The Leader - 23/06/2026

Regular Meeting of the Board

JUNE 23, 2026

All reports for this meeting can be found HERE.

Two people sitting at group table examining paper

Group of people at group table engaged in discussion

Young student sitting at group table engaged in discussion

Grand Erie’s new strategic Plan – We Lead Forward – was approved Monday, which will guide the work of the board for the next four years. Shaped by the voices and perspectives of students, families, employees, and community partners, the plan will continue to focus on learning, well-being and belonging as priorities that the Grand Erie community identified as essential to the success of every learner. This strategic plan is not a change in direction, but rather a refreshed roadmap. Through the Annual Learning and Operating Plan, it will translate these priorities into action and hold the work accountable for the commitments made to students, employees, and the communities we serve.

Patti McCleister Memorial Award

The Patti McCleister Memorial Award honours the memory of Grand Erie’s Training and Development Officer who left a legacy of collaborative leadership, and the ability to inspire it in others. The award is given annually to the Grand Erie staff member or team who demonstrate a similarly inspiring spirit of leadership.

2025-26 Recipient: Scott McDonald, J.L. Mitchener Public School

Scott McDonald, principal at J.L. Mitchener Public School, is a leader whose compassion, authenticity, and unwavering commitment to people are felt throughout the entire school community. Scott leads with heart, creating an environment where students, staff, and families feel heard, valued, and supported. Through his daily presence in classrooms, meaningful relationship-building with learners, open communication with families, unwavering commitment to staff, and dedication to fostering a culture of care and belonging, he has built a school community rooted in trust, respect, and human connection. Scott’s leadership is equally defined by his commitment to growth and the empowerment of those around him. He creates opportunities for students and staff to develop their skills, confidence, and leadership potential, whether through innovative initiatives such as the Garden to Kitchen Project, supporting instructional excellence, developing student leaders, or encouraging staff to pursue leadership opportunities. He leads with integrity, empathy, and a deep belief in the potential of others. Scott’s lasting impact on the J.L. Mitchener community exemplifies the spirit of the Patti McCleister Memorial Award and makes him a truly deserving recipient.

Learn Lead Inspire Award

Julie Hannigan, Simcoe Composite and Cayuga Secondary School

As a Child and Youth Worker, Julie has been an incredible asset to both the Simcoe Composite School and Cayuga Secondary School communities she serves. She exemplifies what it means to learn, lead, and inspire through her unwavering dedication to students and staff. Julie ensures every student feels supported, fostering growth and confidence through her compassion, commitment, and belief in their potential. She creates a strong sense of belonging through initiatives such as her twice-weekly tea times, which provide students with a welcoming, calm environment to connect with each other, resulting in a supportive start to their school day. The students she works with have experienced remarkable growth, a direct reflection of Julie’s commitment to equipping them with the tools they need to thrive. Julie leads with humility, positivity, and genuine care. Most recently, Julie secured a $5,000 grant for Cayuga Secondary School by advocating for the unique needs of rural students and mentoring a student group in delivering an outstanding presentation. Her kindness, leadership, and dedication continue to make a lasting impact on everyone around her, and it is an honour to present her with the Learn Lead Inspire award.

Student Showcase: Lakewood Elementary School

This spring, Lakewood Elementary School hosted its first musical, Seussical the Musical. The production invited students in Grades 4 to 8 to audition for the cast or support behind the scenes with props, costumes, and technical support. A total of 24 students were involved in the production, guided by educators Madeline Wall and Lindsay Wall, and technical support provided by Lori Burroughs. The school hosted three shows in May at the Port Dover Community Centre. The production centers on the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss, featuring beloved characters that celebrate imagination, friendship, and staying true to yourself. On Monday evening, student Abbey Soucie performed the song "It's Possible" with fellow cast members and teachers.

Grand Erie Trustees Approve Balanced 2026-27 Budget

The Grand Erie District School Board Trustees approved the 2026-27 budget during the Regular Meeting of the Board on Monday. The budget will now be submitted to the Ministry of Education. Budget highlights include:
The approximate $435 million operating budget has increased by $10 million.
Direct classroom instruction represents 70% of total costs, a 2.1% increase.
The $21.7 million capital budget includes targeted investments in school facilities, supporting building improvement, site enhancements, renovations, upgrades and critical repairs.
Continued investment in permanent, frontline positions that directly support students, including educational assistants, social workers and custodial positions.

Through the budgeting process, Grand Erie is allocated resources to prioritize investments in classrooms while advancing its commitment to student achievement and well-being. Full details can be found here.

CEO Highlights from Dr. Roberto

Strides for Students Raises More Than $11,800

The inaugural Strides for Students fundraiser brought together students, families, staff, and community members at Pauline Johnson Collegiate and Vocational School, raising more than $11,800 to support student success across Grand Erie. Funds will help provide assistance for student needs and support programs focused on well-being, equity, and learning opportunities. The event lays the foundation for an annual tradition to help remove barriers and create opportunities for students to thrive.

Storytellers Recognized in Laurier Stedman Competition

This year's Laurier Stedman Prize competition recognized seven writers in Grand Erie.

The prizes, granted biennially by Laurier Brantford's Faculty of Liberal Arts, celebrate secondary students for their creative storytelling through original, unpublished works of fiction. A grand total of $13,000 is awarded among the top six writers. This year’s winners include:

The Weight of the World by Julia Roberts, McKinnon Park Secondary School, Grade 12
Mouthful of Rust by Chris Hodge, Waterford District High School, Grade 11
Punchline by Talia Mago, Delhi District Secondary School, Grade 12
The Story We Tell by Arianna Chang, Brantford Collegiate Institute, Grade 12
I Remember Grace by Leilah Janssen, North Park Collegiate and Vocational School, Grade 11
The Department of Optimism by Ashwin Kronwald, North Park Collegiate and Vocational School, Grade 10
The House That Will Never Forget by Michael Rose, Dunnville Secondary School, Grade 11

Landscape of Nations

The Indigenous Education team along with other system leaders, visited The Landscape of Nations in Niagara-on-the-Lake as part of a day of learning. The Landscape of Nations is an outdoor memorial and cultural site located at Queenston Heights. It honours the Haudenosaunee (Six Nations) Confederacy and Indigenous allies who played a vital role in the War of 1812. The site reflects the deep connection between Indigenous peoples and the Niagara region, while also recognizing a historic peace and reconciliation gathering in 1815 between nations who fought on opposing sides. The day also included visiting the First Nations Peace Monument and learning about the Indian Council House. Participants were able to engage in learning and reflection on Indigenous history, culture, and the ongoing presence and contributions of First Nations in the region.

National Recognition at MusicFest Canada

Student musicians from three Grand Erie schools earned national recognition at MusicFest Canada. In its 54th year, the festival brings together students from across the country to perform, compete and hone their talents. On an invitation-only basis, bands from North Park Collegiate and Vocational School (NPC), Paris District High School (PDHS) and Simcoe Composite School (SCS) were selected for their demonstrated excellence at the regional level in February.

North Park's band sits with their instruments and music sheets

Grand Erie’s Art and Skills Showcase

Grand Erie’s Art and Skills Showcase invited students and employees to interpret the district's core vision—Learn, Lead, Inspire—and express what it means to them through art. The art submissions had to be original but could be in any medium, including traditional, digital, or permanent displays. At the unveiling, artists gathered to share the inspiration and stories behind their creations. The original artwork will be on display throughout Grand Erie buildings.

Multi-Year Plan Stories

The following stories showcase some of the most recent stories related to the Multi-Year Strategic Plan.