This update provides highlights of the SCDSB Board Meeting held Wednesday, April 23, 2025. 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 channel.
Report from Student Trustees
Student Trustee Lad provided an update on behalf of the student trustees. Student Trustee Lad shared that the student trustees held a Student Senate meeting where participants were introduced to a new climate advocacy program. Student Trustee Lad added that the program provides $500 per board for student-led environmental action. Student Trustee Lad noted that other discussion items included the impact of the recent ice storm and the upcoming school graduation ceremonies.
Trustee Tribute
Chair Powell presented Khai Ma, teacher from Ardagh Bluffs Public School with a Trustee Tribute. Chair Powell recognized Mr. Ma for his contributions and lasting impact as an educator. Chair Powell noted that Mr. Ma exemplifies the values of inclusion, equity, and innovation and helps to create an environment where all students feel welcome, valued, and empowered. Chair Powell recognized Mr. Ma for his leadership in the Global Majority Club and his innovative teaching practices in the Builder Tech area that inspire student creativity, curiosity, and confidence. Chair Powell congratulated Mr. Ma and thanked him for his commitment to student success.
Chair Powell with Khai Ma
Consent Agenda
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.
D-5-a Revisions to Policy 2186 – Director of Education Performance Review and Procedure
The Board approved the following motion:
- That the Board approve revisions to Policy 2186 – Director of Education Performance Review and Procedure, as set out in APPENDIX B of Report No. D-5-a, Revisions to Policy 2186 – Director of Education Performance Review and Procedure, dated April 23, 2025.
D-5-b Transfer from Unappropriated Surplus
The Board approved the following motion:
- That the Board approve the use of $750,000 from the unappropriated surplus, to support the recommended programming for students ($220,000) and to address weather-related clean-up ($530,000), as set out in Report No. D-5-b Transfer from Unappropriated Surplus, dated April 23, 2025.
D-5-c Appointment to the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) – Board of Directors Voting Delegate for the 2025-26 School Year, and Alternate Voting Delegate for the OPSBA 2025-26 Annual and/or Special Meetings
The Board approved the following motions:
- That the Board appoint Jodi Lloyd to represent the SCDSB as the voting delegate on the OPSBA Board of Directors for the 2025-26 school year, as set out in Report No. D-5-c, Appointment to the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) – Board of Directors Voting Delegate for the 2025-26 School Year, and Alternate Voting Delegate for the 2025-26 Annual and/or Special meetings, dated April 23, 2025.
- That the Board appoint Brandy Rafeek to serve as an alternate voting delegate for the SCDSB at the OPSBA 2025-26 Annual and/or Special meetings, as set out in Report No. D-5-c, Appointment to the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) – Board of Directors Voting Delegate for the 2025-26 School Year, and Alternate Voting Delegate for the 2025-26 Annual and/or Special meetings, dated April 23, 2025.
E-3 Notices of Motion for Next Meeting
- Due to new information that the Board has received, Trustee Rafeek moves that the Board of Trustees rescind the motion from the Board meeting on March 23, 2025, asking the chair to write a letter to the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.
- That the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) chair write a letter to the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services advocating on behalf of the SCDSB Board of Trustees for adequate funding to, at a bare minimum, be able to provide new schools with student nutrition funding, equal to that of what other Ontario schools are receiving. The letter should also again advocate for increased overall funding for student nutrition, and discuss current financial struggles, and the resulting effects.
- That the SCDSB chair write a letter to the Peterborough Child & Family Centre advocating on behalf of the SCDSB Board of Trustees that all new schools be included in, and receive funding for student nutrition.
- That the Board approve the revisions/additions to the Board By-laws that will be addressed at the May 28, 2025 Board Meeting.
Reports/Updates from Staff
Dawn Stephens, Director of Education, acknowledged the impact of the ice storm on students, staff, and families in our region. Director Stephens expressed her sincere gratitude to all staff for their dedication and contributions during the ice storm. Director Stephens noted the incredible support received from community and SCDSB families. Director Stephens spoke to the efforts of the maintenance, operations, and facilities staff, which includes custodial staff, who went to SCDSB facilities to monitor, clean, and repair during the closure time and expressed her appreciation for their efforts to support getting buildings up and running. Director Stephens also noted her appreciation for the efforts of staff from East Oro Public School who were prepared to move locations as a contingency plan and thanked them for their willingness to adapt in order to support students and families.
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]