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12/14/1999 - Regular Board MeetingTHAMES VALLEY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD INAUGURAL MEETING,1999 DECEMBER 14 His 2000 Boardmeets in Inaugural session on the above date inthe Board Room at the Education Centre,meeting inCommittee ofthe Whole,in camera at 5:30 p.m. on motion of Brockand Smith,followed by the public session at 7:00 p.m. The following are in attendance: P.Jaffa,Chairperson D.Stewart R.Vaughan (+7:00) S.Peters also: J.Laughlin P.Gryseels 8.Bryce B.Greene M.Sereda G.Jazey P.Schuyler Q.Hart (+6:00) J.Bennett J.Hunter J.Thorpe P.Mennill R. Murray G.Treble L.Peck S.Galati Regrets:C.'.Nurse,A.Deathe 3.No conflicts of interest are declared. H.Wice P.Smitti W.Brock J.Townshend J.McKenzis 8.Christie D.Williams A. Hogg S.Lundrigan W.^tt 6. INVOCATION Rabbi Larry Lander,Or Shalom Synagogue,delivers thelnvocation. O CANADA AND MUSICAL PRESENTATION The Chippewa Public School Festival Choir from London, with Shari Blaha, conductor,and Chris Auger accompanist,leads In the singing of "0 Canada" and brings musical greetings.The appreciation of the Board is extended to the students,conductor,and accompanist for their participation in the Inaugural meeting. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS David Stewart,Vice Chairperson,welcomes guests to the meeting and introduces Trustees,the Director of Education,and the Executive Secretary. 1999 December 14...6 GREETINGS Ministry of Education Representative of Municipalities TerryBoucher,District Manager, London Letter from Ann Marie Di Clcco, Deputy Mayor,City of London London DistrictCatholic School Board John Ferris,Chairperson Representative forSchoolCouncils MaryArnold,Chairperson Middlesex CountySchool Council 8.REPORT OF THE CHAIRS'COrVlMlTTEE That the following committee and other appointments for 2000be approved. COMMITTEE Committee of the Whole Information Committee of the Whole SpecialEducation Advisory Committee (SEAC)- (three year term) Supervised Alternative Learning for Excused Pupils (SALEP) Chairs'Committee Policy Working Committee BudgetAdvisoryCommittee 2000 COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP All Trustees All Trustees J. Bennett, C. Nurse, J.Townshend CEC Central -J.Bennett,J.Hunter CEC East - Q.Hart,P.Smith (Alternate) CEC South - D.Stewart,C.Nurse (Alternate) P.Jaffe,D.Stewart,P.Smitti J. Bennett, W. Brock, S.Peters, P. Smith, R.Vaughan W.Brock,G.Hart, C.Nurse Negotiations Advisory Committee J.Bennett,P.Smith,R.Vaughan Native AdvisoryCommittee J.Bennett.J.Hunter,P.Schuyler r 1999 December 14...7 Communications Advisory Committee COMMITTEE Staff Development Advisory Committee Ad Hoc Committee on School Councils /Community Involvement Director/System Review Committee J.Townshend 2000 COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP W.Brock D.Stewart,H.Wice W.Brock,Q.Hart,J.Hunter, D.Stewart,R.Vaughan Ad Hoc Committee to Review S.Peters,P.Smith,D.Stewart, Board Bylaws R.Vaughan School Area Accommodation Dorchester - W. Brock (Chair), Study Committees Western Fair Representative Computer Committee Award of Distinction Committee London Joint-Use Working Committee J.Hunter Northbrae - J.Bennett(Chair), J.Townshend St.TTiomas - D.Stewart (Chair), C.Nurse Woodstock - G. Hart (Chair), R.Vaughan J.Hunter C.Nurse P.Schuyler,H.Wice (Alternate) J.Townshend The report is received and the recommendation is adopted on motionof Wiceand Townshend. 9.REPORT OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Reports: t.No conflicts of interest were declared. 1999 December 14 2. The Committee met in camera from 5:30 p.m. to 5:52 p.m.,and discussed confidential personnel and other matters. 3. The Administration reported the following assignments/transfers, effective 2000 January 01; 1999 December 14...8 Name Elementary Principals Debra Farquhar Judy Arnold Charlotte Gauthier Avril Saunders-Currie* Lynda Pressey Gord Park Dave Broadhead Jane Boate* Don Scott* Elementary Vice Principals Lorri Vitols* Carol Small John'Morrow* Earl Towell* Cella Handsaeme* Marianne LaRose* Brenda McCormick* Secondary Vice Principals Bob Miskiman Barry Baker Don Macpherson Location Arthur Stringer Prince Charles Caradoc North Huron Heights New Sarum Sparta Springfield Sherwood Forest Colborne Street Maple Lane Evelyn Harrison Carrothers Davenport John P.Robarts Lord