Near North District School Board

Steer, Bill

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Trustee Bill Steer believes that to assume a leadership position such as a school Board trustee, a high-quality system needs to be promoted; a system that focuses on improving every student’s success and well-being. He values equity, diversity and inclusion, Truth and Reconciliation, student voice, quality and innovation, environmental stewardship, good governance, accountability, collaboration and integrity. He values the Multi-Year Strategic Plan for its consideration of all stakeholders in the board’s goal of student achievement and well-being. Trustee Steer is a former NNDSB teacher at both elementary and secondary levels, teaches part-time at Nipissing University and is the founder and head of school/general manager of the Canadian Ecology Centre. He is the father of a grown daughter who is a product of NNDSB, and in his spare time, he writes as Back Roads Bill for CBC and Village Media.

Sargent, Louise

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Louise Sargent was born and raised in North Bay. This is her third consecutive term as a Near North District School Board Trustee after retiring from teaching locally for 33 years. She believes accessibility, listening, working hard, and using her educational knowledge and experiences are key to continuing to be an informed representative for students in the decision-making process at the trustee level. Louise continues her committee involvement in the Equity Advisory Circle, First Nation Advisory Committee, Special Education Advisory Committee and the W.J. Fricker Building Committee.

Bertram, Julie Ann

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Julie Bertram

As a parent of three school-age children, Trustee Bertram ran for office to help shape the direction of public education, which she believes is a vital component to societal development. She has an extensive record of service to her community (Field) and as a member of Northern Secondary School’s advisory committee. Trustee Bertram understands that diverse and inclusive learning environments that promote achievement and well-being need to be valued, and all members of the educational community should contribute to creating that environment. She is passionate about diversity, inclusion, respect, student well-being, Indigenous truth & reconciliation, and parent/community involvement. Trustee Bertram is a musician and writer. She and her partner own and run a campground at which they hold special events that focus on sustainability and arts.

Board Expected to Approve W.J. Fricker Grade 8’s to Widdifield

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At its January 22, 2019 Regular Board Meeting the Near North District School Board will consider a motion keeping Widdifield Secondary School and W. J. Fricker open for the 2019/2020 school year as well as transitioning the graduating Grade 8 students from W.J. Fricker to Widdifield Secondary School as in past years. This proposed motion was unanimously agreed to at the board’s Committee of the Whole meeting last night.

“The Board had a comprehensive discussion on the issue and were fully in agreement with the staff recommendation. It is in the best interest of our students to maintain quality programming in all schools while the Board awaits information from the Ministry and the Ombudsman’s report regarding the 3:2 consolidation. We were cognizant of the timelines for course selection and the need to have information communicated to students and parents in a timely manner.” Jay Aspin, Chair.

The temporary closure of W.J. Fricker to accommodate the construction of the new building will be delayed. Although the funding has been approved by the Ministry of Education, there are a number of procedural requirements relating to procurement’s and cost consultants that must be completed and approved by the Ministry before the project can proceed. Considering the current status of this project the initial time line is no longer attainable.

For more information, please contact:

Mairghread Knought
Information/Communication Officer
Near North District School Board
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Mairghread.Knought@nearnorthschools.ca

NNDSB RELEASES DIRECTOR’S ANNUAL REPORT

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The 2017/2018 Director’s Annual Report was presented to the Board of Trustees at the December 18, 2018 Regular Board Meeting in accordance with the requirements of the Education Act.  The Education Act, 1990 stipulates that a Director’s Annual Report must be prepared and presented to the Board of Trustees at the first regular meeting in December.

The attached report meets all of the Ministry of Educations requirements with respect to the Annual Report including, but not limited to:

  • The Board’s strategic goals and progress made towards those goals.
  • Action taken towards the promotion of a positive school climate and prevention of bullying.
  • Training and professional development for employees with respect to equity and inclusive education.
  • Efforts to actively engage and integrate feedback from students, parents and community partners.

The information contained in the attached report is only a snapshot of all work, programming and accomplishments of the NNDSB over the past year.   We are fortunate to have such dedicated and competent educators within our schools and Board.

Director’s Annual Report 2017-2018

For more information, please contact:

Mairghread Knought
Information/Communications Officer
Near North District School Board
Tel:  705-472-8170 ext. 5010
Email: Mairghread.Knought@nearnorthschools.ca

Biindigen

Mii gwi Anishinabek wewena nkenmaaminak dependajig maa kiing.
"We acknowledge in a good way, the original people of the land here"
We value the cultures, histories and relationships with the Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (North America)

Connect With Us

Near North District School Board
963 Airport Road, P.O. Box 3110, North Bay, ON P1B 8H1
[P] 705-472-8170   [TF] 1-800-278-4922   [F] 705-472-9927