1/6/1998 - Regular Board Meeting>
THAMES VALLEY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
INAUGURAL MEETING,1998 JANUARY 06
The 1998 Board meets ininaugural session,inpublic,on the above date inthe Board
Hooin at the Education Centre ofthe Thames Valley District School Board at 7:30 p.m.
The following are in attendance:
H. Wice,Chairperson
P.Smith
M.Metras
W.Brock
S.Peters
also;
J.Laughlin
T.Anderson
B.Greene
B. Bryce
P.Gryseels
S.Westaway
P.Askey
A.White
P.Mennill
R.Trahan
D.Stewart
J.Bennett
J.Hunter
R.Elm
J.Empringham
J.Mackey
R. Murray
G.Treble
D.Varnell
L.Peck
T.Veenstra
D.Williams
J.McKenzie
G.Owens
G.Hart
C.Nurse
R.Vaughan
P.Jaffe
J.Maifara
R.Wilson
P.Dunn
G.Linsdell
C.Chisholm
B.Beatty
S.Christie
E.Nelligan
A. Hogg
W.Scott
MUSICAL PRESENTATION
The appreciation of the Board is extended to the students of Glencoe District High
School for their musical presentation performed in the Atrium for arriving dignitaries
and guests.
1.No conflicts of interest are declared.
2.INVOCATION
The Rev. Robert C. Ripley, Metropolitan United Church delivers the invocation.
The Central Senior Public School Choir (Woodstock),conductor Susan Davis,
sings "O CANADA"in both official languages,as well as a musical selection.
WELCOME
The Chairperson of the Thames Valley District School Board welcomes guests
to the meeting.
1998 January 06...2
3.ELECTED MEMBERS
The Secretary of the Board confirms the election to the Board of the following
trustees and certifies that the members have met all procedural requirements,
and are eligibleto tai<e officefor a three-year term, effective 1998 January 01.
Elgin County Linda Stevenson,DavidStewart
Cityof London Joyce Bennett,William Brock,Peter Jaffe,
Mary Lynn Metras,Robert Vaughan,Heather Wice
Middlesex County Jan Hunter,Sharon Peters
Oxford County Graham Hart,Patricia Smith
NATIVE TRUSTEE APPOINTMENT
A communication dated 1997 December has been received from Linda Doxtator,
Education Administrator,dnyota'a:ka Kalihuny'^NihtsIa Tehatilihutakwas,
advising that Roselyn Elm has been appointed Native Trustee for a three-year
term, effective 1998 JanuaryOI.
4.GREETINGS
Honourable David Johnson,Minister of
Education &Training and Bruce Smith, MPP,
Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister
Ministryof Education
City of London
Elgin County Municipal Office
Middlesex County Municipal Office
Oxford County Municipal Office
London District Catholic School Board
First Nations
5.MUSICAL PRESENTATION
Janet Clarke
Terry Boucher
Regional Director, London
Rob Alder,Councillor
Perry Clutterback,Councillor
David McDonald,Warden
Peg Caffyn, Councillor
John Jevnikar,Chairperson
Maxin^Hendrick,
Chlppewa of the Thames
Tracy Antone,Onyota'a:ka
Central Elgin Collegiate Institute Choir under the direction of Kathryn Frank
brings musical greetings.The appreciation of the Board is expressed to the
Choir for their participation in the Inaugural meeting.
1998 January 06...3
6 OATH AND DECLARATION OF OFFICE
The Oath and Declaration of Office for Trustees is administered by John
Laughlin, Director of Education.
7.RATIFICATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS
Background:
The recommendations that are being presented today are the product of an
extensive development process that has incorporated the combined work of
the staff of the Boards of Education for Elgin County,London, Middlesex
County and Oxford County;
the Local Education Improvement Committee (LEIC)for District School
Board No.11,and
the trustees of the Thames Valley District School Board.
These recommendations originated from the LEIC's seven Work Groups that
were constituted on 1997 March.The Work Groups included Human Resources,
Program,Operations,Transportation,Special Education, Information Technology
and Business.Individual Work Group recommendations were presented to the
LEIC weekly during the months of October,November and December.The
recommendations were analyzed,discussed and debated by the LE!Cduring this
part of the process.
On 1997 December 16 and 17,the LEIC recommendations were presented to
the newly-elected trustees of the District School Board Nor 11 for receipt or
approval.The recommendations were discussed and debated over an eight-
hour period by the trustees at the Organizational meeting and the Orientation
Caucus.Some of the recommendations were amended during this stage of the
process.These recommendations have been developed by the Work Groups,
the LEIC and the Trustees to facilitate a smooth transition from local Boards of
Education to the District School Board No.11.