Elgin W.Sherwood Fox Laurier South Strathroy *Fromotion •see recommendation 1 below Recommendation: 1.TTiat the motions approved attheincamerasession,1999 December 14 relatedto administrative appointments be adopted,andthe motions (see below)and administrative assignments (see item 3}be reported in the 1999 December 14 minutes. a) That in accordance with the Revised Interim Promotional Practices: Selection Procedures and Appointment of Principals and Vice Principals,the following "pool"of candidates be approvedforappointments tothe position.Principal,Elementary si^ools: Jane Boate Jim Bowden Helmut Heitzmann Stephen McCombe Lorna McKenzie Pat Patterson Avril Saunders-Currie Don Scott Paul Szorenyi The report is received andthe recommendation is adopted on motion ofStewart and Bennett. A .1999 December 14...9 ;\ V. 10.PRESENTATION OF THE GAVEL On behalf ofthe students,Trustees,staffand community ofthe Board,the gavel of office is presented to Chairperson Jaffe by his sons Aaron Jaffe,a student from Ryersori Public School,and Adam Jaffe,a student from Banting Secondary School. 11.BOARD CHAIRPERSON'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS "TO DREAM THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM" If I could sing,I would have chosen thissong (To Dream the Impossible Dream)as a themefor my Inaugural address as Chairperson ofthe Thames Valley District School Board,andas we approach the new millennium.As an effective leader, Iknowthe limits of mytalent and, therefore, Iam calling on soloist Claire Burns and her accompanist Erin Brennan from Banting S.S.,to set the mood for the evening.- In our third yearas a schoolboard,we have a lotof accomplishments tofeel proudofbecause ofour collective efforts.In 1998,Chairperson HeatherWIce convinced us to start developinga team based on the premise logether we are batter." Thispast year, Chairperson Pat Smith encouraged us to remember ourroots butspread our wings totake flight as a Board.Tonight,Iwanttocalloneach of us to move into the next century by daring to dream about all the possibilities that liebeforeus. Somepeople would say thattobe a Trusteein 1999 and deal wth all the changes smd challenges,we_would have to be dreamers to survive. Many would have abandoned this position some time ago and looked to a more provincial approach. Butwe have remained committedto our mission and belief statements and focussed first on tiie needs of our students.With the helpofourcommunities,we have identified and responded to local needs and priorities.We must have been the people that George Bernard Shaw thought about when he said, "Some people see the world way itis and ask 'why?'and other people dream about the world as itcouldbe and ask S/vhy not?'". 1keep asking V^y not' forthe 90,000 students inour system. Iamproudtohavethe bookends forthese students with oneson,Aaron,just startingJunior Kindergarten thispast September and hisolderbrother,Adam, graduating from Banting Secondary Schoolthiscomingspring. Some people may think thatthisIstoo big ofa gap between children,butit'sperfectforany parent's self-esteem. Just as one childtellsyouknownothing,the otherchild suffers from the delusion that you know everything. 1can see how much kindergarten has changed over the past 12 years. I can hardly beginto imagine whatschooland careerchoices will be like when Aaron graduates in 2013 or my youngest son, Daniel, in 2016. 1999 December 14...10 Looking to tlie future isan important endeavour inorderto remind ourselves that the decisions that we make as a Board are rooted firmly In our shared beliefs and are based on what will bring success to our students. Governmentsand Ministers ofEducationmaycome and goand priorities may change, but our parents need to be reassured that trustees will never take theireyes off the onlythingswhich really matter-the classroomandthe needs of individual students. What kind ofexperiencedowewantforthose yetto come into ourschools? 