1/23/2001 - Regular Board MeetingTHAMES VALLEY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
AGENDA FOR REGULAR MEETING,2001 JANUARY 23
The Board meets in regular session on the above date in the Board Room at the Education Centre,
meeting in Committee of the Whole, in camera,at 5:00 p.m. on motion of and . followed
by a public session at 7:00 p.m.
O CANADA-NEW SARUM P.S.SCHOOL BAND
OFFICIAL RECORD
27-A.CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
28-A Minutes of the Regular Board meeting,2000 December 19 approve separate
REPORTS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION
29-A.Director's Announcements
29-B.Departmental Updates
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
30-A.Special Education Advisory Committee,2001 January 09
30-B.Committee of the Whole,2001 January 09
30-C.Committee of the Whole,2001 January 23
MOTIONS -NOTICE OF WHICH HAS BEEN GIVEN
31 -A.None at this time.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
32-A.Ontario Public School Boards'Association -Update
receive verbal
receive pages 3-16
approve pages 17-20
approve pages 21 -24
verbal
receive verbal
COMMUNICATION
33-A.None at this time
NOTICE OF MOTIONS
QUESTIONS BY MEMBERS
GOOD NEWS ITEMS -"Did you know.
ADJOURNMENT
THAMES VALLEY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
REGULAR MEETING, 2001 JANUARY 23
The Board met in regular session on the above date in the Board Room at the
Education Centre, meeting in Committee ofthe Whole,incamera, at 5:00 p.m.on
motion of Peters and Stevenson,followed by a public session at 7:00 p.m. The
following were in attendance:
TRUSTEES
D.Stewart
J.Bennett
S.Deller
J.Hunter
D.Anstead
ADMINISTRATION AND
OTHERS
J.Laughlin
P.Askey
P.Gryseels •
8.Bryce
C. Murphy
f^.Sereda
G.Jazey
S.Peters
T.Roberts
L.Stevenson
P.Schuyler (-9:05 p.m.)
A.Cartier
J.Th6rpe
P.Mennill
L.Robertson
J.Empringham
G.Treble
L.Peck
J.McKenzie
G. Hart (+5:08 p.m.)
P.Sattler
P.Jaffe
P. Doelman (-9:05 p.m.)
8.Dawson
8.Galati
D.Bradford
P.Thorup
L.Pressey
S.Christie
W.Scott
O CANADA •NEW SARUM P.S.SCHOOL BAND
The appreciation ofthe Board was extended to the NewSarum P.S. Grade 8 Band,
St.Thomas,and conductor Bruce Langford,forleadinginthe singingof 0 Canada
and bringing musical presentations.
OFFICIAL RECORD
We regretto record thedeathoftwo staffmembers;Peter Eleftheroglou,a custodian
atSouthSecondary School,London,on 2000 December.21;and DannySqu.issato,
a custodian at Westminster Secondary School, London,on 2001 January 13^
27-A.No conflicts of interest were declared.
2001 January 23...27
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
28-A The minutes of the Regular Board meeting, 2000 December 19 were
adopted on motion of Stevenson and Roberts.
REPORTS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION
29-A.Director's Announcements
'John Laughlin,DirectorofEducation,advised thatthe Ministry ofEducation
has set up a Task Force to examine the extra-curricular issue lookingat
the following terms of reference:ways in vi^ich to deliverextra-curricular
activities;models of delivery in other provinces;and,recommended
changes and suggestions.The Ministry AdvisoryGroup has been given
very short time lines withan interimreport due by mid2001 February and
the final report by 2001 mid March.
The Directorprovided background information regarding a letter forwarded
to the Minister of Education on 2000 November 10 fromthe Thames Valley
District School Board and several stakeholders requesting that the
definitionof instructional time be expanded.He advised that the Council
of Directors of Education (CODE)and educational representatives have
developed several options for the Ministry's consideration;
- provide a flexible budget line to support extra-curricular activities;
- hire additional teachers to maintain the aggregate assigning teachers
a 6.67 timetable:6.0 instruction;.17 teacher advisor time,and .5 as a
extra-curricular period or additional half credit.Boards would
determine the unit value of each extra-curricular activity offered.
