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12/10/2002 - Regular Board Meetingv.. THAMES VALLEY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD INAUGURAL MEETING 2002 DECEMBER 10,7:00 P.M. BOARD ROOM,EDUCATION CENTRE AGENDA 1.CALL TO ORDER 2.INVOCATION 3.O CANADA AND MUSICAL PRESENTATION -Fred's Folk,Banting S.S.,London 4.PRESENTATION TO 2002 CHAIR 5.WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS 6.SPECIAL GREETINGS 7.REPORT OF THE CHAIRS'COMMITTEE 8.PRESENTATION OF GAVEL 9.MUSICAL INTERLUDE -Glendale H. S.Stage Band,Tillsonburg 10 INAUGURAL ADDRESS 11.BENEDICTION 12.MUSICAL INTERLUDE -Glendale H.S.Stage Band 13.DIRECTOR'S CLOSING REMARKS 14.ADJOURNMENT THAMES VALLEY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD INAUGURAL MEETING 2002 DECEMBER 10 The inaugural Meeting was held on 2002 December 10 in the Board Room at the Education Centre at 7:05 p.m.The following were in attendance: TRUSTEES J.Bennett,Chair G.Hart J.Hunter A.Cartier P.Schuyier Regrets:P.Jaffe,M.McTaggart ADMINISTRATION AND OTHERS B.Bryce J.Thorpe C.Murphy M.Sereda G.Jazey J.Havelka S.Deller P.Sattier D.Stewart T.Roberts J.Empringham K.Wilkinson D.Blair B.Tucker J.Roth J.Tilley S.Peters L.Stevenson D.Anstead K.Meeson D.Bradford C.Dennett D.Bradford S.Christie W.Scott Chairperson of the Board Joyce Bennett called the meeting to order. 1.CONFLICTS OF INTEREST -No conflicts of interest were declared. 2.INVOCATION Canon Ken Anderson and student, Scotia McKinley of Lord Roberts.P.S..London,delivered the invocation. 3.O CANADA AND MUSICAL PRESENTATION The choral group "Fred's Folk" from Sir Frederick Banting S.S.,London, with conductor Sharon Beeler and student accompanist Veena Varghese,led in the singing of"O Canada"and brought musicalgreetings.Trustee TerryRoberts extended the appreciation ofthe Boardtothe students and conductor for their participation inthe inaugural meeting. 4.PRESENTATION TO 2002 CHAIR Trustee David Stewart presented Trustee Bennett with a commemorative gift for serving as the 2002 Chairperson,on behalf of the Board. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS Board Vice-Chair Jan Hunter welcomed those inattendance and introduced guests who brought special greetings. 2002 December 10...2 6.GREETINGS The following community representatives brought greetings onbehalfoftheir affiliates; 7. Municipal Representative Ministry of Education London District Catholic School Board Thames Valley District Alliance of of Home and School Associations REPORT OF THE CHAIRS'COMMITTEE Cheryl Miller,Councillor,Cityof London Johanne Lapensee-Crimmins Cliff Roach,Chair Bob Young,Chair 2002 December 04 3:30 p.m. -5:15 p.m. MEMBERS J.Bennett (Chair) J.Hunter ADMINISTRATION AND OTHERS T.Roberts B. Bryce S.Christie 1.APPROVALOF AGENDA -The agenda was approved. 2.2003 COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS Appointments to 2003 Committees were determined considering preferences submitted by trustees.The following motion was moved byJ. Hunter and carried: That the attached Statutory. Standing.Ad hoc and Administrative Committees, and Community/Professional Representatives,effective 2002 December 01 be approved. 3.OTHER BUSINESS a.Proposed 2003 Board Room Seating Board Room seating for 2003 was determined. 4. ADJOURNMENT; 5:15 p.m. RECOMMENDATION: 1. That the following Statutory,Standing,Ad hoc and Administrative Committees,and Community/Professional Representatives,effective 2002 December 01 be approved. J.BENNETT, Chairperson 2002 December 10...3 2003 COMMITTEE AND OTHER APPOINTMENTS (Effective 2002 December 01) COMMITTEES (Board,Statutory,Standing,Ad Hoc, Administrative & Community/Professional) BOARD COMMITTEES Committee of the Whole Information Committee of the Whole STATUTORY COMMITTEES Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) Trustee Representation Required All Trustees All Trustees 3 Supervised Alternative Learning for Excused CEC Central -1 +alternate Pupils (SALEP)CEC East - 1 +alternate CEC South - 1 +alternate STANDING COMMITTEES Budget Advisory Committee Chairs'Committee Director/System Review Committee Negotiations Advisory Committee Native Advisory Committee Policy Working