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12/11/2007 - Regular Board MeetingTHAMES VALLEY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD INAUGURAL MEETING 2007 DECEMBER 11,7:00 P.M. BOARD ROOM,EDUCATION CENTRE AGENDA 1.CALL TO ORDER -Peggy Sattler,Chair of the Board 2.INVOCATION -Reverend David Stewart 3.O CANADA AND MUSICAL PRESENTATION -University Heights Public School Choir,London 4.WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION OF TRUSTEES -James Stewart,Vice-Chair of the Board 5.SPECIAL GREETINGS -Joyce Bennett,Chair,Information Committee of the Whole 6.PRESENTATION TO 2007 CHAIR -Graham Hart,Past Chair of the Board 7.APPROVAL OF 2008 COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS -Peggy Sattler,Chair of the Board 8.APPROVAL OF OFFICERS OF THE BOARD -Peggy Sattler,Chair of the Board 9.PRESENTATION OF GAVEL -Jon and Emily Bradford 10.MUSICAL INTERLUDE - Norwich District High School Stage Band,Norwich 11.INAUGURAL ADDRESS -Peggy Sattler,Chair of the Board 12.MUSICAL INTERLUDE - Norwich District High School Stage Band,Norwich 13.BENEDICTION -Reverend David Stewart 14.MUSICAL INTERLUDE -Non/vich District High School Stage Band,Norwich 15.CLOSING REMARKS -John Thorpe,Director of Education 16.ADJOURNMENT THAMES VALLEY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD INAUGURAL MEETING,PUBLIC SESSION 2007 DECEMBER 11 The Board met In session for its annual Inaugural meeting on 2007 December 111n the Board Room at the ^Education Centre,meeting Inpublic session at 7:00 p.m.The following were in attendance: TRUSTEES J.Bennett M.Hendrick T.Roberts S.Doub P.Jaffe P.Sattler F.Exley K.Patterson J.Stewart T.Grant S.Peters R.Tisdale G.Hart S.Polhill ADMINISTRATION AND OTHERS J.Empringham K.Bushell J.Thorpe S.Hughes S.Christie K.Dalton M. Moynihan S.Dawson L.Elliott V.Nielsen C.Dennett B.Greene B.Tucker M.Henry M.Sereda P.Tufts K.Meeson B.Wagner J.Neville K.Wilkinson W.Scott Regrets:J.Rowe CALL TO ORDER.-Board Chairperson Peggy Sattler called the meeting to order.Chair Sattler presented the following opening remarks: "This is a difficult meeting tonight.The terrible and shocking events over the weekend have brought a profound sadness to our Thames Valley community.Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Ashley Oaks Public School teacher Angela Sedore.We cannot Imagine the pain and grief you are feeling.We also want to express our concem and sympathy for the family and friends of teacher Ed Dixon,and our best wishes for his speedy recovery.As a system,our first priority is for the well-being of our staff,students and their families at Ashley Oaks.We will do everything we can to support that community,as they mourn the loss of a well-liked teacher, colleague,and friend,and struggle to cope with this unspeakable tragedy.I'd now like to ask for a moment of silence In Angela's memory."Trustees,staff and guests participated Ina moment of silence. 2.INVOCATION -Reverend David Stewart delivered the Invocation. 3.O CANADA AND MUSICAL PRESENTATION The University Heights Public School Choir of London with conductor Deborah Mitchell and accompanist Carroll Wilier led in the singing of "O Canada"and performed two musical numbers. Trustee Jaffe extended the Board's appreciation to the students for their participation In the Inaugural meeting and for opening the meeting with seasonal greetings. 4.WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS James Stewart,Vice Chair of the Board,on behalf of the Trustees and the Senior Administration welcomedeveryone to the firstmeetingofthe 2008 Board. He Introduced the Trustees and read a letter of congratulations from Bev Shipley, MP,Lambton-Kent-Mlddlesex. 2007 December 11...2 5.SPECIAL GREETINGS Joyce Bennett,Chairofthe Information Committee oftheWhole,welcomedand introduced special guests inattendance. The following community representatives broughtgreetingson behalfoftheir affiliates: Gerry Treble, Education Officer,iVlinistry of Education Regional Office; Gina Barber,Controller,Corporation for the Cityof London; John Ferris,Chair,London District Catholic School Board; Brenda Hopkins, Chair,Thames ValleyDistrictSchool Council; Teresa Blum,President,Thames Valley Alliance of Home and School Councils. 6.PRESENTATION TO 2007 CHAIR Graham Hart,Past Chair of the Board,presented Chair Sattler with a commemorative gift in appreciation for serving as the 2007 Chairperson. 7.APPROVAL OF 2008 COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS Appointments to 2008 Committees of the Board were presented. The following recommendation was adopted on motion of P.Jaffe,seconded by R.Tisdale:. That the 2008 list of Committees of the Board and community representation be approved. 