6/27/2017 - Regular Board Meeting
THAMES VALLEY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
2017 June 27
BOARD ROOM, EDUCATION CENTRE
The Board met in regular session on 2017 June 27 in the Board Room at the Education Centre, meeting
in public session at 7:00 p.m. The following were in attendance:
TRUSTEES
ADMINISTRATION AND OTHERS
M. Reid (Chair)
J. Bennett
R. Campbell
G. Hart
B. McKinnon
S. Suvajac
Regrets
C. Goodall
P. Jaffe
R. Tisdale
J. Todd
A. Morell
S. Polhill
A. Pucchio
P. Schuyler
J. Skinner
L. Elliott
C. Beal
S. Builder
K. Bushell
R. Culhane
M. Deman
L. Griffith-Jones
R. Kuiper
D. Macpherson
P. McKenzie
M. Moynihan
V. Nielsen
S. Powell
J. Pratt
K. Wilkinson
B. Williams
B. Keast
S. Kim
G. Lalonde (-7:50)
L. Munro
N. Lavdas (+7:52)
P. Sydor
1. CALL TO ORDER
Board Chair M. Reid called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and acknowledged the traditional
territory on which the Board meeting is held.
2/3.O CANADA
The appreciation of the Board was extended to Sir John A Macdonald Public School’s
Junior/Intermediate Choir and to Hillcrest Public School’s Junior Band for their performances and to
Conductors T. Reese (Sir J. A. Macdonald P.S.) for leading in the singing of O Canada and one
musical selection and J. Oliver (Hillcrest P.S.) for leading the playing of two musical selections.
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
The agenda was approved on motion of Trustee Morell, seconded by Trustee Skinner.
5. OFFICIAL RECORD
Supervisor B. Williams read the following official record “We regret to record the deaths of Dave
Evans, Charge Custodian at Evelyn Harrison Public School on 2017 May 23, John Norris, Electrician
on May 24 and Heather Patterson, Educational Assistant at Ashley Oaks P.S. on May 27.”
A moment of silence was observed.
6. RECOGNITIONS
a. Outgoing Student Trustees
A. Morell extended appreciation to outgoing Student Trustees A. Pucchio and S. Suvajac. The role
and responsibilities of a Student Trustee were described. Their accomplishments were highlighted.
Student Trustees thanked Trustees, Staff and Administration for their guidance and mentorship.
7. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST – none
8. CHAIRS ANNOUNCEMENT
Chair Reid wished everyone a happy and healthy summer noting he looks forward to seeing
everyone back at the next Board meeting scheduled for 2017 August 29.
2017 June 27…2
9. DIRECTOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Director Elliott congratulated Executive Officer K. Bushell on his retirement, effective 2017 September
1. His achievements and contributions over 25 years at a Provincial and local board level were
highlighted.
Director Elliott announced that the Ministry of Education has seconded Superintendent K. Wilkinson
to the position of Team Lead: Kindergarten – Grade 12, Student Achievement Division for a three-
year term. Her achievements and contribution to education were highlighted.
Director Elliott announced the appointment of P. Sydor and A. Canham to the position of
Superintendent of Student Achievement commencing 2017 August 1. Their qualifications and
experience were described.
Director Elliott introduced Mental Health Lead G. Lalonde, who presented a video highlighting the
student entries into the Mentally Healthy Schools Media Contest. In total 81 submissions were
received. Appreciation was extended to the participating schools and students and to the mental
health team for organizing the contest.
Appreciation was extended to departing Senior Administrators for their dedication and support for
students.
10. PUBLIC INPUT – none
11. MINUTES OF THE 2017 MAY 23 REGULAR BOARD MEETING AND 2017 MAY 30 SPECIAL
BOARD MEETING
a. Confirmation of Minutes
The minutes of the Special Board Meeting of 2017 May 30 meeting were adopted on motion of
Trustee Bennett, seconded by Trustee Hart and CARRIED.
The following recommendation was moved by Trustee Morell, seconded by Trustee Polhill and
CARRIED:
THAT the approval of the minutes from the 2017 May 23 Board Meeting be deferred
to 2017 September 26.
b. Business Arising from the Minutes – none
12. STUDENT TRUSTEES’ UPDATE
Student Trustee A. Pucchio provided the Student Trustees’ Update highlighting the Ontario Student
Trustee Association Annual General Meeting held 2017 May 25-28. The conference was attended by
A. Pucchio and S. Suvajac and incoming Student Trustees S. Kim and N. Lavdas.
The following motion was moved by Trustee Morell, seconded by Trustee Polhill and CARRIED:
THAT the Chair write a letter to the Ministry of Education to request increased
flexibility to the Education Act to allow a Student Trustee to serve up to a 2-year
term.
