Students on council?

WQSB studies a greater voice for students 

 

Laurent Robillard-Cardinal

The Western Quebec School Board (WQSB) has created a new ad-hoc committee to explore introducing students to democracy in their schools, including a form of student representation on the board’s council of commissioners. “This committee is examining models adopted by both English and French school boards. This means input from high schools within our board, as well as from across the province,” explained its chairman, Matthew Larventz, WQSB Commissioner for Ward 10. 

 

Following his November victory, first-term WQSB Chairman James Shea pushed for this committee. “Some boards have adopted a formal policy to encourage youth participation in the civic process and at their respective council meetings. Other boards, such as Lester B. Pearson in Montréal, actually have student commissioners elected who have a seat at council,” continued Larventz; “I am looking forward to public comments on this.” 

 

As the Aylmer Commissioner explained, the goal is to have students better represented at council. “On our council we have elected commissioners who represent taxpayers, communities, and schools within each ward. We also have unelected parent commissioners, who represent governing boards, their children (students), and parent committees. Although our meetings are open to the public there is no formal way for students to have their say, and I'm hopeful we can address this shortcoming,” added Larventz.

 

An official policy will help integrate students—and their communities--with the board, argued Larventz. “When students leave, they have a sense of ownership in the future of their community by this, as well as real world experience, helpful in finding employment,” added the commissioner, who is in his early twenties.

“To the best of my knowledge, we will be the first board in the Outaouais to adopt such a policy,” noted Larventz.