9/25/2007 - Regular Board MeetingTHAMES VALLEY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
^REGULAR BOARD MEETING,PUBLIC SESSION
2007 SEPTEMBER 25,7:00 P.M.
BOARD ROOM,EDUCATION CENTRE
AGENDA
V-verbal
M -material
1.CALL TO ORDER V
2. O CANADA - WIIJI NIMBAWIYAANG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (CHIPPEWA OF THE V
THAMES)
3.BURNING OF SWEET GRASS CEREMONY AND STUDENT PERFORMANCE V
4.APPROVAL OF AGENDA M
5.OFFICIAL RECORD M
6.RECOGNITIONS
a.Role of the Native Trustee •M.Hendrick V
b.A.C.Askew Award V
c.Bridges Program V
d.ECO Schools V
\
)7.CONFLICTS OF INTEREST V
8.CHAIR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS V
9.DIRECTOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS V
10.MINUTES OF THE 2007 SEPTEMBER 11 BOARD MEETING M
a.Confirmation of Minutes
b.Business Arising from the Minutes
11.STUDENT TRUSTEES'UPDATE
12.REPORTS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION
7:45 p.m. a.Boundary for New Southeast St.Thomas Elementary School M
b.Monthly Financial Report M
c.Automated External Defibriilators M
d.TVDSB Annual Accessibility Plan 2007-08 M
e.EQAO Results 2006-07,for Grades 3,6 and 9 M
f.Departmental Updates M
13.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
a.Special Education Advisory Committee,2007 June 05 M
b.SEAC Chair's Report of 2007 September 10 V
c.Native Advisory Committee,2007 September 11 M
d.Chairs'Committee,2007 September 20 M
e.Committee of the Whole,In Camera,2007 September 25 V
14.COMMUNICATIONS
a.Chair's Summary Update V
b.Ontario Public School Boards'Association •Update V
c.Native Advisory Committee Appointment M
d.St.Clair Catholic District School Board M
e.Vaccination Risk Awareness Network Inc.M
f.London Central Secondary School,School Council Co-chaIr M
15.NOTICE OF MOTION
16.MOTION -NOTICE OF WHICH HAS BEEN GIVEN
a.Trustee Stewart M
17.ADDITIONAL ITEMS
18.QUESTIONS/COMMENTS BY MEMBERS
19.ADJOURNMENT
THAMES VALLEY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
REGULAR MEETING,PUBLIC SESSION
2007 SEPTEMBER 25
The Board met in regular session on 2007 September 25 in the Board Room at the Education Centre,meeting
in public session at 7:04 p.m.to 10:45 p.m.The following.were in attendance:
TRUSTEES
J.Bennett IV1.Hendrick
S.Doub P.Jaffe
F.Exiey S.Polhill
T.Grant T.Roberts
G. Hart (-9:50)
ADMINISTRATION AND OTHERS
J. Thorpe S.Hughes
K.Dalton M.Moynihan
L.Elliott V.Nielsen
B.Greene B.Tucker
M.Sereda P.Tufts
0.Bourbonnais-MacDonald B.Wagner
J. Empringham K.Wilkinson
•Regrets: K.Patterson,S.Peters
J.Rowe
P.Sattler (Chair)(7:30 p.m.)
J.Stewart
R.Tisdale
K.Bushell
S.Christie
C.Dennett
S.Killlp
B.Noble
K.Meeson
G.Owens
J.Roth
W.Scott
CALL TO ORDER.
Board Vice Chairperson J.Stewart called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
O CANADA AND MUSICAL PRESENTATION
The appreciation of the Board was extended to the Wiiji Nimbawiyaang Elementary School Choir,
Chippewas of the Thames and conductors Eli Baxter and Maxine Hendrick for leading in the singing
of O'Canada in the Ojibway language and performing a musical greeting.
BURNING OF SWEET GRASS CEREMONY AND STUDENT PERFORMANCE
Myeegun Henry,an Elder of Chippewas of the Thames,conducted the Burning of the Sweet Grass
ceremony and offered a song to the Creator in the Ojibway language asking for assistance in helping
the Board make wise decisions during the meeting.
Native Trustee Monica Hendrick thanked the Wiiji Elementary-School students as well as the
Chippewa of the Thames community for participating in the ceremony.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
The agenda was approved on motion of T.Roberts,seconded by P.Jaffe.
OFFICIAL RECORD
S.Christie,Supervisor -Corporate Services,read the following official record into the minutes:
We regret to record the death of Thomas Scott Carriere,an twelve-year-old student at
Knollwood Park Public School,London,on 2007 September 18.
2007 September 25...2
6.RECOGNITIONS
a.ROLE OF THE NATIVE TRUSTEE
Trustee Monica Hendrick presented information about the role of the Native Trustee explaining
that the Chippevi^as of the Thames First Nation is comprised of Anishnabek,Ojibway and t
Algonquian peoples.She advised that the First Nation local levels of government include the
GOTTEN Council consisting of one elected Chief and 12 elected Councillors serving a two-year
term;the Three Fires Confederacy (Ojibway,Potawatami and Odawa)and the District Chiefs
Council -Southern First Nations Secretariat.Provincial and Federal affiliations also exist with
the Union of Ontario Indians,Chiefs of Ontario and the Assembly of First Nations.
Trustee Hendrick also explained the Native Trustee appointment process as compiled bythe Tri
partite Committee of Chippewas of the Thames First Nation,Oneida First Nation and Munsee-
Delaware Nation as well as emphasizing the criteria and eligibility requirements for the position.
She presented historical details regarding the former Mt.ElginIndian Day School (St.Thomas)
as well the small business centre -multi purpose building established in 1992 that saw the
education ofthe Chippewas ofthe Thames children moved back to the Beserve.Subsequently,
in 1999,after intense lobbying,the official opening of Wiiji Nimbawiyaang Elementary School,a
Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 facility was celebrated.Trustee Hendrick also commented on the
Secondary School Student Tuition Agreement with Beal,Thames and Saunders Secondary
Schools.
Vice-Chair Stewart thanked Trustee Hendrick for an informative presentation.
Chairperson Sattler joined the meeting and assumed the chair at 7:32 p.m.
b.A.C.ASKEW AWARD
The congratulations of the Board was extended to the A. C. Askew Award recipients Scott D.
Kennedy,Saunders S.S.,(2005),Kristen Doxtator, Beal S.S.,(2006) and William Cornelius,
LaurierS.S.,(2007).
The A. C. Askew Native Bursary was established In 1988 from the funds bequeathed from the
Last Will and Testament of Archibald Coulson Askew.Mr.Askew was a St.Thomas
businessman and a commercial beekeeper and hisson John Askew was the firstprincipalofSir
Wilfrid Laurler Secondary School.
The Bursary is awarded to a secondary school student of Nativeoriginto encourage that student
to remain in school. Native students on the roll of any secondary school of the former London
Board of Education are eligible. The Selection Committee,chaired by the Native Trustee,and
appropriate representatives of the Native community determined the recipient based on
extracurricular activities both in and outside of school,academic achievement,attendance and
barriers.
c.'BRIDGES PROGRAM
Superintendent of Education S."Hughes provided opening remarks regarding the Bridges
Program. He introduced DIanne Rumney,Co-ordinator,Literacy&Basic Skills;Gary Wimmer,
VicePrincipal,Wheable Centre;and Dr.Susan Rodger,University of Western Ontario;,members
of the Bridges Program located at the G. A.Wheable Centre for Adult Education.
Created by Dr. Rodger, the program is funded by a three-year grant from the University of
Western Ontario Social Sciences and Research Council.The project is designed as an
alternative adult education program offering literacy upgrading skills to women who have
experienced violence-related barriers and nowwanttoreturnto school and complete theirOSSD.
Dr.Rodger explained that Bridges,is an important, innovative and award winning program,
recognized by the Canadian Council on Learning, that provides support,advocacy and a
welcoming classroom environment for the students.Currently,15 women are enrolled.
2007 September 25...3
6.RECOGNITIONS -cont'd
d.ECO SCHOOL CERTIFICATION
The congratulations of the Board was extended to the principals,students and staff as 2006-07
recipients of EcoSchools Certification.J.Major,Learning Co-ordlnator,Environmental Education
and Management,explained that to become certified,a school must demonstrate achievement
in at least four areas:energy conservation,waste minimization,ecological literacy and school
ground greening for shade.
Representatives from each of the schools were presented with a certificate and plague in
recognition oftheir initiative and organizational skills In addressing environmental Issues through
various school greening projects.The following levels of certification were presented;
Gold
Dunwich-Dutton P.S.,Dutton;
Southwold P.S.,St.Thomas;
Tecumseh P.S.,London.
Silver
Byron Sommerset P.S.,London;
Clarke Road Secondary School,London;
College Avenue Secondary School,Woodstock;
Huron Heights French Immersion P.S.,London;
Kensal Park French Immersion P.S.London;
Lord Nelson P.S.London;
Lord Roberts P.S.London;
Medway High School,Arva;
Northdale P.S.,London;
Stoneybrook P.S.,London;
Tavistock P.S.,Tavlstock;
Valleyview P.S.,llderton;
Vanslttart Woods Environmental Education Centre,Woodstock.
Bronze
BIddulph Central School,Lucan.
7.CONFLICTS OF INTEREST -No conflicts of interest were declared.
8.CHAIR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
ChairpersonSattler reported that earlier In the day,she attended the 2Z"^Annual Canadian Student
Leadership Conference held at H. B.Beal Secondary School,London,from 2007 September 25 to
29.Hundreds of secondary students from across Canada participated In a variety of leadership,
team building and community service activities.She commented on the enthusiasm of the students
and Thames Valley's pride in being the host board.