The group has recommended the second option as it demonstrate that
extra-curricular activities are valued.
Thames Valley will also ask the Task Force to reconsider the Board's initial
position with teachers where each teacher committed to a 25 minute period
of rededication or enrichment with students.
y
/
2001 January 23...28
The Director provided an overview of extra-curricular activities in Thames
Valley over-the fall andadvisedthat participation insportshas increased^
Hereportedthat manyoftheteams are beingledby community volunteers
and overseen bystaffadvisors. Itwas notedthatteams are eligible forthe
Ontario Federation of Secondary Athletics Association (OFSAA)
competition.No datawas available regarding participation in music,drama
and school clubs.
Recommendations:
1.That the following recommendations to resolve the issue of extra •
curricular activities be presented to the Ministry of Education,
Government Task Force:
(a) That a flexible budget line tosupport extra-curricularactivities
be provided;
(b)That the Government hire additional teachers to maintain.the
aggregate assigning teachers 6.0 instruction; -.17 teacher
advisor time,and .5as an extra-curricularperiodoradditional
halfcredit. (Boards to determine the unit value of each extra
curricular activity offered).
2. That the Director of Education and the Chairperson of the Board
request a meeting with the Minister and Task Force to discuss the
proposed options regarding extra-curricular activitiesand expressing
the Board's concern fora quick resolution tothe issue to ensure that
the situation is not repeated inthe 2001-2002 school year.
The report was received and the recommendations were adopted on motion ofJaffe
and Cartier.
29-B.Departmental Updates
The Administration presented departmental updates on the following
issues;
Business Services
- Executive Superintendent and Support Service Manager tour facilities;
- Development of custodial service mandate initiative underway;
- Executive Superintendent participating in Budget review process;
2001 January 23...29
- Attainment of Our Vision action plans being developed;—i
•Playground Equipment loan program under review; _,
•Attended Mayor's breakfast meeting;
-1999-2000 School Renewal program report finalized;
• Capital projects update provided;.
-Maintenance/Operations update provided;
-Conversion to TVDSB IPPS database completed 2001 January;
- Payroll Services staff responsibilities realigned;
- Payroll Services continuing to review/modify existing procedures^
Director's Services
•Director attended Program Services staff meeting and visited schools;
- Meeting re; FUNdraising Day for Gene and Cell Therapy Foundation;
Global Vision Project filming the initiative;
•Various events attended by the Director;
•Departmental staffing changes listed;
-An Introduction to Our Secondary Schools Booklet published and
distributed to Gr.8 students;
•Education Week theme;Celebrating and Learning Together;
•Criteria for Rrst Annual Award of Distinction nominations highlighted;
winners to be announced during Education Week 2001 Apr.30 - May 04;
-Thames Valley Education Foundation update provided;
•Lawson Literary Awards Program being redesigned;
• Various Staff Development Initiatives highlighted.
•'
Human Resource Services
-School Council representatives attending MinistryForum2001Jan.27;
•School Council Chairs nominated for reformatted Ontario Parent Council;
• E-mail set up v\nth Home &School,School Councils,Parent Assoc.;
-Benefits transferring information to Thames Valley database;
•Additional names added to Occasional Teacher list;
• Additional staffing occurring due to retirements;
-Employee Assistance Program committee meets end of 2001 January;
• Pilot physiotherapy referral program being developed;
-PrincipalA^ce Principal appointments beginning2001 January/February;
-Recruitment process beginning for 2001 September needs.
2001 January 23...30
Operations Services —i-
*
-Attainment ofthe Vision professional development sessions underway;
•Partnerships for Excellence initiatives resultinnew staffing;
- Researchand Assessment continues analysing EQAO results;
-Accountability Plan;Partnerships for Excellence initiative developed;
- Research and Assessment supporting manysystem initiatives;
-Construction to commence at Central Senior P.8.,Woodstock;
-Judicial Reviewresults provided;
-Furniture and Equipmentlists finalized forStrathroyS.S., project:
-Trillium in final phase of implementation.
-Draft 2001-2002 SchoolYear Calendar outforpublicconsultation;
- Areviewof safe schools legislation being conducted;
- Projectedenrolmentfor2001-2002school year underway.
