Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2021
Ombudsman acknowledges positive changes made at NNDSB
Near North District School Board (NNDSB) is pleased to be acknowledged in the 2020-2021 Ontario Ombudsman’s Annual Report. The board was mentioned for the progress achieved regarding transparency and process in response to closing Widdifield Secondary School as well as 14 recommendations made to the board.
In the 2021 report, Ombudsman Paul Dubé commended the board for its commitment to “enhancing the transparency of its decision-making processes” and noted he was looking forward to receiving updates on the implementation of his recommendations. Following a thorough investigation, Dubé had identified the areas for improvement and gave 14 recommendations in the July 2019 report.
The 2020-2021 Ombudsman’s report details how NNDSB has implemented 12 of the 14 recommendations as of December 2020, including the adoption of a new governance manual that addressed not only the ombudsman’s recommendations, but those of a 2013 review, and by Ministry of Education advisors in 2020.
The two outstanding recommendations relate to updating NNDSB’s accommodation review policy and will be implemented once the Ministry of Education updates its Pupil Accommodations Review Guideline.
In addition to modifying its governance structure, NNDSB continues to proactively engage with the ombudsman’s office to ensure the momentum continues.
Director of Education Craig Myles continues to proactively engage with the Ombudsman’s Office on a semi-annual basis.
“NNDSB is proud of the positive transformative changes that have been made and will continue to move in the direction of transparent and open communication with all stakeholders. This commitment has been encapsulated as a key strategic pillar in the board’s 2021-2026 Multi-Year Strategic Plan” said Chair Aspin.
Following the ombudsman’s investigation, the Ministry of Education appointed two special advisors to review the board’s practices. NNDSB has continued to engage with the special advisors operationally following the completion of their report.
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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:
Deb Bartlett
Communications Officer
Near North District School Board
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca
