Loading...
4/13/2010 - Regular Board MeetingTHAMES VALLEY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD REGULAR BOARD MEETING,PUBLIC SESSION 2010 APRIL 13,7:00 P.M. BOARD ROOM, EDUCATION CENTRE AGENDA V-verbal M -material 1. CALL TO ORDER V 2. O CANADA V 3.SPECIAL MUSICAL PRESENTATION -Wilton Grove Public School Choir V 4.APPROVAL OF AGENDA M 5.OFFICIAL RECORD 6.RECOGNITIONS a. Chen Sun,A.B.Lucas Secondary School -Cambridge University Scholarship V b.Rebecca Doxtator,H.B.Beal Secondary School -University of Guelph Advanced Food and Materials Network Internship V 7.CONFLICTS OF INTEREST V 8. CHAIR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS V 9. DIRECTOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS V 10.PUBLIC INPUT a.Councillor W.Armstrong,City of London re F.D.Roosevelt/Lord Nelson/ Prince Charles/Sir Winston Churchill Public School Accommodation Review Committee M 11.ADMINISTRATIVE PRESENTATIONS a.Settlement Worl(ers in Schools V 12.iWINUTES OF THE 2010 MARCH 23 BOARD MEETING a.Confirmation of Minutes M b.Business Arising from the Minutes - MotionDeferred to 2010 April 13 - Namingof Woodland Heights P.S.M 13.STUDENT TRUSTEES'UPDATE V 14.REPORTS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION a.Community Representative Appointments to Norwich/North Norwich/ Otterville Public Schools and FD Roosevelt/Lord Nelson/Prince Charles/Sir Winston Churchill Public Schools Accommodation Review Committees 15.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES a.Policy Working Committee,2010 March 23 W b. Chairs'Committee,2010 April 07 WI c. Committee of the Whole - InCamera 2010 April 13 V '^16.COMMUNICATIONS ^a.Ontario PublicSchool Boards'Association -Update V b.Ministerof Educationre 2010-11 GSN Consultation M c. Ontario Public School Boards'Association re Reviewof School Health Support Services ^ M 17.NOTICE OF MOTION 18.MOTION -NOTICE OF WHICH HAS BEEN GIVEN -none 19.ADDITIONAL ITEMS 20.QUESTIONS/COMMENTS BY MEMBERS 21.ADJOURNMENT r THAMES VALLEY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD REGULAR MEETING,PUBLIC SESSION 2010 APRIL 13 The Board met in regular session on 2010 April 13 in the Board Room at the Education Centre,meeting In public session at 7:04 p.m. to 8:32 p.m.The following were In attendance: TRUSTEES J.Bennett S.Doub F.ExIey T.Grant G.Hart W.Huff P.Sattler Regrets: P.Jaffe,C.Neville,R.Tisdale ADMINISTRATION AND OTHERS B.Tucker K.Dalton L.Elliott B.Greene M.Sereda J.Kamphuis S.Peters S.Polhill T.Roberts J.Stewart C.Bourbonnals- MacDonald K.Edgar L.Griffith-Jones V.Nellsen P.Tufts K.Wilkinson 8.Christie R.Hoffman D.Rajala J.Marlborough 1.CALL TO ORDER. Board Chair T.Roberts called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. 2./3.O CANADA AND MUSICAL PRESENTATION The appreciation of the Board was extended to the Wilton Grove Public School Choir and Conductor Misty Milesfor leading In the singing of O'Canada and performing a musical selection. 4.APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda was revised, deferring Item 10 a. to the May 11,2010 meeting. The agenda,as amended,was approved on motion of J.Stewart,seconded by F.Exiey. 5.OFFICIAL RECORD -none 6.RECOGNITIONS a.Chen Sun,A.B.Lucas Secondary School -Cambridge University Scholarship Supt.L.Griffith-Jones introduced Chen Sun, a student from A.B. Lucas Secondary School, to acknowledge his achievement ofwinninga scholarship to Cambridge UniversityinEngland. The scholarship was offered by BIyth Academy and Pembroke College inToronto and was awarded on the basis of a student graduating from an accredited Canadian secondary school who has shown academic excellence,intellectual depth,personal Integrityand success beyond the high school level as reflected in grades and letters of recommendations.Specifically,Chen's essay, "Revelation of the Mincf',"discussed biological progress regarding the fundamental building blocks of lifeIncludingthe beliefthat evolution Is builtInto Interactive relationships and that the revolutionthrough technology has been realized'."Scientists with creativity,vision,knowledgeand truth shall be the ones who will unravel the elusive mystery of how the human mind and experience arises." 