10/24/2000 - Regular Board MeetingTHAMES VALLEY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
AGENDA FOR REGULAR MEETING,2000 OCTOBER 24
TheBoardmeetsinregularsession ontheabovedateinthe Board Room atthe Education Centre,meeting
in public session at 7:00 p.m., followed by Committee of the Whole, in camera.
O CANADA -BANTING S.S.FRED'S FOLK •MUSIC FESTIVAL AWARD WINNERS
SYDNEY OLYMPICS BRONZE MEDAL WINNER -RECOGNITION
OFFICIAL RECORD
85-A.CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
86-A.Minutes of the Special Board meeting,2000 September 05
86-B Minutes of the Regular Board meeting,2000 September 26
REPORTS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION
87-A.Director's Announcements
87-B.Departmental Updates
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
88-A.Special Education Advisory Committee,2000 October 03
88-B.Committee of the Whole,2000 October 10
88-C.Committee of the Whole,2000 October 24
MOTIONS -NOTICE OF WHICH HAS BEEN GIVEN
89-A.None at this time.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
90-A.None at this time.
90-B.Ontario Public School Boards'Association •Update
approve separate
approve separate
receive verbal
receive pages 4-15
receive pages 16-18
approve pages 19-40
verbal
receive verbal
COMMUNICATIONS
91-A.None at this time.
NOTICE OF MOTIONS
QUESTIONS BY MEMBERS
GOOD NEWS ITEMS -"Did you know.
ADJOURNMENT
THAMES VALLEY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
REGULAR MEETING,2000 OCTOBER 24
The Board meets in regular session on the above date in the Board Room at the
Education Centre, meeting inpublic session at 7:00 p.m.,followedbyCommittee ofthe
Whole, in camera at 7:50 p.m., on motionof Brockand Vaughan.The following are
in attendance:
P.Jaffe,Chairperson (-8:08 +8:18)G. Hart (+7:40)
0.Stewart
R.Vaughan
S.Peters
P.Schuyler
also;
J.Laughlin
P. Askey
P.Gryseels
B. Bryce
B.Greene
C. Murphy
Regrets:J.Hunter
J.Bennett
A.Sutherland
P.Smith
M.Sereda
J.Thorpe
P.Mennill
L.Robertson
L.Peck
C.Nurse (-7:40)
W.Brock
J.Townshend
P.Doieman (-7:40)
G.Treble
S.Galati
S.Christie
A. Hogg
W.Scott
BANTING S.S.,FRED'S FOLK -MUSIC FESTIVAL AWARD WINNERS
The appreciation ofthe Board is extended to Fred's Folk XXXII,Banting S.S.,London,
conductor Sandi Mennill and accompanist /Mison Bradley, for leading inthe singing of
0 Canada and bringing musical presentations.
Congratulations are also extended to Fred's Folk XXXI who performed at the Ovation
Music Festival In Chicago,Illinois,in 2000 April.They are the winners of the Gold
Awardand received international recognition, a trophy and a $500 US prize for being
declared winners ofthe Ovation President's Award for being the best in allthe Ovation
festivals. Followingthis,the Choir placed first in the chamber choir class at the 2000
London KiwanisMusic Festival.Three of their most recent trophies are viewed.
SYDNEY OLYMPICS BRONZE MEDAL WINNER
Congratulations are extended to Lesley Thompson,Teacher Librarian,Central Elgin
Collegiate, St.Thomas,winner ofa bronze medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, as a
member of the Canadian Women's Eight Rowing Team event.Lesley is only the
second Canadian to have won a medal infour differentOlympics.
2000 October 24...3S0
OFFICIAL RECORD
Weregrettorecordthedeath of Clive Saxon,an 15-year old student at Beal Secondary
School,London,on 2000 October 04.
We also regret to record the death oftwostaff members: KenMoser, a custodian at
Parkslde College Institute,St. Thomas, on 2000 September 29; and John Carter, a
charge custodian at OxbowPublic School,llderton,on 2000 October 10.
85-A. Conflicts of interest are declared as recorded Inthe Report ofthe Committee
of the Whole,Item 88-C.
