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12/9/2014 - Regular Board MeetingTHAMES VALLEY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD INAUGURAL MEETING.PUBLIC SESSION 2014 DECEMBER 9 The Board met In session for its annual Inaugural meeting on 2014 December 9 inthe Board Room at the Education Centre,meeting in public session at 7:00 p.m. The following were in attendance: TRUSTEES R.Tisdale (Chair) J.Bennett R.Campbell C.Goodall G.Hart Regrets:P.Jaffe, B.McKinnon A.Morell G.Oslh 8.Polhill M.Reid P.Schuyler J.Skinner J.Todd ADMINISTRATION AND OTHERS L Elliott K.Dalton J.Pratt C.Beal R.Culhane M.Deman L.Griffith-Jones S.Hughes D.Macpherson M.Moynihan V.Nielsen S.Powell K.Wilkinson K.Bushell B.Williams K.Aitken R.Hoffman Guest:P.McKenzie 1.CALL TO ORDER Board Chair R.Tisdale called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 2.O CANADA MaryWright Public School Grade 6 Choir led inthe singing of O Canada. 3.CEREMONIAL DECLARATION OF OFFICE Director L.Elliott requested trustees stand and take their declaration of office. 4.INVOCATION Former Student Trustee Jacob Rowe delivered the invocation. 5.FIRST NATIONS PRAYER Hubert Antone,Oneida Language Teacher and Peyton VanderMeer of Aberdeen Public School delivered a First Nation prayer. 6.MUSICAL INTERLUDE Clarke Road Secondary School Stage Band performed their firstof three Canadian rock classics. 7.WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS MattReid, Chair,Information Committee ofthe Whole, on behalf ofthe Trustees and the Senior Administration welcomed everyone to the firstmeetingofthe 2015 Board. He Introduced the trustees noting their area of representation. 8.SPECIAL GREETINGS Sheri Polhill,Vice-Chair,Information Committee ofthe Whole read a listof organizations represented at the meeting.She welcomed and introduced the following guests including those who brought greetings on behalf of their affiliates: • Joy Antoniuk,Education Officer,Ministry of EducationRegional Office •Honourable Minister Deborah Matthews, MPP and Mayor Matt Brown, Cityof London who both sent regrets not being able to attend but sent greetings. •Bill Hall, Chair, London District Catholic School Board • Sharon Gowdey, Co-Chair,Thames Valley Parent InvolvementCommittee •Sheena Davis,President ofthe Thames ValleyCouncilof Home and School Associations 2014 December 9...2 9.MUSICAL INTERLUDE Clarke Road Secondary School Stage Band performed "American Woman". 10.PRESENTATION TO THE 2014 CHAIR Trustee J.Bennett presented Past Chair R.TIsdale with a commemorative gift In appreciation of her commitment and dedication in serving as the 2014 Chair. 11.MUSICAL INTERLUDE MaryWright Public School Grade 6 Choir performed "Flying Free". 12.PRESENTATION OF THE GAVEL On behalf of the students,trustees,staff and community of the Thames Valley District School Board, the gavel of office was presented to Chair Tisdale by her daughter,VictoriaTisdale. 13.INAUGURAL ADDRESS Chair Tisdale presented the following Inaugural Address: "I want to start by thanking all of you for coming out tonight and sharing this evening of celebration with us. I am honoured and humbled by the faith my fellow trustees have placed In me as Chairperson of the Thames Valley District School Board for the upcoming year.This evening we celebrate the beginning of a new term for locally elected trustees who will serve the Thames Valley. The next four years will present challenges and opportunities that will require the trustees to give of their time and efforts.We would be incredibly remiss as a group of trustees ifwe did not also recognize the sacrifices our families will make over the next four years.The time that trustees spend performing their role as Trustees is time that could be spent with their families. I would like to ask that the families of our Trustees who have been elected to please stand so that we take this opportunity to thank them for their sacrifice and support that enables us to serve the communities of Thames Valley.Thank you, we recognize that we couldn't do this without you. The Thames Valley District School Board and the communities we represent are like a big extended family.Our family consists of students,our staff,our parents,our guardians,municipal leaders,our many fire and police departments,our local health units,our bus operators,and the numerous community agencies and organizations that provide services and supports to our students.Like a family we all have important roles to play and just like a family we may not always agree on the Issues before us, but we all want the same thing, a strong foundation for all students.It Is imperative that we continue to work together,to build each student's tomorrow, every day.The contributions that each and every member of the Thames Valley family makes are truly appreciated and valued. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of the individuals who let their name stand during the recent municipal elections for the role of trustee,and the teams of families,friends and volunteers who worked on their campaigns.The importance of public education can never be forgotten,and those who are willing to take a risk and put their name forward as an advocate and voice for public education deserve our thanks. During this election campaign,and even more so In the past month,there has been a lot of discussion around the role of trustee.Many members of the public do not understand the role of the trustee or why trustees are necessary.It has even been suggested by some that the role of trustee is no longer relevant.Some of this discussion has been fueled,and will continue to be fueled by controversy occurring in the Toronto District School Board. In a recent press interview regarding these problems,Education Minister Liz Sandals stated that "outside Toronto we don't have dysfunctional school boards", but she also recognized "the problems at the board {meaning the Toronto DSB)are putting public confidence at risk,and not just in Toronto,but across the province." As we begin a new term, and as the Toronto District School Board challenges are played out in the press,we will need to be able to answer the question:What is the role of a trustee,and why are they relevant? 