At this evening’s meeting, the Board approved revisions to its transportation policy creating standard walk distances for all elementary students, received an update on the diverse range of experiential learning opportunities that meet the interests, strengths, needs, and aspirations of students across the board and reviewed school and system activities celebrating Black History Month in February. The Board welcomed the election of new Student Trustees Nevin Ghori and Julia Redwood, accepted, with regret, the retirement notice of John Ford, Superintendent of Education, and approved a new school year calendar among other decisions.
Student Transportation Policy Revisions
As part of the Resource Committee report, the Board approved changes to the Student Transportation Policy, including adjustments to eligibility distances for students accessing transportation. The walk distance for students in Grades Junior Kindergarten and Senior Kindergarten has been moved from 1.0 km to 1.6 km. This change provides for a standard walk distance for all elementary students JK to Grade 8. There is no change to the existing eligibility distances for Grade 1 to Grade 8 students. Maximum allowable ride times for students have also been increased from 60 minutes for Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6 students, to 75 minutes.
Staff noted that these approved changes will contribute to increased cost efficiencies as the total number of students on buses would decrease. In addition, extending the ride times reduces the number of vehicles servicing routes providing a reduction in expenses. The overall cost savings achieved through these policy changes is approximately $500,000.
“These changes bring us in-line with most all other neighbouring school boards in and around our communities,” says Jaine Klassen Jeninga, Chairperson of the Board. “The reality is that we have ongoing and expanding funding pressures in a number of key areas, including transportation. We must continue to explore all efficiencies available to close the gap between funding and on-the-ground expenses we are incurring.”
Experiential Learning Pathways
As part of the Program Review Committee Report, the Board received an update on the diverse range of experiential learning opportunities that meet the interests, strengths, needs, and aspirations of students and ensure a successful transition to their chosen postsecondary destinations through specialized programming, including Dual Credits, SHSM and OYAP.
This school year, KPR has expanded experiential learning opportunities, including Hackergal coding clubs, Skills Ontario days, FemSTEAM, World of Choices, Children’s Water Festivals, and Junior Achievement.
“We know that a skilled trades gap exists, and that with a continually aging workforce, our students are in a strong position to take advantage of these opportunities. To that end, we will continue to connect students to activities that expose them to all pathways; apprenticeships, college, community living, university, and the workplace,” says Klassen Jeninga. “One of the most engaging ways we can do that, is through experiential learning activities that allow students to use 21st century skills to problem-solve and uncover their learning along the way.”
Staff highlighted student success across these pathways, noting for example that in Specialist High Skills Major programs enrolment has increased by 66% and the average completion rate has risen to 73% since 2019.
“We are excited to continue to expand these programs that help students take their classroom learning to the real world, develop skills essential for their successful future, and explore the career path of their choice,” says Klassen Jeninga.
Celebrating Black History Month
In this evening’s Director’s Update, Rita Russo, Director of Education, noted that February is Black History Month – a time for intentional recognition of the achievements, contributions and lived experiences of Black communities across schools and the organization board-wide. Russo highlighted school and system activities celebrating Black History Month in February.
“As a school board, we recognize the value of celebrating and highlighting Black History and Black Excellence every day, in line with KPR’s strategic priority to create safe and inclusive spaces where the diversity and lived experiences of students and staff are valued and reflected in learning and working environments,” says Jaine Klassen Jeninga, Chairperson of the Board.
Among the highlights shared by the Director was the Adinkra Display at Courtice Secondary School. This collaboration between teachers, students and the Black Students Association, led to the creation of a new interactive mural in the front foyer of the school featuring symbols from the Akan people of Ghana to celebrate West African heritage. These images were designed using vector images, and were cut and painted with a Glowforge machine. The symbols were then coated with conductive paint, allowing them to activate circuits which are brought to life with computer technology, programing, art and media.
When school visitors touch the symbols, they hear a recorded explanation—voiced by members of the Black Students’ Association—about the symbol’s meaning.
