Loading...
8/27/2002 - Regular Board Meeting(.) THAMES VALLEY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD REGULAR BOARD MEETING,PUBLIC SESSION 2002 AUGUST 27 7:00 P.M. BOARD ROOM,EDUCATION CENTRE AGENDA ^V-verbal M-material V1.CALL TO ORDER 2.O CANADA V 3.APPROVAL OF AGENDA M 4.OFFICIAL RECORD Wl 5.CONFLICTS OF INTEREST V 6.CHAIR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS V 7.DIRECTOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS V 8.CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES a.Regular Board Meeting,2002 June 25 M 9.REPORTS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION a.Facilities Update V b.Staffing Update V 0.Information Committee of the Whole 2002-2003 M -Draft Agenda Items 10.MOTIONS -NOTICE OF WHICH HAS BEEN GIVEN -none 11.ADDITIONAL BUSINESS 12.COMMUNICATIONS a.Report from the Peel Trustee Summit Meeting,2002 Aug.14 V b.VOICE for Hearing Impaired Children -to be distributed at meeting 13.NOTICE OF MOTION -none 14.2002-2003 TRANSFER TO RESERVES M 15.GOOD NEWS ITEMS -"Did you know,,."V 16.ADJOURNMENT THAMES VALLEY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD REGULAR BOARD MEETING 2002 AUGUST 27 The Boardmet inregularsession on2002August27 inthe Board Room at the Education Centre,meeting in camera at 5:00 p.m.and in public session at 7:25 p.m. The following were in attendance: TRUSTEES T.Roberts P.Jaffe J.Bennett,Chair D.Stewart S.Peters G.Hart .P.Sattler D.Anstead J.Hunter A.Cartier L.Stevenson (via teleconference) Regrets:P. Schuyler,M.McTaggart,S. Deller ADMINISTRATION AND OTHERS B. Bryce G.Jazey B.Greene D.Blair P.Gryseels IVl.Sereda C.Murphy B.Tucker J.Thorpe K.Wilkinson J.Empringham K.Dalton K.Havelka L.Hutchinson C.Linsdell K.Bushell S.Young S.Christie D.Bradford W.Scott Director of Education B. Bryce introduced and welcomed Don Blair and Bill Tucker to the first official Board meeting in their new role as Superintendent of Education.He advised that Supt.Blairwill be located at CEC South and will supervise a number of schools as well as providing system support in specific areas and Supt. Tucker is located in Program Services and will supervise the Special Education portfolio. 1./2.CALL TO ORDER -Chairperson Bennett called the meeting to order with the singing of O'Canada. 3.APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA The agenda was approved on motion of J.Hunter and seconded by D.Anstead. 4.OFFICIAL RECORD The Executive Secretary read the following recognition into the minutes: We regret to record the death of: Kathy Lalonde,an Educational Assistant at the Springbank Employment and Learning Centre.London,on 2002 June 28, and, Katie Chiasson,a 17-year old student at North Middlesex District High School,Parkhill, on 2002 July 11. 5.CONFLICTS OF INTEREST -None declared 6.CHAIR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS (a)Chairperson Bennett advised that in order to reduce publishing costs for the Board, Committee of the Whole and information Committee of the Whole meetings,a set of reusable black pocket folders have been prepared for trustees'materials.A memorandum regarding the new process was distributed. 2002 August 27...2 6.CHAIR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS -cont'd (b)Chairperson Bennett presented the following Welcome Back address: "Letme take this opportunityto welcome trustees,administration and staff tothe opening of another school year.Despite the trials and tribulations of the last few weeks,I personally share that special sense ofexcitement and anticipationthat 1 knowour staff and students feel at this time of year.We awaitthe sound ofthe school bell knowingthat another year of exciting learning and student success lies ahead. In discussion with colleagues and administration, Ifeltthat this would be a good time to place a fewopening remarks uponthe record,to bring trustees,staffand the community upto date and totalka little about the issues we face inthe coming weeks and months. We knowalready that more ofthe same lies ahead.The hurdles and challenges remain daunting and will requirethe full care and attention ofthis board and this administration as we move deeper into the new school year. I will not pretend that ithas been an easy summer. For me and for trustees around this table, it has been among the toughest we have faced in the short history of our amalgamated system.Itis not often that publicly elected officials face the prospect of heavy personal finesora ban from seeking public office as partofthe consequence of doingtheirjobs to the best of their ability.Itwas against that daunting background that we began our2003 budgetarydeliberationswitha process ofpublicand communityInput that was intended to be as open and comprehensive as we could make it. We were aware from the beginning that balancing the books -a provincially imposed legalrequirement- was goingto be nexttoimpossiblewithoutmajor changes intheway we deliver service to our schools.We were also aware that our system was already in a deficit position when itbegan its deliberations fora newschool year.Adding tothisa governmentfundingmodelthat has notkeptpace with inflationary pressures since itwas implemented in 1998,meant that the Thames Valley DistrictBoard