Perth Road Public School

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Limestone District School Board (LDSB) is pleased to announce the appointment of its 2026–2027 Student Trustees, who will be formally welcomed at the April meeting of the Board.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Student trustees play an important role in bringing student perspectives to board-level discussions, helping ensure that student voice is reflected in decision-making across the district. For the upcoming term, LDSB looks forward to working with three engaged and passionate student leaders who represent rural, urban, and Indigenous student communities:</span></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Audrey Bateman – Rural Student Trustee</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A message from Student Trustee Bateman:</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> I'm so excited to be your rural student trustee this year. This role is such a great place to create lasting change for the current and future classes. I'm really looking forward to connecting with the trustees and students from across the board to try and make school a&nbsp;more fun, inclusive, and memorable experience where we can. &nbsp;Everyone's voice matters!</span></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Victoria McCourt – Indigenous Student Trustee</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A message from Student Trustee McCourt</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">: I applied for the Indigenous student trustee position because I feel that having a voice to represent Indigenous students, their issues and concerns is important. I would like to help celebrate and honour the Indigenous students in the Limestone District School Board. I look forward to helping create more opportunities for Indigenous students and I want our youth to feel proud of who they are and their Indigenous identity.&nbsp;</span></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mathew Katz – Urban Student Trustee</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A message from Student Trustee Katz</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">: I applied to become a student trustee to advocate for issues that both I and students from across LDSB are passionate about. I specifically hope to be able to work on issues related to environmental sustainability and anti-racism. Ultimately, I want to ensure students’ voices are heard and meaningfully represented.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Limestone District School Board congratulates Audrey, Victoria, and Matthew on their appointments and looks forward to welcoming them at the April Board meeting as they begin their term as student trustees for the 2026–2027 school year.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/6101cb72-005e-4aad-b211-341230a8738b" alt="2026 2027 Student Trustees" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Dear Families,</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I hope everyone had a good, short week following the Family Day Weekend. We have had a small taste of warmer weather recently, though we know there may still be more winter days to come. As we head toward the end of February, I would like to share a few updates with Limestone families:</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">2026-2027 School Year Calendar</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you to everyone who took the time to fill out the 2026-2027 School Year Calendar Survey. Approximately 3,700 responses were submitted from families, staff, and community members. We appreciate your time and providing the feedback.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As shared previously, the school year calendar for 2026-2027 presents unique challenges, with Labour Day falling unusually late on September 7, and Easter occurring just four days after March Break. Across all three school boards (Limestone DSB, Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic DSB, and Hastings and Prince Edward County DSB) Option 1 was the preferred choice, and Option 2 ranked second and third, with only marginal differences in support.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Following further review of the potential calendars, and considering potential financial implications, it was determined that implementing Option 1 would create additional costs for all three boards. Given that Option 2 very closely aligns with Option 1, differing by only one day and without the associated financial implications, all three boards supported Option 2, with the school year starting September 1 (P.A. Day) and the first day of classes for students on September 2.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">At Wednesday night’s Board Meeting, the Limestone Board of Trustees approved </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/375540e1-d8af-4e1c-a856-7035ab3f1e4b/2026-2027-School-Year-Calendar-Final.pdf" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Option 2 for the 2026-2027 school year calendar</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">, and this calendar will be submitted to the Ministry of Education for final approval.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">You Are Invited: Community Event: An Evening with Monique Gray Smith, Author of </strong></b><i><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults </strong></b></i><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">– March 12, 2026</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students, families, staff, and community members are invited to a free in-person evening with author Monique Gray Smith. This special event will bring our community together to learn about care, reciprocity, connection to the land, and connection to one another. &nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Date</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">: March 12, 2026</span><br><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Time</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">:&nbsp;&nbsp; 6:30 p.m.