Loading...
10/13/2015 - Regular Board MeetingTHAMES VALLEY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD REGULAR MEETING 2015 October 13, 7:06 P.M. BOARD ROOM, EDUCATION CENTRE The Board met in regular session on 2015 October 13 in the Board Room at the Education Centre, meeting in public session at 7:06 p.m. The following were in attendance: TRUSTEES R. Tisdale (Chair) R. Campbell H. Goddeeris C. Goodall P. Jaffe B. McKinnon A. Morell Regrets: G. Hart J. Bennett S. Polhill M. Reid P. Schuyler J. Skinner S. Suvajac J. Todd ADMINISTRATION AND OTHERS L. Elliott P. McKenzie V. Nielsen M. Moynihan J. Pratt S. Powell C. Beal B. Sonier S. Builder K. Wilkinson R. Culhane K. Bushell M. Deman B. Williams K. Edgar R. Hoffman L. Griffith -Jones L. Abell" D. Macpherson Guests: M. Heath (-7:33) R. Readings (-7:33) J. Knight (-7:33) T. Knight (-7:33) S. Bruyns (-8:00) 1. CALL TO ORDER Board Chair R. Tisdale called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m. 2. /3.0 CANADA The meeting was opened with the playing of O Canada. 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda was approved on motion of Trustee P. Jaffe, seconded by Trustee A. Morell. 5. OFFICIAL RECORD B. Williams, Supervisor Corporate Services, read the following official record into the minutes: "We regret to record the death of Ronald Walker, a Custodian on Friday October 2, 2015 and Quinn Derbyshire, a student at Caradoc North Public School on Monday October 5, 2015." 6. RECOGNITIONS — none 7. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST — none declared 8. CHAIR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS - none 9. DIRECTOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS Director L. Elliott invited Supt. K. Edgar to make a presentation to the Board. Supt. Edgar shared information regarding the `What is a Mentally Healthy School' initiative held in the spring of 2015 whereby elementary and secondary students submitted artwork. A piece titled, 'State of Mind' by Amolpreet Toor; a London Central Secondary School student was selected. Chair Tisdale and Director Elliott accepted the artwork to be displayed in the Education Centre. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE PRESENTATIONS a. Southwestern Ontario Student Transportation Services (STS) Start Up Report The Southwestern Ontario Student Transportation Services (STS) Start Up Report was presented by M. Cosyn Heath, General Manager of STS. Statistical information was provided on the ridership and transportation cost. The report further included a description of social media used to communicate with parents, and the I.T. infrastructure changes including the STS website and new database transportation software. School bus safety week was announced for October 19th to 23rd with October 22"d being school bus driver appreciation day. J. and T. Knight from Intertrain were welcomed. Intertrain "provides in -school bus safety training programs to students throughout Ontario. 'Buster the Bus' was introduced. In response to a question about The First Rider program, it was confirmed the program continues to be held every year in August. Appreciation was extended to M. Cosyn Heath for providing the information and for the service provided by STS. b. Growing and Launching A Reader Program Supt. M. Deman 'and Learning Supervisor S. Bruyns presented Growing and Launching A Reader Program. This program provides intensive literacy support to teachers of grade one and two in OFIP and low performing schools. S. Bruyns recognized the hard work, dedication and passion of the Literacy Coordinators who are the driving force behind the program. The evolution of the program, how it works in a school and data collected to date was shared. In response to questions it was noted that combined funding sources are used to fund the program. Several types of reading supports are available in all schools. Parents are included in the process and a parent survey is being developed. With respect to the use of the Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA) as an evaluation tool, Director Elliott clarified that per Ministry directive it is up to the professional judgement of a teacher as to how the tool is administered; it could be given to all students or to only specific students. 11. MINUTES OF THE 2015 SEPTEMBER 22 REGULAR BOARD MEETING a. Confirmation of Minutes The minutes of the 2015 September 22 Regular Board Meeting was adopted on motion of Trustee A. Morell, seconded by Trustee M. Reid. b. Business Arising from the Minutes - none 12. STUDENT TRUSTEES' UPDATE Student Trustees S. Suvajac and H. Goddeeris attended the Ontario Student Trustee's Association (OSTA) Fall General Meeting from October 1 st to 4th. S. Suvajac provided highlights of the event. 