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8/30/2005 - Special Board Meeting*REVISED THAMES VALLEY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD SPECIAL BOARD MEETING 2005 AUGUST 30,7:00 P.M. BOARD ROOM,EDUCATION CENTRE AGENDA V-verbal M -material 1.CALL TO ORDER V 2.APPROVAL OF AGENDA M 3.CONFLICTS OF INTEREST V 4.REPORTS OF COWIWIITTEES a.Committee of the Whoie,2005 August 23 M 5.2005-06 BUDGET STATUS *-Next Level of Administrative Budget Priorities M 6.APPROVAL OF THE 2005-06 BUDGET M 7.TRUSTEE RESIGNATION M 8.ADJOURNMENT V THAMES VALLEY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD SPECIAL MEETING,PUBLIC SESSION 2005 AUGUST 30 The Board met in special session on 2005 August 30 in the Board F^oom atthe Education Centre,meeting In public session at 7:05 p.m. The following were inattendance: TRUSTEES J-Hunter (-8:05)P.Sattier D.Anstead D-Mouiton J.Stewart J.Bennett S.Peters L.Stevenson A.Cartier G.Hart ADMINISTRATION AND OTHERS B.Bryce B.Greene C.Murphy M.Sereda J.Thorpe D.Biair K.Dalton T.Roberts K.Havelka S.Hughes L.Hutchinson B.Tucker B.Wagner K.Wilkinson K.Bushell Regrets: P. Jaffe, D.Mugford,M.van Gaalen, S.Christie C.Dennett P.Hearse K.Meeson J.Neville J.Roth W.Scott 1.CALL TO ORDER: Board Chairperson Graham Hartcalled the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. a.CHAIRPERSON'S ANNOUNCEMENTS Chair Hart announced that a letter of resignation had been received from First Nations Trustee Sue Doxtatoradvisingthat she would be moving outofthe province.Herletterand recommendationto accept was considered under agenda item7. The Chair announced details of the Trustee/Administration Social to be held at the home of Trustee Hunter for Trustees and Administration and their families. He advised that a map and further information will be distributed prior to the event. 2.APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda was amended to add Chairperson's Announcements as item 1.(a)and approvedon motion of J.Bennett and J.Stewart. 3.CONFLICTS OF INTEREST - No conflicts of interest were declared. 4.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES a.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEMBERS ADMINISTRATION AND OTHERS G.Hart,Chair D.Anstead J.Bennett A.Cartier J.Hunter (-8:44) D.Mouiton S.Peters T.Roberts P.Saltier L.Stevenson J.Stewart B.Bryce B.Greene C.Murphy M.Sereda J.Thorpe D.Biair K.Dalton J.Empringham K.Havelka S.Hughes L.Hutchinson B.Tucker B.Wagner K.Wilkinson Regrets: P. Jaffe, D.Mugford.M.vanGaalen, S.Doxtator 2005 August 23 7:05 p.m.-9:30 p.m. K.Bushell S.Christie C.Dennett K.Meeson J.Neville J.Roth 2005 August 30...2 4.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES -cont'd a.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd 1.APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda was approved on motion of T.Roberts. 2.CONFLICTS OF INTEREST -none declared 3.CHAIRPERSON'S ANNOUNCEMENTS Chair Hart welcomed everyone in attendance back from the summer vacation.He noted that Executive Superintendent B.Greene would describe the Budget and that trustees would have an opportunity to present motions for consideration at the August 30 Board meeting.He introduced and welcomed student trustee D.Moulton to his first meeting of the Board. 4.DIRECTOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS Director of Education B. Bryce introduced Principal B. Noble who has assumed the position of Learning Supervisor -Special Education, C.Bourbonnais-McDonald who has been appointed to the supervisory officer pool, B.Wagner,newly-appointed Superintendent of Education,M. Sereda,newly-appointed Executive Superintendent of Human Resource Services and Executive Superintendent J.Thorpe who has transferred to the Operations portfolio. Superintendent Thorpe described howthe principal vacancy created withthe appointment ofMs. Noble has been filled noting E.Ross will assume the principalship until 2005 December 31. Mr.Bryce-advised that the Ministry of Education has imposed additional safety standards for students.Superintendent B.Greene noted that amendments to the HighwayTraffic Act have been made to secure students inall vehicles of 10 or less.This will involve students traveling in special education vans and taxis. In Thames Valley,150 students will require booster seats and 50 the other form of car seat.They will be purchased fromthe transportation safety budget at a cost of $15,000 and will be in place for the start of school. The New Day program on the A channel will air a public service announcement at 7:00 a.m. about student safety. Itwas noted that Ross Secondary Schoolstarted itsschool year on August 9, very smoothly. 