Full details on presentations, reports, and discussions can be found in the agenda or reviewed in the recorded broadcast. Video segments are linked in the subhead for each item below.
June 23, 2023 – Trustees with the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) met on Wednesday, June 21, 2023. Some of the items discussed in the public session are as follows.
The Board of Trustees interviewed the four candidates - John Danaher, Edmond Marc du Rogoff, Ryan MacKay, and Bill MacPherson in public session for the position of Ward 7 Trustee, which represents North Dundas and South Dundas.
After each candidate was interviewed, Trustees held a private vote for the candidate they would like to fill the vacancy.
John Danaher was the successful candidate and was sworn in as Ward 7 Trustee during the meeting. He assumed the role immediately.
Danaher previously served as a UCDSB Trustee for the 2018-2022 term and didn’t seek re-election for this term. He has been a teacher, department head, vice-principal and principal within the district up until his retirement in 2013.
Danaher will serve the remainder of the 2022-2026 term. The Ward 7 seat was left vacant in May after Larry Berry resigned.
Student Trustees Janevra Pier and Olivia Pereira presented their year-in-review report to the Board of Trustees. In their report, they outlined what they achieved this year as student trustees.
Pier and Pereira highlighted how the position deepened their understanding of leadership representation and raised awareness about opportunities like the Student Equity and Inclusion Committee and the role of a Student Trustee.
They were able to amplify the voices of students from across the district, through open discussion and an End of Semester Check-In Survey, while also exploring new topics like equity of technology, Skills for Success, and fundraising for the UCDSB’s Champions for Kids Foundation.
One of their initiatives was the Student Equity and Inclusion Committee. Alongside last year’s Student Trustee, Eshal Ali, the trio worked to increase the visibility of the committee by increasing the membership from one student representative per school to two. Part of their work included the creation of a handbook and introduction video to set the committee up for years to come. The bi-weekly meetings recognized and discussed various holidays and awareness days, which included guest speakers, breakout sessions with the 2SLGBTQIA+ and Race and Religion collaboration groups, included accessibility to text selection and representation with students. Additionally, they submitted a proposal on peer-to-peer support included in the Director’s Work Plan and worked with the mental health team to coordinate learning sessions during student senate. For the second year, the Student Trustees recognized leadership across the UCDSB in both elementary and secondary schools with the Student Trustees Dynamic Leadership Award. Additionally, they started a new award called the Champions of Student Senate Award, which will be awarded to a school annually. These awards highlight the contributions to Student Senate and exhibited strong leadership. This year’s winners were Student Senators Jenna Acheson and Olivia Falco from Almonte District High School for their enthusiasm, strong communication, and dedication to fundraising.
For media inquiries, please contact:
April Scott-Clarke
Manager of Communications
Upper Canada District School Board
[email protected]