This update provides highlights of the SCDSB Board Meeting held Wednesday, Nov. 27, 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.
Report from Student Trustees
Student Trustee Shaw provided a report on behalf of the student trustees. Student Trustee Shaw shared information about topics discussed at the Student Senate meeting held virtually on Wednesday, Nov. 27. Student Trustee Shaw noted that topics included student safety, the mobile device policy, winter celebrations, school fundraising efforts, concerts, and winter markets occurring across the board.
Report from the Closed Session of the Board in Committee of the Whole
Chair Powell reported that at a Special Closed Session meeting of the Board held on Nov. 11, 2024, trustees approved the appointment of Dawn Stephens as the next Director of Education for the SCDSB.
The Board ratified the following recommendations taken in the closed session meeting of the Committee of the Whole on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024:
- That the Board approve the school/system administrator eligibility list as set out in Report No. CL-HR-D-1, School/System Administrator Eligibility List – November 2024, dated Nov. 13, 2024.
- That the Board approve the school administrator appointments as set out in Report No. CL-HR-D-2, School Administrator Appointments, dated Nov. 13, 2024.
Elementary Vice-principal appointments
Sara Kelly from Huronia Centennial ES (teacher) to Bayview PS (Acting), effective Dec. 2, 2024
Brenda Mueller from External to W.H. Day ES, effective Jan. 6, 2025
Secondary Vice-principal appointment
Jeffery Wells from Eastview SS (teacher) to Orillia SS (Acting), effective Dec. 2, 2024
Secondary Principal appointment
Heather Lagace from Barrie North CI (VP) to Barrie North CI (Acting), effective Nov. 4, 2024
- Trustees received the following transfer:
Elementary Principal transfer
Dianna Wright-Drzazga from Guthrie PS to new Oro-Medonte elementary school
- That the Board approve the appointment of Jennifer Newby as Supervisory Officer – Superintendent of Education K-12, effective Jan. 1, 2025, according to the terms of a personal services contract between Jennifer Newby and the board, as set out in Report No. CL-B-2-a, Appointment of Supervisory Officer – Superintendent of Education K-12, dated Nov. 27, 2024.
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-2-a Notice of Motion from the Oct. 23, 2024 Board meeting
The Board approved the following motion:
- That the Board approve that staff report back by the January Board meeting on sample questions and achievable timelines for gathering the desired information regarding the reasons why students feel safe or unsafe at school and this report also include work that will not be completed and or, if applicable, the cost of a consultant to do this work. Secondly, that a presentation be provided on the work being done in schools based on the past Climate Survey as part of the Equity Action Plans.
D-4 Committee Minutes/Reports – Items for decision
The Board approved the following time-sensitive motion:
- That the Board approve that the Chair and Vice-chair invite all trustees to attend the meeting with our five MPPs that is scheduled for Friday, December 13, 2024, so local trustees can meet with their local MPP to discuss the accommodation and capital needs of their respective communities as they live in, represent, and know those community needs.
D-7-a Building Brighter Futures – Addressing Poverty (2024-29)
John Dance, Director of Education, provided a presentation on strategies for addressing poverty in the SCDSB. Director Dance outlined a number of actions and initiatives that will form the strategy to address poverty, including the need for community input, schools as community hubs and access points, school nutrition programs, early years programs, adult education programs, and professional learning for staff on supporting students and staff facing poverty.
The Board approved the following motion:
- That the Board approve that the Board Chair write a letter to the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services to address the issue of new schools not receiving student nutrition program funding, and the effects that this has on students and communities, and that this letter be copied to the Ministry of Education, all MP’s, MPP’s and Mayors and Deputy Mayors within Simcoe County, as well as the County of Simcoe, County Council.
D-7-b 2024-25 Operational Plan
Visit the SCDSB website to view the 2024-25 Operational Plan and video presentation.
E-3 Notices of Motion for Next Meetin
- That the Board approve an additional meeting be added for the Safe Schools Committee allowing for five meetings during the 2024-25 school year.
Reports/Updates from Staff
John Dance, Director of Education, provided an update on initiatives that took place throughout the past month. Director Dance noted that the Police/School Board Protocol has been finalized and signed by all partners. Director Dance shared that the SCDSB held a health and physical education conference for staff at the Education Centre. Director Dance highlighted the accomplishments of sports teams across the board, including the Maple Ridge SS girls’ basketball team, who won the OFSAA AAA championship, the Nottawasaga Pines SS boys’ volleyball team’s performance at the OFSAA AA championship, the Barrie North CI boys’ football undefeated season, and the Collingwood CI cross country team’s first-place finish in the overall combined team category. Director Dance commented on the school-based learning and acknowledgement of Remembrance Day and Indigenous Veterans Day. In addition, Director Dance spoke to the attendance area reviews, an upcoming meeting with New Tecumseth Town Council to discuss the site for the replacement Banting Memorial HS, and celebrated that all SCDSB schools are registered with Ophea.
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]