Boardroom Briefs: October 21, 2026

Chair McGregor stated: “Good evening, as we gather for the final Board Meeting of this term, I would like to begin by recognizing all those who have put their names forward as candidates to serve as Trustees of the Limestone District School Board. We appreciate their commitment to the democratic process, to the students, staff, families and communities we serve, and to the continued strength of public education in Ontario.

The role of Trustee is both a privilege and a significant responsibility. As elected officials, Trustees are called upon to represent the voices and needs of their communities while fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to School Boards by the Ministry of Education. This work is not always easy. It requires dedicated leadership, thoughtful discussion, a willingness to consider new ideas, and, at times, the courage to make difficult decisions.

The newly elected Board of Trustees will begin its term of office on November 18, 2026. To all of the Trustee candidates, thank you again for putting your names forward, and we wish you the very best of luck on election day later this month.

Tonight’s meeting marks the close of the fourth and final year of this Board’s term. It is an opportunity to reflect on the work we have undertaken together and, more importantly, on the responsibility we have shared to serve students across Limestone.

I would like to thank my fellow Trustees for their commitment throughout this term. Around this horseshoe, we have not always shared the same perspectives, nor should we. Healthy discussion and respectful debate are important parts of good governance. What has mattered most is our ability to come together, even after challenging and lengthy discussions, with a shared commitment to doing what we believe will best serve students.

I am proud of the work we have accomplished together, and I am grateful for the spirit of cooperation, respect and collegiality that has guided this Board.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would also like to acknowledge CEO/CEDO/Director Burra and Limestone’s Senior Staff for their leadership and support throughout this term. Their work, together with that of staff across the district, has helped advance initiatives that support student learning, transitions, pathways, well-being, and success.

To all Limestone staff, thank you for the work you do each day in service of students and families. The decisions made around this Board table are brought to life through your dedication, professionalism, and care in schools, classrooms, and workplaces across our district.

As our term comes to a close, I believe we can be proud that, even when faced with differing perspectives and difficult decisions, we remained focused on our responsibility to students and on the importance of strong, publicly funded education.

To my fellow Trustees, thank you for your service, your commitment and the many hours you have devoted to this Board and to the communities you represent. It has been a privilege to serve alongside you.

And to the incoming Board, we extend our very best wishes as you begin the next chapter of governance and leadership for the Limestone District School Board.

Thank you.”

Director Burra stated: “Good evening Trustees and members of the viewing public. I have several updates I would like to share with you this evening.  

We continue to enjoy lovely fall weather this year which has been wonderful for most outdoor extracurriculars.  I know there have been a few soggy days, but good weather has been dominant.

Trustees may have noticed the flag hanging at half-mast this evening.  This is to honour those who lost their lives, or were injured, during the tragic events impacting Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta this past weekend.

As a reminder to Trustees and the viewing public, we are in the midst of the Fall 2026 United Way fundraising campaign. Given continuing, significant economic dislocation, housing costs, and food security concerns, it is critical for those that can support this campaign to do so, to help support some of the most vulnerable children, youth, and families in the region. Limestone is a proud contributor to this annual campaign. I should note that it was my pleasure to help support the United Way engaging with the secondary inter-school council members last week.  The interschool council is comprised of student trustees and student leaders from across LDSB secondary schools.  This engagement marks the second annual Youth United campaign to increase youth awareness of the United Way and partners who receive funding to support members of the community in need.  The interschool council went on an abbreviated ‘seeing is believing’ tour for student leaders to see examples of services that exist in our communities to support a range of needs. I am sure we will hear about this from student trustees. I look forward to seeing how this initiative evolves and the difference students, and schools, can make in this year’s campaign. 

We have a few updates for trustees this evening:  an overview of mandatory, staff training, a revised trustee honoraria based on a new provincial regulation, and amendments to our administrative procedure tied to school naming and renaming based on another new provincial regulation.

