2026–2027 Budget Approved

The Near North District School Board is pleased to announce that the 2026–2027 budget has been approved, reflecting our continued commitment to student learning and responsible financial stewardship.

The approved budget supports the Board’s strategic priorities while maintaining fiscal responsibility, ensuring that resources are directed where they are needed most to benefit our students, schools, and communities.

View the 2026–2027 Budget: NNDSB 2026-2027 Approved Budget Report

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Two Parry Sound High School grads earn prestigious Schulich awards

Hard work and perseverance have paid off for two Parry Sound High School (PSHS) graduating students as they were recognized with prestigious Schulich awards this spring.

Grade 12 students Paige West and Ceci Martens have both been recognized by the Schulich Foundation for their academic achievements in the skilled trades (West) and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) (Martens).

West was chosen as a recipient of the $40,000 Schulich Builders Award for students pursuing post-secondary education in the skilled trades. She is the first PSHS student to ever win this award.

West’s award is intended to combat the shortage of skilled trades in Ontario and amplify their importance and value to our communities. Award winners are identified and nominated within their schools as being responsible, hardworking, dedicated people with a strong work ethic and character. West certainly fits the bill.

She will be attending Cambrian College in Sudbury in the fall to study in the Electrical Engineering Technician Program.

Ceci Martens has been named as a recipient of the prestigious Schulich Leaders award valued at $100,000.

This award, geared toward students in STEM fields, not only provides significant financial support to winners but also connects them with a network of mentors within their fields of study.

Martens said that she was in a state of shock and disbelief when she received the news that she had won a Schulich Leader Scholarship.

“This award will take the financial stress off my time at university and allow me to pursue opportunities such as research and internships during the summer,” Martens said. “I am also looking forward to meeting a network of like-minded students and mentors.”

Martens will be studying Mathematics and Statistics at McMaster University in the fall, intending to pursue a career in digital encryption.

“I first learned about encryption at math camp at the University of Ottawa in Grade 10. It fascinated me because it was a practical application of my two favourite areas of math, number theory and abstract algebra.”

“My teachers at PSHS have been incredibly supportive, and I would especially like to thank Mr. Loewen, my physics and calculus teacher, for encouraging me to apply for this scholarship,” Martens said.

While she is not yet sure exactly what her dream job would be, Martens said she is excited to see what opportunities await her in the field of mathematics and encryption.

Martens has been interested in math since a young age and has advice for like-minded students. “My advice for younger students with an interest in math is to remember that math is a very broad subject, ranging from purely abstract proofs to applications in most areas of science,” Martens said. “One of the most valuable experiences I have had with math is my participation in math contests, and I would encourage younger students to try them out.”

This is the second year in a row that Near North District School Board students have received Schulich awards. Last year, Almaguin Highlands Secondary School (AHSS) student Keith Rubin won the $120,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship for engineering. Rubin was the first AHSS student to win a Schulich award.

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June 2, 2026

We are pleased to provide an update regarding the future of McDougall Public School.

With the opening of the new Parry Sound High School in June 2026 and the start of full school operations on September 8, 2026, the Near North District School Board (NNDSB) has started discussions with the Conseil scolaire public du Nord-Est de l’Ontario (CSPNE) regarding the future of the McDougall Public School property.

Details of the agreement are currently being finalized, with the expectation that CSPNE will take possession of the school later this summer, pending necessary approvals required under the Education Act and Regulations. Once the transfer is complete, CSPNE will begin renovations to prepare the building for its new role.

It is anticipated that McDougall Public School will reopen in January 2028 as CSPNE’s new Kindergarten to Grade 12 (K–12) school.

We are very pleased that this facility will continue to serve students and families in our community as a school.

We will continue to keep parents and guardians informed as more information becomes available.

Thank you for your continued support.

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Learning never takes a vacation at Near North District School Board summer school

Summer is around the corner, and Near North District School Board has another great season of summer school opportunities planned.

Whether you are into sports, drama, experiential learning or academics, there is something for all students from Grades 8 to 12!

After last summer’s devastating wind storm, the Canadian Ecology Centre has rebuilt and is once again offering two-week live-in on-site credit courses in a variety of subjects. Grade 9 geography, Grade 10 science and Grade 11 biology run from June 28 to July 10. Grade 12 earth and space science and Grade 12 biology are offered from July 12-24.

Visit the Canadian Ecology Centre website for details, pricing and registration.

Keep your game sharp in the off-season with basketball and volleyball focused phys ed credits at West Ferris Secondary School from June 29 to July 24.

The basketball and volleyball programs offer an individual sport, skills-based credit open to Grades 8-12 students across the North Bay area. Athletes will train daily at West Ferris Secondary School and will gain practical skills and game-play experience throughout this intensive program. There will also be an online portion of the course focusing on healthy and active living.

The basketball program runs from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and volleyball is 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. daily.

Contact your school’s guidance office for details. For out-of-board students looking to pre-register, please contact Terri.Reidt@nearnorthschools.ca and request the registration paperwork.

Theatre Outreach on Stage (TOROS) is also gearing up for the summer. All parts of the production and shows will be housed at West Ferris Secondary. Students in Grades 8-12 participating in this year’s musical production of Pippin will earn a high school credit. There are many opportunities available for interested students, ranging from performers, stage crew, sound and lighting, to costume, set, and prop crew.

The TOROS information night will be held Tuesday, May 19 at 7 p.m. at West Ferris Secondary School, with auditions and call backs running from May 21 to 22. Rehearsals will start in late May and run throughout the summer. The summer part of the course runs June 29 to Aug. 9, Monday to Thursday evening from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Fridays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Grade 11 and 12 students looking to earn high school and college credit this summer through the Inclusive Leadership Dual Credit Program. This program is designed to help students accelerate their learning, build leadership skills, and gain valuable college experience.