Recommendations:
1.That the following recommendations from the Organizational Meeting,1997
December 16 be ratified:
1.1 That an Ad Hoc Committee of the Board,comprised of the Chair and
two trustees plus the Executive Secretary of the Board and the
Superintendent of Transitional Issues as Resource,review "bold and
italic"items of the interim bylaws and present a report with
recommendations to the Committee of the Whole on 1998 January 13
for approval by the Board on 1998 January 27.(approved)
1998 January 06...4
1.2 That the meeting schedule for 1998 January proceed as follows:
January 06 -Inaugural meeting 7:30 p.m.
January 13 -Committee of the Whole In Camera 5:00 p.m.
Public 7:00 p.m.
January 27 - Regular Board meeting In Camera 5:00 p.m.
Public 7:00 p.m.
(approved)
1.3 That written or printed notice ofthe fullBoard shall be transmitted by
the Secretary to the address of each member by electronic means
and/or courier on the Thursday prior to the board meeting for
delivery on the Friday (Bylaw 2.2).(approved)
1.4 That EIC Memorandum No. 6 precede Bylaw 3.1,Election of Chair
and Vice-Chair,(approved)
1.5 That inthe event of a tie vote forthe lowest position, a vote by ballot
shall be.taken to determine which trustee has the higher vote and
the privilege of remaining on the ballot,(approved)
1.6 That H. Wice be declared Chairperson of the Board for 1998.
(approved)
1.7 That P. Smith be declared Vice-Chairperson of the Board for 1998.
(approved)
1.8 That W. J. Laughlin be appointed Director of Education and
Secretary of District School Board No.11,effective 1998 January
01,subject tohis contract being successfully negotiated with District
School Board No.11.(approved)
1.9 That B.Greene be appointed Treasurer of District School Board
No.11,effective 1998 January 01,subject to his contract being
successfully negotiated with District School Board No.11.
(approved)
1.10 That the present location of the Board of Education for the City of
London be the Education Centre (Head Office) for District School
Board No. 11.(approved)
1.11 That the existing banking arrangements for Elgin,London,
Middlesex and Oxford remain In place until 1998 August 31.
(approved)
1998 January 06...5
1.12 Thatthe banks,be invited tosubmitproposalsfor banicing services
effective 1998 September 01. (approved)
1.13 That the inaugural meeting of DistrictSchool Board No. 11 beheld
on Tuesday,1998 January 06 at 7:30 p.m. (approved)
1.14 That the following protocol be used for the inaugural meeting on
Tuesday,1998 January 06;
-Chairperson's welcome
- Invocation by a representative of the Native community
- 0 Canada (student choir)
-Greetings from
- ElginCounty municipaloffice(Warden or designate)
- Cityof London (Mayor or designate)
- Middlesex County municipaloffice(Warden or designate)
- Oxford County municipal office (Warden or designate)
- Ministryof Education (local office)
- Catholic DistrictSchool Board (Chair or designate)
- First Nations Community
-French Public Board
-French Catholic Board
-Student musical presentation (firstgroup)
-Tmstees take oath of office (group)
- Ratification of recommendations made in caucus by new board
- Director's comments and introduction of Supervisory Officer
team
-Presentation of gavel (nominee at discretion ofthe chair)
-Student musical presentation (second group)
-Chairperson's inaugural address
-Benediction (member of clergy or at discretion of chairperson)
- Closing remarks
-Adjournment to reception
(approved)
2. That the following recommendations from the Orientation Caucus,1997
December 16 and 17 be ratified:
2.1 CURRICULUM AUDIT
That the report include a topical description,personnel listingand
costings related to the work,(received)
1998 January 06...6
2.2 DRAFT CURRICULUM SYSTEM PLAN
That the Superintendent and Associate Superintendent of Program
Services review the information and in consultation with the
appropriate Superintendents and Program Services staff plan
phase-out/phase-in actions that support District #11 principles,
priorities and timelines for serving students,(received)
2.3 CURRICULUM FRAMEWORK
That, by 1997 October 15, the present Curriculum Work Group
provide to the Superintendent of Program Services for the new
District School Board, a recommended framework and process to
guide decisions regardingthe organization ofa new department,the
manner inwhichit will operate,and the programs and sen/ices Itwill
provide,(received)
2.4 ONTARIO CURRICULUM
That each curriculum department proceed with the implementation
plans,and that a sub-committee of representatives from the four
boards be established to share information regarding each
department's initiatives,(received)
2.5 PROVINCIAL REPORT CARD
That a Report Card sub-committee be established immediately to
review the status of current initiatives and to plan for joint
implementation. (In doing so,this will become one of the first
curriculum initiatives to be centralized.)(received)
2.6 CRITERIA AND GUIDELINES
That criteria and guidelines for the identification and allocation of
support be established,(received)
2.7 SCHOOL-BASED AND SYSTEM PROCEDURES
That school-based and system procedures,expectations related to
in-class delivery and response to additional needs be established,
(received)
2.8 RIGHT TO ACCESS SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND
SERVICES
(a)That the nature ofexisting unique programs be assessed,(received)
That the need to expand,decrease or modify same be determined.
