Highlights from the Board Room – February 23

Board Meeting   |  Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Presentations

Director’s Recognition Award

The Director’s Recognition Award highlights extraordinary contributions made by staff members, students, school volunteers, or community members, and is presented by the Director of Education Wes Hahn at each Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) Regular Meeting of the Board. Director Hahn introduced this month’s recipients of the Director’s Recognition Award. 

The first recipient of this award was King Albert Public School Secretary Shawne Wright. Shawne was recognized for being welcoming, warm, caring, and nurturing. No matter who the visitor, Shawne sets the tone from the Knight Code that “we all belong”. She makes connections and builds relationships with community partners, lends parents her ear, and works hard to find ways to support families and staff alike by always asking “what do you need?”. 

The second recipient of the award was Learn@Home Elementary Teacher Ryan Murphy. Ryan was nominated for always going that extra mile to help students and colleagues; and creating a safe, productive, and focused learning community. Ryan has led the Grade 6 Teacher Team through the challenges and successes of at-home teaching and learning, and always reaches out to any new hires to welcome staff and share online teaching, reporting, and engagement strategies.

Muskoka Community Foundation Presentation

Director of Education Hahn virtually welcomed Muskoka Community Foundation Executive Director Lynn DeCaro, who presented the Board with two $10,000 grants, each to be put towards the TLDSB Feed All Four Fund. The generous donation will help support Muskoka families who are currently struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Administrative Reports

International Baccalaureate (IB) Report

Superintendent of Learning Katherine MacIver provided Trustees with an update on the IB program at IE Weldon Secondary School. Several action items, including a change to student fees, finding efficiencies in staffing, and eliminating lesser used pathways took place within the 2019-2020 school year. These actions were all achieved and taken so TLDSB could continue to offer the program while staying within budget allocations.

Equity and Inclusion Plan update

Superintendent of Learning Jennifer Johnston provided Trustees with a verbal update on the Board’s Equity and Inclusion Plan. The TLDSB Equity and Inclusion Task Force is currently working with Turner Consulting Group to develop a staff and student census, which will be launched in Fall 2021. 

De-streaming update

Superintendent of Learning Katherine MacIver provided Trustees with a verbal update on the Board’s plan to destream Grade 9 Math in the upcoming school year. The Board has established a steering committee and two working groups to further investigate de-streaming, as well as prepare and support our schools, educators, and students.

2021 Board and Committee of the Whole meeting schedule