9/27/2005 - Regular Board Meeting*REVISED
THAMES VALLEY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
REGULAR BOARD MEETING,PUBLIC SESSION
2005 SEPTEMBER 27,7:00 P.M.
BOARD ROOM, EDUCATION CENtRE
AGENDA
V-verbal
M -material
1.CALL TO ORDER V
2.O CANADA
3.SPECIAL IVIUSiCAL PRESENTATION -WilfridJury P.S,
4.APPROVAL OF AGENDA IVI
5.OFFICIAL RECORD Wl
6.RECOGNITIONS
a.Friends of Chernobyl Presentation V
b.Central P.S,,Woodstock-Youth of Tomorrow Project V
7.CONFLICTS OF INTEREST V
8.CHAIR'S ANNOUNCEIVIENTS V
9.DIRECTOR'S ANNOUNCEIVIENTS V
10.CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
a.Regular Board Meeting,2005 June 26 M
b.Special Board Meeting,2005 August 30 M
11.REPORTS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION
a.TVDSB Annual Accessibility Plan -2005 -2006 M
b.Best Start Initiative M
c.Short-Term Financing for Stage 1 of Good Places to Learn M
12.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
a.Special Education Advisory Committee,2005 June 07 M
b.SEAC Chair's Summary,2005 September 20 M
(to be faxed prior to the meeting)
c.Committee of the Whole,2005 September 13 M
d.Chairs'Committee,2005 September 21 M
*e.Committee of the Whole,In Camera,2005 September 27 V
2
13.MOTION -NOTICE OF WHICH HAS BEEN GIVEN -none
14.ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
15.COMMUNICATIONS
a.Ontario Public School Boards'Association -Update V
b.Student Trustees'Update V
c.Ontario Association for Families of Children with M
Communication Disorders -SEAC Appointment
d.VOICE -SEAC Appointment M
e.Chippewas of the Thames First Nation -Native Advisory M
Committee Appointment
16.NOTICE OF MOTION
a.Request for Reconsideration M
17.QUESTIONS BY MEMBERS
18.GOOD NEWS ITEMS -"Did you know..."
19.ADJOURNMENT
V..-
THAMES VALLEY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
REGULAR MEETING,PUBLIC SESSION
2005 SEPTEMBER 27
The Boardmetinregular session on 2005 September 27 Inthe BoardRoomatthe Education Centre, meeting
in public session at 7:00 p.m.The following were In attendance:
TRUSTEES P.Jaffe
J.Bennett D.Moulton
A.Cartier S.Peters
G. Hart,Chair T.Roberts
J.Hunter
ADMINISTRATION AND OTHERS
B. Bryce K.Havelka
B.Greene S.Hughes
C. Murphy L.Hutchinson
M.Sereda B.Tucker
J.Thorpe B.Wagner
D.Blair K.Wilkinson
Regrets:D.Anstead,D.Mugford (leave of absence)
P.Sattler
J.Stewart
L.Stevenson (+8:15)
M.van Gaalen
K.Bushell
S.Christie
C.Dennett
J.Roth
W.Scott
1.CALL TO ORDER.
Chair of the Board Graham Hart called the meeting to order.
2./3.O CANADA AND MUSICAL PRESENTATION
The appreciation of the Board was extended to the Wilfrid Jury P.S. Waterfalls and Wind Song
Musical Group and conductor Rosemary Bannerman for leading Inthe singing of O'Canada and
performing three musical selections.
4.APPROVAL OF AGENDA
The agenda was amended toadd "Request forLeaveofAbsence"as item14.a. and "PrinclpalA^lce
PrincipalInterviews"under item17. The amended agenda was approved on motion ofS.Peters and
J.Hunter.
5.OFFICIAL RECORD
S. Christie,Supervisor,Corporate Services,read the following notice into the minutes:
We regret to record the death of:
Doug Tomllnson, a teacher at Hillcrest Public School, London, on 2005 August 07;
Valerie Clark, a teacher at Caradoc North Public School,Strathroy,on 2005 September 02;
MarkMuellejansa teacher at NorthMeadows PublicSchool, Strathroy, on 2005 September
13;and
Frank Muhl,a custodian at Rolph Street Public School,Tlllsonburg, on 2005 September 14.
6.RECOGNITIONS
a.FRIENDS OF CHERNOBYL PRESENTATION
Executive Superintendent B.Greene Introduced Mr.Charles Ruud, founding member of the
Canadian and London-based Chapter of the Children of Chernobyl Program.Mr.Ruud
explained the program criteriathat was launched in1991 as partof a national reliefefforttogive
assistance and to provide rest and rehabilitation to students from Belarus affected by the
Chemobyl nuclear disaster.
2005 September 27...2
6.RECOGNITIONS -cont'd
a.FRIENDS OF CHERNOBYL PRESENTATION -cont'd
A plaque was presented honouring the predecessor London Board of Education and the
TVDSB for 14 years of collaboration with the Chernobyl program that has welcomed
approximately 270 children to Canadian homes and schools.Mr.Ruud noted that the program
has now ended.
b.CENTRAL P.S.WOODSTOCK -YOUTH OF TOMORROW PROJECT
Principal R.Jackson,Educational Assistant K.Wood, and Central P.S.,(Woodstock)students
were recognized fortheir Youth of Tomorrow Project.Mr.Jackson advised that the Central P.S.
student fundraising initiatives have also received recognition from the Canadian Association of
Principals as a project that supports community outreach efforts. M.Duckett,a Grade 8 student,
described a number of fundraising events held in collaboration with the Woodstock community.
Chair Hart extended thanks to the students fortheir contributionto the community that extends
beyond the classroom.Each student was presented with a TVDSB pin.
7.CONFLICTS OF INTEREST -No conflicts of interest were declared.
8.CHAIR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
9.DIRECTOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
a.Director Bryce announced that award-winning scientist,environmentalist and broadcaster Dr.
David Suzuki,a graduate from London's Central S.S.,will be returning to London on 2005
November 07 to speak to students.His message,entitled "Caring for the Earth Begins with Me"
will be presented to more than 1,000 London Central S.S.,students and guests on 2005'
November 07 from 11:30 a.m.to 2:30 p.m.and will also be simulcast to other Thames Valley
schools using a special web feed.Dr.Suzuki's visit has been organized with the assistance of
Ameresco Canada Inc., a Thames Valley partner in the development of the Better Schools
Partnership,providing integrated energy efficient solutions across the system.The Director
advised that further details regarding Dr.Suzuki's visit will be provided at a future meeting.
b. Director Bryce advised that the Ontario ProvincialPolice have issued a warning to Delaware area
residents that a cougar was spotted Inthe vicinityand that appropriate steps have been taken to
advise students and parents of precautionary measures.
c. J. Thorpe, ExecutiveSuperintendent, Operations,provided preliminaryelementaryand secondary
enrolment numbers for the 2005-06 school year. He reported that the preliminary elementary
enrolment data extracted as of2005 September 26 indicated 49,940 students enrolled, a figure
that exceeds the projected numbers by .5 percent.
Supt.Thorpe advised that the preliminary secondary enrolment figure as of 2005 September 26
is 27,181,exceeding projections by30% or just over 800 students.This Increase is largely a
result of many Grade 12 students returning for a fifth year.
He emphasized that target setting for Grade 12 enrolment isalways a difficult process and noted
that up to 50% of students in other jurisdictions are also returning for a fifth year.A detailed
analysis is to be prepared amending the projected numbers as well as the 2005-06 Budget to
provide for the hiring of additional staff. An administrative report will be presented at a
subsequent meeting.
Chairperson Hart extended his congratulations to the staff for the accuracy surrounding
enrolment projections placing the Board in a good position to address the matter.
2005 September 27...3
10.CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
a. The minutes ofthe Regular Board Meeting,2005 June 26 were adopted on motionofJ. Hunter
and J.Stewart.
b. The minutes ofthe Special BoardMeeting,2005 August 30were adopted on motionofJ. Hunter
and J.Stewart.
11.REPORTS FROMTHE ADMINISTRATION
a.ANNUAL ACCESSIBILITY PLAN -2005 SEPTEMBER TO 2006 AUGUST
M.Sereda,ExecutiveSuperintendent, Human Resource Services, introduceda reportseeking
approval of the Annual Accessibility Plan,2005-2006.
He advised that the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario was established under the Ontarians with
Disabilities Act,2001(ODA)tomanage the implementation ofthe ODAand tosupportand review
the progress oforganizations with legal obligations underthe ODA.These organizations include
the Government of Ontario and all of its ministries, municipalities, hospitals, school boards,
colleges,universities and public transportation organizations.
B.Tucker,Superintendent,ProgramServices,explainedthatan Accessibility Working Groupwas
organized In2003 Februaryconsisting of TVDSB staff,federation and union representatives and
members of community agencies.This group collaboratively Identified barriers which prevent
members of the community with disabilities to access services and programs, and also
addressed ways to eliminate or prevent these barriers.
The finaldraftofthe AnnualAccessibilityPlan, 2005 September to2006 August forthe Thames
ValleyDistrictSchool Boardwas provided.It was noted that the document is to be posted inits
entirety on the TVDSB website following approval bythe Board.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the TVDSBAnnual Accessibility Plan 2005-06 be approved.
The recommendation was adopted on motion of J.Bennett and P.Sattler.
b.BEST START INITIATIVE
Director Bryce presented an overview of the Province of Ontario's Best Start initiative. He
advised that on 2004 November 25, the Ministry of Children and Youth Services (MCYS)
announced theframeworkforthe Provincial Government's BestStartPlanto support childrenand
families.In 2005 May 06, the Ontario and Federal Governments signed an agreement-in-
principle, "Moving Forward on Early Learning and Child Care,"that will see almost $1.9 billion of
new money invested in Ontario's chlld-care system over the next five years.This is Inaddition
to Federal funds already committed under the 2003 MultilateralFramework on EarlyLearning and
Child Care -$1.05 billion inthe five-year period 2003 - 2008. This investment is part ofthe $5
billion that Prime Minister Paul Martin promised to spend on child care during the last Federal
election campaign.
The 2005 Provincial Budget (2005 May 11)confirmed that the Provincial government will utilize
allthe Federal dollars available under "Moving Fonvard On EarlyLearning and ChildCare"as well
as the next three years'allocation under the Multi-Lateral Framework (2003) for the Best Start
Program.The Province Isproviding municipalities with Federal funds from the Federal-Provincial
Agreement on EarlyLearning and Child Care to plan and implement the first phase of Best Start.
2005 September 27...4
11.REPORTS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION -cont'd
b.BEST START INITIATIVE -cont'd
Overview of Best Start
BestStartisa"comprehensive,evidence-based earlylearningand care strategydesigned togive
allofOntario's childrenthe best possible start Inlifeand help them achieve success inschool".
(Ministry of Children and Youth Services(2005June)-BestStart Phase 1:Laying the Foundation
- Implementation Planning Guidelinesfor Best Start Networks). Accordingto the Province, the
initiative represents a "major redesign"of services in terms of how children and families are
supported from the prenatal stage to grade one.
Services and supports contained within Best Start's multi-year vision are expected to Include:
• -Earlyand ongoing screening of allOntario children to Identify potential issues,needs and
risks;
•An integrated serviceapproachthatis seamless from the child and family's perspectivethat
bringstogether Pre-School,Quality Child Care, Juniorand Senior Kindergarten,Parenting
Programs,Public Health,Children's Mental Health,infant Development,Pre-School Speech
and Language/Infant Hearing,withdirectlinkages to Child Welfare and Children's Treatment
Centres;and
Early Learning andCareHubsthat integrate assessment,access andearlylearning andcare
services.
When fully implemented,BestStart will provide a completesystemofservices and supportsto
children from birth through the transition to grade one.MCYS indicates that it will take at least
10 years to implement all Best Start components across the province.Planning and
implementation will be done in phases at the community level and be led by local Best Start
Networks.Giving families with children In junior andseniorkindergarten (JK and SK)and children
aged 0 to4 access to highqualitylicensed,centre or home-based child care will be the firstBest
Start initiative tobe implemented province-wide.Whereverpossible,BestStart will seek touse
schools as "hubs"for delivering these services and supports.
Best Start -Phase 1
Phase 1 of Best Start will be implemented over the next 3 years (2005 -2007),with
implementation ofthe full Best Start strategy in all communities (Phase2)expected over 10
years.The key activities in Phase 1 are as follows:
Plan/implement certain BestStart components in all communities,including:
-Expanding child care during non-school hours with priority on children inJKand SK,and
gradual expansion for children 0-4 years;
-Enhancements for Healthy Babies. Healthy Children (HBHC)services;
Restoredservicelevelsfor pre-school speech and language/infant hearing:and
Enhanced special needs resources;
•Province-wide enhancements including:
-Establishment ofthe College of EarlyChildhood Educators;
-Moving to a sliding scale incometest todetermine eligibility for child care; and
-Measurement for progress and results using the Early Development Instrument (EDI).
As part ofthe Phase 1 implementation,three demonstration projectshave been established.
These are located in the District of TImiskaming in northeastern Ontario, the rural areas of
Lambton and Kentin southwestern Ontario,and Hamilton's urban east end. The Province has
also established three Provincial panels on Early Learning Program,Quality and Human
Resources and the 18 Month Well BabyCheck-up.
"N
2005 September 27...5
11.REPORTS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION -cont'd
b.BEST START INITIATIVE-cont'd
Local Initiative
Municipalities across the province liave been giventhe lead rolein implementing the Best Start
initiative.Each municipality will have a Consolidated Municipal Service Manager (CMSM)tolead
the Initiative.For Thames Valley,there are four municipalities-Elgin,London, Middlesexand
Oxford -with whichthe Board and the London District CatholicSchool Board will be working.
