Board Meeting Highlights - January 27, 2026
Good News
Mornington Central PS Acknowledged for "Let's Talk Careers" Competition
Trustee Moore was pleased to share that Mornington Central PS students participated in the ChatterHigh “Let’s Talk Careers” national competition and explored meaningful career and post-secondary opportunities alongside more than 10,000 students from 386 schools across Canada.
A total of 61 Mornington students explored 11,721 career and post-secondary web pages, engaging with a wide range of pathways and demonstrating curiosity, independence, and commitment to learning beyond the classroom. Their participation resulted in $400 in bursary funding earned for the school - congratulations!
Child Care Grand Openings
Chair Michael Bannerman shared that in December he visited Listowel Eastdale PS and Milverton PS to celebrate the grand openings of their child care spaces. He was joined by fellow trustee Nancy Rothwell, Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae, other AMDSB staff members, child care staff members and North Perth and Perth East Municipality elected officials and staff members. Representatives toured the spaces, shared brief remarks, enjoyed refreshments and ceremoniously cut the ribbon. Appreciation was shared for the funding that was provided by the province of Ontario and the partnerships that enabled the construction of these spaces.
Reading Day at Bluewater Coast ES
Trustee Robert Hunking shared that he attended a literacy day at Bluewater Coast ES where students focused on literacy activities and he, along with other special guests, read their favourite stories to students to encourage a love of books! Also featured in a Exeter Lakeshore Times-Advance article!
Pathways Highlights - Winter Edition!
Superintendent Paul Langis was pleased to share that a new issue of the Pathways Highlights e-magazine has been released. This edition highlights activities and students from the year so far and showcases the amazing opportunities that AMDSB students enjoy! Check it out today at amdsb.ca/pathwaysemag. School Showcase
Communications Manager Chera Longston highlighted Goderich District Collegiate Institute (GDCI), located in Goderich (Trustee Joseph Cohen), which serves approximately 130 elementary students (grades 7 and 8) and 400 secondary students from grades 9 to 12. Its feeder schools include Goderich and Brookside public schools. The current building opened in 1841 and is led by Principal Lucy Langis and Vice Principal Helena Finch under the supervision of Superintendent Kathy Boyd.
Highlights from GDCI include:
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Unique opportunities for students: Brain Bee hosted by Western University that introduces students to the field of neuroscience through mock patient diagnosis sessions, demonstrations and a neuroanatomy scavenger hunt! The Ontario Education Leadership Camp and the Ontario Student Leadership Conference where students network and hear from engaging speakers. Forest Canada's Ontario Envirothon where students are immersed in hands-on environmentally-themed learning and discovery (GDCI students were awarded regional champions in 2024).
- Extracurriculars that appeal to all: Eco Club, Hats and Mats, Climbing Club and a wide variety of sports.
- Lunch 'n Learn program: a welcoming space where students enjoy a nutritious meal prepared by the Hospitality Department and receive academic support. An amazing community building initiative!
Days of Significance Wrap-Ups (December and January)
Schools celebrated several important days and weeks throughout December and January. The videos below provide a sampling of these activities!
Dec DOS Wrap-up Video - 2025 by AMDSB Communications
Jan DOS Wrap-up Video - 2026 by AMDSB Communications
Student Trustee Update
Chair Michael Bannerman shared the following update from our Student Senate:
The senate has decided to use bake sales as the means of fundraising for the equity fund. Order forms will be made up by each school's respective student councils allowing parents and guardians to order from a set selection of sweets, tables will also be open at schools for students to purchase/donate. This will hopefully be completed in late February or early March.
In addition to the equity fundraiser we have decided to do an online mental health campaign, likely to take place around May. This campaign will feature posts that emphasize the difference and importance of both mental health and mental illness, when to seek help and the strength in it, as well as accessible resources for each respective school. This may be accompanied by a mental health week featuring activities within schools, but this is undecided.
Chair's Update
Chair Bannerman shared that he attended the Public Education Symposium in Toronto with Vice Chair Patricia Smith and fellow trustees Joseph Cohen, Deepika Mishra, Nancy Rothwell and Robert Hunking. There were a number of engaging sessions which provided an excellent opportunity for learning and networking. He also celebrated that Trustee Hunking was honoured for 15 years of service - congratulations!
Senior Staff Updates
Director's Annual Report (2024/2025)
Director Graham Shantz shared the 2024/2025 Director's Annual Report. He highlighted that the report is organized by the Ministry of Education priorities and focuses on stories from schools across the district. The full report can be viewed at: amdsb.ca/DAR.Board Approves the 2025/2026 Revised Budget
The Board of Trustees of AMDSB received and approved the 2025/2026 Revised Budget. The balanced operating budget presented includes Operating Revenues and Transfers of Reserves of $261,303,950 and Operating Expenses of the same. The capital budget approved includes Capital Spending of $27,879,167. Please see the full report of the Finance Committee.
Equity Action Plan Update
System Principal Burt shared the recently launched Equity Action Plan (2025-2028). He provided a recap of the activities that were completed under the previous plan (2021-2024) and explained the updates that have been made that align with the work of the Equity department. The full plan can be viewed at: amdsb.ca/EDIplan
Future Board Meetings
Regular Board Meetings are held in person unless otherwise noted. Links to join the Regular Board meetings online will be posted on the Board Meeting page the day before the meeting.
- Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 4:45 p.m. (Governance and Strategic Planning Committee)
- Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 4:45 p.m. (Regular Board Meeting, followed by Committee of the Whole, Closed Session)
Future Meetings/Events with Trustee Representation
- Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) – Wednesday, February 4, 2026 (online)
- Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) – Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. (online)
- Supervised Alternative Learning (SAL) – Monday, February 23, 2026
- Strategic Planning Session with Trustees and Senior Staff – Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. (full day session)