News

Limestone’s EQAO Results Improve Across All Categories

The Limestone District School Board (LDSB) has achieved its strongest Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) performance in four years, with gains in every testing category for the 2024-2025 school year. LDSB’s EQAO results align with provincial outcomes in many areas, while showing notable improvements in others and among specific student groups. Limestone’s 2024-2025 results are at, or above, the provincial average in almost all measures. Results show an upward trend and momentum across all eight areas of assessment for students in Grades 3, 6, 9, and 10, including those with special education needs, underscoring the Board’s intention of making a positive difference in the lives of every student, in every classroom, in every school.    "These results reflect the daily dedication of Limestone educators, educational assistants, program teams, and school leaders,” says Krishna Burra, LDSB Director of Education. “I want to acknowledge the efforts of those who have focused on implementing evidence-informed practices, providing targeted supports, and collaborating across schools to ensure student achievement and success.” The elementary school report provides assessments of Reading, Writing, and Mathematics written by students in Grades 3 and 6. The secondary school report provides similar information relating to the Grade 9 Assessment of Mathematics and the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT). <h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Results at a Glance </h2><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem" dir="ltr">Grade 3 Improvements: LDSB students showed a 5% to 8% increase in Reading, Writing, and Math, with 75% meeting the provincial standard in Reading, 65% in Writing, and 65% in Math, outperforming provincial averages. Students with special education needs improved by 8% to 9% in these subjects.  </li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem" dir="ltr">Grade 6 Gains: Achievement rose in all areas, with 88% meeting Reading standards, 87% in Writing, and 51% in Math, matching or exceeding provincial rates. Students with special education needs made significant advances, especially in Writing with a 22% increase.  </li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem" dir="ltr">Grades 9 and 10 Results: LDSB’s Grade 9 Math scores were slightly below provincial levels but increased by 5% from the previous year, with students with special education needs performing better than students with similar needs in other jurisdictions. The Grade 10 OSSLT saw 95% participation and 84% success, a 3% rise, with continued improvement among students with special education needs.   </li></ul><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Grade 3 EQAO Results </h2>Grade 3 student achievement saw a 5% to 8% increase in all subject areas in Limestone, compared to the 2023/24 assessment results, with 75% meeting the provincial standard in Reading, 65% in Writing, and 65% in Math.  Results for the province showed a slight increase from the previous year for all Grade 3 subjects and were slightly lower than Limestone across Grade 3 assessment subjects.  This new data shows improvement in all subjects, with Math achievement showing the most significant difference for students in Grade 3.  Of significant note are the gains in achievement in Grade 3 Reading, Writing, and Mathematics made by Limestone students with special education needs – up 9%, 8%, and 9% respectively, compared to the 2023/24 assessment results.  <h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Grade 6 EQAO Results </h2>Grade 6 student achievement in Limestone also continues to build momentum with improvements in all subject areas.  In Reading, 88% of students met provincial standard in 2024/25 – an increase of 9% from the 2023/24 assessment and a higher rate than the province for 2024/25.  Results in Writing showed an increase of 14% over the previous assessment year, with 87% of students meeting provincial standard, at a higher rate than the province.  In Math, results were equal to the province, with 51% of students meeting the provincial standard, an increase of 11% for Limestone compared to the previous assessment year.  Like the Grade 3 assessment results, achievement in all subject areas for students in Grade 6 with special education needs in Limestone has increased, with significant gains in Reading and Writing by 12% and 22%, respectively, since the 2023/24 assessment. This increase in achievement for students in Grade 6 with special education needs is higher than the province by 3% to 10% across all subject areas.  “Limestone students and staff have worked hard to achieve these gains across Reading, Writing, and Mathematics, including the strong improvements for students with special education needs,” says Burra. “The momentum we are seeing is the result of consistent, evidence‑informed practice—targeted instruction, early interventions, collaborative professional learning, and a sharp focus on what happens in classrooms every day. “We are proud of this progress, and we are committed to sustaining it by continuing the practices that work and adjusting where they do not,” he adds. “Our goal remains steady improvement over time, not one‑year spikes, for every student, in every classroom, in every school.” <h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Primary Assessment (administered in Grade 3): </h3><table class="editor-table" style="width: 100%; table-layout: fixed;"><colgroup><col style="width: 60.1124%;"><col style="width: 18.7266%;"><col style="width: 21.161%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr style="height: 33px;"><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">Area of Assessment </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">LDSB  </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">Province </td></tr><tr style="height: 33px;"><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">Reading </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">75% </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">74% </td></tr><tr style="height: 33px;"><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">Writing </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">65% </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">65% </td></tr><tr style="height: 33px;"><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">Mathematics </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">65% </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">64% </td></tr></tbody></table><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Junior Assessment (administered in Grade 6): </h3><table class="editor-table" style="width: 100%; table-layout: fixed;"><colgroup><col style="width: 60.1124%;"><col style="width: 18.7266%;"><col style="width: 21.161%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr style="height: 33px;"><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">Area of Assessment </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">LDSB  </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">Province </td></tr><tr style="height: 33px;"><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">Reading </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">88% </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">86% </td></tr><tr style="height: 33px;"><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">Writing </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">87% </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">85% </td></tr><tr style="height: 33px;"><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">Mathematics </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">51% </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">51% </td></tr></tbody></table><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Grades 9 and 10 EQAO Results </h2><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Grade 9 Mathematics Assessment: </h3>Results for Grade 9 Math in Limestone are slightly lower compared to the provincial results. For all participating students in the Grade 9 Math assessment, 55% achieved the provincial standard in Limestone, and 58% achieved the provincial standard provincially.  Limestone’s Grade 9 Math results increased by 5% as compared to last year. Results for students with special education needs achieving the provincial standard are higher than the province at 34% for Limestone, compared to 32% for the province. <table class="editor-table" style="width: 100%; table-layout: fixed;"><colgroup><col style="width: 60.1124%;"><col style="width: 18.7266%;"><col style="width: 21.161%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr style="height: 33px;"><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">Grade 9 Mathematics Assessment </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">LDSB  </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">Province </td></tr><tr style="height: 33px;"><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">Grade 9 Math </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">55% </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">58% </td></tr></tbody></table>“Grade 9 Mathematics continues to be a priority area,” says Steve Hedderson, LDSB Associate Superintendent of Human Resources and Curriculum and Program Services: Math and FSL. “Limestone’s five‑point improvement year‑over‑year shows the work is taking hold. We are deepening supports in Grade 9 Math—explicit instruction, daily practice, and timely interventions—and aligning professional learning so teachers have the tools they need. We are focused on building Math confidence and competency for every student.” <h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test - Administered in Grade 10: </h3>This year, 95% of first-time eligible students wrote the test in Limestone, compared to 94% of students in the province. With this high participation rate, 84% of all students in Limestone were successful, an increase of 3% compared to the 2023/24 school year.  OSSLT results for students with special education needs continue to show an improvement for the 2024/25 year, with 65% of Limestone students being successful on the assessment. <table class="editor-table" style="width: 100%; table-layout: fixed;"><colgroup><col style="width: 56.513%;"><col style="width: 20.0401%;"><col style="width: 23.4469%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr style="height: 33px;"><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">Grade 10 OSSLT </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">LDSB  </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">Province </td></tr><tr style="height: 33px;"><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">Participation Rate </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">95% </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">94% </td></tr><tr style="height: 33px;"><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">Success Rate </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">84% </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">85% </td></tr></tbody></table>“Strong Grade 10 Literacy outcomes begin with strong participation,” says Stephanie Sartor, LDSB Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Program Services: Literacy Focus. “With 95% writing and 84% successful, up three points from last year, we are encouraged by the trajectory, including the continued improvement for students with special education needs. Literacy is a shared responsibility across subjects, and we will keep pairing explicit instruction with targeted supports so every learner can demonstrate success.” Students in all publicly funded schools in Ontario are required to write provincial assessments, administered by EQAO, a provincial body that tests students’ skills in Literacy in Grades 3, 6, and 10 and Math skills in Grades 3, 6, and 9 in relation to Ontario curriculum expectations. Successful completion of the Literacy requirement is one of the requirements to earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma. The EQAO assessments have undergone significant updates, with the newer digital assessments offered entirely online through a digital platform for students over the past four years.   “The dedication of Limestone educators, educational assistants, program team members, and school leaders will remain foundational to continued efforts moving forward,” says Burra.