&nbsp;- Vendors and refreshments</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 6:45 p.m.&nbsp;- Doors open</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 7:00 p.m.&nbsp;- Speaker begins</span><br><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Location</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">: Queen's University, Duncan McArthur Hall,&nbsp;511 Union St., Kingston</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Light refreshments will be provided, and the first 50 attendees will receive a free copy of her book. </span><a href="https://bit.ly/LDSBMoniqueGraySmithEvent" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Registration is required</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. Please </span><a href="https://bit.ly/LDSBMoniqueGraySmithEvent" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">register online</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> in advance — we look forward to seeing you there!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This event has been made possible with the support of the Limestone Learning Foundation, Queen’s University Faculty of Education, and the Limestone District School Board.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">2026-2027 Virtual School Survey</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Families interested in enrolling their students in virtual school for the 2026-2027 school year should complete the </span><a href="https://ca1.voxco.com/S2/?st=fu443Fws9prkkUlLZrFDxwJzvjfy6JjISrxBQtOLRo8%3D&amp;mod=0&amp;dlang=en" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Virtual School Survey.</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> This helps with early planning for the next school year. This virtual school survey&nbsp;is not for registration and families will need to </span><a href="mailto:virtualk8@limestone.on.ca" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">contact Elementary Virtual School to officially register their students for next year</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. If you have more than one student interested, please complete the survey for each student. The survey will remain open until Friday, March 13, 2026. Families can </span><a href="https://ca1.voxco.com/S2/?st=fu443Fws9prkkUlLZrFDxwJzvjfy6JjISrxBQtOLRo8%3D&amp;mod=0&amp;dlang=en" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">access the survey online</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. If you require a printed survey, please contact Principal </span><a href="mailto:myerskm@limestone.on.ca" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Kate Myers by e-mail</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><a href="https://ca1.voxco.com/S2/?st=fu443Fws9prkkUlLZrFDxwJzvjfy6JjISrxBQtOLRo8%3D&amp;mod=0&amp;dlang=en" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Access the survey online.</span></a></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ministry and Board Resources for Math and Literacy</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There are many resources available designed to support your student’s learning in math and literacy, offering engaging activities that can make learning fun and effective for students and families. </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/tutoring" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Visit Limestone’s Online Learning Resources and Tutoring webpage</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> to learn more.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement in Limestone school communities. We truly value the strong partnership we share with families and look forward to the second half of the 2025-2026 school year continuing positively for students, families, and staff.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Krishna Burra</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Director of Education</span></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">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. The following are highlights of the February 18, 2026 Regular Board Meeting. Agendas and meeting recording can be found on the website under </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/board_meetings-1719463739654" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Board Meetings</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Regular Board Meeting - February 18, 2026</span></h2><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Land Acknowledgement </span></h3><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">All meetings begin with a Land Acknowledgement: "The Limestone District School Board is situated on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabek and Haudenosaunee. We acknowledge their enduring presence on this land, as well as the presence of Métis, Inuit, and other First Nations from across Turtle Island. We honour their cultures and celebrate their commitment to this land."</span></p><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Private Session Report</span></h3><details open="false"><summary><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">February 4, 2026 EPOC Meeting and February 18, 2026 Board Meeting</span></p></summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Trustee Lloyd stated: “During Private Session following at the February 4 Education, Policy, and Operations Committee (EPOC) Meeting, Associate Superintendent Hedderson and Associate Superintendent Blackburn provided a Legal and Property Update.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There was no other business conducted, or motions passed in Private Session.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Earlier this evening during Private Session, the private session minutes were approved from the January 14, 2026, Regular Board Meeting and the February 4, 2026, EPOC Meeting. Associate Superintendent Gollogly provided a Safe Schools, Superintendent Young provided a legal update, and Trustees discussed a Personnel update.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There was no other business conducted, or motions passed in Private Session.”