Middlesex has determinedthat it will co-ordinateitsefforts directly with the City of London.After
initial discussions,the municipal partners have agreed tothe establishment ofa single executive
committee for Best Start inthis area.There will be at least two, integrated sub-committees to
lool<at research/program needs and facility Identification/design and construction needs.
Role of the Consolidated Municipal Services Manager (CMSM)
The Best Start Implementation PlanningGuidelinesoutlinethe following responsibilities of the
CMSM:
Component Activities Timeline
Best Start Transition Plan 2005 -
2006
The CMSM will be accountable
for developing the Best Start
Transitional Plan to increase
licensed child care spaces witha
priorityfor JK/SK students.
2005 October 31
Child Care Service Plan
incorporating Best Start Child
Care Components
Develop a child care service plan
that describes the management
and planning of local child care
services.This plan will be
revised to Include the Best Start
Child Care components.
2005 October 31
Phase 1 Integrated Implement
ation Plan 2006 -2007 onwards
Plan with the local Best Start
Networkand implement the child
care components of the Phase 1
integrated Implementation Plan
2005 December 31
The Ministry of Children and Youth Services has acknowledged that the timelines for Best Start
planning are ambitious given the amount of community involvementand Inputthat Is required.
To ensure that these timelines are met, a Best Start Executive Networkcomprised of municipal
CMSM's,the two districtschool boards,health unit representatives and other communitychild
care and early learning stakeholders has been created.The Terms of Reference and
membership inthe local Best Start Networkare to be confirmed byletter to the MCYS by2005
September 30.The Network will meet at the Thames Valley District School Board on 2005
September 27 to complete its Terms of Reference.
Best Start Network
The CMSM is to lead the development of a local Best Start Network.The Best Start Network is
responsible for planning and implementing Best Start at the local level in accordance with the
Implementation Planning Guidelines,it is expected to include parents,family and children's
services providers as well as representatives from the school boards,MCYS,the Health Unit,and
a co-ordinating body of senior children's services sector community leaders.
2005 September 27...6
11.REPORTS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION -cont'd
b.BEST START INITIATIVE -cont'd
Financial Impact
The Province has confirmed that funding to CMSIWs forBestStart will utilize Federal funding
throughthe Federal-Provincial Agreementon Early Learning and Child Care.MCYS has waived
the municipal cost sharing on all new federal child care funding beginning in 2005/06 through
2009/10.The Minister of Children and Youth Services,Mary AnneChambers,Indicated this will
save municipalities morethan $208 million overthe nextthree years.
The allocation ofthe federal funding to CMSMs isbased onthe following funding proportions:
40%of funding basedon proportional child population under6yearsofage;and 60%offunding
basedon equity factors including low income population,education undergrade nine,geographic
dispersions,no knowledge of Englishor French and growth.
Expectations of School Boards
Schoolboardsareresponsiblefor Implementing provincial education policies and curriculum and
or providing education programs for children beginning in junior kindergarten.It Is anticipated
hat they will:
participate In planning and implementing BestStart through theBestStart networks (Local
Networks and regional French-Language Networks);
Identify Issuesand opportunities In developing BestStarthubsand linking early learning and
school-based programs;
assist inplanningearlylearningand care hubs,child care programs located inschools and
help to coordinate these programs with the Kindergarten Program;
identify Issues thatmustbe addressed tohelp children with special needs make asuccessful
transition to school;
seek opportunities for expertise/resources to be shared with early learning and child care
programs;
provide sites/space for BestStart neighbourhood learning andcare hubs (when appropriate)
Identify Issues related tothe hub model In their districts (e.g.transportation);
provide sites/spaces for expansion of child care.
"School Firsf Policy
Local networks are required to look to sites thatare,or could be,located within a new orexisting
publicly-funded schools forearly learning and child care hubsand the expansion of child care
spaces.This requirement Is critical for Thames Valley as it develops the new Capital Plan
required bythe Ministry of Education. Fundingfor child care In new schools will come fromthe
Ministry of Education while expansion of child care in existing schools will be funded by the
MCYS.It Is expected thatCMSMs will work with school boards and existing child care programs
to identify howto Integrate early learning and care programs.
If school spacesarenotavailable or suitable tothe community,the community must identify other
sites thatare near or within a family ofschoolsarea.If new child care spaces are not located in
schools,then the Best Start plan must describe how the sites will be linked to the school
programs as well as the rationaleas towhya school was notthe appropriate location.
Conclusion
Best Start provides an opportunityfor Thames Valleycommunities to enhance childcare and
early learning supports for children and families.The Implementation Planning Guidelines provide
flexibility to develop a plan thatmeets local needs for BestStart with the provision that provincial
targets have been established for the creation of a certain number of new, licensed childcare
spaces by 2008 March 31. For the Cityof London that number Is 610.The Intent is that there
will be no cost to school boards or municipalities.
2005 September 27...7
r'
11.REPORTS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION -cont'd
c.SHORT-TERM FINANCING FOR STAGE 1 OF GOOD PLACES TO LEARN
ExecutiveSuperintendent B.Greene presented a report seel<lng approvalto secure short-term
financing of up to $39 114 548 for the TVDSB Stage 1 Allocation ofGood Places to Learn.
Headvised that on 2005 February 18,the IWinistry of Education announced the "Good Places to
Learn: Renewing Ontario's Schools"initiative,inwhichthe government has committed $4 billion
for Capital Improvements for Ontario's schools. The first componentofthis program Isforurgent
and high needs identified bythe recently completed Ministry audit (ReCAPP).The Thames
Valley District School Board received a $39 114 548 allotmentof the $1 billion grant forthis
initiative.
The Ministry releaseda Memorandum 2005:84 "Good PlacestoLearn-Stage 1 School Repairs"
on Friday,2005 March 18 whichdetailedthe implementation and guidelinesforthe use ofthe
Stage 1 grant.Included in Ministry Memorandum 2005:B4,the Ministry established a target
short-term interest rate of2.75%. ifa boardwas unable to arrange financing at this rate, itwas
to notiiy the Business Services Branch and they would provide assistance through the Joint
Government and School Board Task Force on Capital Financing under the directionofOntario
School Boards Financing Corporation.
On 2005 March 22, the Board approved the following motion:
Thatthe funds from Stage 1ofthe Good Places toLearngrant be used to address projects
that have been identified as urgent and high needs inthe Ministry ReCAPP database.
The Boardreport of2005 March22 includeda listofprojects totaling $10 132 328forcompletion
by2005 September.Supt. Greene advised that on 2005 March23, he notified the Ministry of
Education that, after discussion with RBC Royal Bank,that the Board was unableto arrange
financing at the target rate of2.75%. The Joint Government and School.Board Task Force on
Capital Financing,the Ministry of Educationand the OntarioFinancing Authority invited seven
financial institutions to submit proposals for providing short-term financing of Stage 1 Good
Places to Learn. On 2005 August 30, the Ministry of Education issued Memorandum 2005:B7
and advised boards that of the seven proposals, the National Bankof Canada's financing rate
was the mostfavourable. The rate was Bankers' Acceptance (BA),based on market conditions
at the time of issuance,plus 13 basis points for a one,two or three month term.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Board enter Into a short-term credit facility withthe NationalBankof Canada for up
to $39 114 548, the amount ofthe Good Places to Learn -Stage 1 Allocation,as outlinedin
the Ministry of Education memorandum 2005-B2,2005 February 18.
The recommendation was adopted on motion of T.Roberts and J.Stewart and carried.
2005 September 27...8
12.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
a.REPORT OF THE SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE 2005 June 07
12:20 p.m.-1:50 p.m.
Members
P.Sattler,Trustee (Chair)P.Gillis,Integration Action for Inclusion London Chapter
D.Anstead,Trustee (+12:45)Jane Steele,Learning Disabilities Association - London
L.Stevenson,Trustee Region
B.Hoffman,Autism SocietyOntario A.Loebus,London Down SyndromeAssociation
London and District(+1:20)(+12:40)
D.Ensing ,Association for Bright B.IWontminy,Madame Vanler Children's Services
Children (Thames Valley)B.Booking,Thames Valley Children'sCentre
C. Oke, Children's Aid Societyof London R.TIsdale,Thames Valley District School Council
&Middlesex J.Worthlngton,VOICE (+12:48)
A. Morse,Easter Seal Society
Administration and Others
B.Blaiik (Alt.)London Down Syndrome V.Corcoran, LearningSupervisor
Association B.Tucker,Superintendent of Education
P. Cook, OPC, Elementary Principal M.Hubert,Corporate Assistant
C.B.-MacDonald,Elementary Principal
J.VanBommel,Secondary Principal
Regrets:S. Wilson, S.Seymour,G.McGahey
Absent:J.Ross,R.Rowlands
Guests:C.Thammavongsa
1.CALL TO ORDER
The meeting convened at 12:20 p.m. Inthe London Room at the Education Centre.
2.CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA - Theagenda was approvedon motion of B.Booking
3.CONFLICTS OF INTEREST - No conflicts of interest were declared.
4.REPORT OF MEETING FROM MAY3,2005
The report of the meeting of 2005 May03 was approved on motion of R. TIsdale.
5.REPORT OF MEETING FROM MAY 11,2005
The reportofthe meetingof2005 May 11 was approved on motionof D.Ensing.
6.URGENT ISSUES
ChairSattler announced that she made a presentation to MPPs regarding funding pressures
and resultingcuts toSpecialEducationinan effortto initiate a reviewofthe Special Education
Per Pupil Amount (SEPPA)funding formula.
The 2005/2006 Special Education Plan,with the exception ofsection 2.11,was approvedat
the 2005 May24 Boardmeeting.Reservations regarding the fundingofsection 2.11,as noted
inSEAC's motionto approve the Plan,are to be addressed under Budget deliberations at a
future Board meeting.
2005 September 27...9
12.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
a.REPORT OF THE SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE •cont'd
7.SPECIAL EDUCATION PLAN
7.1 SEAC Handbook
Copies of the revised SEAC Handbook were distributed.
Itwas noted tliat tlie members'contact Information on pages 2-8 of the Handbook is
incomplete pending the receipt of signed releases allowing the inclusion of personal
information.J. Parker, Program Services,will followup with members whose forms have
not been submitted.It was stated that Letters of Nomination for new members and
alternates are required before their information can be included.Letters are also
required to document a change from "alternate"to "member status.
Changes to section 2.3 in the Handbook were noted.Wording has been added to
Indicate that meetings are open to the public and that dates,times and locations as well
as agendas and reports are posted on the TVDSB website at v^Avw.tvdsb.on.ca.
A description of SEAC sub-committees and ad hoc committees has been included on
pages 2-8 ofthe Handbook. Itwas suggested that the information also be incorporated
in tlie Special Education Plan.
itwas suggested that every Committee member be provided witha copy of the 2005-
2006 Special Education Plan and Handbook by 2005 September and that outdated
copies be returned to the Education Centre for recycling.Those requiring copies of
additional resources listed on page 6-1 of the Handbook were asked to contact V.
Corcoran,Learning Supervisor.
7.2 Special Education Budget Update
Follow-up information regarding the request for an additional grant from the
government's Effectiveness and EquityFund for use Inthe 2005/2006 budget year was
forwarded to the Finance department on 2005 June 05.
It was suggested that an Education Officer from the local office of the Ministry of
Educationbe invited toreviewthe2005-2006EducationPlan. Asuggestion by Trustee
Stevenson to Invite Dr.Jean Hewitt to offer her perspective on the Education Plan
standards was noted.
It was indicated that the budget will be presented to Trustees at the 2005 June 23 Board
meeting.
8.SEAC UPDATES
Superintendent Tucker,V.Corcoran,Learning Supervisor,G.Simpson,Principal, and
teachers M.Lynch and J.Comfort attended a two-day Ministry symposium in Toronto on 2005
May 17 and 18.The focus ofthe discussions and presentations was supporting special needs
students in the regular classroom.The Council of Directors of Education (CODE)will be
responsible for allocating $25 million to school boards to support professional development
Initiatives. Mr.Tucker indicated his intent to apply forfunding for a pilotproject that supports
Literacy and Numeracy along with inclusionary practices and to involve SEAC in the
development of the project.
The Intensive Support Amount (ISA)1Audit has been completed with favourable results.Files
at Clarke Rd S.S.,Whiteoaks P.S.,Cleardale P.S.and Fairmont P.S.were examined and it
was determined that all equipment ordered,according to the files,was available and functional
in the schools.Comprehensive data bases have been developed to track equipment that can
be re-used when a student leaves the system.
2005 September 27...10
12.REPORTS OF COIUIMITTEES -cont'd
a.REPORT OF THE SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE -cont'd
Supply teachers have been trainedtowork with classroom teachers to avoidthe necessity ofre-
applyingforprofessional development fundingtotrain teachers on new equipment and software.
Aone-day symposium facilitated byGwenOrr, EducationalConsultant, was held on Thursday,
2005 May 19,at Sir George Ross S.S.to discuss the issue of Inclusion.Recommendations
resulting from the symposium will be compiled and communicated to the committee.Trustee
Stevenson expressed thanks toJ. Parker, Program Services,and others whoworkedto organize
the day as well as the Associations who had display tables at the event.She stated that
attendance at the event was impressive and many favourable comments have been received.
9.COMMITTEE UPDATES
9.1 Communications
The Communications Committee mettodiscuss revisions totheSEAChandbookas reported
under section 7.1.
