CDSBEO Board Meeting Highlights from Tuesday, June 18th

Kemptville – Here are the highlights from the CDSBEO Board Meeting held on Tuesday, June 18.

Annual Report on the Provision of Special Education Programs and Services

Superintendent of School Effectiveness, Heather Gerber, reviewed the details of the Annual Report on the Provisions of Special Education Programs and Services, which was presented at the June 4 Committee of the Whole meeting.

The Special Education Plan for 2024-2025, as outlined in the Standards for School Boards’ Special Education Plans, has been compiled through consultation with stakeholders and key participants, including the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC). The report includes recommendations to be implemented, including staffing allocations for schools and the Special Education Department.

The Board approved the report as presented. The recommendations will be included in the Report to the Ministry of Education on the Provisions of Special Education Programs and Services.

Draft Proposed Enrolment & Grant Projections for the 2024-2025 Budget

The Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario’s Board of Trustees has approved the budget for the 2024-2025 school year, which includes a total operating expenditure of $222.6 million, and capital expenditures of $9.2 million. On the operating side, salaries and benefits make up 75 percent of the budget. The Board has estimated a compliant in-year deficit of $575,845 due to the planned implementation of a new Human Resource/Finance/Payroll software. The in-year deficit will be offset by internally appropriated accumulated surplus that was set aside in prior years to support this implementation.

All expenditure areas were carefully reviewed for efficiencies and to ensure excellence in Catholic program delivery for students across Eastern Ontario.

“Many thanks to you and your team for all of the hard work that was done to bring this budget forward,” concluded Chair Wilson.

Certificates of Appreciation

At the June 18 Board Meeting, the CDSBEO honoured a number of deserving individuals through the presentation of Certificates of Appreciation to acknowledge and celebrate their outstanding achievements and notable talents. The following are this year’s award recipients:

Brendan Bedard, St. Joseph’s Catholic Secondary School: We are thrilled to recognize Brendan who has been selected as one of 12 youth to join the Boys and Girls Club National Youth Council. For a decade, Brendan has been actively involved with the BGC Cornwall/SD&G, from a young member attending the club to a dedicated volunteer, and now a committed staff member. In his role with the council, Brendan will lead as an ambassador, influencing decisions and representing the voices of youth and future leaders. Brendan’s positive influence also resonates within the St. Joe’s school community, where he is a strong leader and advocate for others. His commitment to school initiatives goes beyond expectations and he is an extraordinary mentor and future leader.

Innes Chatterton, St. Anne Catholic School: In the summer of 2023, Innes won the Ontario BMX Provincial Championships that was held in Stouffville, Ontario. This win earned him a spot on Team Canada, where he went on to race in the 2024 UCI BMX Racing World Championships in Rock Hill, South Carolina in May. At the World Championships, which is second only in prominence to the Olympic Games, he raced 112, twelve-year-old riders from 21 different countries. He ranked 67th on his cruiser bike and 74th in his class. His goal for this year is to secure a spot on Team Canada for the World Championship next summer in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Treyson Garner, St. Joseph’s Catholic Secondary School: Treyson has been involved in the local 325 Cornwall Kiwanis Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, and just this year was promoted to Warrant Officer First Class. As WO1, Treyson is the leader of 100+ Air Cadets and represents the squadron in many capacities. With his goal of becoming a pilot, Treyson is the living embodiment of 325’s motto “To learn. To serve. To Advance.” He recently received the 2023 Youth Volunteer of the Year for South Stormont, spending hundreds of hours devoted to the squadron. Treyson has participated in Drill and Ceremonial Instructor Courses in Cold Lake, Alberta, and has received the Lord Strathcona Medal for fitness, and the Royal Canadian Legion Medal of Excellence. Treyson is a charismatic leader making a positive impact, both in the school and in the community.

Dolev Klein Harari, Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School: Dolev is a grade 12 student at Holy Trinity who stands out as an visionary among his peers. As the Student STEM Lead, he mentors his peers in virtual reality, 3D printing, coding, and robotics. Dolev’s academic humility fosters collaboration with both peers and teachers, making STEM more accessible to the school community. Dolev’s accolades include representing the local community at the Canada Wide Science Fair, where his project, “The Schizophrenia Software Solution,” uses AI to diagnose the severity of schizophrenic episodes. His diversified portfolio extends to Student Council, sports teams, and social justice initiatives. Notably, Dolev has recently been awarded a prestigious $120,000 Schulich Leadership Scholarship from Queen’s University, where he will study Engineering this fall, with a focus on Entrepreneurship.

Demi Sobanjo, Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School: Demi is a grade 12 student being recognized for demonstrating exceptional leadership, service, and commitment to enhancing the school community. As the Faith Ambassador, Demi fosters a positive and inclusive school culture by showcasing his Nigerian heritage during events like Black History Month. He has actively participated in initiatives such as the Ontario Catholic Student Youth Day and the Annual Food Drive. Demi’s dedication extends beyond faith-based activities; he is a member of the Best Buddies Club, the Diverse Voices Committee, Student Council, and has acted as Student Ambassador. His involvement in various school teams and the athletics program are just some highlights of his commitments. Demi’s notable volunteerism, commitment to service, and genuine caring nature contributes to a safe and inclusive school environment.