Program Services
-Expansion at Livingston Centresite (Tilisonburg)being considered;
- Grade 9 ExemplarProjectcommencing2001January to June;
-Ontario Cooperative Education Association training session to begin;
•Course description/codes for partial credit transfer courses available;
• Teacher Adviser Program materials for Gr.10-12 being developed;
• Several Units ofGrade 11 Course Profile being developed;
- AnnualJuniorMathematicsChallenge (15'^)scheduled 2001 Mar.28-29;
- Science and TechnologyResource Packs Gr.1-8 receivedbyschools;
-Payroll/Personnel System Transition team streamlining services;
- Software upgrades in HR, Payrollcompleted;
-Laurette Jones joins ITS as Training Coordinator replacing Linda Van
Home;
- Januaryinservice for Balanced Literacy-Focus on Reading Part II;
Academy of Reading in service continues;
,-Bridging the Literacy Gap Symposium (Gr.7-10)being planned;
- Training schools Involvedin Partnership for Excellence Initiative.
The report was received on motion of Roberts and Jaffe.
2001 January 23...31
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
30-A.Special Education Advisory Committee
Members
J. Bennett,Chairperson
P.Gilles
J. Williamson(-2;55p.m.)
W.Graham
A.Morse
P.Galien
E.Mayberry
P.Settler
W.Glowers
Regrets:
Absent:
Reports:
G. McGahey
C.Cochrane
E.Hager
C.Hawthorne
L.Vince
B.Hurwitz
L.Stevenson
M.Tucker
J.Worthlngton
L.D'Ariano
—i
2001 January 09
-12:00 noon -3:46 p.m.
Administration and Others
P. Askey
B.Merifield
K.Oalton
B. Woodley
R.Guthrie
.8.Connell
S.Peters
B.Whelen
S.Christie
1. Executive Superintendent Peter Askey called the meeting to order and
served as Chair for the initialpart ofthe meeting pending the election of the
2001 Committee Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson.He welcomed those
present and requested that they introduce themselves referencing the
organization they represent.
2. Executive Superintendent Askey explained the process confirmed in Board
bylaws for nomination of the Chairperson.Trustee Joyce Bennett was
elected Chairperson ofthe Special Education Advisory Committee for 2001.
Chairperson Bennett assumed the chair.Following a process ofnominations
and ensuing balloting, Patti Giiles, Integration Action Group, was elected
Vice Chairperson for 2001.
3. . The Administration was requested to review the written procedures
developed bySEACforelection ofthe Chairperson and ViceChairperson to
ensure that the procedure is as clear as possible.
4. No conflicts of Interest were declared.
5.The agenda was confirmed.
2001 January 23...32
6.The following amendments to the report of the 2000 November 07 meetfhg
were identified:..^
-Item 5,second paragraph amended to read ''Becl<y Hurwitz
presented a response and the following noticeof motions to the
Reporton the Gifted Screening package:..."
-Item 7,first paragraph amended to read "...Mary Ann Tucker
(alternate)"-
-Item 14 amended toread "...report backat a future meeting"..
7.Peter Askey,Executive Superintendent,reported that 95%of staff hirings
havebeen completed for the Partnerships for Excellence program.Some
problems have been experienced in recruiting candidates to fill the
specialized positions,e.g.the Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA)
positions havebeen converted to'speech/Ianguage pathologist positions.
Schools.have been advised that two speech/language pathologists will be
.hired In placeofthe four CDA's originally soughtand will beassignedto four
schools..This will bring the system complement to thirty-three (33)
speech/language pathologlsts-double the complement at the time of
amalgamation--providing equitable service across the system.Social
service worker positions are still being filled as well as teacheron special
assignment positions.Copiesofthe document were provided to Members.
Peter Askey noted that 60%of program funding is going to forty-seven (47)
ofthe schools with themostsignificant needs.The remaining 40%of funds
will be allocated to additional speech/ language pathologists,socialservice
workers,additional teachers for special training ofstaffand tracking student
progress across the system.
