4/22/2003 - Regular Board Meetingp
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THAMES VALLEY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
REGULAR BOARD MEETING,PUBLIC SESSION
2003 APRIL 22,7:00 P.M.
BOARD ROOM,EDUCATION CENTRE
AGENDA
V-verbal
M -material
1.CALL TO ORDER V
2.O CANADA
3.SPECIAL MUSICAL PRESENTATION
Wortley Road P.S.,Grade 8 Band V
4.APPROVAL OF AGENDA iVI
5.OFFICIAL RECORD
6.RECOGNITIONS
a.Canadian Newspaper Association Junior Citizen of the Year.
-Julia Horel,Huron Park S.S.,Woodstock V
b.Middlesex County Effective Speaking Contest Winners
-Jeff Hogg,Northdale Central P.S.V
-Reza Eshaghian,Medway S.S.V
7.CONFLICTS OF INTEREST V
8.DIRECTOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS V
9.PUBLIC INPUT PRESENTATIONS
a. -Michelle Betteridge/Debbie Alexander,Oxford Park Area M
Accommodation Study Committee
b. -Paula Stoyanovich,Oxford Park P.S.M
c. -Sandra Seidel,Oxford Park P.S.V
d.-Richard Mitchell/Dan Doneff,Empress P.S.V
e. -Janet Cornier/Tom Jory,Jeanne Sauve French Immersion M
P.S.
WRITTEN PRESENTATIONS
f. -Brenda Sharrard,Empress P.S.M
g. - Dawn McKelvey,Empress P.S.M
h. -Denise Sauson,Empress P.S.M
2
10.CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
a.Regular Board Meeting,2003 March 25 M
11.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
a.Special Education Advisory Committee,2003 April 01 M
b.Committee of the Whole,2003 April 08 M
c.Chairs'Committee,2003 April 16 M
d.Committee of the Whole,In Camera,2003 April 22 V
12.REPORTS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION
a.Departmental Updates M
13.MOTIONS -NOTICE OF WHICH HAS BEEN GIVEN
a.Trustee A.Cartier M
14.ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
15.COMMUNICATIONS
a.Ontario Public School Boards'Association
1.Update V
ii.Election of 2003-04 Directors and Delegates V
b.Student Trustee Update V
c.Community Living London M
e.Thames Valley District School Council M
f.London-Middlesex Health Unit M
16.NOTICE OF MOTION
a.Trustee L.Stevenson M
17.GOOD NEWS ITEMS -"Did you know..."
18.ADJOURNMENT
THAMES VALLEY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
REGULAR BOARD MEETING,PUBLIC SESSION
2003 APRIL 22
The Board met in regular session on 2003 April 22 in the Board Room at the Education Centre,meeting in
Committee of the Whole, in camera,at 5:10 p.m. on motion of L.Stevenson and T.Roberts,followed by a
public session at 7:15 p.m.The following were in attendance:
TRUSTEES D.Anstead
J.Bennett,Chair S.Peters
S.Deller T.Roberts
J.Hunter A.Cartier
D.Stewart (-10:00)L.Stevenson
Absent:M.iVlcTaggart
ADMINISTRATION AND OTHERS
B.Bryce K.Havelka
P.Gryseels L.Hutchinson
B.Greene K.Wilkinson
C.Murphy K.Dalton
J.Thorpe D.Blair
M.Sereda B.Tucker
G.Jazey J. Roth
P.Jaffe
G.Hart
P.Sattler
P.Schuyler
K.Bushell
J.Neville
S.Christie
W.Scott
C.Dennett
D.Bradford
1./2.CALL TO ORDER
3.SPECIAL MUSICAL PRESENTATION
The appreciation of the Board was extended to the Wortley Road Public School Concert Band and
conductor Sherry Woods for leading in the singing of O Canada and performing three musical
selections.
4.APPROVAL OF AGENDA
The agenda was approved on motion of L.Stevenson and T.Roberts.
5.OFFICIAL RECORD -none
6.RECOGNITIONS
(a)CANADIAN NEWSPAPER ASSOCIATION JUNIOR CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Superintendent i\4ike Sereda extended congratulations on behalf of Thames Valleyto Julia Horel,
a grade 12 student at Huron Park S.S.Woodstock,winner of the Canadian Newspaper
Association Junior Citizen of the Year Award.The award recognizes Julia for her extensive
commitment to community and school activities while maintaining scholastic excellence.
(b) MIDDLESEX COUNTY EFFECTIVE SPEAKING CONTEST (John Gummow Effective
Speaking Awards)
Jeff Hogg,Northdale Central P.S.,Dorchester,and Reza Eshaghian,Medway H.S., Arva,
presented their winning speeches for the John Gummow Award for Effective Speaking.The
award is presented annually to the highest ranked elementary and secondary student in
Middlesex County schools.Appreciation and congratulations were expressed to the students for
their originality and excellence in effective speaking.Mrs.Wilma Gummow presented each
student with a commemorative plaque.
2003 April 22...2
7.CONFLICTS OF INTEREST -No conflicts of interest were declared.
8.DIRECTOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Bill Bryce,Director of Education,announced that,Chris Dennett has been hired for the position of
Manager,Public Affairs and Community Relations,effective 2003 June 01.
9.PUBLIC INPUT PRESENTATIONS
The following individuals presented their views regarding the Jeanne Sauve/Empress/Oxford Park
Public School Area Accommodation Study:
Michelle Betterldge/Debbie Alexander,
Oxford Park Area Accommodation Study Committee
Paula Stoyanovlch,
Oxford Park.Public School
Sandra Seldel,
Oxford Park Public School
Richard Mitchell/Dan Doneff,
Empress Public School
Janet Cormier/Tom Jory
Jeanne Sauve French Immersion School Council/Home and School
The following individualsprovidedwritten submissions regarding the Jeanne Sauve/Empress/Oxford l
Park Public School Area Accommodation Study:
Brenda Sharrard
Empress P.S.
Dawn McKelvey
Empress P.S.
Denise Sauson
Empress P.S.
Executive Superintendent P.Gryseels reviewed the procedures related to the study and advised that
the recommendations to be considered will be addressed at the 2003 May 27 meeting of the Board.
10.CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
a.The minutes of the Regular Board Meeting,2003 March 25 were adopted on motion of L.
Stevenson and P.Jaffe.
2003 April 22...3
11.REPORT OF COMMITTEES
a.REPORT OF THE SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Members
D.Anstead,Trustee (+12:31)
B.Duncan,(Alt)Thames Valley Children's
Centre
W.Dupuis,Ontario Association for Families
of Children with Communication Disorders
P. Gallin, Autism Society
P.Giilis,Integration Action for Inclusion
B.Hopkins,District School Council
R. Hurwitz,Association for BrightChiidren
G.McGahey,Chippewas of the Thames
Administration and Others
C,Allison
P. Cook, OPC -Elementary
V.Corcoran,Learning Supervisor
B.Greene,Executive Supt.of Business
S.Lundrigan, Executive Secretary's
Assistant
C. Murphy,Executive Supt.of Program
Services
G. On-,Learning Coordinator
J.Roth,Manager of Finance
Regrets:B.Booking,E.Hager,W.Rodic
2003 April 01
12:19 p.m.-3:10 p.m
A. Morse,Easter Seal Society
J.Ross,Epilepsy Support Centre (-2:40)
P.Sattler,Trustee (+1:22)
M.Schnarr-Rice,Learning Disabilities Assoc.
D.Smith,TVD Alliance of Home &School Councils
(+1:02)
L.Stevenson,Trustee
S. Wilson,Associations for Community Living
J. Worthington, VOICEfor Hearing-Impaired
Children (-2:20)
S.Seymour,(Alt)Ontario Association for Families of
Children with Communication Disorders
J.Steele,(Alt)Learning Disabilities Association
R.Tisdale
B.Tucker,Superintendent of Education
J.Webb,Secondary Principals
L.Welham,(Alt)VOICEfor Hearing-Impaired
Children
B.Woodiey,Supervisor,Transportation Services
1.CHAIR'S OPENING REMARKS
Chair L.Stevenson welcomed everyone and all present introduced themselves.
2.CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
No conflicts of Interest were declared.
3.CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
An update on the closure ofthe Robarts Hearing Centre's secondary program will be discussed
under item 6.3.The agenda was confirmed as amended.
M.Scharr-Ricerequested thatthe Learning Disabilities AssociationofOntario's Response tothe
report ofthe Education EqualityTask Force be distributed withthis report,(attached)
4.REPORT OF MEETING FROM 2003 MARCH 4
The report was confirmed as distributed.
5.BUSINESS ARISING
5.1 Special Education Plan
V.Corcoran providedan overviewofthe contents ofthe draftSpecial Educationbinderdistributed
at the meeting.Supervisor of Transportation Services Barrie Woodiey discussed the need to
have the student information form completed beforethe end of June for each student requiring
transportation in September 2003. Areas ofthe Special Education Plan notyet completed were
reviewedand administration responded to questions fromthe membership regarding content and
2003 April 22...4
11.REPORT OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
a.REPORT OF THE SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE -cont'd
5.BUSINESS ARISING -cont'd
5.1 Special Education Plan -cont'd
the process.V.Corcoran explained that "congregated"has been changed to "self-contained"to
alignwithministryterminology. Itwas noted that a page in section 2.8.8 regarding psychological
services and speech and language services would be distributed at the May meeting.
C.iVIurphy responded to a concern from J. Worthington regarding the change in the JK/SK
hearing program from its current full-day format to a half-day format beginning in September
2004.It was noted that the Board only receives funding to provide for a half-day program and
other exceptionalities do not have access to a full-day JK/SK program.
Members were Invitedto submit their questions or concerns regarding the draft special education
plan to B.Tucker's assistant,Jane Parker at i.Darl<er@tvdsb.on.ca or call Jane at 452-2046.All
submissions will be collated by Jane and discussed at the May meeting.
6.OTHER BUSINESS
6.1 a)Budget Discussion
Executive Superintendent of Business Brian Greene and Manager of Finance Jane Roth joined
the meeting to provide information on the special education budget.B.Greene brieflyoutlined
the Board's presentation to the Education Equality Task Force,the recommendations from Dr.
Rozanski's report,and the resulting funding announcements.
The ISA funding announcement increased the Board's allotment by 9.2 million dollars however,
approximately 5 million dollars of this will be transferred to the Board's reserve funds to
compensate for monies deducted to pay for special education expenditures during the 2001-02
school year.It was noted that there was an adjustment made for ISA claims of students no
longer enrolled in our system and this resulted ina deduction of $859,230.
In response to a question from B. Hurwitz, B.Greene noted that the projected decline in
enrolment for the 2003-04 school year will result in a decrease in revenue of approximately 9
million dollars.B.Tucker indicated that a special education reserve Is created separate from the
board reserve.
Although the recent funding announcements have provided some very positive news for special
education programs and services,G. Orr stated that there are areas that have not been
addressed by the funding announcement such as students in Section 19 schools,students that
have been identified who transfer to our system and,students Inour schools who have an ISA
file but their needs have intensified and we cannot refiie to receive the extra funding required.
L.Stevenson thanked B.Greene and J. Roth for their presentation and Invited them to return to
SEAC after the Ministry issues the grant announcement.
b)Update:Budget Consultation Process
P.Sattler noted that the funding announcement is expected by mid-April therefore,the Board will
be looking at mid to late May for public input presentation.
A motion by R.Hunwitz and P. Gallln to sit past 3:00 p.m. until 3:15 p.m.was carried.
6.2 Ontario Conference on Teaching Students with Autism
Members noted that this conference scheduled for June 4,5,and 6 has been postponed until the
fall.
2003 April 22...5
11.REPORT OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
a.REPORT OF THE SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COWIWIITTEE -cont'd
6.OTHER BUSINESS -cont'd
6.3 Update on the Closure of the Robarts Hearing ImpairedProgram
There was one chlid from the Thames Valley system that was affected by the closure of the
Hearing Impaired Secondary Schoolat Robarts and that student has chosen to go to a similar
program in Milton.G.iVlcGahey was advised to meet withV.Corcoran to discuss First Nations
students who have been affected by the closure.
7.UPDATES -none
8.FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
May -Special Education Plan
9.ASSOCIATION UPDATES
Patricia Gallin announced that the Autism Society's fundraiser,"Toonies for Autism"will take
placeinschoolson April 25.Ifanyschoolis Interested in participating,please contact Patricia.
There are three workshops this month —onWednesday April 2, at CPRI,an autism awareness
session on April 8, and on April 22 a workshop focussing on current research inautism will be
held at the London Hilton.For more information,please contact P.Gallin.
P.Gillis distributed a conference brochure announcing the London Family Network and
Integration Action for Inclusion:London andArea organizations are jointly hosting the Provincial
Conference and AGM forboth Family Alliance Ontario and Integration Action for Inclusion,on
Friday and Saturday April25 and 26, In London at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel. For more
information,please contact P. Gillis.
B.Hurwitz announced thatthe Association for Bright Children isa co-sponsorofthe Learning
Opportunities for Gifted Individuals Conference (LOGIC)which will be held on Thursday,May 1,
2003 atAlthouseCollege. Students from within ourBoardorstudents beinghomeschooledcan
apply for the 10 spots the Association for Bright Children has available.Contact B.Hurwitz at
434-7039 for more information.
Any information SEAC members would like distributed to trustees can be forwarded to Sue
Pullam at s.Dullam@tvdsb.on.ca or dropped offinDirector's Services.
Changes toan organization's membership should be addressed tothe Executive Secretary for
forwarding to the Board.
10.CORRESPONDENCE
The Committee welcomes Bonnie Montmlny whohas been appointedas the alternatefor
Madame Vanier Children's Services on SEAC.
Please checksection3 ofthe Special Education Plantoensure thatthe correct representation
information Is listed for your organization.
11.FORUM
12.ADJOURNMENT
The meetingadjourned on a motion byW.Dupuis at 3:10 p.m.
L.STEVENSON,
Chairperson
2003 April 22...6
11.REPORT OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
b.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE 2003 April 08
7:00 p.m.-11:25 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT ADMINISTRATION AND OTHERS
J.Hunter,Chair
G. Hart (-10:55)
P.Sattler
A.Cartier
8.Deller
P.Schuyler (+7:25 p.m.)
