Recognition Statement by Commissioner D. Eastwood
As we meet to carefully plan the education of our communities, let us not forget we are not the first ones to have done this on the same soil. Many years ago, the Mohawk people met in much the same manner to make decisions to better and preserve their land. We acknowledge that we overstepped our boundaries in the past and having realized that strive to never have history repeated. May we always be mindful of ways to preserve our lands and waterways so generations in the future will continue to enjoy its abundance.
2025-2026 Council Meeting Dates
On the recommendation of the Chair, it was moved by Commissioner L. Chouinard, and unanimously resolved, that the August 5, 2025 Council meeting be cancelled to allow for the summer holiday period; and that the January 6, 2026 Council meeting be cancelled due to the proposed cancellation of the December 16 Standing Committee meetings; and that the March 3, 2026 Council meeting be canceled due to the proposed cancellation of the February 17 Standing Committee meetings; and that the July 7, 2026 Council meeting be advanced to Tuesday, June 30, 2026 to accommodate for the holiday and the adoption of the 2026-2027 budget; and that the location of the regular Council meetings for the 2025-2026 school year, be moved to Howard S. Billings Regional High School, 210 McLeod, Chateauguay (Library), except for the May 5, 2026 meeting which will take place at the School Board Offices; and that public notices be published accordingly.
Adoption of Revised Policy EEA “Transportation of Students”
Whereas at its meeting of 2023-08-22, the Council of Commissioners identified Policy EEA “Transportation of Students” for review; and whereas the Council of Commissioners assigned the review of this policy to the Educational Services Standing Committee; and whereas the revised Policy EEA underwent a formal consultation process, with the support of the Transportation Advisory Committee; therefore, on the recommendation of the Educational Services Standing Committee, it was moved by Commissioner K. Van Droffelaar, and unanimously resolved, that Policy EEA “Transportation of Students” be adopted as presented.
Three-Year Plan of the Allocation & Destination of Immovable Property
Whereas the School Board’s “Three-Year Plan of the Allocation and Destination of Immovable Property” (Plan) is adopted annually by the Council of Commissioners; and whereas enrolment figures and building capacities have been updated; and whereas the consultation has been done in accordance with the Education Act, in that the Parents’ Committee has reviewed and supports the Plan; and whereas the Operations Standing Committee, at its meeting of April 15, 2025, has reviewed and approved the Plan as deposited; therefore, on the recommendation of the Operations Standing Committee, it was moved by Commissioner P. Stuckey, and unanimously resolved, that the New Frontiers School Board adopt the School Board’s “Three-Year Plan of the Allocation & Destination of Immovable Property” for the 2025-26, 2026-27, and 2027-28 school years as presented; and that such Plan remain subject to review on an annual basis.
Adoption of Revised Policy BEDD “Rules of Order & Procedure for Meetings of the Council of Commissioners”
Whereas on December 11, 2024, the Director General identified Policy BEDD “Rules of Order & Procedure for Meetings of the Council of Commissioners” for review; and whereas the Director General assigned the review of this policy to the Governance and Ethics Committee; and whereas the revised Policy BEDD underwent a formal consultation process; therefore, on the recommendation of the Governance and Ethics Committee, it was moved by Commissioner L. Ferguson, and unanimously resolved, that Policy BEDD “Rules of Order & Procedure for Meetings of the Council of Commissioners” be adopted as presented.
Adoption of Revised Policy BEDH “Public Question Periods”
Whereas on December 11, 2024, the Director General identified Policy BEDH “Public Question Periods” for review; and whereas the Director General assigned the review of this policy to the Governance and Ethics Committee; and whereas the revised Policy BEDH underwent a formal consultation process; therefore, on the recommendation of the Governance and Ethics Committee, it was moved by Commissioner L. Ferguson, and unanimously resolved, that Policy BEDH “Public Question Periods” be adopted as presented.