</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">MOVED BY: Trustee Lloyd and seconded by Trustee Scott that the Private Session Report be received. Carried.</span></p></div></details><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Approved Absences</span></h3><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Chair McGregor indicated that regrets were received from Trustee Morning to have her absence from tonight’s meeting be approved due to illness.</span></p><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Presentation/Delegation</span></h3><details open="false"><summary><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">LDSB Continuing Education: A Closer Look at the Personal Support Worker Program</strong></b></p></summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/1f82cff8-a9e2-40aa-aabd-7bec84bbe0a7" alt="Personal Support Worker Presentation Title Slide" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Associate Superintendent Blackburn welcomed Principal Kate Myers, staff member Caitlin Turcotte, and student Luciana Xavier Vandermeer. An overview of Continuing Education programs was provided, with a focus on the PSW program as a strong example of Ministry‑supported community partnership. Principal Myers outlined the six Continuing Education programs offered: International and Indigenous Languages, Adult English as a Second Language (ESL), Get Set (Skills Education and Training), teacher‑assisted self‑study/correspondence credits, fee‑for‑service interest courses, and the PSW program.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The PSW program, normally tuition‑based, has been tuition‑free for approximately five years through Ministry funding, currently committed until March 31, 2026. The program operates as a “living classroom” in partnership with the County of Lennox and Addington at the John M. Parrott Centre long‑term care home, supported through multiple funding waves, with an additional application pending. The accelerated five‑month program emphasizes dignity, respect, compassion, and real‑world learning, integrating students early into the long‑term care environment. The program includes 330 hours of theory and lab instruction, 110 hours of supervised placement, two additional 100‑hour unsupervised placements, and the opportunity to earn six secondary school credits where applicable. Successful completion of the provincial PSW exam is required.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Since September 2024, 78 students have enrolled, with a 71% completion rate and a 100% employment rate among graduates, exceeding provincial targets. Wrap‑around supports help reduce barriers by covering items such as scrubs, footwear, transportation, rent, and groceries. Strong provincial and local demand for PSWs was noted, particularly in light of upcoming long‑term care builds. The program meets provincial curriculum standards and has completed quality assurance certification. Ms. Turcotte spoke to the supportive learning environment, the value of the living classroom model, and the program’s focus on dignity, independence, individualized care, privacy, and safety. Ms. Xavier Vandermeer shared her experience as a recent graduate, highlighting the program’s high standards, strong supports, and impact on her personal and professional development.</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Chair McGregor thanked the team for their presentation and opened the floor to questions.</span></p></div></details><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Reports From Officers</span></h3><details open="false"><summary><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Chair's Report</span></p></summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"As we gather for our February meeting, I want to take a moment to recognize the energy across our schools as we begin a new semester. Hallways and classrooms are buzzing, and it’s been wonderful to see students engaged in winter activities that support learning, well-being, and connection during these colder months.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Looking ahead, we will soon be launching our 2026-2027 budget survey. This is an important opportunity for members of the public to share their feedback and perspectives as we begin planning the budget for the next school year. Community input plays a meaningful role in informing our budget-making process, and we encourage families and community members to participate when the survey opens.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I would also like to highlight Pink Shirt Day on February 25. Schools across the district will be recognizing this day as a visible show of our shared commitment to kindness, inclusion, and respect. We are proud of the many ways our schools foster safe and welcoming environments where every student feels they belong.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you to our students, staff, and school communities for the positive start to the semester and for the important work happening each day across our district. That concludes my report.”</span></p></div></details><details open="false"><summary><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Director's Report</span></p></summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Director Burra stated: “Good evening Trustees and the viewing public. It is hard to believe, but we are already a few weeks into the second half of the 2025-2026 school year. First term and first semester report cards have been sent home or are going home this week, secondary students are making course selections for next year, Choices at 9 programs have completed their processes, Choices at 7 programs will be making decisions soon, March Break is just around the corner, and planning is well underway for the 2026-2027 school year. Preparations for next year will continue to ramp up and we eagerly await the release of the budget for next school year that may well be delayed given Queen’s Park is in recess until March 23. I have a number of highlights and upcoming events that I would like to share this evening.