Friday, Jan. 12, 2024
The following are the highlights of the Near North District School Board (NNDSB) meeting of Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024.
This is Me survey results presented
Trustees were presented with demographic data trends by System Principals Lisa Lamoureux and Chris Walkling, and Data Analyst and System Planner Frank Albeartie. The data was collected last spring via the This is Me survey, which is mandated by the Ministry of Education.
The survey was confidential and voluntary. It asks questions about languages, Indigenous identity, ethnic/cultural background, racial identity, citizenship status, religious/spiritual affiliation, gender identity, sexual orientation and (dis)abilities. The results and analysis give NNDSB a deeper understanding of the diversity of students in the board, and the cultural, social and demographic makeup of our students.
Survey results were presented in three sections: one for students in JK to Grade 6, one for students in Grades 7 and 8, and one for students in Grades 9-12.
Learn more in this media release.
Director looking forward to work in 2024
In his written report to the Board, Director of Education Craig Myles wished trustees, staff and students a Happy New Year after the winter holiday.
Myles reiterated that student achievement and well-being remains NNDSB’s number one priority and said student success is realized through an emphasis on the health, safety, care and respect of students and staff.
In his multi-year strategic plan (MYSP) update, Myles focused on Excellence in Relationships, one of four pillars of the MYSP. He highlighted the work of NNDSB students and their families who filled the shelves at area food banks, created cards for seniors and collected clothing. Myles also highlighted the relationships built with NNDSB students and local Indigenous partners and was happy to see the return of the big drum teaching at Parry Sound High School. He noted students from West Ferris and Chippewa participated in a winter solstice event.
Student Trustee report to Board
In a written report, Student Trustee Dora Chen noted that NNDSB students are doing well in arts programs. F.J. McElligott students held a holiday drama performance prior to the winter break. Chippewa’s guitar ensemble and senior jazz band travelled throughout the community to bring holiday cheer to community members, and the school’s intermediate band showcased news skills in an exhibition holiday performance. Student Trustee Chen reported that cross-country skiing has begun, and intermural sports are taking place. West Ferris student leaders have started a Jack.org chapter to focus on mental health initiatives. They hope this will become a student helping student program. The school is also planning a Green Club, which focusses on the importance of environment needs and awareness. Student Senate has begun brainstorming ideas to promote upcoming student senator elections. It is hoped that creating an introductory video will explain the roles of student senators and student trustees to encourage applications.
Board approves capital projects list
Trustees accepted a recommendation of the finance committee and approved $13,739,580 in capital expenditures for 2023-2024.
The capital branch of the Ministry of Education provides allocations on an annual basis for school condition improvement funding and school renewal funding.
The board’s 2023-2024 capital allocation for school renewal is $2,678,928, and its allocation for school condition improvement is $4,215,893.
The total cost of projects in 2023-2024 as recommended to the Board amounts to approximately $13,739,580. The projected costs exceed the allocations, but there are unspent capital funds available from previous years. There is also deferred revenue in the school renewal category in the amount of $4,791,2305 and capital allocations in the school conditions improvement category in the amount of $10,179.800.
The list of projects may be found here.
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