8.Peters
Regrets:J.Bennett
Absent:M.McTaggart
L.Stevenson B.Bryce'
D.Stewart
D.Anstead
T.Roberts
P.Jaffe
P.Gryseels
C. Murphy
J.Thorpe
M.Sereda
K.Dalton
D.Blair
B.Tucker
K.Dalton
L.Hutchinson
J.Roth
C.Linsdell
K.Bushel!
R.Hughes
S.Christie
W.Scott
D.Bradford
C.Dennett
1.APPROVAL OF AGENDA-The agenda was approved on motion of T.Roberts.
2.CONFLICTS OF INTEREST -none
3.DIRECTOR'S ANNOUNCEI\/IENTS
B. Bryce,Director of Education,announced that Education Week will be held from 2003 April28
to May 02 and is being coordinated by Rena Princis,Community and Corporate Development
Officer. He displayed a copy of the Education Week poster designed around this year's theme
"Education:Pathways to Our Future".Trustees will be informed of the specific events schools
have planned to.ceiebrate learning throughout the District.
Director Bryce advised that correspondence has been received from the Minister and Deputy
Minister regarding Ontario secondary school literacy courses for students experiencing difficulty
passing the Grade 10 literacy test.A credit course to support the student language skill's
curriculum is to be issued to boards this summer for September implementation.He noted that
secondary school students have,in many cases,already selected their courses for September,
and school administrators are beginning to set the course calendars and timetabling process.
Therefore,the addition of this credit course may prove to be a time sensitive Issue and require
a summer commitment from school staff to ensure its implementation by 2003 September.
Mr.Bryce advised that a memorandum was received from the Assistant Deputy Minister
regarding the Ministry's funding announcements to date and advising boards that specific details
are expected to be released within the next few weeks.It would appear that student-focused
funding regulations and General Legislation Grants for 2003-04 will not be released as early as
anticipated which may impact on the Board's 2003-04 budget deliberations timetable.
The Director advised that he has met with Trustee P. Sattler, Chair of the Budget Advisory
Committee,to discuss the recent announcement as it relates to a mid-April release and the
schedule for the budget process and public consultations.Trustee Jaffe requested that
Chairperson Hunter write to the Minister of Education,as soon as possible,expressing the
Board's concern regarding the delay in releasing the funding figures for 2003-04,and
emphasizing that the Board will not be in a position to move ahead with the budget process.
4.TRUSTEE ELECTIONS -2003
Director Bryce provided Information on the number and distribution of Trustee electoral seats for
the period of 2003 December 01 to 2006 November 30
2003 April 22...7
11.REPORT OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
b.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE •cont'd
4.TRUSTEE ELECTIONS-2003-cont'd
Ontario Regulation 155/02 (formerly Regulation 412/00)Elections to and Representation on
DistrictSchoolBoardsrequiresthatschoolboards,prior to2003March31,determinethenumber
ofmemberstobeelectedtotheboardas well as the distribution ofmemberstogeographicareas
within the board's jurisdiction.
The data from the Ontario Municipal Property Assessment Corporation,which Is necessary
before any of the required calculations can be made,did not arrive at the Board office until 2003
March31. As a result,the Board will notbe able to comply with the mandated timeline and the
Regional Office ofthe Ministry of Education has beenso advised noting the reasonforthe delay.
The process of determining thenumberoftrustees entitlementIspurelymechanicaland Isbased
onthe electoral group population for the Board (I.e.the number of English public schools system
ratepayers within theBoard's jurisdiction).The Regulation states thatfora population ofbetween
400,000 and 999,999,a board Is entitled to 12 seats.Thames Valley's population Is 457,222.
A number of other calculations is required to determine entitlement to additional elected trustee
representation but In each case,the calculation results in zero.
The second step inthe process Isto determine the distribution of those 12 seats.This Isa two-
partprocess. Thefirst,again,requires specific calculations.The results for each municipality and
wardare termedthe "Electoral Quotient"forthatwardor municipality.Totalsforeach area are
also given and provide a general Idea ofthe number ofseats to which each geographic area Is
entitled.
At this step, the Regulation gives a board the authority to designate geographic area(s) ofthe
boardas low population density.Thissectionis generally intended for northern boards andthe
geographically largeFrenchLanguageboards. The Boardmustpass a motion that designates
eithera low population geographic area(s)orstates thatitisnot designating anysuch area(s).
In2000, the Boarddidnotdesignate any low population geographic areas.
The final step In the distribution ofthe 12 seats istoassign themto specific geographicareas of
the Board with regardtothe Electoral Quotients andthe following principles containedin Section
4 (4)ofthe Regulation whichare the same principles as those that existed in 2000:
1.Municipalities with low population shallreceive reasonable representation.
2. Evidence ofhistorical,traditional or geographic communities should be taken intoaccount.
3. To the extentpossible,the identification of low population municipalities should permit the
establishment of geographic areas that coincide with school communities.
4.Representation shouldnotdeviate unduly from the principle of representation by population.
Theproposedtrustee distribution forthe2003 Election was provided.Mr.Bryce advisedthat
the proposed distribution isthesame as that which was approvedbythe Board In 2000and
Is essentially thesame as thatapprovedbythe Local Education Improvement Committee in
1997,except In that year, the six London trustees were elected on a city-wide basis. The
ward concept was adopted inLondon for the 2000 election so that Trustees would be more
readily identified as representing a specific sectionofthe city andhenceensure an equitable
distribution ofthe workload.Any alternation in the proposal must have due regard for the
principles set out above.
2003 April 22...8
11.REPORT OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
b.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
4.TRUSTEE ELECTIONS -2003 -cont'd
Once the appropriate motions are approved,a report must be prepared and sent to the
Minister,school board election clerks forallmunicipalitieswithinthe area ofjurisdictionofthe
Board and the secretary of every other board the area of whose jurisdiction falls wholly or
partially within the jurisdiction of the Thames Valley Board.A draft report was provided for
Information.
RECOMMENDATIONS;
1.That the Board not designate any municipality within its area of jurisdiction as a low
population municipality.
2.That the Board approve the distribution of members to geographic areas of the Board in
accordance with the distribution established (as attached).
The recommendations were adopted on motion of P.Jaffe.
5.REPORT OF THE SAFE SCHOOLS -SYSTEM VIOLENCE PREVENTION REVIEW
COMMITTEE
K.Dalton,Superintendent of Education,facilitated a comprehensive presentation of the System
Violence Prevention Review Committee's Safe Schools Report.
The purpose of the Safe Schools review was to determine if the Board is successfully meeting
the expectations of system violence prevention programs within the Violence Prevention portfolio.
The mandate of the Committee was to review system violence prevention programs to determine
the degree of success in meeting program expectations,system needs and to make
recommendations regarding future programs.
The Board's approach to Safe Schools is a comprehensive strategy which depends on the
initiatives of all departments and schools,and the collaborative efforts of a variety of personnel
and community partners.
The eight committee members met on ten half days between 2002 October 11 and 2003 April 01.
Representatives of the Safe School Review Advisory Committee included:Trustee Diane
Anstead,Karen Dalton,Chair (Superintendent ofEducation), Katie Steele (Operations Services)
Frank Gallzia (Emily Carr P.S.)Paul Tufts (Westminster S.S.)Steve Killip (Research and
Assessment),Gwen Orr and Ray Hughes (Program Services).
Dr. David Wolfe,Academic Director,Centre for Research on Violence Against Women and
Children,presented information related to issues of violence prevention and commended the
Board on its leadership role both nationally and internationally.
Mr.Reed Needles,English Department Head,Banting S.S.,presented information regarding the
secondary drama productions and discussed the need to expand the program to facilitate an
elementary focus on preventing bullying.
Bridget Roelands,Student,North Middlesex D.H.S.,explained her experiences as a peer
facilitator advocating anti-violence. Miss Roelands explained that peer facilitators and drama
students,intheir role as advocates for anti-violence,have gained leadership skills and become
positive role models.
2003 April 22...9
11.REPORT OF COWIWIITTEES -cont'd
b.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
5.REPORT OF THE SAFE SCHOOLS -SYSTEM VIOLENCE PREVENTION REVIEW
COMMITTEE •cont'd
Tierna Fisher,a 4th year student at the University of Western Ontario (UWO),highlighted the
successes of the Violence Prevention partnership between UWO and the Board.Miss Fisher,
In her role as Violence Prevention Facilitator and Coordinator,reported that the review of
Violence Prevention programs has provided an opportunity for UWO facilitators to discuss and
identify strategies that support safe,positive learning environments and develop appropriate
student behaviours.She emphasized the Importance of creating a non-threatening environment
where students feels comfortable In discussing sensitive issues while building and restoring
healthy relationships.
During the past eight months the Committee researched,surveyed,collected and analyzed data,
and made recommendations regarding the system's Violence Prevention programs.The
contents of the review and the opinions expressed by all stakeholders (students,facilitators,
teachers,school administrators,parents and community partners)are consistent and carry a
common message to the Board.
The central co-ordination and funding structure of the programs are vital to Its current and future
success.This means that quality,equitable programs using materials to ensure a delivery
method that is effective with students and conveys a consistent planned message from junior
kindergarten to senior secondary must be developed.The central funding means that the
implementation of these programs Is equitable throughout the Board and not dependent on the
financial situation,parent support,staff expertise or priorities of Individual school communities.
Central co-ordination ensures that all Thames Valley students have equal access to the system's
Violence Prevention programs.
The demand for individual programs and numbers of presentations have expanded greatly over
the past four years.The Board's expenditure of approximately $150 000,paired with the
community expenditure of almost $400 000,has allowed specific program offerings at all grade
levels,leadership opportunities for elementary and secondary school students and partnership
ventures resulting In student activities that are easily Integrated into the regular curriculum.
Despite all efforts,trustees were told that the present level of funding and personnel resources
have not allowed the Board to meet requests inall program areas.Most Importantly,the current
level of resources does not allow program expansion In the area of bullying.Communities are
becoming less and less tolerant of bullying behaviour and are requesting pro-active programming
and support services to deal with the Issue.
In order to maintain the level of commitment and funding from community partners.ItIs critical
to have Board personnel at the Central Officeto co-ordinate program development and delivery.
The Violence Prevention Co-ordinator's role has expanded far beyond the mandate of program
delivery and now demands the time to communicate and consult with community partners,school
administrators and parents.If this service is to continue,if programs are to expand to meet
Increasing demands,and the Issue of bullying Isto be addressed,then additional personnel and
funding will be required.
Administrators,teachers and students all report observable changes Inschool culture and student
behaviours with ongoing programming.In addition,students'written and oral responses
demonstrate that the messages that they have learned from the presentations meet program
expectations.
If this exemplary work which offers programs to Thames Valley's more than 80,000 students is
to continue,it will need additional personnel and financial support and are reflected In the
Committee's recommendations.
2003 April 22...10
11.REPORT OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
b.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
5.REPORT OF THE SAFE SCHOOLS •SYSTEM VIOLENCE PREVENTION REVIEW
COMMITTEE -cont'd
The following additional costs associated with enhancing the program were provided:
Drama Line $ 6 433.00
Teacher Support $19 301.00
Program Budget $47 000.00
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1.That the current position of Learning Coordinator for Violence Prevention be maintained and
violence prevention initiatives continue to be centrally funded and coordinated.
2.That the Board endorse,in principle,the expansion of its current violence prevention
programs,and develop a comprehensive,elementary,school-based anti-bullying program,
and refer the following recommendations to the budget process for consideration:
-that a .5 teacher be seconded to the central office to work with the violence prevention
coordinator to allow program growth In the area of preventing and addressing bullying
at the elementary level. ($19 301.);
the dedicated secondary drama lines are expanded to three (fromtwo) to facilitate the
elementary focus on preventing bullying.($6 433.);
-That additional clerical support be allocated to assist with violence prevention initiatives;
That an effort be made to increase the program budget line to $129 000 (2000-01
requested level of funding).
A discussion period followed.Recommendations 1 and 2 were approved on motion of D.
Anstead.
Chairperson Hunter extended appreciation for an informative presentation and commended the
staff and community partners for supporting initiatives that keep Instances of violence at a
minimum throughout the system.
6.AD HOC COMMITTEE TO ADDRESS CONCERNS OF GAY/LESBIAN STUDENTS FINAL
REPORT TO THE BOARD
Trustee Sattler spoke to the final report of the Ad Hoc Committee to Address Concerns of
Gay/Lesbian Students.
INTRODUCTION
Asa caring,learning community,the Board iscommittedto ensuring safe and welcoming learning
environments for all students and staff. No student should fear going to school because of
harassment or violence.No student should feel forced to transfer from his or her home school
because of constant threats or humiliation. No student should view dropping out - or suicide -
as the onlyway to avoid being degraded or victimized. No parents should have to worry about
such things happening to their child.
^\2003April 22...11
11.REPORT OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
b.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
6.AD HOC COMMITTEE TO ADDRESS CONCERNS OF GAY/LESBIAN STUDENTS FINAL
REPORT TO THE BOARD -cont'd
The Board has developed comprehensive policies,protocols,procedures and programs to make
our schools free of harassment,violence and hate.Yet,according to student reports,most gay,
lesbian,bisexual,transgendered and two-spirited (GLBT2)Thames Valley students face bullying
and harassment on a frequent,even daily,basis.Research suggests that many incidents go
unreported.
In some cases,students fear being "outed"if they report the incident.In other cases,students
do not believe that the harassment will be taken seriously,or that administrators will be able to
stop the harassment once it is reported.GLBT2 students can feel powerless in the face of a
school culture that normalizes homophobic language.Although the most flagrant homophobic
taunts are usually dealt with,other equally hurtful remarks and jokes sometimes go without
intervention.
This report outlines the Committee's recommendations to make Thames Valley schools safer,
more tolerant and respectful environments.It is recognize that there is no quick fix,and that
changing attitudes requires time and commitment.We believe,however,that learning to interact
peacefully and respectfully with each other and with the community at large is one of the most
important skills schools can teach.In Its recent decision supporting the use of gay-positive
elementary classroom materials in BC schools,over the objections of a small group of parents,
.'the Supreme Court noted "children cannot learn tolerance unless they are exposed to views that
differ from those they are taught at home."