(b)(received)
That a document outlining how the issue of access willbe addressed
(c) be provided,(received)
1998 January 06...7
2.9 IPRC POLICIES AND PRACTICES
Thatcommonpractices,procedures and policiesrelatedtothe IPRC
process be developed for consideration by the new.board,
(received)
2.10 SEAC
That a process be putinplacetoestablish the SEAC forapprovalby
the new board,(received)
2.11 SEAC
(a) Thatone SEAC beestablishedinaccordance with the Education Act
(1996)S.206(2)(a), subject to revision as amendments to the
Education Act are available.See list of eleven "local associations"
eligibleformembership. The legislation limits the appointments to
twelve under this section,(approved)
(b) That consideration be given to appointingone or more additional
members who are not representative ofeither a local association or
the French-speaking community and are not members ofthe Board
or a committee of the Board. (Education Act (1996) S.206(2)(d).
See attachment for list of current groups,not eligible, but with
individuals interested inproviding advice,(approved)
(c)ThattheSEACbeencouragedtoprovideaforumforcommunication
with groups or individuals interested inprovidingadvice through the
SEAC to the District School Board,(approved)
(d) That a letter be sent fromthe LEIC to the Ministry of Education and
Training strongly encouraging that SEAC be expanded to include
historical partners from the four existing SEACs."(approved)
2.12 SPECIAL EDUCATION HANDBOOK
That a special education handbook be developed by staff as a
resource tofacilitate consistent,clear communication on procedures
and practices expected,(received)
2.13 HUMAN RESOURCES -COMMUNICATION PROCESS
(a) That duringSeptember, the WorkGroupmembers meet with
representatives of each job-alike employee group,(received)
(b) That each union or non-union group representative be asked to
provide issues of concern for job-alike employees and ideas
concerning the future representation of the group,(received)
(c) That the small group meeting be followed by an Advisory Group
meeting to be held September 29 at 4:00 p.m. at the London Board
Education Centre,(received)
1998 January 06...8
(d) That the Liaison Director,Trustee Co-chairs and Work Group
members contribute to and be kept informed ofthe agenda for this
meeting,(received)
2.14 HUMAN RESOURCES -COMMUNICATION DATA UPDATE
That the Work Group members of each merging Board prepare
updated data which charts the District School Board personnel,
programs and business costs and/or other information required by
the LEIC;EIC;or Ministry of Education and Trainingin planning for
merging current Boards. Updated data will be submitted to LEICfor
receipt on 1997 December 09. (received)
2.15 PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES REVIEW
(a) That the HRWorkGroup review practices and procedures to give
direction on current practices and procedures which will be
continued,deleted,amended or developed specifically for the
District School Board,(received)
(b) That the HR Work Group prepare for urgent HR practices and
procedures which will be necessary to maintain or change
immediately e.g. Board approval of teacher hirings,resignations,
self-funded leaves,leaves of absence,(received)
2.16 POLICY REVIEW
(a) That the HR Work Group Members review the current human
resource policies of each board and prepare recommendations on
whichpoliciesshould be continued,deleted,amended or developed
specifically forthe District School Board,(received)
(b) That the HR Work Group develop HR policies that will provide
immediate direction on urgent issues such as hiring, promotion,
transfer and supervision requirements or processes,(received)
2.17 COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT BENEFIT ANALYSIS
That current data be collected in a format which allows for tendered
specifications to be prepared for eariy 1998.(received)
2.18 OMERS PENSION ANALYSIS
(a) That the issues raised inthe memo of 1997 July 21 fromOMERS to
D.Cooke and A.Vanstone,be studied and recommendations made
at an appropriate time,(received)
(b) That matters be discussed,as required, with OMERS officials,
(received)
1998 January 06...9
2.19 COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT ANALYSIS
(a)That (a)Strategy Sesslon(s)be held on negotiation parameters for
each bargaining group once the relevant legislation has been
passed and specific funding information Is available,(approved)
(b)That legislation be applied in thebest Interests ofstudents andthe
District Board,(approved)
(c)Thatone collective agreement be reached for each bargaining unit,
ratherthan retaining four separate agreementsforeach existing
group,(approved)
2.20 COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT-SENIORITY
(a)Determine parameters ofissueonce legislation (Bill 136and Bill
160) are passed,(approved)
(b)Work with union and non-union staff representatives to establish
seniority listsfor verification, (approved)
(c)Report progress to LEIC and then to District School Board,
(approved)
(d) Negotiateas necessary,(approved)
2.21 A ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION
That the Administrative Organization plan, as presented (see
page 22),be approved and that the Director Designate be
responsible for refining the plan with respect to positions and
functions, In accordance withthe LEIC guiding principles,funding
model limitations,and the negotiation of contracts,In order to
develop a senior administrative team to meet the needs and best
interests of students,ratepayers and communitypartners within the
District School Board No.11.(approved)
2.21 B COMMUNITY EDUCATION CENTRES
(a) That Community Education Centresinthe East,West,Southand
Central areas of District 11 be established on an interim basis as per
the attached guiding principles (see page 23), effective 1998
January 01.(approved)
(b)Thatthe existing Board offices in Oxford,Elgin,Middlesex andthe
Operations area of the London Board office be the interim
CommunityEducationCentre officesforthe period 1998 January 01
to 1998 August 31 as per the guiding principles;and that overthe
1998 January 01 - 1998 August 31 period, a feasibility study be
supported that would determine:
1998 January 06...10
the viability ofconsolidating Board facilitiesand services;
the market value ofthe existing Board officesand facilities;
the viability of seliing/leasing the existing Board offices and
property.