10.CORRESPONDENCE
Copies of a letter dated 2005 June 03 from the Ottawa-Carleton D.S.B.to Premier Dalton
McGuinty were distributed.The letterstated that, accordingto studies conducted by the
Ottawa-Carleton SEAC,approximately 20%ofCanadianchildren and youth will requiremental
health services.It requested that the government reviewthe fundingformula and,based on
academic and mental health services required,allocate sufficient funds and mandate
appropriate staffingat everyschool board to allow a realistic caseload for professionals to
provide timely access not only to academic-related services but also mental health services
for vulnerable students.
It was determined that several local groups are examining children's mental health issues
within the community and following a lengthy discussion,it was decided that committee
members and administration would gatherany information available from these groups for
discussion prior to writing a letterinsupportofthe Ottawa-Carlton request. Itwasdecidedthat
an ad hoc committee wouldbe formed in2005 September to summarize the information and
providea reporton Issues and current projects in Thames Valley.
Thedateofthe next meeting was discussed and It was decided to defer the meeting from
2005 September 06 until 2005 September 13.
10.1 2005 November 15 &16,Coaching to Inclusion
The Coaching to Inclusion Conference will be held on 2005 November 15 and 16 at
the BestWestern Lamplighter Inn &Conference Centre, 591 Wellington RoadSouth,
London.Dr.Richard A.Villa will be the guest speaker.Participating boards of
educationwill be invited to nominate a "Champion of Inclusion"tobe recognized atthe
conference.An "inclusive Educator ofthe Year"award will bepresentedata special
luncheon on 2005 November 16.
10.2 2005 May 24 letter to Gerard Kennedy from Peggy Sattler re "Scenario G"
Transportation Funding Model
A copy of a letter dated 2004 May 24 from Trustee Sattler to Minister of Education
Gerard Kennedyregardingthe proposed "Scenario G"funding modelwas received.
It was noted thatthe proposed scenario hassincebeen abandoned andthe Ministry
is re-examining the Transportation funding formula.
2005 September 27...11
12.REPORTS OF COMWIITTEES -cont'd
a.REPORT OF THE SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE -cont'd
10,3 2005 May24 letter to AldboroughSchool Councilfrom Peggy Saltier
A copy of a letter dated 2005 May04 from Trustee Sattler to the Aldborough School
Council regarding special education resources at Aldborough P.S.was received.
11.FORUM:ASSOCIATION UPDATES
The Learning Disabilities Association of London &Area has moved to 205 Oxford Street East,
Ste 205, London. The telephone number remains unchanged.The Association will host an
open house on 2005 June 13 beginning at 5:30 p.m. to be followed by a general meeting at
6:30 p.m.
12.ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 1:50 p.m.on motion of R.Tisdale.
P.SATTLER,
Chairperson
b. SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE CHAIR'S SUMMARY 2005 September 27
The following are highlights of the Special Education AdvisoryCommittee meeting held on 2005
September 20. A full report will be presented to the Board at Its2005 October 25 meeting.
BOARD MOTION RE:ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE TO STUDY MENTAL HEALTH
Four SEAC member expressed interest in participating in the Administrative Committee,which will
hold Itsfirstmeeting on 2005 October 18.SEAC agreed notto proceed withthe proposed ad hoc
committee on children's mental health, whichhad been discussed at the 2005 June 07 meeting.
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION SEPTEMBER 12-14 MEETINGS
Supt. Tucker reported on the "Education For All"literacyand numeracy document for K-6 which
was discussed byallOntario Superintendents at meetings heldInTorontoon2005 September 12 -
14.He Indicated hisplanstosubmita pilot projectproposal(anelementarydemonstrationschool)
to the Council of Directors of Education (CODE). CODE has received a grant of $25M to be
allocated to school boards in support of projects geared to the document. The proposal must be
submitted by 2005 October 07 and successful boards will be announced by the end of October.
SEAC members will be invitedto provide input intothe draft proposal in advance of the October
07 deadline for submission.
ENHANCEMENT OF INCLUSIONARY PRACTICES
The report on the 2005 May 19 symposium on inclusion as discussed at some length. SEAC
agreed to strike a sub-committee to set priorities and recommend actions based on the findings
included In the report.Given the challenges of reaching consensus on a definition of inclusion
shared by all stakeholder groups,the Ministry's definition of inclusion will provide the framework
for the sub-commlttee.The Committee will be chaired by a Special Education Learning
Coordinator,and will report back to SEAC by 2006 January.
SPECIAL EDUCATION BUDGET
Superintendent Tucker reported on the transfer of $600 000 from the Special Education Reserve
for the hiring of school-based support staff. This transfer together with the $360 000 Special
Education contingency fund will enable him to address urgent and unanticipated needs as they
occur,it was noted that the concerns expressed by SEAC in Its motion to approve the Special
Education Plan were central to the Board's budget deliberations,and also contributed to the
support for the budget motion on an additional attendance counsellor.
2005 September 27...12
12.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
b.SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE CHAIR'S SUMMARY -cont'd
SPECIAL EDUCATION BUDGET -cont'd
Continuing concerns were raised about the $1M reduction to the Partnership for Excellence
program and the Importance of providing early intervention through speech and language
resources In the schools. Itwas noted that these resources will not be affected by the P4E
reductions. SEAC members were encouraged to provide Inputto trustees on the administrative
budget priorities and other new initiatives.
P.SATTLER,
SEAC Chairperson'
0.REPORT OFTHE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE 2005September 13
7:05-7:54 p.m.
MEMBERS ADMINISTRATION AND OTHERS
D.Anstead P.Sattler B.Bryce K.Daiton S.Christie
G.Hart,Chair L.Stevenson B.Greene K.Havelka C.Dennett
J. Hunter J. Stewart (7:41) C.Murphy S.Hughes J. Roth
P.Jaffe M,van Gaalen M.Sereda L.Hutchinson W.Scott
D.Mouiton J. Thorpe B.Wagner
T.Roberts D.Blair K.Wilkinson
Regrets:S.Peters,D. Mugford, J.Bennett
Absent:A.Cartier
1.APPROVAL OF AGENDA
The agenda was approved on motion of L.Stevenson.
2.CONFLICTS OF INTEREST - No conflicts of interest were declared.
3.CHAIRPERSON'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
ChairChairadvised trustees that following the meeting, a trustee caucus would be held In the
Trustee Conference room todiscuss future trustee professional developmentsessions.
4.DIRECTOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Director Bryce announced with sadness the death of Mark Muellejans,a grade two teacher
at North Meadows P.S.,who became ill at school that morning and later died at Strathroy
General Hospital.Supt.K.Wilkinson provided details and reported thatthe Board's Tragic
Events team arrived at the school before noonto providecrisis interventionwith students and
staff. They will be returning to the school again on 2005 September 14. She noted that the
parents ofallthe children in Mr.Muellejans'class have been personally contacted.
Director Bryceadvised that Friday,2005 September 16.isthe TerryFox National SchoolRun
Day,a one-time eventcommemorating the 25*^anniversary ofTerry Fox's Marathon ofHope.
On2005 March 22,the Boardapproveda motion giving full supporttotheTerryFox National
School Run Day in what is expected tobethe largest fundralsing event in Canadian history.
The Director advised that every TVDSB school will be participating inthe historic event that
will occur across Canada.
2005 September 27...13
12.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES •cont'd
c.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
5.MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORTING
The month-end financialreport as at 2005 July 31 was presented.The year-to-date activity
as at 2005 July 31 was provided and included a summary of revenues,expenditures by
expenditure type and expenditures by area,and expenditure type. Executive Superintendent
B.Greene advised that K.Meeson and J. Roth,Business Services,are presently updatingthe
budget projections that continue to show a surplus in excess of $1M.It was reported that
Business Services staff are now closing the
the Administration responded to questions posed by Trustees.
Trustee Anstead inher capacity as Chairperson of the Budget AdvisoryCommittee advised
that the meeting scheduled for2005 September 14 has been postponed to 2005 October 04
at 1:30 p.m.
6.REPORT OF THE NATIVE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING 2005 June 14
3:15 p.m. -5:00 p.m.
Members
G.McGahey,Chippewas of the Thames
(Chair)
J.Bennett,Trustee
L.Stevenson,Trustee
Administration and Others
P.Cornelius,Native Counsellor
N.Jones,Principal,Westminster Central
P.S.
E.Good,Learning Coordinator
C.Graves,Leaming Supervisor
V.Hopkins,Native Counsellor
M.Hubert,Corporate Services
Regrets:S.Doxtator,T.Smith
Guest:M.Albert
C.Cornelius,O.K.T.
M. Elijah, OKT
B.Misl<iman,Principal,Thames S.S.
C. Murphy,Exec.Supt.Program
Services
T.Sillaby-Ramsey,Native Counsellor
B.Tichenoff,Principal,A.E. Duffield
P.S.
P.Tufts,Principal,H.B.Beal S.S.
D.Weeden,Vice-Principal,Saunders
S.S.
The meeting convened at 3:15 p.m.In the Elgin Room at the Education Centre.
1.PRAYER -The opening prayer was offered by P.Cornelius.
2.APPROVAL OF AGENDA
"Minutes of the Ad Hoc Committee Meeting of 2005 May 10"was added as item 9.The
agenda was renumbered and approved as amended on a motion by L.Stevenson.
3.CONFLICTS OF INTEREST -No conflicts of Interest were declared.
2005 September 27...14
12.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
0.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
6.REPORT OF THE NATIVE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING -cont'd
4.CONFIRMATION OF VOTING MEMBERS
-Trustees J.Bennett.L.Stevenson
- O.K.T.Representatives C.Cornelius,L.Doxtator
- Chippewas ofthe Thames G. McGahey
-Munsee-Oelaware
5.WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS
The Chairwelcomedeveryone to the meeting and participants Introduced themselves.
6.REPORT OF MEETING -2005 April12
The reportofthe 2005 April 12 meetingwas approved on motion of L.Stevenson.
-Business Arising from the Minutes
Itwas noted that the ad hoc committee established to examine issues identified in the
2003-2004Student Survey requested that S.Kllllp,Coordinator Research Services,
and C.Graves,Learning Supervisor,Languages and Social Sciences,join the
membership to provide assistance intheir particular areas ofexpertise.
7.A.C.ASKEW NATIVE BURSARY
Established In 1988 from funds bequeathed bythe late Archibald Coulson Askew,the
Bursary Is awarded annually toa secondary school studentof Native origin to encourage
that student to remain in school. Itwas explained that,historically,a subcommittee
consisting of three voting members of the Native Advisory Committee was formed to
evaluate the nominations and choose a recipient.
Following a brief discussion,the following motion was moved byL.Stevensonand carried.
ThatS.Doxtator,G.McGahey and L.Doxtator be appointedtoa review committee
toevaluate nominations forthe A.C.Askew Bursary.
R.Prlncis,Co-ordinator Development,Public Affairs &Community Relations,Is tobe
contacted regarding an extensiontothe 2005 May 16 deadlineforsubmissions.
8. NAC MEETINGS 2005-2006:NUMBER AND FORMAT
The number of Native Advisory Committee meetings for the school year 2005-2006 as
well as their dates and locations were discussed.Itwas detemnined that the Committee
will meet onthe second Tuesday of every month except December with three meetings
to be held at secondary schools as follows:2005 November 08 at Beal S.S.;2006
February 14 at Thames S.S.; and 2006 April 14 at Saunders S.S. To allowfor student
participation,thethree off-site meetings will convene at 1:30 p.m.
A motion byJ.Bennett to approve theabovedates andvenueswas supported.
9. MINUTES OF THE AD HOC COMMITTEE MEETING OF 2005 MAY 10
In 2003-2004,a survey was conducted to determine factors that prevent First Nations
students from graduating.Thead hoc committee was formed to analyze the results and
establish strategies to help students stay inschool.
2005 September 27...15
12.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
c.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
6.REPORT OF THE NATIVE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING -cont'd
9.MINUTES OF THE AD HOC COMMITTEE MEETING OF 2005 MAY 10 -cont'd
Copies of the minutes of the 2005 May 10 meeting of the ad hoc committee were
distributed and concerns identified In the reportwere discussed.Itwas suggested that
a mechanism for tracking First Nations students who attend alternative schools is needed
toensure that requirements for graduation,suchas a passinggradeonthe Literacy Test,
and community service hours, are achieved. The reportrecommended that a database
on all First Nations students be established to monitor successes and/or failures
throughouttheirschool career.Following a lengthydiscussion. Itwas decidedthatwhen
a central database warehouse is developed, the recommendation will be taken Into
consideration. It was suggested that, in the interim,students'progress could be
monitored byreissuingthe survey each year with minor modifications to the questions.
It was proposed that S.Kllllp,Coordinator Research Services, make appropriate
adjustments to the surveyaddingquestions regarding the literacy test and community
service components.Additionaltracking can be done at the school level.
Thead hoccommitteeproposedthata transition programbe developedto assist students
moving Into the senior elementarygrades and fromthere to the secondary panel. Itwas
requested that Learning SupervisorC.Gravesattendthe2005September 13 meeting of
the ad hoc committee to discuss curriculumand programming.
10.PRINCIPALS'UPDATES
Beal S.S.
- The tri-school PowWow hosted byBealS.S. on 2005 May27 was a success.
Twostudents,Dylan Doxtatorand RaymondFox-Flamand, received recognition at
the annual Violence Prevention Awards for their contribution to the 4*"R Video
program.
- The annual awards assembly will be on Wednesday,2005 June 15.
Exams are scheduled to be held from2005 June 22 through June 28.
Report cards are to be distributed by2005 July 07.
Beal S.S.has been designated as a site for summer school.
Saunders S.S.
-Thirty-three students are registered for 2005 September in NAC201 -Aboriginal
Peoples in Canada.
- Twentystudents are registered in Level 1Onelda,18 In Level 1 Ojibwe and 2 In Level
2 Ojibwe for the second semester.To date, the search for a Native language
instructor has been unsuccessful because ofthe part-time status ofthe position.