9.DIRECTOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS -none
10.MINUTES OF THE 2007 SEPTEMBER 11 BOARD MEETING
a.CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
The minutes of the 2007 September 11 Regular Board Meeting,were adopted on motion of P.
Jaffe,seconded by J.Stewart.
b.BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES -none
2007 September 25...4
11.STUDENT TRUSTEES'UPDATE
Student Trustee Rowe advised that an information letter,v^as sent on 2007 September 12 to all
secondary Student Council Presidents.Because of the lack of response,a second letter will be sent
providing further clarification and establishing a date in October for the Student Advisory Council
meeting.
12.REPORTS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION
BOUNDARY FOR NEW SOUTHEAST ST.THOMAS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
a. K.Dalton,Executive Superintendent,Program Services,introduced a report to establish new
school attendance boundaries for the new South-east St.Thomas elementary school and its
neighbouring schools effective 2008 September 01.Supt.K.Wilkinson introduced community
representatives Sheila Nesbitt and Carolyn Walker and Planning Officer G.Owens,who are
members of the Boundary Review Committee.
She advised that on 2007 February27, the Board authorized the Administration to create a
Boundary Review Committee for the purpose of establishing new boundaries for the South-east
St.Thomas Elementary School.The role of the Boundary Committee was to review current
school attendance boundaries and recommend adjustments to the boundaries of Elgin Court,
Forest Park,and New Sarum Public Schools in order to create a boundary for the new South-east
St.Thomas school.
Membership of the Boundary Review Committee included a community representative elected
by each of the three School Councils at Elgin Court,Forest Park,and New Sarum Public Schools.
Additional membership included area Trustees Tracy Grant and Frank Exiey.Administrative
support was provided by the Superintendent of Education,Planning Officer,and the Supervisor,
Operations Services from C.E.C.South office.
The Committee met on three occasions to review existing student enrolment,projected growth
in the area and numerous potential boundary options in order to establish a school population for
the new South-east St.Thomas school of approximately 450 students.
Following the review of numerous boundary options,the Committee has recommended
boundaries forapproval. Mr.Owens explained the proposed boundary maps forthe new South
east St.Thomas as well as New Sarum,Elgin Court and Forest Park Public Schools.He noted
that during the week of 2007 September 10,the draft boundaries were presented to each ofthe
School Councils affected by the proposed boundary adjustments.Draft boundary maps were
also provided to each school to assist with additional inquiries.
Following the Board's establishment of the recommended boundaries,the approved boundary
maps will be made available at the schools and for public distribution.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the elementary school boundaries be approved for 2008 September 01 for Elgin Court,
Forest Park, New Sarum Public Schools and the'new South-east St.Thomas Elementary School.
The recommendation was adopted on motion of F. Exiey,seconded byT. Grant.
Concern was expressed regardingthesafety ofthe childrenwhowalktoschool, especiallywhen
crossing a busy street.Supt.Wilkinson advised that once boundaries are established,the
Administration will follow up with municipalities regarding student safety and the need forcrossing
guards.Trustees Exieyand Grant extended appreciation tothe community members who served
on the Boundary Review Committee.
2007 September 25...5
12.REPORTS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION -cont'd
b.MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT
B.Greene,Executive Superintendent,Business Services,presented the month-end financial
report as at 2007 July 31.Manager Roth explained the year-to-date activity commenting on the
summary of revenues,expenditures by expenditure type, expenditures, by area,and expenditure
type.
c.AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS
L.Elliott,Executive Superintendent,Program Services,provided Information regarding
Automated External Deflbrillators (AED).She advised that school boards and individual schools
across Ontario are being lobbied by organizations and individuals for having AED's installed in
schools.To date,two requests have been made to superintendents regarding the installation In
Thames Valley schools.
Life Support Services in St.Thomas was contacted for Information concerning AED's.They
indicated that the unit is quite easy to use,although training and on-going certification are
required.Training costs are $175 per person for initial training (including Level 'C CPR) and
certification and this includes medical sign-off. Training without CPR included Is $125 per person.
In addition,annual re-certification is required at a cost of $75 per person with CPR and $65
without CPR.Approximately 6 hours is required for training with a minimum of 6 and a maximum
number of 12 students in each class.All training takes place at your own location.Life Support
Services recommends the Philips HeartStart Frxfor use at $2,745.
The web site for the 'Mikey Network*,an organization that promotes the installation of public
access defibrillators,indicates that 300 units have been installed in various public institutions in
Toronto and area.No public schools are listed on this web site as having had AED's installed.
The 'Mikey Network' is lobbying the Ministryto provide funding to install these units inall schools.
The web site for the Mikey Network indicates that the "act of defibrillation" Is most successful
within 2-6 minutes.In addition,they indicate that 3-5 minutes is the amount of time to get the
heart going without permanent damage.'
Four boards were contacted regarding the use of AED's in schools:London Catholic DSB, Avon-
Maitland DSB,Lambton-Kent DSB and Durham DSB.None of these school boards have AED's
installed in schools.A press release from 2007 March 20 indicates that the Mikey Foundation
has donated 120 AED's to the Toronto District School Board for installation in 102 schools,
outdoor education centres and administrative offices by 2008 September.
OSBIE
In the 2007 June edition of Oracle,OSBIE provided a detailed assessment of AED's.The Issues
that they Identified for school boards included the following:
Consistency -once an expectation is set that an AED will be in place in one school,boards
will have to consider putting them in all schools to be consistent;
Maintenance,repair and replacement -The devices are electronic and require regular
maintenance,testing,battery checks and,ultimately,replacement after a few years;
•Public Access -There is an issue of theft and vandalism;
•Use -Most manufacturers claim that anyone can use them,however,most school-aged
children may not be reliable In emergency situations,nor would one want to hold children
accountable.There would be the expectation that school staff members would be trained in
the use of the device and this would mean training schedules and potential for negligence
allegations if staff were not available to operate the equipment during the school day;
The demographic of an elementary or secondary school is not representative of a high
number of heart related health problems as what would be seen In the general public using
.a public facility.
2007 September 25...6
12. REPORTS FROMTHEADMINISTRATION-conVd
c.AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS -cont'd .
Legal Advice
Advice from the Board's legal counsel suggests that schools,as a general proposition,should
not bear the responsibility for front line emergency services.Further,during the past 18 years,
OSBIE has had only three or four heart related incidents,and it was doubtful whether an AED
would have saved the lives. Similar arguments were expressed byOSBIE were also supported
by legal counsel.From a consistency point of view,the Board is at risk ifit does not at least take
a consistent approach,which means having the equipment in each school.There will also be
significant human resource issues where teachers would be asked to use the equipment.
Significant concerns from a risk management pointofviewifthe equipment is not used properly
exist.Schools are being asked,increasingly, to be the front-lineprovider of emergency services
and that fromthe Board's pointof view,this may be a case where this approach crosses the line
and the attendant risks are simply unacceptable to the Board on a system-wide basis.
The installation of AED's require initial purchase of the unit,on-going maintenance and re-
calibration as well as initial staff training, certification and annual re-certification.Approximate
costs of initial purchase and Installation per site is as follows:
- $5 000.00 for purchase of unit plus $500 for battery charger, mounting brackets etc.
- $175 per person fortrainingand certification (min.of6 per class)= $1 050.00
-Supply teacher costs of $200.00 x 6 =$1 800
Total;$8 350.00
Annual Maintenance and Re-certification
-$500.00 maintenance
-$75.00 X6 =450.00 for re-certification +$100 x 6 =$600.00 for release time
Total Annual Costs:$1 550.00
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Board notproceed with the installation of Automated External Defibrillators at this time.
The recommendation was adopted on motion of T. Roberts,seconded by J. Bennett.
d.2007-08 TVDSB ANNUAL ACCESSIBILITY PLAN
Executive Superintendent M.Sereda Introduceda reportseeking approvalregardingthe2007-08
Annual Accessibility Plan.
Supt.S.Hughes advised that the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario was established under the
Ontarians with Disabilities Act,2001(ODA)to manage the implementation of the ODAand to
support and review the progress of organizations withlegal obligations under the ODA.These
organizations include theGovernmentof Ontario and all ofItsministries,municipalities,hospitals,
school boards,colleges,universities and public transportation organizations.
The purpose ofthe Ontarians with Disabilities Act,2001 isto Improve opportunities forpeople
with disabilities and to provide fortheir Involvement in the identification,removaland prevention
ofbarrierstotheir full participation in the life ofthe province.Tothisend, the ODA requireseach
school board to prepare an annual accessibility plan;to consult with people withdisabilities inthe
preparation of this plan;and to make the plan public.
2007 September 25...7
12.REPORTS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION -cont'd
d.TVDSB ANNUAL ACCESSIBILITY PLAN 2007-08 -cont'd
The Thames Valley District School Board is committed to the continual improvement of access
to school board facilities,policies,programs,practices and services for students,staff,
parents/guardians,volunteers and members of the community with disabilities.The plan also
reports on the participation of people with disabilities in the development and review of its annual
accessibility plans.
This is the fourth annual plan (2007-2008)prepared by the Board's Accessibility Working Group.
It describes the measures that the Board has taken in the past and the measures that the Board
has taken during the year (2006-2007)to Identify,remove and prevent barriers for people with
disabilities and future efforts to identify and remove barriers.
An Accessibility Working Group was organized in 2003 February and consists of TVDSB staff,
federation and union representation 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 Accessibility Working Group identified a number of barriers in six categories for people with
disabilities including Structural/Architectural;Communication/Language;Technology;Procedures:
Policies/Practices and Additional Items.The most significant finding was that professional
development of staff is a high priority.This year,the Accessibility Working Group recommends
that an Accessibility Working Group sub-committee continue to meet and review plans for any
new schools,renovations or additions.
