Board Meeting Highlights - February 17, 2026

Posted on 02/17/2026

Chair Jane Thomson began the meeting with a reflection in honour of the victims and those injured in the Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia tragedy. Condolences on behalf of Bluewater District School Board were extended to the families, students, staff, and community members directly impacted.  

Governance Standing Committee Update
The following items presented at the meeting held on February 3, 2026 were brought forward for approval:

Georgian Bay Community School and Owen Sound District Secondary School students were approved to participate in the Liberation of Italy – Anniversary of the Battle of Monte Cassino from May 14 – 23, 2027, contingent that it aligns with all travel advisories at the time of the trip.

Owen Sound District Secondary School students were approved to participate in the France and Italy 2027 trip from March 18 – 28, 2027, contingent that it aligns with all travel advisories at the time of the trip.

Grey Highlands Secondary School students were approved to participate in the following Environmental Studies Program Field Trips: Flesherton Pond Basic Canoe Instruction Day 1, April 28, 2026; Flesherton Pond Basic Canoe Instruction Day 2, April 29, 2026; Cyprus Lake Camping Trip, May 6 – 8, 2026; Bell’s Lake Canoe Trip, May 12, 2026; Massasauga Provincial Park Canoe Trip, May 27 – 30, 2026; and Killarney Provincial Park, June 6 – 13, 2026.

Georgian Bay Community School students were approved to participate in the Pursuits Program Bruce Trail – Cyprus April 28 – May 1, 2026, Massasauga May 26 – 29, 2026, and Temagami June 11 – June 21, 2026.

Trustees approved the (modified) 2026 – 2027 draft elementary and secondary school year calendars for submission to the Ministry of Education.

Business and Facilities Standing Committee Update
The report from the meeting held on February 3, 2026 included an interim 2025-2026 budget update outlining revenues and expenditures thus far, as well as the timeline, items for consideration, and details of the public survey in regard to the 2026-2027 budget.

Motions from Vice-Chair Johnstone
Two time sensitive motions were brought forward by Vice-Chair Jan Johnstone for consideration and approval.

Trustees approved to write to the Ontario Ombudsman in support of the recent Waterloo Region District School Board letter to ask the office to review the potential impacts of removing English public school trustees with respect to fairness, openness, transparency, and accountability. A copy of the letter will be sent to all Grey Bruce MPPs, MPs, the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA), OPSBA member boards, the Minister of Education, the Ontario Premier, municipal councils, local chiefs and councils, and the Ontario Regional Chief.

It was also approved that a letter be written to the Minister of Education requesting that a formal province wide consultation process be developed and implemented before making a decision that would eliminate English public board trustees. The consultation would seek input from students, parents, staff, and community and also discuss research concerning the pros and cons of eliminating local English public trustee representation while promoting open dialogue and two-way conversations. A copy of the letter will be sent to every English public board in Ontario, OPSBA, all Grey Bruce MPPs, MPs, the Ontario Premier, municipal councils, local chiefs and councils, the Ontario Regional Chief, all BWDSB employees, and school council chairs.

Once distributed, both letters will be posted on the Trustee Correspondence page of the BWDSB website with a media release sent out.

Student Senate Report
Student Trustee Jack Farmus began by expressing deepest condolences to the community of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia following the recent school tragedy. Details were shared on the transition into second semester and students’ flexibility in adjusting to secondary exams despite inclement weather. Schools have been busy with extracurricular activities, student councils, and various committees that have been planning fundraisers, spirit days, proms, and other events. Model UN teams are preparing new members for upcoming conferences and school productions are moving ahead following recent auditions. Specialist High Skills Major students have continued building valuable certifications and hands-on experience, including First Aid and CPR training in several schools. Winter athletics programs are progressing well. Walkerton District Community School students have been building positive connections with their new principal, Mr. Graham, while maintaining a focus on academic success and mental wellness. Across other schools, leadership groups and wellness teams are sharing study supports and promoting resources to help students stay on track. Grey Highlands Secondary School is planning an athletic forum inviting a few special guest Olympians as key note speakers.

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)
An OYAP overview was provided to share the ongoing work that is occurring to promote skilled trades career pathways and hands-on apprenticeship training to secondary students, and expanded efforts in elementary schools through the Skilled Opportunity Showcase (SOS) mobile unit to introduce opportunities to a younger age range. In the 2024-2025 school year, OYAP had 570 participants. The program's success is supported through the strength of community partnerships and collaboration. Opportunities continue to support advancing equity and expanding access through initiatives that promote women in trades, engage Indigenous communities, and more.


View the meeting agenda and reports.

View the video recording of the meeting.

Next Governance Standing Committee Meeting – Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Next Regular Meeting of the Board – Tuesday, March 24, 2026