5. REPORT OF THE BUDGET ADVISORY COMMITTEE 2005 August 17 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. MEMBERS ADMINISTRATION AND OTHERS D.Anstead (Chair)B.Greene J. Berkin T.Roberts J.Roth C.Dennett G. Hart.(9:20)P.Hearse .. S. Macey. Regrets:P.Jaffe Trustee Visitor: L.Stevenson (-10:01) 1.APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda was approved on motion of T.Roberts. 2.CONFLICTS OF INTEREST -none declared 2005 August 3Q...3 4.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES -cont'd a.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEEOF THE WHOLE -cont'd 5.REPORT OF THE BUDGET ADVISORY COMMITTEE-cont'd ^3.-2005-2006 PRELIMINARYBUDGET STATUS REPORT B.Greene described a "goodnews"budget containing significant increases inrevenue and tlie ability to approve approximately $4.5M in proposed initiatives.S.Macey, Financial Services, was welcomedto the budget team and is replacingJ. Pratt. 4.SPECIAL EDUCATION STAFFING J. Roth distributed a handout detailing a $2.2M deficitinspecial education that would occur as a result of a Board motion June 28, 2005.She clarified the Inclusion of Partnerships for Excellence with the special education budget and described the increase of 51.07 FTE staffing additions proposed in the motion.B.Greene noted $750,000 in special education reservesand discussion took placeonthe administration's plans for both the reserve funds and possible staff Increases resulting from the motion. It was notedthe SEAC has approvedthespecialeducation plan andthatthe motion was not brought forward by them.B.Greene noted the decline In ISA students and $1.1M loss in revenue.Trustees Roberts and Anstead requested staffing comparisons with similar Boards. 5.2005-2006 PROPOSED NEW INITIATIVES/ADDITIONS B.Greene and J. Roth distributed a handout detailing approximately $6.7M In proposed •additions to the 2005-06 preliminarybudget. Itwas noted that the EarlyYears Literacy initiative is an extension of a three-year plan. 6.BUDGET PRESENTATION 2005 AUGUST 23 Discussion surrounding the presentation includedthe "good news," the initiatives (all classroom related),the trustee's decision making optionsand the ability to set local priorities.Concern regarding theJune 28,2005 Board motion anditsimpact,along with the use of the $750,000 special education reserves was discussed. Trustee Stevenson left the meeting at 10:01 a.m. 7.OTHER BUSINESS G.Hartsought clarification ofthe professional developmentfunding forthe two student tmstees.J. Roth noted the Ministry of Education provides a set amount of student trustee funding that does notincrease based on the number ofstudent trustees. T. Roberts sought information on the possibility ofthe Board's involvement with fund raising forgym floors.B.Greene describedthe school renewal process as itrelatesto "high and urgenr needs. 8.DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING The next meetingwas scheduled for September 14at 9:00 a.m.in the ErieRoom. 9.ADJOURNMENT A motion to adjournwas moved by Trustee T. Roberts and carriedat 10:30 a.m. D.ANSTEAD Chairperson 2005 August 30...4 4.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES -cont'd a.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd 6.2005/06 PRELIMINARY BUDGET Executive Superintendent B.Greene and iVlanager J. Roth described the draft 2005-06 Budget noting that it: includes several new provincial initiatives; includes increases in salary benchmarks to 2007-08; includes 117.0 FTE teachers; continues with the Board's new initiatives from the 2003-04 and 2004-05 budgets; proposes several new Board initiativesfor 2005-06; contains additional funds to partially offset the impact of continued declining enrolment; continues with year two of a four-year plan for primary class size reduction. Net increase in grants $23 649 162 Increase 3.89% Preliminary Expenditures 631 811 918 Projected Revenue 629 655 877 Shortfall $2156 041 included in the 2005-06 preliminary budget are proposed Initiatives and additions of $6 750 248.They represent local priorities in addition to provincial