SCDSB Update 2 – Sept. 27, 2023
This update provides highlights of the SCDSB Board Meeting held Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023. For agendas, reports, and items addressed at the meeting visit the Board and Committee Meetings page of the SCDSB website. For a video recording of the Board Meeting visit the SCDSB YouTube Board and committee meeting channel.
Report from Student Trustees
Student Trustee Duncan provided an update on behalf of the student trustees. Student Trustee Duncan reported that the first Student Senate meeting of the school year took place virtually, and noted ten secondary schools were represented at the meeting.
Delegations
- Ken Boate Re: SCDSB Employment Equity Action Plan
Chairperson Lloyd accepted the delegation for information.
Report from the Closed Session of the Board in Committee of the Whole
The Board ratified the following recommendation taken in the Closed Session meeting of the Committee of the Whole on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023:
- That the Board ratify the collective agreement reached with the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), Local 330, for the term of September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2026, as set out in Report No. CL-B-2-a, Board Ratification of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), Local 330 and Its Local Agreement, dated September 27, 2023.
Consent Agenda
All recommended actions outlined in the Board Meeting Reports were approved by the SCDSB Board of Trustees during public session of the regular meeting of the Board.
Notice of Motions from the Sept 27, 2023 Board Meeting
The Board approved the following motions that were deferred from the Aug. 30, 2023, Board Meeting:
- That the Board approve an instrumental version of O Canada be included in the opening of all Board and Standing Committee meetings once per evening.
- That the Board approve that staff provide the Board a report on violence in our schools no later than the December 2023 Board Meeting. The report should utilize data from the 2022-23 school year and should include, but not be limited to, all incidents of possession of a weapon including a firearm or any object used as a weapon, physical assaults requiring medical attention, sexual assaults, robbery, extortion, hate motivated occurrences, assaults not requiring medical attention, human trafficking, and gang activity. Further, this report should come to the Board on an annual basis each September utilizing data from the previous school year.
Notices of Motion for Next Meeting
- That the Board approve that staff create an active transportation policy with a general aim to support and encourage students, their families, and staff to travel safely to school through the use of modes of active transportation. And further that the staff consult with community partners, students, and families in the creation of the policy, and finally that the draft policy be brought to the appropriate committee for trustee input and discussion prior to the summer recess.
Reports/Updates from Staff
John Dance, Director of Education, acknowledged National Truth and Reconciliation Week. Director Dance shared that SCDSB schools and worksites will be honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by lowering the Canadian Flag to half-mast from the end of day Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, until the beginning of the day on Monday, Oct. 2, 2023. Director Dance noted that Wednesday, Sept. 27 is Rowan’s Law Day. Named after Rowan Stringer, a 17-year-old athlete who tragically died in the spring of 2013 from a condition known as second impact syndrome, Rowan’s Law Day is intended to promote concussion safety and help prevent injury. Director Dance spoke to the protests that occurred across the province, including locally, within Simcoe County last week. Director Dance reiterated the SCDSB’s commitment to creating safe and inclusive learning and working environments where all students and staff feel a sense of belonging. Director Dance indicated that three new SCDSB schools will host their Grand Opening celebrations this fall. SCDSB communities are invited to attend the Grand Opening celebrations at Harvest Hills PS on Oct. 3, Marshview PS on Oct. 19, and Maple Ridge Secondary School on Nov. 21. Director Dance recognized students and staff for their participation in Terry Fox initiatives and acknowledged that, over the years, the SCDSB has raised over $4.5 million for the Terry Fox Foundation in support of cancer research.
SCDSB Celebrates
The SCDSB would like to highlight initiatives that are taking place in our schools that link directly to the SCDSB Strategic Priorities. View this month’s video feature.
Visit www.scdsb.on.ca for information about future Board and Committee meetings.
Information:
Sarah Kekewich, Manager of Communications
705-734-6363 x11328 or [email protected]