A final draft of the TVDSB Annual Accessibility Plan,2007 September -2008 August was
provided.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the 2007-2008 TVDSB Annual Accessibility Plan be approved.
The recommendation was adopted on motion of F.Exiey,seconded by T.Grant.
8.2006-07 EQAO RESULTS FOR GRADES 3,6 AND 9
Executive Superintendent K.Dalton Introduced the presentation on the 2006-07 Education Quality
and Accountability Office (EQAO)results.Superintendent of EducationC.Bourbonnais-
^Macponald.and S.Killlp,Manager,Research Services,presented the 2006-2007 Provincial
Assessments for the Primary and Junior Divisions Reading,Writing and Mathematics and In
Grade 9 Mathematics released on 2007 September 19.
Supt.Bourbonnais-MacDonald advised that EQAO data is meant to inform professional practice
and act as a catalyst for improving student achievement.EQAO,along with Ontario educators,
design assessments that are directly linked to the Ontario curriculum.These assessments
provide a means of measuring student learning at a fewcriticaltransition points and are a vehicle
for assuring people that all Ontario students are being assessed by the same yardstick.She
noted that large scale assessments are just one piece of the picture of how students are doing
in school.These assessments,in conjunction with school-based information such as those
regular assessments conducted by a student's teacher should and are the primary method of
supporting students in their schooling.
The Primary Division (Grade 1 to 3)and Junior Division provincial assessments,conducted by
EQAO consist of six,one-hour components containing multiple choice,short answer,and
extended response Items in reading,writing and mathematics.They are administered by
classroom teachers with support from school-based staff.
2007 September 25...8
12.REPORTS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION -cont'd
e.2006-07 EQAO RESULTS FOR GRADES 3, 6 AND 9 -cont'd
The Grade 9 assessment has a mathematics component onlyand Isadministered byclassroom
teachers.Two versions are available,one for students in academic mathematics courses and
one for students In applied mathematics courses.The assessment Is two hours in length
conducted eitherovertwodays (one hourper day)orfourdays (25to35 minutes per day). There
are multiple choice and open response questions.
The Primaryand Junior Division assessments were administered from mid -Mayto earlyJune
and the Grade 9 assessment was administered In either January or June.The Primary Division
assessment was first administered In 1998-1999,the Junior Division assessment In 1999-2000,
and the Grade 9 In 2000-2001.Training and support,in preparation for the administration of
these assessments,include In-service for teachers new to Grades 3 and 6,administration
material distributed by EQAO,support from Central Office staff and practice material for
students.
Dr.Killlp highlighted the key findings ofthe 2006-07results. Atthe Primary Division level,59%,
58% and 67% of students have achieved the provincial standard in Reading,Writing and
Mathematics respectively.At the Junior Division level,61%,55%and 55%of students have
achieved the provincial standard inReading,Writing and Mathematics respectively. InGrade 9,
75% and 41% of students have achieved the provincial standard in Applied and Academic
Mathematics respectively. He advised that, overall,there has been a slight decrease or status
quo In the percentage of students achieving the provincial standard compared to last year's
assessment results.The overall five-year trend does indicate a gradual increase in the
percentage of students achieving the provincial standard.
Provincial, board and school results at the Primary and Junior Divisions, and Grade 9 were
released on 2007 September 19.Schools receive Individual Student Reports for distribution to
parents and students, September 24 - 28. Schools receivean electroniccopyof the detailed
student results for future analysis. School principals access various school reports from the
EQAO web site.These reports contain overall and detailed results,item level Informationand
student questionnaireresultsforthe school.Principals are sharingand discussingthese results
with school staff, school council and Interested parents and students. School improvement
plans,based on a varietyof assessment data and other school information,are updated and
implemented byschool staff and discussed with superintendents.Superintendents and Board
level support staff are reviewing District level results and examining the Implications for
improvement planning.
Supt. Bourbonnals-MacDonaldadvised that while fully cognizant ofthe ongoing provincial focus
of75% of Thames Valley students beingat levels3 and 4, by2008, the Board needs tostay the
course.Points offocus at the system,schooland classroom levels will helptocontinueto ensure
that all students improve Intheir learning.Professional learning for teachers and administrators
across the District will Incorporate detailed data analysis, specific next steps via school
improvement plans and ongoing reflection on where we are and where we should be headed at
the system,school and classroom levels.
The Administration Is just beginning to look at specific areas within the EQAO assessment.More
detailed analysis by Dr.Kllllp and the Research and Assessment department,by school
administrators and their staff will provide the specifics for the months to come.This will Inform
notonlywhat the District needs to do to support Its teachers and students, but help individual
school administrators and the classroom teachers.Administration will be reporting back to
trustees onsuch areas as the impactofthe provincial Ontario Focused Intervention Partnership
process In some Thames Valley schools and how students performed inspecific sections ofthe
assessment.
2007 September 25...9 ,
12.REPORTS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION -cont'd
e.EQAO RESULTS 2006-07 FOR GRADES 3,6 AND 9 -cont'd
Trustee Jaffe asked if„wlthln specific Thames Valleyschools, trends are becoming evidentand
if there are lessons to be learned from other school boards that have shown higher scores.He
also asked if there is a method using accumulated data to quantify that the strategies being
implemented are producing student success (e.g.improving Boys'literacy scores).Dr.Killip
cautioned against comparing'other school boards' results without first looking at the make-up
of schools within other districts. He suggested that the Board needs to lookat schools that have
been receiving concentrated efforts as well as lookingat low,average orslightlyabove average
range scores to determine ifthe right practices are in place for Improving student learning.
Trustee Roberts expressed concern aboutwhatotherfactorsmaybe influencing whythe results
of the 2006-07 EQAO test scores did not Increase and indicate littleIf any difference from the
past results.
DirectorThorpe advised that he and Exec. Supt.Elliott have met with Ruth Mattingly fromthe
Ministry ofEducationtodiscuss the next steps forthe Ontario Focused Intervention Partnership
initiative as well as the specific support that TVDSB schools will be receivingfrom the Literacy
Numeracy Secretariat.The goal remains, on a concentrated and focused effort,to improving
literacy and numeracyskillsspecific with theexpectations. Themain Initiative being interventions
for literacy and a focus In reading recovery.Itwas noted that additional resources through
provincial and Board funding will be monitored to see If allthe initiatives are having/making a
difference.
f.DEPARTMENTAL UPDATES
Operations Services
- OperationsServices and Program Services are working together on a number of initiatives
to ensure that the focus of professional development (PD) remains clearly on improving
student learning.System PD for school administrators will focus on Assessment and
Evaluation emphasing Assessment FORLearning.Principal Learning Teams,a partnership
with OPC,combines the mentorship of new administrators with "Learning" and the role of
the school administrator as a curriculum leader.Expected Practices in Numeracy,Literacy,
and Student Success form the basis of decisions regarding goals established In the School
Improvement Planand for curriculum walk-through completedbyschool administratorsand
superintendents;
Elementary Staffing
Supt.Tuftsadvised that District ElementaryStaffing,ElementaryPrincipalsand Operations
Council have worked collaboratlvelyinorder for the Primary Class Sizes (PCS) to comply
with Ministry expectations. As at 2007 September 19,compliance rate was 87%with no
violationsof Primary Class Sizes greater than 23 students.Additional teaching staff have
been allocated and Internal reorganization of students continues to occur Inorder for the
expected 91%compllaince rate to be achieved;
Additional teaching staff have been allocated to schools demonstrating the greatest needs
given the criteria:having largeaverage class sizes In theirGrade4-8 divisions and having
at least one class with greater than 33 students.Monitoring continues for schools' PCS
compliancy rate, as well as, schools' average class sizes inthe Grade4-8 divisions as the
remaining additional teaching staff are allocated;
2007 September 25...10
12.REPORTS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION -cont'd
f.DEPARTMENTAL UPDATES -cont'd
Operations Services -cont'd
Secondary Staffing
Supt. Wilkinson highlighted that secondary school staff and administration are working
diligently on registering students,finding appropriate time tables,and entering registration
data into Trillium.The Secondary District Staffing committee has agreed th^^following the
deadline of September21st data entry,operations staff will reviewand analyze the enrolment
numbers in order to meet the Ministry of Education's 22:1 mandated studenti-teacher ratio.
Principals may request additional lines fromthe holdback (3.58 FTE)witha priorityon grade
9 and 10 compulsory subjects,and the maximum class sizes and teacher workloads
established in the collective agreement;
- The opening of schools this September is anticipated to see approximately 52,200
elementary students enter the TVDSB including an estimated 4,100 Junior Kindergarten
pupilsas well as nearly26,480 full timeequivalentsecondary students entering secondary
schools. The preliminary counts indicate that the enrolment is close to projected for the
system.Final numbers for September will be available inearly October;secondary staffing
being reviewed next Monday at operations councils;
Work continues with respect to the major data collection requirements and coordination
information with respect to the preparation of the Accommodation Review Committee
Templates for the ten ARC's that will begin their work in the fall;
NewAdministrators sessions commenced with a two-day Summer Institute held2007 August
23 and 24. The participants were engaged in sessions hosted by all Boarddepartments
including topics of Ent^Plan Reviews,Building Relationships Between and Amongst all
Stakeholders,Foundation Principles,Building Positive Relationships:to Improve Student
Learning,OPC Overview,Safe Schools, Special Education,and Administrator Learning
Plans.
