York Region District School Board (YRDSB) trustees convened for their first meeting of the 2023-2024 school year on Tuesday, September 12.
Most of the evening’s agenda centred on the approval of minutes from previous meetings, with Chair Ron Lynn extending a warm welcome to new staff, students, and student trustees.
Trustee Nadeem Mahmood reported that the Ontario Public School Board’s Association has conveyed trustee concerns to Education Minister Stephen Lecce and the Ministry of Education regarding Premier Doug Ford’s recent comments suggesting school boards are “indoctrinating” students.
Bill Cober, YRDSB’s new Director of Education, began his Director’s Information Report by thanking staff for their efforts in preparing schools for the upcoming year.
He and other system leaders have embraced a common goal of approaching the 2023-24 school year with a renewed emphasis on centring student achievement.
This directive aligns with Minister Lecce’s mandate for a “back to basics” focus on reading, writing, and math.
The Ministry of Education now requires school boards and administrators share PA day plans with parents, guardians, and school council chairs. Plans for the September 22 PA day have been shared online.
Cober also highlighted YRDSB’s Indigenous Languages and International Languages program, which offers a diverse range of language learning and preservation education through both in-person and remote classes. Registration will resume on September 25 through Edsby.