2010 April 13...2 6.RECOGNITIONS -cont'd a. Chen Sun,A.B.Lucas Secondary School -Cambridge University Scholarship - cont'd Chen's achievements include Science FairAwards,including the 2008 IntelInternational Science and EngineeringFairSilverMedalinAtlanta,USA,the 2008 LondonRegional Science FairGold Medal,the 2006 Canada Wide Science FairSilverMedalin Saguenay,Quebec, the 2006 London Regional Science FairGoldMedaland the 2005 LondonRegional Science FairSilverMedal. His Mathematical Awards include the 2009 International Mathematical Olympiad Silver Medal in Bremen, Germany, placingfirstin Canada atthe 2009 AsianPacificMathematical Olympiad,was a Bronzemedalist Inthe 2008 InternationalMathematical Olympiad In Madrid,Spain, placingfirst in Canada at the 2008 Asian PacificMathematicalOlympiadand being the only7th grader to be invited to write the prestigious USAMO. Other noteworthy achievements ofChen include participation inthe Canadian Biology Olympiad, the National Biology Exam,the Model United Nations,the Provincial and Regional DECA and the Canadian Student Leadership Conference. As well,Chen activelyvolunteers inthe Food Bank and in political campaigns and participates on the Relay for Life Committee at A.B.Lucas SS. He plays the piano and has completed his bronze medallion in Level 12 swimming. Supt.Griffith-Jones congratulated Chen,on behalf of the Board for his achievements.Chen thanked Supt. Griffith-Jones for her kind words and expressed how honoured he felt to be recognized by the Board. b.Rebecca Doxtator, H.B.Beat Secondary School -UniversityofGuelph Advanced Food and Materials Network Internship Supt.K.Wilkinson introduced Rebecca Doxtator,a student from H.B.Beal Secondary School, noting Rebecca Isan exceptionalstudent consistentlyearninga high level ofachievement. She Is involved in manyextra curricular activities throughschooland her community.She works with primary students at Standing Stone Elementary School and isa peer mentor at H.B Beal Inthe Fourth Rprogram developed by CMAH.Rebecca also playsthe clarinetinthe concert band and has participated on the track and field team.She is a member of the First Nations Inuit and Metis Thames Valley Student AdvisoryCouncil. Rebecca recently attendeda science symposium held atthe University of Toronto,University of Guelph,Ryerson University and George Brown Collegesponsored bythe AdvancedFoodsand Materials Network.The week-long session over March Break brought exemplary First Nations students from across Canada to study science.Rebecca was the only student from Ontario among the First NationInuitand Metis teens to earn a place inthe program that was titled"Be a Food Researcher for a Week"; Topics included the chemical nature of chocolate,stem cell research,and the role of genes infood sensing. Rebecca intends to studyeducation in university with a career goal to be a primary teacher. In attendance were Rebecca's parents, sister, and principal from H.B.Beal. Supt.Wilkinson congratulated Rebecca on behalf of the Board for her achievements. 7.CONFLICTS OF INTEREST -none declared ,^2010 ApriM3...3 V.• 8.CHAIR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS Chair Roberts reminded the trustees of the following important dates: 2010 April20,Team Building Exercise from 5:00 to 6:30 pm followed bya special Board meeting at 7:00 pm. 2010 May 4, Information of the Committee of the Whole Meeting. •2010 May 3 to 7,Education Week;this years'theme is:'Student Learning -We All Play a Part'. The official opening ceremony of Education Week will be held at Arthur Voaden Secondary School on 2010 May 3 at 10:00 am. 2010 May 6,Awards of Distinction night.Trustees were encouraged to attend. 2010 May 13 and 15, Equity and Inclusive Education Parent and Community Consultation meetings.Trustees were encouraged to attend one of the three meetings scheduled. •2010 June 1,Information of the Committee of the Whole meeting. •2010 June 7,Employee Retirement Reception. •2010 June 3 to 6,Ontario Public School Boards'Association Annual General Meeting In Windsor. •2010 April 17, Original Home School celebration and meeting at the Four Points Sheraton, London. Trustee Exley noted that the 2010 June 1 Information of the Committee of the Whole meeting was listed at 2010 May 31 on the Board website.The rescheduled date will be noted. 