2025-12-05 19:00:45.215 +0000 UTC

Education Minister Calandra's Letter to Parents - EQAO and Student Achievement Advisory Body

The following message by the Honourable Paul Calandra, Ontario Minister of Education, is for parents and guardians regarding EQAO results and the appointment of a Student Achievement Advisory Body.Please select the following link to read (PDF): <a href="/documents/2a916cd2-b224-4a93-a4b3-b0a57ae98e62/Letter-to-Parents-EQAO-Dec-3-2025.pdf?fingerprint=ppb20251217013406" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link" dir="ltr">Letter to Parents and Guardians</a>

2025-12-03 16:57:22.383 +0000 UTC

Boardroom Briefs: November 2025

Boardroom Briefs is intended to provide highlights of presentations, reports and decisions made at the regular meeting of the Limestone District School Board of Trustees. The following are highlights of the November 19, 2025 Annual Board Meeting, and November 24, 2025 Nominations Committee Meeting. Agendas can be found on the website under <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/board_meetings-1719463739654" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="editor-link" dir="ltr">Board Meetings</a>.   <h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Annual General Meeting - November 19, 2025</h2><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Land Acknowledgement </h3>All meetings begin with a Land Acknowledgement: "The Limestone District School Board is situated on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabek and Haudenosaunee. We acknowledge their enduring presence on this land, as well as the presence of Métis, Inuit, and other First Nations from across Turtle Island. We honour their cultures and celebrate their commitment to this land."<h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Call to Order</h3>Director of Education Krishna Burra: "In accordance with Section 208 of The Education Act, and LDSB By-Laws Article II and IV, and under the authority invested in me as the Secretary of the Board, I welcome everyone to the Annual Meeting of the Limestone District School Board for the term ending November 19, 2026. This evening Trustees will elect a Chair and a Vice-Chair to serve as Executive for the next year. I shall be the presiding officer of this Annual Meeting, pending the election of the Chair of the Board, and therefore call this meeting to order." <h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Student Performance</h3>To open the Annual Board Meeting, Grades 7 and 8 students from the Calvin Park Public School Challenge program, led by teacher Catherine Tang, performed "Viva La Vida," by Coldplay on <img src="/images/79826ca8-da0b-4e0b-827c-eaa603baad69?fingerprint=ppb20260107212204" alt="Calvin Park PS Students Performing in LDSB Boardroom for 2026 Annual Board Meeting" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Annual Declaration of Involvement</h3>Director Burra: "Trustees of the Limestone District School Board are committed to accountability and transparency. The Trustee Code of Conduct states, 'Trustees shall declare any conflict of interest or involvement, financial or otherwise, between their personal life and/or business interests and their position on the Board.' In support of this, Trustees annually declare their ongoing involvement with agencies, boards, and committees in organizations outside of the Limestone District School Board and declare verbally at the Annual Meeting of the Board for inclusion in the minutes."<h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Election of the Chair</h3>Karen McGregor was re-elected as Chair. Chair McGregor, who has been Chair since June 2025, represents LDSB schools in the Townships of Central Frontenac, Addington Highlands, and North Frontenac. “Trustees play a critical role as a bridge between the communities we serve and the Board, ensuring that families have a direct channel to raise local concerns, seek guidance and influence decisions that affect their children's education,” says Chair McGregor. “I am honoured to be re-elected as Chair for the coming year, to work with a Board of Trustees determined to make a positive difference in the lives of every student in our district.” <img src="/images/3b73f535-6db0-57a4-bb4f-a5bb6232f53e?fingerprint=ppb20251217013553" alt="Karen McGregor Portrait" width="277" height="359" style="width:277px;height:359px;display:inline-block"> Chair Karen McGregor<h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Election of the Vice-Chair</h3>Tiffany Lloyd was elected as Vice-Chair. Vice-Chair Lloyd represents LDSB schools in the Town of Greater Napanee. "I’m honoured to serve as Vice-Chair, and I’m grateful for my colleagues’ confidence,” says Vice-Chair Lloyd. “I look forward to working together as we support our schools, listen to our communities, and make decisions that truly benefit the students and families we serve." <img src="/images/02ea62dd-f2f2-5bdf-8bf4-95704c83d5d1?fingerprint=ppb20251217013025" alt="Tiffany Lloyd Portrait" width="274" height="355" style="width:274px;height:355px;display:inline-block"> Vice-Chair Tiffany Lloyd<h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Nominations Committee Meeting - November 24, 2025</h2>Trustees gathered on November 24, 2025 to select which committees they wish to serve on. There are seven Statutory Committees, and four Special Committees. The following Trustees will serve on each committee:<h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;">Statutory Committees</h3>(a) Audit Committee (serving year 4 of 4-year term): (1) Trustee Elliott (2) Trustee Lloyd (3) Trustee Ruttan   (b) Awards Committee: (1)  Trustee Elliott (2)  Trustee McGregor (3)  Trustee Neill (4) Trustee Ruttan (Alternate)   (c) Special Education Advisory Committee (serving year 4 of 4-year term): (1) Trustee Lloyd (2) Trustee McGregor (3) Trustee Neill (Alternate)  (d) Environmental Sustainability Advisory Committee: (1) Trustee Morning (2) Trustee Scott (e) Parent Involvement Committee: (1) Trustee Godkin (2) Trustee Hutcheon (Alternate)   (f)  Indigenous Education Committee:   (1) Trustee Maracle (2) Trustee Hutcheon  (3) Trustee Neill (Alternate)  (g) Director’s Review Committee (June to June term): (1) Trustee McGregor (2) Trustee Lloyd (3) Trustee Elliott (4) Trustee Scott <h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Special Committees</h3>(a)  Supervised Alternative Learning: (1) Trustee Morning (2)  Trustee Neill (Alternate)  (b)  Expulsion Hearing Committee/Disciplinary Hearing Committee Pool The following Trustees indicated that they would like to be placed in the Expulsion Hearing Committee/Disciplinary Hearing Committee Pool: (1) Trustee Elliott(2) Trustee Hutcheon (3) Trustee McGregor (4) Trustee Ruttan (5) Trustee Scott  (c) OPSBA (Term from June to June): Selection of the OPSBA Representative has been deferred to the January 14, 2026 Board meeting. Trustee McGregor will continue in her role until that time.   (d) Food Sharing Project: (1) Trustee Neill (2) Trustee Scott (Alternate)

2025-12-01 15:58:06.915 +0000 UTC

PIC Gathering with Director December 4, 2025

<img src="/images/bff4337c-478a-4c20-a057-a8a6e80ca7cb?fingerprint=ppb20251217014805" alt="Parent Involvement Committee Gathering with Director" width="584" height="730" style="width:584px;height:730px;display:inline-block">Join us for a special <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/parent-involvement-committee" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link" dir="ltr">Parent Involvement Committee (PIC)</a> gathering with Krishna Burra, LDSB Director of Education. When: Thursday, December 4, 2025, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.Where: In-person or onlineIn-person: 220 Portsmouth Avenue, Kingston, OntarioOnline: <a href="https://teams.microsoft.com/dl/launcher/launcher.html?url=%2F_%23%2Fl%2Fmeetup-join%2F19%3Ameeting_MmJlMGM0YWEtNDQ4NS00YzAxLWJhMmEtNjhjNmM5NDA0ZmRk%40thread.v2%2F0%3Fcontext%3D%257b%2522Tid%2522%253a%2522e1f4165f-ebae-4d82-a73c-a0de593830be%2522%252c%2522Oid%2522%253a%25222807506b-b7b9-4de9-8d10-c7f7c33103a9%2522%257d%26anon%3Dtrue&type=meetup-join&deeplinkId=49721d4d-f239-4e30-a5d3-f2d0a60ce03a&directDl=true&msLaunch=true&enableMobilePage=true&suppressPrompt=true" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link" dir="ltr">Link to Attend</a>We look forward to seeing you there!

2025-11-25 16:21:00.653 +0000 UTC

Limestone District School Board Chair and Vice-Chair Elected for 2025-2026

<img src="/images/3b73f535-6db0-57a4-bb4f-a5bb6232f53e?fingerprint=ppb20251217013553" alt="" width="349" height="452" style="width:349px;height:452px;display:inline-block"> <img src="/images/02ea62dd-f2f2-5bdf-8bf4-95704c83d5d1?fingerprint=ppb20251217013025" alt="" width="349" height="452" style="width:349px;height:452px;display:inline-block">Chair Karen McGregor (left) and Vice-Chair Tiffany Lloyd Limestone District School Board (LDSB) Chair Karen McGregor was re-elected to the role, and Trustee Tiffany Lloyd was elected to Vice-Chair at the Annual Meeting of the Board November 19, 2025. Trustees elect a Chair and Vice-Chair each year of their four-year mandate. Chair McGregor, who has been Chair since June 2025, represents LDSB schools in the Townships of Central Frontenac, Addington Highlands, and North Frontenac.  “Trustees play a critical role as a bridge between the communities we serve and the Board, ensuring that families have a direct channel to raise local concerns, seek guidance and influence decisions that affect their children's education,” says Chair McGregor. “I am honoured to be re-elected as Chair for the coming year, to work with a Board of Trustees determined to make a positive difference in the lives of every student in our district.” Vice-Chair Lloyd represents LDSB schools in the Town of Greater Napanee. "I’m honoured to serve as Vice-Chair, and I’m grateful for my colleagues’ confidence,” says Vice-Chair Lloyd. “I look forward to working together as we support our schools, listen to our communities, and make decisions that truly benefit the students and families we serve." Trustees will be selecting the committees they wish to serve on next week at the Nominations Committee Meeting Monday, November 24, 2025.

