Boardroom Briefs: May 20, 2026

Vice-Chair Lloyd stated: “Earlier this evening during Private Session, the Private Session minutes were approved from the April 15, 2026, Regular Board Meeting. Associate Superintendent McKenna provided a Safe Schools update, Associate Superintendent Hedderson provided a personnel update, and Director Burra provided a personnel and property update. There was no other business conducted, or motions passed in Private Session.

MOVED BY: Trustee Lloyd and seconded by Trustee Godkin that the Private Session report be received. Carried.

Chair McGregor stated: “As we approach the final stretch of the school year, I would like to take a moment to recognize the many events and celebrations taking place across our schools. From creative showcases and athletic accomplishments to meaningful community connections and year-end milestones, these experiences highlight the energy and commitment of students and staff across Limestone.

This time of year also invites us to reflect on important opportunities for learning and recognition. From May 31 to June 6, we observe National AccessAbility Week, which highlights the importance of accessibility and inclusion in our communities and schools. June is also Pride Month, recognized and celebrated across the district as we affirm our commitment to creating safe, welcoming, and inclusive spaces for all students, staff, and families.

I am also pleased to share that Limestone will once again be participating in both the Greater Napanee and Kingston Pride Parades in the coming weeks. Students, staff, and families are warmly invited to join in as we celebrate inclusion, diversity, and community.

As always, I extend my best wishes to all students, staff, and families for a successful and fulfilling final month of the school year.”

CEO/Director Burra stated: “Good evening Trustees and the viewing public. 

It is hard to believe that we are already past the middle of May and about five weeks remain in the 2025-2026 school year. As everyone knows, this is a very busy season in schools across the board. The annual science fair and heritage fair occurred in recent weeks. A full range of secondary athletics’ seasons are underway and now all elementary schools are in the thick of a very hectic track and field season. Thinking back to where we were only a few years ago, it is wonderful that the wide range of student activities and experiences are alive and well in Limestone. We know these types of activities and experiences are critical for student well-being and engagement. 

As Trustees know, it is also a busy season for us as we prepare budgets for the 2026-2027 school year, and there are several upcoming budget meetings as part of our annual budget process. Last week, the Ontario government released Core Education funding to school boards. Financial Services continues to work through the funding to support our annual budgetary process. As Trustees know, staff replacement costs, special education funding, transportation funding, and unfunded statutory benefits are four areas of concern in recent years, and we are certain all four areas will continue to be pressure points moving into the next school year. Consequently, we will continue to feel a strain and tightening of our financial resources and flexibility to make any local, funding decisions.   

Tonight’s award celebration of the Limestone Student Achievers is yet another reminder of the important work we do to support the education of local children and youth, and placing focus on the students we serve. The 11 students we honoured this evening are exceptional young people that we can expect to see phenomenal things from in the next chapters of their lives. While it is wonderful that we annually honour the Limestone Student Achievers in May, we also will be honouring almost 2,000 Grade 12 graduates at the end of June. Before those end-of-year graduations, we will have an opportunity at the June 3 Education, Policy, and Operations Committee meeting to celebrate and honour the Skills Ontario Competition winners. 

As a short preview, Limestone had 26 secondary students representing Limestone in the provincial championships two week ago. In addition, we had 16 elementary students representing LDSB also attend. LDSB secondary students won a gold, a silver, and a bronze at the competition. Also of note, a former LDSB grad who took part in the post-secondary competition came away with a gold medal.

While writing my monthly director’s reports for this meeting, like all others, I am reminded of the many, many fantastic things happening in schools to help support Limestone students. This does not mean things are always perfect, but taking a step back and seeing what is occurring in schools every day for the benefit of students is an important perspective to maintain when we see challenges.  

This evening Trustees will see four reports, two for action and two for information. We will need to take some next steps as it relates to the Marysville PS property and the vacancy created by the recent passing of Trustee Neill. In addition, Trustees will receive updates related to second quarter financials and another focused on needs and next steps related to Before and After School Programs in LDSB schools.

In closing, I would like to highlight a few upcoming events: LDSB will again be participating in the Greater Napanee Pride Parade May 30, and the Kingston Pride Parade on June 13. We are encouraging LDSB families, students, and staff to walk with us again. We need to continue our journey to have everyone see themselves in Limestone. We still have much work ahead of us, but events like this are important steps on that path. 

That concludes my report for this evening, Chair McGregor. Thank you.”

Trustee McGregor provided her report. She shared that the OPSBA provincial office has prepared and submitted a nine-page response to the government regarding Bill 101. She encouraged Trustees to review the document if they have not already done so.

Trustee McGregor shared that “Take Your MPP to School Week” is currently underway. In conjunction with this initiative, the Healthy Democracy Student Leadership Award is being offered, with one $1,000 award available for the Eastern Region. The application deadline is May 26 and she noted that school Principals were reminded that previously prepared student submissions may be reused. Further details are available on the OPSBA website.

Finally, Trustee McGregor reported that due to recent financial adjustments implemented by the Ministry, the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and regional meetings will no longer take place in person in Ottawa. Instead, both the AGM and regional meeting will be held virtually on June 4 and 5, with participants attending remotely.

