Minutes of Council Meetings
Minutes of the Council Meeting of the Ontario College of Teachers held In-Person at 101 Bloor Street West, Toronto on October 7, 2025
Present: Tammy Webster, OCT (Interim Chair); Linda Lacroix, OCT (Registrar); Natacha Akineza, OCT; Joseph Fiorino; Valerie Fontenelle, OCT; Charles Kouassi, OCT; Stephen Sliwa, OCT; Imran Syed, OCT
Guests: Robert Kyle, Vice-Chair of the Accreditation Committee; Deani Van Pelt, OCT, Chair of the Standards of Practice and Education Committee
Staff: Jamie Robertson, OCT; Tan Crombie; Stefanie Muhling, OCT; Anna-Marie Nielsen, OCT; Elicia Persaud; Saran Ragunathan, OCT; Andy Rosenhek; Hollis Sinker; Sal Shahid; Fred Towers; Saeed Walji; Libbey Dresser, OCT (Recorder)
1. Call to Order/Welcoming Chair Remarks
The Chair, Tammy Webster, called the meeting to order at 10:30 a.m. She welcomed everyone present and members of the public joining online. The Chair reflected on the recently passed Truth and Reconciliation Day as well as World Teacher’s Day.
2. Approval of the Agenda
It was moved by Valerie Fontenelle, seconded by Natacha Akineza, and
CARRIED,
That the Agenda for the October 7, 2025 Council meeting be approved.
Preparation time of one half-day was confirmed.
3. Approval of the Consent Agenda
It was moved by Charles Kouassi, seconded by Imran Syed, and
CARRIED,
That the Consent Agenda for the October 7, 2025 Council meeting be approved.
4. Conflict of Interest
No conflicts were declared.
5. Strategic and Regulatory Activities
5.1 Registrar’s Report
The Registrar, Linda Lacroix, summarized highlights from the second quarter of the year discussed within the Registrar’s Report. The Registrar presented a PowerPoint presentation, focusing on the College’s KPIs and the progress that the College has been making towards goals set by Council. The Registrar specifically focused on three goals including the Indigenous Languages Pathways, the Professional Standards, and the College’s clear and independent role within the education system. The Registrar also presented the recipients of the 2025 scholarships presented annually by the College to students in Bachelor of Education programs. Following the Registrar’s presentation, the Registrar responded to questions from Council.
5.2 Briefing Note – Leadership Pathways
Saran Ragunathan, Director of Policy, Governance and Tribunals, presented the item to Council showing the current pathway required for teachers to follow in order to become a Vice-Principal or Principal in Ontario. This was then compared to the newly proposed pathway, where Technological Education and Indigenous Languages teachers will be able to utilize the new pathway to move into leadership positions within their schools. Following the presentation, Saran Ragunathan responded to questions from Council.
5.3 Bylaw Amendment – Conflicts of Interest
The Registrar, Linda Lacroix, presented the request to Council, which would amend bylaw 4.07, adding an additional Senior Leadership Team member’s role to the bylaw, should the Registrar and Deputy Registrar have a conflict of interest with a matter.
It was moved by Joseph Fiorino, seconded by Valerie Fontenelle, and
CARRIED,
That Council approve the proposed amendment to section 4.07 of the College Bylaws to include the Director of Digital Technology and Services.
5.4 Governance Enhancement Plan
The Registrar, Linda Lacroix, presented the item to Council, outlining that the Governance Enhancement Plan is a multi-year plan of continuous improvement as well as structured projects which will allow the College’s governance structure to stay strong and responsive to current needs. The Registrar explained that Council has been given a list of proposed projects that they will be asked to prioritize at the December Council meeting. In addition, Council members were asked to think of any additional projects or questions that they would like added to the list. The Registrar presented a brief PowerPoint presentation of the twelve proposed projects for Council’s consideration. Following the presentation, the Registrar responded to questions.
6. Council Business and Governance
6.1 Subcommittee Reports
6.1.1 Audit and Finance Subcommittee Report
The Chair of the Audit and Finance Subcommittee, Valerie Fontenelle, presented the Audit and Finance Subcommittee report to Council as well as the finalized 2026 budget to Council. The Chair presented key priorities of the 2026 budget including strategic staffing investments as well as financial stability of the College. The Audit and Finance subcommittee recommended holding the membership fee at $200 and utilizing a draw from reserves to support operating and capital needs, prioritizing sustainable funding, and minimizing impacts on our members.
6.1.2 Selection and Nominating Subcommittee Report
Natacha Akineza, member of the Selection and Nominating Subcommittee presented the Subcommittee report on behalf of the Subcommittee. Natacha presented key highlights of the report, going over the reasoning for each motion being brought forward for Council’s approval.
It was moved by Imran Syed, seconded by Natacha Akineza, and
CARRIED,
That Council approve the recommendations for Council, subcommittee, committee and roster member appointments and reappointments, as outlined in Document 39, Attachment 1.
6.2 Committee Reports
6.2.1 Accreditation Committee Report
Robert Kyle, Vice-Chair of the Accreditation Committee presented the committee report. Following the presentation, Robert responded to questions.
6.2.2 Standards of Practice and Education Committee Report
Deani Van Pelt, Chair of the Standards of Practice and Education Committee presented the committee report. Following the presentation, Deani responded to questions.
7. Future Meeting Date(s)
8. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 12:50 p.m.