This evening, Trustees will also see an update report for the LDSB Strategic Plan, 2024-2028.  The report this evening will focus on our continued focus on goals outlined in the Strategic Plan and the high impact strategies we are utilizing to support the goals.  Trustees saw the 2025-2026 EQAO results at our Education, Policy, and Operations meeting earlier this month.  Our current focus continues to be on improving teaching and learning in classrooms.  These points of emphasis are critical components of the provincial and board priorities, but also integral to our equity work in ensuring that each Limestone student has the skills and confidence to access their pathway of choice as they navigate through their K-12 schooling. The stakes of our work are incredibly high, and we have a  responsibility to ensure that we maintain focused attention on student achievement.  It is also important for us all to remember the importance of this data particularly when it is triangulated, or overlaid, with student census data.  As trustees are aware, later this school year, we will see additional results from the second LDSB student census that was conducted in the fall of 2025.  Once we have the results and analysis of the student census data, we will have very rich information about specific groups of students in Limestone and their experiences.  I look forward to continuing our critical work in Limestone with the Strategic Plan as we move into the future, doing the best we can to make a difference in the lives of the students we serve.

With elections this coming Monday, a new board will be comprised and will take their seats around this table in a few weeks.  I look forward to continuing to work with those trustees that return, and with new trustees, to best serve students, families, and staff in Limestone.  For several months we have known that we would be saying goodbye to Trustees Elliott, Morning, Ruttan, and Scott when we start the new term of the Board in mid-November.  Trustee Scott has served since 2024 when he filled a vacancy left by the late Judith Brown, Trustees Elliott and Morning have served since being elected in 2018, and trustee Ruttan has served since 2010.  I know more will be said to acknowledge each of these trustees later in the meeting.  As the chair has indicated, this current board has accomplished some very significant work.  While more work remains, it is critical to pause and reflect on the positive accomplishments that have been achieved.  I am confident that as a Board we can continue to make progress to better serve students, families, and staff as we move into the next term of office.  

Thank you, Chair McGregor. That completes my update for this evening.”

Chair McGregor advised Trustees of an upcoming OPSBA meeting scheduled for the following day and indicated that she would provide an update at a future Board meeting.

Student Trustee Katz stated: “Good evening. On behalf of my co-student trustee and me, I’m pleased to give this month’s Student Trustee report. Since the last meeting, we have several exciting updates to share.

First, this month, instead of a typical Interschool Council meeting, our meeting consisted of a Seeing is Believing Bus Tour, led by United Way, in advance of our upcoming Youth United Fundraiser.

The Seeing is Believing Tour consisted of two stops. First, we went to Youth Diversion, where we learned about the important work they’re doing to support marginalized youth. A key lesson we learned is to ask, “What don’t you know?” before making assumptions about a situation a person is in.

We then went to the Food Sharing Project, where we learned about the vital work they do to ensure students across Limestone aren’t hungry during school.

Both of these stops showed the Interschool Council the impact of raising money in their school for our Youth United Fundraiser, which will begin on November 1st. This fundraiser, which is in its second year, allows students not only to raise funds but also to work with United Way to decide where the funds are ultimately given.

We’re grateful to United Way for coordinating the tour and fundraiser!

Additionally, this month, we established an LDSB Student Trustee Instagram account. This account will enable us, and future student trustees, to communicate with students and share important information.

That concludes our report. Thank you.”

Chair McGregor stated “Tonight, we would like to take a moment to publicly recognize and thank four Trustees who are retiring from the Board: Trustee Chris Scott (City of Kingston: Loyalist-Cataraqui, Collins, Bayridge & Meadowbrook-Strathcona Districts), Trustee Garrett Elliott (City of Kingston: Trillium and Lakeside Districts), Trustee Joy Morning (City of Kingston: Portsmouth and Sydenham Districts), and Trustee Suzanne Ruttan (Township of South Frontenac). 

Public service requires a significant commitment of time, energy, and care. Each of these Trustees has brought their own perspective, experience, and voice to the Board table, while sharing a commitment to serving students, families, and communities across Limestone. 