faced a serious shortfall in funds for the new school financial year. From the beginning, we set out to be as pro-active as we could, carrying a strong budgetary message across the entireregionserved bythe Thames Valley District School Board.We wanted to be sure that people heard the message and that we were able to gather responses fromas many individuals and groups as wecould manage.1personally was veryproudofthe process we adopted and the inputwe were able to gather fromour school communities and the public at large.Respondents presented many different solutions but,inmyview,remained unitedbehindthe importance ofmaintaininga strong public school system able to deliver the highest possible standard of education to its elementary and secondary school students. The board's decision on June 25 was to reject a compliance budget presented by our administration and to present instead an interim deficit budget to the provincial govemment that clearly detailed the consequences of budgetary shortfall.We wanted to make itvery clear tothe government that the limited amount of money that itprovided to this board was imposing a heavy burden on our system,one that would mean loss of valuable libraryand guidance positionsand importanteducational supportservices toour schools.We wanted io be very sure thai messages we had gathered so carefullyduring our budgetary process were delivered to Queen's Park and to the Officeofthe Minister of Education. 2002 August 27...3 6.CHAIR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS -cont'd Welcome Back Address,cont'd Our budgetary decision was accompanied bya letterto the Minister that outlined the Thames Valley Board'sspecial circumstancesand presented whatwe believed were compelling arguments to justify our case for transition funding tocoverour deficit.Asthis board has already heard, the Minister's response was delivered in a simple form letter that flatly rejectedourclaimwithout any acknowledgmentofthe uniqueness ofour case. A second letter seeking clarification ofthe financialpenalty fornotsubmittinga balanced budget, Indicated that the Thames Valley Board could face an immediate cash flow penaltythat would reduce granttoourschools by50%.Wewere additionally toldbyour bank that our line ofcreditfor September wouldnot be extended unless our budget was submitted In conformance with Ministry guidelines. As trustees we were already aware ofthe personal consequences-heavy fines and a ban from public office - which faced taistees found in contravention of the province's budgetary compliance process.We were ready for that risk. We were not as well prepared for the additional and immediate cash flow restrictions that would have been Imposed by the province.If imposed,they would have almost certainly crippled our system and leftus withno control ofour budgetary process.We were not prepared to let that happen especially inviewofthe fact that one of our secondary schools - Sir George Ross -was set to begin its school year on August 6. There is also little doubt that If we had not followed the full sequence of our June 25 motion the potential existed for a serious challenge to our school system,perhaps even a provincial takeover of our Board which would have eliminated any decision-making ability that our trustees still have.There are those who said that this would never happen but we are aware that this, infact,has happened to at least one (three)other Board(s). I make no apology for the board's ultimate decision to submit a compliance budget.It was the right decision and a responsible decision made In the best interests of our schools and our students.We knew that whatever the budgetary Issues of the day, we could not allow them to jeopardize the organization of our schools and the start ofa new and challenging school year. In my opinion, we may have lost a battle, but we most certainly have not lost the war. Other opportunities remain for this board and the Thames Valley District school community to continue its political representation to Queen's Park on the urgent and pressing issue of under-funding inour public school system. I would mention the upcoming visit of the Education Equality Task Force that visits London on Sept.25/26.Plans are already underway for this Board to make representation to that Task Force and there should be no surprise about the message we willbring. We simply do not have the resources to retain the services that our schools and our students currently receive and have a right to expect.The issues that we explored In such depth In 2002 will remain with us In 2003.The task of providing a quality education that meets the needs of all of our students remains as profound as ever. In the short term,our budget for the current year remains balanced only because of the strength of our reserves from which we have been able to borrow $3.3 million. Accompanied by some $2 million inadditional short-term reductions and adjustments we have been able to present a budget that is In full compliance with provincial requirements. 