9/28/1999 - Regular Board MeetingTHAMES VALLEY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
AGENDA FOR REGULAR MEETING,1999 SEPTEMBER 28
The Board meets in reguiar session on the above date inthe Board Room at the Education Centre,meeting
inpublic session at 7:00 p.m. on motionof and followed by an in camera session.
0'CANADA -DAVENPORT P.S.CHOIR,AYLMER
I
OFFICIAL RECORD
I
85-A CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
86-A Minutes of the Regular Board meeting,1999 June 22 approve separate
86-B Minutes ofthe Special Board meeting,;1999 August 31 approve separate
88-C Minutes of the Board meeting,1999 September 14 approve separate
REPORTS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION
1
87-A Director's Announcements '
1
receive verbal
87-B DepartmentalUpdates ,receive page 2-20
87-C
1
Human Resource Services -Summer Approvals receive page 21
87-D
1
Operations Services -Elementary Administrative Transfers receive page 22
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES |
88-A
1
Special Education Advisory Committee,1999 September 07
1
receive page 23 -28
88-B Committee of the Whole,1999 September 14 approve page 29 -36
88-C Committee of the Whole,1999 September 28 verbal
MOTIONS •NOTICE OF WHICH HAS BEEN GIVEN
I
I89-A None at this time j
I
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
I
90-A None at this time j
COMMUNICATION
91-A Chippewa of the Thames Education Board
NOTICE OF MOTIONS
QUESTIONS BY MEMBERS
GOOD NEWS ITEMS -"Did you know..."
ADJOURNMENT
approve page 37
THAMES VALLEY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
REGULAR MEETING,1999 SEPTEMBER 28
The Board meets in regular session on the atiove date in the Board Room at the
Education Centre,meeting in public session at'7:00 p.m.,followed bya meeting in
Committee ofthe Whole,in camera,on motionofVaughan and Stewart. The following
are in attendance:
P.Smith,Chairperson
P.Jaffe
R.Vaughan
S.Peters
P.Schuyler
also
J. Laughlin
P.Askey
P.Gryseels
B. Bryce
B.Greene
M.Sereda
J.Thorpe
G.Hart
J.Bennett
J.Hunter
H.Wice
D.Stewart
P.Mennill
R.Trahan
J,Empringham
R.Murray
G.Treble
L.Peck
C.Nurse
W.Brock
J.Townshend
A.Deathe {-8:40)
S.GalatI
S.Christie
D.Williams
A. Hogg
S.Lundrigan
W.Scott
DAVENPORT P.S.CHOIR,AYLMER
The appreciation of the Board is extended to the students of Davenport P.S. Choir,
Aylmer,and to conductor Fran Gorbasew and accompanist Neila Lawson, forleading
inthe singing of"O Canada"and bringing musical presentations.
OFFICIAL RECORD
We regret to record the death ofthe following two students;Samhi Chabar,a 9-year
old student at WIton Grove P.S.,London,on 1999 July 14;and Katarina Sipus,a 17-
year old student at Arthur Voaden S.S.,St.Thomas,on 1999 July 21.
We also regret to record the death of the following five staff members:Maureen De
Clercq,Head Secretary at Glendale HighSchool,.Tillsonburg,on 1999 July 11;Donald
Lerch, a teacher at Glencoe DistrictHigh School,Glencoe,on 1999 July 09;Walter
Vernon,a teacher at Wheable Centre for Adult Education,London,on 1999 July 21;
Judy Woodlson,Head Secretary at Glen Cairn P.S., London, on 1999 August 22; and
Samuel Morrison, a teacher at Oxford Park P.S.,London,on 1999 September 20.
85-A.No conflicts of interest are declared.
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
86-A.The minutes ofthe Regular Board meeting,1999 June 22,are approved on
motion of Brock and Townshend.
1999 September 28...256
86-B.The minutes ofthe Special Board meeting,1999 August 31,are approved on
motion of Brock and Townshend.
86-C.The minutes of the Board meeting,1999 September 14,are approved on
motion of Brock and Townshend.