Student Trustee Ismail stated “Good evening, Trustees and members of the public,

On behalf of my co-Trustees Mia Comeau and Rachel Kolosov, who chaired this month's meeting, I am pleased to present the May Interschool Council (ISC) report.

A consistent theme this month was Grade 8 transition programming. Multiple schools organized orientation days and welcoming events to support incoming students, with student councils taking active ownership of that work.

Schools across the district are closing the year with community-focused celebrations. ESS hosted May Mania; NDSS held barbecues and graduation programming; SHS organized a carnival day; FSS held a pep rally alongside leadership elections; LSS hosted La Salle Palouzza; and BSS has Blazer Day this upcoming Friday as a community fundraising initiative. These student-led events build school cultures and directly support student well-being and belonging during a season where exams are fast approaching.

Graduation planning is well underway, with schools reporting Grade 12 breakfasts, grad assemblies, lip sync battles, sign-out events, and formal ceremonies that all mark a meaningful close to students' secondary school experience.

Co-president elections, student council programming, and inclusion-focused clubs continue to sustain student voice across our schools. Schools also shared updates on Pride-related initiatives planned at their schools for June.

As mentioned in our last report, a student at KSS founded an inhaler recycling initiative now being promoted district-wide through our ISC Google Classroom, a platform that continues to help us share resources and stay connected, especially during this period of transition.

From transition programming to graduation celebrations, from leadership elections to environmental action, students across the Limestone District continue to shape the culture and direction of their schools. 

That concludes our May ISC report. Thank you.”

CEO/Director Burra presented the report on the disposition of school property located at 53 Victoria Street on Wolfe Island. He advised that for the 2025-26 school year there were zero student registrations. Trustees reviewed the circumstances leading to the closure and acknowledged the financial and operational considerations associated with maintaining an unused facility.

CEO/Director Burra provided Trustees with an overview of the legislative requirements governing the disposition of school property, including the obligation to offer the property to prescribed public entities and to ensure that any eventual sale is conducted at fair market value. The requirements outlined the formal process that must be followed prior to declaring a property surplus and proceeding with its disposition.

CEO/Director Burra confirmed that community engagement has been undertaken, including the hosting of town hall meetings, through which residents were informed of the critical role of student enrolment in sustaining its operation.

Following discussion, CEO/Director Burra directed Trustees to the recommendation provided in the agenda package.

MOTION Moved by Trustee Ruttan and seconded by Trustee Scott that: The Limestone District School Board hereby resolves that Marysville PS is not currently being used; is not needed to meet the board’s current pupil accommodation needs; and is not needed to meet the board’s pupil accommodation needs for the next 10 years.

That the Board authorizes the Superintendent of Corporate and Staff Services to obtain Minister’s approval to sell this property.

That the Board authorize the Superintendent of Corporate and Staff Services to undertake the notification process and dispose of 53 Victoria Street in accordance with the Ministry of Education regulations including but not limited to Ontario Regulation 374/23 Disposition of Surplus Real Property. Carried.

CEO/Director Burra presented his report outlining the process to address the vacancy created by the passing of Trustee Jim Neill. Trustees were reminded that the Education Act and Board Bylaws govern the filling of trustee vacancies, providing two primary options: conducting a by-election or making an appointment. It was noted that the decision rests solely with the Board and must be confirmed through a formal motion. Trustees were also advised of guiding principles set out in the bylaws, including consideration of the timing of the vacancy, financial implications, representation of the affected geographic area, and the diversity and composition of the Board.

CEO/Director Burra provided an overview of the by-election option, noting that it would require coordination with the City of Kingston and an estimated timeline of approximately ten weeks, which would likely result in a summer election. The projected cost of conducting a by-election was identified as between $175,000 and $200,000. Trustees were reminded that, given the proximity to the next municipal election cycle, a by-election would result in a relatively short term of office for the successful candidate.

The Board also reviewed the option of filling the vacancy by appointment. Trustees were informed that, under the Education Act, the vacancy must be filled within 90 days of its occurrence. The Board may appoint one of the unsuccessful candidates from the 2022 election, provided they remain qualified and are willing to serve, or may instead undertake an application and interview process. Details of a potential application process were outlined, including public advertising, submission of applications and supporting materials, and an interview process conducted by a selection committee composed of Trustees, with a recommendation brought forward for Board approval.

Trustees discussed additional considerations related to the appointment option, including the vote distribution from the previous election and the relative support levels of unsuccessful candidates. Through discussion, Trustees acknowledged that legislative requirements necessitate filling the vacancy within the prescribed timeline and that there is no option to leave the position vacant beyond that period. The following motions were brought forward:

MOVED BY Trustee Ruttan and seconded by Trustee Lloyd THAT: The Board of Trustees eliminate the by-election option because it is too costly. Carried.

MOVED BY Trustee Ruttan and seconded by Trustee Lloyd THAT: The Board of Trustees conduct a vote between Option 2 and 3 to determine the preferred method for filling the Trustee vacancy.