9.DIRECTOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS DirectorTuckerand Exec. Supt.M.Sereda described the Leadership Learning inTVDSB-Expanding Our Thinking session which will be held on 2010 May7. The trustees were invitedto attend. Director Tucker is hosting a reception from 4:30 to 6:00 pm at the Ontario Federation of Home and School Associations'conference "Spring into Action" on 2010 April16.The trustees were invited to attend. Trustees were also invited to attend the Dance Festival being held at the Education Centre the week of 2010 April 12. Direction Tucker commended Supt V.Nielsen and her department for the outstanding Technology event that was held on 2010 April 10 at Medway High School.Supt.Nielsen noted that over 300 teachers volunteered to attend a variety of workshops and over 40 teachers volunteered their time to be presenters. 10.PUBLIC INPUT -deferred to May 11,2010,meeting 11.ADMINISTRATIVE PRESENTATIONS a.Settlement Workers in Schools Exec.Supt L Elliott introduced Wilfrid Jury Public School Principal S. Bruyns and Learning Coordinator J.Robinson who have been instrumental in developing the Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS)initiative,working with a number of community partners to provide support to immigrant families. Principal Bruyns introduced London Cross Country Learning Centre (CCLC)Exec.Dir.Valerian Marochko.The London Urban Services Organization (LUSO)Exec.Dir.Elisabete Rodrigues,and South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre (SLNRC)Settlement Coordinator Mohamed Al- Adeiml to highlight their Involvement with the SWIS program. 2010 ApriM3...4 11.ADMINISTRATIVE PRESENTATIONS -cont'd a.Settlement Workers in Schools -cont'd Learning Coordinator Robinson outlined the SWiS program explaining there are three foundation principles:a student's educational capacity is directly related to his/her life outside school; newcomer families face major adjustments to lifein Canada;and settlement workers collaborate with schools to support newcomer families and students during their adjustment to a new life in Canada.The focus areas of the program are connecting with newcomer families,enhancing the school's welcoming and Inclusive environment,and supporting the success of newcomer youth. Activities of the program include proactively contacting newcomers,making referrals to specialized resources,facilitating group information sessions,and providing orientation about settlement needs of newcomers for school staff.Decreased stress levels,broadened social networks,greater understanding of the educational system,a sense of belonging,connections to resources close to home and in the community are some of the outcomes that newcomers experience from the initiative. From a school perspective,outcomes have increased newcomer participation,enhanced capacity to respond to cultural dynamics,and improved communication with newcomer families. Principal Bruyns noted three areas have been identified for the SWIS program.The southwest area covers Westminster Secondary School;the central area covers H.B.Beal Secondary School and the northeast covers Montcalm Secondary school and all schools*current ESL/ELD feeder schools.There will be a three-tier process with Westminster,H.B.Beal and Montcalm Secondary Schools receiving full-time settlement workers. The elementary schools,A.B.Lucas and Saunders Secondary Schools will receive part-time service of one or two days of SWIS service per week and the third tier Identified will have itinerant service for those schools that are not currently designated for service.Service will be provided on an on-call basis. Learning Coordinator Robinson noted that there are approximately 400 secondary newcomers and approximately 800 elementary newcomer students that require support for the English language:however,SWIS support is for all newcomer families, including English speaking newcomers.Principal Bruyns explained that the SWIS program Is currently being rolled out In the London area with the intention to review area needs outside of London in June 2010. Learning Coordinator Robinson noted that the resources and tools available for the SWIS program are throughout the Thames Valley system. Principal Bruyns advised that funding to hire settlement workers is provided by the Federal Government,Immigration Canada.Therefore,there is no cost to the Board or the community partners. Clarificationof the referral process was explained.Atthe elementary level, the referral form will be included In the registration package.Should the family choose to complete the form, itwould be returned to the school administrator and forwarded to the settlement worker for that school. At the secondary level,the completed form will be forwarded to the appropriate Program Supervisor from either CCLC, LUSO or SLNRC. The community agencies are responsible for the hiring of settlement workers.It was explained that the job description for the settlement workers was developed by the Steering Committee and postings are advertised by the community partners.Universities and colleges are supporting the program by offering settlement related programs as post graduate studies.All of the settlement workers hired have Provincial degrees. Director Tucker noted that at a recent visit to Westminster Secondary School,he had an opportunity to sit in a class with new Canadians.He asked the students what they felt was the major hurdle as new Canadians/Londoners and the majorityof the feedback was the fear of the unknown. Director Tucker thanked the partners for their knowledge,expertise,and support to these families in helping them overcome this hurdle and breaking down barriers of misunderstanding and lack of knowledge. 2010 April 13...5 12.MINUTES OF THE 2010 MARCH 23 BOARD MEETING a.CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES The minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of 2010 March 23 were adopted on motion of J. Stewart,seconded by F.Exiey. b.BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES Motion deferred from Board meeting of 2010 February 23: That the motion related to naming Woodland Heights Public School be deferred to the April 13,2010,Board Meeting for consideration. Original Motion: That the Board consider naming Woodland Heights Public School in London "Woodland Heights Public School". RECOMMENDATION: That the name of Woodland Heights PublicSchool inLondon remain as "Woodland Heights Public School". The recommendation was approved on motion byJ Stewart,seconded byT. Grant. DirectorTucker noted that since the meeting in February, Supt. Neilsen had an opportunityto meet with community members.Those discussions resulted in the decision to present the Administrative report and motion as written to the Board. 13.STUDENT TRUSTEES'UPDATE Student Trustee Kamphuis expressed congratulations to the students who delivered amazing performances inthe VarietyIs musical show recently held at the John Labatt Centre InLondon. Because ofa limited number ofapplicants, the student trustee election scheduled for 2010 April 29 has been changed to a Student AdvisoryCouncil where the two, new,acclaimed student trustees will be introduced to the Council.Their names will be announced at a later date. 14.REPORTS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION a.COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENTS TO NORWICH,NORTH NORWICH, OTTERVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND F.D. ROOSEVELT, LORD NELSON, PRINCE CHARLES,SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL PUBLIC SCHOOLS ACCOMMODATION COMMITTEES Exec. Supt. Dalton thanked Supervisor Christie for preparing the report before the trustees.She noted the report is presented to approve the appointment of the community representatives to the Norwich/North Norwich/Otterville Public Schools and FD Roosevelt/Lord Nelson/Prince Charles/Sir Winston Churchill Public Schools Accommodation Review Committees At the March 9, 2010, Board meeting,trustees approved the appointment of the municipal representatives to the Norwich/North Norwich/Otterville Public School and FD Roosevelt/Lord Nelson/Prince Charles/Sir Winston Churchill Pubiic Schools Accommodation Review Committees. Since thattime,area resident Michelle Glllis has indicated an interest in servingon the Nonwich/North Norwich/Otterville Public School Accommodation Review Committee and Sheila Henrlcks on the FD Roosevelt/Lord Nelson/Prince Charles/Sir Winston Churchill Public Schools Accommodation Review Committee as the community representatives. V ' 2010 April 13...6 14.REPORTS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION -cont'd a.COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENTS TO NORWICH,NORTH NORWICH, OTTERVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND F.D.ROOSEVELT,LORD NELSON,PRINCE CHARLES,SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL PUBLIC SCHOOLS ACCOMMODATION COMMITTEES -cont'd RECOMMENDATION: That Michelle Gillis be appointed to the Norwich/North Norwich/Ottervllle Public School Accommodation Review Committee and Sheila Henricks to the FD Roosevelt/Lord Nelson/Prince Charles/Sir Winston Churchill Public Schools Accommodation Review Committee as the community representative. The recommendation was approved on motion by J.Stewart,seconded by T.Grant. 