Board Meeting Highlights - April 23, 2024
Good News
AMDSB Schools Organize Activities to Acknowledge Earth Week
Superintendent April Smith highlighted a variety of activities taking place across the district to recognize and commemorate Earth Week. From schoolyard clean-ups to guest speakers, and even community-wide initiatives, AMDSB students were actively promoting our shared responsibility to preserve the cleanliness of our planet! A slideshow featuring school activities is available for viewing online: AMDSB Earth Day Activities.
In addition, a new Environmental Action Plan is being released and highlights the board's commitment to three calls to action. Full details are on the board website: Environmental Action Plan.
The First Transition Fair a Huge Success!
Superintendent Kathy Boyd shared that the first of two Transition Fairs was a huge success. Families of children with special education needs were provided the opportunity to connect with and learn more about, the supports and services within Huron and Perth counties that can support their child’s journey as they transition out of high school. Representatives from 22 community supports and services agencies attended to connect with families. About 30 families as well as Resource Teachers from all four Perth County secondary schools attended. A second event will be hosted at Central Huron SS on Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 9 am to 12 pm to focus on Huron County organizations.
SDSS Music Program Wins a Number of Awards
Trustee Michael Bannerman was pleased to share that the Stratford District SS "Golden Bears Music" received a number of gold medal wins at a variety of music festivals from across the province. Way to go!
Scholarship donation from Seaforth Masonic Fraternity, Britannia No. 170 will help CHSS students
As part of their disbandment, the Masonic Fraternity, Britannia No. 170, Seaforth has contributed $30,000 to AMDSB for the formation of a scholarship at Central Huron Secondary School. This scholarship aims to annually support two graduating students who have made notable contributions to both the school and the broader community. Recipients will be selected based on their embodiment of several character attributes through their words and deeds, their willingness to assist others, and their commitment to achieving their personal best, regardless of academic standing. Thank you for your generous donation!
Athletics Update
Superintendent Paul Langis explained that this time period is between seasons for athletics but he did highlight that participation numbers for the board for fall and winter athletics with all our AMDSB schools were:
- Fall - 785 students in 10 sports
- Winter - 1035 in 12 sports
New Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Released
Superintendent Cheri Carter was pleased to share that after an extensive consultation process, a new Multi-Year Accessibility Plan has been released. A huge thank you to the committee members for all of their work in the development of this plan. The plan can be reviewed on the board website: Multi-Year Accessibility Plan (2024-2029)
Student Trustee Update
Student Trustee Nathan Bean reported their e-waste collection initiative was a huge success! All four sites across the district collected a huge number of e-waste (approximately 200 to 250 cubic feet). A review, including photos of the initiative, can be viewed in the presentation that Nathan shared with trustees. He also shared that student senate elections are occurring at all secondary schools and the student trustee election will be completed next week. Finally, a new student trustee orientation session is being planned for May.
Senior Staff Updates
Five Contracts with Union Partners Ratified
Superintendent Laura Marotta shared with great pride that five collective agreements have been ratified by both the board and the respective bargaining unit members. ETFO, ETFO-OT, OSSTF teacher bargaining unit, OSSTF professional student services personnel or PSSP, and OSSTF education service support personnel or ESSP have held votes with their members and all have ratified our agreements. She extended her heartfelt thanks to all the bargaining team members, federation presidents, and lead negotiators for their unwavering professionalism and collaborative efforts throughout the process. Their dedication has resulted in forward-looking collective agreements that provide flexibility to ensure staff have optimal working conditions, allowing the board to prioritize improved outcomes in student achievement and well-being.
Update on the Director's Work Plan
An update was provided on the Director's Work Plan. Superintendent Paul Langis outlined the strategies that are being implemented to grow the international education program. He explained that the program is working hard to recruit additional students to come to AMDSB as well as homestay families. Superintendent Jane Morris outlined plans to broaden the scope of adult education offerings through the Centre for Employment & Learning, particularly targeting areas that have historically been underserved, such as Listowel. Superintendent Cheri Carter presented the details about the board's school building Energy Conservation Plan to reduce energy consumption and Superintendent April Smith reviewed the AMDSB Environmental Action Plan (details above).
Stratford and Area Boundary Review Update
Three community members recently presented their delegations to the trustees regarding the proposed options under consideration. The trustees will be hosting a special board meeting on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. at Stratford Intermediate School in the Pathways Innovation Centre (3rd floor) to hear additional delegations (presentations). Anyone interested in presenting a delegation at this meeting is asked to contact Barb Crawford ([email protected]). Details about board delegations can be found in Board Policy 9 (see section 5). Full details about the project are on the board website: Stratford Boundary Review page.
Future Board Meetings
Regular Board Meetings are held in person unless otherwise noted. Agendas are posted on the Board Meeting page the day before the meeting. The public portion begins at 4:45 p.m.
- Tuesday, May 14, 2024: Committee of the Whole, Open Session
Tuesday, May 28, 2024: Regular Board Meeting at 4:45 p.m. and Committee of the Whole, Closed Session immediately afterwards.
Future Meetings/Events with Trustee Representation
- Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) – Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 4:00
p.m. - Recognition Committee – Friday, May 17, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.
- Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) – Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. at the Seaforth Education Centre with the option to join online
- Transportation Steering Committee Meeting – Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at 3:30 p.m. (online)
- Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Workgroup (AODA) – Wednesday,
June 5, 2024; 3:00 p.m. (online) - Audit Committee Meeting – Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.
- Finance Committee – Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. (online)
- Finance Committee – Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.(online)