REPORTS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION
87-A.Director's Announcements
(a) Director J. Laughiinreports that Attainment of the Vision Principle Centred
Leadership sessions were held for school administrators,managers,
federation,and union stewards,and supervisors,on 1999 September 21-22
and 23-24.The eight foundation principles designed to strengthen the
system as a Oaring Learning Community,have been integrated with the
Seven Habits of HighlySuccessful People toforma framework of behaviours
to guide the system.The administrators embraced the initiatives throughout
the interactive workshop.Schools are being encouraged to contract for this
14-hour training module which will be designed in collaboration with staff
around areas of growth they identify.Approximately fifty schools have
registered for sessions this year,and itis hoped to inservice ali schools over
the next three years.
This training program may be considered by the Province as an aiternative
to formalized teacher testing. The Administrationis workingwith Dr.Allan
Craig ofthe OntarioCollege of Teachers,to administer a survey to establish
a benchmark for comparison at the end of the session to measure the
positive effects/outcomes of student achievement.This concept has been
discussed with the Ministry of Education for consideration as an effective
evaluation tool.
(b)The Director advises that a meeting has been scheduled with senior
members ofthe Ministryof Education to discuss amendments to the special
education funding formula.The Board is optimistic that interim solutions can
be found and it is hoped that amendments to the grant structure will be
forthcoming but cautions,that any changes would be a year away.
87-B,Departmental Updates
The Administration present departmental updates on the following issues:
Business Services
-Superintendent Co-chairs work group re:Strathroy S.S.multi-use project
-Sale of Eden P.S.,CEC East,and Beachville Education Centre
-Process developing with City of London re:new joint-use agreement
1999 September 28...257
-Major upgrades completed for BAS Rnancial Systemand Warehouse
Inventory System
-Finalizing year-end processing routinesforannualaudit
'Payroll Servicescontinue to standardize payroli functions where possible
-School Renewal Program
- Audit of all facilities underway
- Proposed additionsforOxbow,Roosevelt,and Masonvllle P.S.
-Computerized Facility Information ManagementSystemdevelopment
- Portables • relocations, replacements, and removals
- EnergyManagement initiatives continuing
- Numeroustasks and standardizing ofOperations completed/continuing
-Transportation policy/procedures presentedto Policy Working Committee
- New service delivery model commenced September 01.
-Out-of-Province/Out-of-Country student administration
Director's Services
-All staff participatedinAttainmentofthe Vision Insen/ice sessions
- HostingCanadian Associationof UrbanDirectors'Meeting2000 May
- Newstaff members joined Dlrectorfs Services during the summer
- Implementing new policyon Community Use of Buildings
-Executive Secretary Is Project Coordinator for Records Management
-Central Records continues to assist schools/departments on mall issues
-Intemal Audit conducted reviews: 8 secondary,16 elementary schools
- PublicAffairsand Community Relations unitdefining internal operating
norms,practices,and Information sharing,andoutlinescurrentinitiatives;
draftAnnual Reporttothe Community,draft Communications Handbook,
proceduresfor"Notification forItemsRequiring Public Consultation",Staff
directory,Scholarships,Awards,Bursariesand Foundations, Community
Programming
- Staff Development sessions and workshops during summer - New
Teacher Training Sessions,Principals'and Vice Principals'Information
meeting,Summer/Leadership Institutes
Human Resources
-Conference for Parent Groups and School Leaders September 18
-School Council Chairs continue to meet In four separate groups
- Principal/VicePrincipal requirements
- NewJoint OccupationalHealthand Safety Committees being created
-Portable Inspection/testing program
-Transfer of Material Safety Data Sheets to system accessibility
-Process fortransferring allgroup benefits to ManullfeFinancial
-Occasional teacher Inten/lews have been conducted
-Teacher recruitment -over 200 hired for the 1999/2000 school year
1999 September 28...258
Operations Services
- School improvement - goal circulated to all schools
- Enrolmentfigures foropening day indicate increase over projeption
- Four Area Accommodation Study Committees'meetings scheduled •
reports to Committee of the Whole on 1999 November 09
~Safe Arrival Plan development for September 30 -elementary schools
-Three school additions - preliminary designs to Board,1999 October 12
-Elementary/Secondary staffing allocations
-Strathroy S. S. -Committee continues to meet
-Student Administration System (Trillium)re: installation
Program Services
-Science and Technology units (grades 1*8}- draftversion launched
- Organizational Framework for Mathematics completed over summer
-Placement of Educational Assistants
- Itinerant Gifted Program developed
-School-Based Learning Initiatives
- Year 2000'(Y2K) project proceeding on schedule
The reports are received on motion of Brock and Peters.