Trustee Morell spoke to the motion explaining the rationale for increased flexibility to allow for an
extended term of up to two years noting it would not be considered mandatory.
A poll vote was conducted.
POLL VOTE:
YEA: Trustees J. Bennett, R. Campbell, G. Hart, B. McKinnon, A. Morell, S. Polhill, M. Reid, P. Schuyler
NAY: Trustee J. Skinner
Student Trustees: S. Suvajac - YEA, A. Pucchio – YEA
Absent: P. Jaffe, R. Tisdale, J. Todd, C. Goodall
2017 June 27…3
13. REPORTS FROM ADMINISTRATION
a. Special Education Plan 2017-18
S. Builder reported on the TVDSB Special Education Plan for 2017-2018 (Item 12.a), as revised
by the Special Education Department, in collaboration with the Special Education Advisory
Committee (SEAC).
The following recommendation was moved by Trustee Bennett, seconded by Trustee Morell and
CARRIED:
THAT the Special Education Plan for 2017-2018 be approved.
It was noted the plan was supported by the Special Education Advisory Committee; the complete
report was made available on the TVDSB website.
b. Accessibility Plan 2017-19
S. Builder reported on the TVDSB Accessibility Plan 2017-19 (Item 12.b) highlighting key
changes since the last report.
The TVDSB Accessibility Plan 2017-19 will be posted to the Board’s website in August 2017. The
accessibility comm ittee is committed to continue their review and implementation of the plan.
14. REPORTS FROM BOARD COMMITTEES
a. First Nations Advisory Committee, 2017 May 16
Trustee Schuyler referred to the written report of the First Nations Advisory Committee (item 14.a)
provided to the Trustees in advance of the meeting. There were no recommendations.
b. Policy Working Committee, 2017 May 23
Trustee Morell referred to the written report of the Policy Working Committee (ite m 14.b) provided
to Trustees in advance of the meeting. Policies and procedures currently posted to the website
for public input were highlighted.
c. Chair’s Committee, 2017 May 30
Trustee Morell referred to the written report of the Chair’s Committee (Item 14.c) provided to
Trustees in advance of the meeting.
The following recommendations were previously carried by electronic vote:
That Chair M. Reid and Trustee A. Morell be appointed to sit on the interview committee for the
Superintendent of Student Achievement position scheduled for 2017 June 8.
That Trustee P. Schuyler be approved to attend the Trustee Gathering on Aboriginal Education
and the Canadian School Boards Association National Congress 2017 July 4 -8.
The following recommendations were moved by Trustee Morell, seconded by Trustee Bennett
and CARRIED:
THAT the Bylaw Ad Hoc Committee present their final report to the Board by 2018
January 23
That the Chair of the Board be authorized on behalf of the Board to approve
personnel changes as required during 2017 July and August.
d. Special Education Advisory Committee, 2017 May 30
Trustee Bennett referred to the written report of the Special Education Advisory Committee (Item
14.d) provided to the Trustees in advance of the meeting. It was noted the recommendation
regarding approval of the 2017-18 budget was previously reported out.
2017 June 27…4
e. Committee of the Whole, In-Camera, 2017 May 30
Trustee Morell advised the Committee of the Whole met in-camera from 8:45 p.m. to 9:02 p.m.
The committee discussed confidential negotiation matters. No conflicts of interest were declared.
The following recommendation was moved by Trustee Morell, seconded by Trustee Skinner and
CARRIED:
THAT the motion approved at the in-camera session of 2017 May 30 related to
negotiation matters be approved.
f. Special Education Advisory Committee, 2017 June 5
Trustee Bennett referred to the written report of the Special Education Advisory Committee (Item
14.f) provided to the Trustees in advance of the meeting. A recommendation regarding approval of
the Special Education Plan was previously brought to the floor and approved.
g. Program and School Services Advisory Committee, 2017 June 6
Trustee Bennett referred to the written report of the Program and School Services Advisory
Committee (Item 14.g) provided to the Trustees in advance of the meeting. There were no
recommendations.
h. Audit Committee, 2017 June 13
Trustee Morell referred to the written report of the Audit Committee (item 14.h) provided to the
Trustees in advance of the meeting. It was noted the 2017-2018 Audit Committee Plan was
distributed and is in alignment with IIA standards.
