These are highlights from the public meeting of the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board held September 22, 2025.
Affirmation of Traditional Lands
Stacey Lewis, Trustee, South Prince Edward County, offered a Land Affirmation.
Presentation: HPE Learning Foundation program highlights, appreciation
and the road ahead
The Learning Foundation team shared a year in review snapshot of its connections to HPEDSB students, including the following:
- number of snacks and meals served;
- over 400 families supported through $79,000 in the Student Emergency Fund;
- $83,000 in paid donations to the Sharing Cupboards (in schools);
- provided funding for Minds in Motion STEM Challenges for elementary students;
- Prom Project that provided free formal wear to graduating students; and
- Rescue Readers, a partnership with the Humane Society where young children read to animals.
New this year is a Colour for Kids event where 100% of funds raised will support students (50% kept at the school and 50% to the Learning Foundation).
The team will be announcing a new capital campaign on October 8, 2025.
Thank you to Learning Foundation staff for sharing statistics and good news about the partnership between the two organizations. Pictured L to R: Kari Kramp, Chair of the Board; Kellie Brace, LF Executive Director; Jenn Barrett, Resource Development & Communications Coordinator; and Katherine MacIver, Director of Education.
Ontario Public School Boards' Association update
Highlights from this report included the following:
- Policy Development Work Group: Discussions about two approved policy resolutions; work group members shared local Board practices, more input will occur by email to collect data, reflect on opportunities and challenges with this proposed requirement.
- Joint Policy Development and Education Program Work Group: Two executive consultants to OESC presented on board self assessment resources that are currently in development by OESC. Trustees gave feedback on a draft template, provided advice and current Board practice regarding content, process, pricing, and communications and marketing.
- At the meeting, Giselle Basanta, Assistant Deputy Minister, Education Equity and Governance
Secretariat provided an update on several governance related items including code of conduct, integrity commissioners, director of education qualifications and the role of trustees during supervision. Questions/comments shared included the following: Will there be consultation on any potential new governance model? There is need for Education Act reform as many parts of legislation are outdated; reference to a report form researchers in New Zealand examining the Ontario School Board governance system as being a strong governance model. Current rhetoric and comments in the media are undermining trust in public education; the costs of Director's Performance Appraisal (especially 360 evaluation process) and potential costs for integrity commissioners.
- OPSBA updates: Bill 33 Supporting Children and Students Act (advocacy to date, strategy around narrative re: school board governance and school trustees, and regulations that had been filed over the summer); Local Government Week is October 20-24, all trustees are encouraged to participate this year. Resources and slideshow will be forthcoming.
Governance and Policy Committee, September 15, 2025
Board members approved the
first HPE Learning Foundation Day, featuring Toonie Tuesday on
December 2, 2025. Future days will be connected to Giving Tuesday in December.
Find out more on page 15 of the agenda.
Physical Plannng, Finance and Budget Committee, September 8, 2025
Board members approved a borrowing resolution to meet current and upcoming fiscal year expenditures.
Find out more on page 16 of the agenda.
Audit Committee, September 17, 2025
Board members approved two recommendations, one for the Regional Internal Audit Plan and another for the Regional Internal Audit Charter.
Find out more on page 19 of the agenda.
Student Voice
Highlights from this report included the following:
- the student trustees have selected committees they will participate on;
- the student trustees will participate in Student Voice meetings with the Director of Education;
- the student trustees are planning a fall conference with keynote speaker Kylie Bragdon.
Chair's report and trustee sharing
Highlights from this report included the following:
- reminder that the strategic plan will guide the decisions and plans for the next five years;
- a new 5-year contract is in place for Director of Education Katherine MacIver;
- expressed appreciation to all students and their families for a successful start up to the new school year;
- community partner breakfasts with the Director of Education are scheduled over the next two weeks;
- asked for volunteers to assist with Food for Learning events;
- shared an excerpt from a statement by Regional Chief Benedict about Residential Schools; and
- autumn sports are well underway at North Hastings High School, as are various clubs; the SHSMs for Environmental Studies and Construction began this month.
Director's report
Highlights from this report included the following:
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Visited 12 schools since the first day of school.
Great to see our schools ready to welcome students: bright classrooms, strong infrastructure (roofing, plumbing); outdoor improvements (paving, yard work); indoor improvements (purpose built/renovated spaces). Work will continue during the school year.
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During the past five years students have made gains in Math (Grade 6 and 9); gains in Grade 10 Literacy; gains in the 5-year graduation rate. We also strengthened cybersecurity and are continuing to make enhancements. Recruiting and retaining staff are holding steady.
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Looking to the future and our new strategic plan, work is underway to prepare, educate and empower students with skills as we inspire and innovate for a bright future. Trustees are well acquainted with our new strategic plan and we are excited to share it across our system and communities. Our Communications Team has prepared materials to launch and carry us through this plan.
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Tonight, I am pleased to share a video that emcompasses the strategic plan and brings to light what it means in HPEDSB.
The Bright Futures video premiered, showcasing the voices of students, staff and community members who describe what bright futures means to them in the context of educating students. The video is closely tied to the HPEDSB strategic plan, reinforcing its vision, mission and priorities.
Year-end report for the 2024-2025 Strategic Plan
Senior staff provided updates on the achievements made through the above-noted strategic plan, along with practices that have been affirmed or abandoned.
Review of summer learning and mental health supports
Summer learning opportunities continued to prioritize student learning and mental health supports, with an emphasis on minimizing learning loss, addressing learning gaps and providing new learning experiences.
Program highlights include the following:
- School-based mental health professional support
- Health with Horses Camp
- Equine-assisted therapy
- Cedar Ridge Camp
- Writing and theatre camps
- Community-based parent and youth engagement
Find out more on page 35 of the agenda.
Enrolment update
Data indicates a 70 student increase in enrolment as of today: 10,552 elementary students and 4,725 secondary students for a total of 15,277. Adjustments will be made at 14 elementary schools to align with Ministry of Education class requirements. Changes at secondary school are still being reviewed.
Motion for consideration
At the August 25, 2025 Regular Public Board Meeting, Trustee Parsons brought forward the following Notice of Motion:
That the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board release publicly the Integrity Commissioner’s Report relating to the second code of conduct complaint against Trustee Prinzen.
It was stated that the documents are part of a court process and cannot be released.
Calendar of events
The dates for upcoming school events, committee and Board meetings are listed on page 40 of the agenda.
For more information, please contact Kerry Donnell, Communications and Privacy Manager, 613-966-1170, extension 62354, or 613-847-0696, or [email protected]