No sidewalks
The public works committee for the United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR) advised against a request from the City of Clarence-Rockland for a sidewalk along the north side of County Road 17, between the Edwards Street and Chamberland Street intersections. Pedestrian safety was the main reason given, though public works staff also noted that a sidewalk there would require a protective barrier against traffic, and also drainage control because of a creek in the area.– Gregg Chamberlain
Senior housing support
The United Counties of Prescott and Russell accepted a recommendation from its social services committee, to provide a letter of support to the Van Kleek Senior Citizens Manor board, to use with its financial aid applications for its proposed 30-unit seniors housing project on Derby Street, in the Village of Vankleek Hill.– Gregg Chamberlain
UCDSB plans
Trustees with the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) reviewed an update report during their November 27 session on the district’s plans for student achievement and wellness services. District staff is getting training on issues like suicide prevention recognition and mental health support. The UCDSB also continues to work on curriculum plans for overall improvement of students’ skills in literacy and mathematics.– Gregg Chamberlain
CDSBEO chair
Todd Lalonde, trustee for Cornwall and Glengarry County, was acclaimed for his fourth term as chair of the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario (CDSBEO), during the board’s December 4 session. Lalonde has been a CSDBEO trustee for 14 years. Ron Eamer, co-trustee for Cornwall and Glengarry County, was acclaimed as CDSBEO vice-chair. He has been on the CDSBEO board since 1981, and served as both chair and vice-chair during his time. —Gregg Chamberlain
Graduation report
The Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) is getting close to its graduation results 2020 goal. The UCDSB 2018-2019 graduation report showed an 86.6 per cent graduation rate for the Class of 2019, which is 3.4 per cent short of the 2020 goal of a 90 per cent graduation rate. Reaching that goal will require a combined total of 1731 graduating students from all UCDSB schools in 2020. The UCDSB has a support program of Grad Coaches available for students, curriculums which provide for career goals studies and other assistance programs.– Gregg Chamberlain
