Loading...
12/9/2003 - Regular Board MeetingTHAMES VALLEY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD INAUGURAL MEETING V 2003 DECEMBER 09,7:00 P.M. BOARD ROOM,EDUCATION CENTRE AGENDA 1.CALL TO ORDER 2.INVOCATION 3.O CANADA -East Williams Public School Choir 4.MUSICAL INTERLUDE -East Williams Public School Choir 5.CEREMONIAL DECLARATION AND OATH OF ALLEGIANCE 6.INTRODUCTION OF TRUSTEES 7.WELCOME AND GREETINGS 8.PRESENTATION TO 2003 CHAIR 9.2004 COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS M 10.OFFICERS OF THE BOARD M 11.PRESENTATION OF GAVEL 12.MUSICAL INTERLUDE -Medway Secondary School Choir 13.INAUGURAL ADDRESS 14.BENEDICTION 15.MUSICAL INTERLUDE -Medway Secondary School Choir 16.DIRECTOR'S CLOSING REMARKS AND INVITATION 17.ADJOURNMENT THAMES VALLEY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD INAUGURAL MEETING 2004 DECEMBER 09 The Inaugural Meeting was held on 2004 December 09 In the Board Room at the Education Centre at. 7:05 p.m.Trustees and special guests joined the meeting In ceremonial procession.The following were In attendance: TRUSTEES D.Anstead J.Bennett A.Cartler S.Doxtator G.Hart ADMINISTRATION AND OTHERS 8.Bryce P.Gryseels B.Greene C.Murphy J.Thorpe D.Blair K.Dalton J.Emprlngham Regrets:P.Jaffe J.Hunter (Chair) D. Mugford 8.Peters M.Reld M.Reldl T.Roberts P.Sattler L.Stevenson K.Havelka L.Hutchlnson G.Jazey M.Sereda B.Tucker K.Wilkinson K.Bushell 8.Christie 8.Dawson C.Dennett C.Linsdell K.Meeson J.Neville J.Roth M.Hubert W.Scott 1.CALLTO ORDER -Chairperson Jan Hunter called the'meeting to order. 2. INVOCATION -Reverend Corey PIckens delivered the Invocation. 3./4.O'CANADA AND SPECIAL MUSICAL PRESENTATION The East Williams P.S.Choir from Allsa Cralg with conductors Marlene Jones and Jenlpher Appleton, and accompanist Alan Davidson, led In the singing of "O'Canada"and brought musical greetings. Trustee Peters extended the appreciation of the Board to the students and conductors for their participation In the Inaugural meeting. 5.CEREMONIAL DECLARATION AND OATH OF ALLEGIANCE DirectorBryce read the Ceremonial Declaration and Oath ofAllegiance and Trustees responded with "I do so swear." 6.INTRODUCTION OF TRUSTEES Chairperson Hunter Introduced the Trustees Indicatingthe regions of the District they represent. 7.WELCOME AND GREETINGS Board Vice-Chair Terry Roberts welcomed the guests to the meeting.The following community representatives brought greetings on behalf of their affiliates: County of Middlesex Ministryof Education London District Catholic School Board Thames Valley District School Council Thames Valley DistrictAlliance of Home and School Associations Ian Brebner,Warden Johanne Lapensee-Crlmmins John Ferris,Chair Brenda Hopkins,Chair Dolly Hughes,Chair 2003 December 09...2 8.PRESENTATION TO 2003 CHAIR Trustee Peggy Sattler presented Trustee Bennett with a commemorative gift in appreciation for serving as the 2003 Chairperson. 9.2004 COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS Chair Hunter introduced and spol^e to the 2004 Committee structure.The following motion was moved byT.Roberts,seconded by S.Peters and carried: That the foiiowing committee and other trustee appointments for 2004 be approved: COMMITTEES (Board,Statutory,Standing,Ad Hoc, Administrative &Community/Professional) Trustee Representation Required 2004 Committee Membership BOARD COMMITTEES Committee of the Whole All Trustees All Trustees Information Committee of the Whole All Trustees All Trustees STATUTORY COMMITTEES Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) - (3 year term) 3 D.Anstead P.Sattler L.Stevenson Supervised Alternative Learning for Excused Pupils (SALEP) CEC Central -1 + alternate CEC East - 1 + alternate CEC South - 1 + alternate CEC-C J.Bennett, D.Anstead -alt CEC-E G.Hart M.Reldl -alt CEC-S L.Stevenson D.Mugford - alt Native rep - S.Doxtator STANDING COMMITTEES Budget Advisory Committee.3 P.Jaffe S.Peters T.Roberts Chairs'Committee Chair, Vice-Chair, Past Chair, Info.Committee Chair J.Hunter T.Roberts J.Bennett P.Sattler 2003 December 09...3 2004 COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS -cont'd Director/System Review Committee 4 J.Hunter P.Jaffe T.Roberts L.Stevenson Native Advisory Committee 2 + Native Representative P.Sattler J.Hunter Native Rep -3.Doxtator Negotiations Advisory Committee 3 J.Bennett S.Peters M.ReidI Policy Working Committee 5 D.Anstead J.Bennett A.Cartier D.Mugford T.Roberts Trustee Professionai Development Committee 3 A.Cartier P.Jaffe S.Peters AD HOC COMMITTEES Student and Parent Expenditure Review Committee Board motion -Mar. 25/03 P.Sattler -Chair P.Jaffe M.Reid M.ReidI Area School Accommodation Study