2002 August 27...4 6.CHAIR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS -cont'd Welcome Back Address,cont'd The books may be balanced,but that does not mean that the Issue has gone away.We are merely postponing another round of serious debate about the growing under-funding of our public schools. ItIs not enough for the government of the day to assert that its funding adjustments have kept pace with student enrolment.Government funding has not kept pace with inflation and our legitimate costs ofdoing business.The increases inhydro and natural gas rates, the Increases in prices for our transportation,the cost of educating our increasing number of high-needs special education students,and wage rate increases provided to government employees in other sectors all exceed the grant increases that we have received. ItIs the government's approach to funding that jeopardizes important programs,services and educational opportunities that have long and successful histories within our system. A formula that is built on success and the needs of students is critical for the future of our schools. Atthis point, Iwould like to extend the remarks I made during my Inaugural Address last December.I take great pride in the team spirit and goodwill that this board has been able to buildwithinthis very large school system.Iam counting on that sense of team spirit to move us forward into this new and difficult period. Inlooking forward to the new school year Iwould mention just a few items that deserve the attention of this board and the community at large: The unique Strathroy secondary multi-use school project that has been created by the Thames ValleyDistrictSchool Board, the London DistrictCatholic School Board and the Township of Strathroy-Caradoc is almost complete and ready to open with this school year.This new $24 million facility which includes a new township recreational facility,will accommodate 960 public secondary and 600 Catholic students ina single well planned facility.School starts at SDCI on September 3 and its official opening ceremonies will be held on Saturday October 5 at 1 ;00 p.m.All trustees should take the opportunity to visit this exciting new school which represents a new and unique level of cooperation between our two school systems. The Ministry's Early Reading Initiativewhich began in the fall of2001 required all Boards to select a reading assessment tool that would be used consistently by all teachers from kindergarten to Grade 3.Thames Valley selected the Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA)because it uses both running records and oral retells.As of June this year,all Grade 1-3 teachers and most of our kindergarten teachers have been trained to use this tool.Primary students will be assessed In early fall and again in late spring. Data collected will be invaluable In grouping students byskill,ability,need or interest and in guiding future teaching requirements. During the last school year Distance Learning was established within Thames Valley.We joined with other school boards in extending this significant new learning opportunity to our students.Over the summer,Thames Valley staff has been responsible for the writing of secondary school curriculum that will allow students to use their computers to learn on-line commencing in February 2003. 2002 August 27...5 6.CHAIR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS-cont'd Welcome Back Address,cont'd Overthe past twoyears, eightschools within oursystem have had theirentirecomputer systems upgraded to state-of-the-art. We are using those facilities to guideand teach us where to go with the electronic classroom of the future. We are already learning a great deal about what works and how to integrate computer technology into the curriculum of schools at all levels. We are very proud that the Thames ValleyEducation Foundation was selected to play the lead role in the Children's Secretariat Early Years Challenge Fund Proposal submitted as a collaborative project between the Thames Valley Education Foundation,the Thames Valley District School Board, the London District Catholic School Board and our many partners inhealth services,education, child care and local municipalities. This program Is designed to maximize early child development and enhance readiness for school for three-year-olds and their parents.This is an exciting venture that maximizes the expertise and skills available throughout our three-county region.We look forward to seeing this model create a base for children to succeed at school,in their community and throughout life. These are just a few of the examples of a dynamic and forward thinking school system that is ready for a new and exciting school year.Yes,like all school boards across the province we face financial problems,but on the positive side we aiso have many successes to celebrate.Despite what we see,despite what we hear and despite what we read ~this remains a vital,progressive and healthy school system that takes great pride in the quality of education it delivers to our 90,000 elementary and secondary students.They are the heart and soul of our system and we should never lose track of their importance. Let's make a difference for our students. The following motion was moved by P.Jaffe and J.Hunter and carried: That the Chairperson's remarks be spread upon the minutes. 