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11/30/1999 - Special Board MeetingTHAMES VALLEY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD AGENDA FOR SPECIAL BOARD MEETING,1999 NOVEMBER 30 The Board meets in special session on the above date in the Board Room at the Education Centre,at 7:00 p.m. 110-A CONFLICTS OF INTEREST ELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR 2000 111-A Election of Chairperson of the Board 111 -B Election of Vice Chairperson of the Board 111-C Ballots Destroyed CONFIRMATION OF 2000 CHAIRPERSON AND VICE-CHAIRPERSON 112-A Confirmation of Chairperson 112-B Confirmation of Vice-Chairperson 1999 CHAIRPERSON'S VALEDICTORY ADDRESS ADJOURNMENT THAMES VALLEY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD SPECIAL BOARD MEETING,1999 NOVEMBER 30 The Board meets in special session on the above date inthe Board Room at the Education Centre, at 7:00 p.m. The following are in attendance: P. Smith,Chairperson P.Jaffe R.Vaughan S.Peters P.Schuyler also: P. Askey P.Gryseels B.Bryce B.Greene C. Murphy M.Sereda G.Jazey G.Hart J.Bennett J.Hunter H.Wice J.Thorpe P.Mennlll R.Trahan J.Emptingham R.Murray G.Treble L Peck D.Stewart W.Brock J.Townshend A.Deathe S.Galati S.Christie A. Hogg W.Scott S.Lundrigan Regrets:C.Nurse 110-A.No conflicts of Interest are declared. ELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR 2000 111 -A.Election of Chairperson of the Board P.Askey,Acting Secretary ofthe Board,callsforwrittennominationsforthe officeof Chairperson ofthe Board. Nominations are declared closed bythe Acting Secretary of the Board. Trustee Jaffe is nominated and declares his acceptance ofthe nomination. Trustee Jaffe is declared Chairperson of the Board for Year 2000. 111-B.Election of Vice Chairperson of the Board Chairperson Jaffe calls for written nominations for the office of Vice Chairperson ofthe Board. Nominations are declared closed by Chairperson Jaffe. Trustees Peters and Stewart are nominated and declare their acceptance of the nomination.Ballots are distributed,collected and counted. Trustee Stewart is declared Vice Chairperson of the Board for Year 2000. 111*C.All ballots are destroyed on motion of Brock and Vaughan. 1999 November 30...345 The Chairperson for the current year resumes the chair. CONFIRMATION OF YEAR 2000 CHAIRPERSON AND VICE CHAIRPERSON 112*A.The election of Trustee Jaffe as Chairperson of the Board for Year 2000, elected in accordance with Bylaws 3.1 to 3.11,is confirmed on motion of Townshend and Stewart. 112-B.The election of Trustee Stewart as Vice Chairperson of the Board for Year 2000,elected in accordance with Bylaws3.1 to 3.11,Is confirmed on motion of Peters and Vaughan. 113-A.1999 CHAIRPERSON'S VALEDICTORY ADDRESS Trustees,senior administration,staff,and friends,as this term as second Chairperson ofthe Thames ValleyDistrictSchool Board has completed its cycle, Iam honoured foryour Indulgence inallowing me to formally address the forumone lasttime. Iam pleased to congratulate Chairperson Jaffe and Vice Chairperson Stewart.Ilook fonvard to their leadership and to working with them through the next year.Their experience,understanding of the issues,and passion for public education will contribute to the building of a strong Thames Valley District School Board. The past eleven months have gone by very quickly for me,and as Ireflect on the happenings,Ifeel likeIhave experienced a sensational personal and professional roller coaster ride which ranks with the Mind Buster,Space Mountain, or anything Six Flags could present.We have slowly trudged up many hills,we've feltthe bottom disappear from under us,(sometimes while in the dark),we've been turned upside down,jerked around,had some smooth levellingout times and endured the torque ofa few cork screws,but now we are coasting into the station and I am eagerly awaiting the sound of the air brakes,which will allow me to leave the front seat,and give us all an opportunity to reposition ourselves for the next annual ride. Ilove roller coasters,probably because they give you an exhilarating start,keep you excited,demand your attention and energy throughout,and,they do end. Last year on my Inaugural, I stated It was time to step back and allow the people,systems,and programs,that had been put Inplace, the time and freedom to do what needed to be done.1999 has been a year of refining and enhancing the systems and initiatives which resulted from our amalgamation process.Our vision has been clearly articulated,and as we work at "Attaining our Vision" of a Caring Learning Community,we are creating a Thames Valley culture about which, we desen^eto feel extremely proud.Building on our mission and beliefs continues to be an ongoing process.Like learning,Itis a lifetime opportunity. 