Eightstudents, three Grade 9's, three Grade 11's and twoGrade 12's participated in
the 4'^R video program.A report was received from Ray Hughes,Centre for
Prevention Science,advising that they had actively participated Inthe production of
a violence prevention video.
Forty-six graduating students and students with good attendance from Beal S.S.,
Thames S.S.and Saunders S.S.attended a play called "Your Dream Was Mine"at
the Native Arts Theatre In Toronto,as well as a Blue Jays baseball game at Rogers
Centre.
- On 2005 May 11,a workshop funded by the Aboriginal Achievement Foundation
outlining employment opportunities inthe Canadian RailwayIndustrywas presented
to students in Grades 10-12.
The tri-school PowWow was held at Beal S.S.on 2005 May27 featuring Iroquoisand
Ojibwe dancing and craft booths.Eight elementary schools participated.
Information regarding the A.C.Askew Bursary was given to all graduating First
Nations students witha request for them to Include a short biography.Eight students
participated and one completed the submission.
2005 September 27...16
12.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
c.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
6.REPORT OF THE NATIVE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING -cont'd
10.PRINCIPALS'UPDATES -cont'd
Mary Antone was cited for perfect attendance. She participated in manyschool
activities and competed at the OFSAA Regional Finals.
Exams are scheduled tobe held from 2005 June 22 -June 28. Reportcards will be
available for pick-up on Monday,2005 July 04.
Thames S.S.
Two Oneida students will receive diplomas at the Graduation ceremonies.
First Nations students were well represented at the General Awards assembly
receiving honours for athletic achievementsas well as awards forworkexperience
activities.
Stars inthe 4*^R video will be invited to classes when the video is shown.
Studentshearda presentation from Aboriginal Achievement Foundation regarding
employment opportunities inthe Canadian Railway industry.
Exams will begin In the week of 2004 June 20
- Three students will participate In the Canadian Forces Aboriginal Entry Summer
Program.
Principal Bob Miskiman thanked the committee fortheir support with the acquisition
of culture specific learning materials purchased with assistance from the Cultural
Fund.A canoe fitted with shelves and artwork has been installed In the Thames S.S.
library to house the materials.
Westminister S.S.
- A Ravenous Reader luncheon will be heldon Friday2005 June 17 to honour students
who have achieved a milestone of 100 books read.
- First Nations students have participated inthe Native Youth Olympics,baseballand
Jump Rope for Heart.
Grade 8 graduation ceremonies will be held on 2005 June 28.
-New students registered in J/Kwill visit the school on Wednesday,2005June 15.
-Report cards will be sent home at the end of the term.
McEachren/Duffield P.S.
- Nine First Nations students will participate inthe track'and field meetr
- Twelve First Nations students will graduate from McEachren P.S. and 11 from
Duffield P.S..
On 2005 June 21,the schools will commemorate Aboriginal Solidarity Day.
11.ADDITIONAL ITEMS-none
12.ADJOURNMENT -The meeting adjournedat 5:00p.m.on a motion byJ.Bennett.
S.DOXTATOR,
Chairperson
Supt.Murphy advised thata central database of TVDSB First Nations students is being
developed using Literacy Test scores,EQAO,accumulated credits,student enrolment at the
Grade 9level,etc.toprovidea longitudinal perspective oftheirprogress. Itwas notedthatthe
First Nations students'survey is to be Issued each year with minor modifications and will
provide another tracking method for measuring student achievement.In response to a
comment relatedto labelling students, Supt.Murphy advised that anonymity ismaintained in
tracking information regarding student performance.She used EQAO as an exampleofan
assessment toolthat disallows any "packaging out" of student data related to multicultural,
race,and/or ethnic origin.
2005 September 27...17
12.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
c.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
Trustee Stevenson reported that at the NativeAdvisory Committee meeting held 2005 September
13,First Nations representatives L.Doxtator,OKT;and T.Smith,Chippewas ofthe Thames,have
submitted their resignations after serving for many years on the Committee.
7.REPORT OF THE POLICYWORKING COMMITTEE 2005 September 06
4:15 p.m.-5:47 p.m.
MEMBERS ADMINISTRATION AND OTHERS
J.Bennett (Chair) T.Roberts B. Bryce
D.Anstead A.Cartier S.Christie
Regrets:D.Mugford
Trustee Visitor:M.van Gaalen
1.APPROVALOF AGENDA -The agenda was approved on motion of T.Roberts.
2.CONFLICTS OF INTEREST-none declared
3.COMMITTEE REPORT OF 2005 JUNE 07 AND TRACKING SHEET
Chair Bennett reviewed the June 7 report.She noted that at the June 28 Board meeting,
Trustee Jaffe raised a concern bya school council that a letter was distributed to parents
offering a Gideon testament to Grade 5 students.At the meeting,a motion was passed
requesting the Committee reconsider amendment of the policy on Political/
Sectarian/Religious Advertising in Schools and suggested that Trustee Jaffe attend a
future meeting to discuss amendment of the policy.
Trustee Roberts suggested that Trustee Jaffe submit proposed changes inwritingfor the
Committee's consideration.Tnjstee Anstead suggested that the committee discuss how
the process would be approached and indicated that the discussion should not be
delayed.She further suggested that other issues of a religious nature in schools be
considered,e.g.,equality and celebration of cultural/religious bacl^grounds.Director
Bryce advised that there is a large discrepancy between how other boards handle this
issue.He will solicit detailed information from around the province for the Committee's
consideration.
Trustee Cartier raised his concern that the opportunity for choice could be taken from
parents in an amendment to the policy.Trustee Roberts indicated that the Board's
diversity should be celebrated and supported Trustee Cartier's concern regarding choice.
He suggested that the policy be examined to determine what has changed since its
inception in 2003 October If any.It was noted that this is the first challenge to it and that
practices from a variety of religions are celebrated in schools.
Trustee Roberts suggested that a mechanism be put In place for trustees to bring their
concerns regarding policy changes to the Board.It was agreed that concerns should
initially be submitted in writing to the Chair of the Policy Working Committee.
2005 September 27...18
12.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
c.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
7.REPORT OF THE POLICY WORKING COMMITTEE -cont'd
4.INTRODUCTION OF DRAFT POLICY/PROCEDURE
a.MANAGEMENT OF AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOUR PROCEDURE
Superintendent B.Tucker joined the meeting to describe a procedure on
theManagement of Aggressive Behaviour.He provided the background to its
development noting itwas recommended bythe Ministry of Labour.The MOL has
indicated that the procedure meets itsexpectationsand itisverypleased with the
Board's work In developing the document.Henotedit Is designed to govern theuse
of physical restraintofstudentsandto provide forthe protection of TVDSB staff within
both elementary and secondary TVDSB schools.All employee groupsas well as the
Board's solicitor have viewed the document.Staff aretobe in-serviced this year for
implementation as soon as possible.
After a lengthy discussion,the following motion wasmovedbyT.Robertsand carried:
Thatthe procedureon Managementof Aggressive Behaviour be posted to
the Board's website for60 days for public Input.
Trustee Roberts suggested that a report be received annually regarding the
effectiveness ofthe Board's policies and procedures,itwasagreedthatSupt.Tucker
will bring a report back next year regarding the effectiveness of this procedure.
5.CONSIDERATION OF POLICY/PROCEDURE FOLLOWING PUBLIC INPUT
a.VIDEO SURVEILLANCE POLICY/PROCEDURE
Director Bryce described the three responses received regarding the draft policy and
procedure on Video Surveillance as required bythe Information Privacy Commission.
He noted that a parent offered his support for the documents.A TVDSB employee
suggested that a statement be Included that the procedure is not to be used for
monitoring staff performance and it has been amended accordingly.Human
Resource Services suggested thatthe documents should not apply to labour relation
matters.Following discussion,itwasagreedto leave the documents unchanged In
this regard as that the procedure is Intended to discourage any wilful theft ordamage
to Boardpropertybyany person or group.
The following motionwas moved by D.Anstead and carried:
That the draft policy on Video Surveillance be forwarded tothe September
27 Board for approval and the procedure for information.
6. DRAFT POLICY/PROCEDURE REQUIRINGFURTHER CONSIDERATION-none
7.SUGGESTED POLICY/PROCEDURE REVISIONS -none
8.OTHER BUSINESS
a.CHAIRS'COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
Trustee Cartler suggested that the Chair of the Policy Working Committee be
Includedinthe membership of the Chairs' Committee.It was noted that this would
necessitate an amendment to the Board Bylaws.
9.ADJOURNMENT - The meetingadjourned at 5:47 p.m. on motion ofA.Cartler.
2005 September 27...19
12.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
c.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
7.REPORT OF THE POLICY WORKING COMMITTEE -cont'd
RECOMMENDATION;
That the draft policy on Video Surveillance be approved.
J.BENNETT,
Chairperson
The recommendation was moved on motion of D.Anstead and carried.
Trustee Jaffe,in reference to proposed amendments to the Board's Political/Secretarian/
Religious Advertising in Schools Policy,asked ifInformation has been obtained from other
jurisdictions.Director Bryce indicated that he has informally surveyed the Council of
Directors of Education (CODE)and that their procedures appear to be similar to TVDSB
with differing practices in the rural and urban boards.It Is his Intent to formally request
policy information by mid September from urban school board directors for trustees'
information.Trustee Anstead advised that the next Policy Working Committee meeting
is scheduled for 2005 October 04.
8.REPORT OF THE INFORMATION COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
2005 September 06
7:00 p.m.-10:05 p.m.
MEMBERS
L.
Stevenson,
Chair
D.Anstead
J.Bennett
A.Cartier
G.Hart
P.Jaffe
J.Hunter
Regrets:D.Mugford
1.APPROVAL OF AGENDA -The agenda was approved on motion of J.Hunter.
2.CONFLICTS OF INTEREST -No conflicts of interest were declared.
3.CHAIRPERSON'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Chair Hart requested that trustees and the senior administration confirm their
attendance at the upcoming social in Ailsa Craig with the Trustees'Assistant by
September 8.
4.DIRECTOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Director Bryce announced that B.Greene,Executive Superintendent,Business
Services and J. Neville,Manager,Facility Operations,have been elected to serve on
the Ontario Association of School Business Officials Board of Directors fora two-year
term.
D.Moulton
S.Peters +7:04
T.Roberts
J.Stewart
P.Sattler
M.van Gaalen
ADMINISTRATION AND OTHERS
B. Bryce
B.Greene
C.Murphy
M.Sereda
J.Thorpe
D.Blair
K.Dalton
K.Havelka
L.Hutchinson
W.Tucker
B.Wagner
K.Bushell
S.Christie
C.Dennett
J.Neville
W.Scott
2005 September 27...20
12.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
c.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
8.REPORT OF THE INFORMATION COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE •cont'd
4.DIRECTOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS -cont'd
The Director extended appreciation to Managers K.Busheil andJ.Neville andthe Faciiity
Services staff for their hard work and commitment to having schools readyfor the
September6 opening.He noted that this summer,the custodians'taskswere challenging
working in high temperatures and around severalrenovation projects andsummercamps.
Director Bryce commented on an announcement from the Federal Government in the
Spring of2005 regarding the "Best Starf program intended to offer early leaming and
care programs tofourand five-year-old children as a companiontocurrentjunior/senior
kindergarten.TheBestStart program envisions using community hubssuchas schools
to integrate screening andassessment and provide access toservicesto help children
realize their potential by improving health,safety,self-esteem,language/cognitive ability,
oral language and mathematical skills.The Director advised thatthe timelines have just
been released andthata meeting is scheduled with the representatives ofthe City of
London, Oxford and Elgin County, the coterminous boards and TVDSB to look at
establishing a community vision forBestStartand coordination ofthe program.
The Directorrequested that Trustees reserve Saturday, 2005 October 01, to attend the
Grand Theatre student production of "The Sound of Music".
Trustee Stevenson extended thanksto all the TVDSB stafffor ensuring a smooth startto
the school opening.
5.PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS -none
6.OXFORD TECHNICAL TRAINING CENTRE
Supt.J.Empringham provided opening remarks related tothe Oxford Technical Training
Centre (OTTC)and introduced the Management Committee members B.Carrothers,S.
Knott,G.Brumby,J.Thorner,and S.Talbot.Ms.Talbot,OTTC Coordinator,provided a
powerpoint presentation of the program designed to develop a technically skilled
workforce inOxfordCounty.
Ms. Talbot indicated that the shared vision of the founders of the'Oxford Technical
Training Centre includes,the Oxford Manufacturers Skills Development (OMSD),TVDSB
and Fanshawe College.The Centre Is dedicated to developing a technically-skilled
workforce in Oxford County and to this end has received support from the County of
Oxford,City of Woodstock,the federal government,the province of Ontario as well as
local industries,businesses and associations.
The operation of the Centre is directed by legal agreements among the three founding
partnersand isgovernedbya Management Committee consisting of two members from
each partner, supplemented by two community representatives and a co-ordinator.
OTTC,through its co-ordinator provides support tothe community by redirecting Inquiries
to the training providers and by assisting with specific initiatives such as information
sessions, open houses, career days,technical camps and community interaction and
research. The training providers are responsiblefortheirown staffing.
The activities ofthe Centre are designed toassistthe community in meeting the current
and future needs for the technically skilled work force In the County.As noted in the Elgin
Middlesex Oxford Local Training Board's recent publication,Environmenta!Scan,
"Strategies are neededtoassist all membersofthe workforce to acquire,maintain,and
develop the level of knowledge and skills,which,In this rapidly changing global
environment,continues to increase.