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
66-A.The minutesoftheSpecialBoardmeeting,2000 September 05are approved
on motion of Brock and Sutherland.
86-B. The minutes of the Regular Board meeting, 2000 September 26 are
approved on motionof Brockand Sutherland.
REPORTS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION
87-A.Director's Announcements
John Laughlin,DirectorofEducation, reports that the UnitedWayStair Climb
to the Top Team Challenge event Is being held Thursday,2000 October 26
at 7:00 a.m. at One London Place,to raise money for the United Way
Fundralsing Campaign.The Thames Valley Stair"Climbing Team
representatives are John Laughlin,Director;Peter Askey, Executive
Superintendent of Program; Brian Greene,Executive Superintendent of
Business Sen/ices;John Thorpe,Superintendent ofEducation,Operations;
1 John Cuddle, Manager, Human Resources;and Peter Doelman,Student
Trustee.Everyone is invitedto support this event bymaking a pledge tothe
Individuals participating.
The report Is received on motion of Bennett and Peters.
87>B.Departmental Updates
The Administration present departmental updates on the following Issues:
2000 October 24...351
Business Services
- Various events attended by Executive Superintendent;
-1999-2000 Annual financial statement -external auditing begun;
- General legislative grants package released by Ministry;
-Salary grid change/retroactlvity payments update provided;
-ETFO/OSSTF Collective Agreements implemented;
-AAPSP salary grid changes/retroactivity payments implemented inOct;
- Payroll conversion to IPPS TVDSB database scheduled for2001 Jan;
-School Renewal projects nearing completion;
- Capital Projects update provided;
- -Maintenance update provided;
- Ministry'sschool facility survey distributed to all schools for input;
-An electricity deregulation symposium workshop being organized;
- Training course for Floater Custodian positions begins October 21;
- Printing Services assumed Ed.Centre AV equipment responsibilities.
Director's Services
-Director attended Community of Schools meetings and visited schools;
-Departmental staffing changes listed;
-Recognition Reception for 25-years of service;
~Various events attended by the Director;
-'Take Our Kids to Work'program scheduled for 2000 November 01;
- This year's Rrst issue of Links has been produced and distributed;
- Foundation to be established to fundraise in support of students;
- Various Staff Development initiatives are currently being conducted.
Human Resource Services
- 'Growing a Caring Learning Community'Conference 2000 Oct. 14;
-Release of Ministry's School Council Regulations scheduled for late fall;
-PrincipalsA^ice Principals positions are being advertised;
-Supervision procedures for all Employees being finalized;
-Re-enrollment of benefits for AAPSP and CUPE are continuing;
- Additional names added to Occasional Teacher lists;
-System-wide posting for Educational Assistants issues;
- Implementation of agreements and payment of retroactive salaries.
2000 October 24...352
Operations Services
- Attainment of tlie Visionprofessional development sessions undenvay;
- JK/SK enrolment/staffing issues being addressed;
-Rededlcation ceremonies scheduled for Roosevelt,Oxbow,Masonville;
-Remaining Secondary Schools being converted to Trillium;
-New Administrator workshops scheduled;-
-Major Ministry PlanningReport re:Accountability Framework;
-Research and Assessment awaiting EQAO Assessment results;
- Work continues on ActionPlan developed re: EQAOresults.
Program Services
- Service Technologies program expansion/renewal underway;
-Partnerships for Excellence project to Trustees on 2000 Oct.10;
- Library Automation Project is on schedule;
-Trillium installations are continuing;
-Informatlon&CommunicationsTechnologyCommittee met20000ct.11;
- Markbook2000,Provincial Report Card Writer purchased for S.S's;
- UnitsforSocial Studies,Historyand Geography outlined;
-Canada Summer Games Resource Document posted to website;
- Arts Task Force planning music, visual arts and dance workshops;
- Arts inAction catalogue sent to all schools;
-Orchestra London wori<shops/concerts for ES and SS students;
- Learning Conference 2000 workshops at 29 different sites;340 attend;
-October is Child Abuse Prevention Month,several activities planned;
-160 schools have been budgeted to receive additional cabling;
-Summer upgrades re: installation of 50 new file senders;
-Wide-area Network has connected every school's server in Board;
-Software upgrades in HR, Payroll,Rnance -completion is 2000 Dec. 04.