Note: A Space AllocationStudy will be conducted immediately
within all Board offices.
(approved)
(c) That, notlaterthan 1998 December 31,we are recommendingthat
Community Education Centres in District 11 be established that
reflect:
- the attached guiding principles (page 23)
- the proposed staff complement
-the functions as per the attached chart (page 22)
-efficient use of financial resources
(approved)
2.22 ASSIGNMENTS TO COMMUNITY EDUCATION CENTRES
That Associate Superintendents of Education be assigned to
CommunityEducation Centres inthe East, West, South and Central
areas of District 11,effective 1998 January 01.(approved)
2.23 STUDENT INFORMATION SYSTEM
That a Request for Proposal for a Student Information System be
issued under the name of the LEIC and that R.Neatby,Manager of
Purchasing and Warehousing for The Board of Education for the
City of London act as the Purchasing Agent for the LEIC in this
respect,and that the Selection Committee report back to the LEIC
or the new District School Board prior to 1997 December 23.
(received)
2.24 STUDENT ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM
That the Student Administration Committee forward, prior to 1998
March 15,a recommendation for a student administration system to
be implemented 1998 September,(received)
2.25 SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR
That aCommittee be formed with respect to designing a school year
calendar.This Committee to commence its deliberations
subsequent to a protocol being developed,(received)
1998 January 06...11
2.26 SCHOOL BUDGET ACCOUNT STRUCTURE
That a school budget account structure and philosophy be
developed through the budget process for implementation in
September 1998.(received)
2.27 REVIEW OPERATIONS POLICIES
That Operations Sen/ices review existing policies with a view to
consolidating policies into a consistent policy manual,(received]
2.28 REVISED OPERATIONS POLICIES FOR IMPLEMENTATION
That revised policies for implementation 1998 January 01 be
brought forward to the LEIC priorto 1997 December 15 for 1998
January implementation,and 1998 March 15 for 1998 September
implementation,(received)
2.29 REVIEW OPERATIONS PROCEDURES
ThatOperationsServices review existing administrative memoranda
with a view to corisolidate.(received)
2.30 REVISED OPERATIONS PROCEDURES FOR IMPLEMENTATION
That revised procedures for Implementation 1998 January 01 be
brought forward by 1997 December 15 for 1998 January
implementation,and 1998 March 15 for 1998 September
implementation,(received)
2.31 ATTENDANCE AREAS FOR STUDENTS
That students shall attend the school Intheir designated attendance
areas unless exemptions are made by the receiving principal.
Exception procedures will be determined by the Director of
Educationordesignate. Admissiongranted underan exemption will
be for one school year,(approved)
2.32 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
That the Director of Education is authorized to close some or all
schools and work sites in response to an emergency,(approved)
2.33 SUSPENSION OF STUDENTS
Thatthe powers and duties ofthe Boardinan appeal of suspension
shall be exercised and performed by a committee of three trustees
of the Board as designated by the Chairperson of the Board,
(approved)
1998 January 06...12
2.34 EXPULSION OF STUDENTS
That the powers and duties of the Board to expel a pupil from its
schools or to re-admit to a school a pupilwho has been expelled
shall be exercised and performed by a committee of three or more
trustees of the Board as designated by the Chairperson of the
Board,(approved)
2.35 That the DistrictSchool Board No. 11, recognizing that it is not
possible to introduce all new policies needed inthe Board for 1998
January 01,will govern its affairs:
1. using new interim policies approved by the trustees of the
District School Board No.11 that replace those of the former
boards,and
2. using the policies in place for the schools,facilities,services,
programs,staff and students forthe respective former boards,
where District School Board No.11 policies have yet to be
developed,and
3. ensuring that appropriate procedures are in place to support
action by designated staff In respect of ail policies in 1.and 2.
