Boardroom Briefs

Boardroom Briefs is intended to provide highlights of presentations, reports and decisions made at the regular meeting of the Limestone District School Board of Trustees. These briefs do not serve as the official record of the meeting. Please refer to Board minutes which are approved at the next regular meeting. Community members are also invited to follow along during live tweets of regular Board meetings using the hashtag #LDSBmtg.

You can view the entire Twitter thread here.

You can view the full Board Agenda Package here.

It was an honour for Trustees to present staff awards, recognizing exemplary service by staff to students across the Limestone District School Board.

Trustees Elliott and McGregor led the presentations and invited each recipient and their school representatives to the podium for individual award presentations.

Barry C. O'Connor Excellence in Education Awards

Barry C. O'Connor was the Director of Education for the Limestone District School Board from 1998 to 2004. The award recognizes excellence in education as provided by support staff throughout the district. This award was established to recognize support staff in the following categories: Clerical and Secretarial, Custodial and Maintenance, Educational Services Staff, Educational Assistants, Early Childhood Educators, Central Office Staff and Administrators, and Other Support Staff and Volunteers.

Congratulations to the 2023 Barry C. O'Connor Excellence in Education support staff awards:

• Clerical and Secretarial: Diane Clarke, J.R. Henderson Public School
• Custodial and Maintenance: Gord Cota, Centreville Public School
• Educational Services Staff: Jessi Lalonde
• Educational Assistants: Kristine Miller, Winston Churchill Public School
• Early Childhood Educators: Stephanie McKinnon, Fairfield Elementary School
• Central Office Staff: Karen Davey, LDSB Facility Services
• Other Support Staff: Jill Senior, Indigenous Education

(Pictured left to right: Karen Davey, Diane Clark, Stephanie McKinnon, Kristine Miller, Jessi Lalonde, and Jill Senior. Missing from photo Gord Cota who was unable to attend).

Thank you to the LCVI Cooks' Internship program students for providing delicious hors d’oeuvres for the Limestone Student Achievers and their families.

J.C. McLeod Excellence in Teaching Awards

J.C. McLeod was the Director of Education for the former Lennox and Addington County Board of Education from 1969 to 1983. He recognized and rewarded excellence in teaching throughout his time as director and on his retirement, he established a fund to continue this focus.

This award recognizes the outstanding contributions of individual teachers to classroom instruction or the improvement of classroom instruction, over a number of years. This distinguished award is presented annually to one teacher in the elementary panel and one teacher in the secondary.

Congratulations to this year's recipients Shelly Desarmia (R.G. Sinclair Public School) and Jon Swaine (Bayridge Secondary School).

OPSBA Fred L. Bartlett Award

The Ontario Public School Boards’ Association Fred L. Bartlett Memorial Award for his outstanding contribution to education in Ontario. Presented annually since 1970, this award is given in memory of the late Fred L. Bartlett, an outstanding teacher and trustee in Ontario. In addition to his many academic accomplishments, Mr. Bartlett served for many years as a trustee on the former Kingston Board of Education.

This year's recipient is Jon Swaine.

Nominated by Trustee Elliott, the impact of Jon’s efforts can be felt locally and provincially, these are just a few examples:

• He consistently leads the league in student participation for the University of Waterloo’s Math Contest.
• He helped created the infrastructure for Bayridge’s livestreaming of school sports, complete with commentators. The student commentators gained experience, and subsequently were invited to provide colour commentary for Queen’s and KASSAA events.
• He created the first e-sports team in our entire school board. and after just two months they won the National Championship in High School Rocket League.
• Jon collaborates frequently with Queen’s University as a guest speaker and brings Queen’s students into the high school as volunteers and mentors.

As Trustee Elliott read from the citation, "Computer Science might not receive the type of fanfare or spotlight that local sports teams receive, but Jon is making sure that students in the Limestone District School Board are introduced to computing concepts early, in a fun and engaging way that not only provides them with computational skills, but opportunities and possibilities for future careers, hobbies, or lifestyles. Computers, AI, virtual reality, the metaverse, and more are increasingly woven into the fabric of our everyday lives, and the foundational knowledge and love of computer science and digital literacy that started in Jon’s programming and extra-curriculars will open pathways and opportunities for his students around the globe."

On behalf of the Ontario Public School Board Association, and the Limestone District School Board, a sincere congratulation to Jon Swaine, educator at Bayridge Secondary School on receiving the 2022 Fred L. Bartlett Memorial Award.

Wess Garrod HEAL Award

Chair Hutcheon introduced the HEAL Award. She explained when LDSB Supervising Principal Wess Garrod retired in 2006, a HEAL plaque was presented to him as a reminder of his personal and professional dedication in the area of student and staff wellness.

The Healthy Living for All Award recognizes his commitment during his career with the Board and still today, active pursuing these goals in the greater community, and as a Trustee of the Limestone District School Board.

This year's recipient is Erik Vreeken, a teacher at Lancaster Drive Public School. Mr. Garrod and the school's Principal Sara O'Hearn presented the award.

