SCDSB Update 1 – Aug. 27, 2025
This update provides highlights of the SCDSB Board Meeting held Wednesday, Aug. 27, 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 the Closed Session of the Board in Committee of the Whole
- Trustees received the following appointments:
Elementary Principal appointments effective Aug. 18, 2025
Kate Copfer from Alliston Union PS (VP) to Lions Oval PS (Acting)
Lisa Kenny from Hillcrest PS (VP) to Assikinack PS (Acting)
Elementary Vice-principal appointments effective Aug. 18, 2025
Michelle Davidson from Boyne River PS (teacher) to Tosorontio Central PS (Acting)
Michelle McLeod from Terry Fox ES (teacher) to Hillcrest PS (Acting)
- Trustees received the following transfers:
Elementary Principal transfers effective Aug. 18, 2025
Alexa Barrie from Lions Oval PS to Warminster ES
Natalie Edgar from Warminster ES to Couchiching Heights PS
Elementary Vice-principal transfers effective Aug. 18, 2025
Andrea Evans from Tosorontio Central PS to Alliston Union PS
Cynthia Michaud to Guthrie PS
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.
D-5-a. Changes to Board and Standing Committee Meeting Structure effective September 2025
The Board approved the following motions:
- That the Board approve that commencing September 2025, the Board pass a motion/resolution at each affected meeting either authorizing or not authorizing a trustee’s absence during the Public Session at the Regular Board meeting, and that the policy be brought back to the September Board meeting with guidelines for unapproved absence, and that these guidelines be considered in consultation with OPSBA, the ministry and legal counsel as required, as set out in Report No. D-5-a, Changes to Board and Standing Committee Structure Effective Sept. 2025, dated Aug. 27, 2025.
- That the Board approve that the Chairperson and Vice-chairperson of the Business and Program Standing Committees remain status quo until the November 17, 2025 Organizational Board Meeting (First Meeting in a non-election year), at which time the Board will meet to elect members to the offices of Business Standing Committee Chairperson and Vice-chairperson and Program Standing Committee Chairperson and Vice-chairperson, as set out in Report No. D-5-a, Changes to Board and Standing Committee Structure Effective Sept. 2025, dated Aug. 27, 2025.
- That the Board approve that the Business Standing Committee meeting continue to be held monthly at 6 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month and that the Program Standing Committee meeting continue to be held monthly at 6 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month until the November 17, 2025, Organizational Board Meeting. Once the new Business Standing Committee Chairperson and Vice-chairperson and Program Standing Committee Chairperson and Vice-chairperson have been elected, the committee can determine whether they wish to make changes to the start time of the committee meetings and whether to continue holding the meetings monthly, as set out in Report No.D-5-a, Changes to Board and Standing Committee Structure Effective Sept. 2025, dated Aug. 27, 2025.
D-5-b. Revisions to Policy 2140 – Electronic Meetings
The Board approved the following motion:
- That the Board approve revisions to Policy 2140 – Electronic Meetings, as set out in APPENDIX B of Report No. D-5-b, Revisions to Policy 2140 – Electronic Meetings, dated Aug. 27, 2025.
Reports/Updates from Staff
Corry Van Nispen, Superintendent of Business and Facility Services, provided a construction update. Superintendent Van Nispen noted it has been a busy construction season with numerous projects both large and small. Superintendent Van Nispen shared that Horseshoe Heights Public School will open this fall and that work has begun at the Dean Avenue elementary school site in Barrie and on the addition at Nantyr Shores Secondary School. Superintendent Van Nispen also noted several interior and exterior projects at schools across the county. Superintendent Van Nispen thanked staff in the Design and Construction, Facilities, and Operation and Maintenance departments for their efforts over the summer to ensure schools are clean and ready for the beginning of the school year.
Dawn Stephens, Director of Education, shared a message welcoming students and staff to the 2025-26 school year. Director Stephens thanked all staff who have been working hard to prepare for the school year and ensure that SCDSB schools are ready to welcome students back. Director Stephens noted that the SCDSB will be opening a new elementary school – Horseshoe Heights Public School, and acknowledged the SCDSB Design and Construction team for their dedication to this project. Director Stephens also congratulated principal Dianna Wright-Drzazga and her staff on opening a new school. Director Stephens spoke to the priorities of the board and the goals that have been established for the 2025-26 school year.
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 and Strategic Priorities
705-734-6363 x11328 or [email protected]