87-C.Human Resource Services -Summer Approvals
In accordance withBoard direction,1999 May25,Item 64-D, the Chairperson
approved the following resignations/retirement forthe teachers listed below,
under the mutual consent clause,effective on the date indicated:
Name Resignation Date
Casey Winegard (S.S.)1999 June 30
June Rodenburg (P.S.)1999 August 31
Jeff Smith (P.S.)1999 August 31
Sally Fairs (P.S.)1999 August 31
Karen Brackenbury (S.S.)1999 August 31
Carol Enns (S.S.)1999 August 31
KelvinHui(S.S.)1999 August 31
Mike Lafond (S.S.)1999 August 31
Jill Rynard (S.S.)1999 August 31
Maria Salmon (S.S.)1999 August 31
Lynn Wybrow (P.S.)1999 August 31
Name Retirement Date
Han/ey Cowan (S.S.)1999 December 12
The report is received on motion of Stewart and Wice.
1999 September 28...259
87-0.Operations Services -Elementary Administrative Transfers
The Administration reported the following assignmentsAransfers which
occurred over the summer:
Name
Elementary Principals
Dave Rusciolelii
Ruth Jacl<son*
Diane Pilz*
Elementary Vice Principals
EarlTowell (Acting)
Ron Dayldn (Acting)
Location
Jacl<Chambers P.S.
A.E.Duffield P.S.
Princeton Central P.S.
Davenport P.S.
EI<coe Central P.S.
*Promotion -approved 1999 March 30,Item 44-C,Recommendation 2
The report is received on motion oftownshend and Brock.^
REPORTS OF COIVIMnTEES
88-A.Report of the Special Education Advisory Committee
1999 September 07
11:45 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Administration and Others
L Shainline (-2:05)P".Askey
L Stevenson J.Dorssers
R.Teichrob (+1:20)B.Merifieid
P.Toogood (-2:00)S. Lundrigan
L.Vince W.Scott
C.Hawthorne (-2:05,+2:20,-2:40)
Members
J.Bennett,Chairperson
C.Nurse (-2:45)
J.Townshend
P. Gallin (+12:35)
P. Gillis (+1:25)
N.Gooding (+12:20)
A.Morse
Regrets:M.Crawford, E. Hager, B.Giuliano,G. McGahey, M.Tucker, J. Worthlngton
Reports:
1.Chairperson Joyce Bennett welcomed everyone and introduced John
Townshend,Trustee,Pat Toogood.alternate for the Association for Bright
Children and Shirley Lundrigan,Office of the Executive Secretary.
2.No conflicts of interest were declared.
1999 September 2B...26Q
3. The agenda was confirmed.
4. As a follow-up to the 1999 June 01 report,itwas indicated that feedback from
the Ministry regarding the Special Education Plan will be received in 1999
December.In response to a question regarding an update on Developmental
Summer School, a report is to be provided at the 1999 October 05 meeting.
5.Following a discussion,Itwas decided thatthe SEAC Bylaws be referred tothe
AdHocCommitteeon Interim Bylawsfor inclusion Inthe Board's Bylaws.Itwas
suggested that SEAC Bylaws be posted tothe web site and alsodistributedas
part ofthe Committee's orientation package.
The election of the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson is to be held at the
Octobermeeting. Thedocument 'Term of Office -Election ofCommitteeChair"
is to be attached to the report.
6. Aproposal to have issues requiring a concentrated block oftime dealt within
a workshop fonjm was considered.The workshops may assist in bridging
SEAC issues withthe concerns of School Councils and other interested parties.
The Administration is to identify specific topics for discussion at the 1999
October 05 meeting.
7. Bob Merifield,LearningSupervisor,presented an update on the SEACSub-
Committee established to review Secondary School Reform issues.The Sub-
Committee has agreed to take no initial steps until the Ministry guidelines are
released.Secondary School Reform insen/ice sessions are being planned and
informationregarding community sessions was requested.A presentation on
Secondary School ReformIsto be providedat the InformationCommittee ofthe
Whole meeting to be held 1999 September 07,and Joyce Bennett will make
inquiries into the availability of community insen/ice sessions.
8. A handout entitled,"Interim Guidelines for Respite Transportation" was
distributed. During the discussion,it was suggested that the document be
amended to include background information and a preamble.The report
reflects respite transportation issues for children with respite needs in the
Developmental Centres of the fornier London Board,it was noted that the
former boards of Elgin, Middlesex,and Oxford did not provide this type of
transportation service.