2025-11-21 20:25:34.383 +0000 UTC

Choices at 7 Program Information

The Limestone District School Board's Choices at 7 programs offer opportunities for students entering Grade 7 to participate in a variety of unique learning environments. Depending on the availability of places in the programs, students currently in Grade 7 may also apply to join a program for their Grade 8 year. The Choices at 7 programs that are offered include: <ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">ATLAS (Applying Technology for Learning, Aptitude, and Success) </li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">Challenge (Gifted and Academic Enrichment Program) </li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">LEAP (Limestone Education through the Arts Program) </li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem">Extended French Immersion Program (for students entering Grade 7 only)</li></ul>If you are interested in finding out more about these programs, you are invited to attend the information nights that are being held at each site (dates and times are listed below). For detailed information about any of the Choices at 7 programs, please visit the <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/choices_at_7" class="editor-link">Choices at 7 web page.</a><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Application Process: </h2>The application form for the ATLAS Program, the Challenge Program, LEAP, and Extended French Immersion for September 2026 will be open from December 12, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. until January 12, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Application information and links will be available on the <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/choices_at_7" class="editor-link">Choices at 7 web page.</a><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Choices at 7 Information Nights: </h2><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">Calvin Park Public School - ATLAS, Challenge, LEAP and CORE Choices at 7 Program Information Night</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem editor-nested-listitem"><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.</li></ul></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">Loughborough Public School - Challenge Program Choices at 7 Program Information Night</li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem editor-nested-listitem"><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">Thursday, January 8, at 6:00 p.m.</li></ul></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">Ernestown Intermediate and Secondary School - Grade 7 and 8 Challenge Program Information Night</li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem editor-nested-listitem"><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.</li></ul></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem">Harrowsmith Public School - Extended French Immersion Program Information Night</li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem editor-nested-listitem"><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">Monday December 8, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.</li></ul></li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem">Module Vanier - Extended French Immersion Program Information Night</li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem editor-nested-listitem"><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.</li></ul></li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem">Module L’Acadie - Extended French Immersion Program Information Night</li><li value="7" class="editor-listitem editor-nested-listitem"><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.</li></ul></li></ul>If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to e-mail us at the address that appears below.Kind regards,Wilma Pettingill and Elizabeth SuriyuthLDSB Choices at 7 Registrars<a href="mailto:choicesatseven@limestone.on.ca" class="editor-link">choicesatseven@limestone.on.ca</a>

2025-11-20 21:00:49.731 +0000 UTC

Student Census Survey Opt-Out Deadline Extended

Dear Families,As a follow-up to our previous messages about the upcoming Student Census survey, the deadline for families to opt out has been extended to the end of day on Monday, November 17. If you wish to opt your student(s) out, please contact your school principal. Families who have already opted out do not need to take any further action.Students who are opted out will not receive the survey in their e-mail inbox and will be provided with an alternative activity during the survey period.Available Student Census ResourcesThere are resources about the Student Census for families and students available on Limestone’s website, including:<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/student_census" class="editor-link">About the Student Census</a> (including a video)</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">A list of <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/student-census-frequently-asked-questions-faqs-" class="editor-link">Frequently Asked Questions and Answers</a> that includes information on privacy, confidentiality, and data use</li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">A <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/student-census-introduction-to-student-and-family-guide-" class="editor-link">Student and Family Guide</a>  that explains the survey questions and why we ask them</li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/student-census-2025-grades-4-to-6-questions" class="editor-link">Copies of the questions for the Grades 4 to 6 survey</a></li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/student-census-2025-grades-7-to-12-questions" class="editor-link">Copies of the questions for Grades 7 to 12 survey</a></li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/student-census-student-and-family-question-guide" class="editor-link">Question Guide</a></li></ul> About the Student CensusThe Student Census is a voluntary survey for students in Grades 4 to 12. This important initiative aims to learn more about students' identities, academic achievement, and their experiences at school. By understanding more about the unique backgrounds, experiences, and needs of students, we can create a more inclusive and supportive educational environment for everyone.The data is paired with academic information to help us understand what school is like for different groups of students.It is important to note that:<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">The survey is optional.</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">Responses are confidential.</li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">Students can choose to answer as much or as little of the survey as they wish.</li></ul> Thank you,Alison McDonnellSuperintendent of Curriculum and Program Services: Early Years and Equity and Inclusion

