3/24/1998 - Regular Board MeetingTHAMES VALLEY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
REGULAR MEETING,1998 MARCH 24
The Board meets in regular session on the above date in the Board Room at the
Education Centre, meeting inCommittee ofthe Wholein camera at 5:00 p.m.,followed
by a public session at 7:00 p.m.The following are in attendance:
H.Wice,Chairperson
P.Smith
C.Nurse
G. Hart (-9:30)
also:
J.Laughlin
P. Askey
S.Westaway
P.Gryseels
B. Bryce
B.Greene
T.Anderson
C. Murphy
J.Hunter
J.Bennett
D.Stewart
P.Mennill
R.Trahan
J.Mackey
R. Murray
G.Treble
T.Veeristra
L.Peck
B. Beatty
W.Brock
M.Metras (-9:30)
R.Elm
J.Malfara
R.Wilson
J.McKenzie
R.Neatby
S.Christie
A. Hogg
W.Scott
Regrets:R.Vaughan,P.Jaffe
STRATHROY DISTRICT COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE STAGE BAND
The appreciation of the Board is extended to the students of the Stralhroy District
Collegiate Institute Stage Band,conductor Greg Mainprize, for leading in the singing
of "0 Canada"and bringing musical greetings.
RECOGNITION OF "NAME YOUR SCHOOL BOARD"CONTEST WINNERS
Congratulations are extended by the Board to the followingfour winners ofthe "Name
Your School Board"contest.Each student is presented with a scholarship cheque;an
engraved plaque Is being prepared for presentation at a future date.
Ryan Hutchinson
Aftan Merriam
Russ Patton
Rob Wood
Norwich District S. S.
Mosa Central P.S.
Mosa Central P.S.
Westminster Central P.S.
OFFICIAL RECORD
We regret to record the death of Rachel Linda Gebhardt,a student at Mountsfield P.S.,
London, on 1998 February 22. Rachel will be missed by allwho knew her.
1998 March 24...79
32-A.No conflicts of interest are declared.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Board moves into Committee of the Whole in camera,at 5:00 p.m. on motion of
Brocl<and Hunter.
The Committee rises to report.
The Board resumes.
32-B.Report of the Committee of the Whole 1998 March 24
Reports:
1.No conflicts of interest were declared.
2. The Committee met In camera from 5:00 p.m. to 6:10 p.m. and from9:45 p.m.
to 10:25 p.m. and discussed confidentialproperty,personal and other matters.
3. The Administration reported the following secondary school appointment/
transfer,effective 1998 April 01:
Ted McTavish*Principal, Banting S.S.
Don Scanlon Vice Principal,Beal S.S.
*promotion -see recommendation 3 below
Recommendations:
1. That the resignation to retirement for the following elementary teacher be
accepted under the mutual consent clause,effective 1998 May 01:
Margaret Smyth Caradoc Central School
2. That the resignation ofthe following secondary teacher be accepted under
the mutual consent clause,effective 1998 March 25:
Maril^e Hildreth Banting S.S.
3.That the following "pool"of candidates for appointment to the position,Principal,
Secondary Schools,be appproved:
Ted McTavish
Ron Newnes
Don Scanlon
1998 March 24...80
4.That the appointment be approved of Avril Saunders-Currie to the position,
Acting Vice-Principal,Elementary, effective 1998 March 30 to 1998 June 30 be
approved.
P.SMITH
Chairperson
The report is received and the recommendations are adopted on motionof Smith and
Bennett.
Trustees Hart and Metras are absent during voting.
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
33-A. The minutes ofthe Regular Board meeting,1998 February 24,are approved
on motion of Nurse and Bennett.
33-B. The minutes ofthe Board meeting,1998 March 10,are approved on motion
of Nurse and Bennett.
REPORTS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION
Director's Branch
34-A. Director J.Laughlln advises that the new provincial funding formula is
expected to be officially released on 1998 March25. Time will be needed for
the administration to analyze and evaluate the funding model and it is
expected that a preliminary analysis will be available bythe end ofthe week.
The report is received on motionof Brockand Peters.
Operations Services
35-A.Recommendation:
That the costs for Furniture and Equipment for H. B.Beal S.S.,North
Meadows P.S.,and White Oaks P.S.,as set out below, be approved and
financed as follows:
-computer technology by way of a lease as required;
- the balance ofthe Furnitureand Equipment be included inthe debenture
or long-term financing of each project;
-start up costs from general operating budgets.
1998 March 24...81
School
Furniture &
Equipment Computers Startup Total
Beal $4200 000.$2 157 000.$260 000.$6 617 000.
North Meadows 323 000.362 000.150 000.835 000.
White Oaks 569 000.891 000.170 000.1 630 000.
Total $5 092 000.$3 410 000.$580 000.$9 082 000.
