Civil Municipal - May 2024

says Pharand. Lakehead’s Indigenous Educational Framework is a comprehensive effort looking to empower students and make sure success. By partnering with various organizations and incorporating Indigenous perspectives and practices into the curriculum, the district is setting a standard for how educational institutions should assist native students. This framework is a living, fluid example of LDSB’s focus on equity, inclusion, and every student’s success. INFRASTRUCTURE AND INVESTMENT Lakehead Public Schools’ 2022-2023 budget committed $154 million to infrastructure and investment, underscoring the board’s dedication to enhancing facilities and resources. A key investment is the one-to-one computer program for students in grades 9 - 12, recognizing technology’s importance in education. This ensures every child receives a device to help with homework, research, and class engagement. Besides technological investments, LPS focuses on physical infrastructure upgrades. Last summer, LPS created new multi-use fields at high schools to facilitate athletics and events. “They have new scoreboards and stands so the community can watch and hold events,” says Pharand. The district’s academic financial investments in human resources support mathematics and literacy. To offer in-class aid and make sure students graduate with a strong mathematical foundation and effective communication skills, the district introduced new superintendent-level leaders and coaches. These investments are yielding positive results, as Pharand proudly states, “This past year on EQAO, our results showed that investment is improving outcomes for our students, which is terrific.” Addressing healthcare needs, Lakehead created the Pediatric Clinic to tackle the long wait times for consultations. Thunder Bay has an 18-month waitlist to see one of nine pediatricians who provide care to 230,000 people. In this vast region, supply 207 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 05 LAKEHEAD DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD