Board Meeting Update, October 17, 2022
This update provides a summary of the public meeting of the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board held September 26, 2022, 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 November.
Acknowledgement of Traditional Lands
Recited by Spencer Hutchison, Trustee, Trenton and CFB Trenton: As Trustees for Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board and as settlers to this land, we acknowledge and honour the land on which we reside, occupy and meet as part of the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee, Huron-Wendat and Anishinabek people. These Indigenous Nations agreed to mutual sharing obligations and responsibilities as stewards of the land and water. Today these responsibilities and obligations extend to all Peoples. These lands are steeped in rich Indigenous history, traditions and modern cultures that are proud and vibrant. The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board supports and is committed to the stewardship of the land, and the responsibilities that we hold to ensure learning, education programs and services support all staff and students.
Please note that a new agenda format is now in place, having been approved last month. Accordingly, the components of this update are in a different order than before.
No one declared a conflict of interest.
Trustee report from the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association
Highlights from this report included the following:
- Participation at a meeting on September 30/October 1; a summary has been provided to Board members.
Report from the Budget and Finance Committee, September 21, 2022
Board members approved two recommendations from the Budget and Finance Committee:
- HPEDSB act as guarantor on a line of credit for Tri-Board Student Transportation Services; and
- approved the Multi-Year Annual Accessibility Plan for the period September 2022 to August 2027.
Report from the Executive Committee, October 2, 2022
Highlights from this report included the following:
- reviewed components of the draft standing committees; and
- reviewed dates, times and topics of trustee orientation and learning sessions.
Report from the Audit Committee, September 19, 2022
Board members approved four recommendations from the Audit Committee:
- approved the External Auditor’s Audit Plan, as amended;
- approved the four-year contract for the provision of external audit services to KPMG LLP;
- appointed KPMG LLP as the external auditor for 2022-2023 and remuneration fixed at $48,500; and
- approved the Regional Internal Audit Plan.
Report from the Parent Involvement Committee, October 5, 2022
Highlights from this report included the following:
- discussions about the Parents Reaching Out grants funding;
- update on Procedure 108: Procedure for Addressing Public Concerns and an infographic for reference;
- PIC meetings move to different locations; and
- next meeting is November 21, 2022.
Report from the Student Voice Committee
Highlights from this report included the following:
- visited Centennial Secondary School and Eastside Secondary School last week to promote Student Voice; they set up in the foyers to meet students, answer questions and hand out Student Voice-logoed water bottles, pens and mood pencils.
Report from the Director of Education
Highlights from this report included the following:
- the first round of Ray of Sunshine recognition saw 39 staff recognized; their names are on the website and some posted to social media; this recognition happens each month;
- National Day of Truth and Reconciliation was a full week at HPEDSB, from September 26-30, with extensive learning and activities in schools, including arts, reading, and guest readers;
- a Town Hall meeting with the Director of Education is set for Wednesday, October 26, 6:00-7:00 PM, in-person and livestreamed; RSVP is required for in-person;
- applications are being accepted for membership on the Special Education Advisory Committee; the committee meets the 4th Thursday each month at 4:00 PM;Prince Charles School (Belleville) received $9,818 in donations through the Chapters/Indigo.
Board members approved governance directives for standing and statutory committees, and revoked current Policy 6: Delegation of Authority and Policy 11: Committees of the Board. Find out more starting on page 11 of the October 17, 2022 agenda.
Calendar of events
- November 5: Orientation for Trustees Elect
- November 14: Special Public Board Meeting
- November 15: Inaugural Meeting
- November 21: Organizational and Public Board Meeting
Recognition of outgoing trustees
Eight school board trustees participated in the last Board meeting of their term at this meeting.
Of the 10 trustees on the Board, the following eight are not running for public school board trustee in the upcoming municipal election:
- Mike Brant
- Lisa Ann Chatten
- Jennifer Cobb
- Bonnie Danes
- Spencer Hutchison
- Alison Kelly
- Lucille Kyle
- Krista McConnell
Two current trustees, Shannon Binder representing Southeast Hastings and Kristen Parks, representing Sidney and Frankford, have been acclaimed in their communities.
For more information, please contact Kerry Donnell, Communications and Privacy Manager, 613-966-1170, extension 62354, or 613-847-0696, or [email protected]