Heather Harris

This document provides an overview of Superior CVI, highlighting its diverse educational programs, supportive environment, and commitment to student development. Key focus areas include academic excellence through challenging IB programs, specialized high skills majors in environment, health and wellness, and manufacturing, and holistic student development encompassing creativity, physical fitness, and mental well-being. The school fosters a strong sense of community, with encouraging teachers and a variety of extracurricular activities, aiming to prepare students for future success and personal growth.

This document outlines guiding principles for the 2026-2027 budget development, anchored by a mission of student success and a vision of equitable, inclusive educational environments. The plan focuses on strategic pillars such as prioritizing students, aligning financial resources with a multi-year strategic plan using data, investing in innovation, engagement, partnerships, facilities, and professional learning, fostering stakeholder consultation, and ensuring long-term fiscal responsibility.

The Finance Committee meeting commenced with the election of committee leadership for the 2025-2026 term, during which Trustee Wemigwans was acclaimed as Chair and Trustee Saarinen was declared Vice Chair. The agenda for the December 9, 2025 meeting was approved. Information reports presented included the 2024-2025 Financial Statement Variance Report and the 2024-2025 Transfer & Contingency Fund Report, which involved detailing budget transfers and contingency use, resulting in zero remaining contingency funds. The schedule for the 2025-2026 Finance Committee was also presented.

The Lakehead District School Board's 2025-2029 Strategic Plan is dedicated to the success of every student, fostering inclusive and equitable learning environments. It is guided by three core pillars: 'Belong,' which aims to create safe, supportive, and equitable environments with clear communication and mental health support; 'Succeed,' which sets high expectations for all learners, developing transferable skills, digital literacy, and providing experiential learning opportunities; and 'Reconcile,' which commits to supporting Indigenous partnerships, weaving Indigenous perspectives into education, and growing spaces for cultural practices. The plan emphasizes a journey of reconciliation and respect for all Canadians.

The Finance Committee meeting included a land acknowledgement and approval of the agenda. The committee welcomed presenters from various Federations/Unions/Advisory Committees, who provided input into the 2025-2026 budget process. These included the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC), Parent Involvement Committee (PIC), Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation (OSSTF), Lakehead Ontario Principals' Council (LOPC), Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation Early Childhood Educators (OSSTF ECE), Elementary Occasional Teachers (EOT), and Lakehead Elementary Teachers of Ontario (LETO). Further clarification regarding the budget deputations will be provided at the next meeting.