Leah Vanderwey

Chair

Trustee Leah Vanderwey was elected as a trustee for Lakehead District School Board in October 2022. She was elected Chair in December 2024. She is a member of the following committees: Special Education Advisory Committee, Suspension Appeal Hearing/Expulsion Hearing Committee, OPSBA Awards Selection Committee, and an alternate for the OPSBA delegate.

“I ran for trustee because as a lifelong resident of Oliver Paipoonge township, I know that Lakehead Public Schools is a system that faces many of the challenges of Northwestern Ontario, whether the challenges may be at an urban school, rural school, or isolated school. I worked for Lakehead Public Schools as well as three regional boards and the Ministry of Education in various roles: teacher, principal, superintendent, student achievement officer, and regional manager of Field Services. I believe my work experience and the need to keep a focus on student achievement, well-being and equity, will ensure that students, no matter where they live or their circumstances, receive what they need to succeed and the staff, the support to make that happen. This in turn supports families and their communities.”

Donica LeBlanc

Vice Chair

Trustee Donica LeBlanc was elected as a trustee for Lakehead District School Board in October 2022 and was elected as vice chair of the Board at the Inaugural Meeting in November 2022. She is a member of the following committees: Supervised Alternative Learning Committee, Suspension Appeal Hearing/Expulsion Hearing Committee, OPSBA Awards Selection Committee, Board Development Committee, and an alternate for the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC).

“My focus while being a trustee is to build a team that includes the voice of constituents through the trustees, along with the voice of the director, senior team, families, staff, and students and that we work together to support student achievement so that Lakehead Public Schools will grow to be the best that we can be. A focus on the early years can get students off to a strong start and ensure their years to graduation from high school are fulfilling and successful.”

Ellen Chambers

Trustee Ellen Chambers was elected as a trustee for Lakehead District School Board in October 2014. Trustee Chambers was Chair of the Board from 2018-2024. She is a member of the following committees: Board Development Committee, Equity and Inclusive Education Committee, and is an alternate for the Parent Involvement Committee and the Aboriginal Education Advisory Committee (AEAC).

“I am co-chair of Diversity Thunder Bay and their education committee as well. My focus is equity and social justice – working to make Thunder Bay free of racism, homophobia, transphobia, and all forms of discrimination.”

Patricia Johansen

Trustee Patricia Johansen was elected as a trustee for Lakehead District School Board in October 2022. She is a member of the following committees: Aboriginal Education Advisory Committee, OPSBA Awards Selection Committee, Board Development Committee, School Year Calendar Committee, and an alternate for the Special Education Advisory Committee, Suspension Appeal Hearing/Expulsion Hearing Committee, and Equity and Inclusive Education Committee.

Ron Oikonen

Trustee Ron Oikonen was first elected as a trustee for Lakehead District School Board in November 1988 and was the chair of the Board from December 2000 to December 2007. Trustee Oikonen is a member of the Audit Committee, and is an alternate for the Suspension Appeal Hearing/Expulsion Hearing Committee and the Student Transportation Services of Thunder Bay Committee.

“As this will be my last term as a trustee I will continue to advocate for students, parents, and guardians. My goal is to make sure all students receive an education so they are prepared for life after secondary education, whatever path they choose.”

George Saarinen

Trustee George Saarinen was elected as a trustee for Lakehead District School Board in November 2006. He was vice chair of the Board from December 2014 to November 2017 and from December 2018 to November 2019. Trustee Saarinen is a member of the Suspension Appeal Hearing/Expulsion Hearing Committee and the Parent Involvement Committee (PIC).

“I like many things about being a trustee, including seeing the achievement awards, scholarships, bursaries, and graduates during secondary graduation ceremonies, and listening to Grade 7 and 8 students in their elementary senates working on their achievements and areas of improvement. I also enjoy listening to students, parents, educators, and the community during the budget process to ensure the needs of all students are met and to improve student achievement and graduation rates.”

Ryan Sitch

Trustee Ryan Sitch was elected as a trustee to the Lakehead District School Board on October 22, 2018. Trustee Sitch is a member of the Lakehead Public Schools International Committee and is the OPSBA delegate. He is also an alternate for the Aboriginal Education Advisory Committee (AEAC).

“I decided to become a trustee to help move Ontario and Lakehead District School Board forward. I strongly believe in experiential and equitable learning environments, an inclusive curriculum, and transparency. I have two children who attend school in this board. I was born and raised in Thunder Bay and want to see everyone in our community and region get the most out of the school board and Ontario’s public education system. I believe in pushing the province to do better and then implementing our programs in the best possible ways with the funding provided.”

Trudy Tuchenhagen

Trustee Trudy Tuchenhagen was elected as a trustee for Lakehead District School Board in November 1997 to November 2010. Trustee Tuchenhagen was re-elected in November 2014. Trustee Tuchenhagen was elected as vice chair on December 3, 2019 and was re-elected as vice chair until November 2022. She is a member of the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) and Audit Committee, and is an alternate for the Supervised Alternative Learning Committee, the Suspension Appeal Hearing/Expulsion Hearing Committee, and Lakehead Public Schools International Committee.

“I enjoy young people and I want to ensure that our students have the education, the resources, and the technology they require to compete with other young people around the world. All students deserve the best education possible. That is why I enjoy being on various committees such as SEAC. We need to ensure that we do the best for all with the resources we have. The budget process is important. That is where I get to hear what the front line workers, the people who are working with students, feel they need in order to support students.”

Scottie Wemigwans

Indigenous Trustee

Trustee Scottie Wemigwans was selected as the new Indigenous Trustee on July 28, 2020. Trustee Wemigwans is a member of the Audit Committee and the Aboriginal Education Advisory Committee (AEAC).

Morgann De Franceschi

Student Trustee

Student Trustee Morgann De Franceschi made her official declaration to the Board of Trustees at the September 12, 2023 Board Advisory Committee meeting. She is a Grade 11 student at Westgate Collegiate and Vocational Institute.

“I believe education is a lifelong process. I believe the more involved I am, the more people I can get involved. I want to make a positive impact on our generation and continue to spread equality and opportunities across the Board.”

Eryn Genno

Indigenous Student Trustee

Eryn Genno made her official declaration to the Board of Trustees in January 2025 and is the Indigenous Student Trustee for the 2025-2026 school year at Lakehead District School Board, proudly serving as an advocate for all students. A dedicated grade 11 student at Westgate CVI, Eryn is actively involved in her school as the PR Representative on SAC, as well as in her community as a Powwow dancer and backup singer. Passionate about youth reconnection and Indigenous representation, Eryn is committed to ensuring students have the support and resources they need to thrive. She strives to be a strong voice for Indigenous youth, advocating for the issues that matter most.

“I want to make a positive impact in our school community, gain leadership skills and help both others and myself connect to our cultural heritage. I aim to be a strong Indigenous voice representing our students. I want to advocate for issues and rights that matter to Indigenous students, ensuring they have the support and resources they need to thrive in school while creating meaningful change and strengthening connections within our community.”

Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC)

Trustees

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