Did you miss the Board Meeting on June 21, 2022? Not to worry, here are the highlights from the meeting.
Watch the full meeting on You Tube:
HIGHLIGHTS
Student Trustee Report (TIMESTAMP 5:07)
Student Trustees Maxwell Froese, Antonie-Marie Skead and Elizabeth Favreau provided their final report for the 2022 – 2023 School Year. They reported that students enjoyed their first prom Rustic Garden Prom in many years. The school recently hosted its first Annual School Pride Walk and recently held the athletic banquet, and spring feast and pow wow.
Students in Grades 9 – 12 are completing exams and looking forward to summer vacation. The Graduation ceremony is on June 22 at 7:00 PM under the Whitecap Pavilion.
Elizabeth thanked Maxwell and Antonie-Marie for their service as Student Trustees. The students also thanked Director Paul White for his support and for being a role model and leader in the school community advocating for sports, drama, indigenous community and the Catholic faith.
Student Trustee Presentation and Gifts (TIMESTAMP 8:23)
Chair Teresa Gallik presented Elizabeth, Maxwell and Antonie-Marie with a beautiful stained glass cross and thanked them for their leadership not only in the boardroom but also in the school and the community.
POLICY (TIMESTAMP 10:13)
Trustees approved the review and update of
Policy #9 Board Operations
The Board also approved the creation of two new Policies from Policy #9 Board Operations:
Policy #18 – Catholic Student Trustees
Policy #22 – Finance, Consulting and Capital
The new policies have been created so that Policy #9 – Board Operations is more manageable and information is readily accessible.
2022 – 2023 Budget (TIMESTAMP 12:10)
Alison Smith, Superintendent of Business Services, provided a presentation on the 2022 – 2023 budget. Smith reported that the Board is projecting a slight decrease of 13 students from March 31 enrolment.
The 2022 – 2023 budget is a balanced budget and in compliance with Ministry of Education legislation. The Board is estimating revenues of 32,860,298 and expenses of $33,005,504, and is projecting an annual deficit of $145, 206.
The Board must comply with the balanced budget determination allowing the Board to operate a 1% operating deficit. Smith reported that the deficit is created by a shortfall in transportation funding.
The transportation funding has been under review by the Ministry of Education. The Ministry has yet to release a report or any changes in the transportation funding model for this year. The Board’s allocation of funding for transportation has stayed the same at $1,190,515. However, the Board is projecting increases in contract prices and transportation costs and is projecting costs to be $1,382,990. The Board will review the operating savings throughout the year to offset the shortfall.
Borrowing Resolution (TIMESTAMP 21:53)
Trustees passed a motion to renew the borrowing resolution with the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce for $5,000,000 with the total amount.
Annually the Board reviews the use of short-term borrowings for operating funds through the Board’s bank, the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC). This is both a requirement for the bank and a good practice.
The funds allow the Board to manage temporary differences in cash flows or to manage short-term finances on small capital projects.
School Council & Catholic Parent Involvement Committee Reports (TIMESTAMP 22:48)
Director Paul White presented that on June 7, the School Council and Catholic Parent Involvement Committee Reports were presented to Trustees at an evening meeting. The reports have been provided for approval.
2022 Graduation Ceremony (TIMESTAMP 22:48)
Paul White reported that the Graduation Celebration is happening on Wednesday, June 21, under the Whitecap Pavilion at 7:00 PM. This is the first in-person graduation celebration in a few years.
Friends and family are welcome to attend the celebration.
White congratulated all graduates and thanked the staff, students and parents for their dedication to student achievement.
Special Education Annual Review (TIMESTAMP 24:27)
Trustee Anne Sweeney provided a report on the Special Education Advisory Committee Meeting of May 17, 2022, that was hosted at St. John School. Principal Corinna Glazier, along with Lexi McLeish, First Nations Life Skills Coach, provided a presentation on St. John School's program called Building Cultural Connections for First Nation students. Eighty-eight percent of students in the program are also special education students.
2022 Municipal and School Board Elections (TIMESTAMP 31:46)
Director Paul White provided a presentation on the 2022 Municipal and School Board Elections that are happening on October 24, 2022. Nominations for the office of School Board Trustee opened on May 2 and closes on August 19.
Trustees are elected for a four-year term. The next term of office is from November 15, 2022, to November 14, 2026.
Catholic School Board Trustees are members of our school board and play an important role in the overall governance of the School Board. A Trustee's role is to maintain a focus on student achievement, well-being, and equity and to participate in making decisions that benefit all students while representing the interests of parents/guardians, students and the communities in which they serve.
Trustees Mike Favreau, Frank Bastone and Anne Sweeney advised that they will not be running for the office of Catholic School Trustee.
Trustees Teresa Gallik and Paul Landy indicated that they would be running for office for another term. Trustee Jeffrey White will stay for another term of office.
Trustee Vaughn Blab indicated that he is undecided at this time.
Anyone interested in becoming a Catholic School Trustee is encouraged to contact the Kenora Catholic District School Board or contact the municipal office.
Want to Join a Meeting?
Guests are welcome at the Board Meetings as part of the audience.
Anyone wishing to address the Board of Trustees must register by contacting Paul White, Director of Education. For inquiries, please call 807-468-9851 or email at
[email protected].