This update provides highlights of the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) Board Meeting held Wednesday, August 25, 2021. Agendas and/or reports considered at this meeting are available at www.scdsb.on.ca.
Report from the Closed Session of the Board in Committee of the Whole
The Board ratified the following recommendations taken in the Closed Session meeting of the Committee of the Whole on Wednesday, August 25, 2021:
- That the Board approve the Beausoleil First Nation Education Services Agreement, as set out in APPENDIX A of report No. CL-B-2-a, Education Services Agreement – Beausoleil First Nation, dated August 25, 2021
- That the Board approve the appointment of Corry Van Nispen as Supervisory Officer – Interim Superintendent of Business and Facility Services, effective immediately, according to the terms of a personal services contract between Corry Van Nispen and the board, pending ministry approval, as set out in Report No. CL-B-2-b, Appointment of Supervisory Officer – Interim Superintendent of Business and Facility Services, dated August 25, 2021.
Other Reports Received as Information
D-6-a FNEAC – June 10, 2021
Staff Reports
D-7-a 2021-2022 Operational Plan
John Dance, Director of Education, presented the 2021-2022 Operational Plan. Director Dance shared that the progress towards the goals in the Operational Plan is reported twice per year. The Operational Plan outlines the goals, actions, timelines and measures of success and offers accountability as to how the board’s priorities are being addressed by staff. The Operational Plan presentation is available on the SCDSB website here: www.scdsb.on.ca/about/goals_reporting/strategic_priorities
D-7-b Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: Current Efforts and Next Steps
Dean Maltby, Superintendent of Education, introduced Matthew Webbe, as the incoming principal of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
Superintendent Maltby shared a report on the current efforts and next steps with respect to the SCDSB Strategic Priority of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. Superintendent Maltby noted that the SCDSB continues to focus on educating students and staff about the injustice and impact of systemic racism, and on working to create and maintain safe spaces within SCDSB schools. Superintendent Maltby indicated that the focus of work moving into the 2021-2022 school year will include an equity audit, review/renewal of the Police School Board Protocol, the development of an Equity Advisory Committee as well as continued training for all staff on anti-racism and anti-oppression.
The Board approved the following motions:
- That the Board of Trustees recommend that the Simcoe County District School Board provide a yearly report on all programs and activities involving our police partners in elementary and secondary schools.
- That the Board of Trustees recommend that the Simcoe County District School Board, commencing in the 2021-2022 school year, and every year thereafter, publish data regarding suspensions and expulsions.
D-7-c School Re-entry Plan Update
Dawn Stephens, Superintendent of Student Achievement, provided an update on the SCDSB school reopening plan. Superintendent Stephens noted that the SCDSB consulted with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit on the development of the SCDSB Return to School Plan. Superintendent Stephens shared that a number of public health measures will be in place beginning in September, to support healthier and safer environments for students and staff. These measures will include: daily COVID-19 self-assessment screening; mandatory masks for all staff and students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 while indoors; additional personal protective equipment for staff including eye protection, gowns and gloves as needed; the use of hand sanitizer, scheduled arrival and dismissal procedures to allow for physical distancing; enhanced cleaning protocols, standalone HEPA filters in all classrooms without mechanical ventilation systems and all Kindergarten classrooms; and, accommodating vaccination clinics in SCDSB schools.
Superintendent Stephens addressed plans for the secondary school timetable and explained that the SCDSB will implement a modified semester that consists of four courses per semester with two classes scheduled per week alternating between week A and week B for the full semester. Superintendent Stephens noted that the modified semester provides students with maximum access to in-person learning and ensures that secondary students have their own classroom teacher for the full 300 minutes of classroom instruction.
Superintendent Stephens noted that the SCDSB Return to School Plan has been shared with families and is available on the SCDSB website at www.scdsb.on.ca/COVID-19.
Questions and Proposal from Trustees
Trustee Mouratidis requested a construction update on Maple Ridge Secondary School. Brian Jeffs, Superintendent of Human Resource Services, shared that the school remains a construction site and that school occupancy is expected next week.
Reports/Update from Staff
Director Dance announced the appointment of Dawn Stephens to the position of Associate Director.
Director Dance explained that SCDSB staff continue to prepare for the return to in-person learning amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Director Dance shared that moving into the 2021-2022 school year, staff will begin the process of renewing the Strategic Priorities and developing an Equity Action Plan as part of the Board Improvement Plan. Director Dance noted that mental health and well-being remains an important priority and that SCDSB staff will continue to focus on providing a caring and compassionate learning environment for all SCDSB students.
Visit www.scdsb.on.ca for information about future Board and Committee meetings, or to view video archives of Board meetings.
Information:
Sarah Kekewich, Manager of Communications
705-734-6363 x11328 or [email protected]