Rick Byers

The routine matters included the election of the Chair and Vice-Chair, who were acclaimed. The agenda was approved with an amendment to postpone previous business. The Finance Updates segment detailed a significant overspend in the special education envelope due to declining enrollment over eight years, leading to a phased reduction of $1.3 million in spending for the 2025-2026 budget. The Regional Internal Audit Team (RIAT) was engaged to review the envelope, with assurances that the audit report would be shared before action is taken. The committee passed a motion mandating no cuts to special education. Several other substantive items, including updates on Augmentative and Alternative Communication Processes, Proposed Student Reallocation, and the Special Education Plan Review, were postponed. An update was provided regarding an approved accessible washroom in a Dufferin Peel CDSB school. Community members inquired about funding, LTD issues, the Student and Family Support Office, and post-secondary transition supports.

The meeting commenced with routine matters including the opening prayer and land acknowledgment. Key discussions focused on the Trustee Report, which covered the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board's (DPCDSB) virtue of acceptance, observance of May as the Month of Mary, Catholic Education Week 2025 themed 'Pilgrims of Hope,' Mental Health Week, the DPCDSB financial deficit primarily attributed to the Long-Term Disability plan, enrolment projections, and updates on EQAO assessments. The Chair's Report summarized the successful completion of three engagement events, including topics on bullying and bringing out the best in children. Discussions also addressed challenges like violence and vandalism in secondary schools, and the cancellation of a Peel Regional Police presentation on safe schools. The Superintendent's Report provided updates on Literacy & Numeracy planning, the rescheduling of the Virtual CSILC, and the installation and testing of vaping monitors in several high schools. A challenge regarding mandatory mass attendance when parents sign students out was also raised. Good news items highlighted student participation in the Special Olympics and various school-level activities such as a Crowning of Mother Mary liturgy.

The meeting commenced with routine matters, including the approval of the agenda. Key discussions involved summer updates presented by L. Pincente regarding special education summer school programs, the utilization of the Cooperative Education Supports for Students with Disabilities Pilot Grant, and the Get Ready transition program for incoming secondary students. J. Toste reviewed updates on the Parent Reaching Out Grant (PROGrant), specifically one supporting Sacraments preparation and another aimed at helping families navigate the Individual Education Plan (IEP). Superintendent Odo detailed the Multi-Year Strategic Plan for the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, emphasizing the five core values and noting that SEAC feedback assists in meeting annual goals. Operationally, Director Marianne Mazzorato provided an update on the financial stewardship challenges resulting from the withdrawal of Ministry funding for leave benefits following the board being placed under supervision.

The meeting commenced with routine matters including the Chair's report on past successful parent engagement events and upcoming virtual training sessions scheduled for November 27th. The Superintendent's report covered the finalization of the Catholic Board Improvement Learning Cycle (CBILC) and the launch of the new board website. Discussions under Action Items focused on planning for the virtual training sessions and sharing Good News items, specifically recognizing four students who received the Bishop's Altar Server Award for Service. Additional items included a review of the CCCSC Mandate, Policies, and By-Laws, which detailed the roles of the Chair, Co-Chair, and the committee structure. Appointments were made for the CCCSC Vice Chair, the representative on the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC), and representatives for the School Year Calendar Committee. During the Q&A session, topics included procurement policies, the Ministry Supervisor's fee and tenure, the status of EQAO results, and the Board's ongoing financial supervision by the Ministry.

The meeting included a discussion on the agenda modifications, which were subsequently approved. The Financial Services presentation detailed the budget reporting process, including the five-year financial plan, the marginal decrease in the deficit due to property sales, and ongoing concerns such as Long Term Disability funding and unfunded transportation. Reductions in Special Education funding through attrition were discussed in light of enrolment declines. Updates were also provided on the Special Olympics event, the timeline for the Special Education Plan review (including a forthcoming survey), the successful Parent Reaching Out Grant event, and information on Sheridan College's Intensive Diploma Program. Committee members raised questions regarding strategies to encourage handwriting, improving parent communication in schools, the process for augmentative and alternative communication devices, and ensuring regular updates from community agencies.