Joe Maurice

The committee discussed a range of topics, including correspondence regarding the timing of educational funding releases to the Minister of Education. A presentation was provided on the Story Champs narrative language intervention program. Various member organizations shared updates on their activities, including youth wellness events, transition planning, and college applicant intake. Additionally, the Board reported on Alliance Academy enrollment and project status, while administration provided updates on attendance at the Council for Exceptional Children Ontario Conference, professional development days for staff, resource teacher training sessions, and collaborative discussions with other school boards.

The committee reviewed the Transitions to School process, a year-long program supporting students with special needs as they enter Kindergarten. Member organizations provided updates on their respective activities, including new hiring initiatives, inclusive education events, summer employment programs, and upcoming collaborative projects. The Board reported on organizational leadership changes, while administration representatives discussed staff retirements, new appointments, the status of Kindergarten registration, consultation on the 2026-2027 school year calendar, and upcoming professional development opportunities.

This document outlines the Algoma District School Board's comprehensive Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan. It details the roles and responsibilities of the Board, staff, students, and parents/guardians in fostering a safe and inclusive school environment. Key focus areas include implementing various prevention strategies at both school and classroom levels, establishing clear intervention protocols, ensuring ongoing monitoring and review of effectiveness, and forming a School Well-Being Team to advise on related strategies. The plan aims to address bullying, promote positive relationships, and maintain a healthy school climate.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and minutes from the September 9, 2025 session. Correspondence addressed an email from a private practitioner seeking to present on truancy concerns, which was redirected to senior administration and the board of trustees as it falls outside the direct scope of special education programs. A significant portion of the meeting involved a presentation and discussion regarding the Project SEARCH program, a school-to-work transition initiative for students with intellectual or developmental disabilities, detailing its international model, local partnership structure (ADSB, Community Living Algoma, Sault Area Hospital), intern eligibility, and criteria for successful employment outcomes. Member organization updates were provided by North Shore Tribal Council, Thrive, Community Living Algoma, Autism Ontario, and Algoma Family Services. The Trustee report noted a donation received for breakfast programs and updates on the Capital Plan. Administration reported on attendance at the Provincial CTEP/ECPP Conference and a recent Secondary SERT learning session covering IEP development and Locally Developed Credit Courses.

The meeting focused on several key agenda items. The Chair's Report included an update regarding the November 17 Chairs' meeting concerning Parent Engagement Allocations. In Old Business, Superintendent Joe Maurice presented an overview of the Parent Voice Survey results, a summary of which will be distributed to School Councils. New Business involved brainstorming potential topics for a future parent workshop or session; suggested topics included bullying and safety, mental health, artificial intelligence, and cultural sensitivity. It was also noted that one representative would attend a Ministry Webinar on January 22nd.