At its regular monthly meeting, held Tuesday in Guelph, the Upper Grand District School Board heard Education Director Martha Rogers outline her objectives for the 2010-11 school year.

She outlined three strategic directions: high levels of student achievement, energizing staff and increased confidence in public education. They incorporated eight specific objectives

Under high levels of student achievement, she listed board improvement planning, diversity of instruction; prioritizing initiatives and resources.

The overall objective of energizing staff involved creating synergy through teamwork and supporting / developing staff, while increasing confidence in public education included objectives of celebrating staff and students; expectations, accountability and transparency and engaging the community.

In addition, she spoke of her personal leadership and management goals.

Earlier in the meeting, trustees discussed the director’s annual performance appraisal and received information on the superintendent’s accomplishments in the 2009-10 school year.

The board approved the Director’s Objectives unanimously and commended her publicly for her exceptional leadership.

Good Places to Learn funding commitments

The Ministry of Education has provided approximately $300 million in funding to the board to undertake renewal work at its schools.

As of August 31, all Good Places to Learn renewal projects must be board-approved, active or completed.

While many school facilities have been “renewed” since the program began four years ago, it’s estimated that there is approximately $1 million remaining to be spent. The board approved projects at Aberfoyle, Brisbane, Central, Grand Valley, Ottawa Crescent, Ponsonby and Waverley Drive public schools, as well as College Heights Secondary School. The projects include switches, electrical upgrades lighting and control systems, etc. and will be completed in the 2010-11 school year. If costs are greater than the amount of funding available, the projects will be supplemented as required by renewal monies from the Capital Reserve.

$1.6M Westside SS project approved

The board was given a verbal update on the progress of construction projects – both capital and renewal – under way as the new school year begins. This has been a notable year for the number and scope of projects.

Among them is the Westside Secondary School building project Since its opening, Westside has been short of shop space. Currently, double potable serves as transportation shop.

It is anticipated that the board can build approximately 4,000 square feet of shop space (housing two to three shops) on the site subject to available space and plan approval. Expanding the school’s existing mezzanine is also being considered.

In order to qualify for Good Places to Learn funding, the project had to be approved by August 31.

The board approved the building project based on a Target Expenditure budget of $1.591 million. The Ministry of Education will be required to approve the project and any additional funding required from the New Pupil Places allocation.

The project is subject to an investigation with the school, and a site study. An architect will not be appointed; the project will proceed based on a design/build model.

The project is to proceed as quickly as possible and progress in discussions with the school and the Town of Orangeville will be reported to trustees.

The next regular meeting of the board will be held on Tuesday, September 28, at 7:00 p.m. in Guelph board Room. The public is welcome to attend.