Ben Johnson

The agenda for the Regular Board Meeting included presentations on the Chatham Kent Secondary School Welding Program and delegations from the public. Key reports for board action included proposed revisions to the LKDSB Procedural By-laws, approval of a revised schedule for Regular Board Meetings, approval of the review of the policy and regulations on School Food and Beverages, and several tender awards for asphalt replacement and restoration/renovation projects at various schools, including Brooke Central School and Errol Road Public School. Information reports covered the Special Education Advisory Committee Update and an Ontario Public School Boards' Association Update. The meeting also addressed the Trustee Determination and Distribution Report, Policy and Regulations on Expense Reimbursement, and Mileage and Per Diem Rates adjustments. The Director provided an update on COVID-19 protocols and reported on the Public Salary Disclosure for 2021. New business included trustee questions regarding the Supervised Alternative Learning (SAL) Program workload and Virtual Learning programming enrolment.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and the Traditional Territorial Acknowledgement. Business arising from the previous meeting included confirmation of the estimated enrolment for the Elementary Virtual Program for 2022-2023, the scheduling of a SAL presentation for the May 24, 2022, meeting, and the transition of the Board Meeting software platform from Zoom to Microsoft Teams. A motion was carried to excuse Trustee Scott McKinlay from attending Board Meetings from April 12, 2022, to April 26, 2022. A presentation highlighted the Chatham Kent Secondary School Technologies program, detailing courses in welding, automotive, communications, and manufacturing, noting that students are trained for welding ticket challenges. Key actions included the approval of proposed revisions to the LKDSB Procedural By-laws, necessitated by changes in the Municipal Elections Act regarding term start dates, and the approval of a revised schedule for Regular Board Meetings. Additionally, the Board approved the review of the policy and revised regulations on School Food and Beverages. Tender awards were approved for Asphalt Replacement at Brooke Central School and for Roof Restoration & Washroom Renovation at Errol Road Public School. The Special Education Advisory Committee Report was noted. During new business, there were discussions regarding staffing levels affected by sick leave, the Board's position on mask mandates (deferring to Public Health direction), and the impact of destreaming on course offerings at Alexander Mackenzie Secondary School.

The meeting agenda for the public session covered several action items, including a proposed amendment to the Board practice regarding the use of secret ballots during open session meetings. Key reports for action included the approval of the LKDSB 2019/2020 School Year Audited Financial Statements and the approval of the 2020/2021 Internal Audit Plan. Reports for information covered updates on the Indigenous Liaison Committee, Student Senate, Operational Plan, and the LKDSB update on Face to Face and Learn at Home programs. The minutes from the previous meeting indicate discussion on the Secondary Summer Semester program achievements, including serving close to 1,800 students, and the appointment of a new Trustee following multiple voting rounds.

The meeting agenda was approved, and the action resulting from the Private Session was ratified by the Board. Key discussions centered on a proposed amendment to the Board Practice regarding the use of secret ballots during open session meetings, which ultimately did not carry after a recorded vote. The Board approved the audited Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying Independent Auditors' Report for the year ending August 31, 2020, noting a clean audit with no issues identified. Furthermore, the accumulated surplus allocation amounts from the year end were approved, with a portion related to unspent budgets due to COVID-19. The Board also approved the revised 2020/2021 Internal Audit Plan, shifting the focus from Strategic Planning Process to Online Learning Systems. Reports were received from the Indigenous Liaison Committee, Student Senate, and on the Operational Plan alignment with Strategic Priorities. An update was provided regarding the LKDSB response protocols for confirmed COVID-19 cases in schools. Discussions also touched upon staff mental health support, the submission of proposals for Ministry COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream funding, and the creation of an Inclusive Diversity Consultant position.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and an In Memoriam observation. Key discussions included an update on potential Trustee workshops regarding Treaties, with dates to be proposed in April 2023. A tender award was approved for asphalt replacement, exhaust fan installation for smudging, and a barrier-free washroom at Lansdowne Public School. The Board passed a motion to cease including the annual Public Sector Salary Disclosure list in the Board Agenda package, opting instead to maintain a link to the Provincial website. The Audit Committee reported on internal audit functions by KPMG LLP and the status of the External Financial Audit Services RFP. The Special Education Advisory Committee reported on presentations concerning Coordinated Service Planning and Building Trauma-Sensitive Schools. The Financial Report for the first two quarters of the 2022-2023 school year expenditures was reviewed, including comparisons against historical and equal spending benchmarks. Discussions on New Business addressed the annual celebration of Black History and African Heritage, resource sharing, and Kindergarten registration promotion across various media channels. Announcements included an upcoming Parent Involvement Committee virtual event series and Employee Retirement Recognition ceremonies.