15.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES a.REPORT OF THE POLICY WORKING COMMITTEE 2010 March 23 2:40 p.m.-4:08 p.m MEMBERS ADMINISTRATION AND OTHERS T.Grant (Chair) S. Doub B.Tucker S.Christie J.Bennett R.Tisdale M.Sereda P.Martin L.Elliott Regrets:P.Jaffe Visitor: A. Morell (3:05) 1.APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda was approved by motion,adding Item10a."Public Input". 2.CONFLICTS OF INTEREST-none declared 3.COMMITTEE REPORT OF FEBRUARY 23,2010,AND TRACKING SHEET The Committee report of February 23 and tracking sheet were provided for Information. Director Tucker updated members on the status ofoutstanding documents. 4.POLICY/PROCEDURE TO COMMITTEE FOLLOWING PUBLIC INPUT -none 5.NEW POLICIES/PROCEDURES UNDER DEVELOPMENT a.Attendance Support Program Policyand Procedure Exec. Supt.M.Sereda and Manager P.Martin joinedthe meetingto present the draft Attendance Support Program policy and procedure. Manager Martin described the concept of establishing the program emphasizing that it is not intended to be a disciplinary plan but to provide supports to employees with attendance concerns. Manager Martin advised that as a follow up to a Ministry Operational Reviewof Human Resource Services practices,itwas recommended thatthe Boarddevelopa formalized attendance program. He described the draft policy and procedure including the five-phase process of providing assistance to improve attendance and responded to members'questions. Wording revisions were suggested and approved. 2010 April 13...7 15.REPORTS OF COIUIIUIITTEES -con't a.REPORT OF THE POLICY WORKING COIWWIITTEE -cont'd 5.NEW POLICIES/PROCEDURES UNDER DEVELOPMENT -cont'd a.Attendance Support Program Policy and Procedure -cont'd Meetings have been held with all employee groups seeking their support and input. Considerable feedback has been received and will be provided to the Committee noting the suggestions that have been included in the procedure.In-service will be held in May and June ready for a September,2010,implementation.A 30-day public input period was requested in light of having spoken with the employee groups and receiving their feedback. The following motion was moved and carried: That the Attendance Support Program policy and procedure be posted to the Board's website for 30 days for public input. b. Equity and Inclusive Education Policy Exec. Supt. L.Elliott joined the meeting to present the draft Equity and Inclusive Education policy.She advised that a committee was formed to begin the work of implementing the identified Board and school goals and to work on the draft policy required through the Minist^of Education PPM 119 -Developing and Implementing Equity and Inclusive Education Policies in Ontario Schools. Exec.Supt.Elliott advised thatwork has begun onan action plantobe reviewedannually bythe Board.She noted that $10,000 has been received froman external group to hold a one-day information and input session on the plan. It will be held on May 13 for parents,trustees,senior administration and committee members. It was suggested and agreed that the document should be under the administration of Director's Services.Suggested wordingrevisions were offered and approved. The following motion was moved and carried: That the draft Equityand InclusiveEducation policy,as amended,be posted to the Board's website for 60 days for public input. 6.DRAFT POLICIES/PROCEDURES TO COMMITTEE -none 7.DRAFT POLICY/PROCEDURE REQUIRING ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATION -none 8.APPROVED POLICIES/PROCEDURES UNDER REVISION TO COMMITTEE a. Criminal Background Check -Volunteer Application Form Manager J. Cuddie joined the meeting to describe changes to the OPP protocol for criminal background checks. He advised that the phrase "including pardonable offences"must be included in OPP checks. The following motion was moved and carried: That the revised Criminal Background Check - Volunteer Application Form be forwarded to the April 13,2010,Board meeting for Information. 