Dennis Dick

The committee meeting focused on several administrative and technology-related topics. Initial discussions included acknowledging the traditional land of the Anishinaabeg peoples and addressing trustee attendance via electronic means in accordance with regulations. Key reports involved an overview of Information Communications and Technology (ICT) services, highlighting connectivity, digital citizenship, equitable access, and device lifecycle planning via the Technology Master Plan (TMP). The TMP details over 14,000 student devices, a 1:1 ratio for secondary students, and specific device allocation for different grade levels. Security, including recent cybersecurity funding, was also discussed. Further presentation covered the effective and purposeful use of technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) guidelines, the Vetting Applications for Software Privacy (VASP) process, and piloting of generative AI tools. Specific software applications like Lexia and Knowledge Hook were detailed, showing positive impacts on student literacy and math achievement, though constrained by device access time limitations. The meeting also reviewed the SAMR model for technology integration, citing an ArcGIS project nominated for an award as an example of redefinition integration, and noted other utilized applications like Mathagon and Desmos.

The Governance Standing Committee Meeting agenda included the call to order, attendance verification, agenda approval, and disclosure of pecuniary interest. Key discussion items covered staff reports, specifically concerning Field Trips (no reports) and Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The ICT report detailed strategic alignment, current device ratios (including 4:1 elementary and 1:1 secondary), technology investments, recent completed projects like integrating IEPs into Aspen SIS, strategy regarding generative AI tools, and high cybersecurity performance resulting in achieving over 90% on the OSBIE cyber scorecard for 2025-2026. Committee reports included updates from the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) meeting of February 23, 2026, and the Policy Standing Committee meeting of February 17, 2026. The Policy Standing Committee reviewed and recommended approval for several revised board policies, including Procedural By-Laws, Conflict of Interest, and Access to Board Premises. The next steps for ICT involve finalizing the GenAI strategic plan and continuing support for TMP device ratios.

The regular board meeting included acknowledgement of traditional land, condolences regarding a recent tragedy in Tumblr Ridge, BC, and the approval of the agenda. Key business involved the approval of minutes from the regular board meeting of December 16, 2025, and the governance standing committee meeting of February 3, 2026. Recommendations from the Governance Standing Committee included approving student participation in various anniversary trips (Liberation of Italy, France and Italy 2027 March) and environmental studies field trips for Georgian Bay and Gray Island Secondary Schools. Additionally, the Board approved the modified 2026-2027 draft elementary and secondary school year calendars. The Business and Facility Standing Committee provided items for information, including an interim report on revenues/expenditures and the 2026-2027 budget timeline. The Board also addressed two time-sensitive motions, requiring a two-thirds vote for consideration, related to writing to the Ontario Ombudsman and the Minister of Education regarding the proposed removal of English public school trustees, citing concerns over fairness, accountability, representation for Indigenous students, and the elimination of student trustees.

The Governance Standing Committee meeting addressed several key topics, including land acknowledgments. The agenda approval process was conducted, and no pecuniary interests were disclosed. Staff reports covered multiple topics, primarily focusing on approving student participation in two international trips for the 2027 year: one for Georgian Bay Community School students to Italy for the anniversary of the Battle of Monte Casino, and another for Owen Sound District Secondary School students to France and Italy. Fundraising efforts were discussed to support student participation in these trips. Additionally, approval was sought for multiple field trips related to the Grey Highland Secondary School Environmental Studies Program in April, May, and June of 2026, covering canoeing, camping, and outdoor skills development. Finally, trips for the Georgian Bay Community School Resource Program were presented for approval, including activities in April, May, and June of 2026.

The Governance Standing Committee meeting addressed several key items, primarily focusing on field trip recommendations. Approvals were granted for multiple student trips, including participation in the Liberation of Italy anniversary events for Georgian Bay Community School and Owen Sound District Secondary School, a France and Italy trip for Owen Sound District Secondary School, Environmental Studies Program trips for Grey Highlands Secondary School, and Pursuits Program trips for Georgian Bay Community School. Additionally, the committee considered for approval the modified 2026-2027 Draft Elementary and Secondary School Year Calendars for submission to the Ministry of Education. Reports on EQAO Results 2024-2025 and Student Engagement and Well Being were presented for information, as were reports from the Special Education Advisory Committee and the Parent Involvement Committee.