(Pictured left to right: Mr. Garrod, E. Vreeken and Principal O'Hearn.)

"Good evening. As the school year draws to its close lots of celebrations are underway for our graduates, staff and our partnerships within our communities. Congratulations to all for the incredible efforts underway, everyday, to support student learning within safe and welcoming environments.

It is an honour to share in the celebration of staff this evening. It has been a few years since we have been able to recognize staff due to the pandemic. Our sincere congratulations to recipients of the Barry C. O’Connor Excellence in Support Staff Awards, the J.C. McLeod Excellence in Teaching Awards, the OPSBA Fred Bartlett Award, and the Wess Garrod HEAL Award.

We are very close to the end of the school year, my children are counting the days, and it is a busy time in education as report cards go out and graduation ceremonies are planned. It is a time to honour all students as they put the finishing touches on their year and move forward in their academic careers. At our last two meetings we honoured our student achievers and tonight we honour our staff. We hope that everyone enjoyed the reception held earlier and we would like to thank students from LCVI’s Cooks’ Internship Program and Chef Ian Montgomery for the delicious food.

As I’m sure most know, Kingston’s Pride parade was held this past Saturday. I was fortunate to attend what was Kingston’s largest parade ever, I’m told, and proud to be part of Limestone’s contingent, riding the decorated school bus with my children. I think it is one of the best events I’ve attended in recent years. It was, quite simply, a day of love. And I don’t know if anything beats that.

Finally, today is summer solstice, the longest day of the year, and National Indigenous Peoples Day, a day to honour, acknowledge, celebrate, and learn about the histories and diversity of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. On this day, we recognize the importance of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples cultures, achievements, and their contributions to what is now known as Canada ."

"June is always a time of reflection as we complete one school year and continue preparations for the next school year. It is also a time of celebration across the system as students graduate and enjoy end-of-year activities.

I would also like to mention one other award winner who received recognition recently, and that is long time KCVI and KSS mathematics teacher Bev Farahani who was recently awarded with a University of Waterloo Descartes Medal.

In reflecting on the 2022-2023 school year, or any other school year, I think it is important to remember Kathy Freston’s wise words: “The goal is progress, not perfection.”

During this school year, two good examples that indicate progress is being made but that more work remains, are the current special education review and the feedback we collected during that process, and the Student Census Sense of Belonging Report we released in April Both engagements provide us with voice and direction for moving forward. Further engagement is occurring now as we collect feedback & input from students, families, staff, and members of the community focused on the next iteration of the LDSB strategic plan.

Given June is National Indigenous History Month, and today is National Indigenous Peoples Day, there have been a range of activities supported by the Limestone Indigenous team, as well as knowledge keepers in schools providing a range of learning for students. As just one example, the Indigenous Education team engaged in a wide range of activities that occurred today at City Park as part of the local Indigenous community’s celebration of this important date.

June is also Pride month, and like last year, Limestone formally participated in the second annual Napanee Pride parade earlier this month, which was a great success, and we also had a very strong presence this past weekend for the Kingston Pride parade. We must continue to take a strong stance in support of human rights, and against hate in the communities we serve. I should also note that the wonderful Pride Quilt that was a joint project between Limestone schools and the Kingston School of Art is now fully booked for display in a range of venues in our area right through September and then will continue on into schools this fall."

"While on the theme of inclusion and belonging, I would also like to highlight the recent elementary track and field events that included the usual track events for students, but this year also included students with significant special education needs. All of this occurred in the lead up to the Special Olympics events that were hosted in Kingston a couple of weeks ago.

I want to offer my congratulations to all students graduating from Limestone and to staff entering their last ten days of work with Limestone. There is much to be proud of in Limestone and I have a great deal of gratitude and humility in serving as its Director.

Thank you also to the Board of Trustees for your continued collaboration, strong support of public education, and advocacy. While all of us around this table may not always agree on everything, I think we can all be proud of the way we conduct ourselves and work together for the betterment of Limestone."

Chair Hutcheon acknowledged the service of outgoing Student Trustees Jackson and Kolosov.

"Student Trustees Jackson and Kolosov are exceptional student leaders, as evidenced by their continued efforts to further develop student voice across this school district, as well as at the provincial level, bringing Limestone student voices to the Ontario Student Trustee Association.

You have both made a positive difference around this horseshoe and represented the students at the Limestone District School Board with integrity and passion. Thank you both for your work over the past year.

Next year, Student Trustee Kolosov will be going to Queen’s University to study in the health sciences program. The program encourages student participation in different community-based initiatives and projects, so her plan is to continue being involved within the local Indigenous community and Queen’s through the Four Directions Center. Student Trustee Kolosov, you are also welcome to stay in touch with Limestone to support any initiatives that would be part of your community involvement. Your leadership and strong advocacy for Indigenous students have made a significant difference. We thank you.

Student Trustee Jackson will also be attending Queen’s University this fall, enrolled in the concurrent education program, with an undergraduate in Chemistry. It would be an honour, and full circle, to have you back here at Limestone as a high school teacher! Your diligence, perseverance and strong voice for rural students have given you invaluable experiences that will support your endeavours in the future. You have represented your community with integrity and dedication. We thank you.