2005 September 27...21
12.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES •cont'd
c.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
8.REPORT OF THE INFORMATION COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
6.OXFORD TECHNICAL TRAINING CENTRE -cont'd
Strategies are aiso needed to offset the skill shortages that will only intensifyas our
economy continues to improve and as more wori<ers retire In the next decade."The
Centre Is involved in extending an awareness and development of technical skills from
elementary,secondary school and college students to adults inthe community. Since the
Inception of OTTC,both the number of opportunities and participants Involved in the
developmentoftechnicalskillshave increased and are projectedtocontinueina pattern
of growth.
Althoughthe Centre has been supported financially and with "in-kind"contributionsinIts
start-up phase,the acquisitionof resources to sustain operations and to support growth
continues to be a major focus of the Management Committee.
With the assistance ofa Community Supports Initiatives programgrant,a comprehensive
laboursurvey will be completed within the current calendar year. ItIsanticipatedthatthe
survey will validate the need for skillstraining beyond what can be currentlyoffered at
OTTC.With anticipated growth in manufacturing and assembly in Oxford County,the
growthforskilled labour will Increase.The Management Committee will continue towork
with the communitystakeholders to Identify training needs demanded bysuch growth.
B. Carrothers,OTTC Chairperson, advised that the funding of the OTTCwas brought
about by cash and in kind donations from each partner and all levels of government.
These funds were used to convertthe conceptual vision ofthe OTTC into reality.He
noted that growthand trainingdo not come withouta cost. The Management Committee
will continue to work withthe community to generate financial resources to meet these
realities. The immediate financialneed to allowoperation to continue Is $106 000. The
OTTCrequested that the Thames Valley Boardconsider donatinga sum of$10 000.
The presenters responded to questions posed by Trustees
It was suggested that the OTTC topic be included on the listfor consideration under the
Contingency Fund surplus of the 2005-06 Budget.Trustee Stevensori thanked Mr.
Carrothers and Ms. Talbot for an Informative presentatfon. Each OTTC member In
attendance was presented with a Board pin Inappreciation of their presentation.
7.GOOD PLACES TO LEARN
DirectorBryceIntroducedthe presentation onthe Ministry ofEducation document entitled,
"Good Places to Leam: Renewing Ontario's Schools". The following report was
presented.
On 2005 February 27,the Premier and Minister of Education issued a news release to
announce annual funding used tofund $4.0B worth of repairs,additions and new schools.
The Ministry released Memorandum No. 2005:B4, "Good Places to Learn -Stage 1
School Repairs",on 2005 March 18.The TVDSB received $39.1 Mto be funded over a
25-year period with the condition that the Board must choose projects identified as urgent
and high for the years 2003-04.Supt.Greene advised that projects totalling $10.0M are
to be completed by2005 September.Renewal projects to be funded fromthe remainder
of this grant will be Identified in the capital planning process.In order to access the
balance ofthe $4.0B fund, boards will be required to submit a five-yearcapital plan due
in 2005 October.This plan will be updated annually.
2005 September 27...22
12.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
c.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
8.REPORT OF THE INFORMATION COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
7.GOOD PLACES TO LEARN -cont'd
The new capital planning process includes the following:
-demographic projections;
program objectives;
new schools,additions;
identify schools that may be subject to school closing procedures;
school renewal plans.
Itwas stressed that the process will require community engagement.Boards will be
required tostrikea Capital Planning Advisory Committee tobe overseen bytrustees and
the capitalplanshould be submittedforpublicreviewpriorto Boardapproval. There are
newschool closure guidelinesoutlinedinthe "Good Places toLearn"document; however,
the actual guidelines have not been Issued at this time.
inordertodevelopthe five-year capitalplanforpresentation toand approvalbyTrustees,
a committee has been established to start work immediately.Itmay require additional
resources as work progresses.The initial committee will be comprised as follows:
B. Bryce -Oversee process and liaison with Trustees
B.Greene and J.Thorpe -Co-Chairs of Committee
C. Murphy -Program related issues
K.Bushell -Facilities
G.Owens - Planning Officer
Supervisory Officer representation by area:
D.Blair -South
K.Havelka -East
K.Dalton -Central
K.Wilkinson -West
Finance -Long-term financing projections
Other support staff as required
The C.N.Watson &Associates final report will bean Integral partofthe capital plan.A
review oftheareasand long-term enrolment projections will form thebasisofthe required
Information.It appearsthatthe effectiveness ofthe capital plan will havea direct Impact
on the amount ofadditionalfunding Thames ValleyDistrictSchool Board receives under
the Good Schools Open program.
Executive Superintendents B.Greene and J.Thorpe,K.Bushell,Manager,Facility
Services and G. Owens, Planning Officer,provided a comprehensive overview of the
Good Places to Learn Initiative as Itrelates to the new capitalplanningprocess.
The three components ofGood Places to Learn initiative consist of Program Excellence
for students.Rapid BuildingQuality Improvement and School Closures.
Program Excellence for Students
The government believes that the education program needs of students must lead
decisions concerning building and grounds. Too often Inthe recent past It has been the
other way around.One perspective is that the fixed cost of local school administration
and maintenance is 16 percentofthetotalschool expenditureand always needs tobe put
inthe contextofhow well the other84 percent ofexpenditures Isbest deployedandwhat
is being accomplished in terms of student success.
2005 September 27...23
12.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
c.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
8.REPORT OF THE INFORMATION COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
7.GOOD PLACES TO LEARN -cont'd
Class Size Cap
Boards have been asked to fullyImplement the cap on primary class size by 2007-08.
Provided withoptions developed byan expert panel outliningfunding and flexibility,boards
will carefully match existing resources and variables such as potential boundary changes
and scheduling options to model space need to reach capacity.
Student Retention
The Important initiativeof retaining more 16 and 17-year-old learners has direct space
implications and the Ministry is currently working with the sector to develop specific
programs and targets to raise the drop out age.There Is a general availabilityof space
due to the reduction of five to four years of high school and boards will work with the
Ministry to plan for these additional students.Manyof the new programs may take place
offsite through co-ops and work placements.Boards have been asked to Identifylocal
facility impacts that new program to reduce drop-out rates would have.
New Earlv Childhood Education Centres in Schools
The "Best Starf program intends to offer eariy learning and care programs to 4 and 5-
year-olds as a companion to current junior and senior kindergarten.Boards will be asked
to Incorporate plans for thousands of potential new chlldcare spaces once Informationon
the exact shape of the "Best StarT program becomes available.The long-term plan
envisions using community hubs such as schools to integrate screening and assessment
and provide access to services to help realize the potential of every childby Improving
child health,safety,self-esteem,language and cognitive ability,acquisition and
development of oral language and mathematical skills.
The Ministry of Education will fund the capital building costs ofeariy childhoodeducation
spaces innew schools withfunding being conditionalon spaces being firstapproved by
the Ministry ofChildrenand Youth Services or a local municipalauthority designated by
the Ministry.
Communltv Not for Profit Programs
There are hundreds of community organizations active across the Districtprovidingvital
support to formal education.The Ministry will provide incentives for more active
partnership by covering pari of the cost of space conversion.
To support program excellence,boards are required to file comprehensive capital plans
to support program objectives by 2005 October with detailed modelling for key program
needs being provided to promote the future delivery of physical education,arts and
technology.
Rapid Building Oualltv Improvement
The state of repair of existing school facilities is a critical and immediate problem with 85
per cent of Ontario students being taught Inbuildings that need at least one major repair.
To support rapid improvement,the Ministry provided boards with an estimated $75M
annually In financing to support Initial major repairs during this summer.This fund
provided all boards with resources for essential renewal of schools based on Its share of
'high and urgent'needs in the province,as established through school Inspections and the
audit process.The Thames Valley Board received $3g.M for the Stage I Allocation
completing approximately $10M in school renewal projects this summer and with
subsequent projects to be funded from the remainder of the grant to be Identified In the
capita!plan.
2005 September 27...24
12.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
c.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
8.REPORT OF THE INFORMATION COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
7.GOOD PLACES TO LEARN -cont'd
School Closure
The Ministry understands that schools have been underestimated in capital grants,
operating grants,guidelines for school closing and even the curriculum.The Ministry
believes students would benefit from a transparent process for understanding the value
ofeach individual school.The "school valuation"follows practice in other jurisdictions and
quantifies consideration around a particular school and the trade-offs necessary to make
.sound decisions thatcanbe appreciated by the wider community.
It is anticipated that the proposed new school closure guidelines will provide a template
that requires boards to developtheirownschool valuationtoolto examine the school's
value tothe student,community,school system and the local economy.
Mr.Owens highlighted the following procedures tobe carried out by the Board:
a. a school valuation process determined with the help of a public committee and
approved by the Ministry;
b.five-year capital plans naming the potential surplus schools and indicating overall
system requirements to meet program needs;
c. one year's noticetoschool communities of consideration forclosure;
d.schools may only be proposed for closure once in a five-year period,pending
legislative approval;
e. a draft of the school valuation in plain language to be made available to the public
within twomonths of providing notice;
f.several opportunities for public input must be held with wide notice given;
g. a task force to be appointed headed by a trustee with a broad membership,hold
public hearings,soliciting feedback and gaining comniunlty consensus;
h.final school valuation with committee recommendation to be made available 60 days
before the Board meeting where the decision will bemade and a public meeting held
to explain the ratings provided;
I the Board's decisions can be appealed on the grounds of process.Upon receipt of
a petition with 50 signatures or50 percent of affected parents,whichever is smaller,
the Ministry will appoint an independent facilitator to conduct a review ofthe process
todeterminewhetheritmatches provincial guidelines;
j.Boards will be responsible for tracking student retention and performance for students
from closed schools.
NEW CAPITAL PLANNING
K.Bushell highlighted the following Ten-step Process.
1.Program Objectives outline student objectives incorporating provincial objectives and
relevant targets.This Includes objectives set by the board pertaining to Accessibility for
Ontarians with Disabilities Act New legislation,introduced by the Minister of Citizenship,
if passed,would also require meeting a 20-year access goal and five-year target setting.
2005 September 27...25
12.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
0.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
8.REPORT OF THE INFORMATION COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
7.GOOD PLACES TO LEARN -cont'd
2.Community Engagement will ensure that communities take full advantage of school
facilities and are active participants in long-term school and community planning.The
Board will strike a Capital Planning Advisory Committee.
3.Facilities Requirements should be contrasted to existing facilities to produce a
needs plan. Modelling should be done,where required,to ensure that operational
options that maximize facilities usage such as boundary adjustments and timetabling
changes are reflected.
4.Demographic Projections of how population trends will influence future facility
needs should be used woridng with municipalities and the province to establish
realistic medium and long-term trends facing their board.The C.N.Watson &
Associates final report provides this valuable data related to areas of growth,decline
and stability.
5.Capital Deployment ensures that facilities needs should reconcile potential costs
against potential financial capacity indicating the status of all physical and financial
assets and liabilities as well as deployment against capital needs.
6.School Evaluation Committee is to be established to set local criteria for
understanding a school's education and economic challenges.
7.Partnership opportunities with conterminous school boards,municipalities,libraries,
parks and recreation and other agencies will be actively sought by the Board.
8.Five-Year Action Plan should include a five-year renewal plan, program
enhancements,new schools and additions and schools identified for closure.
9.Action Plan Community Input should be obtained priorto Board approval.
10.Board Appproval will be required.
The Administration responded to questions posed by Trustees.
The Director advised that the Ministry's provincial level negotiations were expected to be
completed by 2005 March;however,because of the lengthy negotiations the release of
the provincial budget and school closure guidelines outlined in the Good Places to Learn
document were delayed.It was emphasized that as of 2005 September 06,school
boards have not received information from the Ministry regarding the school closure
guidelines,template,capital plan or the next instalment of Prohibitive to Repair
Replacement Schools,all significant components toward completion of the capital plan
by 2005 October.
Mr.Bryce advised that the Council of Directors of Education (CODE)met with the Deputy
Minister to emphasize that this delay of vital information is problematic toward any board
completing the capital plan for presentation,public input,and trustee approval before the
end of 2005 October and requested that the Minister consider postponing the deadline.
Mr. Bryce advised that to date CODE has not received a response.
2005 September 27...26
12.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
c.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
8.REPORT OF THE INFORMATION COMMITTEEOF THE WHOLE -cont'd
7.GOOD PLACES TO LEARN -cont'd
TrusteeJaffeemphasizedthe Importance ofbeing proactive ratherthanreactiverelated
to completing the capital plan rather than waiting for the Ministry announcements.Supt.
Greene conflmied that there are some accumulated dollars available from the sale of
buildings etc.thatwould allow the Board to proceed if it wills.Director Bryce advised that
Trustees may chose toadopt a motion tosupport thistimeframeand move forward with
appropriate measures emphasizingthattheC.N.Watson&Assoclate'sfinal report places
the Board in a good situation to meetone ofthe critical components of this plan.
However,it was noted that without the template,itis difficult to anticipate the answers.
Director Bryce advised that It remains the goal ofthe Board's Capital Planning Advisory
Committee to bring a plan that incorporates all the components necessary toensureour
students and the system is in the best position to obtain the maximum Ministry funding.
Trustee Roberts requested that information related to this complex topic be treated like
the budget process and be presented in small segments at each upcoming Board
meetings.Supt.Greene advised that,time lines permitting,every effort will bemadeto
bring fon/vard program and accessibility issues when sequentially feasible.It was
suggested that the matter be discussed bythe Chairs*Committee.
It was approved In principle that a letter be written tothe Minister of Education requesting
that the FIve-Year Capital Plan submission date of 2005 October be extended to six
months after the school closure guidelines are released.It wasalso suggested thata
letterbe written tothe Minister of Education regarding TVDSB motions totable all area
accommodation studies pending Ministry direction on school closures and requesting
advice as to whether the studies are consistent with the school closure guidelines.
