Simcoe County District School Board

This update provides highlights of the SCDSB Special Organizational Meeting held Monday, Nov. 18, 2024. 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.

John Dance, Director of Education, outlined the process pertaining to the election of chairperson and vice-chairperson.

Election of Board Chairperson
Trustee Dana Powell, representing Barrie Wards 4, 5, and 6, was declared to the position of chairperson. This will be Trustee Powell’s first term as chairperson.

Election of Board Vice-chairperson
Trustee Lynn Strachan, representing Barrie Wards 1, 2, and 3, was declared to the position of vice-chairperson. This will be Trustee Strachan’s first term as vice-chairperson.


L to r: Vice-chair Strachan, Chair Powell, and Director Dance

Election of Selection Committee member
Trustee Debbie Connors, representing Bradford/West Gwillimbury, was acclaimed as a member of the Selection Committee. The Selection Committee is made up of three members: the incoming chairperson, incoming vice-chairperson, and one other member elected by the Board. The role of the Selection Committee is to gather trustee preferences regarding committee membership and make recommendations to the Board of Trustees for approval at the regular Board Meeting in December.

Election of Business and Facilities Standing Committee Chairperson
Trustee Jodi Lloyd, representing Orillia, Ramara, and Severn, was acclaimed to the position of chairperson of the Business and Facilities Standing Committee.

Election of Business and Facilities Standing Committee Vice-chairperson
Trustee Brandy Rafeek, representing Adjala-Tosorontio/Clearview/CFB Borden/Essa, was acclaimed to the position of vice-chairperson of the Business and Facilities Standing Committee.

Election of Program Standing Committee Chairperson
Trustee Sarah Beitz, representing New Tecumseth, was declared to the position of chairperson of the Program Standing Committee.

Election of Program Standing Committee Vice-chairperson
Trustee Liz Grummett, representing Oro-Medonte and Springwater, was acclaimed to the position of vice-chairperson of the Program Standing Committee.

Election of Human Resources Standing Committee Chairperson
Trustee Debbie Connors, representing Bradford/West Gwillimbury, was acclaimed to the position of chairperson of the Human Resources Standing Committee.

Election of Human Resources Standing Committee Vice-chairperson
Trustee Brandy Rafeek, representing Adjala-Tosorontio/Clearview/CFB Borden/Essa, was acclaimed to the position of vice-chairperson of the Human Resources Standing Committee.

Remarks from the Chairperson
Chairperson Dana Powell delivered the Inaugural Address to the Board. Chair Powell expressed his gratitude and thanked his fellow trustees for their support. Chair Powell spoke to the importance of upholding high standards of education, prioritizing the well-being and success of students, and ensuring that decisions made reflect the boards commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and excellence in education. Chair Powell noted that community engagement remains a priority and that as Chair, he is committed to strengthening partnerships with parents/guardians, local organizations, and businesses to enrich educational opportunities and provide real-world experiences for students. Chair Powell noted that although the board faces challenges, he is committed to navigating the obstacles and confident that through strategic planning and transparency these challenges will result in opportunities for growth.

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]