Throughout their time as Trustees, they have contributed to important discussions and decisions that have helped shape public education in our district. Their service has extended beyond the Board table through their connection to the communities they represent and their dedication to the responsibilities of elected office. 

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would like to sincerely thank Trustees Scott, Elliott, Morning, and Ruttan for their service to the Limestone District School Board and to public education. 

As you close this chapter, please know that your time, commitment, and contributions are deeply appreciated. We wish each of you all the very best in whatever comes next. 

Please join me in recognizing and thanking our outgoing Trustees for their service.”

Superintendent McWilliams presented the 2026 Staff Mandatory Training Report, noting that mandatory training is completed annually by staff, with Trustees also receiving applicable training modules. She advised that training for permanent staff was divided between the September and October Professional Activity Days, while casual employees complete the required training within a separate timeframe.

Superintendent McWilliams provided an overview of the mandatory training topics, which include health and safety, prevalent medical conditions, violence and respect and inclusion in the workplace, human rights, suicide prevention, concussion protocols, student safety plans, physical intervention guidelines, cybersecurity, privacy, records and information management, and customer service standards. She highlighted the addition of training related to the administration of Neffy, a nasal spray used for the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis, alongside existing training related to epinephrine auto-injectors. Updated concussion protocols and technological education health and safety guidelines were also included in this year’s training.

Trustees were advised that staff annually review relevant Administrative Procedures and supporting resources, with particular procedures identified each year based on legislative and regulatory requirements, organizational priorities, and changes to Board procedures. Areas highlighted this year included field trips and events, codes of conduct, progressive discipline and positive student behaviour, bullying prevention and intervention, Board equipment and property, protective disclosure, professional boundaries, human rights, workplace violence and harassment, medical procedures, emergency response, student safety, social media, conflict of interest, and business and financial practices.

Superintendent McWilliams also outlined training and resources provided to volunteers, including respect and inclusion in the workplace, workplace violence, prevalent medical conditions, customer service, professional boundaries, concussion awareness, suicide response protocols, scent awareness, and asbestos awareness.

Acting Superintendent Richard presented the Trustee Honoraria Report, noting that trustee honoraria had previously been presented and established in August based on Ontario Regulation 357/06. He advised that, subsequent to that meeting, Ontario Regulation 320/26 was received, introducing revised criteria for the calculation of trustee honoraria.

Acting Superintendent Richard explained that, under the new regulation, the annual honorarium is calculated as the lesser of $9,000 or the amount determined under the previous calculation, which included a base amount and an enrolment component. As Limestone’s calculated amount exceeds $9,000, the annual trustee honorarium is set at $9,000. An additional $500 is provided for the Vice-Chair and $1,000 for the Chair.

CEO/CEDO/Director Burra presented the revised administrative procedure 552, the naming and renaming of schools. He advised that the procedure had been updated to align with recent changes to Board responsibilities and new provincial requirements, while maintaining the key elements of the Board’s existing naming and renaming process.

CEO/CEDO/Director Burra explained that the process would continue to include the establishment of a school-level committee involving representatives from the school community, including families, staff, and students. Potential names would be identified and considered through consultation with the school community, following which a shortlist would be presented to Trustees for consideration and selection.

CEO/CEDO/Director Burra advised that the revised procedure incorporates the additional requirement for Ministerial approval in accordance with Ontario Regulation 244/26. Following the Board’s selection of a proposed school name, the name would be submitted to the Minister for consideration in accordance with the timelines and requirements prescribed by the regulation.

CEO/CEDO/Director Burra noted that it was timely to update the administrative procedure in anticipation of potential future naming processes, including the replacement school planned for the west end of Kingston. The specific process followed would depend on decisions made as planning for the new school progresses.

CEO/CEDO/Director Burra introduced the 2025-2026 Strategic Plan Year-End Report and provided an overview of progress against the measures identified within the Strategic Plan. He noted that results were mixed across the various indicators but demonstrated overall improvement and positive movement over the past several years. The report included the most current Limestone data available, noting that provincial comparative data was not yet available for some measures.