priorities. Superintendent Greene noted the roleofthe Budget Advisory Committee chaired by Trustee D.Anstead.The committee brought Budget assumptions and a timetable for approval on 2005 March 26.On 2005 April 06,the following motion was approved: That a Budget Update item be included on each subsequent agenda of meetings of the Board until the 2005-05 budget is approved. Community meetings were held across the region on 2005 May 17 and 18 as follows: May 17,2005 Blossom Park Education Centre,Woodstock; May 17,2005 Strathroy DistrictCollegiate Institute, Strathroy; May 18,2005 TVDSB Education Centre,London; May 18,2005 Community Education Centre South,St.Thomas. Manager Jane Roth described the following highlights of the proposed Budget: Primary Class Size Reduction -TVDSB allocation $3 387 775. Year two ofa four-year implementation of the 20:1 cap • -Equivalent of 46:5 FTE new teachers (Total 90.5 FTE) Good Places to Leam - TVDSBallocation $39.1 M,funded over 25 years Projects identified by the Ministry audit (ReCAPP)as urgent and high needs Board approved $10.1 Mfor completion by September 2005 2005 August 30...5 4.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES -cont'd a.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd 6.2005/06 PRELIMINARY BUDGET -cont'd Elementary Specialist-Teachers -TVDSB allocation $1 532 389 '- Equivalent of 22.4 FTE teachers Secondary Student Success Teachers-TVDSB allocation $3 519 895 Equivalent of 48.1 FTE teachers GoodSchoolsOpen -TVDSB allocation $583329 Textbooks and Learning Resources -TVDSB allocation $1 691 838 One-time investment Declining Enrolment -TVDSBallocation $2263798,as one-time amount Salary Benchmarks - 2%in 2005-06,2.5%in 2006-07,3%in 2007-08 Special Education - Net New Needs net decrease of 65 FTE high needs students funding reduction of $1.1M Cleaner,Safer Schools -TVDSB increase $1 067 312 Transportation -TVDSB allocation $1 090835 Partofthe Provincial funding announcementof 2005June 27 Included reform. Itaddressed: - Rural schools -Transportation -Declining enrolment - Cleaner,Safer Schools ^- •Special Education - Grants forNew Pupil Places •• The following new initiatives were proposed: Proposed New Initiatives Early Years Literacy(JK/SK.Gr.1)500000 Non-Permanent Salaries (Elem &Sec)2 300 000 PrincipalA/ice-Principal coverage 93 854 Information Technology 1 000 000 Reconnecting Off-Roll Students Projected Expenditures 528 063 Less Ministry Grant (188 600) 339 463 Records Management (1 yr.contract)40 000 4 273 317 Additions Board Report -2005 March 22 Education Centre Maintenance & Facility renewal Plan 180 000 Board Motion -2005 June 28 Special Education '"2 192736 Attendance Counsellor 84195 2 276 931 Total Proposed New Initiatives and Additions 6 730 248 Superintendent Greene described the proposed new initiatives and additions as follows: Early Years Literacy (JK/SK/Gr.1)$.5M - A two-year,JK-SK plan was included In 2003-04 and 2004-05 budgets.It is planned to extend itfor a third year and include Grade 1 In 2005-06 to support the development of reading and writingskills. 2005 August 30...6 4.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES -cont'd a.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd 6.2005/06 PRELIMINARY BUDGET -cont'd :NonrPermanent Salaries (Elenrjentary/Secondary) $2.3M - to adjust budget allocations for teacher replacement staff to reflect salary Increases and actual usage PrincipalVice-Principal Coverage $.1M -coverage for replacement of principals and vice-principals attending approved meetings Information Technology $1 .CM -The consultant's report May 2003 called for a funding increase. - upgrading of school technology fundamental to all of the Information Technology transformation Reconnecting Off-Roll Students $.3M -improved outcomes for students through credit accumulation,greater graduation rates, lower dropout rates and to re-engage youth -extension of the program introduced in 2004-05 - partially funded by the Ministry Records Management '- to hire a contract-position for one year to support the establishment of a records management program Education Centre (2005 March 22) $.2M - to fund existing backlog of facility renewal projects Special Education &Attendance Counsellor (2005 June 28) $2.5M - to maintain special education and attendance counsellor staffing at 2004-05 levels in the preliminary