GUELPH – The Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) held its monthly board meeting on June 22, 2021. The following provides highlights from the meeting.
Equity plan progress report
Staff presented the board of trustees with a year-end progress report of the UGDSB Three-Year Equity Plan. The report provides information on the scope of work completed in the UGDSB in the 2020-21 school year.
The equity plan is divided into four main sections of focus:
– Identify and name bias, oppression and racism through reflection, evidence, voice/feedback and data;
– Build collaborative relationships to foster community and align;
– Address and educate with accountable policies and practices; and
– Eliminate bias, oppression and racism through disruption and action.
The progress report highlights progress made to date in each of the four areas, as well as next steps planned.
Summer programming and supports
Summer programming and transitional supports that will be available to UGDSB students this summer include the following:
– Curriculum supports (e.g. in-school supports, summer programs for elementary students, as well as secondary credit courses, upgrading credits, co-op and dual credit programming);
– English as a second language (ESL);
– Special education summer learning;
– Transition supports in the spring, summer and fall; and
– Mental health programs and supports.
Long term accommodation plan
Trustees approved the updated short-term work plan priorities as part of the long term accommodation plan (LTAP) annual review report, with the understanding that work plan priorities may change as a result of future annual and five-year LTAP review cycles and approved the LTAP communication plan.
Trustees also directed staff to complete the secondary program review prior to the completion of the new Guelph secondary school boundary review. To review the full report, visit the board website.
The 2021 LTAP annual review report contains information on the UGDSB’s updated five-year work plan priorities, updated enrolment projections, school utilization rates and more.
It is an important step in ensuring alignment of school facilities with the needs of the board and the communities it serves.
Consolidated French immersion feasibility study
Trustees approved a recommendation directing staff to undertake a study examining the feasibility of the consolidation of at junior kindergarten to Grade 8 French immersion (FI) program in West Guelph schools.
In 2018-19, the FI program started at Gateway Drive PS as junior kindergarten and senior kindergarten and has been growing by a grade each year. In 2020-21, Gateway Drive PS has junior kindergarten to Grade 2 FI.
According to the board motions from the boundary review process, the first year that FI students will leave Gateway Drive PS and feed to Willow Road PS is 2023-24 for Grades 4 and five.
A study needs to be conducted to determine the feasibility of creating a consolidated FI program in West Guelph.
The feasibility study will not result in a change to any existing West Guelph programs but will inform trustees of the options for future processes.
Staff will report back to the board on the outcomes of the feasibility study in October.
Special education report and plan
Trustees approved the special education report for 2020-21 and the special education plan for 2021-22.
The special education report provides information on the past school year’s special education goals to support students with special needs. It was received by the board and will be posted on the UGDSB website.
The special education plan is a document that outlines the structures, supports and programs the UGDSB has in place that are designed to support the diverse needs of students.
It also provides a guide to the board’s beliefs, services and goals for how it plans on supporting students’ moving into the next school year.
The plan is reviewed, amended and submitted to the ministry of education yearly.
Policy update
Trustees approved the following board policy:
– Policy 419 – Teacher Hiring Practices
The following draft policies will be released for public consultation:
– Policy 205 – School Volunteers; and
– Policy 508 – Educational Field Trips and Off-Site Activities.
The deadline to provide input for both draft policies is Oct. 14 at 4pm. To view all UGDSB policies and procedures, and to provide feedback on draft policies, visit www.ugdsb.ca/policy.
The next regular monthly meeting will be held on Aug. 31.