The department plans to do standardized testing of Grade 2 students in
language andto move into a program tracking strategy for Grades 1,2and
3 in reading and writing.Itis expected thatthe forty-seven (47)identified
schools will be trained by 2001 June with tracking beginning inthe fall.The
remaining schools will.join the program the next academic year.
Peter Askey will bring a detailed,written report tothe next meeting.
2001 January 23...33
8.Barrie Woodley,Supervisor,Transportation Services,provided cfarlfieation .
on questions-raised at the 2000 November07 meeting.—
In responsetothequestion-Why Istheresuch a varianceof transportation
costs across the region?Barrie Woodley advised that there is a variance
across the region regarding the use of taxis as well as different traditions
regarding transportation to VocationalPrograms.
Barrie Woodley provided the foilovwng information regarding transportation
services offered by the Board;
• vehicle may be van or wheelchair van;
-12 of 22 operators are under contract;
• some regions are charged kilometerrate, others are not;
-definition of special transportation by former boards varied from area to
area;^'
- vehicle utilization important,I.e. how many students can be
accommodated per run?
•student address changes affect transportation costs.
TTie question of whether interpreters and monitors are available to assist
students will be Included In an upcoming report looking at training,funding,
and communication with parents at the next SEAC Transportation Sub
Committee meeting.Itisthe responsibility ofthe carrier to provide service
and usually stems from a behavioural need.Additional assistance beyond
this is provided through Thames Valley's Special Education department.Rrst
aid training for operators is optional as drivers/monitors call dispatchers for ^
assistance when required Monitors are also available on some regular
school buses.
Peter Askey,Executive Superintendent, reported that boards across the
province are still waiting for a report from the Ministry's committee reviewing
SpecialEducationtransportation funding.
It was supported thata recommendation regarding transportation needsbe
included inthe next Special Education Plan.
Copies ofthe Board's transportation brochures were distributed.
^2001 January 23...34
9. Peter Askey,ExecutiveSuperintendent,provided an overviewofthe giffed
screeningprocedures notingthatThames Valley offersmoreformal progr3ms«
for gifted students beginning in Grade 4. He highlighted a six-point pilot
projectto enhance the gifted screening process forSEAC's consideration.
The Program Services department wants to undertake a pilot involving
sixteen (16)representative schools across the district. It is believed that
teachers need in-service in administering the Renzulli scale to identify
students who have the potential for enrolment in the gifted program.
Department staff plan to work with teachers of Grade 4 students in the
sixteen schools and to compare identification ratios from over the last 2-3
years at these schools as well as other schools.
All Grade 4 students who meet'Ftenzulli criteria and the group administered
OLSAT test will be given-'the Woodcock-Johnson test and an individual
psychological assessment:
Becky Hurwitz,Association for BrightChildren (ABC),provided an overview
ofthe issues as seen bythe Association, i.e. maintainingprogram enrolment
and the subsequent programs, offering congregated classes and
supplemental assistance,and providing equal opportunities for gifted
programs withonly Grade 4 students;the use of multiple tests which they
expect will ultimately determine the same result; that all attention will go to
only the sixteen (16)schools;and the need to communicate the need for
more identifications at all schools;and the fact that students cannot be
placed in a congregated classroom without being formallyidentified.
I .
She suggested using only the WiSC and Renzulli as a useful second tool and
developing a yardstick across the Board to determine if one test is better than
the other. She encouraged staffto increase the WISCtesting and to develop
a process to identify students for lEP's notingher concern that the proposed
pilot project "side steps"the Association's concerns.
Becky HunAritz will assist staffinthe drafting ofa memorandumto principals
reminding them of the gifted identification procedures and criteria and
encouraging Increased identifications for the gifted. She will also provide
suggestions on the proposed pilot project and review with the Administration
the components and procedures.
(see recommendation 1 and 2)
2001 January 23...3S
10.The SEAC Communications Committee agreed to meet with Trustee-Liada
Stevenson to-plan the 2001 January 31 tn-servlce session v\nth Lynn-Zir-sidQ^
Chairperson,Minister's Advisory Council onSpecial Education.Thesession
will start at 4:00 p.m.