Although our recommendations were developed specifically to address the concerns of GLBT2
students,we believe they will benefit all Thames Valley staff,students and their parents.
Regardless of sexual orientation,gender,race,ethnicity, ability, or socio-economic status,all
students have a right to feel safe at school.All staff members have a right to a working
environment free of bias and discrimination.All parents have a right to feel welcome in our
schools,and to expect that their children will be safe inour classrooms,hallways,playgrounds,
and school buses.
BACKGROUND
On August 29,2002,students,parents and community activists rallied in front of the Thames
Valley District School Board in support offive recommendations brought forward by gay,lesbian,
bisexual,transgendered and two-spirited students to address issues of violence and harassment
in Thames Valley schools.Trustees and administrators present at the rally publicly affirmed the
Board's commitment to making our schools safe forall students,and expressed their support for
addressing the issues raised by GLBT2 students.The recommendations,which had been
developed in a student workshop at the May 2002 Social Justice Now Conference,were:
Official adoption and diligent enforcement of a zero tolerance policy by teachers and
administration with regard to homophobic heterosexist behaviours in schools,i.e. prohibition of
homophobic name calling just as In the case of racial slurs;
Designation of a representative in every school to whom hate crimes may be reported by
students safely and where such reports are taken seriously and the welfare and protection of the
victim are considered;
Implementation of anti-violence education workshops to foster the development of an
environment of awareness and compassion for all students and educators with regard to issues
of sexual and gender orientation;
2003 April 22...12 />
11.REPORT OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
b.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
6.AD HOC COMMITTEE TO ADDRESS CONCERNS OF GAY/LESBIAN STUDENTS FINAL
REPORT TO THE BOARD -cont'd
Non-discriminatory,non-biased inclusion and representation In curriculum;i.e.consideration of
homosexual persecution when studying the Holocaust,etc;Development of a community
resource directory for GLBT2 students made visible in every guidance department in every
school.
Recognizing the wide range of issues represented in these recommendations,the Chairs'
Committee proposed the establishment ofan ad hoc committee,comprised of three trustees and
the student trustee,to consider the concerns raised and report back to the Board by the end of
January 2003.
The ad hoc committee was approved by the Board on September 24,2002.In January 2003,
Its reporting date was extended to March 2003.Afurther extension to April 2003 was approved
In March 2003.
PROCESS
The ad hoc committee was initially composed of three trustees (Peggy Sattler,Graham Hart and
Linda Stevenson),Board Chair Joyce Bennett, and Student Trustee Maggie McTaggart, withstaff
support from Director of Education Bill Bryce and the Board's Violence Prevention Co-ordlnator
Ray Hughes.To ensure that the views and perspectives of urban and rural secondary
administrators were represented,as well as GLBT2 secondary students.Lord Dorchester SS •^
Principal Becky Howse,Ingersoli DCl Vice-Principal Donna Adair and South SS student Simon
Rossiter were Invited to serve as secondary resource members.Later,as the Committee
recognized the need to develop recommendations that would be relevant to both the elementary
and secondary panels,Sandra Robinson, Principalof Valieyview PS and Scott Hughes,Principal
of Homedale PS,were invitedto serve as elementary resource members.
On November 6, 2002, the Committee held a public meeting to hear presentations from:
1.Debbie Lee,from the Association for the Elimination of Hate and Bias -London;
2. Bryan Smith and Mary Lou Cunningham,from OSSTF District 11;
3. Julie Glaser,from Seen &Heard: Youth Anti-Violence Education Project;
4.Joanna Paddock,Jason Yeoman and Trevor Patterson,present and former Thames Valley
students;
5.Joanne King,Cathy Gouthro,and Heather Chisholm,from Parents,Friends and Families of
Lesbians and Gays (PFFLAG).
On January 13,2003,the Committee heard additional presentations from Dr. David Rayslde,
Associate Chair ofthe Department ofPolitical Science at the Universityof Toronto,and Kathleen
Loftus and John Guiney of the Elementary Teachers'Federation ofOntario EquityCommittee.
Dr.Rayslde Iscurrently researching a comparative study ofsexual diversityand school boards
in Canada and the United States.
As well as these external presentations,the Committee received and reviewed Information about
the Board's current policies and programs on harassment,safe schools,and human resources.
Committee members also reviewed written e-mails and letters from students and community
members,information about the UWO Queerline, media and other reports about legal Issues,and
a legal opinion prepared by the Board's solicitor.Student members Maggie McTaggart and ^-
Simon Rossiter contacted allsecondary schools and student councilsto invite their inputand
encourage GLBT2 students to document and report Incidents of harassment/violence.Simon
Rossiter was provided witha confidentialvoice-mall inan effort to encourage students to share
their experiences.
2003 April 22...13
11.REPORT OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
b.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
6. AD HOC COMMITTEE TO ADDRESS CONCERNS OF GAY/LESBIAN STUDENTS FINAL
REPORT TO THE BOARD -cont'd
ISSUES
a.GLBT2 Students
An alarming body ofresearch indicates that lesbian andgay youth are more likely tobe bullied
at school than heterosexual youth. In1996, British researcher Ian Rivers found that 80% ofthe
140gayand lesbian young people involved in hisresearchhad experienced taunting abouttheir
sexual orientation,and morethan halfhad been physically assaulted or ridiculed.A significant
number ofgay and lesbian young people experience low self-esteem,isolationand self-hatred.
They have much higher drop-out rates than other students.Rejected by their families,many
become homeless and tumto alcohol,drugs,or the sex trade. A 1995 studyconcludedthat in
Canada, about one-third of all teens who commit suicideare lesbian,gay or bisexual.
Homophobic attacksare not only directed against GLBT2 students.In "The Bully,the Bullied,
and the Bystander, Barbara Coloroso reportsthat verbal bullying,the most common form of
bullying,tends to focus on homophobic terms ("gay,""fag,""queer,""homo")among boys.
Studentsdonothavetobegaytobetargetedbythis kind of bullying - severalrecentcourt cases
have involved "straighf students taunted repeatedly by homophobic slurs.
These findings about homophobia and bullying were confirmed bythe City of London's Safe City
Project,launched in 1999 to examine and collect data related to violence against GLBT2 youth.
98%ofthe youth who participated in the study reported verbal assaults,71%had experienced
physicalviolence,13%had experienced sexual violence,and 26% had considered suicide.While
manyofthese incidents tookplace at homeoron the streets, the Safe City Project found that
66%of the incidents occurred at school.
During our public consultation,the Committee heard moving and emotionalaccounts from GLBT2
Thames Valley students about their own experiences of harassment and violence. Several of
these studentsdroppedoutofschool,orswitched from theirhomeschooltoa "safer"school,one
regarded as a havenbymany GLBT2 Thames Valley students. The Committeealso heard heart-
wrenching stories from Thames Valley parents who watched helplessly as their children were
degraded and humiliated bytheirexperiencesinoursystem.
b.GLBT2 Staff and Families
The Committee recognizes the importance of providing a safe working environment free of
harassment and bias for GLBT2 teachers and staff.Teachers needto feel they can safely be
"out"and that they will be supported when they do come out.Gay and lesbian teachers give
GLBT2 youth positive role models,and assist in dispelling myths and stereotypes among
students and staffabout GLBT2 people.This in turn helps to eliminate prejudice,reduce
harassment,and promotetolerance and respect for diversity.
The Committee isalso aware ofan increasing number ofsame-sex parents of Thames Valley
students.Same-sex parents deserve to feel welcome in our schools.Their children deserve to
see their families reflected in the curriculum,and their family relationships recognized as
legitimate,normal,and valued.
c.Court Cases
Over thepast two decades,many US court cases have dealt with harassment and bullying of
gay/ lesblan/transgendered students.Financial settlements against the school boards involved
have ranged from $135,000 to $900,000 US.In Canada,more studentsand their parents are
beginning to challenge school boards for their failure to protect students from homophobic
bullying,resulting ina growing number of court cases.There have been two recent cases of note
in Canada —the Knight case in Halton,Ontario,and the Jubran case in Vancouver, BC.
2003 April 22...14
11.REPORT OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
b.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
6.AD HOC COMMITTEE TO ADDRESS CONCERNS OF GAY/LESBIAN STUDENTS FINAL
REPORT TO THE BOARD -cont'd
To develop Its recommendations,the Committee considered each of the five recommendations
brought fonward to the Board.
WORKSHOP RECOMMENDATION 1
Official adoption and diligent enforcement of a zero tolerance policy by teachers and
administration with regard to homophobic/heterosexist behaviours In schools,i.e. prohibitionof
homophobic name calling just as In the case of racial slurs.
The Committee believes that the Board's policymust be consistently,promptly,and appropriately
enforced for all forms of harassment,includingdiscriminatory language based on homophobia
and/or heterosexism.Webelievethat consistent and immediate responses will promote greater
reporting of incidents of violence/harassment,and further our understanding of the issues.
We recognize,however, that prohibitivepolicies against anti-gay language will not address the
root causes of homophobia.Young children acquire the language long before they understand
what the words mean.To rid schools of homophobic language,teachers and staff must ensure
that students understand why the words are unacceptable,in age-appropriate ways.
To change language and behaviour, and ensure system-wide awareness of homophobia and
heterosexism,we recommend a school-based.approach to enable individual schools to assess
their own strengths and weaknesses on a range of equity issues,Including sexual orientation,
and implement strategies to address the gaps.Such an approach would also assist all schools
to develop and define their shared "values In action," guided by Board policies and procedures.
WORKSHOP RECOMMENDATION 2
Designation of a representative in every school to whom hate crimes may be reported by
students safely,and where such reports are taken seriouslyand the welfare and protectionofthe
victim are considered.
The Board's harassment policydirects students who believe they are being harassed to report
the Incident to a "trusted adult"in the school.The GLBT2 students involved in our consultations
agreed it is essential that students trust and feel comfortable with the person to whom they
disclose the harassment.However,they raised genuine concerns about confidentiality notbeing
respected in the disclosure process.The Committee believes that diligent enforcement of the
current harassment policy,withstrict attention to confidentiality.Isvital. We are concerned that
designating a specific staff member might suggest that hate crimes are the responsibility ofa
single individual,rather than a shared responsibility of the entire school.
TheCommitteeacknowledgesthatcertainstaffmembers mayhave a particularinterestinequity
issues. We believe itis important toencouragethese stafftobecomeschoolleaders on equity
issues,and for students to be aware ofstaff members especially supportive of issues involving
GLBT2 students.The Committee was very interested in the "positive space"campaigns
launched bythe UniversityofToronto and ETFOto Identify gay-positive schools,classrooms and
teachers.However,weare awareoffewThames Valley elementaryschools thatactuallydisplay
the ETFO positive space stickers and posters.We would like to see the concept of positive
space broadened at the elementary levelto Includehuman rights and equity issues ingeneral,
and recommend that Thames Valley consider developing its own positive space materials.
The Committeebelieves that there Isgreat value in supporting secondary schools to establish
Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) or other peer support clubs. GSAs offer gay and lesbian young
people,who may be isolated and at-risk, a safe place to meet and talk about sexual orientation
2003 April 22...15
11.REPORT OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
b.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
6.AD HOC COMMITTEETO ADDRESS CONCERNS OF GAY/LESBIAN STUDENTS FINAL
REPORT TO THE BOARD -cont'd
issues withtheir peers.Just as both men and women must be involvedinchallenging sexism,
bothstraight and gay students must be involvedinchallenginghomophobia. GSAs are important
tools to involve"straight"students in raising awareness and challenging homophobia.
WORKSHOP RECOMMENDATION 3
Implementation of anti-violence education workshops to foster the development of an
environment of awareness and compassion forall students and educators with regard to issues
of sexual and gender orientation.
The Committee observed that issues of sexual orientation have been addressed in several of the
Board's violence preventiondrama productions,usually as a sub-theme.We support the ongoing
incorporationof issues ofsexual diversity as both sub-themes and primary themes inthe Board's
violence preventiondrama program.While the committee received very positivefeedback on
Forum Theatre, we are concerned that the violence prevention drama productions are only
offeredon a limited basis, and notall students have opportunities towatchthe productions and
participate inthe debriefings.In orderto address issues of sexual diversityand homophobiamore
directly, without decreasing the number of plays on other equally important issues,we believe
that the violence prevention drama program must be expanded to allowfor a greater number of
productionsand/or performances. Wefurtherbelievethat careful,sensitivestudent debriefings,
conducted bytrained facilitators,are critical foreffective anti-violence education, especiallyon
such topics as sexual orientation and homophobia.
To enhance the Board's violenceprevention efforts,we recommend that the Boardstrengthen
its partnerships with community groups and organizations involved in equity issues,such as
PFFLAG, police services across the region, and the Association forthe EliminationofHate Crime
and Bias London,inorder to make full use of community resources, workshops, and initiatives
on sexual diversity.
WORKSHOP RECOMMENDATION 4
Non-discriminatory,non-biased inclusionand representation incurriculum(i.e. consideration of
homosexual persecution when studying the Holocaust).
The Committeebelieves thatsexual orientation should be recognizedand acknowledgedwhen
itIsrelevanttothe topicunderstudy, and taught throughoutthe curriculum -in history,thearts,
science,and literature - not just during health classes.In literature, for example, an author's
personal relationships may have had an important influence on his or her work, and should be
regarded as a standard course ofstudy.Normalizing lesbians, gays and bisexuals as an integral
partofsociety,ratherthan marginalizing or excluding them,helpstopromotea more positive self-
imagefor GLBT2 students.Andrecognizingthe humanityand contributionsofgays, lesbians and
bisexuals enables heterosexual students to better understand and develop healthy attitudes
toward GLBT2 students.
The Committee is concerned that the Ontario curriculum guidelines do not provide specific
references to equity or hate-motivated violence.While the 1999 Grade 9 curriculum addresses
hate-motivatedcrime,itis notspecificto the groups ofstudents towhichitapplies.
