Board Meeting and Committee of the Whole: February 28, 2023
The Committee of the Whole Meeting and Board Meeting for the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board took place on February 28, 2023.
During the Committee of the Whole Meeting, staff brought forward one report with one recommendation and one presentation for discussion. I voted in favour of the recommendations in the report for the Facilities Renewal Program and School Condition Improvement 2022- 2023 Project Plan. This report highlights the investments into building renewal and upgrades of schools that will help improve the quality of teaching spaces and help to promote the success of our students and staff.
Staff also brought forward the latest iteration of the strategic plan environmental scan. The school board is in the process of developing a new strategic plan for 2023 to 2027. The goal is to create a meaningful plan for OCDSB students, families, staff, and community members. There are multiple ways to share your priorities with both me and the school board for what you want to see in your strategic plan. More information can be found on the webpage here.
During the Board Meeting, we heard from the Director of Education on the work that staff are undertaking to review resources around Anti-Palestine Racism and how to support students facing this racism. This work includes meeting with student groups throughout the district. The Director of Education also highlighted that over the past year, the district welcomed approximately 450 new students from Ukraine. I asked about a backlog in the Family Reception Center and if it was related to staffing issues. The Director of Education said she would confirm with the staff and follow up. I have asked for the follow-up at our next Board Meeting.
Staff brought forward two reports with two recommendations. and one presentation for discussion. I voted in favour of the recommendations in the report for the School Year Calendar: Key Dates. The 2023 to 2024 calendar will be largely like previous years. For more information on the specifics of the recommendations, please refer to my blog post on the Committee of the Whole Meeting here. I voted in favour of the recommendations in the report for the Facilities Renewal Program and School Condition Improvement 2022- 2023 Project Plan.
Please note, that the opinions expressed here are entirely my own and do not reflect an official position of the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board or the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board of Trustees. Please note answers from staff are paraphrased, if you would like to hear the full answers from staff please watch the recording of the Committee of the Whole Meeting here and the Board Meeting here. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me using my contact form here.
Key links
Video for the Committee of the Whole on February 28, 2023
Agenda for the Committee of the Whole Meeting on February 28, 2023
Report Facilities Renewal Program and School Condition Improvement 2022-2023 Project Plan
Presentation on the Environmental Scan 2023 to 2027 OCDSB Strategic Plan
Video for the Board Meeting on February 28, 2023
Agenda for the Board Meeting on February 28, 2023