11.The following agenda items: iEP Standards,AutismSociety Presentation,
Developmental Program Review Report and Draft Barrier-Free Access
Improvement,were deferred to the 2001 February 09 meeting. Members
were requested to bring the supporting materials to the February meeting.
Recommendations:
1.That SEAC recommend that the Administration send a merfiorandum to
- principals reminding them of the gifted identification procedures and
encouraging them to review their student body for gifted screening
consideration.
2..That SEACrecommend that the representative forthe Association for Bright
Children (ABC)provide input to the Administration on the proposed pilot
project.
J.BENNETT
Chairperson
The report was received and the recommendations were adopted on motion of
Bennett and Jaffe.
30-B.Committee of the Whole
Members
D.Stewart,Chairperson
J.Bennett
J.Hunter
D.Anstead
S.Peters
T.Roberts
L.Stevenson
2001 January 09
9:30 p.m.-10:40
p.m.
Administration and Others
J.Laughlin
P. Askey
P.Gryseels
B. Bryce
B.Greene
M.Sereda
G.Jazey
L.Peck
K.Bushell
J.McKenzie
S.Galati
J.Neville
D.Bradford
L.Marentette
2001 January 23...36
P.Schuyler J.Thorpe N.Hindmarsh^*'
A.Cartier P. Mennill S.Christje -'
G.Hart L.Robertson W.Scott
P.Settler J.Empringham
P.Jaffa
P.Doelman
Regrets:S. Deller
Reports:
1.No conflicts of interest were declared.
2. The Monthly Rnancial Statements as at 2000 November 30 were received.
Financial Statement -2000 November 30
Approved Budget 2000 June 27 $545 916 206
Add: Ministry of Education Additional Grants
Grade 10 Textbool<s 1 215 088
Add:Revenues from Special Grant Initiatives
Summer Career Program - Human
Resources Dev't Canada
Educational Quality and Accountability
Office - In service
Canada Trust Environment
Add:Miscellaneous Revenue Items
1999/2000 School Budget Carryforward
Food Services Rebate
Registrations -Workshops and Seminars
1 488
5 597
4918
2 678 318
126 758
3,200
666
Revised Expenditure Budget -2000 November 30
Revised Revenue Budget -2000 November 30
12 003
2 808 942
$549 952 239
$549 952 239
2001 January 23...37
3. The Report ofthe Native Advisory Committee,which meton2000 Novamber
14,was received.
—^
4. A report ofthe School Facility Survey results,was received.Copies ofthe
survey questionnaire were distributed.
The Board is required to administer a yearly School Facility Survey as part of
the Accountability Framework for Pupil Accommodation.This survey
captures the opinions of five stakeholders with respect to school facilities:
the principal,the teachers, the non-teaching staff,the students and the
school council.The survey was designed to measure satisfaction as
perceived bythose who work inanduse school facilities.The survey wasnot
intended to measure the performance of custodial staff.
'The survey measures perceptions of cleanliness,condition,comfort,
accessibility,safety and partnership between groups within the school
(principals,teachers,students etc.)
The,survey was completed by 744 participants with 28 no comment
responses.This equatestoan averageof3.75survey resultsper facility.
93.68%ofthe survey responses ratedthe overall facility as Satisfactory or
Better.The individual components of the survey were ranked as Satisfactory
or Betterin the following percentages:Cleanliness - 93.55%,Condition -
92.47%,Comfort -90.32%.Access-86.29%,Partnership -90.86%.
The results ofthe survey together with input from other sources (e.g.School
Condition Report:School Operations Report)will help Facility Services
identifythe strengths and weaknesses withinour facilities.
5.The Administration presented a report proposing the extension ofthe French
Immersion program tothe CEC (East)beginning 2001 September.
Itis proposed thatthe starting points be Senior Kindergarten andGradeOne
to comply with the enrolment procedures for French Immersion currently
followed inother parts ofThames Valley.
French Immersion programs provide opportunities forstudentsto:
achieve a level of bilinguaiism in which they will be able to study,work
and live in eithera French oran English language environment;
heighten cultural awarenessand appreciation of diversity;
2001 January 23...38
(
improve thinking skills,communication sidlls,and the awaren^s
of thei'elationship between language and learning;"
enhance the range of opportunities available to them for lifeIn a
global community and international marketplace as well as in our
own bilingual country;
participate ina program pedagogicaliyproven to benefitchildren
(O.I.S.E.research).