The Committeereviewedthe wealthof curriculum materialsand resources developed by ETFO
and others to support classroom discussion about equityand diversity. The committee believes
that elementary curriculum materials are especially importantto teach young childrentolerance
and respectful language about sexual orientation inan age-appropriate manner.
2003 April 22...16
11.REPORT OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
b.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
6.AD HOC COMMITTEE TO ADDRESS CONCERNS OF GAY/LESBIAN STUDENTS FINAL
REPORT TO THE BOARD -cont'd
WORKSHOP RECOMMENDATION 5
Development of a community resource directory for GLBT2 students,made visible in every
guidance department,In every school.
The Committee recognizes that most gay/lesbian young people do not have the same family
supports that other students may have.Few gay/lesbian students have parents who share their
experience as a sexual minority,and many risk parental rejection or even homeiessness once
they disclose their sexual orientation.For these reasons,we believe itIs essential that the Board
proactively identify and publicize community supports for gay/Iesblan students.Inaddition to the
services available from the public health units and Board paraprofessionais,the committee
received Information about three specific community resources for Thames Valley GLBT2
students:Queeriine,a gay/lesbian peer support line run by trained UWO students;the support
group Parents,Friends and Families of Lesbians and Gays (PFFLAG);and the Seen &Heard
Youth Anti-Violence Education Project.
To ensure accurate and up-to-date information,the Committee recommends that schools work
with their local health units to develop lists of community resources for GLBT2 students,and
make these lists available in student planners and school websites.
In making our recommendations,the Committee notes that current violence prevention funding
amounts to only $1.00 per student.Rather than reallocating violence prevention monies,the
committee strongly recommends that the violence prevention budget be increased to ensure that
existing violence prevention programs are not negatively affected by the Implementation of the
recommendations outlined Inthis report.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the Board:
1. reaffirm to the system the Board's commitment to having all incidents of harassment dealt
with consistently,promptly and appropriately;
2. require principals and managers to highlight equity awareness annually withtheir staffs In
August/September,related to the Board's Harassment and Safe Schools policies and the
Employment Standards Act,
3.require principals,when possible,to Identity a staff representative to serve as an outreach
contact to students and as a school leader among staffon sexual diversityand equity issues;
4.ensure that Issues of confidentiality are addressed with school administrators so there Is a
trusted adult In each school to whom students can disclose biased activities and hate crimes;
5.encourage and assist schools to make all issues ofequity, including sexual orientation, more
visible in secondary schools, through the establishment of Gay-Straight Alliances, human
rights, equity, or social justice clubs;
6.provide TVDSB schools with the following resources:
- lists of library materials on sexual diversity;
2003 April 22...17
11.REPORT OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
b.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
6.AD HOC COMMITTEE TO ADDRESS CONCERNS OF GAY/LESBIAN STUDENTS FINAL
REPORT TO THE BOARD -cont'd
Recommendations -cont'd
information about available programs and community groups that offer age-appropriate
workshops on sexual diversity and/or hate-motivated violence;
a speakers list for schools and students of presenters available to speak on sexual
orientation issues;
a wreb-based GLBT2 community resource directory on the TVDSB student portal to
facilitate students'private access to information about GLBT2 resources;
materials on establishing GSAs or social justice clubs,such as the Howto Guide for New
and Established Gay/Straight Alliances by the Gay,Lesbian and Straight Education
Network (GLSEN).
7.Incorporate sexual orientation issues into the Board's violence prevention drama program;
8.encourage and support schools to expand the use of theatre/drama in classroom and school
productions to address sexual orientation issues and present gay-positive role models;
9.request that each TVDSB subject association and division leader find ways to ensure non
discriminatory,non-biased inclusionand representation incurriculumfortheir subject areas;
10.send a letter to the Minister of Education requesting that hate-motivated violence against
gay/lesbian students,equity,and diversitybe addressed incurriculum,beginningat an early
level in the elementary panel;
11.require all secondary schools to identifyappropriate community organizations and help-lines
intheir geographic areas related to gay/lesbian student support,with the assistance of local
public health units,and include these lists in student planners/agenda books/school web sites
and post them in school guidance offices;
12. strike a sub-committee of the Safe Schools Steering Committee to develop a work plan
including implementation time-lines and costing ofthe following strategies,witha preliminary
report to be submitted to the Board by January 2004:
-develop a Safe Schools template or "framework,"that would include tools and
suggestions for schools and specifically include sexual orientation issues;
develop a Safe Schools report card based on the Safe Schools template;
select elementary and secondary schools to pilotthe report card and develop model Safe
Schools plans including short and long term strategies for prevention,intervention,and
aftermath;
require principals to work with their staffs to determine the gaps at their school as part
of the assessment for the report card,and to outline the strategies that will be used to
address racism,sexism,homophobia,sexual harassment,etc.;
require principals tosubmit this planto superintendents as part ofthe evaluation process;
provide PD for all staff on equity issues,including sexual diversity,on a regular basis;
2003 April 22...18
11.REPORT OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
b.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
6.AD HOC COMMITTEE TO ADDRESS CONCERNS OF GAY/LESBIAN STUDENTS FINAL
REPORT TO THE BOARD -cont'd
Recommendations -cont'd
offer training oh request for parents,school councils and other interested community
members;
Include equity awareness workshops in orientation sessions for new employees and newly-
appointed administrators;
develop web-based information,as part of the safe schools template,detailing the Board's
approach to sexual orientation issues and outlining supporting resources;
explore existing sexual diversity resources and best practices from ETFO,OSSTF and other
boards;
-•consider developing joint sexual diversity resource materials with other boards;
consider piloting student workshops on sexual diversity in selected secondary schools;
13.provide $200.00 per school for allTVDSBschool libraries to purchase books and materials
on sexual diversity to be available for students and staff;
14.allocate an additional 0.5 teaching staff to assist the Violence Prevention Co-ordinator;
15.add two secondary staffing lines for violence prevention drama productions;
16.allocate $20,000 seed money to support the Initiatives outlined in this report in order to
ensure that no existing violence prevention programs are cut back In the implementation of
these recommendations.
The committee further recommends:
17.that the Ad Hoc Committee to Address Concerns of Gay/Lesbian Students be disbanded.
P.SATTLER,
Committee Chair
During the discussion,It was emphasized that the concerns expressed by the Address
Gay/Lesbian Students Ad Hoc Committee were consistent with the criteria and initiatives
contained Inthe Board's Safe Schools policies and procedures.Trustees expressed concerns
over the costs to duplicate the programs and services and suggested that the GLBT2
recommendations should be considered withinthe scope of the current Violence Prevention
program proposed expansion.
P.Sattler moved the following motion (1):
That Recommendations 1to 12 be approved and that Recommendation 13 to 16 be referred
to the Budget AdvisoryCommitteefor consideration during the 2003-04 budget process.
A friendly amendment by P.Sattler to separate out Recommendation 11 was not accepted.
2003 April 22...19
11.REPORT OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
b.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
6.AD HOC COMMITTEETO ADDRESS CONCERNS OF GAY/LESBIAN STUDENTS FINAL
REPORT TO THE BOARD -cont'd
Recommendations -cont'd
P.Jaffe moved the following motion:
That Recommendations 13 to 16 be referred to the Budget Advisory Committee for
consideration during the 2003-04 budget process
Following discussion,the motion was withdrawn.
Motion(1)was withdrawn by P. Sattler.
P.Jaffe moved the following motion:
That Recommendations 2 to 9 and 11 and 12 be referred to the Directorfor consideration by
the Administration regarding implementation and that a report be brought back to the Board
by the end of 2002-03 school year.
After a discussion,the motion was amended to bring a report back by the end of2003 October:
That Recommendations 2 to9 and 11 and 12 be referred tothe Directorforconsideration by
the Administration regarding implementation and that a report be brought back to the Board
by the end of 2003 October.
A poll vote was requested on all motions.
The motion,as amended,was defeated on a tie vote:
YEAS:L.Stevenson,P.Sattler.D.Stewart,D.Anstead,G. Hart, P.Jaffe
NAYS:J. Hunter, S. Deller,A.Cartier, S.Peters,T. Roberts, P.Schuyler
ABSENTIONS:none
Recommendation 10 was moved by P.Jaffe and carried:
That a letter be sent to the Minister of Education requesting that hate-motivated violence
against gay/lesbian students,equity,and diversity be addressed In curriculum beginning at
an early level In the elementary panel.
Recommendation 1 was moved by P.Jaffe and carried:
That the Board reaffirm to the system the Board's commitment to having all incidents of
harassment dealt with consistently,promptly and appropriately.
P.Sattler moved that Recommendations 2 to 9 and 11 to 16 of the report be approved.
P.Jaffe requested that the recommendations be separated out.
Recommendation 2
That the Board require principals and managers to highlight equity awareness annually with
their staff in August/September,related to the Board's Harassment and Safe Schools policies
and the Employment Standards Act
2003 April 22...20
11.REPORT OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
b.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
6.AD HOC COMMITTEE TO ADDRESS CONCERNS OF GAY/LESBIAN STUDENTS FINAL
REPORT TO THE BOARD -cont'd
Recommendations -cont'd
Recommendation 2 was amended to change the word "require"to "encourage".It was moved
by P.Sattler and adopted on a pollvote:
That the Board encourage principals and managers to highlightequity awareness annually
with their staff In August/September,related to the Board's Harassment and Safe Schools
policies and the Employment Standards Act.
YEAS:8.Deller, S.Peters,T.Roberts,L.Stevenson,P.Schuyler,G. Hart, P.
Sattler,P.Jaffe
NAYS:A.Cartier
ABSTAIN:D.Stewart,J.Hunter
Recommendation 3 was adopted on a pollvote:
That the Board require principals,when possible,to Identify a staff representative to serve
as an outreach contact to students and as a school leader among staff on sexual diversity
and equity issues.
YEAS:S.Peters,L.Stevenson,G.Hart,P.Sattler,P.Jaffe
NAYS:S. Deller,T.Roberts.P. Schuyier, A.Cartier
ABSTAIN:D.Stewart,J.Hunter
The following motion was moved by L.Stevenson:
That Recommendations 4 to 9 and 11 to 17 be referred back to the Ad Hoc Committee to
address Concerns of Gay/Lesbian students for further consideration and that a report be
brought back to the Board no later than 2003 October 31.
The motion was adopted on a pollvote:
YEAS:D.Stewart,J.Hunter,S. Peters, T. Roberts,L.Stevenson,P. Schuyler,A.
Cartier,G. Hart, P.Sattler,P.Jaffe
NAYS:S.Deller,D.Anstead
ABSTAIN:none
A motion to sit passed 11:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.was moved by L.Stevenson.
7.SPECIAL EDUCATION PLAN UPDATE
C.Murphy,ExecutiveSuperintendent, Program Services,providedan update regarding the draft
Special Education Plan for 2003-04. In accordance with Ontario Regulation 306 - Special
Education Programs and Services,sec.2(3)(4):
(3) "Every board shall ensure that the special education plan of the board is reviewed
annually bythe board and that the review is completed priorto July 31 in each year."
(4)"In any year wherethe specialeducationplanisamended bythe board, the amendment
shall be submitted to the Minister for reviewon or before July 31 inthat year."
2003 April 22...21
11.REPORT OF COWIWIITTEES -cont'd
b.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
7.SPECIAL EDUCATION PLAN UPDATE -cont'd
Vlckl Corcoran, Learning Supervisor, highlightedthe proposed revisions and major changes in
directionfor the provisionof programs and services.Itwas noted that Special Education Staff
(Section 2.11)and Submission and Availability of School Boards' Plans (Section 5) are to be
completed following the consultation process and finalization ofthe 2003-04 budget.
The Identification,Placement, and Review Committee (IPRC)Process (Section2.4) has been
revised in order to outline the process for special education interventions in a progressive
manner, fromleast intrusiveto the formal Identification process.The processes were reviewed
byvarious committees toreflectcurrent practice and present information ina consistent manner,
however, the processes themselves have not been significantly altered.
The Individual EducationPlans (lEPs)(Section2.9)isessentiallynewand isnowclearly outlined
and explained.It was developed primarily in consultation with the SEAC Communications
Committee and includes a new resource guide for parents of students on an lEP and will be
printed and available to schools for distribution.
In summary, all sections of the Special Education Plan have been updated with current
information and reorganized to more closely align with the sections of the current Ministry
standard document The language/organization ofthe plan has been examined to ensure that
there is more consistency informat from section to section.Also, more information has been
added on the consultation process and the role of SEAC.
Supt.Murphy advised that the Draft Special Education Plan was distributed to SEAC on 2003
April and that alldraft sections were posted to the Board's website for public input.Following
presentations toSchool Councilsand Homeand SchoolAssociation any inputistobe discussed
at the2003 May 06 meetingofSEACwith the final planbeingsubmittedtothe Boaird forapproval
on 2003 May 27.
Copiesofthe overhead presentationwere requested. Abriefquestion-and-answer session was
held.
8.MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORTING
J.Roth,Manager,Financial Services,presenteda Monthly Financial Report as at2003 February
28. Asummary ofrevenues, expenditures byexpendituretype and area was also provided.
9.REPORT OF THE NATIVE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING '2003 March 18
3:19 p.m.-4:48 p.m.
Members
D.Charles,O.K.T.P.Schuyler,Trustee
L.Doxtator,O.K.T.T. Smith, Chippewas ofthe Thames
J.Hunter,Trustee L.Stevenson,Trustee
G.McGahey,Chippewas of the Thames
Administration and Others S. Lundrigan, Recording Secretary
M. L.Anderson,Principal,Thames S.S.S.Miller,Attendance Counsellor
D.Cook,Vice-Principal,Seal S.S.C.Murphy,Exec. Supt. Program Services
D.Gordon, Learning Coordinator, CEC South M.Sereda,Supt. of Education
C.Graves,Learning Supervisor T.Sillaby-Ramsey,Native Counsellor
V. Hopkins, Native Counsellor J.Upsdell,Principal,Beal S.S.
S.Killip,Coordinator,Research &Assmt. J. Fitzsimmons, Principal,Westminster Central P.S.
J.Robertson,Vice-Principal,Saunders S. S.
