Civil Municipal - June 2024

regions provide representation and advocacy at the board level, ensuring that the unique needs of each community are voiced and addressed. Superintendents work closely with school principals to tailor solutions for each school’s unique context. “Listening to our communities and responding authentically to their needs is essential for our growth and success,” says Viotto. INFRASTRUCTURE AND FUNDING School funding is allocated based on student populations, with government grants ensuring that resources are distributed fairly. Regardless of location, classrooms in the districts are designed to provide a consistent and high-quality learning environment, ensuring that students in remote areas like Hornepayne receive the same educational experience as those in larger centers like Sault Ste. Marie. Viotto elaborates on the impact of infrastructure upgrades, emphasizing that ensuring physically safe student environments is paramount. He highlights the importance of HVAC systems and air quality, with regular testing conducted across all schools. Trembinski adds that the district has proactively addressed school closures and amalgamations, recognizing the cost inefficiencies of maintaining neighborhood schools. This initiative, though initially unpopular, has since been widely accepted. For example, in Sault Ste. Marie, four schools were amalgamated into one large school, enabling the creation of more extracurricular programs, such as sports teams, that smaller schools couldn’t support. Some closed school properties have been sold and converted into affordable housing, benefiting the broader community. The board’s proactive approach extends to dealing with dilapidated infrastructure in areas like Elliott Lake and Espanola, where funding was secured after prolonged efforts, resulting in significant 163 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 06 HURON-SUPERIOR CDSB