An outline of the Near North District School Board's recent success stories were outlined on Tuesday night at the Near North District School Board online meeting.
Some of the 2020 accomplishments along with an outline of the "next steps" in the Board's strategic roadmap were highlighted.
Among the highlights of the board’s accomplishments are the creation of a multi-year Strategic Plan (MYSP) for 2021-2026, the distribution of the Director’s Annual Report, the creation of a finance manual and a streamlined budget reporting process, aggressive application for grants to enhance services of the Board, the initiation of board office reorganization, increased communication and presence on social media, the creation of a draft framework leading to comprehensive succession plans for all staff, and the successful consolidation of North Bay secondary schools.
“We are pleased at the significant progress we have made and we will continue to look at systemic improvement in all areas of Board structure and function,” Director of Education Craig Myles said in a release.
“Our Board has come a long way this past year, resulting from our diligent work and our Director’s strong, effective leadership in the guidance of a dedicated team,” noted Board Chair Jay Aspin.
Aspin pointed out this was accomplished during a “disruptive pandemic."
While celebrating achievement, NNDSB officials say they are committed to carefully plotting the direction of the board.
With input from a variety of sources and the guidance of facilitators, five objectives for change were identified: leadership; governance; financial accountability; human resources; and public confidence.
These areas are addressed in the Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) and its focus on excellence: Excellence in Teaching and Learning; Excellence in Relationships; Excellence in Innovation; and Excellence in Communication.
“We have invested much time and effort in the design of a thorough MYSP, understanding the important part it will play in providing a clear direction for NNDSB over the next five-year period,” added MYSP Director Myles.
Aspin believes major challenges in the year ahead include the construction of two new schools, a board resources reorganization, and the review of secondary school athletic facilities.
He feels the MYSP will provide direction for the board for the next five years, beginning Sept. 2021.