The reports are received on motionofSmith and Schuyler.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
88-A.Special Education Advisory Committee 2000 October 03
12:00 noon -3:20 p.m.
Members Administration and Others
L.Stevenson,Chairperson R.Telchrob P. Askey N.Dool-Kontio
J.Bennett C.Hawthorne B.Merifield M.Scheid
C. Nurse (+12:35)N.Gooding B.Martin S. Hickey
A.Morse E. Maybury A.Tims T. McCoy
J.Williamson P.Gillis 6.Mates W.Scott
J.Worthington (-2:20) L. Vince
M.Tucker (-2:00 +2:40
2000 October 24...353
Regrets: P.Gallin,J.Townshend,W.Gowers,L Shalnllne,G.McGahey,R.Hurwitz
Reports:
1.Mary Ann Tucker, Thames Valley Childrens'Centre, declared a conflict of
interest regarding the Community CareAccessCentre (item 11)and absented
herself during the presentation and discussion.
2. The agenda was confirmed.
3. The report ofthe 2000 August 22 meeting was reviewed.
4. The report ofthe 2000 September 12 meeting was reviewed.
The reportof2000 September 12,item 10,was amended to read:Bill Mates,
Tillsonburg Community Living London...; and, ... the Ministry of Citizenship,
Culture and Recreation.
5.The timelines of the major tasks for SEAC together with the following 2000 -
2001 meeting schedule were received:
Location Date
CEC East 2000 November 07
Education Centre -London 2000 December.05
CEC South 2001 January 09
Education Centre - London 2001 February 06
West Location (tba)2001 March 06
Education Centre - London 2001 April03
Education Centre -London 2001 May 01
Education Centre -London 2001 June 05 -
6.Peter Askey, Executive Superintendent,Program Sen/ices,provided an
overview of the Ministry of Education's debriefing sessions regarding the
Intensive Support Amounts (ISA) claims. The Ministry will be conducting a
province-wide consultation this fall to identify key issues and make
recommendations in2001 January tothe Ministerthat will determine and refine
the ISAfunding process needs.It is anticipated that a simpler ISA process will
occur inthe futurewiththe Ministry requiring only a sampling ofthe boards'ISA
claim submissions.
Associations were requested to submit questions forciarification to Peter Askey
before the end of 2000 October for forwarding to the Ministry as part of the
consultation process.
Jill Worthington,VOICEforthe Hearing-Impaired,advised that her Association
has been requested to submit input regarding the ISA process.Members
interested in information regarding this process may obtain further details by
contacting JillWorthington at writeon@lweb.net.
2000 October 24...354
7. Annie Tims, Learning Coordinator,Behaviour Program,presented information
pertaining to the Steps to Success Program.Case studies were also
presented.The Steps For Success BehaviourResource Tearn providesawide
range of support services across the district where students are exhibiting
behavioural difficulties.
Guest speal^ers,Constable Tim McCoy,Ontario Provincial Police,and Shirley
Hickey,Principal,Sutherland P.S.,relatedtheir experiences withthe Behaviour
Resource Team and the connections between the school,students,families
and community support services.
Aquestion and answer period was held.
8. The Ministry ofEducation, on2000 June 05,announced supplementary funding
($5.5 million)to the Learning Opportunities Grants and Special Education to
support JK-3 learning and literacy.
Peter Askey,Executive Superintendent,PrograniServices,provided information
regarding the report ofthe Partnerships forExcellence Planning Framework to
be presented at the meeting ofthe Committee ofthe Wholeto be held 2000
October 10.
Peter Askey advised that the Partnerships for Excellence planning concepts
were changed significantlyfrom the August version presented to SEAC and
now reflect many of the suggestions offered.
Duringthe discussion further input/comments were suggested.
9.Bob Merifield,Learning Supervisor, Program Sen/ices,provided information
regardingthe issues considered bythe SEACTransportationSub Committee.