2003 April 22...22 ^
11.REPORT OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
b.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
9.REPORT OF THE NATIVE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING -cont'd
Regrets:0.Dolson
Absent:
1.APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
The date of the last meeting was noted as being 2003 February 11.The agenda was
confirmed as amended.
2.CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
No conflicts of interest were declared.
3.WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS
Chair P.Schuyier welcomed everyone to the meeting and all present introduced themselves.
4.CONFIRMATION OF VOTING MEMBERS
Trustees:P.Schuyier,J. Hunter, L.Stevenson
O. K.T.Representatives:L. Doxtator, D.Charles
Chippewas of the Thames:G.McGahey,T.Smith
Munsee-Delaware Nation:
5.REPORT OF MEETING -2003 February 11
The reportwas confirmed as distributed.,
Business Arising from the Report of 2003 February 11
Program Services has contacted the organizers to help sponsor students'attendance at
Nokee Kwe's "Earthwalkers"conference.
Principal Ron Olson will be contacting First Nations representatives to discuss the summer
school program.C.Murphy noted that to avoid incurring a loss,18 students with regular
attendance would have to enrol. Administration would like to offer it this year hoping that
parental,community and First Nations'support will boost the enrolment numbers.G.
McGahey noted that the student success rate Is much higher when the program is offered on
the reserve rather than in the city.Summer school will be an item on the 2003 April8 agenda.
6.REPORT ON USE OF CULTURAL FUNDS
C.Graves reported that there is$350 in professional development funds forthe Committee's
use.it was supported by the Committee that this money be donated to Nokee Kwe's
"Earthwalkers"conference.
It was noted that a receipt must accompany the expenditure of the cultural funds. So far this
year, $6000 has been spent.The deadline for spending the money and submitting the
receipts is March 31. Ifyou have an expenditure,call Michele Helps in Finance at 452-2527.
7.SURVEY QUESTIONS
Coordinator of Research and Assessment Steve Killip distributed a draft Native Student's
Survey and a page providing background information.
The Committee reviewed the survey and discussed amendments.The timing and manner In ^
which the survey will be distributed were discussed.S.Killip will provide a revised document '
for the 2003 April 1 agenda.
8.POSSIBILITY OF OFFERING OJIBWA LANGUAGE
C.Graves was informed that there is a speaker of the Ojibwa language who is able to teach
this course.The Thames Valley Board's independent Procedure:First Nations Language
Instruction will be followed during the recruitment process.
2003 April 22...23
11.REPORT OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
b.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
9.REPORT OF THE NATIVE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING -cont'd
9.NATIVE ALTERNATIVE PROGRAM
Superintendent of Education Mike Sereda noted that the alternative program is not being
inundated with applications from students lookingfor an "easier"route to obtain their credits.
The first priority for placement is students under 16 years of age who must go through the
Supervised AlternativeLearningforExcused Pupils (SALEP)process beforetheyare enrolled.
Students over 16 years of age must prove they are committed to doing their homeworkand
attending regularly.The alternative program cannot graduate students and offers credit in
only a portion of the subject areas.
10.PRINCIPALS'UPDATES
Westminster Central P.S.
Principal J.Fitzsimmons Informed the Committee that Munsee-Delaware member Carmen
Dolson has been promoted and her replacement (yet to be named)will replace her on the
Native Advisory Committee.
Westminster Is happy to announce that there is funding for a new school bus for students
coming from Muncey to alleviate the problem of having three children to a seat.Staff at
Westminster have been invited to the Healing Lodge in Muncey for a professional
development day to discuss the needs ofstudents and howthey can be addressed on the
reserve. J. Fitzsimmonsnotedthat the students really like their teachers to see where they
live.
Saunders S. S.
Early reports will be goinghometodayforat-riskstudents.Vice-Principal J. Robertsonnoted
thatthere is one reportpercourse and parent/guardian signatureswere required.The mid
term report cards will be goinghome on April 23and parent-teacher interviews are scheduled
for April29.
Thames S. S.
Principal M.L.Anderson stated that this is a compulsory co-op week forsenior students in
grades 11 and 12.There are 39 students at co-opplacementsthissemester,working from
Tuesday to Friday,and three of the 39 are Native.One of the Native students is at the Delta
LondonArmouries, one is at the Bargain Shop and the thirdNative student is at the Oneida
Childcare Centre.
Thames isveryencouraged bythe preliminary resultsofthe literacy test which have notyet
been released to the media.
Beal S.S.
Early progress reports will be going out on March 24 with Parent-Teacher interviews
scheduled forThursday, March27. PrincipalJ. Upsdell indicated that the administration will
letparents know whentoexpectthe reportcards. The preliminary reportonthe literacy test
results will be sent home and those who have failed will be offered a continuing education
program in April.These students will have an opportunityto re-take the test inOctober.
Native Counsellor T.Sillaby-Ramsey describedthe wonderful time25studentshadwhenthey
went to Mohawk College.Two students went back to Mohawk during the March break for a
more In-depth tour. Two male students participated in a train-the-trainer session in
preparation for the grade 9/10 orientation.Students attending the "Earthwalkers" event
offered positive commentsaboutthe experience. Tracyand Sandra Miller have organized a
2003 April 22...24
11.REPORT OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
b.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
9.REPORT OF THE NATIVE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING -cont'd
Young Native Women's Support Groupto discuss a varietyoftopics including depression,
anger management and dating violence. Native Counsellors are organizing a grade 9
orientation session for WiijI and Standing Stone students and their parents. Plans are
undervi/ay for the May 16 social and there is a possibility of a dorm sleep over for senior
students at U.W.O.
ChairP. Schuyler noted that hisdaughter, whoisin grade one, read 102 books ina monthand
was very excited to have lunch with Principal J. Fltzslmmons.
11.ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 4:48 p.m. on a motion by L.Stevenson.
Next Committee Meeting Date:
Tuesday,2003 April8
3:00 p.m.
Elgin Room
Recommendations:-None
P.SCHUYLER.
Chairperson
10. REPORTOF THE POLICY WORKING COMMITTEE 2003 April 01
4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
MEMBERS ADMINISTRATION AND OTHERS
D.Anstead (Chair) T. Roberts B. Bryce B. Strong
P.Sattler P.Jaffe S.Christie B.Tucker
Regrets:J.Bennett,S.Peters
Trustee Visitor:L.Stevenson
C. Murphy
1.APPROVALOF AGENDA- The agenda was approved on motion of P.Sattler.
2.CONFLICTS OF INTEREST-none declared
3.COMMITTEE REPORT OF FEBRUARY 4.2003 ANDTRACKING SHEET
The February 4,2003,report and tracking sheet were provided forreferenceas required.
4.INTRODUCTION OF DRAFT POLICY/PROCEDURE -none
5.CONSIDERATION OF POLICY/PROCEDURE FOLLOWING PUBLIC INPUT
a. Religious Observances - AccommodationofStaff Policy
Manager Beth Strong joined the meeting to speak to public inputon the draft Religious
Observances -Accommodation ofStaff policynoting no communication was received. The
Board's solicitor has advised that he has no concerns with the policy wording.
2003 April 22...25
11.REPORT OF COWIWIITTEES -cont'd
b.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
10,REPORT OF THE POLICY WORKING COMMITTEE -cont'd
The following motion was moved by P.Jaffe and carried:
That the Religious Observances r Accommodation of Staff Policy be forwarded to the April 22
Board meeting for approval.
b.Promotional Practice Selection Procedures and Appointments of Learning Supervisors
Independent Procedure
Executive Superintendent Cathy Murphy joined the meeting to discuss public input received from
four staff. Minorwording changes were made,e.g.amending the title to "Selection Procedures
and Appointments of Learning Supervisors".
The following motion was moved by P.Jaffe and carried:
That the Selection Procedures and Appointments of Learning Supervisors independent
procedure be forwarded to the April 22 Board meeting for information.
c.Electronic Meetings -
Director Bill Bryce noted only one item of public input was received on the Electronic Meetings
policy and procedure expressing concern over the cost of electronic meetings and urging the
Board to use discretion when considering them.The document was referred to the Board's
solicitor for input. His suggestions have been incorporated into the documents.
The following motion was moved by P.Jaffe and carried:
That the Electronic Meetings policy be fonwarded to the April22 Board for approval and the
procedure for information.
6.DRAFT POLICY/PROCEDURE REQUIRING FURTHER CONSIDERATION -none
7.SUGGESTED POLICY/PROCEDURE REVISIONS
a. Revision to Pediculosis Control Independent Procedure -deferred to May 6 meeting
b.Tragic Events Response Team Independent Procedure
Superintendent Bill Tuckerjoined the meeting to discuss proposed amendments to the Tragic
Events Response Team independent procedure.It was agreed that the document would be
renamed "Traumatic Events Response Team"broadening the scope of the team to deal with
crises involving, but not limitedto,death.Alistof contact persons will be included on the front
cover of the guide and on the TVDSB Employee portal.
It was suggested that a presentation be made at an Information Committee of the Whole
meeting in the fall on the services provided by the Team.
The following motion was moved by T.Roberts and carried:
That the Traumatic Events Response Team independent procedure be forwarded to the
April 22 Board meeting for information.
2003 April 22...26
11.REPORT OF COWIWllTTEES -cont'd
b.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
10.REPORT OF THE POLICY WORKING COMMITTEE -cont'd
8.POLICY REVIEW
Business Services and Director's Services policies were reviewed and revised to a consistent
format. The approved revised documents will be forwarded to the appropriate Executive
Superintendents for their information and referred to the April 22 Board for approval.The
Director will discuss policies identifiedfor content revision with the originating department.
The review will continue at the next meeting,time permitting.
9.OTHER BUSINESS-none
10. DATE OF NEXT MEETING - May 6,2003,Governor Simcoe Room
11.ADJOURNMENT- The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. on motion of P. Jaffe.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1.That the Religious Observances - Accommodation of Staff Policy be approved.
2. That revisions to the following policies be approved:
Business Services -
1001 -Supply Management
Director's Services
2004 -Electronic Meetings
The recommendations were moved by D.Anstead.
D.ANSTEAD,
Chairperson
11.REPORT OF THE INFORMATION COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MEMBERS
T.Roberts,Chair
J.Hunter
D.Anstead
P.Sattler
M.McTaggart
L.Stevenson
A.Cartier
P.Jaffe
2003 April01
7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
ADMINISTRATION AND OTHERS
B.Bryce
P.Gryseels
B.Greene
C. Murphy
J.Thorpe
M.Sereda
K.Havelka
D.Blair
L.Hutchinson
K.Wilkinson
K.Dalton
G.Jazey
J.Empringham
G.Bereznick
C.Linsdell
S.Christie
W.Scott
D.Bradford
C.Dennett
Regrets:S.Deller J. Bennett, D. Stewart, P. Schuyler, S.Peters
Absent:G.Hart
1.APPROVALOF AGENDA- The agenda was approved on motion of. L.Stevenson.
2.CONFLICTS OF INTEREST - No conflicts of interest were declared.
2003 April 22...27
11.REPORT OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
b.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
11.REPORT OF THE INFORMATION COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
3.DIRECTOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. B. Bryce Director of Education provided information related to tfie recent outbreak of Severe
Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). He reported tliat the London Middlesex Health.Unit has
issued a statement to the public including questions and answers regarding SARS and that
students,parents and employees have been provided with telephone numbers and e-mail
addresses regarding these procedures.Field trips to the Toronto area have been cancelled
and the Administration has spoken to hospitals to ensure that precautions are in place for co
op students working in specific health areas.It was noted that laboratories,nursing homes,
physiotherapy clinics and dental offices have not been placed under any restrictions from the
province.
Executive Superintendent C.Murphy advised that of the 1,200 Thames Valley students
presently on a co-op assignments 100 are working Ina placement ofa medical nature.Both
the TVDSB and the London District Catholic School Board have decided that students may
continue in their placements where the institution has not indicated a reason otherwise.Co-op
teachers will be contact their students on placement and provide an alternative,if necessary,
or ifa parent asks to have a student removed from the location.Director Bryce advised that
it remains the Board's first priority to ensure student safety.
b.Director Bryce commented on the provincial budget information released by the Ministrylast
week. He advised that during the next three years,education will receive a 14%increase in
funding over the 2002-03 level.At this time,boards have not been advised of the General
Legislation Grants (GLG) distribution for the next three years nor have the timelines been
specified by the Ministry.
0.Director Bryce commented on previous questions regarding funding for small schools.He
advised that the Board does not qualify for grants for remote and rural boards.However,
Thames Valley does have six elementary schools that qualify for approximately $260,000
funding under the distance criteria from one school to another:A.J.Baker,Drumbo Central,
Caradox Central,Metcalfe Central, Otterville, and McGlllvray P.S. He noted that the
$260,000 is not related to any recommendations contained in the Rozanski Report.
d.Executive Supt.Greene reported that another funding announcement was received from the
Ministrytoday advising of an additional amount of $20M for student transportation funding
during the next school year.This amount together with the grant announcement (Rozanski
report) and the 2002 December amount will mean an infusionof $784,500 for Thames Valley.
The Ministry has also acknowledged that the Rozanski recommendation is being reviewed by
the government.
4,PUBLIC INPUT PRESENTATIONS
Chairperson T.Roberts welcomed the two public presenters and provided an overview of the
presentation process in accordance with the Board's Bylaws regarding public input.Presentations
were made by the following citizens at their request.
a. Dr. David Herbert.Citizens Concerned About Education and Origins
Dr.Herbert,representing Citizens Concerned About Education and Origins,requested that
the Board Initiate in-service training for administrators and teaching staff to familiarize them
with the two-model pre-suppositional approach to evolution and creationism,to assist in
developing the students'critical thinking skills. Kyle Drew,a Grade 12 student at Central S.S.,
commented on his essay.Faith in Disguise,included In the presentation material.
2003 April 22...28
11.REPORT OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
b.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
11.REPORT OF THE INFORMATION COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
b.Thames Valley Chapter of Canadian Parents for French
Richard Manuel, Director of Communication,Thames Valley Chapter,Canadian Parents for
French,requested that the Board establish and define a specific budget line for French
Second Language commencing withthe 2003-04 budget.
Trustee Roberts thanked the presenters for their presentations.