1999 November 30...346 Regardlessoftheroleweplay,beingapartoftheeducationprocesscarries with it many obligations and opportunities.How we individually and collectively choose to respond to these obligations and opportunities will havesignificant influence on building the foundation ofeducation for the21^ century. Ourattitude,commitment,and actions relatedto publiceducation will have as muchormorelastingimpactonthe nextgeneration than allthat they will ever learn from textbooks or surfing the net. Aswe have engaged ourcommunitiesinthe accommodationdialogue,we have demonstrated openness,honesty, and realityin collectively seeking solutions. Tonight, Iwant to again congratulate and thank all who have participated inthe various accommodation reviews. Current demographic and planning data have combined with program needs,facility limitations,community values,and fiscal realities to spark lively discussion and to collectively generate common sense recommendations. The renovations projects at Masonville, F.D.Roosevelt and Oxbow Public Schools have combined to set the standards which will lead us into the new century.We look forward to the completion of these projects by September 2000. Finally,the Strathroy project moved from dream to concept and to reality yesterday,as the site identificationand land purchase was announced by the Strathroy TownCouncil. We expect to open our new publichighschool adjacent to a new Roman Catholic secondary school in September 2002. State-of-the-art education will combine with the new double ice pad and other athletic facilities to enrich the opportunities for all youth In the Strathroy area. Howwe can better meet the needs in St.Thomas,Woodstock secondary, Dorchester and the Northbrae areas will remain the challenge for the Board during 2000. In addition to meeting and dialoguing with our communities,there have been several significant highlights in 1999,which Inthe interest oftime, Iwill list. -This year,we welcomed to the Board our first student representative, Ashley Deathe,and also we were pleased to have John Townshend fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Mary Lynn l\^etras. -The Attainment of the Vision initiative has been launched with several hundred of our staff receiving inservice to date.The principles upon which the Vision is based are the roots which will ultimately nurture Thames Valley staff and students inthe new millennium. 1999 November 30...347 - We have had meetings with the former l\1lnister of Education, the Assistant Deputy Ministerand representatives fromthe regional office related to accommodation,transportation,special education and the need forlocal flexibility and appropriate levels offunding.In the weeks and months ahead,we will continue to meet with the government to make our case,for these areas of concern. - We were the first Board selected for the EIC review. Many of our initiatives have been held up as models across the province and we have responded and benefitted from the recommendations from the review. -Several internal and community communication newsletters and strategies have been introduced. The highlightwas the recent "Links- a Report to Our Community". The team withinthe Public Affairsand Community Relations Department keeps Thames Valley linked to our communities of interest. Nine new policies have been approved. -Throughout the year,we have continued to buildour relationships with School Councils by adopting a Council of Chairs model across the Valley. We have appreciated the continued support and leadership of the Thames ValleyAllianceof Home and Schools Council. We value the work ofSEAC, and a variety of community support agencies.We work with the federations and union executives on all areas of mutual concern.The executive leadership may change,but the continued strength of all ofour partners istheirdedication todoing what is best for our students. - We have met many ofthe curriculum reform challenges bydeveloping units in drama,dance,physical education,health education, mathematics,science,and social studies.Atthe secondary level,there have been three district-wide.Train the Trainer"programs,which have been key to addressing the challenges of Secondary Reform. In the area ofcurriculum, our energies have focused on moving fonvard;and the results of the leadership we have shown are being sought from across the province and beyond. As our teachers continue to do what is best for our students,they lead the way. - The Board's Special Education Plan Is moving towards the full harmonization of special education delivery and student support services. -There has been an expansion of the "Alternative School"programs for high-risk secondary school students with new programs in Woodstock, St.Thomas,Nonwich,and Strathroy. 