An impressive list of achievements was presented to trustees of the Near North District School Board on Jan. 12, acknowledging the work that has been accomplished in calendar year 2020, and outlining next steps in the board’s strategic plan roadmap.
Among the highlights of the board’s accomplishments are the creation of a Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) for 2021-2026, the distribution of the Director’s Annual Report, the creation of a finance manual and a streamlined budget reporting process, aggressive application for grants to enhance services of the Board, the initiation of board office reorganization, increased communication and presence on social media, the creation of a draft framework leading to comprehensive succession plans for all staff, and the successful consolidation of North Bay secondary schools.
Director of Education Craig Myles said, “We are pleased at the significant progress we have made and we will continue to look at systemic improvement in all areas of Board structure and function.”
Board Chair Jay Aspin said, “our Board has come a long way this past year, resulting from our diligent work and our Director’s strong, effective leadership in the guidance of a dedicated team.” He pointed out this was accomplished during a “disruptive pandemic”.
While celebrating achievement, NNDSB is committed to carefully plotting the direction of the board. With input from a variety of sources and the guidance of facilitators, five objectives for change were identified: leadership; governance; financial accountability; human resources; and public confidence. These areas are addressed in the MYSP and its focus on excellence: Excellence in Teaching and Learning; Excellence in Relationships; Excellence in Innovation; and Excellence in Communication.
Of the MYSP Director Myles said, “We have invested much time and effort in the design of a thorough MYSP, understanding the important part it will play in providing a clear direction for NNDSB over the next five-year period.”
Board Chair Aspin said major challenges in the year ahead include the construction of two new schools, a board resources reorganization, and the review of secondary school athletic facilities.
The MYSP, said Chair Aspin, will provide direction for the board for the next five years, beginning Sept. 2021. Through aligning goals of the MYSP, improvement will be made to student achievement and well-being, a “continual responsibility” of the board.
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Information about Near North District School Board:
Near North District School Board is an English-language public school board serving the North Bay – Parry Sound – Nipissing area. The Board consists of approximately 10,000 students in 27 elementary schools, seven secondary/senior schools and various alternative learning centres. For more information, please visit nearnorthschools.ca and follow Near North District School Board on social media.
For more information, please contact:
Josh Casey
Information/Communication Coordinator
Near North District School Board
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5083
E. Josh.Casey@nearnorthschools.ca
Deb Bartlett
Information/Communication Officer
Near North District School Board
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca
