York Region District School Board’s (YRDSB) May 9 Board Meeting saw the greatest in-person attendance since before the pandemic.
Many attendees were focused on student challenges due to the de-streaming of Grade 10 mathematics, which removed applied math from course offerings.
Trustee Elizabeth Sinclair motioned for Interim Director of Education Scott Yates to spearhead development of a support plan for Grade 10 students struggling with academic math.
The motion passed with unanimous support, and Yates will report back on outcomes in June.
Rozanne Treger, a parent who has been pressing this issue since September, felt that getting the motion passed was “a step forward, but not enough”.
Treger is relieved that current Grade 10 math students will be assisted these last eight weeks of year, but raised concerns about students who lost their credit last semester.
While some parents desire a resumption of applied math courses, the Board will continue with de-streamed mathematics and history courses for the 2023-2024 school year.
According to Yates’ Director Information Report, “research shows that de-streaming results in better outcomes for all students and particularly for those from marginalized communities.”
The Board’s budget consultation was successful and included multiple meetings and a survey garnering nearly 1,400 responses. The public feedback will help guide the YRDSB’s budget priorities for the next year.
YRDSB’s Student Exchange Program, which was halted due to the pandemic, is set to resume for the 2023-2024 school year.
Yates also addressed two incidents involving protests about 2SLGBTQIA+ issues at YRDSB schools.
“We are committed to ensuring safe and inclusive environments for all students and staff,” Yates said. “When students feel valued and accepted, they perform better.”
The Board continues its search for a permanent Director of Education and will be reviewing potential candidates over the next two weeks.
