Christine Thatcher
Chair, Board of Trustees
I am thrilled to extend my heartfelt appreciation on behalf of the Board of Trustees for the privilege of receiving the 2023 Director’s Annual Report.
The Board's unwavering dedication and advocacy for the DDSB community have been nothing short of extraordinary. Collaborating with local elected officials, we've successfully highlighted the needs of our rapidly growing communities and are working on securing essential funding for school renovations and builds.
While multiple new schools are progressing through the construction approvals process, we are committed to advocate for timelier provincial approvals. We aim to further serve our growing population and provide much-needed relief for families and the educational system as Durham Region and the DDSB continue to flourish.
This year has ushered in the consultation and development of a new multi-year strategic plan which will be approved and implemented beginning in early 2024. The plan reflects what we heard from DDSB communities, reaffirms our ongoing commitment to Indigenous rights and human rights, and provides invaluable direction and prioritization for the Durham District School Board in the years to come.
Finally, I want to express our profound pride in welcoming Camille Williams-Taylor back to the DDSB in the role of Director of Education. Her inaugural year has been nothing short of exceptional, with resounding praises from the DDSB community, students, education partners, and staff. Camille consistently places students and staff at the forefront of her endeavors, embodying tireless dedication to the DDSB community and the entire Board is grateful for the opportunity to work with Camille and the senior team.
As we reflect on the achievements of the past year, we look forward with optimism and enthusiasm to the opportunities that lie ahead. Together, we will continue to shape the future of education in Durham with compassion, pride, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Warm regards,
Christine Thatcher
Chair, Board of Trustees
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees serves a critical function in the governance of school boards. The Board of Trustees at the Durham District School Board (DDSB) has 11 trustees who are elected for a four-year term and three student trustees who serve a one-year term. While trustees are elected by area, they work together as a Board of Trustees on matters of policy in the best interests of parents and students from across Durham Region.
Our trustees are important advocates for public education and are committed to student achievement and well-being. They serve as an important link to our diverse communities and often bring forward matters of concern to the Board table to facilitate meaningful discussion and policy making.
2023-2024 Student Trustees
Student Trustees are elected students who represent all students in the Durham District School Board (DDSB). They participate in Board of Trustees meetings and guide the Student Senate. They are also members of the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association, where they work with student trustees from across Ontario to advocate for students. They are elected by students to a one-year term, beginning August 1 of each year.