7.DIRECTOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS (a) Director Bryce reported that a meeting was held on August 26 for Principals, Learning Supervisors and Managers marking the beginning of the 2002-03 school year.Atotal of 186 Principals and Vice Principals (16%)have been appointed to new positions commencing 2002 September.P.Gryseels,Executive Superintendent of Operation Services,together with the Superintendents of Education,are providingongoing support and in-service to the new administrators. (b)The Director provided an overview of the recommended Consultation Plan for Attainment of Our Vision Discussion Paper (2002 August)that will be distributed to Trustees the week of August 26. .The purpose of the discussion paper is to review the development and implementation phases of the Attainment of Our Vision initiativeand to examine options for future refinements. 2002 August 27...S 7.DIRECTOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS -cont'd He outlined background information regarding the development,implementation and present status of the Attainment ofOur Vision initiativenoting that the school and department-based Vision In-service supports school improvement and site-based improvement Initiatives. Schools and departments utilizethe in-service to set goals and develop unique professional development programs. Data collected byan OlSE/UT research team recommended thatthe Board strive for greater consistency by finding creativeways to build a stronger awareness ofalignment initiatives and to connect different collaborative cultures withinour system,as well as continuing to encourage data-driven decision making. Improving student learning Isemerging as the central focus ofthe Board's Vision Initiative. A Caring Learning Community is one where improvement Inlearning occurs through the creation ofan enabling environment (caring),attention to pedagogical Innovation (leaming) and is supported by the collaborationofstaffand community. The Foundations Framework has evolved froma component ofthe Leadership initiative to become a central focal pointarticulatingailthe enabling characteristics required to achieve a Caring Learning Community (integrity,student learning, continuous improvement, teamwork,communication,problem-soiving/decision-making,coaching,job-specificskills). The Director highlighted the following recommendations for refinement: greater emphasis on Improving student learning as the desired result of attaining a Caring Learning Community, the Foundations Framework as the centra!foundation used to achieve Improved student learning, redefining "student learning"inthe Foundations Framework to read "Quality Learning" a definition of the standard required to achieve improved student leaming, -•amalgamate leadership,learning,schoolimprovementtoonesystem initiative focussing all efforts on improving student learning; utilizing a Mission,Vision,Values and Goals format to encourage greater consistency and collaboration between school/department practices/system Initiatives, refining the Vision in-service process to develop a purposeful, meaningful, goal and action plan that promotes Improved student learning. The consultation process is intended to engage all shareholders in reflecting on the recommendations to enable the system tocollectand disseminate data and build consensus while working though the refinement phase of the Attainment of Our Vision initiative.Ail groups,including principals,managers,trustees,school and department staff, school councils/home &schools,and federations/unions,are encouraged to respond to the focus questions. The timelines have been established in order to complete the system-wide consultation process by 2003 January.The data Is to be submitted to the Director's office by 2003 January 06. The Research and Assessment department will collate and prepare a report with future directions to be Included in the Attainment of Our Vision presentation to the Committee of the Whole in 2003 April. 8.CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES a.The minutes of the Regular Board Meeting,2002 June 25 were adopted on motion of T. Roberts and G.Hart. 2002 August 27...7 9.REPORTS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION a.Facilities Update KevinBushell,Manager,Facility Services,reported that again this summer Facility Services was busy with numerousprojects,repairs,replacements, general maintenance andcustodial activities.The following status report was presented. Capita]Projects ThenewStrathroy District Collegiate Institute/Holy Cross CatholicSecondary Schoolwasthe major Capital project completed by Facility Services this summer. The construction was been completed on schedule and on budget; the occupancy pennit has been issued and the fireprevention officer has reviewed and approved the facility.The contractor will remain on site over the next six weeks to complete deficiencies and warranty items,and to train staff on building systems. The school Is presently receiving its last shipments of furniture and equipment and finalroom set-up and preparation is underway.It will be ready to accommodate the staff and students from both high schools on September 3. Mr.Bushell noted the old SDCl has been turned over to the new