Committees: -East Elgin Area Board motion - Apr. 22/03 L.Stevenson -Chair J.Bennett -Town of Ingersoli Area G.Hart -Chair P.Jaffe -Lucas Area Board motion - Apr. 22/03 P.Sattler -Chair T.Roberts -South East Oxford Area Board motion - Apr. 22/03 G.Hart -Chair D.Anstead -West Middlesex &West Elgin Area S.Peters -Chair J.Bennett -Caradoc 2 S.Peters -Chair D.Mugford 2003 December 09...4 2004 COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS -cont'd ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEES Award of Distinction Committee 1 J.Hunter Communications &Public Relations Committee 4 A.Cartier T.Roberts M.ReidI L.Stevenson Education Week 1 T.Roberts Suspension/Expulsion Appeals 3 as required D.Anstead J.Bennett A.Cartier J.Hunter P.Jaffa D. Mugford S.Peters T.Roberts P.Sattler L.Stevenson PrincipalA/ice-Princlpal Interviews 2 as required D.Anstead J.Bennett A.Cartier J.Hunter T.Roberts S.Peters P.Sattler L.Stevenson COMMUNITY/PROFESSIONAL REPRESENTATION Ontario Public School Boards'Assoc.2 +alternate Apr.22/03 D.Anstead G.Hart alt - T.Roberts,L.Stevenson Children's Safety Village 1 +alternate J.Bennett S.Peters -alt Western Fair Representative 1 S.Peters City of London Safety &Crime Prevention Advisory Committee 3-year term 1 D.Anstead Thames Valley Education Foundation 3-year term 4 London -P.Sattler Oxford -G.Hart Elgin - L.Stevenson Middlesex -S.Peters Chair -J.Hunter 2003 December 09...5 10.OFFICERS OF THE BOARD In accordance withBoard Bylaw5.6, the following motion regarding appointment ofofficers ofthe Board was presented for approval: That following persons be appointed signing officers on behalf of the Board: Jan Hunter,Chair of the Board; Terry Roberts,Vice-Chair of the Board; Bill Bryce,Director of Education and Secretary; Brian Greene,Executive Superintendent of Business Services and Treasurer. The recommendation was adopted on motion of M.Reidi and D.Anstead. 11.PRESENTATION OF GAVEL On behalf of the students,trustees,staff and community of the Thames Valley District School Board, a commemorative gavel of office was presented to Chairperson Hunter by her daughter,Jerrica Hunter, a student at East Williams Public School,Aiisa Craig. 12.MUSICAL INTERLUDE The Medway High School Choir from Arva with conductor Ken Fleet,entered the meeting performing an African selection. 13.INAUGURAL ADDRESS Board Chairperson Jan Hunter presented the following inaugural address. A PASSION FOR CHILDREN My words won't be long but I hope my message will be a powerful one.I have deliberately chosen to do this In an effort to publically symbolize what I believe - in essence -that Iam forthright,honest and to the point.1have a passion for children and a passion for them to have a quality education. It's as simple as that. I believe that my contribution to this world is my children.What I never expected was that i would go on to care for more than 85,000 of them!That Is how itis for those of us in education -and Ithink I speak for virtually everyone in this room - all of our students become our children,our proteges,in some form or another. So I come here today not only in my official capacity as Chair of this Board but also,and of equal importance,in my role as a mother of six children. Iknow the score. Iknow the battles that our young people must face each and every day as they leave the familiarity oftheir Individual homes and enter the sacred walls oftheir individual schools.So itisto these youth that stand here before us today that Iwould like to speak to now -because,while your numbers are small here tonight you represent thousands of other young students In Thames Valley,,just like yourself. There are three things that Iwould ask you to do. While they may sound contradictory in nature,1 believe they can be key elements in your future ahead. I urge you to be both patient and impatient.On one hand,patience is a virtue because building an education,a career or a relationship takes a continued commitment over time.On the other hand, unswerving patience in a flawed situation is a sure road to frustration and mediocrity. 