These are highlights of the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board public meeting held April 27, 2026.
Affirmation of Traditional Lands
Stacey Lewis, Trustee, South Prince Edward County, offered a Land Affirmation.
Presentation: Celebrating Inquiry Learning in Indigenous Education
This presentation showcased the different ways that knowledge of Indigenous Education is being embedded at schools. Students in grades K-6 are learning the ways of knowing, being and doing, and how that connects to the 7th Generation Principle. They are also learning about instilling respect for the gifts of the natural environment, peaceful relationships and reciprocal ways, and how they connect to the One Dish, One Spoon Treaty.
Students in grades 7-12, students are participating in Indigenous-focused collaborative inquires in STEM, Drama, Science and English, as well as a Dual Credit with Trent University.
Data show that comfort levels are increasing for educators who are using Indigenous learning models.
Find out more in the presentation starting on page 3 of the agenda.
Thank you to the presenters pictured with school board officials (L to R): Katherine MacIver, Director of Education; Stefan Demcyzna; Indigenous Education Instructional Coach; Troy Maracle, Indigenous Education Lead; Audrey Maracle, Indigenous Student Trustee; Matthew Sheahan, Indigenous Education Instructional Coach; Andrea Manley; Indigenous Education Instructional Coach; Dr. Kari Kramp, Chair of the Board; and Erica Charlton, Vice-chair of the Board.
Ontario Public School Boards' Association
Highlights from this report included the following:
- Trustee Binder attended OPSBA Board of Directors meetings on April 21 and 23, where the topic was Bill 101 and its impact. Members received an in-camera legal assessment of the proposed legislative changes. This topic will also be discussed at the upcoming regional meeting on May 2 and again at the annual meeting in June.
- Trustees will have received an election notice for OPSBA representation. Trustee Binder will remain as the OPSBA representative through November. She will also be seeking election as the regional chair at the upcoming annual meeting.
Governance and Policy Committee: April 20, 2026
Board members approved the following trustees to be part of the 2026-2027 Director’s Performance Ad Hoc Committee, effective July 1, 2026: Trustees Robertson, Kramp and Lewis.
Student Voice
Highlights from this report included the following:
- Hosted the Student Voice Symposium earlier this month with over 100 students participating.
- The Indigenous Student Symposium took place last week.
- The Skilled Trades competition will take place in Toronto in early May; several HPEDSB students are competing.
Chair's report and trustee sharing
Highlights from this report included the following:
- The chair and director were on the Lorne Brooker Show last week to talk about strategic plan accomplishments.
- Attendance at the recent Student Voice Symposium.
- Inspiring Excellence Awards will be presented next week on May 7.
- Attendance at the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign launch in Marmora and Madoc last week. Proceeds from cookie sales will go to Food for Learning.
- Attendance at Prince Edward Collegiate Institute last week for an Indigenous drama performance about reconciliation, justice and the path forward.
- Volunteer appreciation event at Harmony Public School last week. Expressed appreciation to all volunteers.
- Mention of upcoming school events: fun fairs, Words Matter Day on May 20, Kindergarten orientation, free clothing swaps, staff-student hockey game at North Hastings High School, musicals coming up at several schools and participation at the 51st Quinte Regional Science and Technology Fair.
Director's report
Highlights from this report included the following:
- Expressed appreciation to the student trustees for their leadership in planning and hosting the Student Voice Symposium.
- Acknowledged Tawnya Smith, Administrator of the International Student Program, who will be receiving an honorary diploma from Loyalist College.
- Reminder about the Inspiring Excellence Awards event on May 7.
- Being a guest on the Lorne Brooker Show twice last week: once for the SoundField campaign and again to talk about the strategic plan.
- HPEDSB recently hosted school districts from eastern Ontario for professional learning about using artificial intelligence for best practices in assessment and evaluation.
- Presented to over 300 CUPE staff at the recent PA Day.
- Closely watching the progress of Bill 101 and regulations.
- HPEDSB signed an agreement with the YMCA for the Back on Track program.
Foundational skills achievement update
To boost student achievement, educators must be empowered educators with the confidence, data literacy, tools and
systemic support needed to deliver responsive, inclusive instruction rooted in Universal Design for
Learning (UDL).
HPEDSB is removing barriers so all students have an equal chance to succeed. This
involves providing diverse resources, embedding new assessment practices and fostering collaboration.
This capacity-building creates equitable, engaging, real-world learning for every student.
By intentionally pairing high-quality systemic resources with robust professional learning aligned to all
aspects of the Multi-Year Strategic Plan, we are confidently enhancing educator practice and improving
the trajectory of student achievement, engagement and real-world readiness throughout HPEDSB.
Find out more on page 24 of the agenda.
Indigenous supports to deepen learning
Indigenous Education instructional coaches support K–12 educators in strengthening
curriculum through Indigenous ways of knowing and the Indigenous Learning Model. By
focusing on holistic, student-centered and inquiry-based learning, they help educators and
students navigate meaningful access points while avoiding appropriation.
Find out more on page 26 of the agenda.
Calendar of events
The dates for upcoming school events, committee and Board meetings are listed on page 33 of the agenda.
Motion for consideration
At the March 30, 2026 Regular Public Board Meeting, Trustee Parsons brought forward the following Notice of Motion:
That the Minister of Education be requested to take control of the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board and appoint a supervisor for the Board.
The motion was defeated (not approved).
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