9.DRAFT/APPROVED POLICY/PROCEDURE REQUIRING FURTHER CONSIDERATION - none I V 2010 April 13...8 15.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES -con't a.REPORT OF THE POLICY WORKING COMMITTEE -cont'd 10.OTHER BUSINESS a. Public Input Trustee Grant apprised the Committee of plans to increase public access to policy and procedure information posted to the Board's website.A quick links section at each school and the District site will be available,as well as an e-newsletter providing information on the status of pending policies,procedures and independent procedures. 11.DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday,Aprii27,2010,in the Governor Simcoe Room 12.ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned by motion at 4:08 p.m. RECOMMENDATIONS:none b.REPORT OF THE CHAIRS'COMMITTEE TRACY GRANT Chairperson 2010 April7 9:12-11:30 a.m. MEMBERS ADMINISTRATION AND OTHERS T.Roberts (Chair)J.Bennett (9:14)B.Tucker S.Christie T.Grant J.Stewart (via teleconference) (-11:25) 1.APPROVAL OF AGENDA Two items were added to the agenda:Special Education Funding and Trustee Access tothe Employee Portal.The agenda,as amended,was approved by motion. 2.CONFLICTS OF INTEREST -none declared 3.REVIEW OF APRIL 13,2010,BOARD AGENDA The agendas for the in-camera and public Board meetings ofApril 13,2010,were discussed and updated. 4.CORRESPONDENCE The following correspondence will be included in the trustees'information packages: •The Premier of Ontario re Children's Mental Health Services; Ministryof Education Regional Office re the Director's Annual Report; York Catholic DistrictSchool Board to the Ministerof Education re policy development. •I — (2010 April 13...9 15.REPORTS OF COMMITTEES -con t b.REPORT OF THE CHAIRS'COMMITTEE -cont'd 4.CORRESPONDENCE-cont'd The following correspondence was added to the April 13,2010,Board agenda under "Communications": Ministry of Education re 2010/11 Grants for Student Needs consultation; Ontario Public School Boards'Association re a review of school health support services. The following motion was moved and carried: That an ad hoc committee be established,including input from the Special Education Advisory Committee,to respond to a survey regarding school health support services offered within the Thames Valley District for completion by April 16,2010. 5.SMUDGING CEREMONY It was suggested and agreed to schedule a Smudging Ceremony at a future Board meeting. Further information will be sought for discussion at the next Chairs'Committee meeting. 6.RESPONSES TO CPAC SURVEY Responses to the Capital Planning Advisory Committee survey were discussed.The input will be referred to the Long-term Community Partnerships Committee for consideration in conjunction with the Capital Planning Co-ordinating Committee. 7.REQUEST TO PRESENT A request to present to trustees at the April 13 Board meeting regarding the FD Roosevelt, Sir Winston ChurchillARC was discussed and approved. 8.OTHER BUSINESS a.Trustee Access to the Employee Portal Manager S. Young joined the meeting to demonstrate how trustees can access the Employee portal through the Board's website. Manager Young will provide a similar demonstration for trustees prior to the April 27 in-camera meeting at 4:45 p.m. b.Special Education Funding Learning Supervisor J.Johnston and Manager K.Meeson joined the meeting to participate in a discussion regarding special education funding challenges.Chair Roberts noted that he participated in a teleconference recently inthis regard.It was agreed that amendments to a draft presentation will be prepared for discussion at the next meeting. 9.DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING The following meetings were scheduled for 9:00 a.m.: • April 21; May 5, 19; June 2,16. 10.ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 11:30 a.m.by motion. 2010 April 13...10 15.REPORTS OF COWIWIITTEES -con't b.REPORT OF THE CHAIRS'COMMITTEE -cont'd RECOMMENDATIONS: 1.That an ad hoc committee be established,including input from the Special Education Advisory Committee, to respond to a survey regarding school health support services offered v^/ithin the Thames Valley Districtby April 16, 2010. The recommendation was approved on motion by F.Exiey,seconded byJ. Stewart. 