This program is a combination of in-class and hands-on outdoor experiences. Students will spend part of each day outdoors in Canadore College’s extensive trail network and will explore concepts and theories related to the development and delivery of outdoor recreation experiences. The program examines both the adventure and environmental branches of outdoor recreation, as well as various therapeutic uses of the outdoors. Students will develop practical outdoor skills and participate in planning and facilitating outdoor experiences.

The Dual Credit program runs July 13-17 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Contact alysha.young@nearnorthschools.ca to register.

NNDSB elementary schools also offer summer learning programming, which is communicated to families by their individual schools.

Visit the summer school page on our website for more information on these and other summer learning opportunities.

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Nipissing Parry Sound Student Transportation Services (NPSSTS, or the Consortium), has released a communication about the reinstatement of more Alouette bus routes beginning on March 12. Read the communication here.

Monday, January 5, 2026

Jay MacJanet appointed as NNDSB Director of Education

The Near North District School Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Jay MacJanet as Director of Education effective January 6, 2026.

Originally from Sault Ste. Marie, Mr. MacJanet brings over 26 years of experience in public education to his role as Director of Education for the Near North District School Board. He began his career as a teacher and later served thirteen years as a principal with the District School Board of Niagara. Over the past five years, he held the role of Superintendent of Education with the Trillium Lakelands District School Board.

“I am deeply honoured and excited to serve the students, families, staff, and communities of the Near North District School Board,” said Mr. MacJanet. “Public education is strongest when schools, families, and communities work together in trust and partnership. I believe our shared focus must always remain on student achievement, well-being, and preparing every learner for future success. I look forward to listening, learning, and working alongside staff, parents, and community partners to build on the strong foundation already in place across Near North.”

A strong advocate for evidence-based decision-making, Mr. MacJanet believes that sound leadership grounded in research and data is fundamental to school system success. He holds a firm conviction that student achievement and students’ future success must remain the number one priority of a school board. He also emphasizes the importance of teamwork, trust, transparency, and a positive organizational culture as essential ingredients in strengthening relationships among communities, parents, staff, and students.

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Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025 

Dear Parents and Guardians, 

I want to thank you for your patience and commitment to your children’s education. I know the delays in building the new K-12 school in Parry Sound have caused frustration and uncertainty for many families. Please know that we hear you and share your determination to see this project completed. 

Last week, I visited both Parry Sound and North Bay to see firsthand how students, educators and staff are being supported. I toured the new K-12 school currently under construction to receive an in-person update on progress, and I spent time in the existing, partially demolished Parry Sound High School to meet the students and educators. I also sat down with board leadership and staff to discuss the status of the project and the next steps required. These conversations and visits reinforced our focus on finding a clear path forward that prioritizes the needs of students and the community. 

Based on my visit and an assessment of the project’s progress, it has become clear that the new K–12 school will not be ready to open before September 2026. I understand how disappointing this news is for families who have been waiting far too long. I have directed the board to continue to provide detailed and timely updates with families as this work moves forward. 

While it is no secret this project has faced numerous challenges and setbacks, let me assure you that we are taking strong action to get it back on track. We will engage a project manager to oversee the remaining construction and ensure accountability every step of the way. 

In addition, the ministry and my office have been in very close contact with the board regarding the situation at White Woods Public School, which was temporarily closed following a recent classroom fire. We are reassured that the transition of students to Northern Secondary School is proceeding smoothly, with strong supports in place and a clear plan to welcome students back to White Woods after the holiday break. 

We will support the Near North District School Board in building strong, stable governance and delivering the high-quality learning environments that all students across the board deserve. 

Sincerely, 

The Honourable Paul Calandra 

Minister of Education 

Friday, Dec. 5, 2025

Students explore military careers with 33^rd Battalion

Near North District School Board (NNDSB) students, their families and teachers explored military careers as they learned about a new paid co-operative (co-op) education program. The co-op open house was hosted by the Canadian Armed Forces and the Algonquin Regiment, held recently at the Martin Leo Troy Armoury in North Bay.

Students attended a presentation, participated in a question-and-answer session and toured the armoury to discover military trades. At trade-specific stations, students were introduced to roles such a vehicle technician, weapons tech, human resources and financial services.

Students who participate in the co-op will enrol as a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) primary reserve non-commissioned member. Once they pass basic military qualification, further training includes military driver qualification, winter warfare/survival training, combat logistics and trade qualification training. Upon completion, participants can choose to continue serving and begin occupation specialty training over the summer.

The co-op will be full-time for the second semester of the 2025-2026 school year.

NNDSB’s Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) Recruiter Roy Desjardins, said, “This initiative provided an exceptional opportunity for students exploring careers in the military. The service personnel were professional, welcoming, and highly engaged, sharing valuable insights into their career paths. The event offered a meaningful learning experience for our students, and plans are already underway to build on this success in the years ahead.”

Sgt Jean Knight, Unit Recruiting NCO, 33 Service Battalion, said students “participated in the virtual range simulator, competed to see who could do the most pushups and sit-ups, put on military kit and see what is used in a field setting. The engagement of the students was off the charts!”

By participating in the co-op, students can earn academic credits while they obtain military training – discipline, leadership and technical skills. They will be paid, receive medical and dental coverage and have guaranteed summer employment.

Sgt. Knight said there was a lot of positivity, excitement, and motivation to learn more about the program. “With many applications coming through, we are excited to continue to build on this success and provide opportunities for more young adults to join the CAF reserves through the co-op program.”

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