2014 December 9...3 13.INAUGURAL ADDRESS -cont'd So what is a trustee?A trustee is a locally elected representative of the public, on a school board. They are required to maintain a focus on student achievement and well-being. They are responsible for consulting with parents,students and supporters of the board on the board's multi-year plan. We bring the concerns of parents,students and supporters of the board to the attention of the board. And we are required to carry out these responsibilities In a manner that assists the board in fulfilling its duties under the Education Act. Trustees do not have Individual power and authority,but collective power and authority as a board of trustees and therefore it is also important to understand the responsibilities of the school board. When you lookat the Education Act and lookat the listof things that School Boards do.It is a long and heavy responsibility. So,what do Boards do? Boards promote student achievement and well-being: Promote a positive school climate that is inclusive and accepting of all pupils. Promote the prevention of bullying: Ensure effective stewardship of the boards resources; Deliver effective and appropriate education programs to its pupils; Develop and maintain policies and organizational structures that. Promote the prevention of bullying,ensure effective stewardship and deliver effective and appropriate education programs to its pupils Encourage pupils to pursue their educational goals; Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of policies developed by the board in achieving the board's goals and the efficiency of the implementation of those policies; Develop a multi-year plan aimed at achieving the goals; Annuallyreviewthe plan withthe board's director ofeducation and supervisory officers Monitor and evaluate the performance of the board's director of education. The responsibilities entrusted to trustees should not and must hot be taken lightly.With an understanding of the responsibilities of school boards and the role of trustees,we can turn to the question as to whether or not trustees are relevant. MichaelBarrett,president of the Ontario PublicSchool Boards Associations has stated,"Trustees are of the community; we live In the community, know our community and advocate for our community.There is local control that ensures a centralized bureaucracy does not lose sight of the ability to have our education system reflectourvaried and diverse community.Trustees serve as advocates,as ombudsmen,as originator of Ideas,as guideposts,and hold both the government and staff accountable." I wholeheartedly agree that we need to maintain an educational system that Isresponsive to local needs and Isaccountable to the electorate.Just as we recognize in education that students have different learning styles we must also continueto recognize that local school boards have different prioritiesand needs. Yes,trustees are relevant. In my address last year, I challenged the trustees and staff to live the commitments.The commitmentsare found In our strategic plan,which reflects inputand the priorities from our local constituents. Itis our opportunity to ensure that the local voice Is heard.Locally elected trustees ensure that the local voice continues to be reflected In our local school system.We have made manysteps on ourjourneyto fulfilling these commitments.Aswe go forward inthe nextyear we need to ensure that these commitments as well as the board's vision and mission,continue to guide us as we consider alternatives and make decisions.Astrustees during the next four years we need to ensure that our actions contributeto public confidence In publically funded education." 2014 December 9...4 13.INAUGUE^L ADDRESS -cont'd The following motion was moved by J.Bennett,seconded by M.Reld and carried: That the Chairperson's Inaugural Address be spread upon the minutes and posted to the Board's website. 14.MUSICAL INTERLUDE Clarl<e Road Secondary School Stage Band performed "Workingfor the Weekend". Mary Wright Public School Grade 6 Choir performed "Books". 15.BENEDICTION Jacob Rowe delivered the benediction. 16.CLOSING REMARKS Director Laura Elliott closed with the following remarks: "This evening is a night filled with excitement,joy and hope and allows each of us to focus on fulfilling our promise to our students.As we do this, I know that the senior administrative team certainly shares your enthusiasm as we embrace all opportunities to improve student achievement.We look forward to working with Chairperson Ruth Tisdale and Vice Chairperson Bill McKlnnon,individuals who bring a wealth of experience and leadership to the role of Trustee. For the past term our Trustees have placed students first in any complex issue they have addressed and I know that each decision the Board will make in the coming year,will be premised on this belief as well.Our Board's Strategic Plan,Commitments,Vision and Mission will continue to provide the roadmap for student achievement.The collaborative spirit among Trustees and Senior Administration ensures that together we will fulfil our Mission of building each student's tomorrow,every day. I also wish to extend my personal welcome and congratulations to our new trustees -Trustee Goodall (Elgin County)Trustee Morell (Middlesex County)Trustee Skinner (City of London)and Trustee Schuyler (First Nations). As I visit schools throughout our system,I continue to be amazed and proud of the accomplishments of our students,staff,parents,volunteers and community members.Our students are being provided with many opportunities for success;and !believe that our staff will continue to engage in new and Innovative ways to supporting student learning. Thank you for attending our meeting this evening -our student performers,staff, family and friends and special guests who have joined us to bring greetings. Please join us in the cafeteria for a reception to celebrate our new Board and extend your personal congratulations to Chairperson Ruth Tisdale." 17.ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:18 p.m. on motion of S.Polhill,seconded by C.Goodall. Confirmed: Chairperson 2014 December 9...5 SUMMARY OF APPROVED RECOMMENDATIONS OF 2014 DECEMBER 9 -That the Chairperson's inaugural Address be spread upon the minutes and posted to the Board's website.