1want to share some of mydreams with you tonight, and ask you to think aboutyourdreamsandwhat kind ofschoolsystemyou would like tosee inthe next century. Imagine if all oiir schools were free ofviolence.Violence isa major concern formanystudents, parents, and teachers.Schools are notimmuneto many ofthe social forces that have created greater anxieties and awareness about all forms of abuse and VioIence. TTie media has sensationalized youth violence to such an extent that it's sometimes difficult to sort through what is real and what is perceived. Nonetheless,wehave an incredibleopportunitytoworktogether wU)parents and community agencies to develop effectiveviolence preventionprograms that support our second system belief ^at "learning occurs best In safe, caring,respectful and welcoming environments".Asolid foundation inconflict resolution, social skills,respect and tolerance, and developing healthy relationshipsIsa lotcheaper than bootcamps and correctional facilities for adolescents and young adults. In Thamas Valley,we have some unique opportunities because of the expertise spread amongst our founding partners.Iam always humbled when Ithink ofthe quiet and cost-effectiveeffortsof staffinthe former Middlesex Boardindevelopingviolencepreventionprograms. The lateTom Williamson, a Program superintendent inthe former Middlesex Board,always allowed his staffto take risks and stood behind them regardless of the initial results. The model pioneeredbythe Middlesex Board through the use ofdramaand student peer facilitators Isnowspreading throughthe Thames Valley system with the support of the London Community Foundation.Arecent provincial government report entitled The Joint Committee on Domestic Violence, highlighted this program as a best practicein Ontario to prevent domestic violence In the next generation.TTiis program Is but one example of the creativity inourstaffthat is waiting to be unleashedand fosteredinthe next century. It is an example of staff who have found a way to make things happen,despite a lack of funding and resources. r 1999 Decsmber 14...11 Imagine if cultural diversity was embraced and valued.Throughout the Board,• we have schools that bring together dozensof cultures and religious beliefs. Many of our schools have developed climates of harmony and respect for this diversity,supporting the eleventh ofour system beliefs,which states that "our -school system is strengthened by embracing diversity and celebrating creativity".Our staff are vigilant for any signs of racism and opportunities to promote understanding and appreciation of cultural differences.When we achieve these outcomes,publiceducation has its finesthours. Wehavecometo learnthattherewere people at peace with thisgreat land before we arrived in Canada.Trustee Schuyler and his Native Advisory Committee are dedicated to creating newopportunities for Native studentsand increasing their knowledge and pride in their culture,as well as increasing other students' understanding about the First Nations people. Former Trustees wouldbe proud to see our 'burning ofthe sweet grass"ceremony as partofa newThames Valley tradition,symbolizing ourconnectionto greater peace,tranquillity,and our mind-body-spirit connectedness. AsTrustees,we have cometo appreciate thespecial needs ofnewCanadians as they arrive inthe Valley.Theterm'global village"isho longeran abstract concept.The world changesin dramatic wayswhich affect ourschools In an immediate fashion. One day we watch television reports about a war in Kosovoand it seems the next day refugees arrive at our schools. Thispast October,Thames Valley welcomed 100 Kosovar students whonot only remind us of the bloodshed elsev^ere in the world,but also foster profound appreciation ofthe peace wehaveinCanada. Oneyoung Kosovar refugee captured these feelings ina poem entitled Tears-and Fears",which I will share witfi you now. Tears and fears You can see on our faces. Many things on our minds Our land ...we left behind. Tears and fears for these guys. You can see in their eyes Sunshine and hope As we know already lost. All this darkness in the air Butlikea God, you were there. Welcome and hope in this case We will see on your face. 1999 December 14...12 TTianks to you oh Canada Ifeel I'm a safe and lucky guy. Grateful souls we are Foryou are helping Kosovars. (Written byGezim Bujupi) Gezim may feel that hehas benefited a great deal from Canada but in the years to come;Canada may benefit a great deal from both him and his brothers and sisters. I can't help but reflect on the fact that my parents escaped Nazi Germany more than 60 years ago.They told me ona daily basis how fortunate I was that Canada took them in. My mother recently reminded methat my father told herthathis children's success would ensure that Canada wouldnever regret