draft budget - Special Education envelope deficit$2.2M The following major issues were identified for future years budgets: Declining Enrolment TVDSB has experienced declining enrolment since 2001-02. System Projected Enrolment for 2004-05 to 2011-12 Elementary FTE Secondary FTE Total FTE •2004-05 •50,967 25,982 - •76,949 2001-12 45.192 23.980 69.172 Decline 5.775 2.002 7.777 The preliminary report from C.N.Watson and Associates Ltd.confirms significant declining enrolment.There Is no evidence to indicate any change In this trend.Thames Valley District School Board received $2.3M in one-time funding as a transitional measure.This funding has a significantrole to play inour ability to balance the 2005-06 budget. 2005 August 30...7 4.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES -cont'd a.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd 6.2005/06 PRELIMINARY BUDGET -cont'd 'Special Education The 2005-06 preliminary budget results in a deficit of $2.2 M in the Special Education envelope.The budget has a funding reduction of $1.1M as a result ofa netdecrease of65 FTE high needs students.SEPPA funding will decline by $1.0M as a result of declining enrolment projections for 2006-07. Accommodation The Board continues tomaintainsurplus capacity based on the existingfundingformula. The minister Intends to reviewfundingforsmall/rural/remote schools and develop a new funding approachfor implementation in 2006-07.New schoolclosure guidelines are notreleasedat this time. Boards are now required to set and maintain a rolling five-year capital plan as a condition of Ministryfacilities funding. Transportation Stable funding exists for2005-06 as boards with declining enrolment will not see funding reduced.WorkIscontinuingtodevelop a fairand equitable model.The Government intends to require consortia and will determine ways to implement consortia and other efficiency measures. Superintendent Greene presented other budget issues for consideration including: Special Education Reserve Fund The Special Educationreserve fundof$749940 couldbe used tofundstaffingaccordingto the Board Motion of 2005 June 28 although a plan currently exists on how these funds could be deployed.A Board motion is required. Retirement Gratuity Funding Plan The 2005-06 preliminarybudget expenditure of$469 000 represents the finalpayment ofthe multi-year plan to finance the retirement gratuity long term receivable ($13,2M 2002-03) There is potential to delete this expenditure from the 2005-06 preliminary budget and use funds from the projected surplus for 2004-05. He indicated the proposed budget was a "good news" budget based on the following components: increased revenue $23.6M multi-yearagreements withteachers Inplace until 2008 September providing the longest period of labour peace inmany years -'salary benchmarks funded year two ofa four-year implementation ofthe 20:1 cap in primary class size reduction a four-year allocationfor elementary specialist teachers a four-year allocation for secondary student success teachers a $39.1 M allocation for Good Places to Learn a one-time allocation for textbooks a one-time allocation for declining enrolment local new prioritiesand additions to the budget SuperintendentGreene presented the following overview of the planned 2005 August 30 Board meeting noting that the Board is required to submit the budget to the Ministry of Education by 2005 August 31. 2005 August 30...8 4.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES -cont'd a.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd 6.2005/06 PRELIMINARY BUDGET -cont'd -•Board review and discussion of ttie 2005-06 preliminary budget Board decision on proposed new initiatives and additions Speciai Education Reserve Fund -applied to the 2005-06 budget Retirement Gratuity Funding Plan -funded from the projected surplus of 2004-05 Board approval of the balanced budget 2005 August 30 Board submission to the IVIinister of Education -deadline 2005 August 31 The Budget Advisory Committee will review the process and make suggestions for the 2006-07 preliminary budget. Budget information is available from the Board at www.tvdsb.on.ca and from the Ministry of Education at wvw.edu.Qov.on.ca, Manager C.Dennett noted there were less than a half dozen hits to the Board's budget information website indicating little public interest. The Administration responded to questions posed by trustees. 