The Director of Education for Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board has signed a new five-year contract.
The school board said under Katherine MacIver’s leadership over the last four years, they’ve seen an improvement in EQAO results, with a six per cent point boost in Grade 6 math and a seven per cent point increase in high school literacy test EQAO.
They’ve also seen an increase in graduation rates.
MacIver’s new contract comes alongside the launch of a new strategic plan for the school board.
“We have four main priorities. And those are strengthening foundational and real-world skills, promoting citizenship, well-being and safe environments, advancing Indigenous education and reconciliation, and fostering critical thinking, adaptability and innovation,” she said.
MacIver said part of the new strategic plan involves digital citizenship, particularly taking a closer look at artificial intelligence.
“We are certainly keeping an eye on artificial intelligence, and what does that mean as both an opportunity for students and an opportunity for staff? But also, what are the things that we have to be cautious about?” she said.
“When we talk about digital citizenship, and digital literacy, how can we ethically use artificial intelligence to move our society forward?”
MacIver said the board invites involvement from parents and that working together will help create the best environments for students.
“Our tagline right now is ‘Bright Futures’ and our focus is on ensuring that students are equipped with skills to make their future bright…But we need parents’ help. As education, we can’t do it alone, we need parents as partners, families as partners,” she said.
“It really is what makes our community stronger, is when we work together to ensure a great education system for our students and great communities for our students to be in.”
