Date: February 28, 2023
Every
month at our Board of Trustees meeting, OCDSB trustees discuss key
items and hold final votes on decisions that impact the school district.
The matters for action presented at Board of Trustee meetings are
typically brought forward after being debated and voted in favour at a
prior Committee of the Whole meeting.
Our
boardroom update provides an overview of some of the key highlights
from last month’s meeting. Looking for more details? Further information
can be found in the agenda package for each meeting, which you can
access through our calendar: https://pub-ocdsb.escribemeetings.com/
Meeting date: February 28, 2023
Full meeting video link
Agenda
Quick Highlights
The following motions were approved:
- 2023-2024 school year calendar
- Facilities renewal program and school condition improvement project budget
The
Board of Trustees also approved an in-camera motion authorizing staff
to proceed with respect to the appointment of an Executive Search
Consultant.
Key approved items
2023-2024 school year calendar
The
Board approved the recommended calendar for the 2023-2024 school year
to be submitted to the Ministry of Education for final approval. Once
this approval is received it will be the official calendar for
elementary and secondary schools for the 2023-2024 school year. Approval
is usually received by May of each year. Once approved we will share
more information through our regular weekly updates and our website. The proposed first day of school is Tuesday, September 5, 2023. Learn more.
Facilities renewal program and school condition improvement project budget
The
Board approved a budget of approximately $112 million for the purpose
of building upgrades and improvements for the 2022-2023 budget year.
Investments into building renewal and upgrades of schools will help
improve the quality of teaching spaces and help to promote the success
of students and staff. This includes upgrades to heating, electrical and
plumbing systems, new solar panels, accessibility improvements, and
more. Details of projects across the OCDSB can be found here.
Director of Education - Executive Search Firm
In
December 2022, the Board announced plans for a comprehensive search for
a new Director of Education. During the board meeting of February 28th,
Trustees approved an in-camera motion authorizing staff to proceed with
respect to the appointment of an Executive Search Firm. Michele Giroux is currently serving in the role of Director until
a permanent candidate is selected by the Board of Trustees later in
2023. That process will include opportunities for the community to
provide input about the director role and profile.
Watch the Full meeting here.
Full Agenda
Verbal Reports from the Chair and Director of Education
Chair’s Report
Pink Shirt Day
Last week, students and staff across the district marked Pink Shirt Day. It was an important moment to celebrate kindness and reflect on how we can come together to stop bullying in our community.
Bullying
and Harassment is an issue that too many students continue to face from
their peers. In the parent message on Friday, the OCDSB shared some
examples of how schools marked this day. Resources were also provided to
help deal with bullying. We ask parents and guardians to help us by
reminding their children that there are actions they can take if they
witness bullying. This includes:
- Report
any concerning incidents to the principal, vice-principal, a teacher, a
trusted adult, OCDSB Cares, or anyone who can help.
- Speak out: If it’s safe to do so, bystanders can speak out against bullying, violence, harassment, hate or discrimination.
- Be
kind: Comfort the person who was hurt and make it known that what
happened was not fair or deserved. Be a friend. Ask what you can do to
help.
- Stop the spread of online content, videos or images that cause further harm.
As a community, we can and must stand together against bullying, hate and discrimination.
Black History Month
Over the past month in our schools we have seen students and staff mark Black History Month
through performances, art, special events, school displays, classroom
lessons, and more. This has been great to see and we look forward to the
learning continuing through the year. On Saturday, March 25 at
Brookfield High School, the OCDSB will partner with Parents for
Diversity for a parent advocacy conference on supporting Black students.
Registration details can be found on our website
In
the wake of growing anti-trans public sentiment, including the murder
of prominent trans youth Brianna Ghey in the UK, and the passing of
anti-trans legislation in US states such as Tennessee, the Board and the
District reaffirm our commitment to protecting the rights of gender
diverse, trans, and all LGBTQ students at the district. Learn more about
how the OCDSB provides support and resources for students, families and
staff of all gender identities and expressions on our website.
Director’s Report
The
Director began by noting that it has been more than one year since the
war in Ukraine began. She acknowledged the efforts of our staff in
supporting new students who have joined us in the past year. Since the
start of this conflict, the OCDSB has welcomed approximately 450
Ukrainian students to our schools. Fortunately, we have considerable
experience in supporting students and their families who arrive in
Canada.
Our appreciation is extended to the members of our registration team, Family Reception Centre, school staff, students and parents for helping these new families settle into our school community.
School Climate Survey
In March, principals will be sharing with parents and guardians a school climate survey.
The voluntary and anonymous survey provides feedback to each school
about the extent to which parents feel their school supports learning
and positive behaviour, and promotes a safe and inclusive environment.
The
information gathered will guide and inform the actions schools take to
address issues such as bullying, safety, engagement and well-being.
The survey is available in 12 languages. It will run until March 24th. Learn more on our website.