Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2021
Ombudsman acknowledges positive changes made at Ļć½¶Ö±²„
Near North District School Board (Ļć½¶Ö±²„) is pleased to be acknowledged in the . The board was mentioned for the progress achieved regarding transparency and process in response to closing Widdifield Secondary School as well as 14 recommendations made to the board.
In the 2021 report, Ombudsman Paul DubĆ© commended the board for its commitment to āenhancing the transparency of its decision-making processesā and noted he was looking forward to receiving updates on the implementation of his recommendations. Following a thorough investigation, DubĆ© had identified the areas for improvement and gave 14 recommendations in the July 2019 report.
The 2020-2021 Ombudsmanās report details how Ļć½¶Ö±²„ has implemented 12 of the 14 recommendations as of December 2020, including the adoption of a new governance manual that addressed not only the ombudsmanās recommendations, but those of a 2013 review, and by Ministry of Education advisors in 2020.
The two outstanding recommendations relate to updating Ļć½¶Ö±²„ās accommodation review policy and will be implemented once the Ministry of Education updates its Pupil Accommodations Review Guideline.
In addition to modifying its governance structure, Ļć½¶Ö±²„ continues to proactively engage with the ombudsmanās office to ensure the momentum continues.
Director of Education Craig Myles continues to proactively engage with the Ombudsmanās Office on a semi-annual basis.
āĻć½¶Ö±²„ is proud of the positive transformative changes that have been made and will continue to move in the direction of transparent and open communication with all stakeholders. This commitment has been encapsulated as a key strategic pillar in the boardās 2021-2026 Multi-Year Strategic Planā said Chair Aspin.
Following the ombudsmanās investigation, the Ministry of Education appointed two special advisors to review the boardās practices. Ļć½¶Ö±²„ has continued to engage with the special advisors operationally following the completion of their report.
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Information about Near North District School Board:
Near North District School Board is an English-language public school board serving the North Bay – Parry Sound – Nipissing area. The Board consists of approximately 10,000 students in 27 elementary schools, seven secondary/senior schools and various alternative learning centres. For more information, please visit nearnorthschools.ca and follow Near North District School Board on social media.
For more information, please contact:
Deb Bartlett
Communications Officer
Near North District School Board
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca
