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12/9/2008 - Regular Board MeetingA ^REVISED THAMES VALLEY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD INAUGURAL MEETING 2008 DECEMBER 09,7:00 P.M. BOARD ROOM,EDUCATION CENTRE AGENDA 1.CALL TO ORDER -James Stewart,Chair of the Board 2.INVOCATION -Rev.Lonnie Atkinson 3.O CANADA AND MUSICAL PRESENTATION -Waterfalls Ensemble.Wilfrid Jury PS 4.WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION OF TRUSTEES -Terry Roberts,Vice-Chair of the Board 5.SPECIAL GREETINGS -Tracy Grant,Chair,information Committee of the Whole 6.PRESENTATION TO 2008 CHAIR -Graham Hart,Past Chair of the Board 7.APPROVAL OF 2009 COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS -James Stewart,Chair of the Board 8.APPROVAL OF OFFICERS OF THE BOARD FOR 2009 -James Stewart,Chair of the Board 9.PRESENTATION OF GAVEL -Laura Stewart 10.MUSICAL INTERLUDE -Central Elgin Cl Jazz Ensemble 11.INAUGURAL ADDRESS -James Stewart,Chair of the Board 12.BENEDICTION -Rev.Lonnie Atkinson 13.MUSICAL INTERLUDE -Central Elgin CI Jazz Ensemble 14.CLOSING REMARKS - Bill Tucker,Director of Education 15.ADJOURNMENT r THAMES VALLEY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD INAUGURAL MEETING,PUBLIC SESSION 2008 DECEMBER 09 The Board met in session for its annual Inaugural meeting on 2008 December 09 in the Board Room at the Education Centre,meeting in public session at 7;00 p.m.The following were in attendance: TRUSTEES J.Bennett M.Hendrick 8.Doub S.Peters F.Exiey S.Polhill T.Grant T.Roberts G.Hart Regrets:P.Jaffe,J.Rowe ADMINISTRATION AND OTHERS B.Tucker M. Moynihan L.Elliott V.Nielsen B.Greene M.E.Smith M.Sereda B.Sonier K.Wilkinson J.Thorpe C.Bourbonnais-MacDonald P.Tufts L.Griffiths-Jones B.Wagner S.Hughes K.Bushell P.Sattler J.Stewart R.Tisdale L.Varghese S.Christie 8.Killip K.Meeson L.Merner J.Neville W.Scott S.Young K.Young 1.CALL TO ORDER.-Board Chairperson James Stewart called the meeting to order. 2.INVOCATION -Reverend Lonnie Atkinson delivered the invocation. 3.0 CANADA AND MUSICAL PRESENTATION The Wilfrid Jury Public School Waterfalls Ensemble of London with conductor and accompanist Rosemary Bannerman led inthe singing ofO Canada and performed twomusical numbers.Trustee Roberts 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 Terry Roberts, Vice Chair of the Board, on behalf of the Trustees and the Senior Administration welcomed everyone to the first meeting of the 2009 Board. He introduced the trustees noting their area of representation. 5.SPECIAL GREETINGS Tracy Grant, Chair of the InformationCommittee of the Whole, welcomed and introduced special guests In attendance.The following community representatives brought greetings on behalfoftheir affiliates: Johanne Lepansee-Crimmins,Education Officer,Ministry of Education Regional Office; Sandra Talbot, Councillor,County of Oxford; Loren Demelo,Chair,London District Catholic School Board; Arlene Morell,Chair,Thames Valley Parent Involvement Committee; Teresa Blum,Thames Valley Council of Home and School Associations. 6.PRESENTATION TO 2008 CHAIR Past Chair G. Hart,presented Chair Sattler witha commemorative giftinappreciation forserving as the 2008 Chairperson. 2008 December 09...2 - I 7.APPROVAL OF 2009 COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS Appointments to 2009 Committees of the Board were presented. The following recommendation was adopted on motion of T.Roberts,seconded by T.Grant: And resolved that the list of the of Committees of the Board and community representation for 2009 be approved. 8.APPROVAL OF 2009 OFFICERS OF THE BOARD Chair Stewart introduced a report identifying the Officers ofthe Board who will have signing authority on behalf of the Board along with the Chair and Vice-Chair for the period 2008 December 09 to 2009 December 08, 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 J.Bennett,seconded by S. Doub: That the following persons be appointed signing officers on behalf of the Board for the period 2008 December 09 to 2009 December 08: James Stewart,Chair of the Board; Terry Roberts,Vice-Chair of the Board; Bill Tucker,Director of Education and Secretary 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 Stewart by his daughter,Laura Stewart a former student of the Thames Valley District School Board. 10.MUSICAL INTERLUDE The Central Elgin Collegiate Institute Jazz Ensemble of St.Thomas performed two musical numbers under the direction of conductor Richard Frank. 11.INAUGURAL ADDRESS Chair Stewart presented his Inaugural Address entitled:"Every Child's Reach Will Exceed Their Grasp". "Welcome Honoured Guests,Trustees,Friends,Families,Administrators and Staff to the 2009 Version of the 2009 Thames Valley District School Board I want to begin by thanking my colleagues for your support and confidence.I look forward to continuing to work closely with all trustees as we have in the past.We really are a board of equals and I was reminded of that fact the night I was elected Chair when I canvassed my fellow trustees for expectations and perhaps instructions on my inaugural speech.When I summarized your input in my mind I realized that your sum total answer was simply "Be brief James because words are one thing and deeds are another"That is a fair comment considering that statement could very well be the creed of this Board. The message of"being brief reminds me of Pat Smith, my mentor,the former Oxford trustee and a former Chair of the Board that always had a profound saying to make a point.1 remember '\ when 1first became a Trustee I asked her for some help on public speaking because I was uncomfortable with it and a little daunted.I remember clearly she said "Remember this James, nobody goes to a publicfunctionto listena school board trustee speak.So don't ever forgetthe three rules of public speaking:Be brief; Be bright and Be seated".To this day when 1speak at any function,Pat's words echo in my ear reminding me of these rules and when it is time to conclude and be seated. 2008 December 09...3 ( ; 11.INAUGURAL ADDRESS -cont'd Pat had an unsinkable spirit that was infectious.When ifirst discussed with her about standing for trustee,I struggled for purpose because,although I had been on School Councils,Ididn't know if the trustee role was right for me. I commented to Pat "I am a businessman,i am not really a public sector guy." In her wisdom,she said,"That is not the issue.Do you need any help from your community James?Because ifyou don't, your community needs your help.Ifs one or the other". Pat fortified me with courage and steadfast commitment to do my best withthe hand I've been dealt.Iwould give a thousand tomorrows to have Pat here tonight but that is going to happen because she was taken from us far to early in January of this year.We all miss her but her spirit stands with us tonight in thelOth year of the TVDSB. And in 10 years,the worid has changed a lot-not in terms of the human condition because itstill has all kinds of human need that is met with all kinds of human kindness,but in terms of our tools to make it better.The world, in fact, is turning at the speed of light compared to generations before us.Just think of the processing power of a desktop computer where what was held 10 years ago now resides In a cell phone In the pocket of a Grade 9 student. Now,Jazz Band members,I mind you,that Grade 9 students would not dare use that powerful cell phone in class because that is against the rulesi I am proud of some of the challenges we faced and actions we took this last year.We are a big board and we do lots of good work so I want to mention just a few: We moved fonvard on Eco School expansion which sends a great message to the students; We've taken a stance on bullying and violence showing leadership where itis welcome; We published "A Week in the Lifeof the Valley"which is a photographic compilation that shows the breadth and scope of what we do everyday at Thames Valley. It does justice to the enormity of the task we face everyday across the Valley. More importantly, itis the view of Thames Valley through the eyes of our students as they took every picture in the book; We moved forward on new schools by spending millions on facilities in our communities so students can have new programs and new opportunities for the future We changed an ad hoc Partnership Committee to a standing committee of the Board. This speaks volumes to our long-temi commitment to partnering with communities to better the lives of citizens in our communities where we can; We have a new Director with a vision for our Board that resides In the hearts and minds of staff and not just in a binder on a shelf. Our goals are focussed and aligned on student success that every child needs to reach for-and reach is an important theme.It draws me back to my Grade 13 English class withMr Bassacco who recently retired from Ingersoll District Collegiate Institute. I sat Inthe front row on the left side and directly infront of me,just above the blackboard,was a quote of Robert Browning that read "Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp~or what's a heaven for?" It reminds us that (we should all aspireand challenge othersto aspire.Ihavehadthose words engrained in my ^mind all these years and I am glad because I need them tonight as an inaugural theme. Public education In Ontario is the envy of many jurisdictions and I use every public speaking opportunity to thank those who work to ensure our students succeed.The first thing you learn as a trustee is that we have a small role to play when you compare it with all the other contributors to successful schools. 