8:44 p.m.-Trustee Hunter left the meeting Following the presentation, Chair Hart sought any motions regarding the budget from trustees.Trustee Roberts moved the following motion: That the final payment of the Retirement Gratuity Plan be taken from the surplus of the current budget year and that $460 000 be placed inthe projected budget for2005- 06 for local priorities. Following discussion,the motion carried. Trustee Cartier moved the following motion: That the Grade 5/6 Gifted program at Mountsfield Public School be continued and funded from the general reserve fund in light of the tremendous success of the program and excellent presentations made by the community to trustees. Chair Hart indicated that the program at Mountsfield School has not had a staff reduction and that the program staffing has been addressed inthe approved 2005-06 Special Education Plan. He ruled the motion out of order as not being part of the budget process. Trustee Bennett moved the following motion: In order tominimizethe Impact of Special Education staffing reductions,be Itresolved that the Boardapprove the transfer of$600,000 fromthe Special Education reserves tothe Special Education budget to provideadditional school-based supports to meet student needs as determined by the Superintendent of Special Education. Following considerable discussion,the motion carried. Trustee Roberts indicated that many secondary schools are raising funds to provide new gymnasium floors. He asked if there was any money inthe Renewal budget to partner with the community in these endeavours.Superintendent Greene indicated that the current floors in schools are safe. 2005 August 30...9 4.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES -cont'd a.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd 6.2005/06 PRELIMINARY BUDGET -cont'd Henotedtheywerenot included in the Ministry Stage 1 audit but could be included in the capital planning process in future under Program Excellence.Trustee Roberts asked that the matter be considered when appropriate. Trustee Anstead moved the following motion: That the proposed 2005-06 Budget be approved including new initiatives totaling $4,453,317. After discussion.Trustee Anstead withdrew the motionand subsequently moved the following motion: That the proposed, balanced 2005-06 budget be approved. The motion carried. Chair Hart asked trustees for any additional budget issues for discussion at the August 30 Boardmeeting,as well as any areas where they would liketo see fundsshifted. Suggestions were offered. 7.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - IN CAMERA 2005 August 23 MEMBERS P.Sattler (Chair) J.Hunter D.Anstead S.Peters (5:43) J.Bennett A.Cartier G.Hart T.Roberts L.Stevenson J.Stewart No recommendations were put forward. ADMINISTRATION AND OTHERS B.Bryce B.Greene C.Murphy M.Sereda J.Thorpe D.Blair K.Dalton J.Empringham Regrets:P. Jaffe, D. Mugford, S. Doxtator The Committee met in camera from 5:05 p.m.to 5:54 p.m. 1.APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda was approved on motionofT. Roberts. 2.CONFLICTS OF INTEREST - No conflicts of interest were declared. 3. Confidential negotiation matters were discussed. 4.RISE AND REPORT Amotionto rise and report was moved byJ. Bennett at 5:54 p.m. and carried. K.Havelka S.Hughes L.Hutchinson W.Tucker B.Wagner K.Wilkinson S.Christie C.Dennett P.SATTLER, Chairperson 2005 August 30...10 4.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES -cont'd a.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd 8.ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at9:30 p.m. on motion of J.Stewart. G.HART Chairperson RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE 2005 AUGUST 23 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING: 1.That the final payment of the Retirement Gratuity Plan be taken from the surplus of the current budgetyear and that$460 000 be placed inthe projectedbudgetfor2005-06 forlocal priorities. 2. In order to minimize the impact of Special Education staffing reductions,be It resolved that the Board approve the transfer of $600 000 from the Special Education reserves to the Special Education budget to provide additional school-based supports to meet student needs as determined by the Superintendent of Special Education. 