Ron Oikonen

Chair

Trustee Ron Oikonen was first elected as a trustee for Lakehead District School Board in November 1988. He was acclaimed as chair in 2026 and was also chair 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.”

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 Miiniwewinan: Indigenous Education Advisory Committee (IEAC).

“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: Miiniwewinan: Indigenous Education Advisory Committee (IEAC), 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.

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 Miiniwewinan: Indigenous Education Advisory Committee (IEAC).

“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 Indigenous Trustee on July 28, 2020. Trustee Wemigwans is a member of the Audit Committee and the Miiniwewinan: Indigenous Education Advisory Committee (IEAC).

Breanna Bruce

Student Trustee

Student Trustee Breanna Bruce made her official declaration to the Board of Trustees at the September 9, 2025 Board Advisory Committee meeting. She is a Grade 11 student at Superior CVI.

“As a Student Trustee, my goals are to encourage connections across schools and the board, to amplify the voices of our student body, and to foster a sense of belonging. I am committed to listening and advocating for every student, ensuring no voice or concern goes unheard. It is important to me that students feel empowered and supported when entering school, as experiences gained through education are crucial in shaping young minds. Overall, I aim to create an atmosphere where students feel included, capable, and able to learn safely.”

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.”

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Director’s Performance Appraisal