(approved)
2.36 GENERAL INSURANCE
(a)That all insurance be placed with OSBIE.(approved)
(b) That the follow-up report on general insurance be received,
(received)'
2.37 WORKERS'COMPENSATION
(a) That District Board No. 11 be covered under Schedule 2 of
Workers'Compensation,(approved)
(b)That the follow-up report on Workers'Compensation be received,
(received)
2.38 STUDENT TRANSPORTATION
(a) That the existing student transportation policies remain in place until
1998 August 31.(approved)
(b)That a new set of student transportation policies be developed by
1998 August 31.(received)
1998 January 06...13
2.39 AUDIT SERVICES
(a)That the four existing auditing firms be invited to submit proposals
and make presentations based on the requirement of the new
District Board No.11.(received)
(b)That the firm of Deioitte &Touche be appointed as auditors for
DistrictSchool Board No.11 for the stub year 1998 January 01 to
1998 August 31 and foran additional five years up to the year
ending 2Q03 August 31.(approved)
2.40 GENERAL LEGAL SERVICES
(a) Thatthethree existing legal firms be invited to submit proposals and
make presentations based on the requirement ofthe new District
Board No.11.(received)
(b) Thatthe firm ofPensa &Associates be appointedas general legal
counsel for District School Board No.11.(approved)
2.41 HUMAN RESOURCES LEGAL SERVICES
(a) Thatthe existing legal firms be invited to submitproposals and
make presentations forthe Human Resources legalservices of
the new District Board No.11.(received)
(b) That the firm of Filion Wakely and Thorup be appointed Human
Resource legalcounsel for District SchoolBoardNo.11.(approved)
2.42 BENEFITS CONSULTANT
(a) Thata Benefits Consultantfirm be utilized bythe District Board,
(received)
(b)Tliat the existing benefit firms be invited to submitproposals and
make presentations based on the requirement of the new District
Board No.11.Such presentations will be made to a committee
comprised of two LEIC Members, one member of the Director's
WorkGroup and the Human Resources Work Group,(received)
(c) That the firm of William M. Mercer Limited be appointed as
employee benefits services providerfor District School Board No.
11.(approved)
2.43 ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
(a) That the certified copy ofthe assets and liabilities data collection
information for each board be the documents used in the
development of the local plan as required under the directives
issued bythe EIC.(received)
1998 January 06...14
(b) That a subcommittee,including representatives from LEIC be
established to develop a local plan forthe distribution of assets and
liabilitieswith the LEICof District School Board #58.(received]
2.44 EIC MANDATED REQUESTS -HUMAN RESOURCES
That information on the process followed for .Extension of Existing
Contracts,Application to Fill and Vacancy,and Transfer of
Employees to District School Boards, be received,(received)
2.45 ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CHAIRPERSON
That the followingRole and Responsibilities of the Chairperson be
approved by District School Board No.11;
In addition to the duties of the Chair as outlined In the Education Act,
the Chair will have the following specific responsibilities:
-signing authority of the Board
-communicate/correspond/and consult on behalf of the Board
- act as spokesperson for the Board with the community and the
media
-liaison with EIC
-coordinate communication with Parent Councils,Home and
School groups,student groups and members of Parliament,
MPPs
-appoint trustees to ad hoc committees as required
- act as facilitator (enabler)to assist trustees in execution oftheir
duties
- in collaboration with staff,develop and forward agenda and
supporting material for meetings
-chair meetings presen/ing order and ruling on questions
- in consultation with the director,act on behalf of the Board
between meetings,In accordance with Board policies
-correspondence with trustees -updating information memo and
maintenance of information and articles of interest for trustees
other duties as required by the Board
-act as ex officio on all committees
-(approved)
2.46 CODE OF CONDUCT
That an Ad Hoc Committee of the District School Board be
established with the mandate to develop a Code of Conduct for
Trustees to be presented for approval ofthe Board by 1998 January
30.(approved)
1998 January 06...15
2.47 TRUSTEE INSERVICE
That the informationon Trustee Inservice be received,(received)
2.48 NAMING THE DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
(a)ThatDistrict School Board No.11 benamed"Thames Valley District
School Board",(approved)
(b)Thataletterbe fonwarded tothe EIC from District 11 recommending
that the word "Public"be included in the name of the Thames Valley
District SchoolBoardwitha copyofthe letterbeingforwardedtothe
Ministry of Education and Training and to OPSBA.(approved)
2.49 TRUSTEE HONORARIA
(a) Thatthe Honoraria for trustees of District School Board No.11 be
as follows:
Trustee $ 5 000
Vice Chair $ 7 500
Chair $10 000
and that the administration of the District School Board No.11
develop a policyfor the reimbursement of expenses incurred by
trustees and staff for consideration by tlie Board in January 1998.
(approved)
(b) That, subject to the regulation regarding trustee honoraria being
amended by the Ministry to increase the honoraria, the maximum
amount allowed be implemented automatically, (approved)
2.50 OPSBA REPRESENTATIVES
That the following trustees be appointed on an interim basis as
District School BoardNo.11 representatives to the OntarioPublic
School Board Association (OPSBA).