3.That the proposed,balanced 2005-06 budget be approved. Recommendations 1 and 2 were adopted on motion of J.Bennett and T.Roberts. 5.2005-06 BUDGET STATUS -Next Level of Administrative Budget Priorities B.Greene,Executive Superintendent,provided opening remarks related to the approval of the balanced 2005-06 budget of $630 255 877. J. Roth, Manager, Financial Services provided clarification regarding the revenues and expenditures of the Board's administration line as well as Continuing Education. Exec.Supt.Greene presented the following proposed new initiatives and additions for the 2005-06 budget: 2005-06 Preliminary Budget -Proposed New Initiatives Early Years Literacy (JK/SK/Gr.1)$ 500 00 Non-Permanent Salaries 2 300 000 (Elementary/Secondary) PrincipalA/lce-Principal Coverage ...93 854 ... Information Technology 1 000 000 Reconnecting Off-Roll Students Projected Expenditures 528 063 Less Ministry Grant (188 600).339 463 Records Management (1 year 40 000 $4 273 317 contract) Board Report -2005 March 22 180 000 Education Centre Maintenance & Facility Renewal Plan 2005 August 30...11 5.2005-06 BUDGET STATUS - Next Level of Administrative Budget Priorities -cont'd 2005-06 Preliminary Budget -Proposed New Initiatives - cont'd Board Motions -2005 August-23 Retirement Gratuity Funding (469 000) Plan 600 000 131 000 Special Education New Initiatives to be determined 589 890 Total Proposed New Initiatives and $5 174 207 Additions Director Bryce advised thatatthe 2005 August 23 Committee ofthe Whole Trustee Battler requested thatthesenior administration provide information regarding the next level of administrative priorities forconsideration during the finalizing ofthe 2005 - 2006 budget on 2005 August30. Director Bryce reported that prior to developing a specific response to this request,the senior administration established twoguidingprinciplesto assist them inthe process.The firstprinciplewas that the recommended expenditure had to significantly support, either directly or indirectly,student leaming.Secondly,because ofthe "one-time"declining enrolment grantfor2005-2006,therewas no assurance that these additional funds would be available In future budget years.Therefore,only items that could be addressed withinthe 2005 -2006 budget without creating ongoing expectations inthe face of declining enrolment were to be considered. No specific dollar amountswereattached tothe Itemsbecause anyone ofseveral ofthe proposals could,by Itself,consume all ofthe available dollars.Alternatively,some ofthe same proposals could be implemented In a reduced manner so that morethan one couldbe accommodated within the available budget funds. It was noted that Superintendents did not prioritize the following listsubmitted for consideration: .Additional support for data collection/analysis and Information technology; . Additional library resources for the 129 school libraries that did not benefit from the special fundingfor library resources inruralschools; . Additional administrators for elementary and/or secondary schools; . Fundingfor recruitment, training and assessment of potential school administrators; . Future support for Partnership for Excellence schools; . Suspending or endingthe fee charged to attend our outdoorenvironmentalcentres; . Establish a contingencyfundto address unanticipated needs(s)that emerge duringthe budget •year.' An briefexplanationofthe following topicswas provided: Data Collectlon/Analvsis and Information Technoloqv Superintendent Hutchinson explained that in itsever increasing requirement for accountability,the Ministry has placed significant demandson board staffto prepare,analyze and submit datatothe Ministry and make decisions thataredata driven.The Ministry initiative.Managing Information for StudentAchievement (MISA),isused byouradministratorstomake programdecisionsthat positively impact student learning. 