It was supported that the Chairperson of the Board and the Chairperson of
SEAC prepare a letter to the Provincial SEAC raising concerns about the needs
for additional funding for respite transportation.It was recommended that
individual ^soclations also lobby the Provincial Sub-Committee on
Transportation and the ProvincialSEAC regarding this issue.
1999 September 28...261
9. Bob Merifield,Learning Supervisor,provided an ISA update. Itwas reported
that there has been an increase of 350 ISA approved children over last year.
During a meeting with the Ministry,Bob;was informed that the TVDSB audit
approval rating was 98%. Itwas noted that although the funding has been
predictable (no change since 1998 June), the need is greater. The factors
attributable tothe increase in approved cHildren were presented and discussed.
The final numberofchildren whorequireadditional support from an Educational
Assistant istobeconfirmedby September 14.On September20,these figures
will be presented to Operations Council along with a plan to allocate the
remaining 16 Educational Assistants (E.A.s)as yet unplaced. The entire
allocationof E.A.S is 606,30 fewer than last year. In response to a suggestion
that written guidelines for Principals'be prepared to assist with E.A.
assignments,itwas reported that a process isbeingconsidered.
Copies ofthe AuditReport will be fonwarded to Membersas soon as possible.
The new ISAprofiles will be provided at the 1999 October 05 meeting for
input/discussion..>
10.A handout entitled, "Barrier-Free Accessilmprovement",was distributed along
witha single page questionnaire. The questionnaire isto be completed bythe
Learning Coordinators -Special Eduction.The survey results will be
presented at the 1999 October 05 meeting.
The final figures for barrier-free access improvements were higher than the
$200000 budget allotted,however,renovations proceeded. Itwas notedthat
twoadditionallocations notidentified as requiringimmediate renovations,were
also completed before the start of the school year. Adetailed audit Is being
conducted by Facility Services regarding bam'er-free access to be completed
by 2000 January or February.
In response to inquiries regarding the process for community service groups
donatingfundstoschools to assist inbarrier-free access,itwas suggested that
Rena Princis,Community Corporate Development Officer,be contacted
regarding donations from individualAssociations.
11.ThebookIetentitled,''ATransitlon Planning Guidefor Students withExceptional
Needs Entering Secondary School",was|distrlbuted.The Guide is intended to
prepare, in advance, students, parents and school stafffor the transition to
secondary school. Timelines will not be mandated, but rather based on the
individual needs of each student.Special'Education Learning Coordinators will
facilitateinservice sessions for Principals and Learning Support Teachers.Itis
the intention ofthe Planning Guide Committee to have this resource available
on the Board's website.
Congratulationswere extended tothe PlanningGuideCommitteefora jobwell
donel
1999 September 28...262
12.Abrief discussion was heid regarding the planning process forthe 2000/2001
Review ofthe Provision ofSpeciai Education ProgramsandSpecial Education
Services. The possibility of establishing a sub-committee of SEAC was
proposed. Thisitemistobe re-examined at the 1999 October05 meeting.
13.itwas announced that LindaVince,CommunityLiving London, isthe recipient
oftheGovernorGeneral's CaringCanadian Award.Lindahas been recognized
nationally for her contributions at both the local and provincial level.
Congratulations were extended to Linda.
14.The Committee met in Forum.
15.The meeting adjourned at 3:01 p.m.
J.BENNETT.
Chairperson
The reportis received on motionofBennett and Townshend.
88*B.Report of the Committee of the Whole 1999 September 14
Members Administration and Others
P. Smith,Chairperson J.Laughlln
P.Jaffe P. Askey
R.Vaughan P.Gryseels
S.Peters B. Bryce
P.Schuyler B.Greene
G. Hart G.Jazey
J.Hunter J.Thorpe
H.Wice P.Mennill
D.Stewart R.Murray
C.Nurse (+7:25,-8:00,+8:10)
W.Brock
J.Townshend
A.Deathe (-8:40)
Regrets:J.Bennett
Reports:
I.No conflicts of interest were declared.
M.Sereda
G.Treble
L.Peck
S.Galati
J.McKenzie
S.Christie
A.Hogg
W.Scott
S. Lundrigan
2.The Committee met in public session from 7:00 p.m. to 8:40 p.m.
