Boardroom Briefs
February 28, 2024 Meeting of the LDSB Board of Trustees
You can view the entire Twitter/X thread here.
Each meeting, a different Trustee will present the Indigenous Acknowledgement of Territory and include their own personal reflections.
Presentation
L'innovation en action - Using emerging technologies to promote authentic communication in the French as a Second Language (FSL) classroom
Presented by Paul Allison, Intermediate STEM Consultant & Kayla Bertrand, Core French Educator (North Addington Education Centre)
Role of STEM team:
- Intentional cross-curricular co-planning and co-teaching with educators
- Rich learning experiences incorporating a variety of technologies including robotics, coding, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence
- Provide a rich context to achieve curricular outcomes
- Prepare students to transition to Grade 9 where a new mandatory technological education course will be introduced this fall
STEM across subject areas:
- Robotics (engineering design)
- Visual stories (literacy)
- Robotics gargoyles (visual art)
FSL Experiential Learning Initiative:
Feedback from educators: increased student engagement, curiosity, and perseverance; students authentically demonstrated their learning; supported development of students’ transferable skills; highlighted approaches for integrating STEM and coding across subject areas, including FSL, the arts and social studies.
Feedback from students: helped them to engage in their learning in new ways; coding in French helped them to build their understanding of French vocabulary as they could see the resulting behavior of the code that they wrote; apply the engineering design process to make improvements to the robot.
Chair's Report
"Today is Pink Shirt Day. In 2007, in Nova Scotia, a student was bullied for wearing a pink shirt to school. An act of kindness by other students precipitated Pink Shirt Day, a national anti-bullying day held annually on the last Wednesday of February. While wearing a pink shirt is a small act, it serves as a reminder; a reminder to be kind and not judge.
I read about the term “bullicide” today; the act of committing suicide due to being bullied. That such a word exists is a truly sobering thought. I was bullied in school and I have had my dark moments and though I am not a religious person, I pray that we can move beyond the need to belittle and berate and embrace life with our fellow humans with love and empathy, and eradicate the word "bullicide" from our lexicon.
February is Black History and Futures Month, a time dedicated to honouring the achievements of Black individuals, amplifying Black voices, celebrating Black culture, and recognizing racial inequality. Students and staff have participated in several diverse learning opportunities and activities over the last four weeks and I would like to extend my congratulations to, and express my admiration for, students and staff who organized these phenomenally successful events, including the first opening ceremonies held at LCVI, celebrating Black Excellence.
A week ago, almost 500 students in Grades 9-12 participated in the Limestone Music Celebration, working and learning alongside LDSB music educators, community musicians and faculty members at the DAN School of Drama and Music at Queen’s University. This event was made possible in part due to Trustees targeting half a million dollars in surplus spending to secondary music programs which enabled secondary schools to expand their music curriculum, invest in new instruments, and repair and replace supporting infrastructure. On behalf of Trustees, I would also like to express our appreciation to the Limestone Learning Foundation who provided a $10,000 grant to support this day of musical workshops and a mass ensemble concert. This was truly an invaluable and inclusive musical experience, and a wonderful way for students to see the different pathways available beyond high school for them to continue to participate in music making and learning.
Tomorrow, February 29, hundreds of students will be attending Limestone’s 24th annual LDSB Skills Competition at St. Lawrence College, as well as at Bayridge Secondary School and Napanee District Secondary School. Students in Grades 4-12 will participate in challenges that demonstrate their talent and passion for skilled trades. Good luck to all, and a sincere thank you to staff advisors and industry coaches for their support of students in their pursuit of excellence.
In the coming weeks, as we enter budget season, Trustees will be seeking feedback from students, families, staff, and community partners to identify priorities for the cost-effective, successful, and equitable use of LDSB’s finite financial resources. A brief survey will be available soon.
I will end my comments tonight with a reminder that next Friday, March 8, is International Women’s Day.
Since I was 20, I have had a poster hanging in my kitchen, no matter where I’ve been living. It starts like this: “Because women’s work is never done and is underpaid or unpaid or boring or repetitious, and we’re the first to get fired, and what we look like is more important than what we do, and if we get…” And I’ll leave it there. I have no wish to offend. These are not absolute truisms anymore, I don’t think. I’m grateful to live in a time and a place where I have rarely felt the direct sting of patriarchy and I believe progress has been made. I still hang this poster on my kitchen wall as a reminder to be ever vigilant, as progress is so often tenuous and its sustainability rarely ensured. The gender wage gap still exists in Canada and mothers still teach their daughters to hold their keys between their fingers when they walk home at night. There is hope though, and optimism, because that poster no longer resonates as it once did. We all play a role in creating inclusive communities and by recognizing the diverse experiences and voices of women from all walks of life, we continue to move forward and make progress."
