Board Meeting Highlights - March 24, 2026

Posted on 03/24/2026

Chair Jane Thomson began the meeting by reflecting on March Break and thanking staff who worked during this period. With the busy season for science fairs, Skills Ontario, spring athletics, and public speaking events now upon us, students were commended for their hard work, dedication, and perseverance as they prepare for a range of competitive activities. Thanks were also extended to the teachers, coaches, parents, and others who support them.  

Governance Standing Committee Update
The following by-laws and policies presented at the meeting held on March 3, 2026, were approved as revised for system use:

Bluewater District School Board Procedural By-Laws
BP 1401-D “Conflict of Interest”
BP 2101-D “Access to Board Premises”
BP 2905-D “Indemnification of Board Employees and Trustees”
BP 7380-D “Police Record Checks”
BP 4901-D “Honorarium – Trustees”
BP 5901-D “Community Use of Schools”
BP 2355-D “Third Party Protocol”
BP 6810-D “Safe Arrival”

Business and Facilities Standing Committee Update
The report from the meeting held on March 3, 2026 included details on school utilization rates and available space for potential community partnerships, this year's virtual Community Planning and Partnership meeting on April 14, portable placements for the 2026-2027 school year, 2026 school renewal summer work that is being planned, and options under review and consideration to minimize transportation service disruptions during inclement weather.

Trustees approved the list of schools with available unused space (see Appendix A in the link above) that will be made available for appropriate community partnerships.

Student Senate Report
Student Trustee Jack Farmus presented a report highlighting the many ways in which schools across the board are demonstrating a strong balance between academic focus, extracurricular involvement, and community engagement. At Kincardine District Senior School (KDSS), the BUILDKD+ Campaign and “March to a Million” goal in support of the new KDSS build is underway, the girls’ and boys’ hockey teams have qualified for OFSAA, and the Model United Nations team has been actively participating in conferences with other schools. Grey Highlands Secondary School is planning a student athlete forum with Olympic guest speakers and organizing its Relay For Life cancer fundraiser. At Walkerton District Community School, guidance staff have been supporting students with course selections, students are attending the Forum for Young Canadians National Summit in Ottawa, spirit is building for the upcoming K–12 student versus staff hockey game, and the prom committee has been organizing a Grade 12 dress sale and hosting their annual March Break dance week. Secondary schools across Bluewater are also in the process of electing next year’s student senators.

Trustee Election 2026 – Trustee Determination and Distribution
As required by March 31 of an election year, trustees reviewed the number of Bluewater District School Board trustee positions, and the distribution of these positions across the board’s area of jurisdiction. Historically, this number has been set at nine positions based on calculations through the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation, which considers data on the population of the electoral group for each local municipality.  

Trustees approved the determination that no area within the board’s jurisdiction is considered a low population area for election purposes. A motion was also passed to not voluntarily reduce the number of trustees in the 2026 election below the number provided for in the Education Act and Ontario Regulation 412/00. Lastly, trustees approved the determination of having nine trustees and how they will be distributed, as outlined in the ‘Trustee Election 2026 – Trustee Determination and Distribution’ report.

Workplace Violence
An overview was shared on the many ways in which the board is addressing workplace violence through prevention programs and a progressive discipline framework to ensure safety for students, staff, and community partners within our school communities. Mechanisms and strategies include the Online Incident Reporting Tool, Behaviour Management Systems training, the Be-SAFE Team and a new student referral process, and several relevant board policies that address a commitment to ensuring a safe and welcoming school and work environment. In addition to existing supports, a comprehensive training plan is being developed for educational assistants (EAs) along with an investment in Collaborative Problem-Solving training for all EAs, teachers, and administrators. Among many other measures, programming adjustments will support special education students who struggle with communication, and continued partnerships with outside agencies will provide assessments, medical intervention, and connection with professionals who can support families with ongoing needs. 


View the meeting agenda and reports.

View the video recording of the meeting.

Next Governance Standing Committee Meeting – Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Next Regular Meeting of the Board – Tuesday, April 21, 2026