Committee Trustee Professional Development Committee AD HOC COMMITTEES Board Bylaw Review Committee Chair,Vice-Chair,Past Chair, Info.Comm.of Whole Chair 2 +Native Representative by Board motion of October 23.2001 School/Student Fees Review Committee by Board motion of October 22,2002 2003 Committee Membership All Trustees All Trustees 3-year term - Anstead,Sattler, Stevenson Bennett,Anstead-alt Deller,Hart-alt Stevenson, Stewart-alt Jaffe,Sattler,Peters Bennett,Hunter,Jaffe, Roberts Roberts,Deller, Stevenson,Hunter, Stewart Cartier,Anstead,Hart Hunter,Stevenson, Schuyler Roberts,Anstead,Jaffe, Sattler,Peters Deller,Jaffe,Peters Roberts,Anstead, Hunter,Stewart,Jaffe, Bennett, Jaffe,Sattler,Stevenson, McTaggart 2002 December 10...4 Jeanne Sauve/Empress/Oxford Park Area by Board motion of October Roberts (Chair),Cartier Accommodation Study Committee 22, 2002 Aldborough,Dunwich-DuttonAA/est Elgin Sr.by Board motion ofNovember Stewart (Chair). Area Accommodation Study Committee 14,2002 Peters Elliott Fairbairn/Mapie Lane Area by Board motion ofNovember Hart (Chair), Accommodation Study Committee 14,2002 Stevenson' EastOxford/Sweaburg Area Accommodation by Board motion ofNovember Deller (Chair), Study Committee 14,2002 Anstead Address Gay/Lesbian Student Concerns by Board motion Committee September 26,2002 3 as required 2 as required ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEES Suspension/Expulsion Appeals PrincipalA/ice-Principal Interviews •Award of Distinction Committee Computer Committee Communications &Public Relations Committee COMMUNITY/PROFESSIONAL REPRESENTATION Ontario Public School Boards'Assoc. Children's Safety Village Western Fair Representative 1 1 2 +Student Trustee of Sattler (Chair), Hart, Stevenson,McTaggart Deller,Cartier,Anstead, Hunter,Peters,Stewart Roberts,Deller, Cartier,Anstead,Hunter, Stewart Roberts Peters Cartier,Stewart, McTaggart by Board motion of June 25, 2002 1 +alternate 1- City of London Child Care Advisory P.Sattler,(Mar.27/01) Committee City of London Community Safetyand Crime D.Anstead (Mar.27/01) Prevention Advisory Committee Trustee Roberts moved the motion: That the following Statutory,Standing,Ad hoc and Administrative Committees,and Community/Professional Representatives,effective 2002December 01 be approved. The recommendation was tabled to the 2002 December 17 meeting of the Board on motion of L. Stevenson and carried. 8.PRESENTATION OF GAVEL Onbehalfofthestudents,trustees,staffand community oftheThames Valley District School Board, thegavelof office was presented toChairpersonBennettbyhergrandson,Mitchell Bennett,astudent from Caradoc Central Public School, Mount Brydges. Anstead,Hart,Schuyler- alt Bennett,Peters-alt Hunter Sattler • Anstead "A 2002 December 10...5 9.MUSICAL INTERLUDE The Glendale High School Stage Band from Tillsonburg,with conductor Ed Steers,performed a musical number. 10.INAUGURAL ADDRESS Board Chairperson Joyce Bennett presented the following inaugural address. "It gives me special pleasure this eveningto welcomeso many good friendsto the Thames Valley District SchoolBoard's2003 Inaugural.Eventhoughthis Is my14th Inaugural.Ifind thatIam coming with the same sense of eager anticipation and excitement as when Ifirst entered this board room. It has been my great privilege overthose years to work with many fine and dedicatedpeopleat the administrative,professional,political andthe all-important parental and community level.While itmay not seem that way at times,together and Ido mean together we work to build success and to create challenging learning opportunities for our schools and for our students. As most of you know, my own roots lie with the Home and School Association.I started out advocating for what I thought was best for our students and,in the end,I decided that I had to become actively involved atthe political level.Iamoneofthose peoplewho believe strongly thatthis is a system that works welland which remains very attuned to the needs of our students. Iam also proud this evening to have the opportunity to introduce a team of very hard working, dedicated individuals - the 2003 Trustees ofthe Thames Valley District School Board.Would