Friday, Aug. 29, 2025

NNDSB accepting applications for Zone 1 trustee

Julie Bertram resigned as the Zone 1 Trustee of the Near North District School Board (NNDSB) yesterday (Aug. 28, 2025), effective immediately.

As there are no runners-up to invite to fill the vacancy, NNDSB is seeking applicants to fill the role for the balance of the term, which will be until November 2026.

Eligible candidates can find the application information here.

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Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025                              

Update on Parry Sound JK-12 school construction

Near North District School Board (NNDSB) is providing an update regarding the construction of the new JK-12 school in Parry Sound.

It has now been confirmed that the new facility will not be completed in time for the first day of school in September 2025. While this is not the outcome we expected, NNDSB is implementing short-term solutions to ensure a smooth and safe start to the school year for all students.

JK-Grade 6 students who were set to attend McDougall Public School for September will attend that school location as originally planned. Students in Grades 9-12 will begin the school year at the current Parry Sound High School building. All Grades 7-8 students will attend the Nobel Public School site.

Once the new school building is complete, students and staff will transition to their new home.

Further updates for the public will be shared through the board’s website and social media channels. Families directly impacted by this delay will receive more detailed information via email.

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Wednesday, August 6, 2025

TOROS tickets on sale for Seussical the Musical

Near North District School Board’s (NNDSB) Theatre Outreach On Stage (TOROS) is proud to announce that tickets are now on sale for its annual summer musical production Seussical.

Grab your seat so you can experience a cast of 65 community students who are bringing this whimsical and vibrant musical to life on stage this summer. The production will take you on a journey through Whoville, reintroducing you to the familiar characters and stories from the world of Dr. Seuss.  You will leave wondering about the All the Thinks You Can Think, smiling from ear to ear and humming that Anything’s Possible. You won’t want to miss this incredibly talented cast in this Amazing performance.

Seussical the Musical is the culmination of an NNDSB summer school program where students earn high school credits while learning about all aspects of theatre production.

Shows run at 7 p.m. on August 6, 7, 8, and 9. Tickets are $25 general admission and are available for purchase online on the NNDSB website.

Tickets can also be purchased in person at Creative Learning Toys, located at 181 Main St. West, North Bay. A limited quantity will be available at the door.

For more information regarding the show and ticket details, contact michelina.beam@nearnorthschools.ca

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Tuesday, July 22, 2025                 

Trustees approve budget, ask runners-up to fill vacant seats

Trustees of Near North District School Board (NNDSB) met on Monday, July 21, to discuss and approve the 2025-2026 school year budget, as well as how to fill two trustee vacancies.

The Board approved the compliant 2025-2026 budget, which was presented by Finance Committee Chair Shane Hall for consideration by the trustees. The budget contained an operating deficit of ($1,274,822) and a deficit for compliance purposes of ($730,233), with revenue of $195 million and expenses of $196.3 million. The Ministry calculates the deficit for compliance purposes by removing specific items from revenues and expenses, such as amounts related to school-generated funds and asset retirement obligations. The Board also approved the 2025-26 in-year deficit elimination plan as presented, which will be submitted to the Ministry along with the 2025-26 estimates.

Of note in the budget are a projected enrolment decrease of 3.59 per cent from 2024-2025 estimates; budgeted revenues have increased approximately 3.29 per cent and expenses have increased approximately four per cent from 2024-2025 estimates; 71.4 per cent of the budget is composed of salaries and benefits; and projected staffing full-time equivalent (FTE) has decreased by 38.7 in response to the projected enrolment decrease.

The special education budget reflects a deficit of approximately $390,000, while the transportation deficit is projected to be $1.99 million, a slight improvement from the $2.14 million transportation deficit projected in 2024-25 as a result of a funding formula change, but still a significant deficit. This transportation deficit cannot be eliminated without further funding from the Ministry of Education.

In addition to the budget, trustees discussed filling two vacancies on the Board. A report in the agenda package outlined the options available to Boards to fill trustee vacancies. Trustees approved a motion to ask the election runners-up to fill the vacancies left by the resignations of Trustees Chantal Phillips (Zone 1) and Jeanie Fuscaldo (Zone 3). The approved motion also allowed for an application and appointment process if either of the runners-up declined the offer to join the Board.

The report noted that filling the vacancies with the 2022 election runners-up demonstrates fiscal responsibility by not incurring the cost of a by-election. It embraces a transparent democratic process and supports local decision-making by endorsing the voters’ second choice of candidate.

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Thursday, June 26, 2025

Almaguin Highlands graduate awarded top university scholarship

An Almaguin Highlands Secondary School (AHSS) student has been awarded one of Canada’s most prestigious and sought-after scholarships for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math).

Grade 12 student Keith Rubin has won a $120,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship for engineering for his exceptional academic performance, leadership and peer mentorship.

AHSS principal Heather Hickey says, “Keith has consistently demonstrated exemplary citizenship and leadership throughout his time at our school. He took initiative by leading a school-wide project focused on peer mentorship and academic support. Notably, Keith volunteered his time after school to tutor junior students in mathematics, providing them with academic guidance and encouragement.

“One memorable moment that stands out was when a younger student, struggling with confidence in math, shared how Keith’s patient and compassionate tutoring helped them not only improve their grades but also begin to enjoy the subject,” Hickey says. “Keith’s ability to connect with others and lead by example has left a lasting impact on our school community.”

Rubin says that given the high cost of post-secondary education, especially for engineering, this scholarship is “life-changing. Before knowing that I received this scholarship, money was a concern for me, specifically the cost of tuition and residence,” Rubin says. “However, this scholarship has made it so money is no longer a worry for post-secondary, and I can now solely focus on my future education.”

As the very first AHSS student to win a Schulich Scholarship, Rubin is quick to point out that he could not have achieved his remarkable accomplishments without the support of AHSS educators.

“Every single teacher has supported me over my high school journey; many members of the Almaguin faculty have made me into the person I am today,” Rubin says. “I need to give special thanks to Mr. Perry, my civics and careers teacher, who first informed me of the Schulich Leader Scholarship and kept reminding me to apply from Grades 10 to 12. Then, Mr. Beverly, who not only taught me Grade 11 and 12 chemistry and physics but also inspired me and sparked my curiosity in the STEM fields. Lastly, Mrs. Bell brought out my leadership qualities through the student ambassador and peer tutoring courses.”

Rubin will study engineering at the University of Western Ontario in the fall and says his “dream career would be one where I could return to the Almaguin area and help bring low-cost, yet reliable services and infrastructure to our beautiful region.”

“We are incredibly proud of Keith for receiving this prestigious scholarship,” Hickey says. “From the moment he joined Almaguin, Keith stood out as a student of exceptional character, dedication, and promise. This recognition is not only a testament to his hard work and leadership but also a reflection of the strength and spirit of our entire school community.”

Hickey says that “for a student from a small, rural school to be acknowledged at this level is deeply meaningful. It demonstrates that excellence knows no boundaries and that with the right support, encouragement, and determination, our students can achieve remarkable things. We look forward to following Keith’s journey and celebrating the many accomplishments that lie ahead.”

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