Bill Brock
Cynthia Nurse
(approved)
Recommendations 1.1 to 1.14 are adopted on motion of Brock and Jaffe
Recommendations 2.1 to 2.50, except 2.21A, 2.21B,2.45 and 2.50 are adopted on
motion of Nurse and Peters
1998 January 06...16
Recommendations 2.21Aand 2.21Bare adopted on motionof Brocl<and Bennett.
Recommendation 2.45 is adopted on motion of Brock and Jaffe.
Recommendation 2.50 is adopted on motion of Nurse and Bennett.
8.DIRECTOR'S COMMENTS AND INTRODUCTION
J.Laughlin,DirectorofEducationand Secretary welcomes everyone associated
withpublic education inElginCounty,Middlesex County,Oxford County and the
City of London to the first Inaugural meeting of the Thames Valley District
School Board,an area covering 10,000 square kilometres of farm land,
industries,villages, towns and cities.
The Director introduces the administrative team and provides background
information regarding their expertise in each of their designations.
9.PRESENTATION OF GAVEL
On behalf ofthe students of Thames Valley District School Board,the gavel of
office is presented to Chairperson Wice by Aaron Wice,student.Banting
Secondary School.
10.PRESENTATION TO MEMBERS OF THE LOCAL EDUCATION
IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE (LEIC)
On behalf ofthe Thames Valley District School Board,presentations are made
to the Local Education Improvement Committee Membiers,Coordinator,
Resource Team,and Support Staff:
Members Donna Mcllmoyle -Co-Chair
Heather Wice -Co-Chair
Karl Buczkowski
Neil Cornelius
Graham Hart
Bob Harvey
Gow Harvey
Nancy Sachs
John Townshend
Resource Team John Laughlin -Coordinator Peter Askey
Ted Anderson Demra Walker
Support Staff Don Scanlan Ann Hogg
1998 January 06...19
It will not be possible to meet every need or expectation.But we must begin by
articulating ourvalues if wearetomakegooddecisions and assess theireffectiveness.
Weighing decisions againstourvalueswill beourIndicator ofsuccess.Experience tells
us that manypeopleonly really understanda policy whenit negatively impactsthem.
To develop community understanding andsupportfor our policies wemust Include a
meaningful role forthe community,and for studentsaswedevelop ourconsultation and
governance structure.Links with student leaders,including considering student
trusteeship,will prove to be a valuable pulseforthis board.Developing these roles
early inourprocesswill helpthe Board define ourotherboardand community activities.
Building relationships with School Councils and HomeandSchool Associations must
alsobe a priority.The strength of parental and community Involvement will directly
impactour success and our ability to initiatechange.
Inthisera of declining provincial funding,the need for business and corporate support
will become increasingly necessary.While we recognize the need for corporate
sponsorshipwe mustalso expect thatsome concepts may fundamentally challenge
ourvalues. Acomprehensiveset ofguidelineswithin a corporatesponsorship policy
must reflect our values and define our limits while encouraging local creativity.The
concept of equityand centralized support will have to be addressed as we come to
grips with the fact that some schools do not have the same opportunities for
partnerships that other schools may have. Manyschools and businesses have
mutually benefitedfrom partnershipsand sponsorships. Students oftenget their first
chance to understand the worid of commerce and community responsibilityworking
with corporatepartners.However,inourattemptsto maintain programsand services
forour students,Ifear we could easily slipfrom sponsorship towards commercialism.
I am reminded of an article that I read about a charter school in Alberta whose parents
hadto raise $126,000 a year-notforextras -buttosupport the operationoftheschool.
This is not the kindof pressure Ibelieve our community should tolerate.
Wemustalso exploreincreased sharingofresources. Theremay6e opportunities to
workwithother boards,municipal bodies and service providers tolinkour expertise and
our facilities.Our predecessor boards began the journeythatwe must continuewith
Involvement in purchasing and training consortiums,and with the exploration ofshared
services and facilities.This cooperation need not be threatening - but itmust be well
planned.If ever the concept oftogether we are better was needed ~ itis nowl
Themuch anticipated funding model isexpectedinthe nextfewweeks(butthen Ithas
alsobeen expectedfor monthsl).The recent promisesofstable funding forthe stub
yearshould notgiveanyone a false sense ofsecurity. Recentexperiences have left
me quitecynical. Stable fundingshould mean students'programs and services are
supported to the same levelas last year. Unfortunatelythe government uses stable
funding to mean the total dollars available in the provincial pot. Many boards who
continueto reduce spending even with increasing enrollmenthave been impacted by
funding shifts.Funding changes mustbe accompaniedbya boardbyboardanalysis
ofthe implications.Equitable funding should not happen at the expense of other
students.I believe that all students are equal.Let's level out -- not down.