5.2003 ATTAINMENT OF OUR VISION ANNUAL REPORT
DirectorBryceIntroducedthe 2003AnnualReportofthe AttainmentofOur Vision explainingthat
the Board's Vision,"ACaring Learning Communit/'defines the Board's commitment to students.
The AttainmentofOur Vision initiative Is a frameworkwhich guides the process of putting the
Board's Mission and Belief statements into action and supports the system's primary
responsibility of educational excellence,service to students,and ultimately,the improvement of
student learning.
The presentation,which responded to the questions:Where have we been?Where are we
now? and Where are we going?was facilitated by Gregg Bereznick,Principal,Cleardale P.S.
Leadership Initiatives
Throughoutthe past fiveyears, the Leadership Initiatives have continuedtofocus onOperational
Practices designed to identify,support and develop effective school leaders;Foundation
Principles to build commitment to the system vision,mission and beliefs through a sustained
Implementation process based on the Caring Learning Community framework; and Succession
Planning to attract,support and retain new administrators In order to be effective leaders in the
system's caring learning community.
Operational practices ensure "best practice" and buildan understanding of current legal and
policy issues throughregular Principal and Managermeetings to providesuccinct and helpful
staff development and allow greater District dialogueto address key tasks.
Continuedsupports of implementation activities isachievedthroughco-sponsoringa leadership
conferenceforschoolandsenior administrators and managers, and offering leadershipandnew
administrator induction programs.
Foundation principles develop an understanding of the system's culture and values achieved,
by consensus,throughthe Identification ofthe attributesand behavioursvaluedthroughoutthe
District.Proactive trust-buildingand relationship empowerment is promoted through VisionIn-
service tostaff,School Councils and community groups. Apartnership with OISE/UT has been
established tocollectqualitative and quantitative research data to enhance public understanding.
(See 2002 Nov.05 Board Report).AStaff Recognition Programand Leadership in-serviceare
key components ofThe Foundations for a Caring Learning CommunityFramework.
Succession Planning, referenced by the Caring Learning Community Framework,assists in
identifying potential leadership attributes and skills.Fostering and mentoring programs are
offeredthrough revised Leadership courses and the Administrative Mentoring Program. The
promotion of suitable candidates for the role of Vice-Principal and Principal are based on
Foundations Framework procedures.
PrincipalsScott Hughes of Homedale P.S., and BarryWagner ofArthurVoaden S.S., described
howtheirschoolsare implementing and continuously refining theirgoalsand Improvement plans
based on the Foundation principles to Improve student learning.Highlights ofthe presentation
^2003 April 22...29
11.REPORT OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
b.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
11.REPORT OF THE INFORMATION COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE,cont'd
5.2003 ATTAINMENT OF OUR VISION ANNUAL REPORT,cont'd
Leadership Initiative,cont'd
illustrated using the Foundations framework as a template for leadership including the concepts
teamwork,communication,problem solving/decision making,coaching/mentoring,job-specific
skills and integrity.
Mr.Bereznick presented a summary of comments gleaned from Thames Valley principals and
teachers in response to the OlSE/UT research data results entitleld, "Aligning School and District
Actions to Promote School Improvement and Accountability"under the Leadership headings:
establishing goals,common language,sense of vision,team enabler and sustainability.
Learning Initiative
Executive Superintendent C. Murphy led the Learning Initiative presentation noting, that, in
determining the Learning Initiatives,Program Services staff considered factors that influence
the "learning agenda"as follows:
-content and learning expectations of the Ontario curriculum;
-student results on provincialtesting, particularly inthe areas of literacy and mathematics;
- the opportunities available through technology to support student learning; and
- national/provincial efforts in support of child development/readiness to learn.
She advised that Program Services plays an Important role in assisting classroom teachers to
clarify sequencing and to co-ordinate these Issues and provide staff training and resources.
The Ontario Curriculumwas introduced across all elementary grades and subjects in 1998
September.Teachers have begun implementing all program initiativesand developing plans to
support higher achievement levels on EQAO tests in Mathematics and English.Grade-by-grade
implementation of the new curriculum began with Grade 9 In 1999 September.In 2003, the
graduation of the double cohort ends the roll-out of a grade-by-grade,standards-based
curriculum describing student expectations for learning from Kindergarten to Grade 12. With the
full implementation now Ineffect, the Ministryof Education (MOE)announced a plan for staged
Grade 1to 12 reviews ofcurriculum policy documents based on an ongoing five-year cycle. The
initial review is to focus on Social Studies/History/Geography/Canadian and World Studies and
extends to other disciplines on a regular basis.
Over the next five years,teachers and Program staff will review the process at each stage and
the Program Department will continue ongoing support ofthe new curriculumand MOE policy
directions at the local Board level.The MOE has Initiatedan Early Mathematics Initiative and
extended an Early Reading Initiative to assist elementary teachers.Extensive training in
exemplary teaching strategies,assessment tools and data management will be offered to
identified lead teachers for sharing with respective colleagues.
The results on Provincial tests for Grades 3, 6,G,and 10 students in reading,writing and
mathematics measure student skilllevels and their understanding ofthe curriculum expectations,
and help in moving the curriculum implementation forward.They also illustrate higher order
thinking skill expectations.Parents receive their children's results heightening their awareness
of student learning.
The technology to support the Learning Initiatives over the past five years included the
Installation ofthe Wide and LocalArea Networks and the purchase of computers for e-learning
opportunities and Increasing skills.Challenges remain inthe area of computer replacement,skill
development and training for teachers,and embedding e-learning on a daily basis in all
classrooms.
2003 April 22...30
11.REPORT OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
b.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
11. REPORT OF THE INFORMATION COMMITTEE OF THEWHOLE,cont'd
5. 2003 ATTAINMENT OF OUR VISION ANNUAL REPORT,cont'd
Itwas noted that the Board's Information and Communications TechnologyPlan reflects the
directions being followed by the MOE to update its blueprint,guide decision-making and
directions to ensure teachers use technology to advance and Improve student learning.
Child development and readiness to learn is enhanced by MOE funding to support student
learningand isavailableto communities andschoolboards.These resources providea means
to implement new Initiatives,respond to system and student needs, and sustain existing
programs and supports.Collaborative efforts have resulted in programs that focus on child
developmentand readiness tolearn,early literacy,parentingskillsanddevelopmentand building
offamilyand community capacity.
Program Services
ExecutiveSuperintendentofProgramServices, Cathy Murphy,described strategies that began
over a year ago and are being implemented to achieve the department's Learning Initiative of
the Vision. Through an exercise of common values and needs.Program Services staff
established a mission statement,"Leadingtogether, we provide quality programs and services
to Improve student learning"and set the following four goals to provide leadership to the
statement:
- building staff capacity;
- providing access to support services and learning resources;
-enabling students to apply skills and knowledge;
-creating and sustaining a learning community.
Supt.Murphy providedan overhead presentation of identified strategies for achieving these
goals.
School Improvement Initiative
P. Gryseels,Executive Superintendent, Operations Services, opened the presentation
emphasizing that school improvement equates to improving student learning.
He stated thatduringthe past fiveyears, the Board's Superintendents ofEducationhave focused
on improving student learning with the resulting impact being well documented In Dr.Lynne
Hannay's research projecton Vision attainment. The success,in addition to regularfocused
visits bySuperintendents,can be attributed topresentationsby renowned speakers onschool
improvementand to several communities ofschools professional development sessions.
The goal of Operations Services delineates commitment to Improving student learning and
models a high degree of accountability.The outcomes plotthe directionand indicate toschools
the superintendents'commitment to personal professional development.Theyhaveset a goal
tospend 50percent oftheir time in schools with partspent in classroom observation to provide
information on future directions.As partofthe department's emphasis on training forschool
administrators,several sessions for new administrators have been presented overthe year
providing in excess of80 hours of professional development.
During the past fiveyears, there has been continuous improvementat the school level. Schools
have improved goals and ongoing measurements and are studying howto change classroom
practiceto increase student achievement.It was notedthatthe emphasis during the 2003-04
school year will center on this area.
2003 April 22...31
11.REPORT OF COMWIITTEES -cont'd
b.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
11. REPORT OF THE INFORMATION COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE,cont'd
5.2003 ATTAINMENT OF OUR VISION ANNUALREPORT,cont'd
School Councils
John Thorpe,Executive Superintendent,Human Resource Services,spoketothe participation
ofthe system's School Council.He advised that School Council initiatives include continuing to
create a networkthat promotes communication,supporting regional and district committees,
maintaining and promoting a website and e-mail,and providing facilitation support.Mr.Thorpe
advised that Don Bradford,in his role as school/community liaison,provides day-to-day contact
with Council leaders and assists with information meetings inthe four areas of the District to
strengthen the partnership betweenthe Board,parents and the community.
Brenda Hopkins,President,Thames Valley District School Council,reported on upcoming
initiatives of the Council and presented information on the first Annual School Council
Symposium.Ms.Hopkins explained that 12 district and regional school councils plan tosend
2-3 representatives as well as a principal representative.The focus ofthe symposium will be
how School Councils continue to support school achievements.Ms.Hopkins advised thatthe
goals of the symposium are to promote school council initiatives and encourage the
establishment ofa provincially-based Councilnetwork.
Refining the Process
Director of Education Bryce concluded the presentation suggesting that improving student
learning Is emerging as the central focus ofthe Vision Initiatives.ACaring Learning Community
isone where improvement in learning occurs through the creation ofan enabling environment
(caring),attention to pedagogical innovation (learning)and support by the collaboration of staff
and community.
The Foundation Framework has evolved from a component of the Leadership initiative to
become a central focal point articulating all the enabling characteristics required to achieve a
Caring Learning Community (Integrity,student learning,continuous improvement,teamwork,
communication,problem solving,decision making,coaching job).
Atimeframeof 1999-2003 was established at the introduction ofthe Attainment ofOur Vision
process to allow optimum opportunity to implement the three system initiatives and to prompt a
review to determine subsequent refinements.In anticipation ofthe arrival oftheyear 2003,a
consultation process was put in motion in the fall of 2002 to provide all Board employees,
trustees,and parent groups with the opportunity to reflect onthe progress ofthe Initiatives,
review recommendations for refinement oftheprocess,and provide feedback.
The consultation process offered the opportunity to respond to questions posed in a discussion
paper.Responses were gathered by the Research and Assessment department.An advisory
committee of representatives from all employee groups,trustees and parent groups was
established to reviewthe data and suggest implementation measures to address refinements
to strengthen the system's ability to improve student learning.This group is scheduled to
complete its work by 2003 Juneand present a report tothe Supervisory Officer's Council.
A question-and-answer period followedthe Director's remarks.
Trustee Roberts applauded the efforts ofThames Valley as it moves forward modeling growth,
balancing priorities,refining skills and procedures and using the results for improving student
learning.
2003 April 22...32
11.REPORT OF COMWIITTEES -cont'd
b.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
11.REPORT OF THE INFORMATIONCOMMITTEEOF THE WHOLE,cont'd
5.2003 ATTAINMENT OF OUR VISION ANNUAL REPORT,cont'd
6.ADJOURNMENT -The meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m. on motionof J. Hunter.
T.ROBERTS,
Chairperson
In response tothe presentationon April 1 from theThames Valley Chapter of Canadian Parents
for French, the following motion was moved by D.Anstead and carried:
That the Administration explorethe feasibility ofestablishing a separate budget lineforFrench
Second Language including revenues and expenditures.
12.ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 11:25 p.m. on motion of L.Stevenson.
J.HUNTER,
Chairperson
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE 2003 APRIL 08 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE:
That the Board notdesignate any municipality within its area of jurisdiction as a low population
municipality.
That the Board approve the distribution of members to geographic areas of the Board In
accordance with the distribution established (as attached).
That the current position of Learning Coordinator for Violence Prevention be maintained and
violence prevention initiatives continue to be centrallyfunded and coordinated.
That the Boardendorse,In principle,the expansion ofitscurrent violencepreventionprograms,
and develop a comprehensive,elementary,school-based antl-bullying program, and refer the
following recommendations to the budget process for consideration:
Thata .5 teacher be seconded tothecentral office toworkwith theviolencepreventioncoordinator
to allowprogram growthinthe area ofpreventingand addressing bullying at the elementary level.
($19 301.);
That the dedicated secondary drama lines are expanded to three (from two) to facilitate the
elementary focus on preventing bullying.($6 433.);
That additionalclerical support be allocated to assist with violence prevention initiatives;
- Thatan effort be madetoincrease the program budget line to$129000 (2000-01 requested level
of funding).
Thata letterbe sent tothe Minister of Education requestingthat hate-motivatedviolenceagainst
gay/lesbian students,equity,and diversity beaddressed In curriculum beginning atan early level
in the elementary panel.
- That the Board reaffinn to the system the Board's commitment to having all incidents of
harassment dealt withconsistently,promptly and appropriately.
2003 April 22...33
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE 2003 APRIL 08 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
That the Board require principalsand managers to highlight equity awareness annually with their
staffinAugust/September, elated to the Board's Harassment and Safe Schools policies and the
Employment Standards Act.
That the Board encourage principals,when possible,to Identify a staffrepresentative toserve as
an outreach contacttostudents and as aschool leader amongstaffonsexual diversity and equity
issues.
That Recommendations 4 to 9 and 11 to 17 be referred back to the Ad Hoc Committee to address
Concerns ofGay/Lesbianstudents forfurtherconsiderationand that a reportbe broughtbackto
the Board no later than 2003 October 31.
That the Religious Observances - AccommodationofStaff Policybe approved.
That revisions to the following policies be approved:
Business Services -
1001 -Supply Management
Director's Services
2004 - Electronic Meetings
That the Administration explore the feasibility ofestablishing a separate budget linefor French
Second Language Including revenues and expenditures.
The recommendations were adopted on motion of J.Hunter and P.Sattler.
c.REPORT OF THE CHAIRS'COMMITTEE 2003 April 16
10:10 a.m.-1:50 p.m.
MEMBERS ADMINISTRATION AND OTHERS
J. Bennett (Chair) P. Jaffe B.Bryce B.Greene
J. Hunter (10:26)T.Roberts S.Christie P. Gryseels
1.APPROVAL OF AGENDA
The in-camera and public agendas for the April 22 Board meeting were discussed and
approved.