Research andAssessment Servicesstaff undertook/completed the following major project
comp9nents during 2007 September:
Development stage of EQAOon-line profile;
New Report card information on-line profile;
-Primary DRA,prepare material and databases for fall testing;
DRA interface documentation and testing for the pilot;
ARC mapping;
Program Services Survey;
School-based Career Survey;
PhonologicalAwareness,prepare material and databases for fall testing;
Conduct OLSAT Inservlce;
- School Based Assessment Elementary and DRP Secondary;
Analysis of DRP - OSSLT Comparison and practice OSSLT assessment;
Revised and updated database for Reconnect 07/08;
Developed database for tracking MPLARpilot07/08;
Compiled data forWork Internship onlinechecklistfor Ministry Reports;
Cleaned and summarized data for WI final Ministry Report;
Completed final report of expenses for LOG 06/07;
Preparation for LOG budget tracking for 07/08;
- Support the completion of Elementary/Secondary FirstDayAttendance figures;
Optimize,monitor,and reportelementaryschool organization and PCS compliance;
Monitor Secondary enrolment and average class size;
Review arid conduct approval process for external research requests;
Preliminary design for 07/08 evaluation of lighthouse projects;
Preliminary analysis of 2007 EQAO results;
Prepare reports for 2007 EQAO results.
2007 September 25...11
r
12.REPORTS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION -cont'd
f.DEPARTMENTAL UPDATES -cont'd
Operations Services -cont'd
Safe Schools update Included:Secondary Violence Prevention Committee,Youth Safe
Schools Conference,Tribes Training,Stand By Me Mentor Program,New Administrator
Training and The Fourth R.
Program Services
Information TechnoloQV
The Active Directory Project, an initiativeto bring all schools across TVDSB onto the
same network operating system,is continuing this year. Last year transition was
completed for 86 more elementary schools,as well as 4 more secondary schools. A
plan Is In place to have all 18 remaining elementary schools completed bythe end of
December.We will then continue with an additional 15 secondary schools to be on
Active Directory by2008 August 31 leaving 7 to be completed inthe 2008-2009 school
year. This project is key to enable greater efficiency inthe maintenance ofthe systems,
with remote management capabilities and greater standardization;
The voice telecom renewal project is well underway.All administrative and maintenance
locations have been migrated to the new system.ITS Is planning to complete the
secondary schools as a priority.Some technical issues affecting school deployments
identified byTVDSB ITS staff have now been resolved by Belland Nortel. A schedule
has been developed that will see two Secondary and three Elementary schools per week
migrated to the new telephone system.The Nuance voice recognition system has been
deployed for internal TVDSBstaff. This feature will allow staff to place a call bysimply
saying the person's name.As a critical mass of conversions is achieved,this feature will
be made available to the public;
- TVDSB has been participating in piloting the new IPPS.net Personnel/Payroll system.
This has allowed tVdSB to have a voice In molding the product to meet our needs and
the needs of school boards thoughout Ontario.A great deal of work has been completed
in converting all local development in preparation for the move to production of the
IPPS.net system.ITS is positioned both from a software and hardware prospective to
support the HRand Payroll departments'planned move to production of the IPPS.net
system in October;
TVDSB has entered into a new three-year contract with a single provider for cell phones.
This will centralize all cell phone usage,allowing for significant cost savings and
administrative ease.This transition has occurred over the summer,with all existing
phone numbers being transferred to the new plan.The new contract allows for
streamlining of invoicing and minute sharing which results in significant cost savings;
Progress continues to be made with the entry of data into the ONSIS (Ontario School
Information System)project.Avery dedicated team has been diligentlyworking toward
the deadlines for data entry identified by the Ministry.MISA funding, a portion of which
is currently used to assist with our ONSIS team,ends in 2008 March;
Several secondary schools are involvedin videoconferencing Initiatives,including Virtual
Researchers on Call (VROC), which brings students and researchers together,
benefitting the students,researchers and our Board. As well, we are using
videoconferencing inoffering combined courses in West Elgin S.S.,and Glencoe DHS.
Additional videoconferencing options are being explored for the upcoming school year.
2007 September 25...12
12.REPORTS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION -cont'd
f.DEPARTMENTAL UPDATES -cont'd
Program Services -cont'd
-Summer Literacy Program
- This unique summer literacy program was held for the third year at seven different sites
across Thames Valley and there were approximately 250 students enrolled in the
program.The students attended sites in Woodstock,Strathroy,St.Thomas and London
from 58 different feeder schools In the system.There were 17 teachers with 2 or 3
classrooms at each site. The program ran for three weeks in the mornings only.The
intent of the program was to give students at the end of grade one a head start intotheir
grade two program,with literacy being the key focus.
The focus with these particular children enrolled in the program was to identify their
literacy needs and toworkwiththem intensivelyover a three week period. The children
had to be referred to gain entry into the program bytheir grade 1 teacher.Students are
set up for personal success as this was an intense 12 morning course,with small class
sizes,using current resources and well qualified teachers in the area of literacy.The
class sizes were small with a range of 10-12 students per class.All of the teachers were
committed to improving the students literacy skills.Parents were encouraged to take a
more active role in their child's literacy success and to read with their child on a daily
basis using the strategies the students were taught each day.The success of the
program was tremendous.Most children improved 3 or 4 levels above their previous
reading scores and all students had grown in the area of self-confidence and their love
of literacy.The grade 2 teachers have noted the marked increase in these students level
of literacy and what a boost this program has given them for their grade 2 year;
The program made a significant difference and contributed to an overall positive
experience for these children. The children commented that they had fun and that itwas
'better than being Inschool'. It was also an enjoyable and rewarding experience forour
teachers and principal of the program.They are to be commended for their work.
Applied Studies and The Arts
This summer a team of teachers and learning coordinators from Visual Arts and
Information Technology worked collaboratively with Museum London Staff on a
SmartART Project designed to integrate activities using Smartboard technology and
works of art by Paul Peel and Greg Curnoe from the permanent collection. The
interactive lessons developed are intended toprovidecurriculum rich approaches for use
by Thames Valley students touring the Gallery and through online access to works ofart;
}
The TVDSB has recently subscribed to MTEL (Management Tool for Experiential
Learning) to support the Board's experiential learning programs.This database system
will facilitate the process of assigning students in Cooperative Education and Work
Internship programs towork placements and help develop the necessary documentation
for these programs.Five secondary schools are currently piloting the system for
semester one,with allhigh schools scheduled to be onlinewiththe system for second
semester;
A new and improved version of the Thames Valley District School Board Pathway
Planner will be distributed to elementary schools in early October to assist Grade 8
students withthe pathway planning process this year. A specialized secondary version
of the planner entitled,"You'reon the Path - It's up 2U",has been designed for use by
Grade 9 students and will also be sent out in October;
2007 September 25...13
12.REPORTS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION -cont'd
f.DEPARTMENTAL UPDATES -cont'd
Program Services - Applied Studies and The Arts -cont'd
The Swim to Survive program will continue a second year.All grade 3 classes will travel
to a local aquatics centre for 3 sessions to learn basic survival skills.The program
defines the essential minimum skills required to survive an unexpected fall Into deep
water;
QDPA Mini-Kits will be arriving in elementary schools throughout the month of
September.The kits contain a flip chart resource and allthe equipment needed to lead
a variety of high-energy classroom activities;
The Middlesex-London Health Unit in partnership with the TVDSB and the AIDS
Committee of London is hosting an HIV/AIDS Awareness Expo on Wednesday,
November 28"'at the Western Fair. Thisfree program is geared to grade 10,11 and 12
students.The Expo will feature a variety of presentations,booths and activities;
Cross Country is underway at schools and will culminate in the Championships once
again at Fanshawe Park,October 16;
Volleyball will commence the second week of October.Athletic calendars are in schools
for the school year and up on the E.S.C.web site:
http://www.tvdsb.on.ca/sprtcouncilelementary/defaultframeset.htm
This year the Board is expanding from one school offeringa Specialist HighSkillsMajor
(SHSM) in construction to five schools offering SHSM's.The schools are Norwich and
West Elgin-agriculture,Lucas and College Ave.-constructlon,and Beal-manufacturing.
Student Pathways for Success
The Geared 2 Graduate campaign,funded through Student Pathways for Success,will
Inform students and the general public of the new Ontario law that has changed the
compulsory school age from 16 to 18 (i.e.,Bill 52, The Education Amendment Act,
Learning to 18,2006 which received Royal Assent on 2006 December 20).More
importantly, It provides information to students about the new program offerings within
secondary schools -programs that offer a 'hands-on'approach to learning;
Posters,brochures,and buttons have been designed by the Public Affairs &Community
Relations Department.An overhead presentation of the campaign posters was
presented and samples distributed.Principals will announce and share the materials
with staff members on the PD Day on 2007 September 28.Public Affairs &Community
Relations will continue to inform the community through media releases;
In 2007 May boards were given the opportunity to apply to the Ministryof Education for
funding for additional Lighthouse Projeds that support leaming to age 18 and graduation
targets.Four of the proposals submitted received preliminary approval;
Plans are underway for four new Lighthouse Projects:
LEAP (London East Alternative Program)- to establish an Alternative Education site that
will serve the students of Montcalm SS and Clarke Road SS;
SOS (Student Opportunities for Success)-to establish an Alternative to Suspension Pilot
Program which will begin in the London region In second semester;
St.Thomas Transition Coach Pilot Project - to establish a pilot project for specific high-
needs St.Thomas schools to give support to students at risk as they transition from
Grade 8 to Grade 9;
Wilngashk Alternative School/Friendship Centre Support - to establish additional
educational,social and cultural support for aboriginal students at Wiingashk.
2007 September 25...14
12.REPORTS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION -cont'd
f.DEPARTMENTAL UPDATES-cont'd ^
Program Services -Student Pathways for Success -cont'd .