1998 January 06...20
Budgeting will be a big part of the'next year -- partly because we have reason to fear
that insufficient funding will threaten our programs and services, butalso because we
will have the "joy"ofprocessing twobudgets. Thisisthe firstyear that boards will not
have access tothe municipaltax base.In 1998 we are notonlygoing through a costly
(and non-funded) amalgamation process, but we have absolutely no information
availableto begingood budget planning processes.Thetransitiontothe DSB will not
happen overnight.Itisquite overwhelming tothinkofthe amountofworkthat mustbe
completed inthe next few months and years. There are some who are looking for
immediatesavings and downsizingin light ofthe amalgamation. There are otherswho
are anxiously awaiting access to allthe best fromeach predecessor board. Ibelieve
that neither option is possible nor realistic.Three years from now our system will be
very different. But for now we must work to establish long range standards and
objectives foreverything fromprogram access,to building standards,to supports and
services provided. This is notabout maintenance or change,thisis about the creation
of a new corporation.
As the shift continues to focus on the demonstration of results,we must define what it
means to the Thames ValleyDistrictSchool Board to be accountable.Accountability
should notfocus merely on finances - but beyond to establishing goals forour system
and our students and to'developing a plan to get there that includes strategies to
evaluate our success.Witha provincialfocus on test results itis up to us to strike the
balance between academic excellence and improvement,and the slip to being a test
driven system.Results must be used to improve - not to prove. We must share our
successes andacknowledge areas requiring improvement.Although werecognizethat
we need our parents and taxpayers to better understand our schools and our board
activities, we have not always been very successful in communicating our goals.We
must buildstrong relationships withthe media and reenergize our relationships withour
municipal councils and MPP's so that they can more fully understand the complexity
of our schools.We all want our students to succeed.Can we do better -of course we
can --but it will take more that just the education system to make the dramatic change
forall students.The government,ministryagencies and the communitymust workwith
us to recognize and to address factors outside our mandate.Together we can be
better.
Asindividual parts of the new District School Board -students,trustees,administrators,
staff,parents,taxpayers - we have many individual strengths but littleinfluence. We
have a highly motivated,enthusiastic and capable staff. Our teachers and support
staff want the best for our schools and students and are adapting to changes in
program direction,assessment strategies and to the restructuring.Our strong
administrative team is ready to take up the task of implementing the directions that this
board sets.More than ever we must be visionary inour thinking.Trusteeship is about
charting the course tothe future ~ itis about vision,advocacy,support and leadership.
f
1998 January 06...17
11.BOARD CHAIRPERSON'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS
Guests, colleagues,LEIC colleagues, formercolleagues, staff,students,families:
Aswe begin our journey as the new Thames Valley District School Board,we must
honourour history--our roots. Our predecessor boards of Elgin,London,Middlesex,
and Oxford will always be fondly remembered as the ELMO boards.The trustees,
administration and staffhave provided exceptionaleducational opportunities to their
communities formany years.Althoughthe boundaries are gone -their workmust not
be forgotten.
Iwanttothank mycolleagues forelectingme as chairperson. Iam honoured that you
have shown confidence in me. We have a huge task ahead and I look forward to
working together with all ofyou. I will use mycollaborativestyleand myexperience to
help build a strong team and to reach out to the communityon our behalf. I look
forward to working closely with Pat Smith, our Vice-chair, to provide the strong
leadership that you deserve.1am delighted to have the opportunityto continue towork
withyou John --you have always made me feel part ofthe team where we respect the
roles and responsibilitiesthat we each have. Our new board Iswell sensed to have you
as our chief educational officer supported by such a highlyskilledadministrative team.
This district will be well served by your leadership.We are on the threshold of the
creation of a new system;We will be part of definingwho the Thames Valley DSB is
andwhatwe hope toaccomplish. Wemustworktogether as one team todevelop fair,
equitableand practicalpolicieswithin ournew governance structure. Inshort,wehave
the chance to learn from our past,monitor the present and to look to the future.
1997 was a challengingyear - where the true foundations ofeducation were rocked
and damaged.Our staff have experienced high levels of anxiety and uncertainty
caused bythe changes to education and particularlythe amalgamation ofthe fourlocal
boards.Itis time to begin the healing. We have inherited a system badly In need of
stability,direction,leadership and vision, not due to mismanagement or lack of
professionalismso muchas tocircumstances and politics.Wehave an opportunity to
do what attracted allof us to become involved in education -to make things better for
our students and our community, and to prepare them both for the future. We must
respect the experience and perspective that each trustee brings to this table-butwe
must also be prepared to break traditions and to think creatively. We must come
together inthe best interests ofour students and our community--because together
.we are better.
This is the theme of my remarks tonight.
The Thames ValleyDistrict SchoolBoardis mostfortunatetosit firmly on a foundation
builtby a dedicated group of Individuals. The members ofour LEIC gave selflessly of
their time,and generously offeredtheirexperience and advice. Thisgroup personifies
for me the concept that together we are better. We came together with differing
expectations and goals, but quickly became a productive team.
