Valley school board budget marks the end of grade nine streaming

The Renfrew County Catholic District School Board (RCCDSB) has approved its 2022-2023 budget and one of the big changes will be the elimination of streaming grade-nine students into a predetermined four-year education program. 

Beginning in the fall of 2022, all grade nine courses will be de-streamed as part of the equity focused initiative to provide more opportunities to students. This means all courses will be given at the same level and the board will no longer have academic, applied, or mixed courses for grade nine students. 

The budget of $80.7 million includes investments in student support, mental health support and training, learning and technology accessibility, and curriculum enhancements to allow equal opportunities for all students.

In addition to this focus, the board will continue to invest to meet the challenging needs of its students with a focus on re-engagement, equity and inclusion, mental health and wellness, and growing closer to Christ.

The board has continued its investment in the grade 11 English course: Indigenous Understanding of Contemporary First Nation, Métis, and Inuit Voices. The course has the expectations of a traditional English course, however, the course materials will be based on anchor pieces and reading materials by Indigenous authors. 

Board members recognize that not every student learns at the same rate and to meet that challenge, the board is investing into various programs that are not offered in the classroom. To ensure students have the support they require for success, the RCCDSB has also invested in tutoring supports as part of the learning recovery and renewal strategy. Tutoring supports will receive $415,000 to ensure students have the resources to succeed. 

Unlike twenty years ago when the topic of mental health was rarely raised in terms of student’s school experience, it is recognized today as a legitimate health issue which several aspects The trend towards the recognition of mental health issues, and its impact on both the mental and physical state of students struggling with these issues, The board received grant funding for Mental Health and Wellness that totals just over $700,000. That amount, which includes $119,447 towards the safe and accepting schools approach and earmarked $333,285 for student mental health.

Another $36,868 will be directed for student mental well-being, and another $15,394 towards creating positive school climates. The board will also provide additional training to staff on mental health and wellness strategies for students to enhance mental wellness at RCCDSB.

Because there are several Algonquins of Pikwakanagan students are enrolled in both elementary and secondary schools, the board will continue with the investment in the Indigenous graduation coach.

This position is designed to support students as they make transitions from elementary to secondary school and from the board into a workplace or post-secondary education. 

For the mental health and well-being of students, the board implemented a new three-year strategic plan that will focus on tier one mental health and well-being strategies in the classrooms. Several of the students come from the Golden Lake Reserve and this programming will also draw on the experiences and knowledge from members of the reserve.

The budget, which was approved by board members in consultation with senior RCDSB staff, is a budget that addresses both the challenges and opportunities of modern education. 

David Howard, vice chair of the board, said all those involved with the budget process were proud of the investments. 

“We are proud to invest in what’s important, the students at RCDSB” Howard said.