Taunia Sutton

The committee meeting covered presentations on the NDTA Professional Development and Mentorship reports, along with an update on secondary outdoor education programs. Key outcomes included the approval of International Peer Ambassador 11 as a Board/Authority Authorized Course and the initiation of a 30-day consultation period for four new draft policies regarding personnel, risk management, and student/employee safety. The committee recommended the submission of the 2027/2028 Major Five-Year Capital Plan and the Minor Capital Child Care Plan to the Ministry. Furthermore, the committee directed staff to respond to the City of Nanaimo regarding the Woodgrove area OCP amendment, reviewed progress on the Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability Plan, and discussed updates to three administrative procedures.

The committee meeting covered several key items, including the review and recommended changes to Policy 105 regarding Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Reports were provided on the annual Student Voice Circle, the Accessibility Committee's focus areas, and new administrative procedures for risk management concerning outside groups. The committee discussed a right-of-way request for Chase River Elementary School, reviewed the 2026-27 preliminary annual budget, and addressed the expansion of before and after school care under Policy 701. Additionally, updates were provided on the process for renaming Chase River Elementary School.

The Board discussed and received reports from school principals regarding FESL processes and strategic alignment. Presentations were made by the NDTA and CUPE 606 regarding the 2026-2027 preliminary budget. The Board adopted policies related to Trustee onboarding and criminal record checks, passed a bylaw for BC Hydro Right-of-Ways at Cilaire Elementary School, and adopted an amended Trustee Elections Bylaw. Furthermore, the Board appointed election officers for the 2026 General Local Election and adopted a Capital Bylaw for 2026/27. The meeting also included an update on the Ladysmith Primary and Intermediate expansion projects, a continuation of the annual budget discussion, and a notice of motion regarding several revised board policies.

The meeting included the election of a co-chair for the Strategic Directions Committee and a presentation from the principal of an elementary school regarding their framework for enhancing student learning. Key topics covered the school's focus on student belonging and literacy improvement, as well as an update on school-based social-emotional programs. The board also reviewed correspondence, handled administrative reports from a closed meeting, and approved a board-authorized course.

The meeting featured presentations from the Nanaimo District Teachers' Association regarding professional development initiatives. Key topics included various professional development programs such as individual funding, professional learning groups, teacher inquiry projects, and seasonal reading programs. Discussions addressed challenges and barriers to professional development, specifically regarding timing, cost, and travel requirements for staff on the island, as well as strategies for bringing external experts into the district.