Joyce Bennett, AlisonMorse,JillWorthingtonand LindaVincewere appointed
totheSEACTransportatlonSubCommittee.TheSub Committee Isscheduled
to meet on Monday,2000 October 16 at 3:00 p.m. at the Education Centre.
10.The Gifted Screening Procedures Review was tabled to the meeting of 2000
November 07.
11. Nancy Dool-Kontio,Manager, Client Services and Megan Scheid,Case
Manager, Community Care Access Centre,London and Middlesex School
Health Sen/ices,(CCAC)presented an outline ofthe new process foridentifying
children appropriate for CCAC sen/ices.
A question and answer period was held.
It was suggested that CCAC consider preparing information packages
specifically for parents/guardians explaining the role of the school health
support services and the process for accessing these services.
12.The Resource Representatives for Program Reviews was deferred to the
meeting of 2000 November 07.
A
2000 October 24...355
13. Peter Askey outlined the proposed process for the selection of Special
Education Advisory Committeemembership forthe next term of office.Peter
advised that letters have been sent to local associations inviting Ihem to
nominate a representative and an alternate to serve for the period 2000
December to 2003 November.II was noted that advertisements inviting
applications also appeared in area newspapers.
14. Nadyne Gooding,TouretteSyndrome Foundation ofCanada (TSFC),London
Chapter, presented information regarding the national voluntary health
organizationthat promotes localself-help,professional services and research.
Resource materials for the Association were distributed.
Avideo entitled, "Stop ItICan't"was viewed.
15.Copiesofthe 2000Standards forSchoolBoards'Special Education Planand
2000 Individual Education Plans:Standards for Development,Program
Planningand Implementation,were distributed. The twodocuments are to be
discussed at the meeting of 2000 November 07.
16.The Committee met In Forum.
L.STEVENSON.
Chairperson
The report is received on motionof Bennett and Townshend.
.88-B.Report of the Committee of the Whole 2000 October
Members Administration and Others
P.Jaffe,Chairperson J.Laughlin K.Bushell
D.Stewart P.Askey R.Sims
R.Vaughan (-9:00)P.Gryseels J.Attard
S.Peters B.Greene C.Attard
G. Hart (+7:00 -9:20)
B.Bryce B.Mack
J.Bennett L.Peck P.Schepens
J.Hunter C. Murphy
G.Owens
A.Sutherland M.Sereda C.Bear
P.Smith G.Jazey B.Martin
C.Nurse (+5:10-10:42)J.Thorpe G.Graves
W.Brock P.Mennlll R.Salazer
J.Townshend (+6:10)L.Robertson S.Killtp
P.Doelman (+7:00)J.Empringham S.Galati
R. Murray S.Christie
Regrets:P.Schuyler G.Treble A. Hogg
2000 October 24...356
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 discussed
confidential legal and property matters.
3.The Committee met in public session from 7:00 p.m. to 10:52 p.m.
4. ARequest forProposal (RFP)was issued on2000August01forbidstoprovide
consultant services for the Woodstock Collegiate Institute renovations and
renewals. This RFP was fonvarded to 16 potential bidders as well as being
electronicallyadvertisedthroughtheElectronicTenderNetworkandtiie Board's
Web Site. The committee received and considered four proposals.
The proposed commencement date of this contract is October, 2000 with a
completion date of 2002 September 01.
(see recommendation 1)
5.Additions to Five Elementary Schools
In the Spring of 2000, the Board approved that the Administration plan for
additions to Forest Park,Northbrae,Central,Northdale Central (Dorchester)
and Northdale (Woodstock) Public Schools and report back tothe Board on or
before 2000 November 01 with respect to budget,schedule,funding and
detailed plans.
The purpose of this report is to address these issues and seek approval to
tender the fiveprojects. The tender prices and related recommendations will be
presented on 2000 November 21 for Forest Park and Central and on 2001
February 27 for Northdale Central (Dorchester), Northbrae and Northdale
(Woodstock)Public Schools.
In the spring, the Principals along with staff members,toured recently built
additions to assess which features were the best to include In the plans and
also to receive comments from Principals on what to expect when building
schools,additions and renovations.
At the same time each school formed an in-school design committee chaired
by the Principals and composed of community representatives,staff
representatives,school custodians,Superintendents ofEducation,the Manager
of Projects and Maintenance,Project Coordinators,the Executive
Superintendent of Business,and the Executive Superintendent of Operations.
Each of these committees worked with the following architectural firms:
\
2000 October 24...357
Northbrae Cornerstone Architecture
Northdale (Woodstock)Dickson Partnership Inc.
Centra!Dickson Partnership Inc.
Forest Park Brelvik Scorgie Wasyiko Morrison Architects
Northdale (Dorchester)Breivlk Scorgie Wasyiko Morrison Architects
During Julyand August,design committee meetings wereheldto receive input
and alter proposed designs.The proposed designs were presented tothe
school communities during the monthof September. The reception by the
communities has been excellent. The process to date has been most fruitful
and has resultedinplansthatmeetthe need ofstudents,community and staff.
Inaddition,our Intentin using this process was to bringthe perspective of 3
architects, designteams and communities tocommonissues inthe hope that
we could recommend common design features. As a result, the following
commonfeatures are being used for these additionsand futuredesigns:
-standardizing of building equipment and material
-standardizing office,storage and custodial equipment
-activity room attached to the gymnasium to facilitate forthe earlyyears
division and to an added facilityfor community use
-gyrnnasiums of approximately 3200 sq. ft.
- resource roomto be approximately2000 sq. ft.and to Includea computer
lab of 30 stations.Each classroom to have 3 or 4 computers to use during
class time and that these computers be integrated as a teaching tooland
size of room standardized at 760 sq.ft
- airconditioning new additions and renovated areas
-air conditioning the totalschoolwhere no existing ventilation exists
-activity rooms,gymnasium,andresourceroomsclosetoentrances Inorder
to facilitate easy community access
-lunch rooms not to be provided
-Kindergarten rooms to provide separate entrance;internal coat racks,
cubbies and water centres;exterior play area
The Principals arepresently developing a common furniture andequipmentlists
for classrooms and resource centres that will be submitted at the 2000
November 21 Board meeting.
Overview of Projects
I)Project Synopsis -Forest Park Pubic School,St.Thomas
The objective ofthe project is to create eight (8)additional instructional
spaces to accommodate 200 students. The project will consistof2 new
additionstotheschool and alterationsofexistingspaces.The additionsand
renovated facility will be ready foroccupancy for September 2001.
2000 October 24...3S8
Additions
The new additions will consist of two (2) classrooms, kindergarten room,
general purpose room with Interconnected activity room,stage,,change
rooms,washrooms, separate barrierfree washroom, gym and custodial
storage.An elevatorIsalso proposedto allow forthe existing second floor
ofthe school to be barrier free.Site workto include, as part ofthe proposed
project,an extensionofthe parking lot and newsidewalkto kindergarten
area.
Renovation/Alterations
The scope of renovation workto be executed inthe existing building Is
based on the most efficient use of existing areas.Three (3) existing
classrooms, currently used for other purposes are being reclaimed and
extensive renovations are planned for the library,resource centre,
gymnasium,and office area. The reorganization of these areas in
combination with the addition will allowfor space to accommodate three (3)
additional new classrooms.
School Renewal Items
The replacement of the electrical service and water ser\nce which was
identified onthe facility auditforImmediatereplacement will betendered with
this project.
il)Project Synopsis •Central Public School,Woodstock
The objective of the project is to create a JK-8 school from its present
configuration ofa senior elementaryschool. The project will consist ofa
new additiontothe school, alterations ofexisting spaces,makingthe school
bartier free, and the renewal of the building exterior.The addition and
renovated facility will be ready for occupancy September 2001.
Addition
The new addition will consist of a general purpose room,stage,community
entrance and barrier-free lift to all floor areas of the existing building. Site
wot1(will Include the creation of a drop-off area from Light Street and the
reconfiguration of the existing parking area on the east side of the site.
Agreement has been reached with the Cityof Woodstock to allow for the
dropoffarea tobeonthe Light Street roadallowanceand the use ofexisting
municipal parking lot for staff.
