Bluewater District School Board

Bluewater's Board Meeting Highlights - April 15, 2025 page

Board Meeting Highlights - April 15, 2025

Board Meeting Highlights - April 15, 2025
Posted on 04/15/2025
Board Meeting Highlights graphic depicting BWDSB logo and Education CentreBoard Meeting Highlights graphic depicting BWDSB logo and Education Centre

Excellence in Education – Public Speaking and Concours d'art oratoire 2025
A presentation was shared on the many opportunities that are provided to Bluewater District School Board students to research, write, and present speeches. Community partners, judges, teachers, and schools were acknowledged for their support with these initiatives aimed at further developing students’ oral communication skills. The following special guest student speakers were on hand to share their fantastic speeches:

Summer Enright, Grade 6, Hanover Heights Community School – “Mental Toughness”
Nived Menon, Grade 8, Alexandra Community School – “Artificial Intelligence (AI)”
Thomas Stredwick, Grade 11, Owen Sound District Secondary School – “Cursive Writing” (Impromptu French)
Evie Kingston, Grade 11, John Diefenbaker Senior School – “How to Leave a Lasting Impression”

Policy Update
The following board policies were approved:
  • BP 2311-D “Responsible Use of Information Technology” (new) for system use, and rescind the following: BP 2311-D “E-mail – Acceptable Use”, BP 2312-D “Network Resources – Limited Personal Use”, BP 2314-D “Use of Electronic Devices”, BP 2820-D “Electronic Information Technology – Access”
  • BP 1620-D “School Council” as revised for system use
  • BP 1622-D “Home and School Associations” as revised for system use
  • BP 6820-D “Safe and Accepting Schools” as revised for system use
  • BP 7520-D “Human Rights” as revised for system use
  • BP 6951-D “Assessment, Evaluation, and Reporting” as revised for system use
Business Committee Update
The report from the meeting held on April 1, 2025 included the following:
  • Long-Term Accommodation Strategy developed by Watson and Associates Economists Ltd. showcasing enrolment growth and future enrolment pressures across the district
  • 2025 – 2026 Budget Public Consultation survey results
  • confirmation of the move into the new Beavercrest Community School over March Break and start date of March 17, 2025 for students at the new location
  • presentation on how bus routes are generated and how specific in-town routes do not maximize efficiencies or funding
  • update on progress to acquire land for the new Kincardine District Senior School
Director Performance Appraisal Committee Annual Appointments
Trustees Jan Johnstone, Tracy Lynn Atkinson, and Michael Craig were appointed to the Director’s Performance Appraisal Committee, in accordance with the requirements of Ontario Regulation (O. Reg.) 83/24 “Director of Education Performance Appraisal” for the 2025 – 2026 performance appraisal process.

Trustee Code of Conduct Complaint
Trustees discussed a report and recommendations by Michael L. Maynard of ADR Chambers, Office of the Integrity Commissioner, who was retained by Bluewater District School Board to investigate a Code of Conduct complaint concerning Trustee Derrick Long.

Trustees approved the following motions:

That Trustee Long has contravened the Code of Conduct, specifically sections 2.2, 2.4, and 3.3 (iii), as outlined in the Integrity Commissioner’s Report.

That the board impose the following sanctions on Trustee Long:
  • That the Board of Trustees censure Trustee Long; and
  • That the Board of Trustees bar Trustee Long from attending the June 17, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Board; and
  • That the Board of Trustees bar Trustee Long from sitting on all committees of the board, for the period of 90 days, beginning June 1, 2025, and ending October 30, 2025, so not to include the months of July and August when there are no scheduled board committee meetings; and
  • That the Board of Trustees remove Trustee Long from the Audit Committee and appoint a new trustee for the remainder of the 2024-2025 appointment.
View the Investigator’s Final Report and Recommended Sanctions in the meeting agenda package.

Student Senate Report
Student Trustee Hayden Powell shared an update on spring athletics that are occurring, including rugby, soccer, lacrosse, track and field, a ‘dodge-bowl’ tournament at Grey Highlands Secondary School, and many more. Several schools will participate in Central Western Ontario Secondary Schools Association (CWOSSA) and Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) events. Some teachers have also been participating in student versus teacher volleyball and basketball games to raise money for their schools’ student councils. Spirit weeks and activities have been happening across the district to help students manage stress, such as theme days, karaoke, and stand-up comedy. Many secondary schools are also involved in upcoming Europe trips, Earth Day themed community clean-ups, Relay for Life events, prom preparations, guided hikes, and tours for Grade 8 students. Saugeen District Senior School’s recent Multi-Cultural Fair was highlighted as a major success.

Specialist High Skills Major Environment Program
A presentation was shared by Kelsey Maus of Saugeen District Senior School to highlight the school’s new Specialist High Skills Major program for Indigenous students in the environment sector, which is being held at Silver Lake Camp near Saugeen First Nation. In addition to dual and co-operative education credit opportunities, the program fosters community partnerships through a variety of activities, which include a garden project, making paddles, canoeing, and hiking, among others.



View the meeting agenda and attached reports.

View the video recording of the meeting.

Next Committee of the Whole Board Meeting – May 6, 2025
Next Regular Meeting of the Board – May 20, 2025
Bluewater District School Board is located on the traditional land of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, which is represented by the communities of Saugeen First Nation and Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation.
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