Board Meeting Highlights - January 28, 2025
Land Acknowledgement
Vice Chair Patricia Smith provided a territorial acknowledgement to express gratitude and to honour the Indigenous people who have lived and worked on this land historically and presently. She spoke to our need to work together for the best for all and encouraged the group to pause to reflect on what we are thankful for and how we can live in harmony with other living beings.
Good News
Director's Annual Report for 2023/2024 Now Available!
Director Graham Shantz and Communications Manager Chera Longston presented the 2023/2024 Director's Annual Report. The report highlights the achievements of the board and showcases activities and events that occurred in our schools. It includes sections on:- Achievement
- Human right and equity
- Mental health, well-being and engagement
- Pathways and transitions
- Operational effectiveness
The full report can be viewed on the board website: amdsb.ca/DAR
Days of Significance Around the District (January Edition)
Communications Manager Chera Longston presented a new monthly video series that highlights the activities throughout the district celebrating days of significance. At the beginning of each month a summary of the days ahead will be shared on social media and then at the end, a summary of how schools celebrated those days. The January edition included New Year's, Mental Health and Awareness Week and Family Literacy Day. Keep an eye on social media for this new series!
DOS - Jan 2025 Wrap-Up by AMDSB Communications
Board Approves the 2024/2025 Revised Budget
The Board of Trustees of AMDSB received and approved the 2024/2025 Revised Budget. The operating budget presented includes Operating Revenues and Transfers of Reserves of $255,649,845 and Operating Expenses of the same. The capital budget approved includes Capital Spending of $25,796,847. While the operating budget is compliant with the Ministry of Education's budget compliance rule, the total operating deficit for the 2024/2025 year is expected to be $2,183,690. Please see the full report of the Finance Committee.
Kudos to Romeo PS
Trustee Bruce Whitaker shared that he received high praise from a staff member of the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Adoption Program at the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society. She expressed deep admiration for Romeo Public School, saying: "Romeo is unlike any other school. Every time I walk in, I immediately feel a warm energy and vibe. The school is absolutely amazing, always 110% focused on students. The kind and caring approach of the principal, teachers, and staff is truly touching. The school deserves recognition for its inclusive approach, patience, and kindness in working with children." Well done, Romeo!
Pathways Advisory Committee Hosts First Meeting of 2025
Superintendent Paul Langis highlighted a recent meeting of the Pathways Advisory Committee (PAC). The PAC includes board staff and local businesses who are working to provide recommendations and feedback regarding AMDSB Pathways promotion and to support planning that will enable AMDSB to best support students in their initial postsecondary destination and ultimately to meet local industry needs. The meeting included discussion and feedback on what employers are looking for when interviewing potential employees. Also, a guest presenter from Merit Ontario spoke about their support for small and medium size employers for managing the complexities of managing apprentices.
AMDSB Staff Contributions to United Way Perth-Huron Campaign Surpass Last Year
Superintendent Laura Marotta shared that AMDSB staff participated in the annual campaign to support the United Way Perth-Huron. This year there was an increase of 112% in the number of employees who participated and a 126% increase in the dollars donated over the previous year. Thank you to all those employees who are supporting this very worthy cause!
Chair's Update
Chair Michael Bannerman shared that after attending the Public Education Symposium hosted by the Ontario Public School Board Association (OPSBA) in Toronto last week he was very proud of the work that AMDSB is doing in the area of fiscal responsibility. He expressed a sincere thank you to our staff, particularly the finance team as led by Superintendent Cheri Carter.
Future Board Meetings
Regular Board Meetings are held in person unless otherwise noted. Links to join the meetings online will be posted on the Board Meeting page the day before the meeting. The public portion begins at 4:45 p.m.
- Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 4:45 p.m. Committee of the Whole, Open Session
- Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 4:45 p.m. Regular Session, followed by Committee of the
Whole, Closed Session
Future Meetings/Events with Trustee Representation
- Transportation Steering Committee – February 4, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. via Teams
- Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) – February 4, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. via Teams
- Special Education Advisory Committee – February 5, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.
- Equity Steering Committee – February 12, 2025 at 12:00 p.m.
- Supervised Alternative Learning – February 24, 2025 at 8:30 a.m.