owners and demolition has commenced. Other Capital projects presently underway include the Plattsville and Parkview Public School additions.The Design Committees have met several times throughout the summer and floor plans have been finalized.The Architects are presently working on detailed drawings and budget estimates. A ful!presentation detailing plans,schedules and budgets will be presented to the Board in 2002 October. School Renewal Program A total of 274 individual School Renewal projects have been completed or are nearing completion at Thames Valley facilities Including such projects as: -20 Asbestos Abatements, -48 Program Enhancements, -16 Barrier Free Alterations, - 5 Connections to Municipal Services, - 29 Roof Replacements comprising 230,000 sq. ft, - 8 Boiler and Ventilation Replacements, - 6 Fire Alarm Replacements, - 8 Intercom Replacements, - 4 schools had sections ofwindows replaced, -10 Installations of bus drop-off/parking lots, - 8 concrete restorations. Portables Twelve portables have been relocated for additional pupil accommodation.Two additional portables will be relocated to Wellington Street PublicSchool, St. Thomas, on August 29*^. The delay Inrelocating these portables occurred due tothe approval process through the City of St.Thomas.Twenty-two portables were sold, 19 were stored for future use and 5 additional classrooms were reclaimed in existing schools to reduce the need for portables. Also,40 portable floors were changed from carpet to vinyl tile and 28 new HVAC systems were Installed. 2Q02 August 27...8 9.REPORTS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION -cont'd a.Facilities Update -cont'd Maintenance Mr.Bushell noted that numerous repairs and improvements were completed at schools by the Board's maintenance staff this summer.In total,2838 work orders.were completed by the 5 Maintenance Zones.As well, all mandatory inspections were completed on such building components as boilers, fire alarms,electrical and playground equipment. The major Initiative completed by the Maintenance department this year was the upgrades at 25 sites which use private wells for drinking water.These sites were legislated to be in compliance with the Ministryof the Environment Regulation 505 by 2002 September 01. The upgrades included: -installation of ultraviolet and chlorination equipment -installation of monitoring equipments -upgrades to the wells -certification of maintenance staff as small water operators -routine testing procedures by independent labs Mr.Bushell extended thanks to all the staff associated with Facility Services for the work accomplished throughout the summer months to have schools repaired,renovated and cleaned for the return of staff and student on the opening of school. The following motion was moved by Trustee Roberts,seconded by Trustee Cartier and carried: And resolved that congratulations be extended to Facility Services staff for their outstanding efforts inpreparing Thames Valley schools for opening day 2002 September 03. b.Staffing Update John Thorpe,Executive Superintendent,Human Resources,advised that the 2002-03 restructuring of the Human Resource Services department has been completed.He reviewed the areas of responsibility for Superintendents of Education K.Havelka and M. Sereda. Superintendent Havelka advised that principals have spent countless hours interviewing candidates,resulting in a total of 150.61 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) new hires.Special thanks was extended to Human Resources staff members John Cuddle,Ann Moulton and Linda Harris for their contributions to the process. It was noted that only five people have not been placed and provision has been made for them to work as volunteers in the classroom until the required paperwork is completed with the Ontario College of Teachers.An additional three people of the 150.61 FTE have not completed the Criminal Background Check;however,itis anticipated that this documentation will be in place by the September 3 start date.Presently,there are 5.89 vacancies with 1.74 in the French Immersion area.All the teachers pool hired have been placed. Superintendent Sereda extended thanks to Kevin Kirkham,Staffing Officer,and all the Principals for their many hours of service during this year's interviewing and hiring process. He reported that in the secondary panel,there are 21.33 new hires all in good standing with the Ontario College of Teachers and there are no vacancies. ^,2002 August 27...9 9.REPORTS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION -cont'd b.Staffing Update -cont'd Peter Gryseels,Executive Superintendent,Operation Services and Superintendents of Education Jim Empringham and GaryJazey provided an update on elementary scliool staffing.Mr.Empringham advised that additional staff may be added over the next twor three weeks once the student enrolment figures,accumulated fromthe Trillium data, have been accurately confirmed. Superintendent Jazey advised that secondary school staffing has been completed with 40 fewer teachers than last year due to decliningenrolment. An additional 11 teachers have been assigned to the Guidance and Library areas. Concerns regarding larger classes and unique