Recognition Statement by Commissioner L. Ferguson
We gather here tonight, on the unceded territory of the Kanien’kehá:ka. Historically, councils such as ours have met on this land to discuss matters of community importance in a spirit of cooperation. As commissioners, we honour those who have advocated for their communities, fought for recognition, and worked to merge our diverging paths toward a common future. In our roles, we serve as stewards of the land, a land we acknowledge was not traditionally our own. This land, with its extensive waterways, lush valleys, and rich farmland, has taught lessons for the Kanien’kehá:ka beyond what our classrooms can provide. We are responsible to respect and preserve it for future generations, as those before us have done. Let us strive to find ways to learn on and from the land, to seek out those who know it best, and to share this knowledge within our communities, in the same spirit of cooperation.
2023-24 Annual Report from the Regional Student Ombudsperson
The 2023-24 Annual Report from the Regional Student Ombudsperson assigned to the New Frontiers School Board, Me Marc-Antoine Joseph, was shared in a pre-recorded video presentation.
2023-24 Annual Report of the New Frontiers School Board
The Chair called upon the Director General to present the 2023-24 Annual Report, “A Year in Review”; members of the directorate shared in presenting various aspects of the report.
Exception to Policy GBL “Recognition of Service & Retirement – Employees”
Whereas Policy GBL is currently under review; and whereas in 2023 a modified Recognition Event took place due to the extensive number of honourees along with residual Covid concerns; and whereas the new modified format of the Recognition Event was appreciated by many, reproduced in 2024 and supported by the Human Resources Standing Committee; and whereas the Human Resources Standing Committee further supports the same type of format for the 2025 Recognition Event; therefore, it was moved by Vice-Chair R. Ledoux, and unanimously resolved, that an exception to Policy GBL be granted to allow for the 2025 Recognition Event to take place.
Objectives, Principles & Procedures for the Allocation of Resources to Schools & Centres of the New Frontiers School Board
Whereas the New Frontiers School Board’s policy Objectives, Principles & Procedures for the Allocation of Resources to Schools & Centres of the New Frontiers School Board addresses the allocation of budget funds for our schools and centres; and whereas this policy was identified for review by the Operations Standing Committee at their meeting of 2024-11-19; and whereas this policy has gone through a consultation process; therefore, on the recommendation of the Operations Standing Committee, it was moved by Commissioner P. Stuckey, and unanimously resolved, that the policy Objectives, Principles & Procedures for the Allocation of Resources to Schools & Centres of the New Frontiers School Board be adopted as presented for 2025-2026.
Recognition Statement by Vice-Chair R. Ledoux
We acknowledge that tonight’s meeting is being held on unceded land that is the traditional territory of the Kanien’keha:ka people. We must also recognize that, throughout our past history, there have been attempts to abolish the Indigenous culture. We have to be thankful to the elders who continued to teach and pass on their culture so that it would not be forgotten. We must also acknowledge our responsibility to ensure that the teaching of their culture continues in order to rectify past wrongs. We have to be thankful that we are able to work together with the Kanien’keha:ka nation so we can learn from them about our responsibility to be good caretakers of this land that we now share.
Passing of CVR Student
Chair J. Ryan acknowledged the passing of Gerry McAdam, a 16-year-old student from CVR.
Calendar Approvals
The calendars for the 2025-2026 school year were approved for the youth sector, the adult general education sector, and for the vocational education sector. These may be found on our websites.
Microsoft Licenses – Authorization to Renew for 2025-2026
On the recommendation of the Operations Standing Committee, it was moved by Commissioner P. Stuckey, and unanimously resolved that the Council of Commissioners authorize the renewal of Microsoft A5 licenses for the provision of critical operational and management software for the 2025-2026 school year, at an estimated cost of $200,000 plus applicable taxes; and that the Director General, or in his absence, the Assistant Director General, be delegated to sign and give effect to such contract.
Committee Reports
Reports were presented from the following committees: Educational Services, Human Resources, Operations, Parents’ Committee, Special Needs Advisory, Transportation Advisory, Chateauguay Liaison, and Howick/Très Saint-Sacrement Liaison.