2025-11-13 21:15:51.781 +0000 UTC

Reminder - Student Census Survey

Dear Families,A reminder to families that the See Yourself in Limestone Student Census is coming up the week of November 24 to 28.The Student Census is a voluntary survey for students in Grades 4 to 12. It gathers information about students’ identities and their experiences at school. This data is then paired with academic information to help us understand what school is like for different groups of students.It is important to note that:<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">The survey is optional.</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">Responses are confidential.</li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">Students can choose to answer as much or as little of the survey as they wish.</li></ul><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Reminder: Opt-Out Deadline is Friday, November 14</h2>If you prefer that your student not participate, you can opt them out by contacting your school principal. Students who are opted out will not receive the survey in their e-mail inbox and will be provided with an alternative activity during the survey period.Opt-out deadline: Friday, November 14, 2025<h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Student Census Resources</h2>There are resources about the Student Census for families and students available on Limestone’s website, including:<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/student_census" class="editor-link">About the Student Census</a> (including a video)</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">A list of <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/student-census-frequently-asked-questions-faqs-" class="editor-link">Frequently Asked Questions and Answers</a> that includes information on privacy, confidentiality, and data use</li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">A <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/student-census-introduction-to-student-and-family-guide-" class="editor-link">Student and Family Guide</a>  that explains the survey questions and why we ask them</li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/student-census-2025-grades-4-to-6-questions" class="editor-link">Copies of the questions for the Grades 4 to 6 survey</a></li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/student-census-2025-grades-7-to-12-questions" class="editor-link">Copies of the questions for Grades 7 to 12 survey</a></li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/student-census-student-and-family-question-guide" class="editor-link">Question Guide</a></li></ul>Thank you for your continued partnership as we strive to foster a learning environment that prioritizes understanding the needs of all students and identifying gaps for improved service.Alison McDonnellSuperintendent of Curriculum and Program Services:Early Years and Equity and Inclusion

2025-11-10 21:30:22.219 +0000 UTC

A Message from Southeast Public Health

Dear Families,We are sharing the following letter from Southeast Public Health, which contains important information for families:<hr>Dear parents, guardians and staff:RE: First Influenza A Confirmed Case of the SeasonPlease be advised that Southeast Public Health (SEPH) has received laboratory confirmation of the first case of influenza A for the 2025-2026 season. We are providing this information so that you will be able to take steps to ensure the best protection possible for yourself and your family.Influenza causes mild to severe illness and can lead to serious health complications, even in healthy children and adults. Immunization is the best way to prevent influenza; even in years when there is a strain mismatch, the flu vaccine will still offer some protection. The influenza vaccine (flu shot) is available free of charge to anyone who lives, works or goes to school in Ontario who is 6 months of age and over. Contact your health-care provider or local pharmacy for your influenza vaccine if your family has not yet been immunized. For children under 5 years of age who cannot receive their immunization from their health-care provider, <a href="https://southeastph.ca/health-topics/respiratory-season-vaccines/" class="editor-link">Southeast Public Health is offering clinics</a>.Next to immunization, the single most important way to prevent the spread of infection is to clean hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers should only be used for children if they are assisted and should be stored out of reach of young children.The symptoms of influenza include:<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">fever (greater than 38.0°C/100.4 °F)</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">dry cough</li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">chills</li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem">headache</li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem">muscle aches</li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem">loss of appetite</li><li value="7" class="editor-listitem">sore throat</li><li value="8" class="editor-listitem">runny nose</li></ul> Young children may also experience nausea and vomiting with the above symptoms.If your child is feeling unwell, please keep them home until they are fever-free and their symptoms have improved for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours if they’ve had vomiting or diarrhea). When your child returns to school, we encourage them to wear a well-fitting mask for 10 days from when their symptoms started to help keep others healthy. To learn more about how to protect yourself, your family, and your community from respiratory illnesses, visit <a href="https://www.ontario.ca/page/protection-respiratory-illnesses" class="editor-link">Ontario’s respiratory illness page</a>.Regards,Southeast Public Health<a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/6bda65e0-3a9d-4d62-a1ab-8bec162cbe25/2025-11-05-influenza-letter-for-schools.pdf?fingerprint=ppb20251217014016" class="editor-link">A PDF version of this letter is available online</a>.

2025-11-06 21:00:05.158 +0000 UTC

Group of LDSB representatives and more at the Collaborative Care Initiative launch

Limestone and KCHC Launch Student Support Program Backed by Community Foundation Grant

<img src="/images/1ce7164c-79ab-41b7-9799-15988886f670?fingerprint=ppb20251217013257" alt="Group of LDSB representatives and more at the Collaborative Care Initiative launch" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block">The Limestone District School Board and the Kingston Community Health Centre (KCHC) are part of the new Collaborative Care Initiative, a support model for students facing challenges at school and accessing community care, featuring integrated care and educational interventions. This project is one of four new community initiatives funded by the Community Foundation for Kingston and Area, with the help of the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul Community Impact Fund. The four new community initiatives were officially announced on October 7, 2025, at Providence Care Hospital.   “We are delighted that the efforts of so many individuals and organizations have led us to this opportunity to establish the Collaborative Care Initiative and partnership,” says Deborah Thompson, Limestone District School Board System Principal – Educational Services. “This unique and integrated approach will support students and their families to access services and programs through a streamlined and collaborative process.”  “We deeply value the opportunity to learn, work, and partner with the team at KCHC and other partners in the community to make a difference over the next three years and beyond.” An article about these community initiatives can be found on The Kingston Whig-Standard website: <a href="https://www.thewhig.com/news/local-news/community-foundation-for-kingston-area-announces-1-5-million-multi-year-grant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="editor-link" dir="ltr">Community Foundation for Kingston & Area announces multi-year grant | The Kingston Whig Standard</a> <img src="/images/8cfab1ec-d6b9-4c45-8150-688a50225001?fingerprint=ppb20251217014314" alt="Laura Conboy Speaks at CFKA Community Collaboration Across Generations" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"><img src="/images/40d7e7f1-6671-4b35-9bac-fc837db835f9?fingerprint=ppb20251217013621" alt="Nicola Dillard Speaks at CFKA Community Collaboration Across Generations" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block">All photos provided by the Community Foundation for Kingston and Area.