A vote was held between Option 2, appointment of the second- or third-place finisher, and Option 3, an application and interview process. Option 2 received majority. Carried.

Chair McGregor welcomed Manager of Financial Services Paula Carson to present her report which outlines the Interim Financials for the period ending February 28, 2026 (Quarter 2). Manager Carson acknowledged that the report was previously introduced during the January 15, 2026, meeting and that it is provided for information purposes. Trustees were directed to Appendix 1 for a detailed overview of operating expenditures.

It was reported that total operating expenditures as of February 28, 2026, were $163.3 million, representing approximately 52% of the approved $316.9 million operating budget. This level of expenditure was noted as comparable to the 48% reported during the same period in the 2024-2025 fiscal year.

Within the Instruction category, expenditures included salaries and costs associated with classroom teachers, supply staff, care professionals, departmental leadership, school administration, support staff, and continuing education. Variances in this category were attributed in part to the timing of pay periods, with Quarter 2 of the 2025-2026 fiscal year including one additional pay period compared to the same quarter in the prior year. Additional increases were noted in textbooks and supplies, including $350,000 allocated to cyber monitoring funded through surplus reserves. Increased expenditures for computer equipment, totaling approximately $0.8 million, were also reported and were similarly funded through surplus reserves. The increase in staff development costs reflected a higher number of training sessions completed in Quarter 2 compared to the previous year.

Under the Administration and Governance category, expenditures related to Trustees, Senior Administration, and Supervisory Officers were also impacted by the timing of pay periods, again reflecting one additional pay period in the current reporting period relative to the prior year.

Transportation and pupil accommodation expenditures were reported as consistent with those incurred during Quarter 2 of the 2024-2025 fiscal year.

Manager Carson concluded her presentation by sharing that in the Other category, variances were attributed to changes in budget allocations related to temporary Educational Assistants assigned to support school administration, with a reduction observed in the 2025-2026 fiscal year compared to the previous year.

Chair McGregor thanked Manager Carson for her presentation and called upon Trustees for questions.

Superintendent McDonnell, accompanied by the Research Analyst, Laura Gillam presented Phase Two of the Limestone District School Board Before and After School Program (BASP) review. The presentation began with a review of the Phase One findings shared in June 2025, which established the purpose of the review: to assess whether families have sufficient access to before and after school program spaces across the district. The review was guided by principles of equity, program viability, and alignment with the Board’s broader enrolment strategy.

Trustees were reminded that before and after school programs provide childcare and recreational opportunities for students in Kindergarten to Grade 6 outside the regular school day and are funded through parent fees. The board is required under the Education Act to ensure access to such programs where demand and viability exist, either through direct delivery or through agreements with third-party providers. It was noted that Limestone currently fulfills this obligation through third-party partnerships, with 27 programs operating within schools. While authorized recreational and skill-building programs exist in a limited number of schools, these were noted as outside the scope of the current review.

The presentation recapped engagement activities undertaken in Phase One, including a family survey, school council input, third-party provider focus groups, and analysis of waitlists. These consultations identified several key issues, including insufficient program access, long waitlists, limited flexibility, and challenges in supporting students with diverse learning needs. Survey data indicated a significant demand for approximately 2,500 before and after school program spaces, particularly at the Kindergarten level, with demand distributed across family of schools in proportion to overall student populations.

Further analysis highlighted a substantial gap between identified demand and available spaces. While approximately one-quarter of students expressed a need for care, the proportion of available licensed spaces was notably lower, and not all spaces were fully utilized, underscoring both access and distribution challenges across the system.

Outlined were steps that have already been undertaken to address these issues, including collaboration with municipal partners in Kingston and Lennox and Addington, promotion of employment opportunities within third-party programs, coordination with Tri-Board Transportation to improve access, and the establishment of a childcare committee with community partners. Six recommendations arising from Phase One were referenced, with the current presentation focusing on advancing further data collection to inform implementation decisions.

Additional data analysis conducted during the 2025-2026 school year incorporated multiple sources, including Early Development Instrument data, socioeconomic indicators, enrolment trends, student mobility, existing childcare availability, and family survey responses. This integrated approach was intended to support evidence-based, equitable decision-making. It was also noted that several schools currently have no access to before and after school programming, either within the school or in the surrounding community.

Based on the findings, administration announced plans to initiate licensed in-house pilot before and after school programs operated directly by the Limestone District School Board. These pilots are intended to complement, rather than replace, existing third-party services, with a focus on addressing service gaps and enhancing access for families. Specific locations and timelines for implementation have not yet been determined, as further considerations remain, including analysis of updated survey data, Ministry licensing requirements, alignment with the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care system, staffing requirements, and the establishment of financial and administrative processes.

Superintendent McDonnell emphasized the board’s continued commitment to its partnerships with third-party providers and reiterated that the in-house pilots are designed to expand, not displace, existing services. The presentation concluded with expressions of optimism regarding the initiative’s potential to improve access to before and after school care for families across the district.

Chair McGregor thanked Superintendent McDonnell and Research Analyst Gillam and called upon Trustees for questions.