itsdecisionto givethem refugee status. Oneof my dreamsisthatwecango beyond tolerance,andin fact,celebrate our diversity in the next century:I wish thatwe could develop measures of cultural competence and respect, and reportthese scores as proudly as our math and reading scores. I worry thatwehave become so preoccupied with academic scores that we have narrowed our perspective of what makes students successful,contributing memberstosociety. Our fourth beliefstates that "all leamers can developinto contributing citizenswhoare accountable to themselves and others".We must ensure that we continue to address the needs ofthe whole student-the physical,academic,socialand emotional. Our preoccupation with "back tothe basics"can result in teachers spending all theirtime preparingstudents for province-wide tests at the expense of being ableto respond tothe diverse needsofstudents In the classroom.By way ofexample,the NewYorkTlmes recently reported thatthe Chicago school system gives teachers a day-by-day teaching guide with reference to questions thatmaycomeupontests ofbasic academic skills which are used to compare schools across the city,stateand country.Iamfearful thatwewill end up with the same preoccupation inOntario. Imagine ifthereweresufficient resourcestomeettheneedsofall exceptional students.As a system,we believe thatwemust"recognize andsupportthe needs ofaillearners to enable themto reach their potential".Tothisend, our Board has doneitsverybestto meetthe needs of exceptional students. We have moved moneyoutofotherareas and into thespecialeducationarea well beyond the provincial funding formula andyetweare still falling shortofthe real needs in the Thames Valley system. The funding formula simply fails to recognize the complex needs of many studentsthat defy inflexible and simplistic l^els.Thenew Ministry funding formulas come at a time when there are increased high needs students inthe system due to the simultaneous closing of hospital beds and physical and mental health care facilities for children.There has never been a time in the history of education whengreaterdemandshavebeen placedonourstafffor Integration of special students who would have been served in more specialized facilities in the past. r 1999 December 14...13 While thespirit ofintegration is welcomed,and our staff have been extremely hard-working in ensuring a smooth transition,thesuccess ofthis ti'ansltion Is compromised bythe lack of adequate resources and funding.My hope in the coming yearisto better articulate between the real needsand tiie available resources. In the past,when we have tried to do this,trustees,administrators and teachers have been seen as whiners or Incompetent In managing allocated resources. Nobodyever calls doctors or hospital administratorswhiners or incompetent when they describe the effects of funding cuts on emergency roomsor long-term care facilities.Theyhavedonea betterjob of articulating the discrepancy between theneeds,andthe funding andresources available. Ineducation, we seem toidentifyonly enough students to match the resources ' and Inadvertently discourage many other students and parents from coming forward for help. We need to be more candid together with the Ministry of Education about what we can and can't do,so at least the choices and priorities are clearly onthetable. Weneedto become more vocal and skilled advocates for these students. Imagineif all community partners came together to support learning. This dream Is consistent with our mission statement which says,'The Thames Valley Board Is a partnership of students,parents, staff and community committed to excellence as a leader In public education". ' Most trustees have had fantasies about a "Ministry for Children' that would genuinely address children's developmental needs in a comprehensive fashion. I suggest that we never abandon this fantasy sin'ce,nowmorethan ever before,there needs to be a new level of collaboration among ministries like education,community and social sen/ices,health, and correctional services. We've seen the beginningofthis partnership as trustees and administration have worked together as advocates for our students'needs.This was especially evident when Past ChairSmithand our DirectortravelledtoToronto to meet with the Ministerto discuss refiningthe funding formulas,and to lobby for Improvements,flexibility and autonomy. Our provincehas givena clear signal that itis prepared to invest inthe early years based on the support ofthe report bythat name, authored by Fraser Mustardandthe Honourable Margaret McCain. It'swell accepted that children with adverse early childhood experiences,wnth a lack of nurturing and stimulation,will suffer long-term emotional, behavioural and cognitive difficulties such that they are likely to experience struggles Intheireducation and community adjustment. 