Board Meeting Highlights - October 21, 2025

Posted on 10/21/2025

Chair Jane Thomson began the meeting recognizing several special occasions, including Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day, School Bus Safety Week and School Bus Driver Appreciation Day, Secret Path Week, Diwali, and Local Government Week.

Declaration of Student Senator
Noah Johnson was sworn in as a member of the 2025-2026 Student Senate.

Excellence in Education – Landing Success Summer Program 2025
An overview was shared of the Landing Success program for self-identified Indigenous students, which occurred over the summer in collaboration with community partners. Now in its third year, the land-based interactive program held at Saugeen First Nation and a new second location at Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, included hiking, canoeing, and preparing meals together. Students were able to earn a reach-ahead outdoor education credit towards graduation.

Governance Standing Committee Update
The following items presented at the meeting held on October 7, 2025 were brought forward for approval:

Bruce Peninsula District School and Walkerton District Community School students were approved to participate in the France and Italy 2027 field trip, from April 9 to 16, 2027, contingent that it aligns with all travel advisories at the time of the trip.

Board policy BP 7523-D “Workplace Violence” was approved, as revised for system use.

Business and Facilities Standing Committee Update
The report from the meeting held on October 7, 2025 included an update from the September 29, 2025 Audit Committee meeting, preliminary enrolment for the 2025-2026 school year, two business case submissions to the Ministry of Education for new capital opportunities in Thornbury and Meaford, and the new Kincardine District Senior School design public consultation.

Trustees approved the ‘Audit Planning Report to the Audit Committee’ and the ‘Proposed Regional Internal Audit Plan 2025-2027’.

Governance Standing Committee In-Camera Report
Trustees approved the acquisition of the Centennial Pool, located at 640 Mill Creek Road, from the Corporation of the Town of Saugeen Shores.

Special Education Advisory Committee Representative Appointment
Terra Luscombe was appointed as a member of the Special Education Advisory Committee for the remainder of the 2025-2026 term as nominated by Autism Ontario.

Student Senate Report
Student Trustee Esha Gill provided an update on recent commencements for the graduates of 2025, Terry Fox Run events, Truth and Reconciliation recognition at schools, field trips, post-secondary planning initiatives for secondary students, sports activities, and Halloween-themed spirit events being planned by student councils. A heartfelt tribute was also shared in acknowledgement of the tragic loss of a Saugeen District Senior School student.

Mathematics Achievement Action Plan
A detailed overview was provided of Bluewater District School Board’s comprehensive plan for the current school year to support effective mathematics instruction and assessment from Kindergarten to Grade 10. MathUp Classroom and Knowledgehook Premium licenses have been provided to teachers and include tools and instructional supports to deepen content knowledge and enable timely interventions.

To support students and teachers within priority schools in Grades 3 and 6, there will be a continued focus on instructional coaching to improve student outcomes. Principals will engage in ongoing math leadership development, while new and early-career teachers will receive support through the New Teacher Induction Program and special learning projects. Progress will be monitored using key performance indicators, EQAO data, student check-ins, and teacher/administrator surveys to inform and adapt instruction throughout the year.


View the meeting agenda and reports.

View the video recording of the meeting.

Next Governance Standing Committee Meeting – Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Initial Meeting of the Board – Tuesday, November 18, 2025