-The expected practice document for the assessment and evaluation of student learning
in elementary schools will be officially released in 2007 October.Principals have
received draft copies for comment.In the upcoming year an new initiative will increase
the focus on assessment and evaluation and most importantly encourage teachers to
improve the balance of their assessments by putting an emphasis on the formative
(coaching)process;
On 2007 August 28 the Ministry of Education announced new enrolment reporting
requirements for e-learning courses effective 2007 September 01.In the past,schools
were required to enrol and track students on either the independent study register or the
continuing education register. Now,students can be enrolled in e-learning courses as
partoftheirregularschool programand eitherrecorded ineitherthe full-time orpart-time
day school enrolment registers in the same manner as classroom delivered courses.
This is good news for school boards in that students will be funded at the day school
grant rate.
Human Resource Services
Disability Management is working with approximately 100 staff members in their return to
work programs as a result of non-occupational illnesses and injuries. In addition 69
accommodation programs for staff with occupational injuries have been completed;
The Thames Valley District School Council (TVDSC)update for 2007.July, August and
September included:
TVDSC continued tocollectthe AnnualSchool Council Reports overthe summer months
and TVDSC members began reading the reports inpreparation ofthe summary ofthe
reports withthe intentionof presenting a summary ofthe informationtoTVDSB Trustees
In 2008 January;
TVDSC representatives on the Thames.Valley Parent InvolvementCommittee (TVPIC)
continued to attend TVPIC meetings scheduled throughout the summer break;
On2007 August23Chairperson Hopkinsand Vice-Chairperson Morell presented at the
New Administrators'PD session;
On 2007 August 23 a TVDSC Executive planning meeting was held. A package
containing allrelevant school counciland TVDSB information was prepared:
-Our Vision, Our Mission, Our Values,Foundation Principles;
-TVDSB Policies and Procedures relevant to school councils;
-School Council -Regulation 612-Education Act
- Listing of Trustees and Supervisory Officers;
-TVDSC By-Laws;
Future meetings are planned to be held.
TVDSC provides the opportunity for school council members to volunteer to be a
possible TVDSC representativeon a TVDSB committee.Those interested can signup
at the upcoming meeting. Each representative that is chosen is expected to provide
committee reports to be attached to each TVDSC agenda.TVDSC representatives on
board committees are expected to attend TVDSC meetings to be able to answer
questions pertainingtothe reports as wellas to have an understanding ofwhat they are
representing to able to effectively provide the views of the TVDSC at the committee
table;
2007 September 25...15
12.REPORTS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION -cont'd
f.DEPARTMENTAL UPDATES -cont'd
Human Resource Services -TVDSC update -cont'd
Chair Hopl<ins sent the first email communication that included:
School Council Reports listing schools who have submitted a completed report;-
TVDSC Upcoming Meeting - 2007 September 20;
Email Contact Information;and,
Parents Reaching Out Grant Applications.
- On2007 September 13 Chairperson Hopkins,Vice-Chairperson Morell and Member-at-
Large (South) CarolynWalker attended a meeting withTerry Lynch.The TVDSCinput
was provided on the new TVDSC Director search;
On 2007 September 13 - TVDSC Chairperson Hopkins,Vice-Chairperson Morell and
Member-at-Large (South) Carolyn Walker attended Bill Bryce's Farewell reception held
at the Education Centre.
Human Resource Services has hired 60 new elementary teachers as of September 18;
The posting deadline to applyto the elementary occasional teachers listhas passed.HR
staff are currently working through the process to arrange Interviews for several hundred
teachers;
The majorityofstaffhave completed theirAnnualOffence Declaration. HRstaffare following
up with Individualswho have not completed this form;
Additional teaching staff allocation are being processed for the fallterm.Compensation and
benefit records are being established.Credentlaling,WHMIS,criminal background checks,
etc.are all being completed;
Currently there are 824 occasional teachers on the list ofwhich about 29% (240)are retirees.
Occasional teacher list are being reviewed to determine the needs in subject areas;
Last June,the Thames Valley Joint Supervision Committee (JSC)revised the number of
disputed school supervision schedules that had been referred to the Provincial Stability
Commission (PSC).By the end of the month,the JSC agreed that all32 elementary schools
had made every effort to reduce the amount of teacher supervision minutes and therefore
all school referrals to the PSC were rescinded.As of last week,approximately 95 elementary
schools have already reached their target numbers.It is anticipated that many more will as
well.The JSC must make final 2007-08 submissions to the PSC by 2007 October 31.
Business Services
-•Facility Services Projectsand Maintenanceupdates included:Capital Projectsat Southeast
St.Thomas,Strathroy DistrictCollegiate Institute, Hickson Central P.S. and Algonquin P.S.;
Primary Class Size Additions are underway at Chippewa,Clara Brenton,Forest Park, and
Kensal Park Public Schools;New portables were delivered ready for for the first day as well
as additional portable moves for accommodation issues;
A total of 367 School Renewal projects were completed in 2006-07; A total of 116 Good
Places to Learn Projects were completed;
Financial Services update included2007-08 budget estimates for Ministry;Deloitte&Touche
interim audit conducted week of July 30;Year-end audit commences October 01;
2007 September 25...16
12.REPORTS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION -cont'd
f.DEPARTMENTAL UPDATES -cont'd
Human Resource Services -cont'd
Thames ValleyEducation Foundation's year-end is underway;
Support Services update included Transportation Services and Warehouse and Distribution
Centre Initiatives;
Director's Services
- The following meetings/events were attended by Director of Education John Thorpe:
Supervisory Officers'Planning Day,Principals'and Managers'Meeting,Junior Kindergarten
French Immersion Meeting,UWO Welcoming Reception forJulia O'Sulllvan,Dean.Faculty
of Education.Thames Valley Education Foundation,CEO and Administrators'Meeting,
Council of Directors of Education (CODE),Trustee Budget Development Meeting and United
Way Harvest Lunch;
- The Director broughtgreetingsatthe Education CentreWelcomeBackReceptionand Lead
Student Success Teachers'Meeting;
-The Directorwith Exec. Supt.Greene and Managers Dennett, Bushell and Neville met with
London District Catholic School Board and Middlesex London Health Unit representativesto
discuss the status of drinking water in our schools;
Director Thorpe met with Wilma de Rond.newly-appointed Director of Education for the-
London District Catholic School Board,todiscuss Issues and initiatives ofcommoninterest;
- Exec.Supt.Greeneand Director Thorpemet with Directors andBusiness Superintendents
from the Transportation Consortium to receive a status update.A report istobe presented
at the 2007 October 09 In Camera meeting of the Board.
- Exec.Supt.Laura Elliott and Director Thorpemet with Ruth Mattingly from the Ministry of
Education todiscussthenextstepsforthe Ontario Focused Intervention Partnership initiative
as well as the supportourschools will receive from the Literacy Numeracy Secretariat;
-Trustees Frank Exiey,Tracy Grant,Superintendent of Education Karen Wilkinson and the
Directormet with MPPSteve Peters and Gerry Phillips.Minister ofGovernment Services and
Immigration.On September 19.Director Thorpe alsomet with the new Dean ofthe Faculty
of Education;
- Staff Development update included: New Teacher Orientation Conference, New Teacher
Professional Development Resources,NewTeacher Mentoring,The Effective New Teaching
Classroom Management.Fall Mentor/New Teacher Observation Debrief,Leadership
DevelopmentProgram,Administrative Mentoring Program,2007 Learning Conference,Fall
Professional Reading Program.Ministry of Education Best Practices Initiative including a
booklet entitled "Experienced Teachers'Self-directed P.D.was distributed:2008 Leadership
Conference,Facilitating Effectively for Presenters,BacktoSchool Media Coverage and the
Terry Fox Foundation National School Run Day;
- PublicAffairs and Community Relations update included:High SchoolHereIComel Program
Media Coverage,Sampling forLead in Water Media Coverage;Learningto 18 Initiative;2008
United WayCampaign;StaffDirectory andWebSite Updates;Canadian Student Leadership
Conference, Parent Learning Forum,Supplies for Students Program,Thames Valley
Education Foundation update as well as NewTrust Funds created with the Thames Valley
Education Foundation.
2007 September 25...17
13.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
a.REPORT OF THE SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE 2007 June 05
12:26 p.m.-3:22 p.m.
Members
J.Bennett,Trustee (Chair)E.Carry,Children's Aid Society of London &Middlesex
T.Grant,Trustee A.Labs,London Down Syndrome Association {+i2;48p.m)
R.Tisdale,Trustee G.McGahey,Chippewas of the Thames First Nation
A.Craig,Learning Disabilities Association -Board of Education (•2:iop.m.)
London Region (L.A.-LR)B. Montiminy,Madame Vanier Children's Services (-
P.Gilles,Integration Action for Inclusion 2;05p.m.)
London Chapter (!A.)A.Morse,Easter Seals Society
J.Grelsen,Thames Valley Children's Center J.Worthington,Alt.VOICE (+i2:3Sp.m.:.i;55p.m.)
B.Hoffman,Autism Ontario London
Administration and Others
D.Blair,Superintendent of Education R.Salazer,Learning Supervisor
L. Elliott,Executive Superintendent (+i:2ip.ino V. Towell, Alt.Secondary School Vice-Principal (+i:37p.m.;
P.Cook,Elementary Principal (.3;oop.m.)^x «..•..
B.Noble:Special Education Learning Ball,Corporate Services Assistant
Supervisor
Regrets:D.Almost,C.Walker,S.Wilson.
Absent:D.Enslng.B.Harvey
Guests:Sandra Fox,Alt.CAS (.i:40p.in.);Superintendent Scott Hughes (-i:26p.m.};Michelle
Masters,Alt.lA.;Arlene Morell,Thames Valley District School Council (•2:45pm.);Jane Roth,
Manager,Financial Services (•2:2Sp,m.);
1.CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 12:19 p.m.in the London Room at the Education Center.
