Civil Municipal - June 2024

Trembinski, the Chair of the Board of Trustees; and Jim Fitzpatrick, Communications Officer, collectively bring expertise to the district’s operations. Their insights on the district’s challenges and successes in serving a diverse and expansive community across Northern Ontario underscore its educational equity and quality commitment. ADAPTIVE EDUCATION The central administration office is in Sault Ste.Marie, Ontario. From here, the school board extends its reach to various small, remote communities to the north and east. Notable northern communities include Hornepayne, White River, Wawa, and Chapleau, with unique mining and forestry industries and diverse populations. Moving eastward, the district serves communities like Elliot Lake, now a retirement haven with a population between 12,000 and 15,000. Blind River, located on the shore of Lake Huron, is another key community with approximately 5,000 residents. Smaller towns like Massey and Espanola also fall under the district’s jurisdiction. The board operates seven elementary schools in Sault Ste. Marie, the largest of which enrolls nearly 800 students. However, the district’s adaptability shines in its smaller schools in remote communities, like those in Hornepayne or Massey. These schools, with student populations between 80 and 150, demonstrate the district’s commitment to providing quality education to all, regardless of community size. EQUITABLE ACCESS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT The board also includes a high school and an adult learning center in Sault Ste. Marie to address the educational needs of a diverse student body.The adult learning center is crucial in supporting newcomers to Canada and adults seeking to complete their high school education or gain additional skills necessary for employment. Ensuring equitable access to educational resources across such a varied district is a significant challenge. However, H-SCDSB is committed to this goal through several strategic approaches. Trustees from various 161 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 06 HURON-SUPERIOR CDSB