Chair Stevenson extended thanks tothe Administration for an informative presentation.
8.MONTHLY REPORT OF THE CHAIR
Chair Hart reported the following meetings/activities he attended during the months of
2005 June,July and August:
- attendedthe OPSBA Annual General Meeting and Program held on 2d05 June09to
12 at theBest Western Lamplighter Hotel and Conference Centre in London;
-attended the Tnjstee's P.D.sessionfacilitated byMs.Fryday-Flelds on 2005 June 21
Inthe Education Centre,London Room;
attended the OSSTF Retirement dinner in June;
participated In small rural schools meetings In the community;
Involved in the 2005-06 budgetprocess during August.
9.DEPARTMENTAL UPDATES
Director's Services
-The following meetings special school/community events were attended by the
Director:
- MPP Meeting:
-UWO Facultyof EducationAwardsLuncheonforAssociate Teachers;
- Cityof London,Shriner's Hospital Presentation;
- OPSBA Presidents'Dinner and Award Presentation;
-Community Education Centre East Community of Schools Year End Lunch;
-Investing in Children - CreativeCitiesEveningGala;
- Thames Valley S.S.Administrators'Council YearEnd Banquet;
- United Way Cabinet Meeting,and 2006 Campaign Meeting at Fanshawe and
Huron College;
2005 September 27...27
12.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
c.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
8.REPORT OF THE INFORMATION COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
9.DEPARTMENTAL UPDATES,Director's Services -cont'd
-Association for the Elimination of Hate Dinner;
-Council of Directors'of Education Meeting.
-The Director brought greetings and/or presented at the following events:
-OSSTF Citizenship Awards and Year End Banquets;
-Thames Valley District School Board Retirement Celebration;
-Principals'and Managers'Meeting;
-Oakridge S.S.,London,Graduation;
- Byron Somerset P.S.Career Day Presentation;
-OPSBA AGM Opening Lunch;
-Saunders Secondary School Graduation;
- United Way Annual General Meeting;
- CASA2005 Summer Leadership Academy;
-Rotary Club of East London -Presentation;
-New Teachers'Conference;
-New Administrators'In-Service Session.
- Hemet with the two,new,student trustees to extend hispersonal congratulations
as well as reviewingthe Student Trustee on the Board policyand procedure with
them to provide clarification;
- The Director met with J. Verbakel and Grand Theatre representatives to discuss
sponsorship opportunities for the 2006 fall student production schedule.He was
presented witha framed poster of last year's student production,OKLAHOMA;
- B. Fularski, J. Verbakel and Director Bryce met with London Home Builders'
Association board members to discuss enhancing learning opportunities for our
students;
-The Director met with A.Becker,the new CEOofthe London Public Library,to
Introduceher to the Thames Valley District Board community;
- He met with C. Fox regarding the Torch Bearer campaign designated to
appropriatelycommemorate the sacrifices ofthose who have served our country
inthe Canadian armed forces. Healso attended a special dinnerhosted by Albina
Guerlna,Minister of Veteran Affairs.;
- J. Thorpe, C.Murphy,S. Bookand the Directormet withR.Fair,General Manager,
CityofLondonCommunity Services Department, regarding the implementationof
the Best Start Program;
-The Director met with G.CIyne from the IVEY School of Business to learn about
their Executive Development Program;
- During the summer,he visited the Grade One Summer Literacy Program at
Knollwood Park P.S. and had an opportunity to participate in part of the Barry
Bennett session taking place at White Oaks P.S.;
-Mr.Brycemet withthe Directorofthe LocalTrainingBoard to discuss partnership
opportunities that could enhance job opportunities for students directlyentering the
world of work after high school graduation;
2005 September 27...28
12.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
c.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
8.REPORT OF THE INFORMATION COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
9.DEPARTMENTAL UPDATES,Director's Services -cont'd
C.Murphy and the Director met with H.Luckow,President,UWO Women's Athletic
Alumni,regarding plansfora possible conference forfemale students duringthe 2006
school year.
All Supervisory Officers met for a full-dayplanning session to discuss organizational
and student learning initiatives.
- The Director attended the Premier and Minister of Education's visitto Wilfrid Jury
P.S..highlighting the Government's Investment Intextbook and library resources.
- Staff Development initiative updates included:7 Habitsof Highly Effective People,
New Teacher AugustConference, New Teacher Program,Administrative Mentoring
Program,2005-06 Leadership Development Program,Our VisioninitiativesIncluded
appointment of new Our Vision Supervisor P.McKenzle,Our Vision Advisory
Committee,Refinements,Intemalizatlon and Research;
- Public Affairs and Community Relations (PACR)updates included preparations to
launch a newly-refreshed and updated TVDSB website as well as a varietyofother
new projects.The new website look, which continues the department's efforts to
streamline the site's operation,will not change its functionality but will make it easier
to navigate.Throughout the year, PACR will continue to update various sections of
the site to ensure it is relevant,readable,and accurate;
Another major design projectwas unveiled at the Principals'/Managers'meeting on
August 30. EPG and PACRstaff have been working with M.Chambers to develop
a website and supporting materials for the new Destinations initiative under the
Student Pathways for Success portfolio.The website provides a professional lookfor
the program, as well as a wealth of information.The supporting posters and
brochures featuringThames Valley students will beavailable in schools inthecoming
weeks.
- The Director provided information related to the Tragic Events Team's response
following thedeathofa Grade1teacher atCaradoc North P.S.,Strathroy,as a result
of a motor vehicle accident on Friday,September 02.
Human Resource Services
- As of 2005 August 22,84%of staff have completed the Annual Offence Declaration
formwiththe majoritycompleted electronicallythroughthe Employee Portal. HRstaff
are working to ensure school staff have completed the requirements before the start
of school;
Disability Management isworkingwith approximately 50 staff members intheir return
to work programs as a result of non-occupational and occupational illnesses and
Injuries;
Production is underway of Employee Assistance Program brochures with new
provider,Manullfe Financial and their partner Wilson Banwell;
Duringthe months of July and August, the Thames Valley DistrictSchool Council
(TVDSC)activities included:
-organizing and summarizing 2004/05 Annual School Council Reports to prepare
for a presentation to the Board In 2005;
-attending the 2005 August 23 and 30 Board meeting;
2005 September 27...29
12.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
c.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
8.REPORT OF THE INFORMATION COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
9.DEPARTMENTAL UPDATES,Human Resource Services -cont'd
- planning for tiie next school council symposium;
-communicating byemailwithschool council parents within Thames Valleyand as
well as other boards;
-preparations for the new school year;
- TVDSC meetings for the 2005/06 school year planned for 2005 September 22,
October 20, November 24,2006 January 26, March23 and May25.
Exec. Supt.Sereda advised that there are 68 FTE elementary new hires;
- There are currently 163 elementary long term occasional (LTD)teachers posted. The
numbers on the short term lists are 1199 elementary (385 retirees);
An additional 200-300 new occasional teachers positions are being posted with
interview to begin in early September and additional occasional teachers will be
added late September early October;
-Additional secondary teachers are being hired for the fall term to fill resignation
placements;
Currently 776 occasional teachers are on the list.34% (263) are retirees.More
occasional teachers will be added to assist in highneed subject areas;Supt.Dalton
advised that 32 holdback teachers will be placed bytheend of2005 September;
Atotalof 102 surplus permanent EducationalAssistants have receivedassignments
through the posting/placement process;
Effective 2005 September 01 support staff (except custodians)will be using the
electronic time sheet for casual staff payment.
Operations Services
- The first2005-06 Community ofSchools meetingwas held2005August30. Atthat
meeting, the Operations department goal was shared along with the professional
development calendar for school administrators.Trustees are welcome to attend
sessions.There was a two-day institute held on August 25 and 26 at White Oaks
P.S.,forthe Cohort 2 school teams comprised of teachers and school administrators
relatedtothe Increasing Instructional Intelligence initiative.All remainingschools will
participateinthe Increasing instructional Intelligence cohort#3 programthisyear
All schools are set to beginthe school year inexcellent shape.Majorworkis nearing
completionat Clara Brenton P.S., London,and many dozens ofschool projects have
been successfully completed.Special thanks was extended to Facility Services staff
who worked closely with school administrators on those projects.Thanks was
extended to Operations staff In Education Centre for preparing thoroughly for the
major carpet replacement which proceeded smoothlyover the weekend of August 26-
28;
Elementary Staffino:
Student enrolment will be reviewed by Superintendents during the firsttwo weeks of
school to identify areas of consideration for the addition or reduction to staff. A
number of staff have been held back and will be assigned over the next month to deal
with areas of need,to address significant changes in registrations,and to assist
schools facing unusually high average class sizes.
2005 September 27...30
12.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
c.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
8.REPORT OF THE INFORMATION COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
9.DEPARTMENTAL UPDATES,Operations Services -cont'd
-Secondary Staffing:
Secondary staffingfor2005-06 began last springwith initial approvalfor 1631.06 FTE
teachers based on a projected enrolment of 25,747.21 students.Following the
conclusion of collective bargaining, an additional 53.67 teachers were added.
Pathways for Success also generated 7.33 teachers for Work Internship programs
and 2.00 staff for credit recovery programs.An additional 0.50 teacher was added
to Parkside Collegiateforthe French immersion program as per the Board motionof
2005 June 28. The Secondary Staffing Committee are scheduled to meet on 2005
September 15 toreview secondary schools enrolment and to make recommendations
regarding staffing requirements.
It is anticipated thatthe 2005September openingofschools will see approximately
54,350elementarystudents (49,884 full timeequivalent students)enter the Thames
Valley District School Board.Thisincludesan estimated 4,200Junior Kindergarten
pupils.A total of nearly26,400 full time equivalent secondary students will enter
secondary schools across the District.
Work continues with respect tothe Ministry of Education requirements related to the
development ofthe Board's five-year,rolling "Long-Term Capital Plan".Full details
are not available from the Ministry as it relates to specifics of the Capital Plan
development:however,work continues based on the information and data that has
been provided by the Ministry to date.
-Thirty-two,newly-appointed Principals and Vice-Principals met for the firstof nine,
half-day professional development sessions on2005 August30. The participants
were welcomed by Director Bryce with Introductory remarks by Executive Supt.
Thorpe. The session included an overview of the role of the Ontario Principals'
Council,roleofthe Principal,overview of "predictable problems",timemanagement
and safety guidelines related to elementary athletics. The next session Isto be held
2005 September 22 and will cover the topic of Special Education.
The following Safe Schools initiatives were presented;
-Ton!Wilson,formerDepartment Head (Dramatic Arts)at Medway High School,will
workas Teacher on Special Assignment-Safe Schools forthe upcomingschool
year. Toni, who has extensive experience Incurriculum and program Initiatives
related toviolence prevention,will facilitate the Implementation ofnewprograms
and expansion of existing.
- Three moreTVDSB employees became "TribesTrainers" after completinga one-
week conference and have provided training sessions for 90 staff members
duringthree Summer Institutes.The nextTribes training will be heldinconjunction
with the October Learning Conference.
- S.Dale (Safe Schools) and B.Woodley (Transportation Services)represented
TVDSBat an awareness event sponsored bythe London Anti-Bullying Coalition.
The forum focused on infonnation related to school buses and bullying.Panel
members Included representatives from the two local school boards and from
threelocalbuscompanies.Information was communicatedregardingthe process
of reporting that parents should follow.
2005 September 27...31
12.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES •cont'd
c.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
8.REPORT OF THE INFORMATION COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
9. DEPARTMENTAL UPDATES,Operations Services -cont'd
-Superintendent Wagner recently completed Part 1 of the Safe Schools Certification
institute offered as a new initiativethis year by the Canadian Safe Schools Network.
The first of a three-part-certification program focused on safe school
policies/procedures related to the Safe Schools Act, legal issues,progressive
disciplineand school culture. Parts 2 and 3 are planned for the spring.
Research and Assessment is preparing for the new school year in continuing to
provide services inthe areas of student assessment,large scale testing,research,
literature reviews, program reviews and evaluations,development and use of
corporate data, support fordata collection,and consultationforschool and system
based Improvement projects.
Preparation isunderwayforthesystem-wide administration/scoring/reporting ofthe
phonological awareness assessment,the Fall DRA (Grades 1 to 5), and the Otis-
Lennon (as part of the gifted screening process).Development of school and
classroom ready reports is proceeding along withtrend analysis.
Support for the provincial testing will be undertaken,specifically inservice for
teachers newto grades 3 and 6, as well as preparation for reporting/analysis ofthe
2005 May EQAO Grade 3 and 6 assessments and the 2004-05 Grade 9
assessment:
Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test: 2006 March 29
- Grade 9 Assessment ofMathematics- 2006 January 05-25 and
2006 May 23^une 03
Grade 3 &6 Assessments of Reading,
Writing and Mathematics:2006 May 23-June 09
Program Services
Information Technology Services update included:
-All school office computers including those ofthe Principal and Vice-Principal are
being upgraded or replaced to run Windows XP. This was necessitated bySRB
announcing last spring that Its support of nothing less than XP for Trillium.New
Trillium updates are required to complete the 2005 October report.Cun-ently all
elementary offices have been completed with secondary offices to be converted
during September;
The Trillium secondary conversionis on track.This initiative is necessary tosupport
Ministry and the TVDSB system requirements for data reporting and use in the
various data based student achievement emphases.Cityof London schools are to
be complete by the end of August. County schools will be converted during
September and October.This has been a difficult task for the DBA as the conversion
process requires complete control of the Trillium database by one person
necessitating that the work be done at night and on weekends.
-The installation on the new WAN contract is proceeding.All wireless sites will have
been converted by September -a totalof65 sites.Remaining facilities will be brought
over this fall.
