By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The Eastern Townships School Board (ETSB) Council of Commissioners met on May 27 in a wide-ranging session chaired by Michael Murray, where commissioners approved new vocational programs, infrastructure upgrades, and discussed a possible response to Quebec’s proposed school cell phone ban.
The meeting opened with several recognitions, including a Quebec English School Board Association (QESBA) award for Brome-Missisquoi Campus and a bronze medal performance by ETSB student Anthony Minotti in industrial mechanics at the provincial Olympiades québécoises. Field trips and student showcases were also celebrated, with Chair Murray highlighting Massey-Vanier’s sold-out Kaleidoscope performances as “fantastic.”
New trucking and tinsmithing programs approved
Among the most substantial items of business was the approval of two new vocational programs. The ETSB will officially seek authorization from Quebec’s Ministry of Education to offer “Trucking 5791” and “Tinsmithing 5860” at its vocational training centres. The trucking program, long delivered through a partner board in the Laurentians, will now be formally hosted by ETSB.
“We’re finally reaching a point where we want to have the card, as they call it—official recognition that we’re delivering this training,” said Murray. He emphasized the importance of English-language vocational options, particularly given new U.S. regulations requiring commercial drivers to demonstrate English proficiency.
Vocational promotions and welding program receive major funding
The Council also moved to award a $99,000 contract to Beauvoir to produce vocational training promotion videos, part of a $106,000 initiative funded by Quebec and coordinated across all English school boards. “We got a hundred thousand dollars,” noted Director General Kandy Mackey. “It’s for all English school boards in Canada.”
In addition, commissioners approved over $500,000 in new equipment purchases for a welding and assembly program to be jointly run with the Centre de services scolaire du Val-des-Cerfs. The upgrades include collaborative welding robots and tool replacements at both the Lennoxville Vocational Training Centre and Campus Brome-Missisquoi.
“Are we getting gold-plated equipment?” joked Murray, to laughter, before noting the heavy investment reflects the province’s emphasis on industry-ready training.
Cell phone ban not yet addressed locally
Parent representatives raised the topic of Quebec’s upcoming cell phone ban in elementary and secondary classrooms. According to a report from the Central Parents Committee, the ETSB is currently “waiting for all the information to be received before taking a position.”
Commissioners were told the matter would return for discussion in a future meeting, once provincial guidelines and legal clarifications are finalized.
Strong focus on air quality and infrastructure upgrades
Significant investments were approved for facility improvements, particularly through eco-energetic projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality in schools. A total of 13 schools will benefit from ventilation and cooling upgrades, with overall costs in the millions.
“These are worthy improvements,” said Murray. “Ten of our schools will benefit from cooling in May, June, September, and maybe October. It’s important to point that out.”
Several of the oldest ETSB schools, some more than 150 years old, are included. Despite aging infrastructure, Murray noted, “I would not be ashamed to show any of our schools to visitors—they are clean, proactive, and appealing.”
Purchase approvals for student wellness and teaching tools
Commissioners also approved $100,000 in materials for nurturing support centres, promoting student wellness through calming tools, sensory items, and literature. Another $100,000 was allocated for classroom materials supporting critical thinking, and a third $100,000 for math manipulatives across the board.
All three initiatives are funded through the Canada–Quebec Entente (ECQ) and are conditional on final grant approvals.
Meeting schedule and governance changes
The Council set its 2025–26 meeting schedule, maintaining its tradition of meeting on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m., except in December.
Commissioners also voted unanimously to approve the 2025–26 administrative structure, following consultations with the Eastern Townships Association of Administrators. Temporary hiring powers were delegated to the Director General for the summer.
Final reflections
In closing remarks, Murray emphasized optimism amid uncertainty. “Despite the anticipated compression challenges, our departments remain focused,” he said. “Our staff show continuous professional growth and commitment to student success.”
He also added a more philosophical note, reminding commissioners to resist the daily “tsunami of negativity.” He urged them to “seek out the positive” and celebrate ETSB students “choosing the exciting prospect of growth.”
The next ETSB council meeting, which can be attended online, is scheduled for June.