1999 September 28...263
3. The Committee met in camera from 8:45 p.m. to 9:35 p.m. and discussed
confidentiai personal and iegai matters.i
4. The Monthly Rnancial Statementsas at |1999 July 31 were received.
Financial Statement -1999 July 31
ApprovedBudget1998December08 '$517363793
Add:Revenues from Special Grant Initiatives
ReportCard Implementation Grant 26 363
Official Language Monitor Program 28 662
SecondarySchool Reform Initiative 28 550 83575
Add:Miscellaneous Revenue Items
1998 Stub Year School Budget Carryforward 654 605
Food Services Rebate 150 369
Registrations -Workshops and Seminars 37 925
SAVE Conference Corporate Donations 12 200
Research and Assessment Services 19 050
W.D.Sutton Furniture and Equipment Allocation 13 939
MadelineHardyCasual Salaries Allocation 29 516 917 604
Revised Expenditure Budget -1999 July 31 $518364972
Revised Revenue Budget -1999 July 31 $518 364 972
5. A brief status report on the opening of 'school was presented.Statistically,
enrolment in elementary schools has increased byapproximately500 students,
resulting in the opportunity to hire approximately 20 additional elementary
teachers immediately,to address identified needs inthe system. The process
ofassigning EducationalAssistants is nowbeing addressed.
It was reported thatatthis time,the number ofstudents enrolled insecondary
school is consistent withthe projected figures. Nospecific needs have been
identifiedinthe secondary panel at this time.
Clarke Road S.S.was the site this summer for the Provincial Grade 6
Assessment Centre, where 340 markers gathered to evaluate Grade 6 papers
from across the province.
6. The Administration addressed the issue recently raised ina newspaper article
regarding the interpretation bythe City of London on the provincial licensing
rules for charitable donations through fund-raising. The Cityof London has
indicated that parentgroups and sen/ice organizations can nolongeruse the
fundsfrom bingos,lotteries,etc.,to buyschool equipmentsuch as computers,
playground equipment,suggestingthat groups donating equipmentmustretain
ownership. Thisdecision is notconsistent throughoutthe province.
1999 September 28...264
The Administration indicatedthat the/have been requesting a meeting withCity
of London officials forthe past eight months in order to clarify this issue.A
meetinghas nowbeen arranged forthisweek inan effortto resolve thp matter.
Itisnotedthata comprehensivereportonSponsorship,Scholarships,Trusts,
Bursaries and Fund-Raisingwill be presented tothe Information Committeeof
the Whole onlSSS November02. A motionbyTrustee Nurse to discuss this
topicat the October meeting instead of November was defeated.
7.The Administration presented a brief update on school renewal projects.
Approximately 178 school renewal projects were Identified in the 1998-1999
budget witha total allocation of $6 900 000. Acomprehensive report will be
presented at the Committee of the Whole meeting on 1999 October 12,
detailing the status and cost of each project. The Administration will also
present information on the proposed 1999-2000 school renewal projects.
8. The Board at its meeting on 1999 June 22, approved through the budget
process,majoradditions/renovations for Oxbow,Masonville,and Roosevelt
Public School.
Abriefupdate on the status of these majorprojectswas presented.Stafffrom
Facility Sen/ices are working withthree differentarchitects to develop plans
whichare inthe process ofbeingfinalizedwiththe communities. Itwas noted
that the expected completiondate for these projects is 2000 August.
Acomprehensivereport will be presented to the Committee ofthe Whole on
1999 October 12, when approval to proceed with the Request for Proposal
process will besought. Timelinesfor these projects will also be includedinthe
report.
The Administration is developing, for the Board's consideration,system
standards to assist in future additions/renovations.
9. The Reportofthe NativeAdvisoryCommittee whichmet on 1999 June 08,was
received.
10.The Report ofthe PolicyWorkingCommittee whichmet on 1999 June 02, was
received.
Chairperson Nurse reported that Superintendent of Education,John Thorpe,
has been assigned responsibilityas resource to this Committee.Thanks were
extended to Superintendent of Education, Rick Murray, for his valuable
guidance and inputto the Committee.
a) The Committee discussed thedraft policy and procedures on Secondary School
Registration of Students Age 21 and Over.
