Full details on presentations, reports, and discussions can be found in the agenda or reviewed in the recorded broadcast. Video segments are linked in the subhead for each item below.
June 17, 2022 – Trustees with the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) met on Wednesday, June 15, 2022 for their last scheduled meeting of the 2021-2022 school year. Some of the items discussed in the public session are as follows.
Student Trustees Provide Year-In Review of Term
Student Trustees Eshal Ali and Bradford Ward presented their final report of their term to the Board of Trustees, which was a reflection of what they and their Student Senators accomplished this school year.
The pair began their presentation with an overview of their regular student senate meetings and highlighted several initiatives that were completed during their term, including: Student Senate Supplementary meetings, a feminine hygiene products review, development of elementary student councils with student senator support, student senate by-laws restructuring, formation of a district-wide student equity and inclusion committee, and a board-wide fundraiser are a sample of the initiatives that were highlighted.
Ali explained that the new student-led Equity and Inclusion Committee, which is comprised of 22 intermediate and secondary students from across the district, is designed to enhance student voice. Their mission; to ensure that the needs of all students from all backgrounds are adequately voiced, heard, addressed, and met. It also aligns with the district’s Board Improvement and Equity Plan of ensuring 100 per cent of students report that school is safe and inclusive, positively influences their mental health, wellness, and sense of belonging, and reflects student voice/interests as well building relationships.
Ali and Ward also highlighted their new UCDSB Student Trustees Dynamic Leadership Award, which recognizes and promotes student voice and student leadership throughout the district. For the 2022 school year, over 65 students have received this award for their leadership.
Trustee Bill MacPherson provided a report to the Board that the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) recommends the Special Education Plan be approved as updated. Trustees unanimously approved the plan as presented.
The board also passed a motion put forward by SEAC that a letter related to concerns with revisions to PPM81 be written and distributed to all SEACs in the province, local MPPs, OPSBA, and PAAC on SEAC. This would be a joint communication from the Board of Trustees and SEAC.
Superintendent of Schools and Special Education Deanna Perry informed the board that summer transition programming for students with special education needs will be offered in all schools with three half days in all elementary schools, and two half days in all secondary schools. This will help students transition back to school after the summer break. Offerings will be based on staffing availability and student need.