13. REPORTS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION - none i 14. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES a. Audit Committee, 2015 September 15 Trustee M. Reid referred to the written Trustees in advance of the Board meetin, areport of the Audit Committee (Item 14.a.) provided to . There were no recommendations. b. First Nations Advisory Committee 2015 September 15 Trustee P. Schuyler referred to the written Report of the First Nations Advisory Committee (Item 14.b.) provided to Trustees in advance of the Board meeting. c. Chair's Committee, 2015 October 6 Trustee B. McKinnon referred to the written report of the Chair's Committee (Item 14.c.) provided to Trustees in advance of the meeting. Trustee McKinnon highlighted upcoming events and activities. The following recommendation was moved by Trustee McKinnon, seconded by Trustee Reid and CARRIED: That an Ad Hoc committee be struck to discuss trustee communication and the use of social media. d. Committee of the Whole —In Camera, 2015 October 13 Trustee MacKinnon advised the Committee of the Whole met in -camera from 5:04 p.m. to 6:20 p.m. and from 8:26 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. Confidential legal, negotiation, personal, and property matters were discussed in accordance with the Education Act. No conflicts of interest were declared. The following recommendation was moved by Trustee McKinnon, seconded by Trustee Reid and CARRIED: That the motions approved at the in -camera session of 2015 October 13 related to legal and personal matters be approved. 15. COMMUNICATIONS a. ONTARIO PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARDS' ASSOCIATION (OPSBA) UPDATE Chair Tisdale reported the regional meeting of the Ontario Public School Boards' Association is at the end of this month. Further information concerning the meeting will be forwarded to trustees. b. Chippewas of the Thames First Nation Letter Chair Tisdale referred to the letter of correspondence received from Chippewas of The Thames and provided trustees in advance of the meeting. The following recommendation was moved by Trustee Morell, seconded by Trustee Reid and CARRIED. That Danielle Grosbeck and Cathy Kechego be appointed as the Chippewas of the Thames representatives on the First Nations Advisory Committee for the 2015-2016 term. c. Association For Bright Children Of Ontario Letter Chair Tisdale referred to the letter of correspondence received from the Association for Bright Children of Ontario and provided to trustees in advance of the meeting. The following recommendation was moved by Trustee Skinner, seconded by Trustee Jaffe and CARRIED. That Christine Thammavongsa be appointed as the Association for Bright Children of Ontario alternate representative on the Special Education Advisory Committee for the remainder of the 2014-2018 term. d. Ministry of Education Chair Tisdale referred to the letter of correspondence received from the Ministry of Education regarding the School Consolidation Experience Studies and provided to trustees in advance of the meeting. 16. NOTICE OF MOTION — none 17. MOTION — NOTICE OF WHICH HAS BEEN GIVEN — none J 18. ADDITIONAL ITEMS — none 19. QUESTIONS/COMMENTS BY MEMBERS In response to a question, Supt. Deman confirmed that EQAO results will be shared on November 24tH At 8:17 p.m. a motion to recess and reconvene in -camera at 8:25 p.m. was moved by Trustee J. Todd, seconded by Trustee R. Campbell and CARRIED. The committee reconvened in public session at 9:15 p.m. 20. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m. on motion of Trustee Reid, seconded by Trustee Todd. Confirmed: � x Chairperson l SUMMARY OF APPROVED RECOMMENDATIONS OF 2015 OCTOBER 13 - That an Ad Hoc committee be struck to discuss trustee communication and the use of social media. - That the motions approved at the in -camera session of 2015 October 13 related to legal and personal matters be approved. - That Danielle Grosbeck and Cathy Kechego be appointed as the Chippewas of the Thames representatives on the First Nations Advisory Committee for the 2015-2016 term. - That Christine Thammavongsa be appointed as the Association for Bright Children of Ontario alternate representative on the Special Education Advisory Committee for the remainder of the 2014-2018 term 2015 October 13 OFFICIAL RECORD 5 We regret to record the death of Ronald Walker, a Custodian on Friday October 2, 2015 and Quinn Derbyshire, a student at Caradoc North Public School on Monday October 5, 2015. REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT A. Morell M. Reid R. Tisdale (Chair) 1. CALL TO ORDER R. Kent R. Robertson 2015 September 15 3:00-5:12 p.m. ADMINISTRATION AND OTHERS L. Elliott J. Berkin J. Pratt M. Moynihan (3:30 - 4:00) C. Beal S. Young (3:30 - 4:00) S. Macey C. O'Connor (3:30 - 4:00) J. Nicolle J. Pajares (3:30 - 4:00) The meeting was called to order by Superintendent Beal. 2 ELECTION OF THE CHAIR Supt. Beal presided over the election of the Chair. Trustee Tisdale was nominated and acclaimed to the position 3 APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda was approved, as amended, by motion. 