2025-11-06 18:47:25.06 +0000 UTC

Level Up! Skilled Trades Career Fair Open House Dec. 2, 2025

<h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">You’re Invited: Level Up! Skilled Trades Career Fair Open House </h2>Limestone families – explore student opportunities in the skilled trades! Join us for the Level Up! Open House and: Get up close: Watch skilled trades professionals in action during live demonstrations and explore using tools and machinery. Meet the experts: Chat one-on-one with employers, apprentices, tradespeople and instructors who share real-world insights and personal journeys in the skilled trades. Plan student pathways: Explore apprenticeship pathways with expert guidance and resources provided by Skilled Trades Ontario. - When: December 2, 2025, 3:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Where: Kingston, Slush Puppie Place, 1 The Tragically Hip Way, Kingston Who: All Limestone families welcome Cost: Free! No registration needed - About Level Up! Level Up! Skilled Trades Career Fairs are a series of dynamic, multi-day events that connect you with Ontario’s top skilled trades professionals from industry organizations, post-secondary institutions, businesses, associations and more. Visit a skilled trades career fair near you and explore Ontario’s 140+ skilled trades through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities, while hearing directly from tradespeople and local employers about rewarding, life-changing career paths. To learn more, visit <a href="https://levelupontario.ca/open-house/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="editor-link" dir="ltr">Open House - Level up!</a> <img src="/images/5a69ffae-481c-460a-9989-73f6b4e3f6d8?fingerprint=ppb20251217013831" alt="Level Up! Skilled Trades Career Fair Open House December 2 at Slush Puppie Place" width="654" height="845" style="width:654px;height:845px;display:inline-block">