The new Help Desk software and processes have been installed, training for staff
completed and the software brought on line.This will permit establishment of
performance standards and escalation processes to be implemented for the TSAs.
As the Active Directory project continues,these new processes will also permit
stratification of the Help Desk responses.
2005 September 27...32
12.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
0.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
8. REPORT OF THE INFORMATION COMMITTEE OF THEWHOLE - cont'd
9.DEPARTMENTAL UPDATESi Program Services - cont'd
-The Telephone RFP has been returned and the number ofresponses are undergoing
evaluation.All vendors proposed a Voice over IP network.This format for telephone
delivery will soon be In our homes,but currently is new territory for all ofus.The
committee will come to the Board later Inthe fallwith recommendations.
Over the summer the training labs in the CEOs havebeen upgraded and switched
over to the Microsoft Active Directory NOS.These labs needed urgent upgrading.
The Trillium elementary report card process Is In hand.The technical aspects are
complete and a training schedule has been developed.The new process is not
difficult but It Is assumed there will be growth pains through the first cycle of
implementation.This new report card Is necessary as the Ministry has advised that
all student report card marks will have tobe uploaded to the Ministry through their
electronic data gathering mechanism,ONSIS,by 2006 September.
- The newair conditioning system has been Installed inthe server roomand the back
up generator Is being brought on line.This will prevent issues ofthe type experienced
during the 2003 black-out.A new server solution needs to be considered as our
server requirementsare changingand growing and the currentpracticeisbecomina
.difficult.^
-The department has been working on the MISA Initiative ofthe Ministry this summer
and are current with requirements.The plan has been submitted to the Ministry
awaiting the grant response.Meeting have been held with other boards throughout
southwestern Ontario with respectto setting upa regional MISA centre.TVDSB has
been offered as a meeting siteandhas acceptedthe designation as "lead Board"on
an interim basis.
Language/Mathematics
The Language and Mathematics Portfolio staff were busy this summer providing a
number of In-service opportunities for primary,junior and Intermediate teachers,in
early July,76 primaiy teachers received either First Steps Oral Language or First
Steps Reading training.Each teacher also received .copies of the developmental
continuum and resource books to help them assess theirstudents and meet both
individual and class needs.
The Mathematics Portfolio offered six summer Institute opportunities for primary,
junior and Intermediate teachers.The sessions demonstrated how manlpulatives
such as Learning Carpets, CuisenaireRodsand Algebra Tilescan be used to build
conceptual understanding.Some sessions were designed as review opportunities,
while otherstargeted first timeusersof manlpulatives.All sessions were well attended
and the participants left with a variety ofways to Implement these manlpulatives Into
ail five strands of the curriculum.
The Ministry of Education,through the Secretariat,once again offered its Summer
Literacy and Numeracy Training for teachers K-6.The following sessionswere offered bv
TVDSB trainers:
Primary Reading;
Primary Assessment (Literacy):
Primary Number Sense and Numeration;
Primary Geometry;
-Junior Reading;
-Junior Number Sense and Numeration.
2005 September 27...33
12.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
c.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
8.REPORT OF THE INFORMATION COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
9. DEPARTMENTAL UPDATES,Program Services -cont'd
Because of the past emphasis on primarytraining,these sessions were offered once
while thejuniorsessions wereoffered twice.Boththe primaryandjuniorsummer training
were reflectiveofthe Lead Teacher trainingthat was implemented inthe 2004-05 school
year. Each session was two days in length and contained a good mixof activity and
theory.More than 250 teachers took advantage of these training opportunities and wili
arrive intheirclassrooms with "afewnewtoolsfortheirtoolbox".The training was highly
successful and teachers leftenergizedand eager to share their newly-acquired strategies
and activitieswiththeir students and their colleagues.
Grade One Summer Literacy Program
The Summer Literacy Programforgrade one students improved the literacy skills of
165 students, ensured a head starton theirgradetwoschoolyear and provided an
extra opportunity for fun and learning during thesummer vacation.Ledby Cleardale
P.S. Vice Principal, C. Kissau, the program accommodated 165 students at three
sites in London and at oneschoolineach of Woodstock,Strathroy and St.Thomas.
Supported by 12 teachers and one speech pathologist,staff identified student needs
and developed individualized programs.
Assessments completedatthe end ofthe three-weekprogramshowedimprovement
byailstudents inthe numberof high frequencywordsthey could read.The majority
ofstudents improved 1 to 2 reading levels.In-service provided to parents taught
strategies tosupportchildren'sliteracyinthe home.Currentteachingmethodologies
were explained and parents were shown how to take more active roles in their
children's learning.Parentssurveys provided testimony tothe success ofthe program
andthe teachers made recommendations torefinethe programfornext summer.The
program was funded through the Ministry's Learning Opportunities Grant (student
literacy).
Business Services
An update of Facility Services Projects and Maintenance Capital Projects included
completion of the Clara Brenton P.S.,addition and renovations projects:Portable
classrooms relocated toaccommodatestudents (4 required forthe20to1 capacity);and
257 school renewal projects completed;
Forty-five GoodPlaces toLearn-Stage Iprojectsare or will be completed this fall (e.g.
roof replacement and restoration, boiler and HVAC replacements,electrical service
upgrades,fire alarm and PA replacements);
Energy Management completed at 90 schools to date including measures related to
energy efficient lighting,building control systems modified HVAC upgrades/replacements,
water conservation measures,portables retro fittings;
- Other projects include Reading Recovery Centre constructed at Lord Nelson P.S.,
Childcare Centre constructed at Lome Avenue P.S.,and alterations/renovations to
Education Centre including HVAC and carpet replacement,as well as Oakridge S.S.
School Music Room restoration due to fire damage;
- Anumber of maintenance projects completed overthe summer months were highlighted
e.g.painting,flooring,ceiling replacement,etc.;
2005 September 27...34
12.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
0.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEEOF THE WHOLE -cont'd
8. REPORTOFTHE INFORMATION COMMITTEE OFTHE WHOLE -cont'd
9.DEPARTMENTAL UPDATES - ProgramServices - cont'd
- J.Neville,Manager,Facility Services,acknowledged the hard work ofthe custodial
staff during an extraordinarily hot summer towards ensuring that all the school
facilities were readyfor opening day;
Tenders were finalized for snow removal,pagers,recycling etc.and are in place for
service to commence;
Adjustments to the existing FTE custodial staff allocations were made based on
additions and relocations;
- Support Services updates included Transportation Services and the Distribution
Centre.
The Administration responded to questions posed by Trustees.
10.ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjournedat 10:05p.m.on motion ofJ. Stewart.
The following motion was moved byJ.Hunter:
L.STEVENSON.
Chairperson
That the Thames Valley District School Board request thatthe Minister of Education
extend the submission deadline for the Capital Plan to six months after the public
announcement by either the Minister or the Ministry of the details of the final
component requiredto complete the Capital Plan.
During the discussion,concerns were expressed with a further six month delay after the
Capital Planning process details are announcement before moving forward with some ofthe
Capital projects.Exec.Supt.Greene advised thatthe general consensusisthat It isnotthe
intent of the Ministry to prohibit boards from moving forward now if they chose to do so,that
there is money within the unasslgned pupil places funding that the Board may use.Supt.
Greene will contact the Ministry to confirm this matter.
Trustee Jaffe referred to a Board motion regarding an addition to Jack Chamber P.S.
(London)as an example of a growth area where a specific dollar amount has been designated
and the project postponed.It was suggested that the Board priorize the renewal projects,
submit the capital plan and then move forward within the budget parameters that currently
exist.Trustee Jaffe advised that the Board may risk losing credibility with parents and the
community If itcontinuestodelaydecisionsthatare in thebest interestofstudents. Heasked
that the specific motion related to Jack Chambers P.S.be provided at the 2005 September
27 meeting of the Board.
Following the discussion the motion carried.
9.AD HOC COMMITTEE TO REVIEW STUDENT AND PARENT EXPENDITURES
Trustee Sattler requested that the Board approve the extension ofthe reporting date ofthe Ad Hoc
Committee to Review Student and Parent Expenditures to2005 October 25. She noted thatthe
Committee has completed the final report tothe Board,scheduled for presentation atthe 2005
September 27 Board meeting.However,the Committee felt that it would be prudent for the report
to be referred to the Operations'Council meeting on September 19 for comment/input by the
Supervisory Officers.Therefore,a further reporting extension to 2005 October 25was requested
to consider any inputfrom the Operations' Council.
2005 September 27...35
12.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
c.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -cont'd
9.AD HOC COMMITTEE TO REVIEW STUDENT AND PARENT EXPENDITURES -cont'd
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Board approve the extension of the reporting date of the Ad Hoc Committee to
Review Student and Parent Expenditures to 2005 October 25.
The recommendation was adopted on motion of P.Sattier and carried.
10.ADJOURNMENT - The meeting adjourned at 7:54 p.m., on motionof J. Stewart.
G.HART,
Chairperson
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE 2005 SEPTEMBER 13 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MEETING
-That the draft policyon Video Surveillance be approved.
That the Thames Valley DistrictSchool Board request that the Ministerof Education
extend the submission deadline for the Capital Plan to six months after the public
announcement byeitherthe Minister orthe Ministry ofthe details ofthe final component
required to complete the Capital Plan.
- That the Board approve the extension ofthe reporting date ofthe Ad HocCommittee to
Review Student and Parent Expenditures to 2005 October 25.
The recommendations were adopted on motion of J. Hunter and J.Bennett.
d.REPORT OF THE CHAIRS'COMMITTEE
MEMBERS
G.Hart
J.Hunter (9:52)
P.Sattier
L.Stevenson
2005 September 21
9:38 p.m.-11:23 pm.
ADMINISTRATION AND OTHERS
B. Bryce
S.Christie
1.APPROVAL OF AGENDA
The agenda was approved on motion of P.Sattier.
2.CONFLICTS OF INTEREST -none declared
3.REVIEW OF 2005 SEPTEMBER 27 BOARD AGENDA
The In-camera and public agendas for the Board meeting of September 27 were discussed
and updated.It was agreed that the one In-camera agenda item would be deferred to the
October 11 Committee of the Whole meeting as there was no urgency to bring Itforward.It
was agreed that a notice of motion will be included requesting reconsideration of the 2005
January 25 motion regarding Jack Chambers P.S.as requested by several trustees.
2005 September 27...36
12.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
d.REPORT OF THE CHAIRS'COMMITTEE -cont'd
4.COMMUNICATIONS
The following communications were discussed and are available In the Trustee Conference
Room for trustees'Information:
•Ministry of Education Regional Office re the 2005 Director'sAnnualReport;
•Ministry ofCommunityand Social Services - Accessibilityfor Ontarians wHf)Disabilities
Act,
•Thames ValleyPreschool Speech and Language Services re tykeTALK Annual Report.
5.INFORMATION COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE TOPICS FOR 2005-06
The draft 2005-06 schedule of Information Committee of the Whole topics was discussed.
Additional presentations werescheduled. Acopyofthecompletedscheduled will be provided
to trustees once complete.
6.FUTURE MPP MEETINGS
The schedule of MPP meetings was discussed.Itwas agreed that two meetings will be
planned with the first meeting scheduled for November 04 at 9:00 a.m.and the second on
April 28 at 9:00 a.m.Chair Hart will confirm the dates and advise trustees.
7.TRUSTEE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Future trustee professional development sessions were discussed and suggestions offered.
A report will be submitted from the Internal PD Committee at the October 11 Committee of the
Whole meeting.
8.SOUTH COLLEGIATE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION REQUEST TO MOVE FUNDS
A request to transfer funds from the South Secondary School Alumni Awards Fund to the
Thames ValleyEducation Foundation was discussed.Itwas agreed that DirectorBryce will
Invite the Board's lawyerto clarify with trustees the Board's legal ability tohonourthe request
and advise the Association representatives accordingly.
9.ALTERNATE ADMINISTRATIVE LIAISON FOR STUDENT TRUSTEES
Chair Hartclarifiedthat Itis necessary to assign an alternate administrative liaisontowork with
theStudentTrustee Advisory Council inaccordance with Board policy.It wasagreedthatthe
Director will seek a supervisory officer to assist In this function.The tentative date for the
Student Advisory Council meeting was scheduled for October 21 at 10:00 a..m.at the
Education Centre in London.
10.ONTARIO STUDENT TRUSTEES'ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP FEES
Arequest bythe Ontario StudentTrustees'Association forBoardsponsorship based onthe
Board's student population plusa base fee of$500was discussed.The following motion was
moved by L.Stevenson and carried:
That the Board's 2005 contribution of $2 040.00 to the Ontario Student Trustees'
Association be approved.
11.REQUEST TO PRESENT
A request from the London Health Sciences Centre to present their IMPACT program
(Impaired Minds Produced by Alcohol Cause Trauma) was considered and approved for
inclusion on the October 4 agenda of the Information Committee of the Whole.S.Christie will
contact the presenter and make the necessary arrangements.
12.HEAD LICE PROGRAM
Pediculosis Information advising ofa program using nurses and hairdressers to identify head
lice outbreaks in schools will be circulated to trustees.
2005 September 27...37
12.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
d.REPORT OF THE CHAIRS'COMMITTEE -cont'd
13.OTHER BUSINESS
a.Trustee Trip to Avon-IVlaitland DS Board
Director Bryce advised that plans are underway for trustees to visit two schools in
Stratford in October to view and discuss their JK-6/7-12 school structure.Chair Hart will
send a reminder to trustees.
14.DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING
The next two meetings were scheduled for October 19 and November 16 at 9:30 a.m.In the
Governor Simcoe Room.