2008 December 09...4 11.INAUGURAL ADDRESS -cont'd Our thanks go to: the voters and taxpayers who commit the money and the political will to public education, something that many take for granted except in places in this world where it does not exist; the support staff who keep our schools clean,safe and good environments to learn; the teaching staff who are committed to the success of every child; parents who support theirkids,theirSchool Councils, their Home and School Association and all the fundraising efforts of the schools; the broader business community that support our schools with scholarships and Co-op placements to name only a couple of the generous contributions our students enjoy; our students who do the hard work and make the sacrifices so they can achieve and be ready to join the world beyond school.This, by the way is where we turn you students intothe taxpayer Italked about earlier.Someone will break itto you later about being a taxpayer but take my word for it,for now just enjoy being in school; and finally,some of the unsung heroes who help make our schools succeed-the volunteers who contribute dailylikethe parents who act as volunteer crossing guards at a corner where there isn't one but children need to cross;the people in community services groups and agencies that make home life better for kids so they are better prepared to learn at school the next day; the media who write stories that lift our spirits and enlighten the public as to the needs and goals of our system;the bus drivers who make that extra effort to transport our children safely by doing a thorough circle check ofa bus no matter how cold itis outside.1can't emphasize enough how big a job it must be to transport 30,0000 students twice a day safely.Clearly our bus operators are up to the job as itconfirmed by their safety record year after year; A Special thanks is also extended to the families of the trustees and Adminstration who support us and make sacrifices because when we are here at night and not able to be home with our families; and to our invited guests who travelled in the fog to share tonight we us.We sincerely thank you. Well, my little angel just whispered in my ear "Remember the 3 rules,James"so I am going to conclude by borrowing from the eloquence of Robert Browning once again to describe the small, but determined role that our Board of Trustees plays.Tothose who may doubt our motives,our integrity or our commitment to student success,itis important to know that this Board of Trustees is united in its goal that "Every Child's Reach Will Exceed Their Grasp"because that is what public education stands for." Thank you. The following motion was moved by T.Roberts,seconded by T.Grant and carried: That the Chairperson's Inaugural Address be spread upon the minutes and posted to the Board's website. 2008 December 09...5 12.MUSICAL INTERLUDE The Central Elgin Collegiate Institute Jazz Ensemble performed two musical numbers.Director Tucker thanked the students and the conductor for their participation inthe Inaugural meeting. 13.BENEDICTION -Reverend Lonnie Atkinson delivered the benediction. 14.DIRECTOR'S CLOSING REMARKS Director of Education Bill Tucker concluded with the following closing remarks: "Tonight has been a very special evening for all of us. I share your enthusiasm as we look forward to the new term with all the rewards and accomplishments it promises.I also look forward to working with ChairStewart,Vice-Chair Roberts,Past ChairSattler, and Information Committee of the Whole Chair Grant-individuals who bring a wealth of experience and leadership to the role of trustee. I have appreciated the collaborative spirit in whiph these individuals have worked with me and the Senior staff to address significant provincialand local Issues and I look forward to their input and guidance over the next year. Fromour inception as Thames Valley,I'vebeen impressed with the focus trustees have placed on putting students first as we'veaddressed complex issues andIam confident thatthedecisions the Board will make inthe coming year,will continue to be premised on this belief. 