Recognition Statement by Chair J. Ryan
As we gather here tonight to make decisions about the education of the community we serve, we acknowledge that we are doing so on the unceded lands of the Mohawk people. A people, among other Indigenous communities, who, centuries ago, shared their method of governance with our ancestors. By example, they remind us that a true community is one where every member is there to support others in a time of need. Where decisions are made after first considering the value of the natural world around us. Let us continue to draw on these lessons and share them with our community.
On the recommendation of the Human Resources Standing Committee, it was moved by Commissioner B. Ednie, and unanimously resolved, that Jessica Mackay be confirmed as a permanent administrator with the New Frontiers School Board as of February 5, 2025.
Washroom Renovation, Chateauguay Valley Regional High School
On the recommendation of the Operations Standing Committee, it was moved by Commissioner P. Stuckey, and unanimously resolved, that the Council of Commissioners authorizes the Director General or, in his absence, the Assistant Director General, to sign a contract with Les Constructions B Martel Inc for the project “Washroom Renovation” at Chateauguay Valley Regional High School, for an amount before taxes of $646,300.00.
Interior Renovation Phase 4, Ormstown Elementary School
On the recommendation of the Operations Standing Committee, it was moved by Commissioner P. Stuckey, and unanimously resolved, that the Council of Commissioners authorizes the Director General or, in his absence, the Assistant Director General, to sign a contract with Construction Jacques Théorêt Inc for the project “Interior Renovation, Phase 4” at Ormstown Elementary School, for an amount before taxes of $664,985.00.
Window & Door Replacement Phase 3, Howard S. Billings High School
On the recommendation of the Operations Standing Committee, it was moved by Commissioner P. Stuckey, and unanimously resolved, that the Council of Commissioners authorizes the Director General or, in his absence, the Assistant Director General, to sign a contract with Les Constructions B Martel Inc for the project “Window & Door Replacement, Phase 3” at Howard S. Billings High School, for an amount before taxes of $1,243,324.00.
Building Envelope Renovation Phase 2, Hemmingford Elementary
On the recommendation of the Operations Standing Committee, it was moved by Commissioner P. Stuckey, and unanimously resolved, that the Council of Commissioners authorizes the Director General or, in his absence, the Assistant Director General, to sign a contract with Les Constructions J Boulais Inc. for the project “Building Envelope Renovation Phase 2” at Hemmingford Elementary, for an amount before taxes of $1,327,494.00.
Whereas a letter dated December 13, 2024, from the Deputy Minister, Quebec Ministry of Education, Mme Carole Arav, was received by the New Frontiers School Board; and whereas the New Frontiers School Board was asked by the Ministry of Education to apply budgetary compressions for the school year 2024-2025, by March 31, 2025, of $510,552.34; and whereas the Ministry of Education has indicated that this will take the form of a reduced subsidy equal to this amount; and whereas the Ministry of Education has stated that we must maintain the same surplus from our initial budget; and whereas the New Frontiers School Board has identified several potential areas for budgetary compressions with a means to comply; and whereas the New Frontiers School Board had adopted an initial budget on September 3, 2024, where the revenues exceeded expenditures (surplus) by an amount of $76,018; and whereas the revised budgeted revenues of $93,655,481 exceed the revised budgeted expenses of $93,579,463 by exactly this amount of $76,018; and whereas this revised budget has been reviewed by the Audit Committee at their meeting of January 23, 2025;
Therefore, on the recommendation of the Operations Standing Committee, and with the support of the Audit Committee, it was moved by Commissioner P. Stuckey, and unanimously resolved, that the New Frontiers School Board’s 2024-2025 revised budget for operations, capital, and for debt service, providing for revenues of $93,655,481 and expenses of $93,579,463, be adopted.
On the recommendation of the Educational Services Standing Committee, it was moved by Commissioner C. Espinosa-Fuentes, and unanimously resolved, that the Director General be authorized to approve and sign the request for a permanent authorization to offer the Construction Business Management #5809 – Attestation of Vocational Studies (AVS) at the Nova Career Centre in Chateauguay, Québec, to be submitted to the Ministry of Education.