This update provides a summary of the online public meeting of the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board held April 26, 2021, livestreamed (the recorded version will be available within 24 hours). It is an unofficial summary of the meeting; official minutes will be approved at the next regular meeting in May.
Land acknowledgement
Mike Brant, Trustee, Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, recited the land acknowledgement: Let us bring our minds and hearts together as one to honour and celebrate these traditional lands as a gathering place of the Huron-Wendat, Anishinabek and Haudenosaunee people. It is with deep humility, that we acknowledge and offer our gratitude for their contributions to our community, having respect for all as we come together and walk side by side into the future to support our students of today.
Delegation
Kate MacNaughton, Prince Edward County Councillor, presented on behalf of Project Prince Edward and the PE Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC). Ms. MacNaughton, in the capacity as an elected representative, as EAC communications lead and as co-organizer of Project Prince Edward, introduced several developing opportunities to engage youth Prince Edward County initiatives through the Hour-for-Hour Challenge. This initiative encourages municipalities to formally establish a mechanism to provide volunteer hour compensation for students who engage in civic activities in all forms: surveys, open houses/forums, town halls, viewing or participating in council meetings and watching relevant webinars.
Character Moment of Reflection
At Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board, Growing with Character is our intentional focus on creating safe, caring, respectful and inclusive learning environments where students develop the foundation for good character. Through Growing with Character, we model, teach and expect demonstrations of our eight character traits which are: Caring, Cooperation, Honesty, Humour, Integrity, Respect, Responsibility and Trustworthiness.
This evening Grace Whyte, Student Trustee, Bayside Secondary School, asked all to reflect on Cooperation: We work as a team for a common good. We value the opinions of others and show a willingness to work together towards a common goal.
Report from the Closed Committee of the Whole meeting
This report included the following from the April 26, 2021 Closed Committee of the Whole meeting:
- approved the establishment of an Ad Hoc Director's Selection Committee. Trustee Krista McConnell, Belleville/Thurlow, will chair the committee.
Recommendations
Tender ITT 2021-012: Mechanical renewal at seven sites
Board members approved tenders totaling $3,083,384.55 for mechanical renewal projects at seven schools. Find out more starting on page 18 of the April 26, 2021 agenda.
Tender ITT 2021-015: Roof replacements and repairs
Board members approved tenders totaling $3,784,358.57 for roof replacements and repairs at 10 schools. Find out more starting on page 20 of the April 26, 2021 agenda.
Rural and Northern Education Fund Allocation Report
Board members approved adding Centre Hastings Secondary School-Elementary to the list of schools eligible for Rural and Northern Education Fund (RNEF) allocation. The RNEF allocation is dedicated funding to further improve education for students from rural and northern communities. Funding is allocated to school boards based on the number of rural students and two factors measuring the density of rural student enrolment in the school board. The 'List of Schools Eligible for Rural and Northern Education Fund Allocation' is determined by the Ministry of Education and comprises schools in which at least half of the students are from rural communities. Find out more starting on page 22 of the April 26, 2021 agenda.
Policy 3-C: Student Representation on the Board
Board members approved revisions made to Policy 3-C: Student Representation on the Board. The approval included a commitment to revisit this policy at the beginning of the next school year to determine if the Student Senate will continue as part of this policy. Find out more starting on page 23 of the April 26, 2021 agenda.
Information reports from staff
Learning Foundation presentation
Maribeth deSnoo, Executive Director of The Hastings and Prince Edward Learning Foundation, presented recent activities and initiatives coordinated by staff to support student achievement and well-being. Find out more starting on page 28 of the April 26, 2021 agenda.
Indigenous education: Purpose, priorities and impact
Troy Maracle, Curriculum Coordinator, presented an overview of Indigenous education priorities and the impact on student achievement. In keeping with the school board vision of Leading with integrity and high expectations for all, this presentation emphasized the importance of learning together for equity for all and to secure greater success for the achievement of our Indigenous student population. Find out more starting on page 44 of the April 26, 2021 agenda.
Information reports from trustees
Report from student trustees
Highlights from this report included the following:
- Policy 3C: Student Representation on the Board; and
- participation on the Mental Health Committee.
Report from the Parent Involvement Committee meeting, March 29, 2021
Highlights from this report included the following:
- destreaming of Grade 9 Mathematics;
- education worker vaccinations; and
- COVID-19 spread.
Find out more on page 46 of the April 26, 2021 agenda.
Report from the Special Education Advisory Committee, April 2021
Highlights from this report included the following:
- tiered supports available to students;
- preparing a plan to use additional funding this summer; and
- a return to in-person learning for students with high special needs who cannot be accommodated at school.
Report from the Policy Review Working Group, March 23 and April 20, 2021
Highlights from this report included the following:
- revisions to Policy 3C: Student representation on the Board;
- seeking stakeholder input for SEAC and other policies;
- funds directed to Marmora Public School for playground equipment; and
- drafting a racism policy.
Report from the QSS Revitalization Ad Hoc Committee, March 31 and April 21, 2021
Highlights from this report included the following:
- identified the key priorities of facility layout, safety, programming and proposed building use.
OPSBA Information Exchange
Highlights from this report included the following:
- participation in an Ontario Public School Boards' Association meeting on April 24, 2021.
For more information, please contact Kerry Donnell, Communications Manager, extension 62354, [email protected]