2.CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
Additions to Item 8 included "Inclusion"and the "Ad Hoc Mental Health Committee".
The motion to approve the agenda,as amended,was carried
3.CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
No conflicts of Interest were declared.
4.REPORT OF MEETING FROM 2007 MAY 22
The following comments were added to the 2007 May 22 report,Item 5,"Special Education
Budget Update".
"The Increase of the secondary special education students coming from the elementary
panel was not clear. The explanation was that Inthe elementary stream,some students
remain in the regular classroom and at thfe secondary level,those students choose to move
from the regular to the developmental classroom resulting in an increase in the secondary
school special education enrolment.It was also noted that the Increase inidentificationof
autism and developmental disabilities may influence the increase in the secondary stream."
The motion to approve the minutes of the 2007 May22 meeting was carried.
5.SPECIAL EDUCATION PLAN
B.Noble,Special Education Supervisor,referred to the Special Education Plan,section 2.12 -
Staff Development,notingthe material was emailed tothe SEAC members and alternates after
the agenda package was distributed.Ahard copywas availableat the meeting.
2007 September 25...18
13.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
a, REPORT OF;THE SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE - cont'd
5.SPECIAL EDUCATION PLAN -cont'd
Section 2.12 discussed and the following modifications to the Plan were made:
>Delete Early Dismissal
>see additions on sheet
>•corrections to school year
>•delete names:J.Gutteridge and M.Romanson
>•addition of sentence:"Staff dev't will take place"
Chair Bennett introduced and welcomed Superintendent Scott Hughes who will assume the
SEAC responsibility from retiring Superintendent Don Blair noting it was Supt.Blair's last SEAC
meeting.She also introduced and welcomed Jane Roth,Manager,Financial Services.
Supt.Biair discussed Special Education Plan Section 2.11 -Special Education Staff.The
document had been updated and the revised version was distributed.It was noted that the
year-over-year comparison has shown minor changes in the figures.
B.Noble distributed and discussed Section 3.6 -"Representation and Release of Information
Forms".SEAC members were requested to complete the form and return to Ms.Noble.
Supt.Blair distributed the 2007-08 Preliminary Budget -Special Education document.It was
noted that the projected Budget indicated a deficit of $5.9 million and,the proposed Budget
indicated a $3.6 million deficit.Discussion on the Targeted Interventions indicated that
Partnerships for Excellence programs would not be funded by the Special Education budget,^
thus reducing the deficitby$2.3 million.The proposed budget will be presented tothe Board
for approval.J. Roth provided further detail on the preliminary Special Education budget.
Discussion of the preliminary Budget followed.J.Roth commented on the removal of the
Literacy programs from the Special Education budget noting that this has allowed the Special
Education deficit to be reduced.Re-allocation of resources is under review.
After discussion,the following motion was moved and carried:
Whereas the number of students with special needs Is Increasing,as is the complexity of
their needs especially In the areas of autism and developmental disabilities, the Special
Education Advisory Committee approves the 2007-08 Special Education Plan with
reservation due to the reduction in the educational assistants and school support
counsellors within Partnerships for Excellence.
A motion requesting Board approval of the Plan will be submitted.
It was oted that minority reports are to be submitted by 2007 June 18 to J.Parker,
Administrative Assistant to Supt.Blair.
A motion to extend the meeting to 3:15 p.m.was moved and carried.
6.SPECIAL EDUCATION FUNDING AND ASSIGNMENT OF STAFF COMPLEMENT
This Item was Incorporated Into the discussion of the Special Education Plan.
2007 September 25...19
13.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
a.REPORT OF THE SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE -cont'd
7.SEAC UPDATES
7.1 lEP Collaborative Review
Supt.Blair reported on the feedback fromthe 2007 March lEP CollaborativeConference.
The Issue ofparental Involvement istobe reviewed with the provincial reportin September.
8.COMMITTEE UPDATES
Additions to agenda:
a. Inclusion: The topicof Inclusion Isto be deferred to the fall as work is in process.This will
allow the Administration to proceed to complete the draft report.
b.The Ad Hoc Mental Health Committee has not met this year.Dr. T. Boniferro and Supt.
Blair are to prepare a status report for the 2007 September 10 meeting.
8.1 Communications:none
9.CORRESPONDENCE -none
10.FORUM:ASSOCIATION UPDATES
A.Craig,The Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario - London Region,reported that she
is resigning from her position with the Association to pursue her Masters degree.
11.FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
October Reports
>Transition Planning - L.D.Secondary
>Future of the following programs:Early Literacy Programs;Reading Recover;Literacy
Coaches;Keys to Literacy
>-lEP Collaborative Review -2007 June
>-Respite Care Transportation Guidelines Update
>School and Community Intervention Partnership (SCIP)
12.FUTURE MEETING DATES
The following meetings were scheduled:
2007 Monday,September 10,7:00-9:00 p.m.,Katherine Harley Room
2007 Monday,October 1,7:00-9:00 p.m.,London Room
2007 Tuesday,November 6,11:45 a.m.lunch,12:15 -3:00 p.m.meeting,Katherine Harley
Room
2007 Tuesday,December4,11:45 a.m.lunch,12:15 -3:00 p.m.meeting,Katherine Harley
Room
13.ADJOURNMENT
A motion to adjourn at 3:22 p.m.was carried.
RECOMMENDATIONS:-none
J.BENNETT.
Chairperson
2007 September 25...20
13.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
b.SEAC CHAIR'S REPORT OF 2007 SEPTEMBER 10
J.Bennett,Chair,Special Education Advisory Committee,advised that at the 2007 September 10
meeting,Superintendent Hughes was welcomed to the Committee.Questions were answered
about the outcome of the 2007 June Budget deliberations and the proposed staffing reductions.
The Committee requested to be able to discuss priorities for Budget earlier in the process and to
participate in a more Inclusive way.
Bev Noble,Learning Supervisor,provided an update on the Council of Directors of Education
(CODE)Special Education Project Proposal Application. An amount of $110 000 is available this
year.The proposal application,if approved,would allow for the purchase of SmartBoards for in
class use as well as Literacy/Numeracytrainingfor25 elementary and secondary special education
teachers.
Chair Bennett reported that a SEAC Webcast Training event was offered provincially on 2007
September 15. Prior to the October 01 SEAC meeting,members will be able to review the
Webcast from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
c.REPORT OF THE NATIVE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING 2007 September 11
3:00 p.m.-4:45 p.m.
Members
M.Hendrick,Trustee,Chair
J.Bennett,Trustee
T.Grant,Trustee
S.Albert-Nlnham,Chippewas of the Thames
Administration and Others •
L. Elliott,Executive Superintendent,Prog.Serv.
S.Boddaert,Learning Co-ordinator
S.Book,Attendance &Social Work Services
E.Good,Languages &Social Sciences
C.Graves,Languages &Social Sciences
S.Miller,Attendance &Social Work Services
L.Brown,V.P.,H.B.Beal S.S.
P.Cornelius,Native Counsellor,A.E.Duffield P.S.
Regrets;S.Miller
Absent:V.Hopkins
C.Dolson,Munsee-Delaware
R.Doxtator,Oneida of the Thames
M.Elijah,Oneida of the Thames
G.McGahey,Chippewas of the Thames
C.VanEvery-AIbert,Oneida of the Thames
S.McCombe,Principal,M.B.McEachren P.S.
B.Misklman,Principal,Thames S.S.
T.Sillaby^Ramsey,Native Counsellor,H.B.
Beal S.S.
T.Smith,Principal,Westminster Central P.S.
P.Sydor,Vice Principal,Saunders S.S.
B.Tichenoff,Principal A.E.Duffield P.S.
G. Ball,Corporate Services
Guests:Angela Collar.Munsee-Delaware,
C.Langllle,N'Amerind Friendship Center
1.CALL TO ORDER
The meeting convened at 3:05 p.m.In the ElginRoom at the Thames ValleyDistrictSchool Board
Education Center.
2.APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Principals'Update was added to the agenda as item 12.
A motion to accept the agenda,as amended,was moved and carried.
3.CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
No conflicts of Interest were declared.
2007 September 25...21
13.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
c.REPORT OF THE NATIVE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING -cont'd
4.CONFIRMATION OF VOTING MEMBERS
-Trustees (3)J. Bennett, T. Grant, M.Hendrick
-Oneida of the Thames (3) R.Doxtator,M. Elijah, C.VanEvery-Albert
-Chippewas of the Thames (2) S. Albert-Ninham, G.McGahey
-Munsee-Delaware Nation (1)C.Dolson
5.WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS
Chair Hendrick welcomed the participants.
6.REPORT OF MEETING -2007 May 8
A motion to approve the report of 2007 May 8 was moved and carried.
7.A.C.ASKEW RECIPIENTS
Chair Hendrick indicated that a recipient had been chosen from the five applicants for the A.C.
Askew Award.Presentation of the 2005,2006 and the 2007 A.C.Askew awards are to take
place at the 2007 September 25 Board meeting.
A.C.Askew applicants and recipients for 2007 -2006 - 2005;
2007Appllcants 2006 Applicants 2005 Applicants
Liz Antone,H.B.Beal S.S.Joseph I.M.Antone.Saunders S.S.Dylan Doxtator, H.B. Beal S.S.
William Cornelius,Sir W.Laurier S.S."Kristen Doxtator,H. B.Beal**Beth Ann Hill. H.B.Beal S.S.
Shayna Doxtator,H.B. Beal S.S.Miranda Hill.G.A.'Wheable Scott D.Kennedy,Saunders S.S."