CEO/CEDO/Director Burra reminded Trustees that the Board’s ongoing focus has been on improving outcomes for students who have historically experienced disparities in achievement and well-being, particularly students with special education needs. He noted that recent achievement data demonstrated encouraging progress for these students. The Strategic Plan continues to align with provincial student achievement priorities, including improving literacy and mathematics achievement, graduation rates and preparedness for future success, student well-being and belonging, participation and engagement, and responsiveness and service to families, staff, and community partners.

Superintendent Sartor provided an overview of educator capacity-building initiatives supporting literacy and mathematics achievement. Key areas of focus included high-impact and culturally responsive instruction and assessment, system professional learning, and direct classroom support through co-planning and co-teaching. Short learning cycles were used to identify student needs, implement targeted instructional strategies, monitor progress, and adjust instruction where necessary. Differentiated interventions and common programs and resources were also implemented across schools to support consistency, collaboration, and improved outcomes for students.

Superintendent Hedderson outlined administrator capacity-building initiatives designed to strengthen instructional leadership and the use of student achievement data. School leaders participated in collaborative data analysis through elementary data days, district administrator meetings, and school-based data reviews to identify students not yet meeting grade-level standards and determine targeted next steps. Short learning cycles, school visits, and family-of-schools meetings were used to monitor the implementation and impact of strategies and to adjust supports where progress was not occurring as anticipated.

Superintendent McKenna provided an update on initiatives aimed at improving graduation rates and preparing students for future success. These included increased participation in Specialist High Skills Major programs, the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, Level 1 apprenticeship opportunities, dual credit programs, and skilled trades programming. Early intervention through school-based student success teams, ongoing review of student data, collaboration with guidance and student success staff, and expanded opportunities for students in Grades 7 and 8 continued to support these priorities. Trustees were advised that the percentage of students earning 16 or more credits by the end of Grade 10 had reached 80 per cent. Participation in job skills programming had also increased, while the five-year graduation rate was reported at 89.2 per cent, approaching the Board's goal of at least 90 per cent.

Trustees also received information regarding students’ perceptions of their preparedness for their next steps in learning, as measured through EQAO student survey responses, and participation in senior-level mathematics and science courses. Senior Staff noted continued progress in the percentage of students taking Grade 12 mathematics or at least one Grade 11 or 12 science course, increasing from the established baseline of 54.3 per cent to 65 per cent.

Superintendent Blackburn provided an update on the Strategic Plan goal related to improving student well-being, sense of belonging, participation, engagement, and time focused on learning. Attendance continued to be identified as an area requiring attention, given its direct relationship to student achievement. Strategies included a refined attendance referral pathway, tiered school-based interventions, attendance awareness initiatives, connections with caring adults, and continued efforts to strengthen students’ sense of belonging within their schools.

Superintendent Blackburn also reviewed student awareness of mental health supports and services, noting continued progress and results that were generally comparable to or above provincial rates. Strategies included secondary student mental health symposiums, implementation of School Mental Health Ontario mental health literacy modules, expanded student self-referral processes, and continued collaboration with community partners through the Right Time, Right Care initiative.

Superintendent Gollogly provided an update on student suspension rates, noting that suspension rates generally increase beginning in Grade 7, peak in Grade 8, and decline as students progress through secondary school. The overall suspension rate for students in Grades 4 to 12 was approximately 6.5 per cent. Supports included violence threat risk assessment and traumatic events training, the YMCA Back on Track and Y Student Impact programs (YSIP), the Grades 6 to 8 RISE program, and Limestone Teddy.

Superintendent Gollogly also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve responsiveness and service to families, staff, and community partners. The Board continued to seek input through a variety of consultation opportunities and surveys, including engagement related to the school-year calendar and student census, and maintained collaboration with the Parent Involvement Committee and community partners.

CEO/CEDO/Director Burra concluded by noting that the report fulfilled the annual requirement to provide Trustees with an overview of Strategic Plan progress for the previous school year. The accompanying materials also identified Board reports presented throughout 2025-2026 and demonstrated their alignment with the goals and measures of the Strategic Plan.