1999 September 28...265
The draft policy and procedures wereamendedto reflect the discussion and
referredbacktothe Administration to expand on the roleofthe Superintendent
of Education/Operations Council inthe implementation ofthe procedures for
exceptionsto registration in Continuing Education courses.
It was suggested that Adult Continuing Education Centres be given an
opportunity to provide input into the draft policy and procedures.
b) Therequestforthe Administration to provide statistics onthe number ofweb
site "hits"received during the consultation process forpreviousdraft policies
and procedureswas deferredtothe September meeting.
c) The Committee discussed general policy direction for the future,including
communicationsto the system and school councils;the consultation process,
and the developmentof future policies.Itwas agreed to continueusingthe
tracking sheet.
11. The Report of the Information Committee of the Whole,which met on 1999
September 07,was received.
a) The Administration presented a comprehensive overview ofSecondarySchool
Reform.Superintendent ofEducation,Paul Mennlll,alongwithBeckyMenzies
and Charmaine Graves,Learning Supervisors,have responsibility for this
initiative and provide leadership to the system for this significant cliange for
Grade 9 students who will experience a new, reformed high school program.
The following points were addressed:
-Information Sheet for Parents of Grade 9 Students,distributed
September 07
-describes current and upcoming changes for grade 9
- topics: types of courses;the Board's state ofreadiness; the reasons for
change;the process of change;stjaff inservice;annual education plans
and teacher-advisors;student community involvement;grade 10 test;
textbooks;report cards;transcripts.
-Types of Courses
-Students registered last spring for grade 9 courses
- Core courses are either "Applied"or "Academic"(based on how the
student learns best)
-Remaining courses are "Open"
- For students at risk,some schools also offer "Essential"courses in
English, math,science,and "Learning Strategies"courses
1999 September 28...266
-State of Curriculum Readiness
-Teachers have been workingon the Ministry's16 policydocuments since
April
-These subject-based documents outlinethe expectations of students.
- e.g. "Bythe end ofthis course,students will identifyand correct
sentence fragments,run-on sentences,and comma splices"
- e.g. "Bythe end ofthis course,students will explainhowelectric
current, potential difference, and electrical resistance are
measured using an ammeter and a voltmeter"
- 40% of Course Profiles,received in May,have been studied by School
Implementation Teams and 20 Subject Groups
- Remaining 60% of Course Profiles expected mid-September
Course Profiles contain lengthy descriptions of classroom activities,
teaching/learningstrategies,assessment teciiniques,resources,planning
notes,and expectations
•Teachers do not have to use the Course Profiles,as long as they attain
the expectations
-Reasons for Change
-The most fundamental shift Is to the concepts of "expectations-based
learning"
-School Implementation Team training In April and May focused heavily
on these concepts
- The "Design Down"or "Backward Design"process has become a focal
point for Implementation
-Thames Valley taking a lead role Inthis
• A key part of teachers'shift In thinking will be to move to "levels of
achievement"as they assess students'work
•Mandatory use in 2000-2001
•Level 1 =50-59%Level 2 =60-69%
•Level 3 =70-79%Level 4 =80-100%
• Achievement levels are related to the expectations for each course.
Designed to improve communication and consistency
-'Caring,Learning Community depends upon strong relationships
among school staff,students,parents,and wider community
-Teacher-adviser,annual education plan,community involvement,and
school-to-work programs will help
•Expanded initiatives Include Co-op Education,RuralYouth Job Strategy,
Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program,and Bridges
-Process of Change
- Curriculum implementation Is a process,not an event - it takes time.
Teachers will combine existing materials and lessons with new ones as
they work to meet the revised curriculum expectations,and the new
concepts of assessment.
1999 September 28...267
- Learning experiences and assessment wiil be baianced among four
different categories:knowledge/content,inquiry,communication,and
application of l^nowiedge.
