This is a summary of the public meeting of the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board, held August 26, 2024.
Acknowledgement of Traditional Lands
Kari Kramp, Trustee, Central Hastings, offered the Land Acknowledgement.
Presentation: Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence, Certificate of Achievement, Angela Burr, Madoc Township Public School
Congratulations to Angela Burr, teacher at Madoc Township Public School, who received the Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence, Certificate of Achievement, in June. Angela's classroom is a model of inclusivity and patience. Her ability to cultivate and grow students' natural curiosity turns the classroom into a community where every student feels valued.
Angela was recognized by the Board of Trustees this evening for her commitment to teaching excellence.
Congratulations to Angela Burr, Teacher, Madoc Township Public School (second from right), a recipient of the Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence, Certificate of Achievement. Angela is pictured with Shannon Binder, Chair of the Board; Katherine MacIver, Director of Education and Tina Elliott, Superintendent of Education.
Swearing in of new student trustees
The three student trustees for 2024-2025 were sworn in. Welcome to Alisha Makkar, Centennial Secondary School; Julia Cranshaw, Eastside Secondary School; and Matthew Shalla, North Hastings High School.
Welcome to student trustees Matthew Shalla, North Hastings High School; Julia Cranshaw, Eastside Secondary School; and Alisha Makkar, Centennial Secondary School, pictured with Katherine MacIver, Director of Education.
Recommendation: Board member leave of absence
Board members approved a motion to allow a leave of absence for Amanda Robertson, Belleville/Thurlow, while she participates in the local by-election representing the New Democratic Party.
Report from external organizations
Ontario Public School Boards' Association (OPSBA)
Highlights from this report included the following:
- Kathleen Woodcock was elected as OPSBA president; Trustees Amanda Robertson and Shannon Binder were elected to the Eastern Region.
Standing Committee reports
Governance and Policy Committee: August 19, 2024
Highlights from this report included the following:
- reviewed and discussed the recent memorandum from the Ministry of Education on Strengthening School Board Governance and Accountability - Regulatory Reforms to Support the Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act, 2023 and Increasing School Board Transparency - Regulatory Reform to Ontario Regulation 463/97;
- reviewed the revisions to Governance Directive 7.1: Board Members' Code of Conduct to align with Ontario Regulation 312/24; a recommendation is still to come;
- first review of Policy XX: Director’s Performance Appraisal;
- first review of Policy XX: Filling Vacancies on the Board; and
- a survey for trustee learning sessions will be prepared and shared at a later date.
Advisory Committee reports
Student Voice Committee
Highlights from this report included the following:
- expressed enthusiasm for being student trustees and look forward to bringing meaningful change to the Board table;
- recognized the work of last year's student trustees and their diligent work on anti-vaping recommendations; and
- showed a package of anti-vaping items and literature that will be given to Grade 9 students during Orientation Days this week.
Ad Hoc Committee report
Director’s Performance Appraisal Ad Hoc Committee Update
Highlights from this report included the following:
- at the June 2024 meeting, highlights were provided from two committee meetings about the appraisal process;
- the Director's performance plan for the upcoming cycle was shared with all Board members; and
- December 1, 2024 is the mid-year review date to plan for.
Chair's report/trustee sharing
Highlights from this report included the following:
- a recent meeting with the new student trustees; and
- a thank you from a member of the public for helping make a recent soccer tournament a success.
Director's report
Staff reports
2024 Ontario Scholars
At the end of June each school year, names of students are submitted to the Director’s Office who received Ontario Scholar status at graduation. An Ontario Scholar has achieved six Grade 12 credits with a percentage of 80% average or higher. In June 2024, there were a total of 369 students across HPEDSB eligible for this provincial award. Find out more starting on page 27 of the August 26, 2024 agenda.
Student Achievement Plan
Highlights from this report included the following:
- key areas identified by the Ministry of Education align with the HPEDSB strategic plan, including: achievement of outcomes in core academic skills; preparing students for future success; and the percentage of students attending school 90% or more.
- Inquiry question for this school year: What are the most impactful actions we can take when our current processes are not working?
Update about the new Easthill Elementary School
This report featured a visual presentation showing the exterior and interior of the new Easthill Elementary School. It will open on the first day of school for students, which this year is Wednesday, September 4, 2024. The bus loop will be ready, playground equipment will be installed and classrooms will be set up and ready to welcome students.
Update about the new greenspace at Central Hastings School
This report featured a visual presentation showing the exterior grounds work underway at Central Hastings School. The finished product will include a track, among other amenities, for the school and community to use. Expected completion is November 2024.
Calendar of events
Committee and Board meetings are scheduled for September and early October. Find out more starting on starting on page 28 of the August 26, 2024 agenda.
For more information, please contact Kerry Donnell, Communications and Privacy Manager, 613-966-1170, extension 62354, or 613-847-0696, or [email protected]