(
2000 October 24...359
Renovation/Alterations
The scopeofrenovation workin the existing building includes converting the
existing gymnasium into two junior/senior kindergarten rooms,and
converting the existing design and technology room andstagetoan activity
room,changerooms,washrooms and storage for thenewgeneral purpose
room. Also included is the conversion of the existing change rooms to a
classroom andgeneralenhancementtothe finishes ofthe existing school
(i.e.painting,flooring).Please note that the existing school was renovated
in 1992to bring ituptopresent building codes. The exterior ofthe existing
school will be renewed.Items for renewal will include replacing windows
andentrances,cleaning of masonry,and replacement of soffit and fascia.
School Renewal Items
All items identified inthe facility audithavebeen addressed with therenewal
of the exterior of the building.
Hi)Project Synopsis -Northdale Central Public School,Dorchester
The objective ofthe project is to create seven (7)additional Instructional
spaces to accommodate the additional 100 grade 4 students from River
Heights Public School andthe75students presently insatellite portables at
Northdale Central Public School and to improve the existing gymnasium.
The project wili consistofa five (5)classroom addition,an addition tothe
gymnasium,renovations to the existing design and technology rooms,
library,office and staff room.The addition and renovated facilities wiil be
ready for occupancy for September 2001.
Additions
A five classroom additionis proposed to be builtto the south side ofthe
existing design and technology room. The existing design and technology
area would be altered to allow for a corridor to the proposed addition. As
weli as an additionto the gymforincreased floor area and gym storage is
planned.
Renovations
The existingdesign and technology area wouldbe reconfiguredto become
a reclaimed classroom and learning support room. The existing library
wouid be renovatedto allow foracomputerlabas the existing computerlab
wiil be reclaimed as a classroom.Also renovations to the office and staff
room are planned. The gymnasium would be completely renovatedandthe
existing stage willbe removed.
School Renewal Items
The replacementofthe boiler,intercom system, roofsection D-6 and main
electrical switch gear and panels which were Identified inthe facility auditfor
immediate replacement will be tended withthis project.
2000 October 24...360
iv) Project Synopsis -Northdale PublicSchool,Woodstock
The objective of this project is to create a JK-8 school from its,present
configuration ofa JK-5 elementary school. This project will consist ofa new
addition to the school and alteration of existing spaces.The addition and
renovated facility will be ready for occupancy September 2001.
Addition
The new addition will consist ofa gymnasium,stage and gym storage.Site
work wll consist of a drop-off area and visitors' parking area to the west of
the school.
Renovations/Alterations
The scope ofrenovationworkincludes alteringthe existinggymnasiumfor
the creation of a 2000 sq. ft.resource centre.This existing space will be
completely renovated including H.V.A.C.,flooring,ceiling and lighting.
Change rooms, washroom, and a community entrance will be constructed
atthe southeast corner ofthe existinggym. The existing resource centre will
be converted back to a classroom.
School Renewal Items
The upgrade of the fire alarm system and the replacement of two roof
sections which were identified in the facilityaudit for immediate replacement
will be tendered with this project.
V)Project Synopsis •Northbrae Public School,London
The objective of the addition Is to create 3 additional instructional spaces.
This will be accomplished by building a Library Resource Centre which
Includes a computer lab and converting the existing-Library back into
classrooms,liie addition and renovation facilities will be ready for
occupancy September 2001.
Addition
The new addition will consist ofa 2000 sq.ft.Library resource centre which
will include a computer lab,also, a new main entrance to the school will be
added.Site workIsto include a new drop off area and the reorganization of
the existing parking lot.
Renovation/Alterations
The scope of renovation work includes the conversion of the existing staff
room and health room to a new kindergarten room, the renovation of the
existing kindergarten room to reclaim enough area for a learning support
roomand specializedwashroom, renovationstothe general officearea and
the conversion ofthe existing libraryback to 2 classrooms.
2000 October 24...361
School Renewal Items
The replacement of the boiler, electrical service and sub panels and fire
alarm system which was identified in the facility audit for immediate
replacement will be tendered with this project.
Air Conditioning
At Forest Park Public School and Central Public School a concern has risen
within the design committees and communities to have the entire school air
conditioned.