2.That the ad hoc committee will consist of Trustee Grant,Trustee Bennett and Trustee Roberts. The recommendation was approved on motion by P.Sattler,seconded by S.Peters. T.ROBERTS Chairperson c.REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - IN CAMERA 2010 APRIL 13 MEMBERS PRESENT ADMINISTRATION AND OTHERS J.Bennett (Chair)J.Kamphuis B.Tucker V.Nielsen S.Doub S.Peters K.Dalton B.Sonier F.ExIey S.Polhill L.Elliott P.Tufts T.Grant T.Roberts B.Greene K.Wilkinson G.Hart P.Sattler (5:06)M.Sereda K.Bushell W.Huff J.Stewart C.Bourbonnais-S.Christie MacDonald R.Hoffman Regrets:P.Jaffe,K.Edgar D.Rajala C.Neville,L.Griffith-Jones R.Tisdale The Committee met in camera from 5:03 p.m.to 5:50 p.m. 1.APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda was approved by motion. 2.CONFLICTS OF INTEREST -No conflicts of interest were declared. 3. Confidential legal, property and personal matters were discussed. 4.RISE AND REPORT A motion to rise and report was moved and carried at 5:50 p.m. RECOMMENDATIONS:none JOYCE BENNETT Chairperson 2010 April 13...11 16.COMMUNICATIONS a.ONTARIO PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARDS'ASSOCIATION -UPDATE b.MINISTER OF EDUCATION RE 2010-11 GRANTS FOR STUDENT NEEDS CONSULTATION A letter was received from Minister of Education Leona Dombrowsl<y to Chair Roberts acknowledging receipt of the Board's recommendations and suggestions for changes to the 2010/11 Grants for Students Needs (GSN).She advised that the consultation process has concluded.The release date for the GSN program is forthcoming. c. ONTARIO PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARDS'ASSOCIATION (OPSBA)RE REVIEWOF SCHOOL HEALTH SUPPORT SERVICES Correspondence was received from OPSBA to Chair Roberts encouraging all member boards to respond tothe ReviewofSchool HealthSupport Services Survey. Itisa joint initiative ofthe Ministries of Health,Child and Youth Services,and Education. 17.NOTICE OF MOTION -none 18.MOTION -NOTICE OF WHICH HAS BEEN GIVEN -none 19.ADDITIONAL ITEMS Trustee Exiey commented that he had an opportunity to view the Board meeting of 2010 March 23 from the Board's website and commended the staff who produce the online videostreaming of the meeting. Trustee ExIey presented an update on the OPSBA Labour Relations Symposium of 2010 March 25- 27.The new position of the Designated Early Childhood Educator was reviewed at the symposium which resulted in the following areas of concern. Several problems where presented for which solutions are needed: What are ALL the responsibilities DECE staff have? What are teacher responsibilities when working with DECE staff? What is fair pay for DECE staff? Will pay equity have any effect on this new position? What will be the procedures for negotiations with this group? Since employers cannot participate in the formation of a trade union with what group might DECE's organize? Organized DECE's could exercise grievance rights What happens to programming at times such as March Break? Will there be consideration for handing for special needs students? Class size agreements presently allowfor only20 students not 26. Other areas needing consideration: Hours ofwork,supervision schedules,staff meetings,preparation time,performance appraisals, collective agreements. What needs to be prepared in advance of negotiations: What issues will be placed on the table? What are the supporting arguments? •Who are the stakeholders affected by the agreement? •What is the best alternative to no agreement? What might the causes be for certain demands? •What will be the priorities and the rationale for them? •What will be the bargaining range?When do you walk? r"' 2010 April 13...12 19.ADDITIONAL ITEMS -cont'd A workshop on Human Rights Issues resulted Inthe following points: Human rights legislation is not employer friendly. Unions seem to have more rights. The interpretation of DISCRIMINATION remains a problem. Discriminationoften needs a historical basis.Discriminationcan mean creating a disadvantage by perpetuation of prejudice and/or stereotyping. The cost of accommodating sometimes may not be an argument. Undue