Background:
The following projects are scheduled forcompletion 1998 September:
H.B.Beal S.S.Renovation
North Meadows PS New School
White Oaks PS Addition
A Committee of school administration, school personnel,C.E.C. staff and
Associate Superintendents compiled detailed furniture and equipment lists.
The schools used the same criteria indetermining the total costs.This cost
criteriaisat the lower range of expenditures forsimilarprojects completed in
the last five years.The startup costs will be used for electrical hookups,
textbooks, small equipment purchases (e.g., pencil sharpeners,wastepaper
baskets,etc.).
The report is received and the recommendation is adopted on motionof Brockand
Stewart.
MOTIONS -NOTICE OF WHICH HAS BEEN GIVEN
36-A.Hart and Nurse move:
That the Administration develop a plan to explore the feasibilityof providing
Junior Kindergarten inall areas where space is presently available by 1998
September,and in all other areas as soon as feasible.
An amendment byBrockand Nurse to add the words "and report back to the Board as
soon as possible in 1998 April",Is adopted.
The main motion,as amended,is carried.
1998 March 24...82
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
37-A.Report of the First Meeting of the Special Education Advisory
Committee,
1998 March 03
12:00 noon-2:35 p.m.
Members
J.Bennett,Interim Chairperson C.Hawthorne
C.Nurse
K.Sumnall
C.Laine (-2:20)
M.Tucker (-1:15)
R.Teichrob (-1:30)
L.DePauw (-2:30)
M.Worsley
H.Mezon
N.Gooding
L.Stevenson
A.Morse
P.Gillls
C.Culver
B.Gluliano
Administration and Others
D.Varnell
S.Westaway
B.Merifield
S. Hurley
V.Weil
W.Scott
Regrets: G. Hart,L.Shalnllne,S. Cowan,J.Worthington,M.Crawford
Reports:
1.No conflicts of Interest were declared.
Don Varnell Associate Superintendent •Program Sen/ices welcomed SEAC
members,administration and support staff to the first meeting of the Special
Education Advisory Committeeofthe Thames Valley District School Board.
2. Don Varnell,chaired the meeting for the election of the-Chairperson.The
procedures for nominating and electing a Chairperson and Vice Ciiairperson for
1998 were reviewed and discussed,it was decided that an interim Chairperson
be appointed forthe months of March,April and May. Trustee Joyce Bennett
was elected as InterimChairperson forthe three monthperiod and assumed the
chair. The election of the Vice Chairperson for 1998 was deferred to a
subsequent meeting.
3. Areview ofthe terms of reference ofthe Committee was provided.Membership,
qualifications,duties,procedural Issues and the basic principles of the
Committee were highlighted. It was reported that a portion of time on
upcoming agendas is to be allottedfororientation. Members were invited to
submit any specific items they would like reviewedto Bob Merifield,Program
Services at least three weeks before the meeting.
1998 March 24...83
4.In response to a request thatthe alternate representative receive a SEAC
agenda,a discussion washeld pertaining tothe timelines and costsassociated
with producing and mailing the agenda.Itwas decided thatthe Members will
advise the Office of the Executive Secretary iftheiralternate's name is to be
added to the SEAC distribution list. Itwas noted that a copy of the SEAC
agenda Is also available before the meeting at the East, West, South and
Central Community Education Centres. Itwas suggested that consideration be
given to posting the SEAC agendaonthe Internet toassistin defraying the
costs associated with printing and delivery.The matterIsto be taken under
advisement.
5. An oven/iew ofthe Rules GoverningDebate and the Interim Board By-Laws
was provided.During a discussion ofthe Rules of Order -Motions itwas
requestedandsupportedthatwhere time permits any motion(s)shouldappear
initsentirety ontheagendainadvanceofthe meeting;otherwise the motion(s)
shallbe presented In writing for distribution to ail membersat the meeting.
6. The following dates forthe 1998 meetings ofSEACwere confirmed:
April07
May 05
June 09
September 15
October 08
November 03
December 01
Itwas noted that in accordance withRegulation 464 the Committee shall meet
ten times in each school year. Itwas reported that due to the amalgamation of
the four school boards March 03 was the eariiest date to begin SEAC
meetings;therefore,itis anticipated thatthe above schedule of meetings will
be conducted during the 1998 school year.
Itwas suggested that subsequent meetings may be held at other locations.
Specific requests may be submitted to Joyce Bennett, Bob Merifield,or Don
Varneli.The rationale for continuing with the 11:45 a.m. meeting time was
discussed and supported.
7. Bob Merifield,Program Supervisor provided an overviewof a report entitled.
Process forAddressing Exceptionaland RemedialStudent Needs.