2003 December 09...6 13.INAUGURAL ADDRESS -cont'd You should be self-disciplined yet strive for a strong sense of creativity.These may seem like opposites.Self discipline means sticking to a task,even ifitis long and repetitive,and doing itwith precision.Creativity, on the other hand,means to do something original, to bring something special into existence that was not there before.It will allow you to keep your minds open and to seek new and challenging paths to issues that may be tedious.Both of these attributes are vital to achieving the highest levels of success. Lastly, I urge you to be both respectful of others and their ideas,yet be able to speak out clearly for goals and ambitions that you wish to establish.Learn from history so that you do not repeat the mistakes of the previous generations.At the same time, we are counting on you to occasionally rethink our ideas -there Is merit to shaking things up occasionally.Ifyour eye remains steadfastly on the goal. So now, 1turn to my colleagues • this esteemed group of individuals who share with me a passion and a commitment to our youth and to their education.Together,we are a team that knows no other.We represent progressive leadership and advanced thinking inall aspects of education.Our children are our future.They are the very reason for our existence.They are the reason we are here. I believe that every child can learn and that no child should be left without the opportunity to try. Whether itis ina third -grade science lesson or a senior level history course,I believe that eliminating the boundaries of where and when learning happens can and will create a dynamic learning environment.Technology is a powerful contribution that makes possible projects that are both very difficult and very engaging.Our Virtual Academy for E-Learning will fuel the world of ideas -the possibilities are unlimited. Distinct from more traditional avenues,the Internet enables students bound by distance to not only learn subjects but also to interact with teachers,peers and even experts in the specific field. Itall starts withlearning. It continues with every situation we encounter,every teacher we help train and support,every student we help inspire.And it never stops.School is a place where teachers and students are always learning together.The teacher brings wisdom,perspective and maturityto the learning.The student brings freshness and enthusiasm. Mygoal is for every student to develop a genuine love for learning.I want to see class sizes smaller and re-enforce that the relationship between teacher and student is paramount.1want to broadcast that Ibelieve that qualitylearning ina diverse communityofchildren is central to allchildren|s ability to relate positively to others In our ever changing multicultural society.And I want our students to genuinely know that school is safe and fun and that taking risks and making mistakes are a normal part of the daily learning process. Students,don't be afraid to take risks! Don't be thwarted by obstacles.Manywho have gone on to 'greatness'were Initially hampered by something that might have discouraged someone who did not have the right attitude. Demosthenes,the greatest orator of the ancient world,stuttered!The first time he tried to give a speech,he was laughed off the rostrum!Julius Caesar was an epileptic.Beethoven was born deaf, as was Thomas Edison.Charles Dickens was lame,so was Handel.Homer was blind;Plato was a hunchback;Sir Walter Scott was paralyzed. What gave these great individuals the stamina to overcome setbacks and become successful?Each person had an Inner dream,a passion,that lita fire that could not be extinguished.Each had a vision for the future,just as we must have one. 2003 December 09...7 13.INAUGURAL ADDRESS -cont'd I want to provide ieadersliip centred inintegrity,the key component ofour '8 Foundation Principles', and promote an understanding ofthe parameters for collectivedecision making and planning. Our schools are a just and inclusive community inwhich people from different cultural, ethnic, racial, and religious backgrounds learn, liveand work harmoniously with mutual respect compromising neither their beliefs nor their identities.Our strength is in our diversity.We are truly a 'caring,learning community'as we strive to continually improve student learning. In conclusion,we must empower children with the abilityto learn.I have a passion for children and a passion forthem tohave a qualityeducation. Iencourage us alltocontinuallystrivefor students with a sense of personal pride.We can expect hard work but Ido not think that there is a single one of us here who is afraid of that.And as we all grow as a unified team of individuals,I have complete confidence that we possess the potential of a leadership in education that knows no boundaries." Jan Hunter Chairperson of the Board The following motion was moved byT.Roberts and seconded by 8.Peters: That the Chairperson's Inaugural address be spread upon the minutes and posted to the Board's website. 14.BENEDICTION •Reverend Corey Pickens delivered the benediction. 15.MUSICAL INTERLUDE The Medway High School Choir performed a second musical selection.Trustee Peters thanked the students and conductor for their meaningful participation in the Inaugural meeting. 