each Trustee please remain standing until all the introductionsare complete around the horseshoe? I will begin with my Vice-Chair for2003,TrusteeJan Hunter from Middlesex County; Trustee Linda Stevenson represents Elgin County Trustee Stewart Deller represents Oxford County; Trustee Art Cartier represents London Ward 4, 5 and 6; Trustee Sharon Peters represents Middlesex County; Trustee Terry Roberts represents London Ward 1 and 7; Trustee Peggy Sattler represents London Ward 2 and 3; Trustee David Stewart represents Elgin County. Trustee Diana Anstead represents London Ward 4, 5 and 6; Trustee Phillip Schuyler is our First Nations Representative Trustee Graham Hart represents Oxford County; Trustee Maggie McTaggart is our Student Representative: Trustee Peter Jaffe represents London Ward 2 and 3. These trustees combine a greatmanyyears ofserviceto public education in this region,moreyears than most of us wouldcare to count. Ilookforwardto working withyou all inthe year ahead as we continueto build thecaringlearningcommunity across ourThames Valley region.Collectively,I know that we are beginning this new year ofservice to our students,staff and communitywith the same sense of optimism in which we close out the old. IfIlookjust a little travelweary tonightitis because Iwas a part ofthe release inTorontotoday ofthe long awaited Rozanski Report. By chance it happened to coincide with tonight's Inaugural activities and thanks to Via Rail we made it back into town with an hour to spare. It was a day that was well spent in every respect.Alongwith Director Bill Bryce and Brian Greene, Executive Superintendent of Business we received an initial briefing on a document that has to be one of the most eagerly awaited in the recent history of public education in this province. Brian has remained In Toronto as part of the OPSBA team working on an in-depth analysis of the report. 2002 December 10...6 10.INAUGURAL ADDRESS ,cont'd Let mesharea few thoughts on Dr.Rozanski's findings and recommendations because they will have a great deal of impact on our deliberkions Into the New Year and beyond. We are heartened by the remarks made by Dr.Rozanski and cautiously optimistic about the 33 recommendations contained in his report. We are heartened by his clear support forthe enhanced rolefor public education and the value it brings to the fabric of our society. We are optimistic becausethe general recommendations appeartoaddress virtually all of Thames Valley's 12 recommendations tothe Education Equaiity Task Force. Weare cautious because these are onlyrecommendations. Weawaitthe government's response and implementation schedule for eachofthe recommendations.Clarification is needed around some definitions -specifically what is the government's interpretation ofcommunity and school in Dr.Rozanski's single school community recommendation. Dr.Rozanski has urged the immediate injection offunds into three areas that we identified as critical by our Board in our submission to him -Special Education,Salary Negotiations and Transportation. . We applaud his recognition of these issues and agree with him that we need relief from these pressures to foster greater stability in the system. It is not my intent to review all of the recommendations but I would like to highlight several that may have specific long term implications for our Board.We are pleased with the suggestion that benchmark amounts be reviewed annually and that a funding policy be developed for the transportation of special education students.We are intrigued bythe concept of6 - 8 Regional Serviceboards that would provide transportation service,address regional transportation concerns and establish common walking distances within the region butare disappointedthat there does not appeartobe any financial incentive toachieve this.We would welcome the opportunity to work with all ofthe boards in the region to workout the details for the implementation ofsucha concept. It is gratifying to see that Dr.Rozanski has recognized that local priority dollars should be made available toaddress true local priorities aimed atthe continuous improvement ofstudentlearning and achievementandnotbe required tomeet underfunding in specific areas.Finally itis important tonote thesupport for the government's previously announced multi-year funding promise beginning with the 2003-2004 budget year.