15.ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 11:23 a.m.on motion of P.Sattler.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Board's 2005 contribution of $2 040.00 to the Ontario Student Trustees'Association
be approved.
G.HART
Chairperson
The recommendation was adopted on motion of J.Hunter and L.Stevenson.
ChairHartadvisedthatthe MPP meeting tentatively scheduled for2006 April 28 coincides with
dateoftheStudentTrustee election and therefore has beenchangedto2006 April 21.
In response to a question regarding the status of the referral motion to the Chair's Committee
related to the contingency fund ($505 695)school-based initiatives,Chair Hartadvised that the
Committee will endeavour to meet priorto the matter being considered at the 2005 October 25
Board meeting.Supt.Greene advised that the issue may also be discussed at the Budget
Advisory Committee meeting to be held on 2005 October 11.
Director B^ce advised that,Superintendent Tucker has been assigned as the .alternate
administrative liaison toworkwith the StudentTrustee Advisory Council in accordance with Board
policy.
e.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - IN CAMERA 2005 September 27
MEMBERS PRESENT
P.Sattler (5:43)
J.Bennett
A.Cartier
G. Hart (Acting Chair)
P.Jaffe
S.Peters (5:50)
T.Roberts
L.Stevenson
J.Stewart
Regrets:D.Anstead,J.Hunter,D.Mugford
ADMINISTRATION AND OTHERS
B.Bryce
B.Greene
P.Gryseels
C. Murphy
M.Sereda
J.Thorpe
D.Blair
K.Dalton
K.Havelka
S.Hughes
L.Hutchinson
W.Tucker
B.Wagner
K.Wilkinson
S.Christie
C.Dennett
2005 September 27...38
12.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
e.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE • IN CAMERA -cont'd
The Committee met In camera from 5:25 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
1.APPROVAL OF AGENDA
The agenda was approved on motion of J.Stewart.
2.CONFLICTS OF INTEREST -No conflicts of Interest were declared.
3.Confidential legal and personal matters were discussed.
4.RISE AND REPORT
Amotionto rise and report was moved byJ. Bennett at 6:00 p.m. and carried.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the motion approved at the In-camera session of September 27,2005,related to
resignations and resignations for retirement approved by the Chair over the summer be
approved.
P.SATTLER,
Chairperson
The recommendation was adopted on motion of P.Sattler and J.Stewart.
13.MOTION -NOTICE OF WHICH HAS BEEN GIVEN -none
14.ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
a.REQUEST FOR LEAVE OF ABSENCE
A letter was received from Trustee Don Mugford requesting that a medical leave of absence be
granted bythe Boardfora six-month period.The following motion was moved byJ. Stewart and
5.Peters:
ThatTrustee Don Mugford be granted a leave of absence from the Boardforthe period2005
September 26 to 2006 March 31.
Following a discussion regarding possible alternatives toassist Trustee Mugford to participate at
Boardmeetingsviateleconference during hisconvalescence,in accordance with Board Bylaws,
Trustees J. Stewart and L.Stevenson moved that the motion be amended changing the date to
2005 October 31.The motion,as follows,was carried:
That Trustee Don Mugford be granted a leave of absence from the Board forthe period
2005 September 26 to 2005 October 31.
15.COMMUNICATIONS
a.ONTARIO PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARDS'ASSOCIATION -UPDATE
Chair Stevenson highlighted topics discussed at the recent OPSBA meeting which Included
Copyright,Autism,2005-06 business priorities,tuition agreement guideproposal,energy coalition
status,gasoline prices, OMERS, Learning to Age 18,Special Education and Literacy and
Numeracy.She advised that the Policy and Program meeting updates will be provided in the
OPSBA Fast Reports.Trustee Stevenson also advised that the OPSBA Western Regional
meeting has been scheduled forSaturday, 2005 October 15,at TVDSB's CommunityEducation
Centre -South and requested that all trustees plan to attend.
2005 September 27...40
17.QUESTIONS BY MEMBERS
a.Trustee Roberts requested the rationale for movingthe PrInclpalA/lce Principal Interviews from
the Education Centretoanother location within the District.Exec.Supt.Sereda advised thatthis
Isthe second year of moving Interviews outside ofthe Education Centre inLondon to a CEC and
indicatedthat conducting Interviews isan involved process inwhich secretarial assistants prepare
the documentation,interviewing rooms and spaces for written submissions.The process is
simplified whenthe interviewsare held Inthe locals where the Superintendents ofEducationhave
theiroffices.Trustee Roberts expressed concern that the two trustees should have been excluded
from the interviewing process as a result of the move and are now missing the opportunityto
participate. He suggested that the venue be reconsidered and emphasized the importance of
trustees having an opportunityto participate In the selection process.
b. Trustee Stewartasked ifitwas possibletomake additional staffing arrangements nowratherthen
at the end of 2005 October.Exec. Supt.Thorpe advised that ensuring the enrolment figures are
accurate is paramount in determining additional staff requirements and advised that the
Administration anticipates bringinga recommendation related to the hiringofadditionalteaching
staff as early as 2005 October 04.
c.Trustee Stewart Inquired about the status of the E-Leaming Pilot Project. Supt. Hutchinson
responded that the process is movingforward toward purchasing the software and scheduling
training sessions.
18.GOOD NEWS ITEMS- "Did you know..."
Trustee Stevenson extended congratulations to the system and community for the level of
participation In the TerryFox National School RunDayheldon2005 September 23 and asked If the
amount of money raised had been announced.Director Bryce advised that there has not been a
funding update from the Terry Fox Foundation;however,TVDSB was one of onlyseven school
boards across the provincethat had achieved a 100%participationrate. He extended congratulations
toSupt. Hughes,students,staffand administrators whoparticipated Inthishistoricevent that occurred
across Canada.
Trustee Stevenson advised that West Elgin S.S., West Lome,will be launching a new book entitled
"StarsNeverFade"on2005October07,a school/community sponsored project to commemorate the
Year of the Veteran.
Trustee Peters extended thanks to the Supt Wilkinson,Principals ofCaradoc North P.S. and North
MeadowsP.S. andtheCrisis Response Teamfor effectively and efficiently providing crisis Intervention
to the staff and students at the school earlier this month.
Director BryceremindedTrustees ofthe CentralP.S.(Woodstock)125'''Anniversary and Huron Park
S.S.,(Woodstock)150^^anniversary celebrations.
19.ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m., on motion of J.Stewart and J.Bennett.
CONFIRMED:
2005 September 27...39
15.COMMUNICATIONS -cont'd
a.ONTARIO PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARDS'ASSOCIATION -UPDATE -cont'd
ChairHartadvised that the OPSBA Board of Directors met on 2005 September 23 and 24 to
consider various issues related to cumcuium services,EQAO,Athletics Associations and a
Federal Bill related to charging school boards for all educational materials downloaded from the
Internet. Headvised that the Internet issue may present various kinds of costs and difficulties to
school boards and become an equity Issue.He suggested that this matter be Included as an
agenda item at the upcoming MPP meeting.
b.STUDENT TRUSTEES'UPDATE
StudentTrustee M.van Gaalen advised that during Septemberhis focushas beenon contacting
Student Council Leaders.Hehas writtena letter inviting members ofthe student councils toattend
the Student Advisory Committee meetingswhere information regarding the significance of the
student parliament office as well as matters that may appear in the following term will be provided.
Plans for theStudent Advisory Committee are underway.TheStudentTrusteesare planning to
attend the Grand Theatre student production of"The Sound of Music".
0.ONTARIO ASSOCIATION FOR FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH COMMUNICATION
DISORDERS -SEAC APPOINTMENT
Aletter was received from AlisonMorse, Provincial Co-ordinator,Ontario Association for Families
of Children with Communication Disorders (OAFCCD),nominating Carleana DeKelver as thenew
representative andSusan Seymour as the alternate onthe Board's Special Education Advisory
Committee.The following motion was adopted on motion of J. Hunter and J.Stewart:
And resolved that Carleana DeKelver be appointed the representative for the Ontario
Association for Families of Children with Communication Disorders and Susan Seymourthe
altemate representativeonthe Board'sSpecial Education Advisory Committee.
d.VOICE FOR HEARING IMPAIRED CHILDREN
Aletterwas received from Norah-Lynn Mclntyre,Executive Director.VOICE,nominating Michele
Barbeau as the new representative and Jill Worthington as thealtemateonthe Board's Special
Education Advisory Committee. The following motion was adopted on motionofJ. Hunterand J.
Stewart.
And resolved that Michele Barbeau be appointed the representative of VOICE and Jill
Worthington the alternate representative on the Board's Special Education Advisory
Committee.
e.NATIVE ADVISORY COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT
Aletterwas received from Gina McGahey,Education Director,Chippewas ofthe Thames First
Nation,nominating Suzanne Albert-Nlnham as the new representative ofthe Chippewas ofthe
Thames First Nation on the Board's Native Advisory Committee.The following motion was
adopted on motion of J.Hunter and J.Stewart:
And resolved that Suzanne Albert-Nlnham be appointed to the Board's Native Advisory
Committee replacing Terry Smith.
16.NOTICE OF MOTION
TrusteeJaffe submittedthe following noticeof reconsideration inaccordance with Board Bylaws:
That the following motion be reconsidered:
Thatthe motion related totheJack Chambers Public School addition be postponed pending
receipt ofthe C.N.Watson Inc.,Reportat the end of2005 May.
The request for reconsideration will be brought tothe October 25,2005 Board meeting.
2005 September 27...41
SUMMARY OF APPROVED RECOMMENDATIONS OF 2005 SEPTEMBER 27
That the TVDSB Annual Accessibility Plan 2005-06 be approved.
That the Board enter into a short-term credit facility withthe National Bank of Canada for up to
$39 114 548, the amount of the Good Places to Learn -Stage 1 Allocation,as outlined inthe Ministry
of Education memorandum 2005-B2,2005 February 18.
That the draft policy on Video Surveillance be approved.
That the Thames Valley District School Board request that the Minister of Education extend the
submission deadline for the Capital Plan to six months after the public announcement by either the
Minister or the Ministryof the details of the final component required to complete the Capital Plan.
That the Board approve the extension of the reporting date of the Ad Hoc Committee to Review
Student and Parent Expenditures to 2005 October 25.
That the Board's 2005 contribution of $2 040.00 to the Ontario Student Trustees'Association be
approved.
That the motion approved at the in-camera session of September27,2005,related to resignations and
resignations for retirement approved by the Chair over the summer be approved.
That Trustee Don Mugford be granted a leave of absence from the Board for the period 2005
September 26 to 2005 October 31.
And resolved that Carleana DeKelver be appointed the representative for the Ontario Association for
Families of Children with Communication Disorders and Susan Seymour the alternate representative
on the Board's Special Education Advisory Committee.
And resolved that Michele Barbeau be appointed the representative ofVOICE and Jill Worthington the
alternate representative on the Board's Special Education Advisory Committee.
And resolved that Suzanne Albert-Ninham be appointed to the Board's Native Advisory Committee
replacing Terry Smith.
2005 September 27...42
Thames Valley District School Board POLICY
Title VIDEO SURVEILLANCE Policy No.2017
Department DIRECTOR'S SERVICES
Reference(s)Procedure -Video Surveillance
Policy -Freedom of Information and Protection of
Privacy
Education Act
Municipal Freedomof Information and PrivacyAct
Ontario Regulation 823
Guidelines for Using Video Surveillance Cameras in
Schools,IPG
Effective Date 2005 Sep 27
1.0 Surveiliance
It is the policy ofthe Board that video surveillance equipment shall be used in public
areasof its schools and facilities or other areasas deemed necessary,andon third
party service provider facilities (for example,school buses)only when itis deemed
necessary to:
•enhance the safety and well-being of students,staff and the community:
• protectBoard property and equipmentagainst theftor vandalism;
• aid in identifying intnjders and ofpersons breaking the law.
The Board recognizes that any recorded data or visual,audio or other images of an
identifiable individual falls within the definition of "personal information"underthe
Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act with respect to
notice,access,use,disclosure,retention,security and disposal of records containing
personal information.
The collection of personal information shall be used only for the purposes of
maintaining a safe environment,protecting school property or as required or
permittedby law.The retention periodfor information that has not been viewedfor
law enforcement,school or public safety purposes shall be 14 calendar days
following which itis to be routinely erased such that itcannot be reconstructed or
retrieved.
The Director of Education/designate shall be responsible for the effective useofthe
surveillance systemandthe Board's privacy obligations for advising staffoftheneed
to comply with the Act and policies.
Where video surveillance equipment isused,it shall be operated ona continuous
basis by the school principal/designate,and by the Director of Education/designate
in other Board facilities.
Page 42 of 43
2005 September 27...43
Board employees shall have access to the personal information collected underthe
program onlywhere necessary inthe performance oftheir duties. They shall review
and comply with the policy and thevAcfin performing any duties and functions related
to the operation of the video surveillance program and in the collection and use of
personal information.Employees shall be subject to discipline for knowingly or
deliberately breaching the policy or the provisions of the Act or other relevant
statutes.
All camera locations shall be authorized by the school principal or Director of
Education.The Board shall maintain control of,and responsibility for,the video
surveillance system at all times.
2.0 Third party Service Providers
Itis recognized that video surveillance equipment installed on third party facilities is
the property of the third party ifnot provided or installed by the Board.The recorded
information is the property of the Thames ValleyDistrict School Board. As operators
of the equipment,service providers are responsible to comply with the policyinthe
collection and use of personal information.
Agreements with third party providers shall state that any records dealt with or
created pursuant to the video surveillance program are underthe Board's control and
are subject to iheAct,and shall describe obligations for collection,use,disclosure,
and security.
This policyshall be reviewed/updated every three years or earlier as appropriate.
Page 43 of 43