1998 March 24...84
During a lengthyquestionand answer periodthesixstep process was reviewed
and revisions suggested.The need forearlycollaborative Intervention with the
Involvement of the parent/legal guardian as an essential component of the
process was emphasized. Memberswere encouraged to discuss the draft
document withtheir Association and to submit additional suggestions to Bob
Merifieid,ProgramSupervisor. Itwas noted that this document is being used
during insen/ice sessions with Principals,Vice Principalsand LearningSupport
Teachers.
8.-Copies ofthe Administrative OrganizationChartand theCommunityEducation
Centres Chart were distributed.
An overview of the current program and sen/ices statistics for the Thames
Valley District School Boardforthe 1997/98 schoolyear was requested forthe
April meeting.It was noted that information pertainingto the lliames Valley
District SchoolBoardmaybe accessed throughthewebsite {www.tvdsb.on.ca).
9.The Committee met in Forum;
The report Is received on motionof Bennett and Hunter.
J.BENNETT
Chairperson
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
38-A.Trustee Appointments to the Ontario Public School Boards'Association
(OPSBA)
a)Recommendation:
Thatthe following trustee appointmentsto the Ontario PublicSchool
Boards' Association, for the period ending 1998 August 31, be
approved.
Joyce Bennett
Cynthia Nurse
Bill Brock-alternate
The recommendation is adopted on motionof Brockand Hart.
1998 March 24...85
b)Trustee Nurse reports that Chairperson Wice hasbeen appointed Vice
Presidentof OPSBA Western Region;other appointments are Trustee
Smithtothe Ontario RuralCounciland Trustee Hartand Chairperson
Wice to the Transportation Committee.
Trustee Nurse advises trustees that the Labour Relations Conference
is to be held 1998 March 26 - 28 at the Marriott Centre in Toronto.
Trustees are encouraged to read the information contained In the
OPSBA weeldy pubilcation Fast Reports which highlight provincial
Initiatives.
The reportis receivedon motion ofNurseand Peters.
38-B.Governance Structure
Recommendations:
(a)That the governance strudture,deveioped by the trustees ofthe Thames
Valiey District School Board,be confirmed as a pilot project to be
implemented immediately,andtheChairs'Committee review thegovernance
structure and report to the Board on 1998 October 27,recommending
efficiencies and refinements.
(b) That the following Committeeappointments for 1998,be confirmed:
Committee of the Whole • All Trustees
SALEP -Trustee as designated
Chairs'Committee •Heather Wice
Pat Smith
Policy Worldng Committee •Bill Brock
(Chairto be elected byCommittee) Peter Jaffe
Cynthia Nurse
Sharon Peters
Robert Vaughan
Collective Agreement Project Team -Joyce Bennett
Pat Smith
Performance Indicators Process Project -Bill Brock(Chair)
Team Graham Hart
Jan Hunter
Mary Lynn Metras
David Stewart
1998 March 24...86
Note:The following appointments were approved at the Board meeting,
1998 February14.
Native Advisory Committee - RosalynElm (Chair)
Jan Hunter
David Stewart
SEAC (3 Year Term)- Joyce Bennett (interim Chair)
Graham Hart
Cynthia Nurse
Background:
At meetings held 1998 February 27 and 28,with the assistance of a
facilitator,trustees draftedseveral principles toguidethe governanceofthe
new board. At a further meeting held 1998 March 03, the following six
governance principles were Identified:
Principle #1
The Boardof Trustees existstogoverntheschoolsystem inthe best interest
of its students.
Principle #2
The Board of Trustees is accountable to Its publicschool supporters.
Principle #3
The BoardofTrustees represents the interestsofitsstudents, parents and
the community.
Principle #4
The Board of Trustees speaks with one voice through its policies and
decisions.
Principle#5
The Board ofTrusteesis responsible fordefining theexpectedoutcomes and
policies essentialto meeting the organization's mission and beliefs.
Principle#6
The Board of Trustees holds the Director of Education accountable for
Implementation ofBoard Policies and Boarddecisions.
1998 March 24...87
At the 1998 March 03 meeting,trustees also considered a committee
structure which encompasses statutory committees,a standing committee,
working committees,community liaison,community representation and
project management teams. The governance principles and committee
structure (see page 88 for finalized structure)will be implemented
immediately as a pilot projecttobe reviewed in 1998 October.
The report is received andthe recommendations are adoptedon motion of Smith and
Brock.
COMMUNICATION
39-A.None at this time.
ADJOURNMENT
The meetingadjourns at 10:28 p.m.on motionofBrockand Peters.
CONFIRMED:
Ty^Chairperson
StMtirtoij Oomoitteei
S.EJI.C.
WOtfclng Committees
Chairs'Committee Folt^Working
Committee
•afoKhoob (<«per board
notion)
•peU9 en poUd<4
•«oBtBimI9 Im^htncst
(Sclieel OaoDdlaAIonB aad
School)
Board
StuidtBS Ooemittee
Committee
of the Whole
Ontcome Based ProJcctTeam^