Eric McArthur,A.B.Lucas S.S.
Stephanie Russell,H.B.Beal S.S.•*Indicates recipient
8.CODE &MINISTRY FUNDING PROPOSALS
Executive Superintendent L. Elliott provided an update on projects funded by the Council of
Directors of Education (CODE). An electronic copy of the three proposals will be forwarded to
the members.
♦The first project proposal was submitted to CODE inMay2007 for $500,000.The grant was
approved for a lower amount resulting In the proposal being re-submitted with the lower
figures.The Self-Identification project was a significant part of the original submission.The
project has three components:Professional Development for Schools with Aboriginal
Students;Resources to Support Native Studies and Languages;and Parent and Community
Engagement.
An interim report is required before the second allotment offunding is provided.Discussion
of the allotment categories followed.
♦The Ministry of Education announced in June that fundingforSelf-Identification was available
- up to $50,000.A consultant had been approached to assist withthe timely role-out of this
project as it must be completed by March 2008.Discussion followed
♦The third grant involves a Ministry project with leadership provided by The Fourth R.The
focus of the Fourth R is on promoting positive relationships in collaboration with parents,
schools,and communities.There are three components involved with this project:
Community Outreach - $10,000; Transitions - $35,000 and Aboriginal Student Mentorship -
$10,000.The contact person from the Fourth Ris Ray Hughes.Exec. Supt.Elliott will invite
Mr.Hughes to attend a future meeting.
2007 September 25...22
13.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
0.REPORT OF THE NATIVE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING -cont'd.
9.MINISTRY CONFERENCE CALL 2007 JUNE 6
Exec. Supt.Elliott Indicated that various boards participated inthe conference call arranged by
Ms. L.White-Eye.The main challenged expressed was to find qualified language teachers.This
is a province-wide challenge.Available networks were discussed.
"10.GSN'S -NATIVE LANGUAGES AND NATIVE STUDIES
Exec.Supt.Elliott discussed the Grants for Student Need's (GSN).The Ministryof Education has
Increased fundingfor Native language studies and The Fourth R. The funding is approximately
$300,000 compared to the previous years of approximately $30,000.H.B.Beal S.S. and
Saunders S.S.are to receive two additional lines while Thames S.S.will receive one additional
line for Native Studies and Native Languages.
The continued challenge is to secure certified Native Languages teachers.Funding would be
available for national advertising for Oneida and other Native Languages teachers.
It was noted that the Committee would like to be involved in the input.
11.WESTMINSTER CENTRAL P.S.FOLLOW-UP FROM 2007 MAY 8
Principal T.Smith responded to members'questions regarding the SmartBoard presentation
provided by grade 6 students of Westminster Central P.S.at the 2007 May 8 meeting.
1.How many SmartBoards are available In the school?
One portable SmartBoard
2.Will more SmartBoards be available?
Two more have been purchased and will be fixed installations in classrooms for September
start-up.The goal is to have one SmartBoard in every classroom/learning area.
3.What is the cost of the SmartBoards?
The total cost of one installed SmartBoard is approximately $3,000 each.
Mr.Smith indicated that the two SmartBoards that were purchased are installed In the grades 7/8
classrooms for all students to use on a rotation basis.
12.PRINCIPALS'UPDATE
T. Smith,Westminster Central P.S., reported on the SmartBoards excellent start-up.Enrolment
is approximately 180 students with 18 returning Muncee students and two new ones.A new
subdivision in the area has increased the student population.This school year,the school is
working on a "balanced day" time table with three periods divided by two 40-mlnute nutritional
breaks.Positive results are being seen within the first week.Mr.Smith contributes the student
leadership program as a major component of the school's success.
P.Sydor,Saunders S.S.,reported that students are back in the classrooms and construction at
Saunders is to begin soon.The grade 9 Sabres Mentoring Program (SMP) facilitates the grade
9 orientation period and has excellent icebreakers for the students.The Administration has
Period Two classroom visits with the focus on the school Code of Conduct and expectations of
the students.It is a way for students to meet the Administration In a congenial manner.
There are 100 Native students enrolled including 24 new students.Native Studies has 18
studerits enrolled with 3 non-Native students in Semester One.The Native Languages courses
are being run in second semester.The Native Student Council has six members and there are
various athletic teams with Native representation.
2007 September 25...23
13.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
c.REPORT OF THE NATIVEADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING -cont'd
12.PRINCIPALS'UPDATE -cont'd
The FourthR mentoring creditcourse continues to be offered with great success.J.Antone,
Native Counsellor,advisedthattheassemblyforthe First Nations studentswasa success.It
focused onthe specific needsand support available tothestudents.The First Nations Student
Council elections were held during the assembly. The N'Amerind Friendship Center is
tentatively scheduled to attend Saunderson October 12 toshare with the First Nation students
the services and supports that are available to them at N'Amerind.
B.Mlskiman,Thames S.S., reported an exciting start to the school year with the new
Pathways/Destination program operating.This non-semestered program has been planned
for2-3yearsand Is now in its first operational year with waiting lists for studentstoget into the
programs.It Isa positive reportforthe newchanges at the school. Thestaff appreciate the
patienceand understanding from the parents Involved with the first yearofthe program.The
objective of the Destination/Pathway program is to have the students finish school with a
diplomaand a job after high school, not continuing to another school.
8.McCombe, M.E.McEachren P.S.,is looking forward to hosting the next Native Advisory
Committee meeting In October.Student enrolment Is 231 with 20 First Nations students in
grade 7and8.M.E.McEachren P.S. Isfortunatetohave a SmartBoardineach classroomand
isseeing positive results. The rotation forthe varioussubjects has been modified In that the
teachers are moving between the classes,not the students.Co-operative learning activities
include "Jigsaw" which results Inthe students being more inter-active.
P.Cornelles,Native Counsellor,is working with the STEPS program.The athletic programs
are startingupand FirstNationsstudents are being Involved.When the FirstNationsstudents
present the morning announcements, they include an Onelda prayer in both Oneida and
English.
T. Sillaby-Ramsey, NativeCounsellor,for L.Brown,H.B.Bea!S.S.,updated the Committee
on the Native enrollment of 18 new First Nations students with a total of 127 Native students.
The 2007 September 27 Pow-WowIs being hosted at H.B.Beal S.S. during the Canadian
Student Leadership Conference from September 25-30.There is still a great need for host
homes to billet students from across Canada.This is an excellent start to the new school year
with students from Northern Ontario and British Columbia attending the First Nations assembly
the day after the pow-wow.
B.Tichenoff,A.E.Duffield P.S.,updated the Committee withthe enrollment figureof29 Native
students in grades 7 and 8.Noting there has been an excellent transition for the students.
There is Involvement with the trl-school activities.The combination of the two streams of
Englishand the two streams of mathematics have proven to be beneficialas seen with more
participation by the students.The school has adapted to the balanced day format and has
seen a decrease In behaviourlal incidents.The marks for reading,writing and numeracy are
higher as well.
13.ADDITIONAL ITEMS
C.Langille,N'Amerind Friendship Center,announced that In the second weekofOctober,there
will be a presentation ofstudent awards.Information has been sent to boththe high schools
and elementaryschools.Mr.Langille encouraged students toregistered. The N'Amerind F.C.
Is hosting a cultural camp from October 1-5. This Isa full-credit camp which promotes the
Aboriginal life skills program at Wllngashk Alternative Secondary School.The camp will be
held at the Pearce Williams Estate in Fingal.Understanding the curriculum requirements of
the TVDSB schools,itIsanticipated that the program will be open to students from TVDSB in
lateryearsand will be invited tobe involved for partofthe Native studies required curriculum.
Atpresent, the accreditationisspecificto WIngashk Alternative S.S.
2007 September 25...24
13.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
c.REPORT OF THE NATIVE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING -cont'd
12.PRINCIPALS'UPDATE -cont'd
(
Exec.Supt.Elliott reminded the committee of the Ministryof Education's conference,Circle of
Light - a First Nation, Metis and InuK Education Conference:Achieving Excellence for All
Students,on 2007 November 26-28 at the Toronto Marriott Downtown Eaton Center.The
conference has been planned as a lead up to the Canadian AboriginalFestival at the Rogers
Center from November 30 -December 2.There is limited funding available for the Native
Advisory members to attend.Members were asked to submit their names forfunding withG.
Ball,Corporate Services,519-452-2000 ext.20216.
8.Book,Attendance and Social Work Services,introduced the Lighthouse Project which
promotes student learning to 18.There is a position being posted to the website for qualified
applicants to apply.
14.FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
-"First Nations Languages",M. Elijah
-Learning About First Nations Communities,Members
15.DATE,TIME LOCATION OF FUTURE MEETINGS
The following Committee meetings have been scheduled:
Tuesday,October 9,1:30 p.m.,M.E.McEachren P.S;-
Tuesday,November 13,1:30 p.m.Chippewas of the Thames;
Tuesday,December 11,1:30 p.m.,Oneida of the Thames.
16.ADJOURNMENT
A motion to adjourn the meeting at 4:45 p.m.was carried.
RECOMMENDATIONS:None
M.HENDRICK,
Chairperson
d. REPORT OF THE CHAIRS'COMMITTEE 2007 September 20
9:10 a.m.-12:20 p.m.
MEMBERS ADMINISTRATION AND OTHERS
J.Bennett (9:14)P.Sattler (Chair) J.Thorpe
G.Hart J.Stewart S.Christie
1.APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Items 14 a.and b.were added to the agenda.It was approved as amended.