1999 November 30...348 Recruiting l<e/staffand developing a leadershipsuccession strategy will continue to offer challenges inthe future. Aswecontinuetocometogetheras theThames Valley District School Board,the Facilities Sen/ice deliverymodelhas been restructured and implemented. - Severalexcess Boardpropertieshavebeensold,most significantly the HydePark office lastyear,along with the Beachviile Education Centre and the recent sale and relocation of the CEC East in Woodstock.This has allowed us to reduce our operational costs and to focus more money in the classroom. - inearlyDecember,our WideArea Network will havecompletedthe first stage of full connectivity to all of our schools.Everyone within the Information TechnologyDepartment has putfortha tremendous effort to develop,connect,install,insen/ice and support this project while bringing this mamrnoth task together. -Also inthe area of technology,we have been assured that all ofthe Y2Kbugs inthe Valley have been exterminated and we will be ready for January 1,2000. - We have completed our first full budget year and are wellon the way to sorting out the dollars and prioritiesfor next year. These are just a few highlights and updates from 1999, and there are several others that I could mention.At this time,however,I want to thank on behalf of the Board,and from a more personal perspective,all of the peoplewho,whatevertheir role,supportand make good'^ducation happen. First, Iwould like to thank my colleagues around the horse shoe for your dedication and commitment. Being a trustee is often a very thankless job, butyourwillingnessto go to those communitymeetings, participateon ad hoc committees,serve on interview teams,respond to the phone calls, guide the policymaking,grapple withfunding realities,and sacrifice your timeto be prepared and informed,have been most appreciated. Thankyou to Director Laughlin andthe Superintendents foryourleadership, insight, and problem solving skills. 1 believe we have the strongest executive team in the province. You each bring individual strengths as variedas your characters.Youchallenge each otherand bringoutthe best in each other and ultimately it is the students and parents who are the benefactors ofyourleadership. Thank youforyourpatience and support. Ann,Wendy, and Shiriey,thanks for attending to all the details, minutes, and communicationswhichsupport the trustees,system, and community. 1999 November 30...349 Effective meetings don't happen because someone sets a date and we all attend. Tonight, we say thanks forsupporting our role as trustees. Thanks also tothe managers and supportstaff,tothefederations and union executives,to the school councils,home and schools,and parent organizations.Thankstothesupportagencies andworkerswhopartnerin meetingthe needs ofour students.Thanks to our transportation partners and those who assist inkeepingourstudents safe •crossing guards, police and firefighters. Inthe hierarchyofwhere the learningreallyoccurs, the classrooms inour schools top the list.Thanks to the leadership of our principals,the dedication and tireless efforts of our teachers,education assistants,support staffand volunteers. These are the peoplewhoignitethe sparks oflearning and make it all happen on the good days and bad days throughoutthe wholeyear. Theyare the constants whoso ofteninsulateour students from the political rhetoric. The policies, planning and operational requirements all support the learning process but ultimately,it is the motivation and relationships in the classroom and throughout the school that make the difference. Hats offto the secretarial and custodial staff who keep our schools clean, safe, and connected together within the fourwallsand withthe home and community. Last, but not least,thanks to the Smith team for your unconditional support and understanding throughout this past year. For all who may have wondered a year ago, Barryis living proofthat gourmet toast is not only a staple,but a delicacy capable of sustaining lifefor months at a time. Joining Barry and Itonight are the inlaws,outlaws and best friends.Grant and Myrna Smith,A!and Elaine Hagerman, and Wally and Doreen Orth. These seven special people have been a source of wisdom, inspiration, strength and understanding. Their realitychecks help me to keep life in perspective. Thispast year has been busybutmost rewardingformeand Ithankyoufor the opportunity to serve as Chairperson ofthe Thames Valley Board. Throughoutthe year, many have inquiredabout the challenges facingthe board and me personally.As the year has unfolded, I've had the opportunityto meet many people from allwalks of life. I have represented the Board at a host of formal functions,speaking engagements, presentations, public meetings and school visits, and 1have repeatedly stated my most important function is "cheer leader". 