SPECIAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVES
Associations / Community Representatives
Sharon Walker, Chair North Bay & Area Chapter Autism Society of Ontario
Ruth St. Phard, Vice Chair Nipissing Down Syndrome Society
Kelly Weston North Bay & Area Chapter Autism Society of Ontario
Elaine Cousineau FASD North
Michael Gauthier Community Living North Bay
Linda Sarginson Almaguin Highlands Community Living
Cindy Anne Wright Almaguin Highlands Community Living
Heidi Hess Community Living Parry Sound
First Nations Representatives
Linda Williams Trustee and First Nations Advisory Committee
Chief Dan Pawis Shawanaga First Nation
Near North District School Board Trustee Representatives
Jeff Serran Trustee
Alan Bottomley Trustee
Jim Beatty Trustee
Debbie Williams Trustee
Near North District School Board Resources to SEAC
Paul Moffat Interim Director of Education
Tim Graves Superintendent of Program and Schools
Sue Wilson Principal of Special Education
Bonnie Roynon Coordinator of Special Education
Laurie Forth Coordinator of Special Education
Who we are:
SEAC is a committee established by the NNDSB in accordance with the Education Act and Regulation 464/97
SEAC consists of up to 12 members from local associations, community representatives, Trustees and First Nations representatives
SEAC members are appointed by the NNDSB
Where we meet:
All SEAC meetings are video linked to each regional NNDSB boardroom (North Bay Head Office, Almaguin Highlands and Parry Sound High)
One meeting per year is a face-to-face meeting at a location TBA
When we meet:
SEAC meets on the third Thursday of each month during the school year and meetings are open to the public
What we do:
SEAC is responsible to the NNDSB for examining, reviewing, and making recommendations with respect to any matter affecting the establishment, development and delivery of special education programs and services for exceptional pupils
SEAC participates in the NNDSB’s annual review of the Special Education Plan for the Ministry of Education
SEAC participates in the NNDSB’s annual budget process as it relates to special education
SEAC provides input into the development of informal dispute resolution processes for issues related to programs and services for students with special education needs
SEAC provides information to parents
How can I join?
To be a member of SEAC, the nominee must be:
A Canadian citizen
At least 18 years of age
A resident public school elector
Employees of the NNDSB are not eligible
To apply for SEAC membership, a letter of nomination must be submitted to:
Superintendent of Program and Schools
Near North District School Board
P.O. Box 3110, 963 Airport Road
North Bay, Ontario
P1B 8H1
A letter of nomination is submitted either:
By the Chair/President of a local association for one of the local association positions, or
by an individual for one of the community representative positions
2010 -2011 SEAC Initiatives
· Attended a presentation by Ministry of Education on the new Special Education funding formula
· Participated in a Book Study of The Brain that Changes Itself by Dr. Norman Doige
· Reviewed local police/school board protocol as it relates to special needs students
· Sponsored a symposium for parents on such topics as: emotional intelligence, assistive technology, behavior strategies, Literacy for special needs, ADHD and strategies for Learning Disabled students
· Sponsored workshops by the Sudbury Learning Disabilities Association for schools and parents
· Reviewed the results of the Parental Survey and developed specific strategies to enhance partnerships between parents and schools
· Updated the SEAC website
· Participated in the annual review of the Special Education Plan for the Ministry of Education
· Participated in the annual budget process as it relates to special education
Am I eligible to become a member of SEAC?
The eligibility for becoming a member of SEAC is governed by Regulation 464/97.
SEAC includes members who are nominated by a local association OR are community representatives, two Trustees and a First Nation Representative.
All members of SEAC are appointed by the Near North District School Board.
Definition of local association:
"An association or organization of parents that operates locally within the area of jurisdiction of the Board and that is affiliated with an association or organization that is not an association or organization of professional educators but that is incorporated and operates throughout Ontario to further the interests and well-being of one or more groups of exceptional children or adults"
To be eligible for SEAC membership, the nominee must be:
- A Canadian citizen
- At least 18 years of age
- A resident public school elector
- Employees of Near North District School Board are not eligible to become members of SEAC.
How do I apply for SEAC membership?
A letter of nomination must be submitted to:
Della Krieger,
Superintendent of Program and Schools,
Near North District School Board,
P.O. Box 3110, 963 Airport Road,
North Bay, Ontario. P1B 8H1
- Letter of nomination is submitted by the individual for one of the community representative positions (or alternate).
- Letter of nomination is submitted by the Chair or President of a local association for one of the local association positions (or alternate).
How many SEAC membership positions are there?
Regulation 464/97 states:
- Up to twelve (12) local association representatives (with alternates for each)
- One or more community representatives (with alternates for each)
- One First Nations representative (with alternate)
- Two Trustees (with alternates for each)
SEAC welcomes your input and participation.