8.APPROVAL OF 2008 OFFICERS OF THE BOARD Chair Sattler introduced a report identifying the Officersofthe Board who shall have signing authority on behalf of the Board along with the Chair and Vice-Chair for the period 2007 December 11 to 2008 December 09, in accordance with Board Bylaws,Inaugural Meeting of the Chair (6.4): "The Board, by resolution, shall appoint by name the Officers of the Board who shall be the Secretary of the Board and Treasurer,both of whom, along with the Chair and Vice-Chair shall have signing authority on behalf of the Board." The following recommendation was adopted on motion of T.Roberts,seconded by J.Bennett: That the following persons be appointed signing officers on behalf of the Board for the period 2007 December 11 to 2008 December 09: Peggy Sattler,Chair of the Board; James Stewart,Vice-Chair of the Board; John Thorpe,Acting Director of Education and Secretary (to 2007 December 31); Bill Tucker,Director of Education and Secretary (effective 2008 January 01); Brian Greene,Executive Superintendent of Business Services and Treasurer. 9.PRESENTATION OF GAVEL On behalf of the students,trustees,staff and community of the Thames Valley District School Board, the gavel of office was presented to Chairperson Sattler by her children Jon Bradford, a student at A.B.Lucas S.S.,London,and Emily Bradford,a student at Huron Heights French Immersion,P.S., London. 10.MUSICAL INTERLUDE The NorwichDistrictHighSchool Stage Band of Norwich performed two musical numbers under the direction of conductor Paul Darosa. 2007 December 11 ...3 11.INAUGURAL ADDRESS Chair Sattler delivered the following inaugural address around the theme, "Learn Locally,Think Globally "My theme tonight isdrawn from the phrase think globally,act locally,originally coined in 1969 bythe founder of Friends of the Earth to encourage local solutions to global environmental problems.The phrase has become linked toa wide rangeofsocialand global issues, such as poverty,gender equality, human rights,and military conflict. I There is no doubt that actions make a difference,but to be truly effective,actions need to be informed by knowledge.Well-meaning actionscan have unintended consequences. For all of us - and for young people in particular - learning how to act is vitallyimportant. This is where Thames Valley comes in. As we saw this fall, when our Elementary Teachers Federation brought in Stephen Lewisto speak about AIDS and the Mlllenium development goals and when our Secondary School Teachers Federation brought in Justin Trudeau totalk about the environment and youth leadership our teachers are committed to connecting the lessons they teach in the classroom to broader Issues of social justice,ethical behaviour,and the public good. Hence my theme for 2008 Is"Learn locally,think globally." As a Board,we have to do everything we can to equip our students with the tools and skills they require to be competitive Inthe new global economy.Butwe also have to support our teachers in developing the broader perspectives students need to be able to contribute as global citizens. This is what we do so well In Thames Valley.By emphasizing our connectedness and responsibilities toward each other, our schools are opening young minds to the myriad ofways that young people can make a difference. Across the valley,students are raising money to buywells and even cows for Africanvillages. They are canvassing door-to-door to collect canned goods for local families in need.They are working to reduce global warming through energy conservation,waste reduction and greening projects.They are fundraising to install a Snoezelen Room for their most medically fragile and multiplychallenged school-mates.They are organizing vigilsIn memory ofthe 14 young women who were murdered on December 6. Long before the govemment announced its character development initiative,Thames Valley teachers were involved in character education.Our teachers have always recognized that character education cannot be treated as an add-on to the curriculum.It must be infused in everything that Is taught in the classroom,it must become part of the daily life of the school community. The government's character education initiative validates good citizenship as a key"deliverable" ofpubliceducation,as fundamental to student success as literacyand numeracy andweapplaud the efforts of our staff and administrators who have worked so hard,for so many years,in this area. Much of our success In character development can be attributed to our Board's ongoing focus on violence prevention.Thames Valleystaff have long been recognized as leaders inviolence prevention across the province.Twoyears ago, ourBoardmade the unprecedented decision to launch the Committee to Review the Environment of Safety In our Schools,a comprehensive surveyof all Grades 4 to 12 Thames Valley studentsto assess theirexperiencesof bullying and theirthoughts on what schools can do to create safe learning environments. Every schoolinoursystem received customized results, based on the responses oftheir own students! Everyschool inour system established a communitycommittee to review their own data and develop a safe school action plan grounded in and reflective of individual schoolneeds and realities. 