2025-11-03 21:34:29.391 +0000 UTC

Boardroom Briefs in white text on a teal background

Boardroom Briefs: October 29, 2025

Boardroom Briefs is intended to provide highlights of presentations, reports and decisions made at the regular meeting of the Limestone District School Board of Trustees. The following are highlights of the October 29, 2025 Regular Board Meeting. Agendas can be found on the website under <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/board_meetings-1719463739654" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="editor-link" dir="ltr">Board Meetings</a>.  <h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Land Acknowledgement </h2>All meetings begin with a Land Acknowledgement. Trustee Elliott provided the following Land Acknowledgement: "The Limestone District School Board is situated on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabek and Haudenosaunee. We acknowledge their enduring presence on this land, as well as the presence of Métis, Inuit, and other First Nations from across Turtle Island. We honour their cultures and celebrate their commitment to this land. As a photographer, I’ve spent all summer and fall taking photos for various tourism groups in the region, and have experienced first-hand how lucky we are to live where we live. I’ve taken photos of people sharing parks with their friends and families, cyclists in rural areas enjoying the open road, endless landscapes and sunsets along the lake, and large events that bring the community together to celebrate and have fun. I’m thankful for these opportunities to reflect on the shared responsibility we have to respect and protect this beautiful region, and am grateful to live, work, and learn here."<h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Presentation</h2>A presentation from Umoja was embedded as part of the Report for Information 13.4.1: LDSB Equity Team Action Plan.<h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Private Session Report</h2><details open="false"><summary>Private Session Report - October 29, 2025</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true">During private session following at the October 1 Education, Policy, and Operations Committee Meeting:<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem" dir="ltr">Trustee McGregor provided an OPSBA update</li></ul>There was no other business conducted, or motions passed in Private Session.Earlier this evening during Private Session:The private session minutes were approved from the following:<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem" dir="ltr">September 15, 2025, Audit Committee Meeting</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem" dir="ltr">September 17, 2025, Regular Board Meeting</li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem" dir="ltr">October 1, 2025, EPOC Meeting</li></ul>Superintendent Young provided a property and legal update.Trustees discussed some Personnel updates.There was no other business conducted, or motions passed in Private Session. </div></details><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Reports from Officers</h2><details open="false"><summary>Chair's Report</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true"><img src="/images/3b73f535-6db0-57a4-bb4f-a5bb6232f53e?fingerprint=ppb20251217013553" alt="" width="268" height="347" style="width:268px;height:347px;display:inline-block;float:right">Chair McGregor provided the following report: "I would like to begin my report tonight by extending a heartfelt thank you to everyone across Limestone who continues to create meaningful learning opportunities for students both inside and outside of the classroom. Your efforts are helping to shape inspired learners across the district. This week, Limestone was honoured to host a special Breakfast with Aaliyah Edwards, WNBA athlete and proud Limestone graduate. Aaliyah’s visit was an incredible opportunity for students to hear directly from a role model who embodies perseverance, leadership, and community spirit. We are deeply grateful to Aaliyah for taking the time to give back to the Limestone community. Limestone students also participated in Girls in Trades, a full-day event hosted by the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program at St. Lawrence College. Students explored hands-on learning in wind turbine technology, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, hairstyling, esthetics, brick and stonework, and millwork. This event is one of many that help inspire the next generation of tradeswomen and expanded career possibilities for Limestone students. Looking ahead, National Skilled Trade and Technology Week is next week – a celebration of student exploration and opportunities in skilled trades and technology. We look forward to highlighting the many ways students can engage with and pursue these pathways. Earlier today, Limestone hosted the Black, Indigenous, and Racialized Career Day for secondary students. This event was designed to amplify diverse voices and break down barriers by showcasing successful professionals from a wide range of industries. Students had the opportunity to learn about scholarship opportunities, post-secondary planning with guidance counsellors, Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, the new Queen’s Black Mentorship Program, Specialist High Skills Major, and local employers and career pathways, and featured an inspiring group of panelists from the local community. The event was made possible through the support of the Kingston Native Centre and Language Nest, St. Lawrence College, Specialist High Skills Major, Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, and Queen’s University. Thank you again to all Limestone employees, partners, and community members who continue to support students in discovering their passions and building their futures. This concludes my report." </div></details><details open="false"><summary>Director's Report</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true"><img src="/images/959f9ebc-0553-5f56-afed-83ccf39d2906?fingerprint=ppb20251217014409" alt="" width="316" height="316" style="width:316px;height:316px;float:left;display:inline-block">Director Burra provided the following report: "Good evening Trustees and members of the viewing public. I have several updates I would like to share with you this evening. Thank you, Chair McGregor, for your comments regarding Aaliyah Edward’s visit with students earlier this week, the recent Girls in Trades event, the Black, Indigenous, and Racialized Career Day for secondary students that occurred earlier today, and for reminding everyone of National Skilled Trade and Technology Week next week. These are all great events that benefit a range of Limestone students, and are just some highlights of different learning opportunities provided to students. As a reminder to Trustees and the viewing public, we are in the midst of the fall 2025 United Way fundraising campaign. Given continuing, significant economic dislocation, housing costs, and food security concerns, it is critical for