- Dr.Rozanski did makeit quite clear that-he was notjust throwing moneyat public education.While he proposed an infusion of significant funds he alsostressed the need for accountability from all partners who benefitted from the receipt of these funds. We have heard from Dr.Rozanski and are heartened byMinisterWitmer's comments this afternoon thatthe government sees the recommendations asa blueprint andwill act quickly onthem.Our hope is that the government provides a clearlydelineated action plan on whichwe can build to meet the identified needs of Thames Valleyand develop long range plans for our future needs. We knowour strengths and weaknesses.We have clearly stated goals and objectives to attain. We also know wherewewanttogointhe growth and development ofour caring learning community.All we lack is the long-term financial support that will allow us to move ahead,to build with confidence and to reach for a new level of excellence. We have a clear vision of trustee leadership that combines caring and effectivegovemance with capable and responsible administration.Asa Board,we have talked aboutthe enormous promise of our system. 2002December 10...7 10.INAUGURAL ADDRESS -cont'd I believe thatthisisa Board ofTrusteesthatcan deliver onthat promise.Wemust continue to listen, judge carefullyand tothinkcreativelyinthe formulation of responses that make as muchsense-to our minority as well as our majority audiences.Increasingly these days,it is.difficult to forge a single response to any issue of public consequence within our school system. Finding ourwaytakes patientpreparationand an ability tolistentothemany audiences whoneedand demandtobe heard.It isa process wehave followed closely within ourschoolsystemand itisone that Iintendto follow in the year ahead. The issues will remaindemanding,there is nodoubtabout that,andwemust continue tomake room for the public debate and input thatisso much a partof this Board's decision making. Working togetherwe can make a difference.Wehave achieved muchalready butwe know thatthe issues that lie ahead will continue to demand a great deal of the time and deliberations ofthis Board. The buildingofeffective community partnerships remains as important as ever. The best ofwhat we haveto offer hastobe married tothebestthatourcommunity partners haveto offer.Only byworking together can we ensure that our students can trulydevelop to their full potential. The establishment of our joint new High School facility in Strathroy-Caradoc stands as a clear example ofwhatcan be achieved with patient planning and preparation and,more importantly,a willingness to invest in change. Afewyears ago, this new partnership would have seemed difficult if not impossible,today, there is an attitude that says that with care and attention to detail that anything is possible. As Istand before you this evening,Iam humbled bythe trust and belief in my abilities that many have shown me as I tackled new goals and sought to address issues of concern to me.Iwould like to formally recognizeand thanksome ofthose supporters who are sharingthisevening with me: my family... my friends .... past trustees and former directors ... In conclusion,1wanttothanktrustees againforthe confidenceyouhave shown in me. I would also liketothank our DirectorofEducation,Bill Bryceand the Superintendents fortheircommitmenttoour system vision. Ibelieve that together we can make a difference, continuallymovingforward as a caring learning community. We haveso much for which we can be proud.We have achieved greatness in five shortyears because ofour commitment to young people.I would like to challenge all of you to continue to fight passionately for public education, to always put students firstand to commit to role modeling our system vision. May 1also take this opportunity to wish you all the best of the season." Joyce Bennett Chairperson of the Board The following motion was moved by J.Hunter and carried: That the Chairperson's Inaugural address be spread upon the minutes and posted to the Board's website. 