4 CONFLICTS OF INTEREST - none declared 5 REPORT OF 2015 MAY 19 For information only. 6 AUDIT COMMITTEE DECLARATION Declarations re Conflict of Interest were submitted by the members. 7 SCHOOL BOARD COMPLIANCE REPORT Supt. Beal reviewed the annual School Board Compliance Report executed by Director Elliott. 8 AUDIT COMMITTEES & REGIONAL INTERNAL AUDIT UPDATES Supt. Beal reviewed Ministry Memorandum 2015: SB19, Audit Committees & Regional Internal Audit Updates. The memorandum provides boards with amendments to Ontario Regulation 361/10, "Audit Committees", and clarifications on audit committees and regional internal audit initiatives. The three amendments to the Audit Committee regulation include the allowance of any audit committee member to be chair, the requirement of the audit committee to make recommendations to the board on the content of the external auditor's audit plan and changes to the annual Audit Committees' reporting requirements. The members discussed their discontentment with the level of input obtained from major stakeholders, dissatisfaction with communication provided to audit committees and exception to the amendment regarding "recommendations to the board on the content of the external auditor's audit plan." The following motion was moved and carried: That the Chair of the Audit Committee send a letter to the Ministry outlining the members' concerns. 9 AUDIT COMMITTEE SELF-ASSESSMENT Supt. Beal proposed that members bring their completed evaluation forms to the October meeting to allow for collation and summarization to the Board. 10 FUTURE MEETING DATES Supt. Beal distributed a draft work plan for 2015-16. The November meeting date was rescheduled to 2015 November 13 at 3:00 p.m. due to Ministry reporting deadlines related to financial statement submission. 11 IN -CAMERA The Committee moved in -camera at 3:30 p.m. It reconvened in public session at 5:11 p.m. 12 OTHER BUSINESS - none j 13 DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING The next meeting is scheduled for 2015 October 20, at 3:00 p.m. 14 ADJOURNMENT A motion to adjourn was approved at 5:12 p.m. RECOMMENDATIONS: - none RUTH TISDALE Chairperson REPORT OF THE FIRST NATIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING MEMBERS P. Schuyler (Chair) J. Bennett, Trustee B. McKinnon Trustee D. Grosbeck, Chippewas of the Thames L. Nicholas, Munsee-Delaware Nation C. Thomas, Munsee-Delaware Nation B. Summers, Oneida Nation of the Thames Guests: J. Skinner, Trustee T. Smith, Learning Coordinator C. Kechego, Chippewa of the Thames R. Doxtator, Oneida Nation of the Thames 2015 September 15 3:04 p.m. to 4:47 p.m. ADMINISTRATION AND OTHERS P. McKenzie, Superintendent of Student Achievement P. Skinner, FNMI Learning Supervisor J. Hill, FNMI Learning Coordinator S. McGahey -Albert, FNMI Education Advisor M. Ferdinand, Coordinator School Counselling & Social Work Services L. Abell, Corporate Services Assistant R. Hart, Principal B. Davison S.S. M. Macdonald, Principal SDCI B. White, Saunders S.S. D. Chisholm, Vice Principal Saunders S.S. M. Deeb, Principal H.B.Beal S.S. R. Oakley -Law, Delaware Central P.S. L. Williams, Principal Lambeth P.S. 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting convened at 3:04 p.m. in the Elgin Room at the Ed Centre, 1250 Dundas Street, London. 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — The agenda was approved as printed. 3. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST — none declared 4. REPORT OF MEETING- 2015 JUNE 16 — provided for information. 5. BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES P. Schuyler reported that in June a recommendation went to Board to explore funding for an additional secondary FNMI social worker and counsellor. The recommendation was carried. 6. SCHOOL COUNSELLING AND SOCIAL WORK SERVICES M. Ferdinand distributed copies of the School Counselling and Social Work Services Summary of Supports for Self -ID FNMI Students June 2015. 7. PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT Supt. P. McKenzie welcomed Tom Smith, Learning Coordinator to the meeting. T. Smith provided information about the School Within a College (SWAC) program, Schools Within a University (SWAU) program and Day Away programs for FNMI students. Information about the programs is available through guidance departments at schools, FNMI liaisons and on the Thames Valley District School Board website. SWAC has been highly successful at retaining students in their secondary studies and providing post -secondary opportunities. 8. LEARNING SUPPORT SERVICES UPDATE Supt. Mckenzie recognized the great work of Associate Director V. Nielsen with the First Nations Advisory Committee. The First Nations Advisory Committee Annual Work Plan 2015-2016 was distributed and reviewed by Supt. McKenzie. P. Skinner presented a slideshow highlighting the creation of a glass tile Mosaic which will be hung permanently at the Education Centre. The Native Cultural Funds — Expenditures Option #3 March 31, 2015 to March 31, 2016 report was distributed. P. Skinner reviewed school expenditures to date. The draft Thames Valley District School Board FNM/ Board Action Plan 2015-2016 Summary was distributed. This document outlined the initiatives that will be submitted to the Ministry at the end of October. S. McGahey -Albert and J. Hill reviewed the plan with the committee and invited any feedback to be submitted to them by September 25, 2015. 9. PRINCIPALS' UPDATE (VERBAL REPORTS) a. B. Davison Secondary School Principal R. Hart reported a good start up to the new school year noting there currently are 20 students in the First Nations course. b. Delaware Central Public School Principal R. Oakley -Law reported that there are 24 students from Munsee-Delaware Nation and eleven students from Oneida Nation of the Thames currently enrolled. A 4th R meeting is planned. c. H.B. Beal Secondary School Principal M. Deeb advised that numbers of all FNMI students are being calculated to report statistics, such as, successful and unsuccessful completion of credits. There are 170 self - identified students. d. Lambeth Public School Principal L. Williams extended a thank you to B. Summers for hosting the visit to Oneida in the summer. There currently are 40 students from Oneida Nation of the Thames enrolled at Lambeth Public School; 20 grade seven students and 20 grade eight students. She further reported Ontario Student Records have been reviewed to determine academic needs. e. Saunders Secondary School Vice Principal D. Chisholm reported there was a great start to the school year with a grade nine orientation week led by students. f. Strathroy District Collegiate Institute Principal M. Macdonald reported on the participation of three S.D.C.I. students in the University of Toronto Summer Mentorship program for Aboriginal students. 10. COMMUNITY UPDATE a. Chippewas of the Thames First Nation D. Grosbeck provided an update highlighting that elections have taken place. b. Munsee-Delaware Nation L. Nicholas provided an update and extended appreciation to R. Oakley -Law for volunteering during the summer at the reading summer camp. The Reading and Understanding Reading summer camp was a success. The next First Nations Advisory Committee meeting will be at the Munsee-Delaware Community Centre. c. Oneida Nation of the Thames B. Summers provided an update. Oneida Nation of the Thames has recommended negotiating a separate Tuition agreement. There will be two new members appointed to the committee, Carolyn Doxtator and Sue Doxtator. 11. ADDITIONAL ITEMS P. Schuyler extended an invitation for everyone to attend the Annual Fall Fair, on September 25th, 26th and 27th at the Oneida fairgrounds. The following recommendation was moved and deferred to the 2015 October 20 meeting: That a statement be composed and read at the beginning of each Thames Valley District School Board, public board meeting to acknowledge the meeting is being held on Aboriginal land. A discussion took place regarding the sensitivity of a statement of this nature noting the wording and language is very important. It was agreed that more consideration was needed; the committee was asked to bring their ideas to the next meeting. 12. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 4:47 p.m. by motion. Recommendations: None P. Schuyler Committee Chair REPORT OF THE CHAIR'S COMMITTEE 2015 October 6 12:15 p.m. - 2:12 p.m. MEMBERS ADMINISTRATION AND OTHERS J. Bennett B. McKinnon M. Reid R. Tisdale (Chair) L. Elliott B. Williams 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda was approved by motion. 2. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST - none declared 3. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF 2015 OCTOBER 13 BOARD AGENDAS The agendas for the 2015 October 13 in -camera and public Board meetings were discussed and updated. 