Nicolle Cook

The board meeting focused on the determination and distribution of trustees for the upcoming election, including a recommendation to maintain nine board members and not designate any municipality as a low population area. Additional topics included reports on the public sector salary disclosure, staff adjustments, committee minutes, and correspondence regarding province-wide consultations on school board trustees.

The board meeting involved discussions on student success and pathways, including culinary workshops and Specialist High Skills Major program updates. Updates were provided regarding the before and after school programs, and a task force was approved to develop strategies to address childcare needs across the district. Additionally, the board discussed correspondence regarding the proposed removal of English School Board Trustees and authorized the Chair and Vice-Chair to send a letter to the Minister of Education to seek information on research and public engagement methods. The Student Senate provided an update on upcoming mental health campaigns and equity initiatives.

The Avon Maitland District School Board provides a comprehensive overview of its educational services, emphasizing its dedicated staff, strong community connections, and personalized learning approach. The board is actively implementing an Equity Action Plan, Environmental Education, and Indigenous Education strategies to achieve equitable and inclusive learning environments. Additional focus areas include student mental health and well-being, an International Education program, diverse extracurricular activities, and adult learning opportunities, all designed to prepare students for future success.

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.