Hugh Cox

The meeting commenced with a Land Acknowledgement. Key actions included the approval of the agenda and granting authorized exemptions for electronic attendance for trustees in the current and future meeting dates. Consent items approved covered the School Year Calendar Committee Report and the approval of Policy #14 Trustee Honoraria. The board also received staff updates, budget reports, and committee minutes. The main business included a presentation and update on the 2025-2028 Equity Action Plan. The board subsequently approved the 2025/2026 Revised Budget, including operating revenue, expense estimates, the Capital Construction Budget, the IT Capital Budget, and the purchase of two portables for Listowel District SS. Information reports included the Director's Annual Report for 2024/2025 and an update on the Strategic Plan development, including engagement plans. An update was also provided on the Student Achievement Plan (SAP) Indicators #9 (Attendance), #10 (Suspensions), and #11 (Mental Health and Supportive Services). Updates were also provided regarding the OPSBA symposium and before and after school care Town Hall meeting status.

The Regular Board Session agenda for February 24, 2026, included routine matters such as the approval of the agenda and consent items. Key recommendations for immediate action involved a staff presentation and report on the Before and After School Program Update, directing staff to form a task force to develop strategies with external partners for program needs in Huron and Perth counties. Information reports covered Long-Term Student Enrolment Projections, which indicated a moderate enrollment increase over the next decade, and year-to-date expense statements for September 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026, showing expenses were on track with the budget. The agenda also listed reports from the Director, including updates on the Strategic Plan development and the Student Achievement Plan (SAP) Indicators #9, #10, and #11. The session was scheduled to be followed immediately by a Committee of the Whole, Closed Session.

The meeting commenced with a Land Acknowledgement detailing commitments to truth-telling and reconciliation regarding the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabeg homelands. Key discussions included a review of feedback from the Screenagers presentation, noting that 97% of respondents increased their understanding of addictive behaviours and learned strategies for discussing technology with children, though limitations existed due to the requirement for in-person viewing. Updates from the Director covered the upcoming strategic planning process to replace the current plan expiring in August 2026, with an aim to approve the new plan by May 2026. The Student Achievement Plan was presented, aligning with provincial priorities in core academic skills, future success preparation, and student wellbeing, alongside a forthcoming parent/caregiver survey. Fundraising ideas for school councils was confirmed as a standing agenda item.

The meeting commenced with a Land Acknowledgement. Key agenda items involved approving the agenda and granting authorized exemptions for several trustees to attend electronically. Consent items approved included the resolution to approve Policies #24, #26, #27 and #28, an Architectural Request for Proposal, an AODA Committee Annual Report, a Notice of Motion regarding Policy #14 Trustee Honoraria, Staff Adjustments, and the minutes from the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) meeting of November 5, 2025. A Good News segment shared highlights from a school council meeting and various district activities. Staff presented a high-level overview regarding Before and After School Childcare, detailing program options, legislative requirements, and the engagement process with third-party providers, with a follow-up report scheduled for February 24, 2026. A presentation on the 2024/2025 EQAO Results covered assessments in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics, noting that results were publicly released on December 3, 2025, and outlining next steps for school learning plans. The Math Action Plan for 2025/2026 was presented, focusing on Ministry priorities, intensive supports for eight priority schools, and the implementation of a new elementary math scope and sequence resource. Finally, the Board approved the trustee committee assignments for 2026, received an update on OPSBA governance reorganization, and a report confirming AMDSB met Secondary Class Size Reporting requirements.

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