UCDSB Highlights from the February 26 Board of Trustees Meeting

Full details on presentations, reports, and discussions can be found in the agenda or reviewed in the recorded broadcast.

Brockville – Trustees with the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) met on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. Key items discussed in the public session are as follows.

Boundary Review: Athens Family of Schools

Superintendent Susan Rutters presented a report and recommendations on the requested boundary review in the Athens Family of Schools.

On Sept. 13, 2023, Trustees directed the UCDSB to conduct a study on student attendance boundaries in this area in response to resident inquiries. The study results were presented on Sept. 25, 2024, leading to a motion for a full boundary review. Feedback was gathered through an online survey with families in the area.

After the extensive review process staff recommended that the Board maintain the current boundary configuration within the Rideau Family of Schools to align with financial considerations and ensure operational stability.

Financial Update: 2024-25 Financial Forecast #2

Executive Superintendent of Business Services Jeremy Hobbs provided the second formal financial forecast for the 2024-25 school year.

Key projections from Financial Forecast #2 include:

• Revenues: $460.6 million
• Expenses: $459.8 million
• Projected in-year surplus: $0.8 million

The biggest change since the last forecast is an increase in funding for staff salaries and adjustments required by Bill 124. This forecast does not yet account for costs related to the ongoing cyber incident response. A final financial update will be provided in April.

Leadership Announcement: New Superintendent of Human Resources

The UCDSB is pleased to announce that Chris Boulay will assume the role of Superintendent of Human Resources, effective March 17, 2025.

Chris brings over 25 years of experience in public education, currently serving as Superintendent of HR at the Greater Essex County District School Board. He previously held leadership roles within the UCDSB as Principal of Cornwall Collegiate and Vocational School, St. Lawrence Secondary School, and Glengarry District High School.

Chris will be replacing Chad Brownlee, who is retiring at the end of February 2025.

The UCDSB welcomes Chris back to the organization and looks forward to his contributions as part of the senior leadership team.