November 23, 2020_This update provides a summary of the online public meeting of the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board held November 23, 2020, livestreamed (the recorded version will be available within 24 hours). It is an unofficial summary of the meeting; official minutes will be approved at a next meeting.
Mike Brant, Trustee, Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, recited the land acknowledgement: Let us bring our minds and hearts together as one to honour and celebrate these traditional lands as a gathering place of the Huron-Wendat, Anishinabek and Haudenosaunee people. It is with deep humility, that we acknowledge and offer our gratitude for their contributions to our community, having respect for all as we come together and walk side by side into the future to support our student of today.
Character Moment of Reflection
Each Board meeting opens with a Character Moment of Reflection. At Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board, Growing with Character is our intentional focus on creating safe, caring, respectful and inclusive learning environments where students develop the foundation for good character. Growing with Character is the foundation of the school board strategic plan. Through Growing with Character, we model, teach and expect demonstrations of our eight character traits which are: Caring, Cooperation, Honesty, Humour, Integrity, Respect, Responsibility and Trustworthiness.
This evening Jennifer Cobb, Trustee, North Prince Edward County, asked all to reflect on Humour: We celebrate the fun in life. We lighten the emotions of others by interacting in a joyful manner.
Presentation
Louise Gunning, Principal, K-8 Virtual School, briefly described the student experience at virtual school, explaining that it is built on the principles of equity for all students and making meaningful connections among students. She showed a short video about the day in the life of students and staff at virtual school.
Recommendations
2019-2020 Consolidated Financial Statements
Board members approved the consolidated financial statements for the year ending August 31, 2020.
During the year, HPEDSB expended $14,164,112 on capital asset acquisition/construction. These expenditures are funded through a variety of sources including capital priorities, school condition improvement and school renewal grants.
The audited financial statements result in an in-year surplus of $5,108,161 and a corresponding in-year surplus for Ministry of Education compliance reporting purposes of $700,771. This brings the total accumulated surplus available for compliance to $10,278,808.
The original budget plan for 2019-2020 was forecast to have essentially a balanced budget with a surplus for compliance purposes of $20,007. HPEDSB was released from a mandated Multi-Year Financial Recovery Plan near the end of the 2019-20 fiscal year.
Find out more starting on page 8 of the November 23, 2020 agenda (Pdf).
Multi-Year Accessibility Plan
Board members approved the Multi-Year Annual Accessibility Plan for the period September 2020 to August 2025.
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005) (AODA) and the Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2001) (ODA) requires school boards to prepare annual plans to address barriers to persons with disabilities.
The plan has had continuous updates since it was first published in 2005. Once approved, it will be posted on the HPEDSB website.
Find out more starting on page 39 of the November 23, 2020 agenda (Pdf).
The visual identity selected, known as the Achievement concept, represents striving for more and success. A swoop and the sun are prominent elements representing new beginnings, growth, feeling alive and part of nature/the world around us. The new colours are plum, gold and teal. The new logo will be rolled out in the coming months.
New HPEDSB visual identity
Board members approved a new visual identity for HPEDSB.
This evening, another chapter in the book about HPEDSB was written. Creating a new visual identity coincides with other strategic corporate initiatives currently underway, including the the new strategic plan.
A committee consisting of a cross-representation of employees and community partners participated in this initiative through a series of collaborative and engaging meetings over several months. It is through their open and heartfelt discussions, deliberations and decisions that the new logo is presented.
The existing lighthouse/book logo was adopted in 1998 following the amalgamation of the Hastings County Board of Education and the Prince Edward County Board of Education. Most, if not all Ontario school boards rebranded around the same time. Many have since rebranded with new and fresh visual identities, along with renewed branding to reflect the organization's updated representation of who it is and what it stands for_essentially its reputation.
The visual identity selected, known as the Achievement concept, represents striving for more and success. A swoop and the sun are prominent elements representing new beginnings, growth, feeling alive and part of nature/the world around us. The new colours are plum, gold and teal. The new visual identity will be rolled out in the coming months.
Find out more starting on page 68 of the November 23, 2020 agenda (Pdf).
2020-2025 Strategic Plan: Learning Together
Board members approved the 2020-2025 Strategic Plan: Learning Together, for the period December 2020 to December 2025. A mid-term review will be done in December 2023.
An organization's strategic plan is its roadmap to where it intends to go after identifying its needs, determining its priorities and establishing clear and achievable markers for success. The new strategic plan is a guiding document based on principles of equity and a fundamental belief in student achievement and improvement. Its implementation will drive annual board improvement plans and school improvement plans.
Find out more starting on page 72 of the November 23, 2020 agenda (Pdf).
Information
Policy review
- Policy 3: Board Operations
- 3-A: Delegations and Presentations
- 3-C: Student Representation on the Board
- 3-J: Board Review/Self-Evaluation
- 12: External Committees and Trustee Advocacy
Find out more starting on page 80 of the November 23, 2020 agenda (Pdf).
Trustee representation on committees
Board members authorize the director of education to draft and present a list of proposed committee members for approval at the Annual Meeting of the Board on December 14, 2020.
Report from student trustees
Highlights from this report included the following:
- review and editing of Policy 3-C
Report from the Audit Committee
Highlights from this report included the following:
- review of the consolidated financial statements
- update on internal audit recommendations
Ontario Public School Boards'Association Information Exchange
Highlights from this report included the following:
- the next OPSBA meeting is November 28, 2020
Questions, reports or proposals from trustees
- Reminder about the Parent Involvement Committee tomorrow evening, November 23, 2020
- Extension by Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte for Mike Brant to remain on the Board for two more years, until the end of the current Board of Trustee term
- Appreciation expressed to all HPEDSB staff for supporting students, the return to school and one another during COVID-19
Correspondence
- Condolence letter to the City of Belleville
- Trustee appointment from Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte
Find out more starting on page 97 of the November 23, 2020 agenda (Pdf).
Next meeting
The next public Board meeting is Monday, December 14, 2020, online through a livestream event at 7:00 PM.
For more information, please contact Kerry Donnell, Communications Manager, extension 62354, [email protected]