Director's Report
"Good evening, Trustees, and the viewing public. It is hard to believe, but we are already a few weeks into the second half of the 2023-2024 school year. First term and first semester report cards have been sent home, secondary students are making course selections for next year, Choices at 9 programs have completed their processes, Choices at 7 programs will be making decisions soon, March Break is just around the corner, and planning is well underway for the 2024-2025 school year. Preparations for next year will continue to ramp up and we eagerly await the release of the budget for next school year that should be released by the province after the Easter break.
I have a number of highlights that I would like to share this evening. Winter KASSA seasons have either ended or will be ending prior to March Break. This is the second year we have had a full return to athletics and the ability to host fans and crowds for events for the entire school year. I would like to acknowledge the basketball and volleyball champions from a couple of weeks ago when LDSB schools swept the volleyball and basketball finals. For junior girls volleyball, NDSS won their second consecutive championship; the senior girls from KSS won the senior finals. For basketball, the KSS junior boys won the championship, while FSS took the senior final. While I did not attend the finals in the St. Lawrence gym, I had the pleasure of watching the online stream and the very impressive play-by-play and courtside commentary provided by a very talented group of BSS students. The energy at the St. Lawrence gym was electric both nights and great results for Limestone sweeping these four finals.
A second highlight was the Limestone Music Celebration that occurred at Grant Hall at Queen’s University last Wednesday. Well over 400 Limestone students participated and shared the joy of music for a packed audience of family and friends. It was a fantastic event that would not have been possible without the wonderful work of secondary Limestone music teachers. We have invited a handful of the organizing committee to attend the March 27 Board meeting to share more about the event and future plans, and at the conclusion of my update, we will share a news report about the evening.
A third highlight is what we are hoping will be an outstanding Skills Competition at St. Lawrence College tomorrow for the day. Weather and buses permitting, well over 300 Limestone students will be participating across 27 secondary events and eight elementary events. The Skills Competition is yet another example of community partnership that showcases critical skills events and the local community college.
One final highlight that I will draw Trustees’ attention to is our continued emphasis on collecting voice from the communities we serve. Tonight, Associate Superintendent Gollogly will share an overview of the school year calendar feedback and Superintendent Gillam will share the conclusion and next steps from the Special Education Review. In the next week or so, we will be providing an opportunity for input on the 2024-2025 budget and gauge interest from families in virtual school programming for next year. Our schools are representative of the communities we serve, and we have a responsibility to be responsive to community voice and changing circumstances.
And finally, I do feel compelled to speak to some very unfortunate and nasty social media attention we received toward the end of the December/January break, and in the past couple of weeks with the publication of an inaccurate news story by an online 'news’ provider. These recent discussions on social media regarding an alleged statement attributed to the LDSB are based on misinformation, highlighting the importance of critical thinking and discourse amongst different people.
As a society and nation, we have an obligation to younger generations to do what we can to improve the current situation and put rhetoric aside.
The statement in question was extracted from a member letter from the local OSSTF union in December 2023, and not issued by the LDSB. This letter, which does not reflect the policies and administrative procedures of the LDSB, inaccurately portrays scenarios that are not representative of our staff or student interactions. The vast majority of scenarios intimated in the OSSTF letter are not situations that have occurred in the LDSB. On rare occasions, we have had to follow up with staff regarding interactions with students. However, these scenarios occur rarely and the application of any discipline as a result is even less frequent. This can be highlighted by the fact that less than 0.5% of OSSTF staff in Limestone have been involved in situations that necessitated follow-up actions.
All of this said, the LDSB remains committed to fostering a safe and respectful environment, in line with the Ontario Human Rights Code. This is the law and as a publicly funded institution we are obligated to follow the code.
We are all on a learning journey and missteps will occur en route, but the important focus needs to continue to be on learning in these situations, growing, and focusing on the needs of each student. This is what education is all about, and as a system we must live by, and model, these words and expect the same from all staff. This also includes the need for us to consistently be responsive and open to feedback. Given the continuing need for us to focus on equity, inclusion, Indigenous education, and ensuring the protection of all protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code, this stance is critical.
As Trustees know, the two equity census reports we have released in the last year highlight the work that lies in front of us in the areas of belonging and academic achievement. While some may not like components of the Ontario Human Rights Code, it is the law, and our data demands the need for continued focus in creating better futures for many students. This is our collective work and the road ahead."
Student Trustee Report
The Student Trustee Report was presented by Indigenous Student Trustee Emily Eckloff.
"The elections for Student Trustees were held recently. We thank all individuals who
applied and congratulate the following three students on their upcoming positions.
Rachel Kolosov from Kingston Secondary School was the successful applicant for the position of Indigenous Student Trustee, Siya Kumar from Kingston Secondary School was the successful applicant for the position of Urban Student Trustee, and Ayesha Burkari from Ernestown Secondary School was acclaimed as Rural Student Trustee.