Uponamalgamation it was determined that discrepancies existed in the
French Immersion Programs offered across the District. Harmonization
has been an ongoing process as we attempt to provide equity of access
and consistency inthe deliveryofprograms. Inthe fall of 1999,a survey
was developed for the parents in Oxford County to determine the initial
interest in French Immersion.TTiis survey was developed cooperatively
with representatives from the French Immersion Action Team,Program
Services and Research and Assessrrient. The response to the survey
indicated a strong interest but given the lateness Inthe 1999-2000 school
year, it was decided to postpone the opening of a French Immersion
program until 2001.
To ensure a 2001 September start the following action plan must be taken;
- identify a potential site(s)in Oxford County able to accommodate the
French Immersion program in both the short and long term;
-consult the school councils of the schools identified to accommodate
the French Immersion program;
- confirm interested applicants for the program;
- confirmlongterm parental commitmentforthe viability of the program
-determine transportation costs:
•determine start-up costs for the host schools (resources,any changes
to plant);
•seek qualified teachers for the program in a timely fashion to ensure
quality instruction;
-determine the impact,if any, on the home schools of the students
registering for French Immersion.
The program costs are to be offset by grants and the Program Services
budgets.
The following timelines for implementation ofthe program were reviewed:
20D1 January 23...39
6.
2000 November 25
2001 January 09
2001 January (late] to
2001 February (early)
2001 March 05
2001 Mid-March
2001 March 31
2001 April(early)
- Start up costs per class determined—
'
- Report to Board seeking approval
-Community information meetings,
registration process begins
•Schools identified
-Meet with School Councils of identified
schools
-Registrations close
- Hiringof staff completed
TheCommittee supported that the French Immersionprogram be extended
to CEC East school sites dependent upon registration,
(see recommendation 1 and 2)
John Laughlin, Director of Education,provided an update at the earlier
meeting of Information Committee ofthe Whole, pertaining to the plans for
a National Conference hosted bythe Thames Valley DistrictSchool Board,
entitled, Caring Learning Communities: From Visionto Practice.
Recommendations:
1.That Woodstock and Ingersoll be identified as potential host sites for the
French Immersion program in CEC East dependent upon registratiori.
2.That the French Immersion action plan for CEC East school sites be
approved.
D.STEWART
Chairperson
The report was received and the recommendations were adopted on motion of
Bennett and Hart.
r
2001 January 23...40
30-C. Report ofthe Committee ofthe Whole 2001 January 23"*'
•-l.'st®
Reports:
1.No conflicts of interest were declared.
2. The Committee met in camera from5:00 p.m. to 6:25 p.m. and from9:05
p.m. to 1.0:45p.m. and discussed confidential personnel matters.
Recommendation:
1.Thatthe motionsapproved at the in camera session related to suspension
appeals,teacher resignations and personnel matters, be approved.
J.BENNETT,
Chairperson
The report was received and the recommendation was adopted on motion of Hart
and Anstead.
MOTIONS -NOTICE OF WHICH HAS BEEN GIVEN
31 -A.None at this time.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
32-A.Ontario Public School Boards'Association -Update
Trustee Jaffe advised that Trustee David Stewart will be unabie to serve as
the representative to the Ontario Public School Boards'Association
(OPSBA)due to his commitments as Chairperson ofthe Board.Therefore,
Trustee Linda Stevenson was nominated as the alternate representative
to the OPSBA for the remainder of the term of office.
Adopted on motion of Jaffe and Hunter.
2001 January 23...41
COMMUNICATION —
^^-
33-A.Chairperson Stewartrequested Trusteesto ensure that boththeir home
telephone message service (voice mail)and facsimile machine are
operating correctly and to contact Sue Pullam,Trustees'Assistant,if
service is necessary.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 10:47 p.m.on motion-<jrS!¥son and Hunte^r.
CONFIRMED:
Chairperson
;ion-<jrS!&venson and Hunter.^
,A V
1
r