“We are so pleased to share the work of KPR students and staff as we intentionally recognize the achievements, contributions and lived experiences of Black communities, and commit to reflecting Black History and Black Excellence in classroom resources and learning opportunities,” says Russo. “We will continue to honour and celebrate the stories, achievements, and excellence of Black communities – both locally, and across Canada – as we learn more together about the significant contributions of Black Canadians in all areas of society.”
New Student Trustees
Trustees were very pleased tonight to approve the appointments of Nevin Ghori and Julia Redwood as Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board Student Trustees for 2025-2026.
Nevin and Julia are Grade 11 students from Adam Scott Collegiate Vocational Institute and Cobourg Collegiate Institute, respectively, and were chosen by their peers in the Student Leadership Group to serve in their roles. As members of student government, Nevin and Julia will bring the voice of students to the board table.
“Student Trustees have an integral role in bringing student voice to inform board discussions and decisions, and we greatly value their contributions at the Board table. We continually strive to centre our work around student interests, and Student Trustees can share real-world experiences on potential impacts of decisions that are made by the Board throughout the year,” says Klassen Jeninga. “We are very pleased to welcome Nevin and Julia to their new roles, and we know they will continue the strong legacy established by KPR Student Trustees over time. We look forward to our work together.”
Beginning their term this August, the two Student Trustees will attend all regular public board meetings, report to the Board on behalf of the school board-wide Student Senate, participate in Board discussions, bring reports back to the Student Senate, and receive input from the group.
Retirement of John Ford, Superintendent of Education
Trustees extended their great thanks and appreciation to John Ford, Superintendent of Education for his over 30 years of dedicated service to the Board. Ford has notified the Board of his retirement after the current school year.
“Throughout my career with the Board I have had the good fortune to work with many wonderful individuals at all levels of the organization,” says Ford. “It has been a pleasure to serve the students and parents of the Kawartha Pine Ridge communities. I hope that I have been able to contribute to the high quality of teaching and educational experience in our schools, and I am grateful to have been a part of the team here.”
Ford joined KPR in 1993 and is an accomplished educator with many years of experience in varied leadership roles with the board.
“John will be greatly missed by our Board,” says Klassen Jeninga. “I have had the opportunity to work with him for a number of years, and I know his professional skills, knowledge and leadership have been tremendous assets for our students and schools. His work on behalf of KPR students, staff and families is to be commended with our great thanks and appreciation.”
Director of Education Russo congratulated Ford on his well-deserved retirement and his unwavering commitment to ensuring the best interests of students and the organization are at the heart of his decision making.
“John is truly a student-focussed leader, and that is so evident in his work and the contributions he brings to our senior leadership team. A strong advocate for all students, throughout his career, John has been committed to ensuring that our students have the strongest opportunities for success. We congratulate him on all that he has done for students and wish him only the very best of wishes upon his retirement.”
School Year Calendar – 2025-2026
Also at tonight’s Board meeting, the 2025-2026 School Year Calendar was approved. It will now be submitted to the Ministry of Education for final approval.
Highlights of the approved calendar include:
1st day of classes – Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Last day of classes – Thursday, June 25, 2026
Winter Break – Monday, December 22, 2025 (Friday, Dec 19, 2025 will be the last day of school) through to Friday, January 2, 2026 (Monday, January 5, 2026 will be the first day of classes)
March Break – (March 16 to March 20, 2026)
Other decisions
Trustees also:
approved the sale of 2226 Maple Grove Road, Bowmanville to 2685461 Ontario Inc, for $1,400,000.00 in accordance with the terms and conditions of the offer. In April, 2018, the Board had deemed the vacant property to be surplus to the Board and to be disposed of in accordance with Board policies and Ontario Regulation 444/98.
approved the establishment of the James David Rannie Memorial Award to be presented annually to a graduating students of Campbellford District High School who has met the award criteria
approved the establishment of the Susan Ellen Robertson Memorial Award to presented annually to a graduating student of East Northumberland Secondary School who has met the award criteria
approved revisions to a number of board policies.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