2007 December 11.-.4 11.INAUGURAL ADDRESS -cont'd As a system, safe, welcoming, and inclusive schools must always remain our first priority, because they are the essential pre-condition for successful learning to take place.Students cannot learn ifthey do notfeel safe,iftheyfeel targeted because of gender,race,ethnicity,ability, religion, or sexual orientation. As a Board, we must always reinforce our commitment that violence is never acceptable;that our schools will respond quickly and appropriately to incidents of bullying or violence; and that we will engage our communities in continually reviewing, revisiting,and updating each school's action plan. This year Thames Valleytook on the Issue of domestic violence, through participation inthe provincial Neighbours, Friends and Familycampaign to raise awareness ofthe signs that a co- worker or friend may be experiencing domestic violence. Our staff wrote and performed an interactive theatre production called"MissedOpportunities,"and hosted a series of performances for 30 local businesses.Domestic violence is a pervasive and complex issue that knows no boundaries.It cuts across all neighbourhoods,all ethnic and socio-economic classes,and all workplaces.We know too well that our schools and our students are not immune,and we recognize our obligation to join withour community in addressing this troubling issue. This brings me to the second dimension of my theme of"Learn locally,think globally."Thinking global means thinkingbigger than oneself - It means recognizing that there are many different realities beyond our own, that there Is a world of possibilities that can be achieved.Most importantly,it also means that students cannot be pigeon-holed into one pre-set definition of success.^ Certainly,there are some fundamental elements of success that demand our ongoing attention and effort like core skills Inliteracy and numeracy.That is why we welcome the government's recent announcement on the provision offull-dayearly leaming programs for kindergarten-aged children.We know from the report on literacy by the United Way of London &Middlesex that much needs to be done to make sure that our children enter school ready to learn.We know that half-day Kindergarten orall-dayevery other day does notfitthe realityofmany families' lives,with the result that many children do not access early leaming programs until Grade 1.Through the Ontario Public School Boards Association,we will be working closely with the special advisor to ensure the effective implementation of these early learning programs as soon as possible.While literacyand numeracy skills are essential,we also knowthat success has different meanings for different kids. All our students deserve to be successful,however they define it whether they aspire to be cancer researchers,meat-cutters,or early childhood educators whether they are First Nations or non- aboriginal whether they have physical disabilities or bi-polar disorder,whether they are English language learners,or have English as their mother tongue,whether they are urban or rural, whether they live in poverty or affluence. The government has signalled that it expects Ontario school boards to help all students achieve success through such initiatives as Pathways and Student Success teachers;the Education for All report on literacy and numeracy for students with special needs;and the First Nation, Metis and Inuit Education PolicyFramework. As trustees,how we provide leadership in this area will do much to measure our own,success as a board. As we move fonward into 2008 -the tenth anniversary of our Board there is clearly much to celebrate.I am delighted to welcome Bill Tucker as our new Director of Educator,beginning in 2008 January.Bill brings remarkable skills In building strong partnerships with parents and community groups.Iknow he will be a true champion of public education throughout Thames Valley,and an exceptional leader for our system. 2007 December 11 ...5 11.INAUGURAL ADDRESS -cont'd Atthe same time, many of the challenges we faced last year remain as prioritiesfor the year ahead. First,continuedimprovement in student learningisa critical challenge. Throughour newliteracy model and a sustained focus withinour senior team on literacyand numeracy,we are determined todevelopstaffcapacity,share best practices,and use data to measure the effectivenessofour programs in order to meet provincial EQAO targets. Second,we are committed to implementing a planned,multi-year approach to budget development that will enable us to reviewprograms and expenditures and make wise spending decisions.Through OPSBA,and Inour meetings withour local MPPs,we will highlight the issues that are of particular concern ~such as high incidence rates for students with special needs, which continues to place unacceptable pressure on our special education dollars. And finally,the difficult and complex challenges of student accommodation and capital planning will persist for several years to come,as