2.CORRESPONDENCE
The following correspondence is available in the Trustee Conference Room for trustees'
Information:
- MPPSteve Peters to the Minister of Educationregarding ruralschool closings;
-MPP Steve Peters tothe Minister of Education regarding a review ofthe composition of
merged boards;
- Town of Aylmer regarding the School to WorkTransition Program;
- County of Elgin regarding the School to WorkTransition Program.
2003 April 22...34
11.REPORT OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
c.REPORT OF THE CHAIRS'COMMITTEE,cont'd
2.Correspondence,cont'd
Correspondence from the Middlesex-London Health Unitregarding a research report will be
included in the April 22 Board meeting agenda under "Communications".The Unit will be
invited to present at the June 3 Information Committee of the Whole.
The Director will contact ETFO regarding its request to present the revised curriculum, "We're
Erasing Prejudice for Good" at the May 6 Information Committee of the Whole.
3.ONTARIO SECONDARY SCHOOL LITERACY COURSE
A memo from the Minister of Education regarding the Ontario Secondary School Literacy
Course, developed as an alternative assessment to the Ontario Secondary School Literacy
Test was discussed.The course is Intended to support at-risk students in improving their
language skills and to provide them with alternative ways of demonstrating these skills.
Students who have had two opportunities to take the test and have failed itat least once,will
be eligible to take the course.
The successful completion of the course will fulfill the literacy requirement for earning an
Ontario Secondary School Diploma and is expected to be ready for implementation in
September,2003. The Committee applauded the MOE for its initiative to assist at-risk
students in providing the course and noted the challenges of the short time lines.
A copy of the correspondence is attached to the report.
I
4.REQUEST FOR SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
The Director described a request for a special Board meeting to follow the Information
Committeeofthe Wholeon May6to consider approvingstaffappointments. The request was
approved.
5.ASSIGNEDCOMMITTEEMEMBERSRELATEDTOTABLEDACCOMMODATIONSTUDIES
Trustee representation onthe AreaAccommodationStudy Committees tabled at the October
22, 2002 Board meeting was discussed.The motion will be brought back to the Board for
consideration at the April 22 Board meeting. It was noted that none ofthe schools Identified
in the motion qualify for additional funds under the MOE-established criteria for the Small
School grant.
The following motion was moved by J.Hunter and carried:
That the motionto establish the following Area Accommodation Study Committees be
lifted fromthe table at the April 22 Board meeting for consideration:
-Davenport,McGregor, South Dorchester,Springfield,Summers'Comers;
-Princess Anne, Victory Memorial, Westfieid;
-Northdale,Northridge;
-Annandale,College Avenue SS,Norwich DHS,Glendale HS;
- Glencoe DHS,North MiddlesexDHS,Strathroy Cl,West Elgin SS.
6.GOVERNANCE
In response tothe Administration's request,Executive Superintendents Greene, Gryseelsand
Thorpe joined the meeting to discuss issues of governance and school-related activities. It
was noted that,according tothe current Governance Principles,the Board is responsible for J
developing policy and the Director is accountable for implementing Board policies and
decisions. Itwas suggested that the Governance model would be an appropriate future
professional development topic for trustees and Administration.
2003 April 22...35
11.REPORT OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
c.REPORT OF THE CHAIRS'COMMITTEE,cont'd
7.OXFORD COUNTY MUSEUM SCHOOL LEASE
Arequest to extend the lease on the MuseumSchool with the Friendsofthe Oxford County
Museum School was discussed.The Director will obtain additional information and bring a
report back to the next meeting.
8.AWARD OF DISTINCTION
The Directoradvised thatthe Awardsof Distinction will be presented at the May6 Information
Committee of the Whole meeting.
9.JOHN LAUGHLIN LEADERSHIP AWARD
Information regarding the John Laughlin Leadership Award was distributed.Supervisory
officers will be asked to nominatea principal from their families ofschools and providean
accompanying paragraph supporting each nomination. Material is to be in by May 12 for
consideration at the next Chairs' meeting on May 15.
10.OPSBA CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
The process to nominate TVDSB directors,delegates and nominees for two committee
• positions forOPSBAwas discussed.The electionforthe term June 15,2003 to the General
Meeting in June, 2004 will be held under agenda Item 15.a "OPSBA"ofthe April 22 Board
meeting.
11.REQUEST FOR PUBLIC PRESENTATION
A request from parents of the Lake Margaret area to present to the Board at the May 6
Information Committeeofthe Wholewas approved.
12.ADDITIONAL ITEMS -none
13 DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING
The next meetingis scheduled forMay 15 from 10:00-1:00p.m.
14.ADJOURNMENT - The meeting adjourned at 1:50 p.m.
RECOMMENDATION:
1.Thatthe motion to establishthe following Area Accommodation Study Committees be lifted
fromthe table at the April 22 Board meeting for consideration:
- Davenport, McGregor, South Dorchester, Springfield,Summers'Corners;
-Princess Anne, Victory Memorial,Westfield;
- Northdale, Northridge;
-Annandale,College Avenue SS,Norwich DHS,Glendale HS;
-Glencoe DHS,North Middlesex DHS,Strathroy Cl,West Elgin SS.
J.BENNETT,
Chairperson
2003 April 22...36
11.REPORT OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
c.REPORT OF THE CHAIRS'COMMITTEE,cont'd
The following recommendation was moved byJ. Hunter and seconded T.Roberts:
That the motionto establish the following Area Accommodation Study Committees be lifted
from the table at the April 22 Board meeting for consideration:
-Davenport,McGregor,South Dorchester,Springfield,Summers'Corners;
-Princess Anne, Victory Memorial. Westfield;
-Northdale,Northridge;
-Annandale,College Avenue SS,Norwich DHS,Glendale HS;
-Glencoe DHS, North Middlesex DHS,Strathroy Cl,West Elgin SS.
The recommendation was adopted on a poll vote as follows:
YEAS: J.Bennett,J. Hunter, L.Stevenson,S. Deller, T.Roberts,P.Sattler,D.Stewart,D.
Anstead,P.Schuyler,G. Hart, P.Jaffe
NAYS:A.Cartier,S.Peters
ABSTENTIONS:none
An amendment moved byS.Peters and seconded J.Hunterthat Glencoe DHS, North Middlesex DHS,
Glendale HS, Strathroy DCI and West Elgin SS be removed fromthe list of study committees, was
defeated.
The following recommendation was moved by P.Jaffe and seconded by G. Hart:
That the following Area Accommodation Study Committees be established:
-Davenport,McGregor, South Dorchester,Springfieid,Summers'Corners;
. -Princess Anne, Victory, Memorial, Westfield;
-Northdale,Northridge
-Annandale,College Avenue S.S.Norwich DHS,Glendale H.S.
-Glencoe DHS, North Middlesex DHS, Glendale,Strathroy Cl,West Elgin S.S.
The recommendation was adopted on a poll vote as follows:
YEAS: J.Bennett,L.Stevenson,A. Cartier, T. Roberts, P.Sattler,D.Stewart,D.Anstead,P.
Schuyler,G. Hart, P.Jaffe,S.Deller
NAYS:J.Hunter,S.Peters
ABSTENTIONS:none
The following motion was movedby D.Stewart and seconded by D.,Anstead:
That the following trustees be appointed to the Area Accommodation Study Committees:
AREA CHAIR TRUSTEE
L.Stevenson J.BennettDavenport,McGregor,South Dorchester,
Springfield,Summers'Corners
Princess Anne,Victory Memorial, Westfield
Northdale,Northridge
S.Deller
P.Sattler
P.Jaffe
T.Roberts
2003 April 22...37
11.REPORT OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
c.REPORT OF THE CHAIRS'COMMITTEE,cont'd
Annandale,College Avenue S.S.Norwich
DHS,Glendale H.8.
Glencoe DHS,North Middlesex DHS,Glendale,
Strathroy DC!,West Elgin S.S.
G.Hart
S.Peters
d.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - IN CAMERA
D.Anstead
P.Schuyler.
2003 April 22
MEMBERS PRESENT ADMINISTRATION AND OTHERS
J.Hunter (Chair)
J.Bennett
G. Hart (5:23)
S.Peters
D.Stewart
D.Anstead
A.Cartier
L.Stevenson
P.Schuyler
T.Roberts
S.Deller
P.Sattler
P.Jaffe
B. Bryce
P.Gryseels
B.Greene
J.Thorpe
C. Murphy
M.Sereda
K.Havelka
D.Blair
W.Tucker
K.Wilkinson
L.Hutchlnson
K.Dalton
S.Christie
D.Bradford
C.Dennett
The Committee met in camera from 5:10 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
1.APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Item 3 (Director's Announcements)was moved to the end of the agenda.The amended
agenda was approved on motion of S.Peters.
2.CONFLICTS OF INTEREST - No conflicts of interest were declared.
3. Confidential legal, negotiation,personal and property matters were discussed.
4.RISE AND REPORT
A motion to rise and report was moved by P.Jaffe at 6:30 p.m. and carried.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
%
1.That the motionrelated to retirements by mutual consent be approved.
2. That contracts be awarded to Dickson Partnership Incorporated Architects,Cornerstone
Architecture Inc. and Malhotra Nicholson Architects Inc. to provide architectural services for
school construction and renovations projects forthe next three years.
J.HUNTER,
Chairperson
The recommendations were adopted on motion of J.Hunter and L.Stevenson.
2003 April 22...38
12.REPORTS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION
Business Services
B.Greene,Executive Superintendent,Business Services,met/participated in the following
events/meetings:Aithouse College IVIath Challenge,New Administrator's Inservice, Deioitte &
Touche,Ministry of Education and OPSBA;
Updates included Facility Services: Capital Projects,School Renewal Program; Financial Services,
and Support Services:Supply Management and Distribution Centre;
Executive Superintendent B.Greene provided an update on the 2003-04Budget as follows:
reported that the Board profilehas been received fromthe Ministry of Education. He outlined the
2003-04 funding notingthat an amount of $113M is yet to be allocated.The funding process will
cover 100%ofthe Intensive Support Amountclaims and will be adjusted annually as students are
added and deducted tothe enrolment.Copies were distributed ofthe Projected Student-Focused
Funding for the 2003-04 school year and the process for submitting the Board's budget was
explained.It was noted that there willnot be an adjustment for inflation as recommended in the
Rozanski Report.
Mr.Greene advised that a loss of $9M in Grants due to declining enrolment is anticipated.A
detailed analysis is to be presented at a future Board meeting including the areas of the budget
that are likely to change and those that are fixed costs.It is expected that the enrolment will
continue to decline until 2010 and then level off at that time.
The Ministry of Education has identified Caradoc South P.S., Melbourne, for prohibitive repair
funding and has deferred a decision regarding the $50M funding related to rural schools for the
fall of2003.The same increases for transportation of$784 500 will be available. The submission
date for filing the Board's 2003-04 budget is 2003 June 27.
Mr.Greene advised that the government isplanning consultation sessions regarding several areas
of the provincial budget,e.g. a multi-year strategy.
Director's Services
Director Bryce visited schools and met with staff,students.School Councils,Home and School
and Parent Teacher Associations;
Director Bryce attended the following events/meetings:Council of Director's of Education,London
District Catholic SchoolBoard,University ofWesternOntario's 125"'Anniversary:Connection 2003
Community Celebration, Middlesex County Effective Speaking Contest, Provincial Budget
Presentation,Westminster Secondary School: Strokes Fromthe Mind Exhibition,UnitedWay
Cabinet Meeting,Facility Services 'Jesse's Journey Fundraising Event,Jesse's Journey
FundraisingAppreciation Reception,GrandTheatre's Student Production:MusicMan,Secondary
School Administrators'Meeting, London Regional Science and Technology Fair,Leadership 2003
Conference, OPSOA Conference,Western Region School Council Symposium,London Home
Builders' Model Building Competition Awards Ceremony and the Supervisory Officers' PLP
Reading group;
- Staff Development initiatives included:TVDSB Leadership Development Program 2003-04,
Supervisory OfficerInternshipProgram,True Colours:Building StaffCapacityThroughTeamwork,
Professional Learning Program, Learning Conference 2003,Administrative MentoringProgram,
Leadership 2003 Conference, New Teacher Program 2003-04, Staff Development Standards,
.Attainment ofOur Vision In-service,Consultation Process,Vision Research and Annual Report
presentation to the Board;
Public Affairs and Community Relations updates Included:Communications,LINKSweb site
survey determining effectiveness of the site,two-issue Special Edition of LINKS,Electronic
Publishing and Graphics, Education Week and the Thames ValleyEducation Foundation.
2003 April 22...39
12.REPORTS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION -cont'd
Human Resource Services
Staff follow-upoccurring as a result of last month's successful Retirement Seminar;
Secondary school teacher enrolment notices are being processed;
Criminal Background Checks have been sent to OESC for processing;
-Supt.Thorpe attended OPSBA Provincial Labour Relations Network meetings;
Health &Safety/Disability Management presented at Admin 2003 Leadership Conference;
Elementary/secondary long and short term occasional teacher numbers were provided;
Nine French teachers were pool hired for 2003-04,additional candidates being processed;
Westem Regional School Council Symposium organizers received HR support;
TVARRIS implementation Is to be Support Staff.
Operations Services
Communityof Schools Professional Development preparations for April 24 are underway;
Elementary and secondary staffing process has begun;
The status of accommodation reviews are under deliberation bythe Board;
New Administrator's next in service session is to be held 2003 May22;
S.S.Theatre Troupes are performing 30 violence prevention productions during April and May;
Leadership InViolence Prevention Awards being held on 2003 May28 at Imax Theatre;
Research &Assessment continues to support:EQAO initiatives;
International Field Trips discussion were held with school communities.
