Michelle Williams

The board meeting included student accolades and character attribute presentations. Key agenda items covered were the Chief Executive Officer's update, the student trustee report, and the adoption of various committee reports including the Special Education Advisory Committee and Budget Committee. The board also established several new student awards and scholarships, and discussed provincial policy memorandums, community report cards, and various information items regarding school board governance, human resources, facilities, and financial oversight for the upcoming academic year.

This document, the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board's 2026 Report Card, serves as an update to its ongoing student accommodation planning. It details strategies for managing board-wide enrolment trends and facility utilization, while outlining current and future capital projects and building investments. Key focus areas include monitoring and adjusting to demographic shifts, optimizing existing school capacities, and planning for new facilities and site acquisitions across various elementary and secondary planning areas to ensure safe, accessible, and well-maintained learning environments for students.

This Student Achievement Plan for Kawartha Pine Ridge DSB outlines strategic goals across three key areas: Achievement of Learning Outcomes in Core Academic Skills, Preparation of Students for Future Success, and Student Engagement & Well-Being. The plan aims to improve students' literacy and math proficiency, increase graduation rates and readiness for future endeavors, and enhance overall student well-being through safe, inclusive environments, mental health support, and robust academic and career pathways. It emphasizes evidence-based instruction, tailored supports, and community engagement.

The board discussed student character attributes, reviewed the Student Trustee report including future leadership conferences and recycling initiatives, and received various committee reports. Key business included the approval of revised board policies regarding student trustees, updates on the Parent and Family Support Office, discussions on enrolment projections and transportation budget deficits, and the status of membership in the Ontario Public School Boards' Association. Additionally, the board approved a new entrance award for graduating students at Cobourg Collegiate Institute.

The meeting commenced with an in-camera session, followed by the open session which included the National Anthem and a moment of silence. Key agenda items included presentations of accolades to recipients of the OPSBA Dr. Harry Paikin Award of Merit and the OPSBA Student Success Champion Award. Discussions covered the Character Attribute for January, 'Initiative,' and the disposition of delegation concerns. The Director's Update featured the 2025 Annual Report and highlighted data showing improvement in EQAO scores for literacy and math, as well as the introduction of the KPR Futures Learning Hub initiative at Port Hope High School. Student Trustee reports focused on recent Senate discussions, including challenges, fundraising activities, and a session on artificial intelligence in classrooms, as well as the announcement of KPR Kudos recipients. Decision items involved receiving committee reports from Special Education Advisory and Chairpersons' Committees, approving appointments to the Special Education Advisory Committee, and acclaiming Trustee D. Lloyd as Vice-chairperson of the Budget Committee. The Board also approved the establishment of the Retired Teachers of Ontario Section 30 Award. Future discussions included governance changes proposed by OPSBA and personnel matters related to the recruitment of a Superintendent of Education.