1998 January 06...18
\
/
Iam proudto haveworkedas partofthisteam who maintaineda commitmentto keep
students first,who believed that our staff are our greatest resource,and who made
recommendations that were in the best interest of the entire district, not just in their
area.I learned a great deal from each ofyou both professionally and personally. The
report that was generated bythis committee is a legacy worth honouring. Therefore,
at the firstregular meeting ofthe Thames ValleyDistrictSchool Board on January 27,
this report will be the firstitemto be included ina timecapsule that will be prepared,
sealed and presented foropening at an appropriate milestoneinthe future. I will be
contacting the past chairpersons and directors ofthe Elgin,London,Middlesexand
OxfordBoards to discuss what remembrance oftheir Board they wishto include inthe
capsule. The capsule will also includesome notable itemsrepresentative of 1998 and
ofour new beginnings as.the Thames ValleyDistrictSchool Board. I would also be
pleased to hear other ideas that any ofyou may suggest be Included.Please contact
me as soon as possible so that arrangements can be completed before the board
meeting.
Ifwe believe that together we are better we must begin our work in 1998 by building
relationships. We must begin by building our relationship with each other. It Is
important that we develop a strong team built on trust. We must identify our
governance structure, our processes,and our priorities as a board of trustees.Many
concerns have been expressed as to how we will reconcile the diverse needs and
priorities across the vast 7100 sq. km.area.We are richwithdifferences: cultural,
economic,rural and urban but we are also rich with similarities:our student focus,our
caring well-trained staff, and quality programs and supports.As we sit here today,
some would say there is no community within our governance boundaries.Ifour
education system exists for our community then we must provide the leadership that
will create that new sense ofcommunity. Itis also important that the community and
trustees feel connected.With 189 schools and only 13 of us, we willobviously have to
redefine our involvement with schools Our Community Education Centres willprovide -
a vital link for us that will allow us to develop our connections frorn there.>
The report ofthe Education Improvement Commission on the Role ofSchool Boards
and Trustees begins withthe redefinitionof our responsibilities. However, the bigger
challenge istoworkwithour newdistrict to help community expectations evolve along
with us.
Each ofus must accept responsibility to better understand and respect local heeds and
priorities, and to examine how they fit within system priorities. The issue of policy
development to meet those priorities will be a complex one.A process for public
consultation and communication is required that builds on open two-way consultation
and trust.There will be many difficult policy decisions to make in the coming months
as we adjust to a new funding model and merge four program and service models Into
one. There will likely be changes Inprogram access and transportation policies.
1998 January 06...21
What liesaheadforusisa unique opportunity that few havethechanceto participate
In.Wehavebeenelectedor appointed to provide leadership tothe third largestschool
board inthe province.Wehavethe responsibility to govern a corporation thatis bigger
thanShell Canada,DofascoorFalconbridge.Acceptand be proudofthis responsibility
as a member ofthe team that isthe Thames Valley District School Board. Ourteam
wiii bestrongbecausewe have a wealth of expertise.We will build a teambecause
together we are better.
The Chairperson's addressisspread upon the minutes on motion ofJaffeand Smith..
12.BENEDICTION
The Rev. Robert C. Ripley pronounces the benediction.
CHAIRPERSON'S INVITATION
Chairperson Wice invites members andgueststo attend a reception,anda musical
presentation bythe Central S.S.students,(London),in the cafeteria following the
meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourns at 9:20 p.m.on motio£of Jaffeand Smith.
CONFIRMED:
Administrative Organization
Director of Education and Secretary
John LeughBn
Board Secretariat
InlemalAudt
L«gal Sorricos
1
Superintendent
of Business
Senses and
Treasurer
Supenntendent
of Human
Resource Services
Superintendent
of Program
Sen/ices
Superintendentof
Corporate Plannlflg
and Communlcatien
Services
\
Supertntendent
of Operations
Services
'Superintendent
of Transitional
Issues
Pefer GryseelsBrianGreene
Associate
Supenntendent
of Business
Teake Veenstra
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RichardMurrsy
GerryTreble
Community.
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1998 January 06...23
COMMUNITY EDUCATION CENTRES
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Community Education Centres are committed to providing services to the
community by:
- ensuring that decisions focus on student learning
- being responsive to school community Initiatives
- recognizing that schooi-based decision-malting within established parameters
supports and enhances learning
- ensuring that the community,trustees and staff understand the access pointsfor
decision-making -and probiem-soiving, and that these access points are
communicated to aii stal<eholders.
- ensuring accountability through the consistent implementation of policies and
procedures
We believe that Community Education Centres contribute to making District 11 an
effective and efficient education system by:
- supporting and enhancing the learning process
-responding to the local school community in a timely fashion
- modeling positive personal interactions withinand among school communities
- promoting life-long learning and ongoing growth and development
- promoting effective community partnerships
-identifying withand being accessible to the local community -
- supporting the notion of equitable opportunityfor all
- ensuring open and reciprocal communication
-promoting fiscal responsibility