-Staff Inservlce:Six Steps
-Ministry Inservice Sessions (started 1999 March,continuingthrough to
Spring of 2000)
-Secondary School Implementation Team (SIT)Inservice (completed 3
days in April,2 days inMay;2 days planned forOctober, more inwinter
and spring)
- Elementary School "Choices Into Action"Inservice (one day for all
Thames Valiey school teams in May)
-Thames ValleyLearning lnstitutes|(including parent workshops,subject
curriculum institute,summer insen/ice,and October 8 P.D. Day)
-Thames Valley Subject Association's Insen^'ce (organizations established
forthe amalgamated board, working committees,curriculum writing)
School-Based Learning Initiatives (individual school projects)
-Staff Inservice Additional
-Student data management system providers will give workshops on
report cardsand transcripts to keyjschooi personnel
- Principalsofindividual schools,withapproval of theirSuperintendent,will
provide opportunities for in-school afternoon P.A.sessions
-Annual Education Pians (AEP),Teacher Advisers
- Each student in grades 7, 8, and 9 will complete a personal annual
education plan
- EAP Materials willbe taught bythe teacher-adviser,with leadership being
provided by the guidance counsellor inthe secondary schools
-The MinistryIs expected to release the finaldraft of these materials soon
-Teacher-Advlser Program
- Each secondary school has designed the structure forits program,based
on its strengths and needs
- Ministry requires that every grade 9 student will have a teacher-adviser;
some schools are also including higher grades
• In many schools,teacher-adviser time has been created through
assembly-day type schedules.Some schools will have small group or
individual student meetings with teacher-advisers
1999 September 28...268
-Student Community Involvement
- Students starting grade 9 will be required to complete 40 hours of
community involvement activities over four years
- We have drafted the forms which students will use to select and record
their community involvement activities as well as brochures for parents,
students,and community organizations
- The Ministry isexpected to issue final information soon
- We will issue the draft forms and brochures in early fallto seek SEAC,
community group,and school feedback
-The brochure and forms will be finalized in the late fall for school
implementation
-Grade 10 Test of Reading and Writing Skills
• No longer called "Literacy"test
- All students will write the same test
- Theonlymarks will be"pass"or "fail".Thosewho fail will begiven written
feedback.Retakes will be allowed
- EQAO wll administer,twice per year
- Being piloted now, first administered in 2000 October,reported in2001
January.
-New Textbooks
-Ministry allocatedadditional $1.1 million toThames Valleyfornewgrade
9 texts
- Subjects included: math,science,geography, language (English),
graphing calculators.
- Texts were recommended byThames Valleysubject association leaders,
ordered centrally, and arrived by September 03
-New Provincial Report Cards
- Report card will be phased in over a two year period
-Year 1999-2000:includes percentage mark
-Year 2000-thereafter:includes both percentage mark and achievement
level
- We have developed a plan to merge the new report cards into our data
management system through the conversion to Trillium
- Fullreports on community involvement and AEP will be developed later
in the year
-Transcripts
-Students in all grades will use the new transcripts starting in the year
1999-2000
•The Trillium system will issue these in the Thames Valley Board
1999 September 28...269
•Principals are currently informing all students that the "full disclosure"
provisions will come into effect immediately forall grade 11,12,and OAC
pupils.
-Additional Issue:Double Cohort
>Currentgrade 10 students inthe 5year program will graduate in2003at
the same timeas current grade 9 students inthe new 4 year program
-Ministry iscurrentlyworking withcolleges, universities,and educators on
various solutions e.g.changed entry times
- Problem will spread over several years
-Ministry will re-investthe savings fromthe 4year highschool programto
ensure there Isfair access to colleges and universities
- Year 1999:enhanced fundingfor students needing financial assistance,
and for modernizing colleges and universities
-Model has recentlybeen developeid to predictsize ofdouble cohort, on
top of baby boom echo
-Summary of Fall Activities
-Subject Specific inservice
- School Implementation Team insen/ice followed by in-school Inservice
•AEP/TAG materials
- Community Involvement process finalized
- Report Card preparation
-Transcript preparation
Following the presentation, the Administration responded to questions for
clarification.
b) The Administration provided a brief updateonthestartoftheschoolyearand
related issues.
Director John Laughlin reportedthat inthe 1999-2000 school year, we have in
excess of85 000 students,4 800 students will be starting school at the junior
kindergartenlevel,5700 will attend senior kindergarten,over47 000 students
will attend at the elementary level (grades 1-8),and about 28 000 students will
attend secondary school. Day one was uneventful,following months of
preparation, many new renovation projects were completed, and staff were
ready for the students.
ExecutiveSuperintendent Peter Askey reported that the Wide-Area Network
program isproceedingwell -wehaveacontract with Bell to connect allschools,
and itis hoped this will be finalized bythe end of 1999 December.