1999 December 14...14 There have been times in our recent history whan this fantasy has been brought closer to reality,such asthe period when cooperation between the Ministries of Education,Community and Social Services,and the*private sector,allowed for day care facilities to be created within school buildings. These programs provided anideal opportunity for interaction amongst different service providers and excellent training and study experiences for senior students,while often meeting the needs of marginalized students in the system,such as teen mothers.We need toaskthe government to reconsider their position onthisissue In light ofthe Earlv Years Studv. Throughout the VaJley,we have some examples that should serve as prototypes of what may be possible.In Tlllsonburg,we have the Livingston Centre which Is a five-sector partnership designed to provide multiple community services from one common location such as counselling, education,employment programs,residential and family supports; In London,at SirGeorgeRoss S.S., we have a community schoolresource project in which staff from three ministries are worWng to develop a support network for young people In difficult circumstances and finding both academic and personal success. These kinds of programs should become the norm rather than the shining lights. Tomake some ofour dreams come true, Ibelievethat we will have to establish a foundation that will provide a vehicle for generating revenue to expand learning opportunities for our students.This foundation wll be especially important If we remain committed to providing equity to programs and services across the Valley.Although we have had some debate about how to recognize donors vs^out turning our schools into billboards,Iamsure that collectively we wll find a way to integrate our core values an3need for creative financing. Conclusion I'veshared some of my dreams with you tonight.I know all of you have dreams orelse you wouldn't have taken on your role as trustees In these challenging times. We are blessed with exceptional staff throughout the Valley.Whenever I look at our administration, I see an all-star team of some of the finest talent from ourfour forming partners.Iwant tosuggestto you tonight thatwehavemany ofthe structures and policies In placefora well-functioning education system. What weneedisto unleash the full potential thatexists within the Valley by giving ourstaff permission to pursue their dreams and come up with the most creativeideas and solutionsto challenges we vtrill face Inthe new millennium. Ourcomputers are allYear 2000 compliant,butare we? 1999 December 14...15 Ifwe can remain committed to the vision of our Board which is to develop a caring,learning community,wecan make a difference In the lives.of many students.In all the upheaval,conflict and uncertainty In education,we-all want the Thames Valley District ^hool Board to be a shining star in Ontario and Canada.Wewouldliketo be a guiding light forpubliceducation. Wewant parents andstudents to know thattheycome first everydayinoursystem. To be successful, we must demonstrate that we can continue to work as a teamthat practices faith,trustandrespectineach otherandour staff.In the midstofenormous challenges ahead,we will become moreeffectivetrustees ifwecancontinuetodemonstratea faith thatsupportsthesystem,a hopethat motivates and encourages our staff, and loveof children that sustains our dreams. 1wanttothankthe Chippewa Festival choirfor summing upourdreamsintheir final musical message.What the World Needs Now.- The Chairperson's address Isspread upon the minutes on motion of Stewart and Smith. 12.BENEDICTION DavidStewart, Vice Chairperson,pronounces the benediction. 13.Chairperson Jaffe invites membersand guests to attend a reception In the cafeteria following the meeting. ADJOURNMENT T]ie meeting adjourns at 8:05 p.m. on motion of Hartand Peters. /(^CONRRMED: Cha^person