Maria Felix Miller

• City/School Board Liaison Committee

Ward 3 Winter Newsletter

Happy New Year! I hope you had a relaxing Winter Break and are feeling energized for all that 2026 has in store. The start of a new year is a perfect opportunity to celebrate the achievements we’ve shared as a community and to look ahead with fresh goals and renewed enthusiasm. I am so proud to serve as not only your Ward 3 representative, but also the Chair of the Board of Trustees for another year. Thank you for your continued support and trust in me. I look forward to continuing to serve our community and making this one of our most impactful years yet at HWDSB!

Since November 2024, HWDSB has been undertaking a Program Strategy Review. With support and direction from Trustees, Malatest, an outside research consultancy, was engaged to work with the Board to review information and share insights. Malatest has now completed its analysis and provided a report that outlines key observations and potential recommendations for the Board to consider as part of future planning. On December 11, the Program Committee received Malatest’s report and discussed the next steps. Staff will bring forward proposed Guiding Principles for review in February, allowing for discussion, input, and a recommendation for approval. A draft implementation plan is then expected to be presented in May. Any future direction will continue to be informed by additional local engagement planned for fall 2026.

We have also been working to create a brand-new, user-friendly website—and we’d love your input! Share what matters most to you, whether it’s accessibility, layout, navigation, or features that make finding information easier. Your feedback will help us build a platform that strengthens how we connect and communicate. We’re excited about what’s coming and can’t wait for you to experience the improved design and functionality. Share your thoughts here!

I’m happy to share the January edition of HWDSB’s From the Director’s Desk. This newsletter, from Director of Education, Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini, explores important topics each month that support the progress of HWDSB’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan and Board Improvement Plan. You can read the latest editions here: December and January.

To stay connected year-round, follow HWDSB on Facebook and Instagram. If you aren’t already connected, visit our Parent Communication Tools page for ways to receive updates directly from your child’s school and the Board.

Our next Board Meeting takes place on Monday, January 12, 2026. Closer to the date, you can find virtual log in details by clicking here. Board Meetings are an important space for discussion, decision-making, and community voice, where trustees advocate for students and schools both locally and system wide.

As Bill 33 continues through the legislative process and questions remain about the future of the Trustee role, I remain dedicated to providing steady, professional service to my ward. My focus is on representing our community with integrity and pride throughout this period of uncertainty.

Thank you for everything you contribute to HWDSB. Your support strengthens our community and enriches the lives of our students.

Warm regards,

Maria Felix Miller 
Trustee, Ward 3 and Chair of the Board of Trustees
Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board