Chris Zwicker

This strategic plan outlines the future direction of the Purdue College of Liberal Arts, emphasizing its role in preparing graduates for meaningful careers and inspired leadership in a rapidly evolving world. Key focus areas include blending technology with a deep understanding of humanity, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and developing graduates with broad worldviews, clear communication, continuous innovation, and the courage to take risks and solve complex problems. The plan aims for the college to lead in pushing creative boundaries, contributing to societal improvement, and transforming ideas into impactful solutions over the next two decades.

The regional kick-off meeting focused on the anti-bullying initiative Stand Up. Speak Out. 2014. Key discussion topics included the promotion of healthy relationships, kindness, and social justice within the school community. The board highlighted the availability of student action grants, which provide funding for student-led projects aimed at improving school culture, such as mentorship programs and purchasing anti-bullying educational resources. The meeting also featured a guest speaker who shared personal experiences regarding hate crime, adversity, and the importance of fostering acceptance.

The event focused on the Stand Up, Speak Out campaign regarding bullying and the pillars of social justice. Discussions centered on the five pillars of the social justice framework: gender, class, sexual orientation, abilities, and race. Participants engaged in activities to explore the metaphor of the backpack, which represents individual experiences and identity. The program included presentations on student action grants to support school-based initiatives and guest speakers addressing systemic racism and inclusive education.

The committee held its final public meeting to review the future of Maple Ridge Elementary and Shubenacadie District Elementary School. Key discussion topics included the committee's draft recommendation to purchase the Maple Ridge facility, continue operating the Shubenacadie school, and conduct a catchment area review for schools in the region to move toward optimization. The committee emphasized that the extension of the current lease for Maple Ridge is not economically viable. Additionally, the committee reviewed evidence of regional growth and future housing developments, which necessitates maintaining both schools to accommodate future student population increases.

The board meeting included an introduction to the budget for 2012-2013, discussing a budget shortfall of $6 million, coupled with a previous $3.8 million, totaling $9.8 million. Reductions in education were addressed, along with the complexities of declining enrollment and increasing costs. The board discussed the allocation from the provincial government for special education, which is $22.6 million, while the board anticipates spending approximately $27.4 million. The board also discussed targets and potential negative impacts on employees and students due to budget reductions.