those that can support this campaign to do so, to help support some of the most vulnerable children, youth, and families in the region. Limestone is a proud contributor to this annual campaign. I should note that it was my pleasure to help support the United Way engaging with the secondary Interschool Council members last week. The Interschool Council is comprised of Student Trustees and student leaders from across LDSB secondary schools. This engagement is a new Youth United campaign to increase youth awareness of the United Way and partners who receive funding to support members of the community in need. The Interschool Council went on an abbreviated ‘Seeing is Believing’ tour for student leaders to see examples of services that exist in our communities to support a range of needs. I am sure we will hear about this from Student Trustees. I look forward to seeing how this initiative evolves and the difference students, and schools, can make in this year’s campaign. Tonight we have three reports for Trustees, one for action related to a financial update, and an information update related to Limestone’s Equity Action Plan. Part of that report will include a presentation that includes greatly valued partners in support of this work.This evening, Trustees will also see an interim update report for the LDSB Strategic Plan, 2024-2028. The report this evening will focus on our continued focus on goals outlined in the Strategic Plan and the high impact strategies we are utilizing to support the goals. Given the province has yet to release the 2024-2025 EQAO results that we have to include as part of our assessment of the Strategic Plan, tonight’s report is interim and we will bring it back once we have the EQAO results and other data to support our monitoring of the plan. Our current focus continues to be on improving teaching and learning in classrooms. These points of emphasis are critical components of the provincial and board priorities, but also integral to our equity work in ensuring that each Limestone student has the skills and confidence to access their pathway of choice as they navigate through their K-12 schooling. The stakes of our work are incredibly high, and we have a legal and moral responsibility to ensure that we maintain focused attention on student achievement. It is also important for us all to remember the importance of this data particularly when it is triangulated, or overlaid, with Student Census data. As Trustees are aware, we have the second Limestone Student Census coming up in just a few weeks. Once we have the results and analysis of the Student Census data, we will have very rich information about specific groups of students in Limestone and their experiences. I look forward to continuing our critical work in Limestone with the new Strategic Plan as we move into the future, doing the best we can to make a difference in the lives of the students we serve.Thank you, Chair McGregor. That completes my update for this evening." </div></details><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Reports</h2><details open="false"><summary>OPSBA Report</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true">Chair McGregor provided an OPSBA report.</div></details><details open="false"><summary>Student Trustees' Report</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true">Student Trustee Ismail provided the Student Trustees' Report: "Good afternoon, Trustees and members of the public,We held our Interschool Council (ISC) meeting October 21, chaired by Mia Comeau and Rachel Kolosov. Our meeting consisted of a tour of three United Way KFL&A partner agencies for student representatives to better understand and gain new perspectives on the youth in our communities and local initiatives that support youth and families across the LDSB.To begin our day, ISC members and guests visited Youth Diversion, where Executive Director Shawn Quigley led an interactive session focused on understanding the importance of support systems in our lives. This experience helped student representatives reflect on the ways Youth Diversion’s prevention and intervention programs help students overcome challenges they may face and contribute to student well-being across our board.Our next stop was the Food Sharing Project, where ISC members learned from Andy Mills about how the organization supports equitable access to nutrition across many schools. Students were able to see the large-scale community effort that aims to help all students learn and thrive.And lastly, we visited the BGC South East, where we toured their facilities, including a robotics rink, gym, a new STEM lab, and many study and quiet spaces. The centre also offers accessible and structured programs that create a supportive environment for youth to develop skills and relationships with their peers and mentors.We discussed our schools involvement in the Youth United initiative, and schools are at different stages of launching fundraising efforts and building awareness to encourage registrations within their student bodies.The Interschool Council is looking forward to building connections between our schools and local community organizations that put tremendous effort in supporting student well-being.This concludes our October ISC meeting. Thank you." </div></details><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr">Reports for Action</h3><details open="true"><summary>Accumulated Surplus Financial Update - Superintendent Young</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true">The purpose of this report was to provide Trustees with the latest financial information related to the Board's accumulated surplus, and propose additional investments in Limestone District School Board for 2025-2026.For a full look at background information assembled from the 2024-2025 Year End Consolidated Financial Statements, please visit page 25 in the <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/5bb14b2b-a709-4efa-9daa-9553a7b51f9a/LDSB-Regular-Board-Meeting-Agenda-October-29-2025-revised.pdf?fingerprint=ppb20251217013831" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link" dir="ltr">Board Meeting Agenda</a>.For the 2024-2025 fiscal year, Limestone District School Board ended the year with its accumulated surplus at $1.6M higher than projected. The revised estimates projected the accumulated surplus to be $10.2M at the end of August 31, 2025. The actual accumulated surplus at August 31, 2025 was $11.8M as shown above. It is proposed that $500,000 of the additional surplus be reinvested back into school programs. At the June 11, 2025 Board meeting, Trustees approved the following programs to be supported by spending Accumulated Surplus. Expenses Equity and Inclusion Positions - Human Rights Officer and Teachers: $320,000 Short-Term Educational Assistants: $925,000 Additional IT Devices and Technology: $800,000 Cyber Security: $350,000 Educational Software: $140,000 Total Expenses: $2,535,000 As part of a calculated and planned draw down of the accumulated surplus, the projects listed below are proposed as additional investments into Limestone District School Board schools. These proposed investments are one-time expenditures that will not contribute to structural deficits within the organization. These investments are strategically placed in Special Education and Math/IT. New Expenses - for Approval Special Education Short-Term Staff Investment: $400,000 Mathematics and IT Equipment Investment: $100,000 Total Expenses: $500,000For full report, please visit pages 25 to 27 in the <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/5bb14b2b-a709-4efa-9daa-9553a7b51f9a/LDSB-Regular-Board-Meeting-Agenda-October-29-2025-revised.pdf?fingerprint=ppb20251217013831" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link" dir="ltr">Board Meeting Agenda</a>.