Paula Carson

Key discussions included a Land Acknowledgement Training presentation emphasizing reconciliation and relationship-building, and a comprehensive review of the Before and After School Program (BASP). The BASP review detailed significant shortfall in available spaces, staffing shortages, and strategies for improvement, including piloting an in-house program. Business arising from the previous meeting addressed the 2SLGBTQIA+ Focus Group meeting date and the decision to redevelop PIC Rep. Rules into a general resource document. Trustee updates covered the allocation of $500,000 in surplus funding towards special education staffing and IT equipment, and federal flag protocol changes. Community updates reminded parents about Grade 5 and 9 student Access Passes and the need to submit student immunization records. Financial reporting confirmed PRO funding of $31,000 plus $8,492 for engagement, and plans for upcoming Board meetings regarding Chair/Vice-Chair elections and committee assignments.

The Regular Board Meeting incorporated discussions and reports from both a private session and the public session. Key topics included updates on Safe Schools, Property, Labour, Legal Matters, and Personnel. The board received the Private Session Report detailing the approval of previous minutes and updates. The public session featured a presentation on the Personal Support Worker Program, reports from the Chair and Director highlighting new registrations, strategic plan progress, and upcoming labour negotiations. The board approved the Multi-Year Capital and School Renewal Project Plan, which outlines $21.1 million in projects for 2025-2026, prioritizing structural and mechanical system upgrades. Financial reports included revised estimates for Q1 of 2025-2026, noting a $3.2 million reduction in Core Education Funding due to lower enrolment and funding allocations. A detailed end-of-year report on the 2024-2025 Strategic Plan highlighted significant progress in literacy and mathematics achievement, with specific gains noted for students with special education needs. The Math Achievement Action Plan update confirmed ongoing focus on instructional practices and the introduction of new formative assessment software. Finally, the board deferred the election of the OPSBA representative pending further information from OPSBA.

The meeting commenced with a Private Session where the Board resolved into Committee of the Whole and approved the minutes from the Special Meeting of December 3, 2025. Information items covered Safe Schools, Property, Labour, Personnel, Legal, and OPSBA updates. Upon rising to Public Session, the agenda was adopted. Key discussions in the public session included the Chair's report on welcoming staff back, the opening of Skills Competitions registration, and Kindergarten registration. The Director's report reflected on the high stakes of their work, anticipated uncertainties for 2026, and preparations for the upcoming school year, noting several informational updates on the agenda. The Board approved the Multi-Year Capital and School Renewal Project Plan, detailing $21.1 million in funding for 2025-26, with at least 70% allocated to structure, mechanical, and building envelope work. Financial reports included revised estimates for Q1 of 2025-2026, showing a $3.2 million reduction in Core Education Funding due to lower enrollment. The Strategic Plan End-of-Year Report for 2024-2025 indicated strong advancement in core academic skills like literacy and mathematics, with significant growth in literacy scores and math achievement exceeding provincial rates for certain student groups. The Math Achievement Action Plan update confirmed ongoing focus on instructional practices and the launch of new software for formative assessments. Finally, the election of the OPSBA representative was deferred until the April 15, 2026, meeting.

The Education, Policy and Operations Committee meeting involved a presentation and discussion on the 2025-2028 Mental Health, Substance Use, and Addictions Strategy. Key elements of the strategy include updated board practices allowing independent consent for mental health services for students aged 12 and older, curriculum module implementation for Grade 6, enhanced collaboration with community agencies like Southeast Public Health, and staff training on non-diagnostic screening tools and suicide prevention. The Prepare, Prevent, Respond training is replacing SafeTALK. Additionally, an update was provided on the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) pilot for developmental screening in younger children. Another significant topic was the ongoing consultation process for the 2026-2027 school year calendar options, noting the need for alignment with adjacent school boards due to shared transportation services. The committee also moved to adjourn the public session and enter into a private session for a Legal and Property update.

This action plan outlines a comprehensive approach to mental health, substance use, and addictions support for the Limestone District School Board. It focuses on several key areas: Student Mental Health, Substance Use and Addiction Support, Engagement and Collaboration, Pathways To/Through/From Mental Health, Substance Use, and Addiction Care, Identity-Affirming Practices, and Equipping and Supporting Staff. The plan aims to provide culturally-responsive mental health literacy and support, foster engagement among students and caregivers, establish clear pathways to care, promote inclusive learning environments, and enhance staff capabilities in addressing mental health and substance use concerns.