4. CORRESPONDENCE A letter received by Chair Tisdale from the Minister of Education regarding the release of the School Consolidation Experience Studies was reviewed. The letter will be provided on the public Board meeting agenda of 2015 October 13 under Communications 5. UPCOMING EVENTS/INITIATIVES System events and initiatives are scheduled as follows: • TVPIC Symposium — November 7 • Thames Valley Education Foundation Fundraiser — November 27 • Chair/Vice Chair Elections — December 1 • Inaugural — December 8 • 25 Year Employee Recognition Reception — tentatively rescheduled to January 11 Dates for PARG Information Sessions: • November 17, 6:30 p.m.to 9 p.m. for school communities • November 18, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for municipalities • November 19, 1 p.m.to 4 p.m. for community groups and organizations 6. AWARD OF DISTINCTION A letter sent to the Board of Trustees concerning the Awards of Distinction was reviewed. The letter requested the Board consider creating two awards; one that distinguishes excellence for TVDSB employees and another that distinguishes school volunteers. It was determined Superintendent K. Edgar be invited to the next Chair's meeting to discuss the request. 7. REQUEST OF RENEWAL NEEDS BACKLOG A letter received by Chair Tisdale from the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) was reviewed. TDSB is requesting a report from the Minister of Education on the current renewal needs backlog at each Board in the province. Further, they requested TVDSB provide information, if readily available, directly to them about the renewal needs backlog of TVDSB. Director Elliott offered to follow up with Executive Officer K. Bushell to determine the availability of information. 8. REPRESENTATION ON STEERING COMMITTEE FOR SCHOOL COUNCIL FINANCIAL PROCEDURES Director Elliott reported on the request from Business Services for two trustees to sit on a steering committee formed to review the Non -Board Funds Policy and Procedures; and the financial processes and leading practices with respect to handling, accounting and reporting of school council funds. It was decided that trustees be contacted by S. Pullam to determine their interest in sitting on the steering committee. 9. PRINCIPALIVICE PRINCIPAL INTERVIEWS The following motions were moved and carried: That Trustees J. Bennett and A. Morell be appointed to participate in the Elementary Principal interviews scheduled in November 2015. That Trustees B. McKinnon and R. Campbell be appointed to participate in the Elementary Vice -Principal interviews scheduled in November 2015. 10. TRUSTEES' USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA As a follow up to the previous meeting, Director Elliott shared the Board's procedures and guidelines related to the appropriate use of information technology. Discussion considered next steps. It was determined that trustees be reminded to read the Information Technology Appropriate Usage Procedure and to complete the annual declaration acknowledging awareness of and compliance with the policy and procedures. The following recommendation was moved and carried: That an Ad Hoc committee be struck to discuss trustee communication and the use of social media. 11. IN CAMERA On motion the committee moved in camera at 1:20 p.m. to discuss personal and negotiation matters reconvening in public session at 1:45 p.m. 12. OTHER BUSINESS a. Elgin County Elementary French Immersion Attendance Area Review The process for community meetings was discussed noting the importance of opening meetings to community members as observers. The value of posting reports and information about the meetings to the website was emphasized. The need to ensure information about proposed changes and opportunities for public input is shared with all of Elgin County was discussed. b. Thames Valley Education Foundation Gala The Let It Snow Fundraiser for the Thames Valley Education Foundation, Caring Fund was discussed. Trustees are encouraged to attend and promote the event. 13. DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING The meeting schedule for Chair's is as follows: October 20, 12 pm November 03, 3 pm November 17, 12 pm 14. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 2:12 p.m. by motion. RECOMMENDATIONS: - That an Ad Hoc committee be struck to discuss trustee communication and the use of social media. RUTH TISDALE Chairperson Chippewas of the Thames First Nation Board of Education 324 Chippewa Rd. Muncey, ON NOL 1YO Tel: (519) 289-0621 Fax: (51-9) 289-0633 September 16, 2015 Thames Valley District School Board 1250 Dundas Street, P.O. Box 5888 London, ON N6A 51-1 Attention: Laurie Abell Appointment to First Nations Advisory Committee Dear Ms. Abell: This is to inform you that the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation Board of Education have appointed Danielle Grosbeck and Cathy Kechego as their representatives to the First Nations Advisory Committee for the 2015-2017 term. . .If, you require further information and/or clarification please do not hesitate to contact me at (519)289-0621. Yours sincerely, r mmy Dele Education Director Assistant That Danielle Grosbeck and Cathy Kechego be appointed to the First Nations Advisory Committee as repeesentatives of the Chippewas Of The Thames First Nation for the 2015-2016 term. ASSOCIATION FOR BRIGHT CHILDREN OF ONTARIO SOCIETE POUR ENFANTS DOUES ET SURDOUES DE L'ONTARIO abcinfo@abcontario.ca October 4, 2015 Ms. Bonnie Williams Supervisor -Corporate Services Thames Valley District School Board 1250 Dundas St. E., Box 5888 London, ON N6A 5L1 Dear Ms. Williams, I am writing to nominate Christine Thammavongsa for the position of SEAC Alternate Representative for the Association for Bright Children of Ontario on the Special Education Advisory Committee of the Thames Valley District School Board. This nomination is for the remainder of the 2014-2018 term. Ms. Thammavongsa has the qualifications required under the Ontario Education Act. - Canadian citizens - residents of the board's jurisdiction - public school supporters - not employees of the Board Ms. Thammavongsa is a member in good standing of the Association for Bright Children of Ontario. The Association for Bright Children of Ontario is a Provincial Association as described in Regulation 464/97 and represents the Gifted Exceptionality. Ms. Thammavongsa may be contacted at, mailing address: PO Box 95, Ingersoll, ON N5C 3K1 email: thammavo@oxford.net phone: 519-425-1353 If further information is required, please contact me. Regards, Barb Cyr SEAC Coordinator The Association for Bright Children of Ontario Cc (by e-mail): Dennis Ensing Christine Thammavongsa Kathleen Keane, ABC London Chapter President That Christine Thammavongsa be appointed to the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) as Alternate Representative of the Association For Bright Children of Ontario for the remainder of the 2014-2018 term. Ministry of Education Minister Mowat Block Queen's Park Toronto ON WA f L2 September 21, 2015 Dear Chair Ministbre de I'Education M1nlstre Edifice Mowat Queen's Park Toronto ON M7A IL2 I am pleased to inform you that today, we have released the School Consolidation Experience Studies on the Ministry of Education's website. The release of these studies fulfils an important commitment we made to the sector as part of the School Board Efficiencies and Modernization initiative. The three comprehensive studies cover the full -range of issues experienced by participating schools, school boards, and those whom they serve, and they do so in a clear and objective manner. In , addition, the studies provide important forward guidance for future consolidations that will benefit students, parents, communities and the sector. The highlights of the reports include lessons learned from multiple stakeholder perspectives which are articulated around the themes of Communication, Transition Planning and Implementation of Decisions, as well as Program Offerings and School Culture. While the lessons learned are specific to each of the three case studies, collectively they provide valuable insight and advice to school board, administrators who have undertaken, or are planning to undertake, school consolidations and/or reorganizations. With these studies in hand, I would like to thank Senior Education Consultant, Joan Green, for her thorough and thoughtful work. Ms. Green, a recipient of the Order of Ontario, founding CEO of the Ontario Education Quality and Accountability Office, and former Director of Education for the City of Toronto, left no issue off the table; the result being an unflinching and highly informative look at the consolidation experience. Furthermore,- the participating school boards and school communities also deserve recognition for their ready participation and forthright contributions to these invaluable studies. As Chair, school consolidations are one of your most sensitive challenges. While there is no avoiding that fact, -1 trust that you will find these studies, and their many insights, helpful as your work with colleagues, and communities to modernize your school board's capital footprint. Sincerely, Din Liz Sandals Minister ` C. Ontario Public School Boards' Association Ontario Catholic School Trustees' Association Association Franco-ontarienne des conseils scolaires catholiques Association des conseils scolaires des ecoles publiques de l'Ontario