2.CONFLICTS OF INTEREST -none declared
3.REVIEW OF 2007 SEPTEMBER 25 BOARD AGENDA
The in-camera and public agendas for the 2007 September 25 Board meeting were discussed
and updated.
r-
2007 September 25...25
13.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
d.REPORT OF THE CHAIRS'COMMITTEE -cont'd
4.CORRESPONDENCE
The following correspondence was added to the "Communications"section of the 2007
September 25 Board meeting:
• St.Clair Catholic DSB re Ontario Reg. 243/07 Safe Drinking WaterAct2002;
•Co-ordinator,Vaccination Risk Awareness Network re Vaccine Exemptions in Ontario
Schools;
• London Central Secondary School Councilre Off-schoolDance Policy.
5.CAPITAL PLANNING ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Chair Sattler indicated that it is necessary to amend the mandate of the Capital Planning
Advisory Committee to reflect changes In membership,thetermofthe committee and role of
the committee.The revised mandate is attached.
The committee members will be advised of the changes and an advertisement for additional
London community representativeswill beplaced. TheThames Valley District School Council
will be asked to recommend the additional School Council members.Meeting dates in
December and January will be set to receive and respond to the administrative
recommendations.
The following motion was moved and approved:
That the revised Capital Planning Advisory Committee mandate be approved.
6.EFFECTIVE SCHOOL FRAMEWORK: FUNDING FOR CAPACITY BUILDING
Director Thorpe referred to the attached letter from the Chief Student Achievement Officer
regarding boards appointing a lead person to assume responsibility forthe Ministry's School
Effectiveness Framework initiative.He noted that no decisions will be made about a
perrrianent position until the appointment ofthenew Director of Education and clarification on
Ministry funding.Director Thorpe will fill the position on a part-timebasis In orderto fulfil the
mandate of the framework.
7.TIMING OF AND TRUSTEE REPRESENTATION ON THE SUPERVISORY OFFICER
COMPETITION
Director Thorpe sought guidance on the timingto schedule the supervisory officerinterviews
and the trustees to sit on the interview committee.It was agreed to hold the competition in
November.It was agreed that Chair Sattler will Identifythe trustees to sit on the interview
committee.
8.TVDSB 10™ANNIVERSARY
Director Thorpe requested direction on Board plans to recognize Thames Valley's 10'^
anniversary.ManagerC. Dennett will attendthe next meeting to discuss the matter.It was
suggested thatthe December 11 Inaugural Meeting be designatedforthe kick-off.
9.OPSBA 2007/2008 MEMBERSHIP
A letter from the Ontario Public School Boards'Association regarding 2007-08 membership is
available In the Trustee Conference Room for trustees'Information.
10. POLITICAL/SECTARIAN/RELIGIOUS ADVERTISING IN SCHOOLS POLICY
Director Thorpe indicated he has received a letterfrom the Gideon's requesting permission to
distribute a letterto parents offering theirGrade 5 students the opportunity to receive a New
Testament. Hesought direction anditwasagreedthathe will respondtotherequest according
to the policycurrently in place.
2007 September 25...26
13.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
d.REPORT OF THE CHAIRS'COMMITTEE -cont'd
11.FRENCH IMMERSION ISSUE
An administrative report on the Board's French Immersion program will be presented to the
Board at an Information Committee of the Whole meeting on 2007 November 6 at 7:30 p.m.
Chair Sattler will relay this information to the parents who Initiated the request for consideration
ofjunior kindergarten entry into the French Immersion program.
12.COPYRIGHT ISSUE
Chair Sattler advised that Right Honourable Sue Barnes has suggested that the Chair of the
Canadian Public School Board Association make a presentation on the copyright issue to the
appropriate Government Standing Committee.Trustee Hart and Chair Sattler will take her
request to OPSBA.
13.DISTRICT SCHOOL COUNCIL REPORT
Chair Sattler proposed that the Board provide a formal written response to the Thames Valley
District School Council annual report.The Chairs'Committee will co-ordinate the Board's
response to the recommendations which will be provided annually each May. Chair Sattler will
speak with the Council in this regard.
14.OTHER BUSINESS
a.Reception Center Sign-in Register
S. Christie described concerns experienced bythe Education Center receptionists in relaying
messages to visitors when they are received at the Reception Center.She advised that a
process will be put In place asking visitors to sign inat the Reception Center on their arrival.
This will provide a greater levelof service and assist in responding to emergency situations.
b.Update on Executive Search for the New Director of Education
Chair Sattler updated the Committee on the executive search for the Director of Education.
The advertisement will be placed on September 21 in the Globe and Mailin accordance with
the recommendation ofthe search firm.Adraft candidate profile has been prepared and will
be finalized for trustees and interested candidates.
15.DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING
Future meetings were scheduled for October 3 and 16 at 9:00 a.m.
16.ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 12:20 p.m.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the revised Capital Planning Advisory Committee mandate be approved.
P.SATTLER.
Chairperson
The recommendation was adopted on motion of J.Stewart,seconded by J.Bennett.
Chair Sattler advised that on 2007 November 06, an in-camera meeting will be held at 5:00 p.m..a
special Board meeting at 7:00 p.m., followed by an Information Committee of the Whole meeting at
7:30 p.m.
2007 September 2^...27
13.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES -cont'd
e.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE-IN CAMERA 2007 September 25
MEMBERS PRESENT ADMINISTRATION AND OTHERS
J. Stewart (Chair)P.Jaffe J. Thorpe S.Christie
J.Bennett S.Polhill M.Sereda Solicitor P.Thorup
S.Doub T.Roberts
F.Exiey J.Rowe
T.Grant P.Settler
G.Hart R.Tisdale
M.Hendrick
Regrets:K.Patterson,Peters
The Committee met in camera from 5:00 p.m. to 6:20 p.m.
1.APPROVAL OF AGENDA
The agenda was approved by motion.
2.CONFLICTS OF INTEREST - No conflicts of interest were declared.
3.Confidential personal matters were discussed.
4.RISE AND REPORT
A motion to rise and report was moved at 6:20 p.m.and carried.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the motions approved at the in-camera meeting of 2007 September 25 be approved.
J.STEWART,
Chairperson
The recommendation was adopted on motion of J.Stewart,seconded by F.Exley.
14.COMMUNICATIONS
a.CHAIR'S SUMMARY UPDATE
ChairSattler reported that, duringthe summer, the focus was on preparing the RFPforthe Executive
Search firm and liaising withour search consultant and legal counsel.
She participated in a panel discussion fornewadministrators andmet with N'Amerind representatives
regarding the Native Immersion School and the new Student Trustees.She brought
greetings/attendedthe following:Education Center staffat the Welcome Back reception,former
Director Bryce's Farewell Reception,Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC),JK French
Immersion meeting,OntarioTrustees todiscuss networking opportunities.She participated in apress
conference in Toronto re the role of school trustees;brought greetings on 2007 September 27 to the
Canada Student Leadership Conference.
b.ONTARIO PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARDS'ASSOCIATION -UPDATE
Chair Sattler advised that the OPSBA Board of Directors meeting to be held September 28 and 29
will focus on a process to replace the OPSBApresident's position.
2007 September 25...28
14.COMMUNICATIONS -cont'd
c.NATIVE ADVISORY COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT
A letter from Tammy Kechego, First Nation Manager,Munsee-Delaware Nation,requesting the
appointment ofAngela Collar as the Munsee-Delaware Nation representative on the Board's Native
Advisory Committee.The following motion was moved by P. Jaffe,seconded by D. Stewart and
carried:
And resolved that Angela Collar be appointed the representative for Munsee-Delaware on
the Board's Native Advisory Committee.
d.ST.CLAIR CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
A letter from Anita Labadie,Chair,St.Clair Catholic District School Board,regarding Ontario
Regulation 243/07 Safe Drinking Water Act 2002 was received.
e.VACCINATION RISK AWARENESS NETWORK INC.
A letter to Chair Sattler from Edda West,Coordinator,Vaccination Risk Awareness Network Inc.,
regarding vaccine exemptions in Ontario schools was received.
f.LONDON CENTRAL SECONDARY SCHOOL,SCHOOL COUNCIL CO-CHAIR
A letter from Barbara Legate,Co-Chair,Central Secondary School Council,regarding the Board's off-
school dance policy was received.
Director Thorpe advised that trustees previously endorsed the off-site dance policy at a Board
meeting held 2005 June.It was agreed that Chairperson Sattler and Director Thorpe would draft a
response to Ms.Legate and suggested that, if necessary,an Executive Superintendent meet withthe
School Council in this regard.Chair Sattler will provide trustees with a copy of her response.
15.NOTICE OF MOTION -none
16.MOTION -NOTICE OF WHICH HAS BEEN GIVEN
Trustee Stewart withdrew the motion.
17.ADDITIONAL ITEMS
18.QUESTIONS/COMMENTS BY MEMBERS
Trustees Tisdale and Grant and Student Trustee Rowe attended a conference regarding child poverty
noting that people in the community are eager to act on this important issue.
19.ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 10:45 p.m., on motion of J.Stewart,seconded by M. Hendrick.
CONFIRMED
Chairperson
A.
2007 September 25...29
SUMMARY OF APPROVED RECOMMENDATIONS OF 2007 SEPTEMBER 25
That the elementary school boundaries be approved for 2008 September 01 for ElginCourt,Forest Park,
New Sarum Public Schools and the new southeast St.Thomas Elementary School.
That the Board not proceed with the installation of Automated External Defibrillators at this time.
That the 2007-2008 TVDSB Annual Accessibility Plan be approved.
That the revised Capital Planning Advisory Committee mandate be approved.
That the motions approved at the in-camera meeting of 2007 September 25 be approved.
And resolved that Angela Collar be appointed the representative for Munsee-Delaware on the Board's
Native Advisory Committee.