The following recommendation was moved by Trustee Morell, seconded by Trustee Polhill and
CARRIED:
THAT the 2017/2018 Internal Audit Plan be approved.
i. Planning and Priorities Advisory Committee, 2017 June 13
Trustee Reid referred to the written report of the Planning and Priorities Advisory Committee (item
14.d) provided to the Trustees in advance of the meeting. There were no recommendations.
j. Committee of the Whole, In Camera, 2017 June 13
Trustee Morell advised the Committee of the Whole met in-camera from 7:33 p.m. to 7:42 p.m.
The committee discussed confidential personal matters. No conflicts of interest were declared
The following recommendation was moved by Trustee Morell, seconded by Trustee Skinner and
CARRIED:
THAT the motions approved at the in-camera session of 2017 June 13 related to
personal matters be approved.
k. Thames Valley Parent Involvement Committee, 2017 June 14
The Thames Valley Parent Involvement Committee report from 2017 June 14 was deferred to
2017 September 26.
l. Committee of the Whole, In-Camera, 2017 June 20
Trustee Morell advised the Committee of the Whole met in-camera from 5:06 p.m. to 5:57 p.m.
The committee discussed confidential legal and personal matters. No conflicts of interest were
declared.
The following recommendation was moved by Trustee Morell, seconded by Trustee Campbell and
CARRIED:
THAT the motions approved at the in-camera session of 2017 June 20 related to
personal matters be approved.
2017 June 27…5
m. Chairs Committee, 2017 June 20
Trustee Morell referred to the written report of the Chair’s Committee (Item 14.m) provided to the
Trustees in advance of the meeting.
The following recommendation was moved by Trustee Morell, seconded by Trustee Schuyler and
CARRIED:
THAT Trustee Morell and Trustee McKinnon be appointed as the Student Trustee
Mentors for 2017-18.
Chair Reid and Director Elliott responded to questions of clarification regarding the City of London
proposed initiative to provide discounted bus passes to youth.
n. Policy Working Committee Interim Report, 2017 June 27
Trustee Morell referred to the written interim report of the Policy Working Committee (item 14.n)
provided to the Trustees.
The following recommendations were moved by Trustee Morell, seconded by Trustee Bennett and
CARRIED:
THAT the revised Assessment, Evaluation and Reporting Student Achievement
Policy #5015 be approved.
THAT the revised Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) Policy be approved.
THAT the School Generated Funds Policy be approved.
THAT the Non-Board Funds Policy #1004 be rescinded.
THAT the following policies be rescinded: Bullying Prevention and Intervention
Policy #4016, Suspension of Students Policy #4003, Expulsion of Students Policy
#4002, Progressive Discipline and Promoting Positive Behaviour Policy #4017 and
Student Dress Codes Policy #4013
Appreciation was extended to the public, TVDSB staff and Senior Administration for their input and
work on these policies and procedures.
o. Committee of the Whole, In-Camera, 2017 June 27
Trustee Morell advised the Committee of the Whole met in-camera from 5:03 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
The committee discussed personal matters. No conflicts of interest were declared
The following recommendation was moved by Trustee Morell, seconded by Trustee Campbell and
CARRIED:
THAT the motion approved at the in-camera session of 2017 June 27 related to
personal matters be approved.
THAT Corrine Rahman (1 Year Term, London), Kristen Frisa (2 Year Term,
Middlesex), and Stacey Vries (2 Year Term, Oxford) be appointed to serve as
Parent Members, and Ana Enriquez-Johnson (1 Year Term) and Jim Jacob (1 Year
Term) be appointed to serve as Community Representatives on the Thames Valley
Parent Involvement Committee for the 2017-18 term.
15. TRUSTEE UPDATES FROM EXTERNAL COMMITTEES
a. Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) Update
Chair Reid reported four trustees attended the OPSBA Annual General Meeting. The OPSBA
Board will meet over the summer to deal with emerging issues and to plan for the Public Education
symposium scheduled for January 2018.