1999 September 28...270
Executive Superintendent Brian Greene advisedthat in 1999 June, the school
renewal program,which included portable replacements,wasapproved through
the budget process. John Neville,Manager of Planning,Facility Services,
reported thateightnewportableshave been purchased,35 existing portables
have been moved throughout the system, and nine portables were removed
throughthesummer. Heelaborated onthe aggressive inspectionprogramthat
takes place each year to test and inspect portables. The program was
developed in consultation with the three local health units - the Middlesex
London Health Unit,the Elgin-St.Thomas Health Unit,and the OxfordCounty
Board of Health,and has their full support.
Executive SuperintendentPeterAskeyoutlined a new initiative,the Participate
Program, a pilot project located in Tillsonburg and supported by Human
Resources and Development Canada.Although the Participate Program is
intended for all children and youth from grade 3 to OAC. it alms especially at
that segment ofyoung people that require additional intervention inthe regular
school setting because of a difference in learning styles.The program uses
creativity and the arts as a vehicle to buildself-esteem, teach social skills,
improve academic performance and buildcommunityresponsibilityinouryouth.
Executive Superintendent Peter Gryseeis reported that 100 Kosovo students
may register in London schools;registrations are being processed to receive
governmentgrants; additionalstaffmay be required as students are expected
to have little or no English; we are working with Kosovo community to meet
students'needs.
c)Trustee Peters providedan oven/lewofthe Canadian School Board Conference
she attended In 1999 July. The theme ofthis year's conference was "Educating
ActiveCitizens",and integralto this theme was the need forearly intervention.
Several handouts and articles were made available for trustees'Information.
The report is received on motion of Jaffe and Peters.
P.SMITH.
Chairperson
88-0.Report of the Committee of the Whole 1999 September 28
Reports:
1.No conflicts of Interest were declared.
2. The Committee met in camera from 8:45 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. and discussed
confidential legal,personnel and other matters.
1999 September 28...271
Recommendation:
1.Thatthe motions approvedatthe incamerasession onSeptember 26 reiatedto
(a) resignations and retirements by mutual consent and (b)interviewtdams,be
adopted and reported inthe September 26 minutes.
(a) That the following resignations be accepted under the mutual consent
clause:
Lyn Campbell 1999 August 31
Dion Holmes 1999 August 31
Richard Greenfield 1999 September 24
Demetra Qeorgopouios 1999 September 28
Thatthe following resignation to retirement be accepted underthe mutual
consent clause:
Margaret Mathyssen 1999 October 31
That the request by Barbara Powellto resign under the mutual consent
clause,effective 1999 November 26,be denied.
(b) That the Administration proceed with Principal and Vice Principal
interviews,with up to a maximum oftwo trustees.
P.JAFFE,
Chairperson
Thereportis receivedand the recommendations are adopted on motion ofJaffe and
Brock.
MOTIONS •NOTICE OF WHICH HAS BEEN GIVEN
89-A.None at this time
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
90'A.Policy Working Committee -Vacancy
Chairperson Smith reports that the resignation by Trustee Nurse as a
member of the Policy Working Committee, has created a vacancy.
Appreciation is expressed to Trustee Nurse for her leadership role on this
Committee.
Amotionby Brockand Bennett that Trustee Hartbe appointed to the
PolicyWorkingCommittee is adopted.
1999 September 28...272
90-B.Ontario Public School Boards'Association (OPSBA)-Update
TrusteeNursereportsthatthe OPSBA Western Region representativesmet
at the EducationCentre on 1999 September 25. The meeting providedan
opportunity for sharing the progress and chaiienges with other board
representatives as we move through the amalgamation directives from the
Education Improvement Commission.
Trustees Nurse and Brock were selected as members of the Planning
Committee forthe OPSBA Annual General Meeting to be held 2000 June,in
London.Trustees are invitedto submittheirsuggestions and input,regarding
topics for discussion.
The reportis received on motionof Peters and Vaughan.
COMMUNICATION
91-A.Received 1999 September 16,from Gina McQahey,Education Director,
Chippewas OfThe Thames Education Board,nominating Judy French as
Liaisonto the Board; and Kenneth Albert II as representative to the Native
Advisory Committee,replacingSherry Riley.TerrySmithand GinaMcGahey
will remain on the Native Advisory Committee as voting and alternate
members,respectively.
Approved on motionof Brockand Townshend.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourns at 9:49 p.m., on motionof Vaughan and Peters.
CONFIRMED