2005 August 30-12 5.2005-06 BUDGET STATUS -cont'6 Next Level of Administrative Budget Priorities -cont'd Library Resource Supt.Hutchinson advised that the rural education grant has resulted in 55 rural schools receiving a significant infusion of library materials.Many students inour other 129 schools,v\/hich did not qualify for these funds because of their location,would also benefit from increased library resources. School Administrators Supt.Thorpe explained that the funding formula provides funds for administrators in 137 elementary and 28 secondary schools.Because there are 17 more elementary and 2 more secondary schools than the Board receives funding for,and to ensure that TVDSB stay within the funding line amount it has been necessary to significantly reduce the number of elementary vice-principals and the full- time equivalent complement of secondary vice-principals to ensure that there are principals in all schools. Fewer vlce-principais means that there are fewer people receiving on-the-job training at that level to become principals. Recruitment.Training and Assessment of Potential School Administrators Supt. Havelka reported that several valuable programs have been developed that assist candidates to realistically assess their strengths,areas for growth and readiness for appointment to an administrative position.Recently,funds have not been available to send prospective candidates to these assessment centres. Partnership for Excellence Schools Supt.'Murphy-submitted a request to establish a reserve to help sustain The Partnership for - Excellence program infuture years.These funds would be designated for literacy teachers. Outdoor Environmental Centre Fee Supt.Murphy advised that one of the measures adopted by the Board in the 2002 -2003 budget to offset the unfunded cost of operating our outdoor environmental centres was to charge a $2.00 per student fee to attend these centres. Contincencv Fund In recent budget years the Board has not been able to set aside money that trustees may wish to access to address unanticipated needs(s)that emerge during the budget year. The Administration responded to questions posed by trustees. 8:05 p.m.Trustee Hunter leftthe meeting. The following motion was moved by L.Stevenson,seconded by J.Stewart and carried: That the attendance counselor staffing complement remain at the 2004-05 level of $84,195. Trustee Roberts Indicated that the Board has waited a longtime forthe opportunity to investigate local • priorities or initiatives in the budget process,that it must connect this opportunity to the Vision statement and celebrate a focus on teamwork withinthe Board. Asthe budget process did not provide for a lot of community input because of the timing of the release of information,trustees now have an opportunity to assure the public that they seek their input and creative ideas. Trustee Roberts moved the following motion,seconded by J.Bennett: That $400,000 be identified in the budget of the Thames Valley District School Board for 2005/2006 to encourage school-based initiativeswhich sustain student learning over a period of time and Improve conditions for student learning at the school/site level. He noted that this budget initiativeis directly related to the concept of teamwork and the enhancement or partnerships builton trust. ,2005 August 30...13 5.2005-06 BUDGET STATUS -cont'd Next Level of Administrative Budget Priorities - cont'd Trustee S.Peters moved the motion be deferred to the discussion of the Board's prioritiesfrom the August 30,2005 meeting once the surplus for 2004-05 is l<nown.After discussion,the motion was withdrawn. Trustee Roberts'original motion was amended to read: That$400,000be identified for consideration ina contingency fund oftheThames Valley District School Boardfor2005/2006to encourage school-based initiatives whichsustain student learning over a period of time and improve conditions for student leaming at the school/site level.The mechanism for Implementing the content of the motion Is to be determined by the Chairs' Committee and brought bacl<to the Board for approval. The motion carried. The following motionwas moved by P.Sattler and seconded by L Stevenson: That $505,695 be transferred to a contingency fund for consideration at the 2005 October 25 Board meeting. The motion was adopted on a pollvote as follows: YEAS:D.Anstead,J.Bennett,A.Cartier,G. Hart, T.Roberts,P.Sattler,L.Stevenson, J.Stewart NAYS:S.Peters r ABSTENTIONS:none ^/ Student Trustee Moulton indicated his support of the motion. 