On behalf of your fellow trustees and the senior staff of the Limestone District School Board, it is my honor to present honorariums in the amount of $2,500 to each of you, recognizing your term of office, and to help further your studies.

Congratulations."

Trustees approved a deficit budget balanced with reserve funds for the 2023-2024 school year totaling $305.4 million at its regular meeting on June 21, 2023.

The 2023-2024 budget is compliant with the Ministry of Education requirements, with total operating expenditures of 280.8 million, an increase of approximately $2.9 million over last year’s expenditures. The capital expenditures budget for next year is $24.7 million and is used to fund school condition improvements and school renewal projects.

• The Board has drawn from its accumulated surplus to compensate for provincial funding shortfalls in special education, transportation, statutory benefits, and human rights and equity.

The vast majority of the operating budget is directed to student instruction and relates directly to classroom supports.

Some highlights of the 2023-2024 budget and supported by the board’s accumulated surplus:

• Equity and Inclusion Positions (the Ministry of Education funds these positions in some boards but not LDSB)

• Funding for transportation expenditures exceeding transportation funding

• Unfunded statutory benefit increases

Details are reported in the 2023-2024 Budget Operating Revenues booklet.

Presented by Associate Superintendent S. Gilliam. The full report is available in the Board Meeting Agenda Package on Page 30.

Trustees approved the appointment of two members-at-large, recommended by Special Education Advisory Committee, and as per Ontario Regulation 464/97 (8) (1).

Erin Clow (Queen’s University and Parent) – New Nomination

Katrina Hill (FACSFLA and Parent) – New Nomination

Congratulations.

Presented by Associate Superintendent Gollogly. The full report is available in the Board Meeting Agenda Package on Pages 31-32

The purpose of the report is to update Trustees on the progress of the School Pedestrian Safety Working Group, specifically the School Streets Playbook.

The Playbook guides schools and communities considering similar interventions, and details collective learnings from years of refining these processes. This information is not just useful for our existing pilot schools like Winston Churchill and Central Public School, but can also serve as a springboard for other school communities keen to embrace a similar initiative. In addition, the Playbook clearly outlines the amount of commitment and necessary process steps to ensure a successful School Street.

The playbook has been developed collaboratively with the City of Kingston, Limestone District School Board (LDSB), Algonquin & Lakeshore Catholic District School Board, Kingston Police, Tri-Board Student Transportation Services, KFL&A Public Health and Kingston Coalition for Active Transportation (KCAT).

The School Pedestrian Safety Working Group was established in February 2022 and is composed of representatives from school boards, parent councils, Kingston Police, City staff, and City Council. This panel meets every two months to go over street safety concerns that have been brought to our attention through established protocols.

The panel will be engaging with the schools that have piloted this program and with representatives from the city of Kingston, Queens University and KCAT; to determine the feasibility of these programs moving forward for 2023- 2024 school year, and any potential expansion.

Motion to extend the term of the first Trustee Representative for the Indigenous Education Committee:

In selecting the first trustee representative and alternate for the Indigenous Education Committee, it is understood that the representative and alternate will serve until November 2024. Henceforth, the IEC committee representative and alternate will be chosen each November at the same time as annual committee selections and representatives.

Motion passed.

Nomination and Appointment of the Indigenous Education Committee members:

Trustee Godkin was appointed the Trustee Representative and Trustee McGregor was voted alternate trustee representative for the session ending November 14, 2024.

Due to the various staff award presentations being a timed element, Private Session took place after the Trustees completed the meeting agenda.

Vice-Chair Godkin was called upon to Rise and Report from Private Session.

The minutes were approved from the Regular Board Meeting (Private Session) of May 17, 2023. Associate Superintendent Gollogly provided a safe schools update, Director Burra gave two personnel updates with one resulting in a motion. There was no other business conducted, or motions passed in Private Session.

Second Private Session Report from the Education, Policy and Operations Meeting of June 7, 2023: Director Burra gave personnel updates, Superintendent Young gave an update that resulted in a motion relating to a personnel update. There was no other business conducted or motions passed in Private Session.

MOTION for the August 23, 2023, Agenda:

Motion for consideration, brought forward by Trustee Neill:

“Given the critical partnership between KFL&A Public Health and local school boards before the most recent pandemic and throughout the pandemic, a letter should be written to the Minister of Health, the Minister of Education, the Premier, local MPPs, and the Education and Health critics for the official opposition; advocating for a school board seat on the local public health board. This letter should also be shared with the other coterminous school boards.”

August 23, 2023

The Board serves more than 19,000 elementary and secondary students in 60 schools and 8 education centres covering a geographic area of 7,719 square kilometres. To get in touch with your trustee, visit Meet Your Trustees.

Email: communications@limestone.on.ca
Website: www.limestone.on.ca
Location: 220 Portsmouth Avenue, Kingston, ON, Canada
Phone: 6135446920
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Twitter: @LimestoneDSB