After the elections, Student Trustees took time to meet with the Inter-School Council (ISC) representatives and talk about the board-wide Valentine's Day spirit day. We also spoke about what our next upcoming spirit day should be. We decided on a beach day. We also discussed how we can share results on social media in a way that pleases the overall student population, as we had lots of feedback from ISC representatives and students. We have decided on posting top three and two runner-ups in no specific order, to satisfy all requests."
Reports for Action
Updates to Policy 1: District Focused Intention, Mission, Vision & Values
Presented by Director Burra (Pages 23-24)
The purpose of the report is to update Policy 1 to reflect decisions made regarding the updated LDSB Strategic Plan.
Background: At the December 6, 2023 EPOC meeting, the Board approved the District-focused Intention, Mission, Vision, and Values based on feedback collected during public consultation in November 2023. This information was shared broadly in a Director’s Update in January 2024.
Recommendations: Trustees approve the housekeeping updates to Policy 1 that reflect Board decisions made regarding the District’s Focused Intention, Mission, Vision & Values for new strategic plan.
Moved by Trustee McGregor, seconded by Trustee Godkin. Motion carried.
Strategic Plan Reporting Template
Presented by Director Burra (Pages 25-31)
The purpose of this report is to provide Trustees with a revised template for the LDSB Multi-Year Strategic Plan (2024-2028) for final approval.
Background: Under the Education Act, Section 169.1, School Boards are given the responsibility for student achievement and effective stewardship of resources. In Limestone, the review of the multi-year strategic plan (MYSP) has historically occurred each fall once data from the previous year is available.
At the Board Meeting of October 18, 2023, Senior Staff presented an end-of-school-year Strategic Action Plan Overview – 2022 - 2023 (Appendix A in report). This was the final report for the previous MYSP (2017-2023).
Bill 98, the Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act, 2023 was passed in June 2023. This legislation (Section 169.2) requires that the provincial priorities for student achievement (Provincial Student Achievement Plan and Priorities- Appendix B) be incorporated into board multi-year plans “…with the aim of achieving goals related to the provincial priorities in education in the area of student achievement…”
The three provincial priorities that must be incorporated into the LDSB MYSP are as follows: (a) Achievement of Learning Outcomes in Core Academic Skills; (b) Preparation of Students for Future Success; and (c) Student Engagement & Well-Being.
At the May 3, 2023, LDSB Education, Policy and Operations Committee (EPOC) meeting, it was shared that the LDSB had begun development of a new Strategic Plan to help guide the district forward over the next five years. The development and roll-out were scheduled into five phases; four have been completed throughout the rest of 2023 and early 2024. Details of each phase can be found in the report within the Board Meeting agenda.
Current Status & Next Step(s): Senior staff have continued to develop a Strategic Plan Framework for the Multi-Year Strategic Plan (2024-2028) based on Bill 98 Provincial Priorities and reporting requirements. This includes making the edits that emerged from discussion at the February 7, 2024, EPOC meeting. Senior staff and central departments continue to refine annual operational plans to support the MYSP.
The revised Strategic Plan Framework for the MYSP is included as Appendix A.
Recommendation: Trustees approve the Strategic Plan Framework for the Multi-Year Strategic Plan (2024-2028).
Moved by Trustee Lloyd, seconded by Trustee McGregor. Motion carried.
School Year Calendar 2024-2025
Presented by Associate Superintendent Gollogly (Pages 32-35)
The purpose of this report is to review the 2024-2025 School Year Calendar and provide Trustees with the results of the public consultation regarding the three options presented in the survey.
From January 30 to February 12, 2024, the Limestone community had the opportunity to participate in an online survey to vote on three options of school year calendars for the 2024-2025 school year. Participants voted amongst the following options; each fulfilling the requirements of the Provincial Regulation 304 School Year Calendar, Professional Activity Days.
Please note: Option 3 has a different start date, and all calendar options have different PA days.