6.APPROVAL OF THE 2005-06 BUDGET ExecutiveSuperintendent Greene advisedthatthe2005-06Budgetistobesubmittedtothe Ministry ofEducationby2003August 31,once approved bythe Board. Henoted that the Boardis required to approve a balanced budget under Section 231 of the Education Act He explained that the submission deadline was extended to 2005 August 31 because of the delay in releasing tlie provincialfunding grants. He confirmed that the 2005-06 Budget is in compliance with Ministry provisions in the funding envelopes as follows: -Classroom: -Special Education; -School Renewal and New Pupil Places; -Administration and Governance. The following motionwas moved by L.Stevenson,seconded byS.Peters: That two Educational Assistants be designated to West Elgin Student Training (WEST) internship program for a2005Septemberstart;the positions tobe funded from the contingency fund in the amount of $70 000. 2005 August 30...14 6.APPROVAL OF THE 2005-06 BUDGET -cont'd The following motionto postpone was moved byD.Anstead,seconded byJ. Stewart: That the motionto designate twoEducational Assistants to West Elgin Student Training(WEST) internship program fora 2005September start;the positions to be funded from the contingency fund In the amount of $70"000be "postponed tothe October 25,2005 Board meeting during the discussion of allocating the contingency fund. The motionto postpone was adopted on a the following poll vote: YEAS: D.Anstead,J.Bennett,A.Cartier,G. Hart, T.Roberts.P.Sattler,J.Stewart NAYS:S.Peters,L.Stevenson ABSTENTIONS:none Student Trustee Moulton -nay The following recommendation was moved byD.Anstead,seconded byT. Roberts and carried; That the 2005-06 balanced budget of $630 255 877 revenue and expenditures,be approved for submission to the Ministry of Education. Supt. Greene extended appreciation to Business Staffand the Budget Advisory Committee fortheir significantcontributlonduringthe2005-06Budgetdeliberatlons.ChairpersonHartand TrusteeAnstead, in.her capacityas Budget Advisory Committee Chairadded their congratulations to Supt. Greene and the Business Services staff for the successful completion of the Budget. 7.TRUSTEE RESIGNATION Trustee S. Doxtator submitted her letterof resignation as the FirstNations Trustee on the Board effective August 19,2005. She will be moving from Ontario to assume an educational role In Manitoba.The following motionwas adopted on motionof L.Stevenson and J. Bennett: That the Thames Valley District School Board accept withregret the resignation of FirstNations Trustee Sue Doxtator effective 2005 August 19. Director Bryceexplainedthe process for filling thisvacancy In accordance with the EducationAct Itwas requestedthata letterof appreciation besent to Ms.Doxtator recognizing her significant contribution to the Board and to TVDSB First Nations students. 8.ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:46 p.m. on motion of D.Anstead and P. Sattler. CONFIRMED: Chairperson 2005 August 30...15 SUMMARY OF APPROVED RECOMMENDATIONS OF 2005 AUGUST 30 -That the final payment of the Retirement Gratuity Plan be taken from the surplus of the current budget year and that $460 000 be placed In the projected budget for 2005-06 for local priorities. - In order to minimize the Impact of Special Education staffing reductions, be it respjved that the Board approve the transfer of$600 000 fromthe Special Education reserves to the Special Education budget to provide additional school-based supports to meet student needs as determined by the Superintendent of Special Education. -That the attendance counselor staffing complement remain at the 2004-05 level of $84,195. -That $400 000 be identified for consideration ina contingency fund of the TVDSB for 2005-06 to encourage school-based initiatives which sustain student learning over a period of time and improve conditions for student learning at the school/site level.The mechanism for implementing the content of the motion is to be determined by the Chair's Committee and brought back to the Board for approval. -That $505 695 be transferred to a contingency fund for consideration at the 2005 October 25 Board meeting. -That the motion to designate two Educational Assistants to West Elgin Student Training (WEST)Internship program for a 2005 September start; the positions to be funded fromthe contingency fund inthe amount of $70 000 be postponed to the October 25, 2005 Board meeting during the discussion of allocating the contingency fund. -That the 2005-06 balanced budget of $630 255 877,revenue and expenditures,be approved for submission to the Ministryof Education. -That the Thames Valley District School Board accept with regret the resignation of First Nations Trustee Sue Doxtator effective 2005 August 19.