2017 June 27…6
16. COMMUNICATIONS - none
17. NOTICE OF MOTION – none
18. MOTION – NOTICE OF WHICH HAS BEEN GIVEN
The following notices of motion were provided; they will be debated and considered at the 2017
September 26 Board meeting:
That TVDSB Trustees write Municipalities in the jurisdiction of TVDSB asking them to
add traffic calming measures in school zones to improve safety.
That the TVDSB trustees write Municipalities in the jurisdiction of TVDSB requesting they
add Walking Maps to their websites to assist parents in identifying potential dangers with
the goal of increasing the number of students walking to school.
That the TVDSB trustees write the city of London and requesting ten additional crossing
guards to improve Walking safety in and around school zones.
That the Thames Valley District School Board will, in general, support the construction of
sidewalks within the 1.6km walking distance to elementary schools and 3.2km walking
distance to secondary schools.
That the Thames Valley District School Board will provide a letter of support in favour of
building sidewalks within the 1.6km walking distance to elementary schools and 3.2km
walking distance to secondary schools when requested.
19. ADDITIONAL ITEMS – none
20. QUESTIONS/COMMENTS BY MEMBERS
Trustee Schuyler shared he attended the C. C. Carrothers Public School playg round opening. He
applauded C. C. Carrothers staff, community and students for their design and implementation of a
First Nations Metis and Inuit playground.
Trustee A. Morell reported Trustees and MPPs met in June. As an outcome of that meeting, the
following recommendation was moved by A. Morell, seconded by G. Hart and CARRIED:
THAT in the fall of 2017 a report, with an explanation and rationale for TVDSB
graduation rates, as the four year rate is below the Provincial average, be provided
and include the many initiatives undertaken in TVDSB schools to increase the
TVDSB student graduation rate (four year).
Trustee J. Bennett reported she attended Masonville Pubic School’s “one room school house”
created in honour of their 160th anniversary. Many artifacts were on display and each class was
given an opportunity to attend a class in the school.
21. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:42 p.m. on motion of Trustee Morell, seconded by Trustee Hart.
Confirmed:
Chairperson
2017 June 27…7
SUMMARY OF APPROVED RECOMMENDATIONS OF 2017 JUNE 27
THAT the approval of the minutes from the 2017 May 23 Board Meeting be deferred
to 2017 September 26.
THAT the Chair write a letter to the Ministry of Education to request increased
flexibility to the Education Act to allow a Student Trustee to serve up to a 2-year
term.
THAT the Special Education Plan for 2017-2018 be approved.
THAT the Bylaw Ad Hoc Committee present their final report to the Board by 2018
January 23
That the Chair of the Board be authorized on behalf of the Board to approve
personnel changes as required during 2017 July and August.
THAT the motion approved at the in-camera session of 2017 May 30 related to
negotiation matters be approved.
THAT the 2017/2018 Internal Audit Plan be approved.
THAT the motions approved at the in-camera session of 2017 June 13 related to
personal matters be approved.
THAT the motions approved at the in-camera session of 2017 June 20 related to
personal matters be approved.
THAT Trustee Morell and Trustee McKinnon be appointed as the Student Trustee
Mentors for 2017-18.
THAT the revised Assessment, Evaluation and Reporting Student Achievement
Policy #5015 be approved.
THAT the revised Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) Policy be approved.
THAT the School Generated Funds Policy be approved.
THAT the Non-Board Funds Policy #1004 be rescinded.
THAT the following policies be rescinded: Bullying Prevention and Intervention
Policy #4016, Suspension of Students Policy #4003, Expulsion of Students Policy
#4002, Progressive Discipline and Promoting Positive Behaviour Policy #4017 and
Student Dress Codes Policy #4013
THAT the motion approved at the in-camera session of 2017 June 27 related to
personal matters be approved.
THAT Corrine Rahman (1 Year Term, London), Kristen Frisa (2 Year Term,
Middlesex), and Stacey Vries (2 Year Term, Oxford) be appointed to serve as
Parent Members, and Ana Enriquez-Johnson (1 Year Term) and Jim Jacob (1 Year
Term) be appointed to serve as Community Representatives on the Thames Valley
Parent Involvement Committee for the 2017-18 term.
2017 June 27…8
SUMMARY OF APPROVED RECOMMENDATIONS OF 2017 JUNE 27 (cont.)
THAT in the fall of 2017 a report, with an explanation and rationale for TVDSB
graduation rates, as the four year rate is below the Provincial average, be provided
and include the many initiatives undertaken in TVDSB schools to increase the
TVDSB student graduation rate (four year).