Option 1:
First Day of School: Wednesday, September 4, 2024
Last Day of School: Thursday, June 26, 2025
Winter Break: Monday, December 23, 2024 - Friday, January 3, 2025
Spring Break: Monday, March 10, 2025 - Friday, March 14, 2025
PA Days:
Tuesday, September 3, 2024
Friday, October 11, 2024
Friday, November 22, 2024
Friday, January 31, 2025
Monday, March 31, 2025
Friday, May 30, 2025
Friday, June 27, 2025
Exam Days:
Thursday, January 23, 2025 - Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Thursday, June 19, 2025 – Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Option 2:
First Day of School: Wednesday, September 4, 2024
Last Day of School: Thursday, June 26, 2025
Winter Break: Monday, December 23, 2024 - Friday, January 3, 2025
Spring Break: Monday, March 10, 2025 - Friday, March 14, 2025
PA Days:
Tuesday, September 3, 2024
Friday, October 4, 2024
Friday, November 15, 2024
Friday, January 31, 2025
Monday, March 31, 2025
Friday, May 30, 2025
Friday, June 27, 2025
Exam Days:
Thursday, January 23, 2025 - Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Thursday, June 19, 2025 – Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Option 3:
First Day of School: Tuesday, September 3, 2024
Last Day of School: Thursday, June 26, 2025
Winter Break: Monday, December 23, 2024 - Friday, January 3, 2025
Spring Break: Monday, March 10, 2025 – Friday, March 14, 2025
PA Days:
Friday, September 6, 2024
Friday, October 4, 2024
Friday, November 1, 2024
Friday, January 31, 2025
Monday, March 31, 2025
Friday, May 30, 2025
Friday, June 27, 2025
Exam Days:
Thursday, January 23, 2025 - Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Thursday, June 19, 2025 – Wednesday, June 25, 2025
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When the survey closed on February 12, 2024, 5,700 responses had been received. 74% of the respondents were parents/guardians/caregivers, 21% were staff, and 2% were students.
Calendar Option 1 was selected by 53% of respondents. Option 2 received 17% support and Option 3 received 30%. These results were similar to the results of the surveys conducted by both Hastings and Prince Edward and Algonquin Lakeshore Catholic school boards.
Recommendation: That the Trustees approve Calendar Option 1 for the 2024-2025 School Year Calendar.
Moved by Trustee Morning, seconded by Trustee Lloyd. Motion carried.
The Board will submit the approved school year calendar to the Ministry of Education.
Reports for Information
Elementary Special Education Support Model
Presented by Superintendent Gillam (Pages 36-37)
The purpose of the report is to provide Trustees with an update on changes to the current special education service delivery model in elementary schools to better meet the needs of complex learners within an inclusive learning environment.
Background: Based on the special education review and an assessment of services provided by Educational Services, we will be making changes to the current service delivery model based on the following considerations:
- Equity of access to supports and services in a students’ home school.
- Flexible and responsive support, programming, and access to spaces that adapt and respond to a students’ unique learning profile.
- Fully inclusive learning environments supported by caring and knowledgeable staff.
- Increased access to supports/services through a reduction of independent, and identification specific, service delivery.
These changes reflect a planned and purposeful response to the information gathered in the special education review, especially the voice of students and families. This change in service delivery model does not reflect any cost savings and in fact, this model has an overall staff increase.
As a result of these changes, all elementary LDSB special education classrooms will be dissolved, and all staff will be reallocated into schools. This includes the District Autism classrooms (DACs), the District Learning Centres (DACs), and the Learning Disabilities Programs.
In addition, all Itinerant and school-based School to Community teachers will also be reallocated into schools. This adjustment will allow us to increase supports in elementary schools.
Details of this plan were shared with the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) on Wednesday, February 14, 2024. Communication with staff and community stakeholders is ongoing and more fulsome communication will be shared with all LDSB families shortly.
Virtual School Update
Presented by Associate Superintendent Sartor (Pages 38-41)
The purpose of this report is to provide Trustees with an update on the status of Elementary Virtual School and Secondary Virtual School.
An overview of the virtual school journey from 2020-present is below.
In spring 2023, LDSB formalized an Elementary Virtual School partnership with Renfrew County District School Board (RCDSB) and Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPRDSB). The benefit of the tri-board partnership has been the organization of classes with a maximum of two grades per class.
There are currently 48 LDSB students enrolled in Elementary Virtual School, and 100 LDSB students enrolled in Secondary Virtual School.
Students enrolled in the School to Community (SCS) program engage in learning alongside a SCS educator. Elementary Virtual School and Secondary Virtual School are supervised by the Principal and Vice-Principal of the Katarokwi Learning Centre and Alternative and Continuing Education.
Next Steps: As all Boards have commenced initial planning for the next school year, LDSB initiated communication with KPRDSB and RCDSB to gauge their intention to continue with the current EVS partnership. On February 29, 2024, a survey will be shared with LDSB Elementary Virtual School families to determine their desire to proceed with virtual learning should the model continue to be offered, or to return to their home school. The deadline for survey completion will be March 18, 2024.
A survey will also be shared with current LDSB Grade 8 and Grade 9 Virtual School students to determine their desire to continue with virtual learning or to return to their home school.
Future Board Meeting Schedule
April 24, 2024
May 15, 2024
June 19, 2024
Limestone District School Board
Email: communications@limestone.on.ca
Website: www.limestone.on.ca
Location: 220 Portsmouth Avenue, Kingston, ON, Canada
Phone: 6135446920
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Limestone-District-School-Board-308623265872996/
Twitter: @LimestoneDSB