ETSB January meeting

ETSB January meeting

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Eastern Townships School Board (ETSB) convened on Jan. 21 under Chair Mike Murray, addressing an array of topics, including teacher recruitment, school transformation, mental health initiatives, and infrastructure upgrades. The wide-ranging discussions highlighted the board’s ongoing avowed commitment to education excellence while grappling with systemic challenges like staff shortages and budget constraints.

Teacher recruitment and retention top priorities

Faced with a province-wide teacher shortage, the ETSB outlined its efforts to hire and retain qualified educators. Murray emphasized, “It’s always a challenge to find and keep teachers, but retaining them is far easier than starting over with recruitment.” Collaborations with Bishop’s University and outreach campaigns across Canada and internationally were cited as strategies to address the issue.

Despite these efforts, systemic challenges persist. Murray noted, “We’ve seen a significant number of early-career teachers leave within their first three to five years, often due to maternity leaves and other factors.” The board is exploring additional incentives to attract and retain educators, including professional development opportunities and improved workplace support systems. Recruitment efforts have also been extended to other provinces and internationally, with a particular focus on bringing in educators with specialized skills.

Mansonville Elementary School transformation

A key highlight of the meeting was the unanimous approval of a resolution to apply for Mansonville Elementary School’s transformation into an “alternative school”. This initiative aims to provide personalized learning and flexible educational opportunities tailored to individual student needs. “This is about leveraging the strengths of a small school to better serve its community,” Murray said.

The transformation plan emphasizes individualized instruction, professional development for teachers, and an inclusive learning environment. The school’s governing board and community have expressed strong support, and the board believes this move will foster a dynamic educational experience. If approved, Mansonville Elementary will join a growing trend of alternative education models designed to enhance student engagement and achievement.

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