Algoma District School Board

The committee held a presentation and discussion regarding the Educational Assistant allocation process within the district, covering the role of EAs in needs-based programming and key timeline dates. Member organizations provided updates on various initiatives, including funding for assessments, transition programs, workshops for caregivers, school fundraising efforts, and recruitment activities. The report from the Board of Trustees covered the Director's annual report, EQAO results, committee appointments, and calendar consultations. Administrative reports focused on recent professional development day activities, including training for teaching staff and educational assistants, as well as participation in the OCASE virtual symposium regarding employment transition paths for students with disabilities.

The committee discussed a range of topics, including correspondence regarding the timing of educational funding releases to the Minister of Education. A presentation was provided on the Story Champs narrative language intervention program. Various member organizations shared updates on their activities, including youth wellness events, transition planning, and college applicant intake. Additionally, the Board reported on Alliance Academy enrollment and project status, while administration provided updates on attendance at the Council for Exceptional Children Ontario Conference, professional development days for staff, resource teacher training sessions, and collaborative discussions with other school boards.

The committee reviewed the Transitions to School process, a year-long program supporting students with special needs as they enter Kindergarten. Member organizations provided updates on their respective activities, including new hiring initiatives, inclusive education events, summer employment programs, and upcoming collaborative projects. The Board reported on organizational leadership changes, while administration representatives discussed staff retirements, new appointments, the status of Kindergarten registration, consultation on the 2026-2027 school year calendar, and upcoming professional development opportunities.

This document outlines the Algoma District School Board's comprehensive Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan. It details the roles and responsibilities of the Board, staff, students, and parents/guardians in fostering a safe and inclusive school environment. Key focus areas include implementing various prevention strategies at both school and classroom levels, establishing clear intervention protocols, ensuring ongoing monitoring and review of effectiveness, and forming a School Well-Being Team to advise on related strategies. The plan aims to address bullying, promote positive relationships, and maintain a healthy school climate.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and minutes from the September 9, 2025 session. Correspondence addressed an email from a private practitioner seeking to present on truancy concerns, which was redirected to senior administration and the board of trustees as it falls outside the direct scope of special education programs. A significant portion of the meeting involved a presentation and discussion regarding the Project SEARCH program, a school-to-work transition initiative for students with intellectual or developmental disabilities, detailing its international model, local partnership structure (ADSB, Community Living Algoma, Sault Area Hospital), intern eligibility, and criteria for successful employment outcomes. Member organization updates were provided by North Shore Tribal Council, Thrive, Community Living Algoma, Autism Ontario, and Algoma Family Services. The Trustee report noted a donation received for breakfast programs and updates on the Capital Plan. Administration reported on attendance at the Provincial CTEP/ECPP Conference and a recent Secondary SERT learning session covering IEP development and Locally Developed Credit Courses.