2002 December 10...8 11.BENEDICTION Trustee Phillip Schuyler delivered the benediction. 12.MUSICAL INTERLUDE The Giendale HighSchool Stage Band performed a second musical number.Trustee Graham Hart thant<ed the students and conductor for their participation in the inaugural meeting. 13.DIRECTOR'S CLOSING REMARKS Directorof Education Bill Bryce presented the following closing remarks. "Tonight has been a veryspecial eveningforallofus. I share yourenthusiasm as we look forward tothe new year with ail the challenges and opportunities it promises.Ialso look forward to working with Chairperson Bennett,Vice-Chairperson Hunter, Chair of information Committee of the Whole Roberts,andPast Chair Jaffe-individuals who bring a wealth ofexperience and leadership tothe role oftrustee. Ihaveappreciatedthe Insights and constructivecommentsthat these four individuals have brought tomeandthe Senior staffas we collectively have worked toaddress significant provincial and local issues and I look forward totheir input and suggestionsoverthe nextyear. From our inception as Thames Valley,Ihave been Impressed with the focus trustees have placed on putting students first as we have addressed many complex issues and I am confident that the decisions the Board will make inthe coming year will continueto be premised on this belief. AsItravel throughout the system,Iam inspired by the dedication ofouradministrators,staff,trustees, school council,home and school and parent representatives as well as all members ofour school communities.You truly provide our students with every opportunity for success.Ibelievethat is what our system offers-not only information,but opportunities.Opportunities to open minds,to expand perspectives,to exchange ideas,andtocometo new understandings and appreciations. Our performers this evening ^demonstrated what can be achieved when these opportunities are seized. Irecently heard the Giendale High School Stage Band at the School's Commencement and they were outstanding.They have received three successive,gold awards at International competitions. Today,ontherelease ofhis report,Dr.Rozanski confirmed his belief that public education Is essential tothe socialfabricofour province.Rozanskinoted that as an Immigrant himself,he had benefitted from public education and clearly Indicated thathe felt public education was something we could not afford to afford. Providing a wide range ofopportunities supports our Attainmentof the Vision initiative as we have focused on improving student learning.Together our system has iriternalized our vision ofa caring learning community which has defined usasa system to better serve our'students.We can be proud of what wehave achieved this pastyearand excited bythe prospect ofthe accomplishments that lie ahead. To our student performers,staff,family,friends,our special guests who joined usto bring greetings, andother guests,including a representative from Harrison Pensa our Solicitor,a representative from our auditor,Deloitte and Touche,our dedicated bus operators, staff from Compass Group,the Regional Manager from the London District Ministry of Education Office and Federation ^representatives - a heartfelt thankyouforattendingthiseveningand making It a success.Tohave this number of education partners represented at our Inaugural Meeting Is an example of the commitment to young people thatisshared throughout the District.We look forward to continuing to work with you in the coming year. 2002 December 10...9 13.DIRECTOR'S CLOSING REMARKS,cont'd We hope that you will joinus now in the cafeteria fora reception to renew acquaintances and to" extend your best wishes to Chairperson Bennett, Vice-Chairperson Hunter and Information Committee ofthe Whole Chairperson Robertsand Vice-Chairperson Battler as they begin theirnew term of office. We wish you all a safe,relaxing and meaningful holiday season." 14.ADJOURNMENT -The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m. on motion of S.Peters. CONFIRMED:CL. Chairperson RECOMMENDATION: That the Chairperson's Inaugural address be spread upon the minutes and posted to the Board's website.