The Grand Erie District School Board’s Policy and Program Committee is holding a meeting on April 13, 2026, to review updates and potential adjustments to educational programming for students in Brantford and the surrounding region. An agenda package is now available for public review, providing insight into the matters being discussed before they move forward to the full board of trustees.
The committee plays a central role in shaping the board’s direction, which serves 28,317 students across 71 schools. Under the leadership of board chair Brian Doyle, who was elected in November 2025, and vice-chair Susan Gibson, the board manages an annual budget of $395.2 million. The current administration, led by Director of Education Dr. JoAnna Roberto, is in the process of finalizing a new four-year strategic plan titled Leading Forward 2026-30 to follow the expiring Learn Lead Inspire plan.
A major focus of upcoming board activity involves significant changes to secondary programming that will take effect in September 2026. These updates include the amalgamation of French Immersion programs at Brantford Collegiate Institute, the introduction of a new French Immersion program at McKinnon Park Secondary School, and the creation of technology hubs at Cayuga Secondary School, North Park Collegiate and Vocational School, and Simcoe Composite School. Additionally, the board is working to expand alternative education options to better support its student population.
Community members can access the meeting agenda and join the discussion through the Grand Erie District School Board website. The board currently maintains a secondary graduation rate of 81.4 percent and continues to provide services to 1,759 self-identified First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students, along with 581 students attending under tuition agreements. Recommendations made during this committee meeting are expected to be presented to the full board of trustees for further action on April 27.
For more information on the board’s ongoing operations and its facts and figures, residents can visit the official school board website.