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">One significant highlight occurred on February 4 just before our EPOC meeting when a Black History kick-off event was held at LCVI. While I know Senior Staff and some Trustees were able to attend the most of the event due to our EPOC meeting, there were several performances highlighting the significance of Black History in Canada and the local region.&nbsp; It should also be noted that this February is the 30th anniversary of Black History Month in Canada. A big thank you to teacher consultant Andrea Barrow and students and staff of LCVI for hosting this event. I should also note that the very impressive banners highlighting significant Black Canadians that were displayed at the event are now part of a travelling historical exhibit that will be making the rounds at different secondary schools this month and some elementary schools in the spring. Andrea Barrow has also created a range of resources to support Black History Month in LDSB schools, as well as resources to support curriculum delivery in schools.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A significant upcoming event is what we are hoping will be an outstanding Skills Competition at St. Lawrence College next week on February 25 and February 26. Almost 500 Limestone students, Grades 4 to 12, will be participating across over 25 secondary events and six elementary events. The Skills Competition is yet another example of community partnership that showcases critical skills events and the local community college.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Winter KASSAA seasons have either ended or will be ending prior to March Break. Tomorrow evening the girls volleyball championships will be held at St. Lawrence College, and Friday evening St. Lawrence hosts the boys’ basketball finals. It should be noted that LDSB has one team in two of the finals and both teams in the other two finals.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I would like to also highlight Limestone’s participation in larger community initiatives that involve multiple local partners in supporting more services for children and youth in areas across Limestone. The Unnamed Youth project and the ACES and Resilience Coalition of KFL&amp;A. Both of these initiatives bring together partners to better serve children and youth. This is exciting work that provides hope and support for many youth requiring improved services and/or access to services.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">One final highlight that I will draw Trustees’ attention to is our continued emphasis on collecting voice from the communities we serve. Tonight, Associate Superintendent Gollogly will share an overview of the school year calendar feedback and look for Trustee approval of the 2026-2027 calendar. As mentioned by Chair MacGregor, in the next couple of weeks or so, we will be providing an opportunity for input on the 2026-2027 budget. Additionally we will also gauge interest from families in virtual school programming for next year. And finally, in the spring, all Limestone families will have the opportunity to respond to a family engagement survey. Limestone school communities and staff are critical partners, and our schools are representative of the communities we serve; we have a responsibility to be responsive to community voice and changing circumstances.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">And on a final note, I would like to thank all Limestone staff who contributed to the 2025 United Way campaign. We just received the final tally and LDSB staff contributed almost $50,000 to the campaign which provides critical supports to meet the needs of some of the most vulnerable people in KFL&amp;A, including students and families we serve.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you, Chair McGregor. That concludes my report."</span></p></div></details><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Reports</span></h3><details open="false"><summary><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">OPBSA Report</span></p></summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Chair McGregor shared that she will be attending the OPSBA regional meeting scheduled for February 28, to be held virtually. The meeting will review proposed draft changes to the organizational structure including an opportunity to provide input regarding the inclusion of representation from each board at local regional tables. Following this meeting, the membership will vote on the proposed amendments on March 12, 2026.</span></p></div></details><details open="false"><summary><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Student Trustees' Report</span></p></summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Student Trustee Ismail stated: “Good afternoon, Trustees and members of the public. We held our Interschool Council (ISC) meeting February 10, chaired by Mia Comeau and Rachel Kolosov. It was a special meeting to host elections for incoming Student Trustees for the 2026-2027 school year.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This year, elections took place differently, as there were partial Tri-Board Transportation cancellations on that day. As a result, the elections took place in a hybrid format. Candidates were able to participate in the elections remotely or in-person to ensure the elections remained accessible for students.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We’ve had a total of 13 candidates; three Indigenous, four Rural, six Urban, who’ve shown interest and took part in elections for the Student Trustee. It has increased from previous years and shows that more students are feeling empowered to take part in governance and student leadership. During the election period, we had set a goal to increase visibility and the number of applications, made possible especially thanks to the efforts of the communications team. Within the Council as well, we have spent time during our meetings to brainstorm ways schools can raise awareness for the positions as well.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Last month, the Interschool Council was invited to support a board initiative connected to a provincial conference for Directors and Supervisory Officers across Ontario, centered on the theme Leaders as Agents of Change. The goal of the project, run by Associate Superintendent Sartor and Ms. Grange was to create a short compilation video that gathers student voices and lived experiences.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We were able to gather participants from Kingston Secondary School, Granite Ridge Education Centre, and Napanee District Secondary School, and over the past few weeks, those students shared their thoughts and experiences to a variety of prompts. Their voices, representing local student perspectives, are valued and being brought to conversations provincially. This concludes our February ISC report. Thank you.</span></p></div></details><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Reports for Action</span></h3><details open="false"><summary><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Recommended School Year Calendar 2026-2027</strong></b></p></summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Associate Superintendent Gollogly presented a report recommending approval of the 2026-2027 school year calendar. It was reported that approximately 3,700 responses were received through the consultation process, with the majority submitted by families (approximately 80%), followed by staff (approximately 20%), and a small percentage from other community organizations.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It was noted that, across the three boards, Option 1 was consistently rated as the preferred calendar. However, Option 1 was identified as having financial implications for certain employee groups due to a proposed August start date. As a result, alternative options were reviewed to balance interest group feedback with operational and financial considerations.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Option 2 was presented as the recommended calendar, as it most closely aligns with Option 1 while avoiding significant financial impact. It was noted that Option 2 begins on September 1, includes standard Professional Activity days, provides a board‑designated break day prior to March Break, and concludes with a Professional Activity day on June 29. Based on consultation feedback and operational considerations, approval of Option 2 for the 2026-2027 school year calendar was recommended.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">MOTION MOVED by Trustee Ruttan and seconded by Trustee Neill that Trustees approve the recommended Calendar Option 2 for the 2026-2027 School Year Calendar. Carried.</span></p></div></details><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Reports for Information </span></h3><details open="false"><summary><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Trustee Distribution</strong></b></p></summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Superintendent Young presented a report regarding Trustee determination and distribution in preparation for the 2026 municipal election. It was noted that this report is brought forward on a cyclical basis and that Trustees who served during the previous review in 2021-2022 were acknowledged for their work, as the last process involved extensive discussion and adjustments to electoral boundaries.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Trustees were directed to the agenda package, which includes background information on electoral boundaries, legislative requirements, and key timelines related to the upcoming municipal election. It was reported that the Ministry has advised that it will not be issuing a new Trustee determination and distribution report for 2026, therefore, the existing 2022 report remains the reference document. Key dates outlined in the report provide a general timeline for nominations, filings, and voting, noting that specific dates may vary slightly.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Superintendent Young reported that LDSB currently has nine elected Trustee positions, consistent with provincial legislation governing boards with an electoral population between 100,000 and 149,999. Based on current projections, the Board’s electoral population for 2026 is approximately 141,856, and as a result, the allowable number of elected Trustees will not change for the upcoming election. The Board will continue with nine elected Trustees, in addition to the Indigenous Trustee.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Legislative requirements were reviewed, including the Board’s obligation to pass a resolution regarding the designation of low‑population municipalities. It was noted that Limestone has, for several elections, designated the northern portion of the Board as low‑population municipalities in order to ensure reasonable representation, and this approach remains consistent with past practice.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Trustee responsibilities in advance of the 2026 election were outlined, including finalizing the determination and distribution, approving Trustee honoraria for the next term, and appointing a compliance audit committee. These items will be brought forward in future reports for Trustee approval.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Trustee distribution maps and population data were reviewed, including ward‑level information for Kingston. It was noted that there has been no notification of changes to Kingston’s electoral wards and that only minor population variations were identified since the previous election. While some student populations were not fully reflected in the current data, these figures will be updated in a subsequent report. Overall, it was reported that the existing ward‑to‑Trustee distribution remains well-balanced, reflecting the effectiveness of the adjustments made during the previous review.</span></p></div></details><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Adjournment</span></h3><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">MOTION MOVED BY: Trustee Lloyd and seconded by Trustee Godkin that the meeting adjourn. Carried.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Meeting Adjourned at 7:00 p.m.</span></p>