SCDSB Update 2 – Sept. 24, 2025
The SCDSB Board Meeting took place on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 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.
Trustee Tribute/Presentations
- Chair Powell presented the SCDSB medallists from the 2025 Canada-wide Science Fair with the Trustee Tribute. Recipients included:
- Anne B., who attended Cookstown Central Public School last year and is now in Grade 9. Anne was awarded a silver medal for her project entitled ‘The Road to a Greener Future: Using Graphene to Increase the Thermal Conductivity of Concrete’.
- Solomon K., a Bear Creek Secondary School student who was awarded a bronze medal for his project entitled ‘Mitigating stress using combined vagal stimulation and traditional therapy’.
- Fatima A., who attended Cundles Heights Public School last year and is now in Grade 9. Fatima was awarded a bronze medal for her project named ‘Cardio Call: An Oxygenated Response’.
- Aaryav S., who attended Cookstown Central Public School last year and is now in Grade 9. Aaryav was awarded a bronze medal for his project named ‘AI Waste Sorter’.
Chair Powell with the science fair medallists
- Chair Powell presented Emma Ironside, Forest Hill Public School educator, with the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) Award of Achievement. Chair Powell shared that Ms. Ironside is known for fostering meaningful connections, building a strong sense of belonging, and engaging students in rich and inclusive learning experiences. Chair Powell added that Ms. Ironside warmly welcomes and organizes schoolwide events that bring the Forest Hill PS community together. Ms. Ironside celebrates student voice and identity and is a leader in Indigenous education at the school.
- Trustee Wilson presented Jeff Toole, Innisdale Secondary School educator, with the OPSBA Award of Achievement. Trustee Wilson shared that Mr. Toole is an outstanding educator whose dedication and creativity make a significant impact on the lives of his students. Trustee Wilson noted that Mr. Toole is in his 18th year of teaching at Innisdale SS, where he has also been a basketball coach and the coordinator of the Global Perspectives program.
- Trustee Rafeek presented Mehrdad Safizadeh with the OPSBA Award of Excellence for his work with the SCDSB Equity Advisory and Parent Involvement committees. Trustee Rafeek commended Mehrdad for his outstanding, exemplary, and unique contributions to the SCDSB. Trustee Rafeek noted that Mehrdad’s leadership as Vice-chair of the Parent Involvement Committee and Chair of the Equity Advisory Committee directly support the SCDSB’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that his impact has been deeply felt throughout the SCDSB community.
Chair Powell, Trustee Rafeek, and Trustee Wilson with the OPSBA award recipients
Reports/Updates from Staff
Tahmena Bokhari, Human Rights and Equity Manager, provided an overview of the work of the Human Rights and Equity Office (HREO) including information about the role of staff in the HREO department. Manager Bokhari shared an update on the Employment Equity Action Plan, noting that the SCDSB is now working towards completion of the year-three goals. Manager Bokhari shared the professional learning that has been taking place with staff, including the senior leadership team and administrators, focused on cultural humility. Manager Bokhari highlighted that former Student Trustee J’Dae Simmons was the recipient of the Umoja Award.
SCDSB Celebrates
Dawn Stephens, Director of Education, provided an update regarding September start-up. Director Stephens thanked all staff for a successful start to the new school year.
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.
Report from the Closed Session of the Board in Committee of the Whole
There were no recommendations arising from the Closed Session meeting of the Committee of the Whole on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025.
Visit www.scdsb.on.ca for information about future Board and Committee meetings.
Information:
Sarah Kekewich, Manager of Communications and Strategic Priorities
[email protected]