Program Services
Language Portfolio continues to support Early Years/Primary teachers with DRA training;
FiveofEighteenFrench P.S. SpeakingContest finalists are advancingto Provincial competitions;
- Over 120 teachers enrolledforSocial Sciences workshops set forlast week of2003 April;
Applied Studies/ Arts update Included:RiskWatchPrevention Program,RCMP RacingAgainst
Drugs, Helmets on Kids, Arts in Schools, Arts Symposium, Arts Festival,Orchestra London
Education Concerts,Elementary-Athletics, Upcoming Dance, Wrestling, Gymnastics Festival
events and Work Intemship Project;
Mathematics, Science, Technology and Environmental update included:Ministry Early
Mathematics initiatives.Science andTechnologyinservlce,and SecondaryScience achievements;
Developmental Summer Leisure Program is to be funded at the same level as 2002;
Earth Day activities (2003 April 22)were highlighted.
13.MOTIONS -NOTICE OF WHICH HAS BEEN GIVEN
The following motionwas moved byA.Cartler and seconded by L.Stevenson:
That the Thames Valley Board, in its continuing desire to meet and hear from Its communities,
move a regular meeting ofthe Board to Elgin,Middlesex and Oxford Counties over the next seven
months withthe first meeting to be scheduled in Mayor early June,2003.
An amendment was made byP.Jaffe and D.Anstead to replace the words"movea regular meeting
of the Board" with "holdforums developed by the Board", to read:
That the Board,in its continuing desire to meet and hear from its communities hold forums
developed by the Board,inElgin,Middlesex and Oxford Counties over the next seven months with
the first meeting to be scheduled in Mayor early June 2003.
The motion,as amended,was carried.
14.ADDITIONAL BUSINESS -none
2003 April 22...40
15.COMMUNICATIONS
a.ONTARIO PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARDS'ASSOCIATION (OPSBA)
(i)Trustee Hartadvised that the OPSBABoardofDirectorsare scheduled to meet 2003 April 25
and 26 at the Sheraton Centre Hotel In Toronto.The Labour Relations Symposium held 2003
March 27 and 28 was informative and well planned.Trustees were reminded of the
registration forthe Annual General Meeting and Program to be held from2003 June 12-15 at
the Hilton Hotel,Niagara Fails.
(ii)Election of 2003-04 OPSBA Directors and Delegates
Nominations were called for the position of OPSBA Directors and Delegates.
The following motion was moved by P. Jaffe,seconded by S.Deiler,and carried:
That Trustees Hartand Anstead be appointed the Board's OPSBA Directorsforthe term 2003
June 15 to the Annual General Meeting in 2004 June and that Trustees T.Roberts and L.
Stevenson be appointed the Alternate Directorfor this term.
The following motion was moved by D.Anstead,seconded by S. Deller and carried:
That Trustee Bennett be appointed the Board's OPSBA Delegate and Trustee Hart the
Alternate Delegate for the term 2003 June 15 to the Annual General meeting in 2004 June.
The following motion was moved by D.Anstead,seconded by P.Jaffe and carried:
I
That Trustee Stevenson be appointed the Board's nominee tothe OPSBA Education Program
Worl<Group for the term 2003 June 15 to the Annual General Meeting in2004 June.
The following motion was moved by L.Stevenson,seconded by J. Hunter and carried:
That Trustee Anstead be appointed the Board's nominee to OPSBA Policy Development Worl^
Group for the term 2003 June 15 to the AnnualGeneral Meetingin2004 June.
Amotion to sit passed 11:00 p.m. to 11:15 p.m. was moved byS. Deller,seconded by S.Peters and
carried.
b.STUDENT TRUSTEE UPDATE
It was noted that the elections for the 2003-04 Student Trustee are scheduled to be held on
Monday,2003 April 28.Trustee were reminded to submit questions for discussion before
2003 April 25.
c.COMMUNITY LIVING LONDON
A letter was received from Linda VInce,Community Living London,advising that Sandy Wilson
be considered as the Association's representative on the Board's Special Education Advisory
Committee (SAEC)and that Robin Hurdle be designated as the alternate.
The following recommendation was moved by L.Stevenson and seconded by T.Roberts:
And resolved that Sandy Wilson be appointed the representative of the Associations
for Community Livingon the Board's Special Education Advisory Committee,and
Robin Hurdle the alternate representative onthe Committee.J
\2003 April 22...41
15.COMMUNICATIONS -cont'd
d.THAMES VALLEY DISTRICT SCHOOL COUNCIL
A letter was received from Brenda Hopkins,Chairperson,Thames Valley DistrictSchool
Council, advising that Ruth Tisdale be considered as its representative on the Special
education Advisory Committee.
The following recommendation was moved by L.Stevenson,seconded by T.Roberts and
carried:
That Ruth Tisdale be appointed the alternative representative forthe Thames Valley
DistrictSchool Councilon the Board's Special Education AdvisoryCommittee.
e.LONDON-MIDDLESEX HEALTH UNIT
Aletterwas received fromDr.Graham Pollett,Middlesex-LondonBoard ofHealth,regarding
a research initiative being conducted to develop effective programs and services towards
improving the health of youth in Middlesex-London.The Chairs*Committee noted that
representatives fromthe Middlesex-London Health Unit are scheduled to present at the 2003
June 03 meeting ofthe Information Committee ofthe Whole on this topic.
16.NOTICE OF MOTION
The following Notice of Motion wasreceivedfrom TrusteeStevensonforconsideration atthe2003 May
27 meeting;
That the Thames Valley District School Boarddirectthe Administration to do a boundaryreview
ofShawside Developmentand LakeMargaretdevelopment forthe purpose ofaccommodatingthe
students within the neighbouring schools of St.Thomas.
17.GOOD NEWS ITEMS
The following good news Items were offered by trustees:
a.Trustee Sattler advised that recommendations from students will be considered at the Social
Justice Now Conference to be held Friday, 2003 May09.
b. Trustee Hunterencouraged Trustees tosupportThames Valley students byattendingoneormore
ofthe secondary school productionsbeing offered thisterm.Information isavailablethroughthe
area Superintendents of Education.
c.Trustee Peters advised that Parkview P.S.,Komoka,has been recognized as the firstschool in
Ontario to receive a Peaceful School International membership and earn the Flag of Peace.At
the year-end safety assembly,the students and staff will be presented withthe Flag of Peace.
ChairpersonBennettwas requested towritea letterofcongratulationstothestudents, parentsand
community for their commitment to making Parkview P.S.,a peaceful school.
d.Trustee Anstead advised that she attended a professional development session in Lambton
County with six teachers from Aberdeen P.S.teachers.
18.ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 11:15 p.m. on motion of S.Peters and S. Deller.
CONFIRMED:/!
Chairperson
2003 April 22...42
SUMMARY OF APPROVED RECOMMENDATIONS OF 2003 APRIL 22
That the Board not designate any municipality within its area of jurisdiction as a low population
municipality.
That the Board approve the following distribution of members to geographic areas of the Board in
accordance with the distribution established
Trustee Distribution by Geographic Area
Geographic Area Electoral Quotient Number of Members*
Elgin County 1.74 2
London Wards 1 and 7 2.00 2
London Wards 2 and 3 1.92 2
London Wards 4,5,and 6 2.78 2
Middlesex County 1.38 2
Oxford County 2.18 2
Total 12
*Determined by the provisions of Regulation 155/02 Sections 4, 7 and 8
That the current position ofLearning Coordinator forViolence Prevention be maintained and violence
prevention initiatives continue to be centrally funded and coordinated.
That the Board endorse,inprinciple,the expansion of Its current violence prevention programs,and
develop a comprehensive,elementary,school-based anti-bullying program,and refer the following
recommendations to the budget process for consideration:
That a .5 teacher be seconded to the central office to work with the violence prevention coordinator
to allow program grov^rth inthe area of preventing and addressing bullyingat the elementary level.
($19 301.):
That dedicated secondary drama lines be expanded to three (from two) to facilitate the elementary
focus on preventing bullying ($6 433.);
That additional clerical support be allocated to assist with Violence Prevention initiatives;
That an effort be made to increase the program budget lineto $129 000 (2000-01 requested level of
funding).
That a letter be sent to the Minister of Education requesting that hate-motivated violence against
gay/lesbian students,equity, and diversity be addressed in curriculum beginning at an early level in
the elementary panel.
That the Board reaffirm to the system the Board's commitment to having all incidents of harassment
dealt with consistently,promptly and appropriately.
r
2003 April 22...43
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE 2003 APRIL 08 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
, That the Board encourage principalsand managers to highlight equity awareness annually with their
staff in August/September,elated to the Board's Harassment and Safe Schools policies and the
Employment Standards Act.
That the Board require principals, when possible, to Identify a staff representative to serve as an
outreach contact to students and as a school leader among staffonsexual diversityand equityIssues.
That Recommendations 4 to 9 and 11 to 17 be referred back to the Ad Hoc Committee to address
Concerns ofGay/Lesbian students for further consideration and that a report be brought back to the
Board no later than 2003 October 31.
That the Religious Observances - Accommodation ofStaff Policybe approved.
That revisions to the following policies be approved:
Business Services -
1001 -Supply Management
Director's Services
2004 -Electronic Meetings
That the Administrationexplorethe feasibility ofestablishing a separate budget line forFrench Second
Language Including revenues and expenditures.
That the following Area Accommodation Study Committees be established:
Davenport,McGregor, South Dorchester,Springfield,Summers'Corners;
Princess Anne,Victory, Memorial,Westfield;
Northdale,Northridge
Annandale,College Avenue S.S.Norwich DHS,Glendale H.S.
Glencoe DHS,North Middlesex DHS,Glendale,Strathroy CI,West Elgin S.S.
That the following trustees be appointedto the Area Accommodation Study Committees:
AREA CHAIR
Davenport.McGregor,South Dorchester,L.Stevenson
Springfield,Summers'Corners
Princess Anne,Victory Memorial,Westfield S. Deller
Northdale,Northridge P.Sattler
Annandale,College Avenue S.S.Norwich DHS, G. Hart
Glendale H.S.
Glencoe DHS,North Middlesex DHS,Glendale,S.Peters
Strathroy DCI,West Elgin S.S.
TRUSTEE
J.Bennett
P.Jaffe
T.Roberts
D.Anstead
P.Schuyler
That the motion related to retirements by mutual consent be approved.
That contracts be awarded to Dickson Partnership Incorporated Architects,Cornerstone Architecture
Inc. and Malhotra Nicholson Architects Inc. to provide architectural services for school construction
and renovations projects for the next three years.
20Q3 April 22...44 "
RECOIMMENDATIONS OF THE 2003 APRIL 08 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
That the Board, initscontinuing desire to meet and hear from its communities hold forums developed
by the Board,in Elgin,Middlesex and Oxford Counties over the next seven months vi/ith the first
meeting to be scheduled in May or early June 2003.
That Trustees Hart and Anstead be appointed the Board's OPSBA Directors for the term 2003 June
15 to the Annual General Meeting in 2004 June and that Trustees T.Roberts and L.Stevenson be
appointed the Alternate Director for this term.
That Trustee Bennett be appointed the Board's OPSBA Delegate and Trustee Hart the Alternate
Delegate for the term 2003 June 15 to the Annual General meeting in 2004 June.
That Trustee Stevenson be appointed the Board's nominee to the OPSBA Education Program Work
Group for the term 2003 June 15 to the Annual General Meeting In 2004 June.
That Trustee Anstead be appointed the Board's nominee to OPSBA Policy Development WorkGroup
for the term 2003 June 15 to the Annual General Meeting in 2004 June.
And resolved that Sandy Wilson be appointed the representative of the Associations for Community
Living on the Board's Special Education Advisory Committee,and Robin Hurdle the alternate
representative on the Committee
That Ruth Tisdale be appointed the alternative representative for the Thames Valley DistrictSchool
Council on the Board's Special Education Advisory Committee.
2003 April 22...45
Thames Valley District School Board
Title RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCES -Policy No.
ACCOMMODATION OF STAFF
Department Human Resource Services
Reference(s)Ontario Human Rights Code Effective Date 2003.04.22
Ontario Human Rights Commission,Policy
on Creed and the Accommodation of Religious
Observances
itis the policyofthe Board to accommodate requests from employees to observe religious holy
days by providing leave as outlined below. The basis for this policyis the Board's recognition of
the rights of employees to equal treatment in employment without discrimination based upon
creed.The Board upholds the principles ofthe Ontario IHuman Rights Code and,in establishing
this policy,adopts the definition of creed as outlined in the Poiicy on Creed and the
Accommodation of Religious Observances of the Ontario IHuman Rights Commission,sections
of which are outlined below:
1.0 Employees will be granted a maximum of three (3)days with pay and without deduction
from accumulated sick leave credits to observe officially recognized religious holydays.
Any additional days required to observe religious holy days shall be without pay.
2.0 Only religious holy days that fall on a school day or other day when work is normally
scheduled will be considered.
3.0 Employees applying for such religious holy days will give three (3)weeks notice of the
pending religious holy day(s)to the Executive Superintendent of Human Resource
Services or designate through the Principal or Supervisor.
Policy on Creed and the Accommodation of Religious Observances -Ontario Human
Rights Commission
The full document may be accessed at:www.ohrc.on.ca/enQlish/publications/creed-reliaion-
policv.shtml.
Definition of Creed
1.0 Creed is interpreted to mean "religious creed" or religion. It is defined as a professed
system and confession offaith, including both beliefs and observances orworship.A belief
in a God or gods,or a single supreme being or deity Is not a requisite.
Administered By Human Resource Services
Amendment Date(s)
Board Resolution No.11 .b.10
Amendment Resolution No.
2003 April 22...46
Religious Observances -Accommodation of Staff
2.0 Religion isbroadly accepted bytlie Commissiontoinclude,for example,non-deistic bodies
of faith,such as the spiritual faiths/practices or aboriginal cultures,as well as bona fide
newer religions (assessed on a case by case basis.)
3.0 The existence of religious beliefs and practices is both necessary and sufficientto the
meaning of creed,if the beliefs and practices are sincerely held and/or observed.
4.0 "Creed"is defined subjectively.The Code protects personal religious beliefs,practices or
observances,even if they are not essential elements of the creed,provided they are
sincerely held.
5.0 Creed does not include secular,moral or ethical beliefs or political convictions.This policy
does not extend to religions that incite hatred or violence against other individuals or
groups or to practices and observances that purport to have a religious basis but which
contravene international human rights standards or criminal law.