hardships may be difficult to show. Employee needs,not preferences need only be addressed. Unions must be accommodating not just the board. The new Human Rights Tribunal has a case overload. Unions may be added as a party by an applicant. Will this become a bargaining tool for unions? Trustee Exiey outlined a presentation by Deputy Minister of Education,K.Costante as follows: Reviewed the two-year freeze for public sector non-bargaining staff. •The'jury is still out*on principal and vice-principal compensation. •Justification for pay rate for new DECE positions - provincial hourly average for EA's is $16/hour. Unanswered question:Why is education funding for First Nations controlled by school boards rather than by First Nations? The closing plenary by Union Heads noted the following: Should there be a provincial benefit plan for all employees? •Provincial negotiations need realistic deadlines. •Should there be a separate pot for local negotiations? •Teacher college enrolment does not match job placement. Chair Roberts noted that the trustees will receive a booklet entitled "Makinga Difference to OurKids -Running for Election as a Schooi Board Trustee" from the Ontario Public School Boards' Association. 20.QUESTIONS/COMMENTS BY MEMBERS Trustee Polhill noted that she Is participating in the 2010 May3 Elizabeth Steel Memorial run to raise money to open a scholarship in support of anti-bullying. Trustee Peters commented that the Variety Is show held at the John Labatt Centre in London was exceptional and very entertaining. Trustee Hart advised that he also attended the Labour Relations Seminar and chaired the PrincipalA/ice-Principal seminar which consisted ofa panel discussion on organization,contracts and remuneration. He also attended the Rural Education Conference in Saskatoon sponsored by the University of Saskatchewan that featured keynote speaker Sasha Trudeau.The theme of the conference was "Planning Todayfor Tomorrow"with suggestions onwhat teachers can do in theirclassrooms today to meet the future employment needs and opportunities.Saskatchewan is on target in2020 for a higher population of First Nations peoplesversus non-First Nations peoples.Another highlight of the conference was a presentation on musiceducation and howto use a musicprogramto reflect the cultureofthe community.Itwas explained that schools withmusic programs tend to have more parents Involvedinthe school community over those without a program. 2010 April 13...13 20.QUESTIONS/COWIWIENTS BY MEMBERS -cont'd Also presented at the conference was a session on sustainable education. Itwas noted that the province of Manitoba has made sustainable education their goal based on three pillars: environmental,economic and culture."Culture"was described as the ability as a group of citizens to findways to live together and respect each other and develop their culture.Trustee Hart noted that he has a copy of a CD available of the sessions from the conference for the trustees. Trustee Hart also noted that some school boards connect trustees'professional development (PD) with superintendents'PD sessions.He suggested that superintendent may plan to invite trustees to participate in conferences/PD sessions throughout the year. This may be especially helpfulfor new trustees. Trustee Grant noted that Board staff will be presenting to the London DistrictCatholic School Board on fetal alcohol syndrome disorder. 21.ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:32 p.m. on motion of S.Peters,seconded by F.Exiey. Confirmed: Chairperson 2010 April 13-14 SUMMARY OF APPROVED RECOMMENDATIONS OF 2010 April 13 That the name of Woodland Heights PublicSchool InLondon remain as "Woodland Heights Public School". That Michelle Glllis be appointed to the Norwich/North Norwich/Otterville Public School Accommodation Review Committee and Sheila Henrlcks to the FD Roosevelt/Lord Nelson/Prince Charles/Sir Winston Churchill Public Schools Accommodation Review Committee as the community representative. That an ad hoc committee be established,including input from the Special Education Advisory Committee,to respond to a survey regarding school health support services offered within the Thames Valley District by April 16,2010. That the ad hoc committee will consist of Trustee Grant,Trustee Bennett and Trustee Roberts.