Welcome back to a new school year. There is anticipation, excitement, nervousness, energy, and hope in the air for the best school experience ever for our LBPSB community. The Council of Commissioners is set to start their work not just at Caucus and Council meetings, such as tonight’s, but behind the scenes and in the scenes with committee and policy work, (you will learn of the start up of committees further on in the agenda), in governing board participation as commissioners representing parents, and as commissioners representing their electoral divisions or wards, in the community, and as committed representatives, always available and interested to hear your comments, concerns, and appreciation, as we do our work to support and encourage the students of the LBPSB in their educational experiences and success. Some of our commissioners have also been busy this summer attending professional development and conferences as participants and presenters. This part of our work is essential in helping us to build our skills, share our knowledge and remain well-informed regarding challenges and accomplishments in the field of education and in related governance issues.

At our last meeting on August 14^th, a special Council meeting, we passed a resolution to join the 8 other English public education school boards through the QESBA, in a legal challenge on the government’s budgetary rules and to seek a stay to suspend their application. The legal challenge has been launched. As with any court challenge it takes time to learn the outcome. I have to emphasize that joining this challenge is something we take with conviction and very seriously. The work behind preparing for this challenge has been enormous for our administrative team and I want to publicly thank you for your clear and committed support, not just in the last few weeks, but also in July and early August while still “technically” on holiday. You are an amazing team.

The beginning of a school year brings forth many emotions (as I have already stated) and expectations. At every school and centre there is a buzz of activity in preparation for the return of students and staff. Will there be snags, disappointments, uncertainty and questions? Yes, of course there could be. What I ask is that when and if this happens, regardless of which seat you are sitting in across the board, that understanding, patience, civility and respect are part of your motto. At the LBPSB we always strive to be the best we can be and to provide the most appropriate services we can. We are ready to listen and to care about the future of education for our students and for this school board in the year ahead, 2025-2026.

Bravo to all, and all the best for an excellent school year ahead.