the Student Success Working Group, one of three senate committees that guide student initiatives.

The group focuses on helping students succeed academically and socially, as well as creating safe, supportive environments for learning. He said one of his priorities is broadening opportunities for leadership beyond formal positions such as senator or trustee.

“Not everybody can be a trustee, but we still want kids to grow their leadership skills,” said Connor.

One issue the senate has returned to is vaping in schools. DSBN installed vape detectors in bathrooms due to health concerns, but the devices have faced challenges as some students damage them or turn off before staff can respond. The student senate is now looking at whether detectors should be extended to other areas.

“Kids with allergies or asthma are really struggling with it,” said Connor.

The senate has also begun tackling how artificial intelligence is used in classrooms. The board has provided teachers with a tiered framework that ranges from banning AI use to allowing it as a tool for grammar checks or citation formatting. Students remain divided on its role, with some embracing it and others worried about fairness.

Connor previously helped organize mental health awareness events at GFESS during their Gryphons for Gryphons Mental Health Week, promoting peer support and resources for students struggling with stress.

Connor is optimistic about the year ahead. He said he knows many of the senators from previous years and is confident in their ability to work together on meaningful projects.

“I’m very excited and hopeful we’ll get a lot done this year,” said Connor.

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