1999 November 3Q...35Q After months andyearsofthe government andthe public beating uponthe public education system,delighting in pointing out what iswrong or broken In education and devaluing the ability oftrustees to manage and reflect community values,itis time tocelebrateandcheer all thatisgood. Why Is it that the small percentage of students who get into trouble academically,socially or behaviourally,or the few staff who are not as enthusiastic or current as some others, warrant such a disproportionate amount of attention andenergywhenso manyare excited about learning, accomplishing wonderful discoveries,going the many extra miles to help moldthe citizens ofthe future and these pioneers and heroes receive so little notice?The strength ofour education system Isa reflection ofthe society which it serves. Entering the 21 century,I believe we have unprecedented reasons to celebrate.Thetask is largeand can consumea lotof energy.Asyour leader,this past year,I have: •attended over 174 meetings and functions •visited at least 40 schools •travelled in excess of 13 000 kilometres • and made 688 outgoing longdistancecalls from myhome. If anything these numbers are under estimated,as I only spent about an hour with my date book,expense forms,and telephone print outsto arrive at these figures. The Thames Valley District School Board hasbeen worth every ounce of this effort.Every time Ican encourage a staff member,offer congratulations for a job well done,listen,help a concerned parent,or sing the praises of Thames Valley,Iknow that positive reactions will be reflected inthe lives of kids and what else really matters? My praise isnotidle praise.Iam well aware thatthe building blocks are not all securely inplaceyet,butas a four board amalgamation wehavecome sofarin putting a new system together.We have doneso much to focus our energies in positive directions,exploring outside the box for solutions thatwork,before manyofthe rules have been written. If weare truly committed to making a difference and establishing leading edge education,we must have the courage to recognize thetrue value of corporate contributions andthe non traditional opportunities being offered toenhance learning.Wemustnotallow our governance and policy making ability tobe held hostage bygovernment ignorance and insensitivlty tothe realissues {special education,transportation,accommodation),norcanwe allow corporate leveraging ofourbasic beliefsand valuesystems. 1999 November 30...351 Somewhere common ground must be found where the provincial government,the educational communities of Interest,and private enterprise can co-operate In harmony for the betterment of our education system and communities in general. Aswe enterthe new millennium,public education has neverbeen more vulnerable.Presently,the provincial government Is setting the rules,doling out the money and telling Boards of Education to make the best of it.In a climate of U.N.declarations and leaked and recanted documents,it becomes Impossible to plan or enter Into long term commitments when trustees realize thatona whim,onany given day,therulesand funding may change.As a public,we must hold the government accountable to their promise of no further cuts to education and insist that financial allocations realistically support the services weare required to deliver. Thoughtful,creative,and responsive solutions generate order and mold structures.However,orderandstructuremustremain flexible and opento new possibilities.Order and structure of themselves symbolize a need for power and control,andendup Impeding creative solutions. Public sectordollars and private sectorInvestment needtobe freed tomeet community solutions. As we prepare for the next ride,remember the words of Jim Hanick when he was fired as head coach at U.C.L.A. The bend inthe road is not the end ofthe road,unless you failto make the turn." Thanks for a great year,I'm looWng fonward tothe new challenges ofthe year 2000. P.SMITH, Chairperson The appreciation of the Board is expressed to Board Chaiiperson Smith for her dedicated leadership during thepastyearandthe Valedictory Address Isspread upon the minutes on motion of Jaffe and Vaughan. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourns at7:40 p.m.on motion of Brock and Wice. CONFIRMED: Chairperson