Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the remarkable progress being made by the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board. It was recently announced by the board that it has increased its five-year graduation rate to 81.5%, a rise of more than five percentage points since 2021. This achievement reflects the dedication of our educators, support staff, families and, of course, the students themselves.
The board has now launched its 2025-30 multi-year strategic plan, a road map focused on ensuring that every student is well-skilled and prepared for a bright future. We must, as a country, continue to invest in our schools and our youth, from all levels of government. Continued progress depends on timely access to the supports on which students rely. This includes Jordan's principle funding remaining essential for indigenous learners across our region.
Today, I commend HPEDSB for its rising graduation rates and its commitment to excellence.