1continue to be impressed with the dedication of our administrators, staff, trustees, school council, home and school representatives and all of our school communities to providing our students with every opportunity for success.I believe that's what our system offers~not only information,but opportunities. Opportunities to open their minds, to expand their perspectives, to exchange ideas, and tocome tonewunderstandings and appreciations. Ourperformersthis evening demonstrated what can be achieved when these opportunities are seized. Providing a widerangeof opportunities supportsour Attainment ofthe Vision initiative as wehave focused on improving student learning.Together, oursystem has rallied around our vision ofa caring,learning community which has defined us as a system to betterserve ourstudents. We can be proudofwhatwe have achieved overthe past 10 years and excitedaboutwhatthe next year will offer. Thank you for attending this evening and making it the success that it was-our student performers,staff,family,friends,community representatives andour special guests who joined usto bring greetings.Tohavethis number of education partners represented at our Inaugural Meeting isanexampleofthe commitment to young peoplethatisshared throughout the District. We look forward to working with you in the coming year. We hopethat you will join us now in the cafeteriafora reception torenewacquaintances and to extendyourbest wishes to Chairperson Stewartand Vice-Chairperson Robertsas they begin their newterm of office.We wishyoualla safe,relaxing and meaningful holiday season." 15.ADJOURNMENT The meetingadjourned at 8:20 p.m.,on motion of F.Exley,seconded byP. Sattler. CONFIRMED;. "•"lairperson 2008 December 09...6 SUMMARY OF APPROVED RECOMMENDATIONS OF 2008 DECEMBER 09 -cont'd And resolved that the following list of Committees of the Board and community representation for 2009 be approved. Thames Valley District School Board 2009 TRUSTEE COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEES Trustee Representation Required Trustee Request BOARD COMMITTEE Information Committee of the Whole All Trustees STATUTORY COMMITTEES Discipline 3 All trustees as alternates Doub Jaffe Roberts Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC)4-year term 3 Bennett Grant Tisdale Supervised Alternative Learning for Excused Pupils (SALEP) CEC Central -London 1+alt -Middlesex 1+alt CEC East-1+alternate CEC South -1+alternate Bennett,Sattler -alt Peters,Doub -alt Hart,Stewart - alt Grant,Exley - alt STANDING COMMITTEES Audit Committee (term of the Board)3 Grant Peters Tisdale Budget Advisory 5 Exley Grant Peters Roberts Tisdale Capital Planning Advisory All trustees by region Chairs'Chair,Vice-Chair,Past Chair,Info.Committee Chair Chair -Stewart Vice-Chair -Roberts Past Chair -Sattler Info Chair -Grant I V 2008 December 09...7 Long-Term Community Partnerships 5+Bennett Exiey Jaffe Roberts Sattler Native Advisory Native Representative + 2 Hendrick Exiey Sattler Negotiations Advisory 3 Hart Peters Roberts Poiicy Working 5 Bennett Doub Grant Jaffe Tisdale Trustee Professional Development 3 Exiey Grant Roberts AD HOC COMMITTEES Bylaw Review 5 Bennett Hart Roberts Sattler Tisdale ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEES Award of Distinction 1 Doub Children's Mental Health Study 1 Grant Communications &Public Relations 2 Peters Roberts Education Week 1 Jaffe Environmental Advisory 1 Sattler PrincipalA/ice-Principal Interviews 2 as required Bennett Exiey Hart Roberts COMMUNITY/PROFESSIONAL REPRESENTATION Ontario Public School Boards'Association 2 +alternate Doub -alt Hart Roberts -alt Sattler Children's Safety Village 1 +alternate Bennett Exiey - alt 2008 December 09...8 City of London Safety &Crime Prevention Advisory Committee 4-year term 1 Polhlll Parent Involvement Advisory 1 Bennett Thames Valley Community of Schools 1 Polhlll Thames Valley Education Foundation 4 London -TIsdale Oxford/Chair -Stewart Middlesex -Peters Elgin -Exiey Thames Valley Home and School Association 1 Polhlll Western Fair Representative 1 Peters That the following persons be appointed signing officers on behalf of the Board for the period 2008 December 09 to 2009 December 08: James Stewart,Chair of the Board; Terry Roberts,Vice-Chair of the Board; Bill Tucker,Director of Education and Secretary; Brian Greene,Executive Superintendent of Business Services and Treasurer. That the Chairperson's Inaugural Address be spread upon the minutes and posted to the Board's website.