courses requiring additional staff are to be addressed once the attendance figures are confirmed. It was noted that no reserve staff exist Inthe secondary panel. Decisions involving large class sizes are to be determined on a case-by-case basis.Declining enrolment,secondary class sizes and the double cohortare pressure points in the secondary panel.Trustees will be updated regarding this matter in future. The following motion was moved by Trustee Hart,seconded by Trustee Hunter and carried: And resolved that appreciation be extended to Thames Valley administrators for their exceptional efforts throughout the summer In meeting the staffing and timetabling needs of the system ready for school opening on 2002 September 3. c.Information Committee of the Whole 2002-2003 A draft schedule of Information Committee of the Whole topics for 2002-03was presented. Trustees suggested that the following additional topics be considered: Suspensions and Alternatives, Double cohort -University requirement packages Alternative delivery models in Special Education (Special Education Plan) Update on the Board's involvement in the International Plowing Match (Rural Expo) Issues of dnjgs In schools School Councils and Home and Schools interaction/communication/participation Succession Planning/Mentoring Budget:a short focus on a piece of the funding model presented at each meeting Evaluation of Safe Schools Initiatives Community Partnerships/Education Foundation Trustees were advised that subsequent topics may be submitted to the Director's Office. 10.MOTIONS -NOTICE OF WHICH HAS BEEN GIVEN -none 11.ADDITIONAL BUSINESS 2002 August 27...10 12.COMMUNICATIONS a.Report from the Peel Trustee Summit Meeting,2002 August 14 Trustee Hart provided a report fromthe Peel Trustee Summit meeting held 2002 August 14 at the Peel District School Board. He advised that discussions included boards'responses to the question,"Is the Ministry of Education treating each school board with equity and fairness?"The consensus was that many boards have their budgets balanced on paper only and, although appearing to be in compliance withthe Ministry,will not end the fiscal year withouta deficit.Several boards have been forced to massage the figures as the enrolment Increases and have not addressed the escalating costs In utilities,natural gas,electricity,and employee's compensation.He noted that the Ottawa-Carlton DistrictSchool Board did not submit a compliance budget resultinginthe need todrawon reserves ending with the board In adeficit position. Detailsofthe Investigator'sReport (Rosen)were providedwith reference tospecific Issues/areas not contained in the report. Tnjstee Hartreported thatthe Hamilton-Wentworth Board,comprised ofcityand rural areas, has a huge equity problem resulting in decliningenrolment and the closing of schools. It would appear that other boards do not receive the same treatment as Toronto in regards to EQAO testing. Specific issues of hall monitoring and lunchroomsupervision are considered important programs In Toronto schools. Provincial trustees expressed concern overthe implications of events over the past months. It was noted that the Ad Hoc Committee on the Submission to the Education Equality Task Force chaired by Mr.Rosanski will be questioning the amount of money needed in the fundingformula.The rationale forthe TVDSB compliance budget was also discussed.' b. VOICE for Hearing Impaired Children A letter from Richard Soloman,Executive Director,VOICE for Hearing Impaired Children, advising that Linda Welham has been nominated as the Association's alternate representative on the Board's Special Education Advisory Committee has been received. The following resolution was adopted on motion of T.Roberts and G. Hart: And resolved that LindaWelham be appointed the alternate representative for VOICE forHearingImpairedChildren,onthe Board's Special EducationAdvisoryCommitteefor the term 2001-2003. 13.NOTICE OF MOTION -none 14.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE,IN CAMERA 2002 August 27 MEMBERS PRESENT G. Hart (Chair) J. Hunter J.Bennett A.Cartier D.Anstead T.Roberts S.Peters P.Sattler D.Stewart P.Jaffe L.Stevenson (via teleconference) Regrets:P.Schuyler,S.Deller ADMINISTRATION AND OTHERS B.Bryce B.Greene P.Gryseels C.Murphy J.Thorpe M.Sereda G.Jazey K.Haveika D.Blair K.Wilkinson J.Empringham L.Hutchlnson K.Dalton W.Tucker J.Roth K.Bushel! S.Dawson S.Christie D.Bradford 2002 August 27...11 14.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE,IN CAMERA -cont'd The Committee met In camera from 5:00 p.m. to 6:40 p.m. 1.APPROVALOF AGENDA- The agenda was approved on motion of D.Anstead. 2.CONFLICTS OF INTEREST A conflict of Interest was declared by T.Roberts related to a confidentiality Issue. 3.Confidential property and legal matters were discussed. 4.RISE AND REPORT A motion to rise and report was moved by D.Stewart at 6:38 p.m.and carried. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1.That the motions approved at the In-camera session of 2002 August 27,related to property matters be approved. 