16.DIRECTOR'S CLOSING REMARKS AND INVITATION Director of Education Bill Bryce presented the following closing remarks: "Chair Hunter,Vice-Chair Roberts,Trustees,Staff and Honoured Guests Tonight marks the sixth inaugural meeting of the Thames Valley District School Board.It has been a very special evening for all of us.We collectively share the renewed enthusiasm for public education prevalent in the province today and so eloquently captured by Chair Hunter inher inaugural address.The senior administration looks forward to working closely with Chairperson Hunter, Vice Chairperson Roberts,Chairperson of Information Committee of the Whole Sattler and Past Chair Bennett and all of our trustees -Individuals who are all dedicated to furthering our Mission of Improving Student Learning and promoting the cause of Public Education inthis province. Asa team we can and will achieve far more than we could as individuals. This year we have launched several initiatives that are clearly focused on Improving Student Learning -Our JK/SK literacy program,Improving Instructional Intelligence and Pathways to Success are but three that are already having a significant Impact on our system.Another undertaking is the information Technology renewal which is aimed at ensuring that our students and staff have the most effective and efficient technology possible.We look forward to a stability inthis coming year that will allow us to continue these multi-year projects.Our Virtual Academy has made great progress and, provided that we can attain appropriate provincialfunding, Is posed to playan even greater role inthe current twelve board Alliance For E-learning.Our Safe Schools initiative and Quality Daily Physical Activity program continue to receive provincial and national recognition.Iwould be remiss if I didnot mention the outstanding progress that our Special Education department is making in meeting the needs of the ever growing number of special education students that we serve. 2003 December 09...8 Providing a wide range of opportunities to our diverse community supports Our Vision initiative as we have focused on improving student learning.The feedback that we received this past year confirms that our system has internalized our Vision of A Caring,Learning Community.We are justifiably proud ofwhat we have achieved this past year and excited by the prospect of the accomplishments that lie ahead. We do have challenges infront of us - not the least ofwhich is a projected enrollment decline of over 6,750 students over the next seven years.To address this we will need a clear Indication of future funding so that we can prepare,at a minimum,three year budget projections.Our finance department have been working diligently to develop an appropriate model that can be utilized once our funding is established. Last week's funding announcement by the provincial government means that we have an additional $1,885,000 in Learning Opportunity Grant money and $305,000 in English as a Second.Language funds.This represents both a challenge and an opportunity >a challenge because it acknowledges the needs and expectations of many of our students and an opportunity for us to even better address those needs. 16.DIRECTOR'S CLOSING REMARKS AND INVITATION -contd. To our student performers,staff, family,friends and our special guests,a heartfelt thank you for attending this evening and sharing in the excitement that a new term brings.To have this number of education partners represented at our Inaugural Meeting is an example of the commitment to young people that Is shared across our District.We look forward to continuing to work withyou in the coming year. Iwould liketo invite each of you to join us now in the cafeteria for a reception to renew acquaintances and to extend your best wishes to Chairperson Hunter,Vice-Chairperson Roberts,and Information Committee of the Whole Chair Sattler and Past Chair Bennett. We wish you ail a safe,relaxing and meaningful holiday season." 17.ADJOURNMENT -The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.on motion of J.Bennett and G. Hart. CONFIRMED: Chairperson 2003 December 09...9 SUMMARY OF APPROVED RECOMMENDATIONS OF 2003 DECEMBER 09 That the committee and other trustee appointments for 2004 be approved. That following persons be appointed signing officers on behalf of the Board: Jan Hunter,Chair of the Board; Terry Roberts,Vice-Chair of the Board; Bill Bryce,Director of Education and Secretary; Brian Greene,Executive Superintendent of Business Services and Treasurer. .That the Chairperson's Inaugural address be spread upon the minutes and posted to the Board's website.