we face a totaldecline of 12,500 students by2012, from our peak in 1999-2000,coupled with aging buildings and pockets of rapid growth.There are costs involved in declining enrolment that we cannot afford to ignore from the loss of funding that accompanies every drop in student numbers to the cost of heating,lighting and maintaining empty space to the cost of missed program opportunities for students. This year we launched a series of ten Accommodation Review Committees (or ARCs) to bring together schools within an area to consider altemate approaches to school organization.The ARC begins with an alternative proposed by administration,but may consider other alternatives ifIt so chooses.Last month,trustees received an administrative report outlining another potential 11 ARCs that could be formed.That report has been referred to our Capital Planning Advisory Committee for input and advice. There is no question that these are very difficult and emotional times for the schools already involved in the ARC process or potentially involved in the next round particularly those who represent a school identified for possible closure.But just because there are good and valid reasons to have the conversation does not mean that a decision has already been made.We have an obligation to the 75,000 students who do attend our schools to have a full and meaningful examination of the issues before simply dismissing other options of school organization. Atthe end of the ARC process,however trustees decide to deal withthe issue of declining enrolment whether through closure,consolidation,or status quo at least it will be an informed decision,inlightof detailed information,careful review,and extensive opportunities for public participation and input. Before 1 close,I'd like to take a moment to acknowledge the support of my family, my children Jonathan and Emily Bradford and my husband Nell Bradford.Amazingly,they're still supportive ofmyworkat the Board,even after Itookon the additionalhours and obligationsofbeing Chair. I thank them for their patience,love,and understanding. And again this year, I want to acknowledge my employer Academica Group. It's not every workplacethat will accommodate an employee's desire to be engaged in public service during the day, especiallywhen it means irregular hours and absences from the office.Theyhave my thanks and deep appreciation. Iwouldalso liketo recognize the staff inDirector's Services who do such an exemplary jobto supporttrustees and make thisoperationrunso smoothly,especiallySue Pullam intheTrustees Office,Sharron Christie inCorporate Services,and Theresa Levschuk Inthe Director's Office. 2007 December 11...6 11.INAUGURAL ADDRESS -cont'd To all the guests assembled here tonight,thank youforyourbeliefinpubliceducation. Tothose whosupportstudent learning ona day-to-day basis whether as custodian or vice-principal,school secretary or school council chair, learning coordinator or classroom volunteer,payroll clerkor communitypartner, bus driveror educational assistant - we thank youforyour involvementin, and commitment to, public education.It means a great deal to us at the Board, and to the students of Thames Valley. And finally,to my colleagues around the Board table, thank you for the opportunityto playa leadership role inthis great Board. It's an exciting time to be movingforward. Iwelcome the challenge and look forward to the year ahead." Peggy Sattler 2008 Chair of the Board The following motion was moved byT. Roberts,seconded by 8.Doub and earned; That the Chairperson's Inaugural Address be spread upon the nriinutes of the 2007 December 11 Inaugural meeting and posted to the Board's website. 12.MUSICAL INTERLUDE The Norwich District High School Stage Band performed another musical number. 13.BENEDICTION -Reverend David Stewart delivered the benediction. 14.MUSICAL INTERLUDE The Nonwich District High School Stage Band performed two musical numbers.Trustee Stewart thanked the students and the conductor for their participation in the Inaugural meeting. 15.CLOSING REMARKS Director of Education John Thorpe concluded with the following closing remarks: "This evening is an opportunity for us to look back with gratitude on the accomplishments ofthe Thames ValleyDistrictSchool Board but more importantlyto lookforward as we inaugurate this newBoardand anticipateour 10'^anniversarycelebrationas the Thames Valley District School Board.There is much to which,we can point to make us all proud.We have come together through a unique amalgamation to form a strong and vibrant Board capable of moving forward confidently through the challenges ahead. The pupil accommodation review process is well underway and will allow important Inputfrom communities about how our future will unfold.As we strive to address the imbalances which have developed in our first decade.We have a unique opportunity to forge a renewed system based on the interests and program opportunities for all our students In the future. This