</div></details><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr">Reports for Information</h3><details open="true"><summary>Limestone District School Board Equity Team Action Plan, 2025-2028 - Superintendent McDonnell</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true">The purpose of this report was to provide Trustees with an update on the LDSB Equity Team Action Plan, 2025-2028, and progress being made toward established goals. The LDSB Equity Action Plan 2nd Edition, 2020-2024, was last shared with Trustees at the October 2, 2024, Education, Policy, and Operations Committee (EPOC) meeting. On an annual basis, outcomes will be shared with Trustees at the start of each new school year. An updated plan has been developed, renamed the Equity Team Action Plan, 2025-2028. Currently, recognizing the importance of this work, the following areas of focus within the Equity Team Action Plan were highlighted for Trustees, to provide a snapshot of the progress being made in Limestone:<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem" dir="ltr">Addressing Discriminatory Language: Student Modules (Elementary)</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem" dir="ltr">Guide on Human Rights Expectations in LDSB for Families and Caregivers</li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem" dir="ltr">Supporting Human Rights and Equity in Rural Schools</li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem" dir="ltr">Tracking Our Commitment to Black Student Equity: OHRC Dreams Delayed Action Items</li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem" dir="ltr">KASSAA and Human Rights Presentations</li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem" dir="ltr">Anti-Black Racism Module</li></ul><img src="/images/d33774a6-9a09-4106-aed2-0de75eb0924c?fingerprint=ppb20251217014946" alt="Human Rights and Athletics Slide from October 29 LDSB Board Meeting" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"> At the end of the 2025-2028 Equity Action Plan cycle, the Community Equity Advisory Committee will review the progress made towards achieving the goals outlined herein. For full report with details of each area, please visit pages 28 to 34 in the <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/5bb14b2b-a709-4efa-9daa-9553a7b51f9a/LDSB-Regular-Board-Meeting-Agenda-October-29-2025-revised.pdf?fingerprint=ppb20251217013831" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link" dir="ltr">Board Meeting Agenda</a>.</div></details><details open="true"><summary>Strategic Plan - Interim End-of-Year Report 2024-2025 - Director Burra</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true">The purpose of this report was to provide Trustees an end-of-year status report on the 2024-2025 Strategic Plan.Senior Staff presented an end-of-school-year Strategic Plan Overview (included in the <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/5bb14b2b-a709-4efa-9daa-9553a7b51f9a/LDSB-Regular-Board-Meeting-Agenda-October-29-2025-revised.pdf?fingerprint=ppb20251217013831" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link" dir="ltr">Board Meeting Agenda</a> starting on page 37). To assist Trustees with ongoing monitoring, a “traffic light” system has been in place to evaluate the progress. To note, Senior Staff will bring forward additional data once 2024-2025 EQAO data is released by the provincial government. Without the EQAO data, the Senior Team is currently missing a large number of indicators that are legislatively required to be included as the foundation of the LDSB Multi-Year Strategic plan and Student Achievement Plan.<img src="/images/b9e7e717-4c31-4af3-b2fa-347f08ce58ee?fingerprint=ppb20251217014726" alt="Student Achievement Plan Provincial Graphic" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block">As a reminder, multiple data sets and evidence are used to evaluate the progress toward the desired outcomes. Last year’s overview of meetings is attached to the report, mapping the Strategic Plan Goals to specific meetings/committees for 2024-2025. The Senior Team will continue to provide Trustees with updates focused on important areas of work through reports shared as part of Board and Education and Policy Operations Committee and Board Meeting agendas throughout the 2025-2026 school year. Operational plan updates throughout the year will provide further opportunities to monitor the overall Strategic Plan and Provincial Student Achievement plan.For the full report, please visit pages 35 to 41 in the<a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/5bb14b2b-a709-4efa-9daa-9553a7b51f9a/LDSB-Regular-Board-Meeting-Agenda-October-29-2025-revised.pdf?fingerprint=ppb20251217013831" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link" dir="ltr"> Board Meeting Agenda</a>.</div></details><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Notices of Motion</h2>Motion brought forward by Vice-Chair Godkin: “Given the Minister of Education's musings regarding the potential removal of some, or all, Trustees in the province of Ontario, and that we have already sent a letter to the Minister and other specific audiences, I would like to put forward a motion to expand the number of recipients of the letter to include local media outlets and other parties to be determined by the Board in discussion of this motion.” <h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Adjournment</h2>The Board Meeting adjourned and Trustees returned to Private Session. A report from that session will be shared with the public at the Annual Board Meeting on November 19, 2025.

2025-11-03 19:16:12.021 +0000 UTC

Please see news below from our school and across the Limestone District School Board:

Limestone’s EQAO Results Improve Across All Categories

Education Minister Calandra's Letter to Parents - EQAO and Student Achievement Advisory Body

Boardroom Briefs: November 2025

PIC Gathering with Director December 4, 2025

Limestone District School Board Chair and Vice-Chair Elected for 2025-2026

Choices at 7 Program Information

Student Census Survey Opt-Out Deadline Extended

Reminder - Student Census Survey

A Message from Southeast Public Health

Limestone and KCHC Launch Student Support Program Backed by Community Foundation Grant

Level Up! Skilled Trades Career Fair Open House Dec. 2, 2025

Boardroom Briefs: October 29, 2025