2.That the Thames Valley District School Board enter Into a contract with MacMaster Chevrolet Oldsmoblle Cadillac Ltd., for the lease of 22 vehicles,based on a four-year period commencing 2002 December 01 and ending 2006 December 01. G.HART, f Chairperson The recommendations were adopted on motion of G. Hart and D.Stewart. 15.2002-2003 TRANSFER TO RESERVES Brian Greene,Executive Superintendent,Business Services,advised that the Board is required to approve transfers to reserves under Section 231 of the Education Acf including allocations to the pupil accommodation reserve fund and allocations to working funds. The following recommendations were adopted on motion of P.Jaffe and S.Peters and carried. (a)That $1 000 000 be transferred to the reserve for working funds to provide coverage for workplace safety insurance. (b) That$9 493 783 be transferred tothe pupil accommodation reserve fundforthe school renewal funding as required under Ministry Regulation #446/98. (c)That the estimated amount of $3 399 858 for new pupil places be placed In the pupil accommodation reserve fund for funding new pupil places as required under Ministry Regulation #446/98. 16.GOOD NEWS ITEMS •Trustee Sattler advised that a rally Is to be held by the Gay,Lesbian,Bisexual,Trans Community andTwo Spirited group as part of the Queer Art/Queer Action:Seen and Heard and Safe Project on 2002 August 29 at the Education Centre. r ^The following motion was moved by P.Sattler and seconded by D.Anstead: That the Board establish an ad hoc committee to address specific concerns raised by the Queer Art/Queer Action Seen and Heard and Safe Group and to report back to the Board by 2003 June 30. 2002 August 27...12 ^ 16.GOOD NEWS ITEMS -cont'd Following a lengthy discussion,a motion to table was moved by G. Hart and seconded by A. Cartier: That the motion related to establishing an ad hoc committee to address specific concerns raised by the Queer Art/Queer Action:Seen and Heard and Safe Group,be tabled. •Trustee Peters invited everyone to attend the Melbourne Country Fair being held the weekend of 2002 August 30 with many TVDSB students participating in various categories. •Trustee Anstead advised that during the summer she visited various soccer fields and watched enthusiastic children demonstrating skill and fair play.She noted there were several girls' soccer teams and It was encouraging to see children of all ages participating in a sport that Is not costly.The Canadian Girls'Soccer Team (under 19 years)Is competing in the National Soccer Finals. Tnjstee Hunter advised that East Williams Memorial Public School,Allsa Craig,will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary on Sunday,2002 September 1. •Director Bryce advised that the new Strathroy District Collegiate Institute will be opening on 2002 September 3.Arrangements haye been made for a joint assembly with the Catholic School Board and a brief presentation by both Directors.Trustees were encouraged to attend this event and support this unique and positive endeavour. 17.•ADDITIONAL ITEMS The following motion was taken byelectronic vote related toforming an ad hoc committee to respond to the Education Equality Task Force on August 20,2002,and carried: That Trustees Diana Anstead,Joyce Bennett,Stewart Deller,Graham Hart, Terry Roberts, Peggy Sattler and Linda Stevenson be appointed to the Board's Ad Hoc Committee on the • Submission to the Education Equality Task Force. 18.ADJOURNMENT-The meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m. on motion of P.Jaffe and S.Peters. CONFIRMED: ^^^uhairperson 2002 August 27...13 SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS OF 2002 AUGUST 27 REGULAR BOARD MEETING That the Chairperson's Welcome Back address be spread upon the minutes. And resolved that congratulations be extended to Facility Services staff for their outstanding efforts Inpreparing Thames Valley schools for opening day 2002 September 03. And resolved that appreciation be extended to Thames Valley administrators for their exceptional effortsthroughout the summer inmeetingthe staffingand timetabling needs ofthe system ready for school opening on 2002 September 03. And resolved that Linda Welham be appointed the alternate representative for VOICEfor Hearing ImpairedChildren,on the Board's Special EducationAdvisoryCommitteeforthe term 2001-2003. That the motions approved at the in-camera session of 2002 August 27, related to property matters be approved. That the Thames ValleyDistrictSchool Board enter intoa contract with MacMaster Chevrolet Oldsmoblle Cadillac Ltd.for the lease of22 vehicles,based on a four-year period commencing 2002 December 01and ending 2006 December 01. That $1 000 000 be transferred to the reserve for working funds to provide coverage for workplace safety Insurance. That $9493 783 be transfen-edtothe pupilaccommodation reserve fundforthe school renewal funding as required under Ministry Regulation #446/98. That the estimated amount of $3 399 858 for new pupil places be placed in the pupil accommodation reserve fund for funding new pupil places as required under Ministry Regulation #446/98. August 20,2002 ElectronicVote-That Trustees Diana Anstead,Joyce Bennett,Stewart Deller, Graham Hart, Terry Roberts,Peggy Sattler and Linda Stevenson be appointed to the Board's Ad Hoc Committee on the Submission to the Education Equality Task Force.