Board,despite the very substantial turnover of Trustees last year, is uniquely equipped to face those challenges ina way that allowscommunities to have theirsay, allowsfor fiscal issues to be appropriately adjusted through discussion and review, and to emerge stronger for the decade ahead. My onlyregret, and my apologies Madame Chairfor offering such a personal note, is that I will not be able to be part of that process.Ihave done everything Inmy power to assist inpointing the organization Inthe directionsthat 1believe must be contemplated to ensure a healthyfuture. I commend the process to you all,confident that right decisions will be made for the children in our care and their successors in generations to come.It has been a deep and significant honour for me to have served most recently as yourActingDirectorof Education and 1am delighted that Bill Tucker will assume this major responsibility next month. 2007 December 11...7 15.CLOSING REMARKS -cont'd I want, on your behalf, to offer my thanks to all those who have participated inthe planning and execution of this evening's event and have made itso meaningful and memorable for us ail. It was a delight to reacquaint with former Trustee and Board Chair David Stewart and to see the appropriate recognition ofthe Trustee leadership forthe year ahead.Inaddition, of course,your emphasis on the Importance and place of students inour system has been eloquently manifested by the staff and students of University Heights Public School and Norwich District High School music program whom I also want to thank and recognize.To everyone,our hopes for a safe, relaxing and meaningful holiday season." Director Thorpe invited everyone to attend a reception in the cafeteria in honour of Chair Sattler and Vice Chair Stewart as they begin their new term of office. 16.ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.,on motion of S.Polhill,seconded by J.Bennett.The Stage Band closed the meeting with a festive musical number. CONFIRMED: Chairperson 2007 December 11...8 SUMMARY OF APPROVED RECOMMENDATIONS OF 2007 DECEMBER 11 Thatthe following 2008 list of Committees ofthe Board and community representation be approved. 2008 COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD BOARD COWIWIITTEE Information Committee of the Whole All Trustees STATUTORY COWIWIITTEES Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC)-(4-year term) 3 Bennett,Grant,Tisdale Supervised Alternative Learning for Excused Pupils (SALEP) CEC Central -1-1- alternate CEC East - 1 -h alternate CEC South - 1 + alternate Chippewa Bennett Peters -alt Hart Stev/art -alt Grant Exiey -alt Hendrick Bennett -alt STANDING COMMITTEES Audit (term of the Board)3 Grant,Stewart,Tisdale Budget Advisory 5 Exiey Grant Peters Roberts Tisdale Capital Planning Advisory All trustees by region — Chairs'Chair,Vice-Chair,Past Chair,Information Committee of the Whole Chair Chair -Sattler Vice-Chair -Stewart Past Chair -Hart Info.Chair -Bennett Native Advisory Native Representative + 2 Hendrick Bennett Grant 2007 December 11...9 Negotiations Advisory 3 Hart Peters Roberts Policy Working 5 Bennett Doub ExIey Roberts Tisdale Trustee Professional Development 3 Doub Jaffe Stewart AD HOC COMMITTEES Long-term Community Partnerships Board motion -Oct.24, 2006 Grant,Jaffe,Peters, Roberts,Sattler, Stewart Trustee Technology Needs Board motion -Nov.13, 2007 Hendrick,Polhill, Roberts,Stewart ADMINISTRATIVE COWIWIITTEES Award of Distinction 1 Exley Children's Mental Health Study 1 Grant Communications &Public Relations 2 Roberts Stewart Education Week 1 Doub Environmental Advisory 1 Sattler Principal/Vice-Principal Interviews 2 as required Suspension/Expulsion Appeals 3 Jaffe Peters Roberts Vision Advisory Committee 1 Bennett COMMUNITY/PROFESSIONAL REPRESENTATION Ontario Public School Boards'Association 2 +alternate Hart Sattler Alt -Doub,Roberts Children's Safety Village 1 +alternate Bennett City of London Safety & Crime Prevention - Advisory Committee 4-year term 1 Polhill 2007 December 11 ...10 City of London Accessibility Advisory Committee 1 Doub City of London Advisory Committee on the Environment 1 Doub Parent Involvement Advisory 1 Bennett Thames Valley District School Council 1 Polhill Thames Valley Education Foundation 4 London/Chair -Sattier Oxford -Stewart Middlesex -Peters Elgin -Exiey Thames Valley Home and School Association 1 Polhill Western Fair Representative 1 Peters That the following persons be appointed signing officers on behalf of the Board for the period 2007 December 11 to 2008 December 09: Peggy Sattier,Chair of the Board; James Stewart,VIce-ChaIr of the Board; John Thorpe,Acting Director of Education and Secretary (to 2007 December 31); Bill Tucker,Director of Education and Secretary (effective 2008 January 01); Brian Greene,Executive Superintendent of Business Services and Treasurer. That the Chairperson's Inaugural Address be spread upon the minutes of the 2007 December 11 Inaugural meeting and posted to the Board's website.