The Leader: September 28, 2026

Updates from Regular Board Meetings | September 28, 2026

All reports for this meeting are available online. 

Mohawk Teaching: The Condolence Cane

Claudine VanEvery-Albert, Trustee for Six Nations students, shared an insightful video presentation titled “The Condolence Cane: A Symbol of Democracy” with the Board. The Condolence Cane depicts the historical formation of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and serves as an important visual representation that brings their sacred unification story to life.

Watch the video presentation here.

CEO Report Highlights

Welcome to Blanche E. Williams Public School

Grand Erie’s brand-new Blanche E. Williams Public School officially opened its doors to more than 600 students on September 8. The facility honours Blanche E. Williams, a Brantford resident who became the first Black woman in Canada to attend the University of Toronto with full privileges in 1885.

Discover her historic legacy by watching this video.

Technology and Innovation Hubs

Beginning in September 2026, Grand Erie officially launched designated Technology and Innovation Hubs at Cayuga Secondary School, Simcoe Composite School, and North Park Collegiate & Vocational School. The Technology and Innovation Hubs will provide students with expanded access to cutting-edge technology programs and specialized learning spaces that reflect emerging industry needs.

Each hub will also feature an Innovation Hub, where students can explore advanced STEAM technologies such as robotics, coding, 3D printing, drones, and digital media, inspiring the next generation of creators, innovators, and problem-solvers.

Summer eLearning

Summer learning was a tremendous success in 2026, with a record number of students taking advantage of opportunities to earn credits, explore career pathways, and get ahead in their studies. More than 6,200 students enrolled in secondary summer school, representing a 10% increase from the previous year, while maintaining an outstanding 91% course success rate.

From co-operative education placements and Specialist High Skills Major experiences to reach-ahead credit opportunities for incoming Grade 9 students, summer school supported a wide range of learner needs and goals.

View the full Chief Executive Officer’s Report.

Boundary Review to Begin for New Paris School

Planning for the new elementary school in Paris includes a boundary review to establish the school’s future attendance area.

The review will involve Paris Central Public School, North Ward School, Cobblestone Elementary School, Burford Elementary School and Glen Morris Central Public School.

The Board of Trustees approved the start of the boundary review process. Grand Erie will provide more information about the review and opportunities for community input as the process moves forward.

Approved Policies

Policies including Access to Schools and Facilities, Bullying Prevention and Intervention, Capital Related Fundraising, Inclement Weather, Major Construction, Purchasing, Student Transportation, Workplace Violence, Naming/Renaming of Schools and Facilities, and Fraud Prevention and Management policies were brought to the Board of Trustees.

For more information, please see the Board Package. 

Supporting Indigenous Education

Annual reports for Grand Erie’s Education Services Agreement with Six Nations of the Grand River and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation highlighted work supporting Indigenous students during the 2025-26 school year.

These included the Indigenous Student Leadership Initiative, Transition to Secondary School activities for Grade 8 students, professional development for educators, culturally relevant and experiential learning opportunities for students, and the Indigenous Graduation Coach Program.

Grand Erie remains committed to advancing learning, well-being and belonging for Indigenous students throughout the region.

Turning Strategy into Action: Grand Erie's Annual Learning and Operating Plan

Grand Erie’s Annual Learning and Operating Plan (ALOP) is a blueprint that puts the board’s strategic plan into action. The 2025-26 ALOP Close was presented and highlighted learning and leading achievements.

The 2026-27 ALOP Open, the first under Grand Erie’s new strategic plan, We Lead Forward, was also presented to the Board of Trustees. The plan outlines Year 1 goals, strategies and evidence of impact that will guide our work throughout the coming year, while providing a clear way to measure progress and impact.

Annual Learning and Operating Plan: Five-Year Summary

A five-year summary of Grand Erie’s Annual Learning and Operating Plans from 2021 to 2026 was provided to include an overview of progress across identified areas of improvement. 

EQAO, OSSLT Results Demonstrate Five-Year Growth

Grand Erie’s 2025-26 Grade 3, 6, and 9 EQAO and Grade 10 OSSLT assessment results show year-over-year gains to close the learning gap with provincial results.

The five-year trend across Grand Erie shows significant improvements in primary, junior and intermediate mathematics and OSSLT applied results:

• Grade 3 math results increased by 16% (pts).
• Grade 6 math results increased by 13% (pts).
• Grade 9 math results increased by 8% (pts).
• OSSLT applied results increased by 10% (pts), and academic results remained at 90%.

Read the full media release.

Major Construction Updates

Cobblestone Elementary School

Construction at Cobblestone Elementary School is complete and students are now occupying the new spaces. The childcare space is expected to open in November.

Blanche E. Williams Public School

Blanche E. Williams Public School is now open to students. The library branch is expected to open to students in October, and the childcare space is expected to open in early November.

Please refer to pages 23 and 24 of the Board package for details on all active projects.

Multi-Year Accessibility Plan

An update on Grand Erie’s Multi‑Year Accessibility Plan highlighted initiatives and events which strengthen accessibility across the system.

These included redesigning all school websites and the Employee Portal, improved access to mandatory training, and supported schools during National AccessAbility Week.

Grand Erie also advanced accessibility in our physical and digital spaces from barrier‑free entrances and tactile signage to captioning in learning environments.