Inthe attempt to standardize additions/renovations projects administrativelywe
have followed the concept of air conditioning new additions and major
renovated areas where new ventilation systems are being installed to meet the
building code.
Inthe case of both of these schools existing ventilation systems nrieet present
buildingcodes and A.S.H.R.A£.standards.These existingvehtilation systems
and units would have to be removed and discarded to install proper air
conditioningto these areas.
The coistto Installventilation and air conditioning to the schools in question are
estimated at $250,000 for Forest Park P.S.and $300,000 for Central P.S.
Funding
The Board,at itsmeeting 2000 May02,approved a recommendation as follows
'That the Board not exceed a debt level established by the projects presently
approved and those projects presently recommended tjy areaaccommodation
study committees."These projects are included in that motion and will be
financed over a 25 year periodwith annual principaland interest payments paid
out of the "School Renewal" portion of the annual budget.The Board has
approved an annual contribution to principal and interest payments not to
exceed $2.2 Mfrom the annual "School Renewal"funding envelope.
Estimated Costs/Budgets
Section Forest
Park
Central Northdale
Central-
Dorchester
Northdale •
Woodstod(
Northbrae TOTAL
1)Design and Construction
I Addition/renovation
u School Renawal
2,703,500
65,000
2,453,500 1,447,200
187,500
813,100
165,000
819,600
185,000
8,236,900
622,500
SUB-TOTAL 2,768,500 2,453,500 1,634,700 976,100 1,004,600 6,859,400
2000 October 24...362
Section Forest
Park
Central Noithdale
Centra]-
Dorchester
Northdale •
Woodstod(
Northbrae TOTAL
2) Furniture and Equipment
t School
i!Computers
III Cabling &Telephone
iv Custodial Equipment
106.000
227,000
25,000
8,750
51,000
228,141
25,000
8,750
96,000
263,772
25,000
2,000
46,000
182,820
5,000
6,750
66,000
291,081
5,000
2,000
365,000
1,192,614
85,000
30,250
SUB-TOTAL 366,750 312,891 386,772 242,570 364,081 1,673,064
3)Proiect Disbursements
I Relocation of school
phasing
u Building permit/Tees
iii Asbestos/soU testing
iv Building &topo
graphical survey
V Miscellaneous
15,000
16,000
4,000
3,000
10,000
10,000
22,050
4,000
3,000
10,000
5,000
4,200
4,000
3,000
7,500
5,000
6,000
4,000
3,000
5,000
5,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
5,000
40,000
55,250
20,000
15,000
37,500
SUBTOTAL 50,000 49,050 23.700 23,000 22,000 167,750
4)Project Contingency 65,000 65,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 190,000
TOTAL 3.270,250 2,880,441 2,065,172 1,263,670 1,410,681 10,890,214
6.
NOTE:
1. 5% construction contingency allowance carried In estimated cost for design and
construction section.
2.All costs are net GST.
3.List ofschool renewal items and estimated cost for each project provided.
4./Ulschool renewal costs willbe taken from the 2000/2001 school renewal program
budget
5.Item2 • all cost will be covered by existing budgets,but may be financed over 2
years
6. The remainder ofthe cost will be paidthrough long-termdebt (see fundingsection).
(see recommendation 2)
Long Term Report -Accountability Framework for Pupil Accommodation
The purpose ofthis reportIsto fulfill the reportingrequirements as specified in
the "Accountability FrameworkforPupilAccommodation." Aplan must be filed
by 2000 October 16 which addresses:
- a long-term plan to identify issues related to pupil accommodation that
Boards expect to face; and
-strategies for dealing with those issues.
2000 October 24...363
The long-term plan should:
-assess the relationship between current and projected enrolment and
permanent school capacity to identify areas ofneed and/orsurplus school
facilities;
-identify actionsthatthe Boardplansto ta[<e overthe next5years to address
the need for facilities to accommodate its students;
-Identify actions that the Board plans to take over the next 5 years with
respect to surplus school facilities;
-identify processes to assess the condition of existing schools in orderto
identify necessary renewal projects that are required to Improve program
delivery;and
-identify processes thatthe Board will use to prioritize the workthat needs to
be done to ensure that an effective school renewal program Is in place.
in this long-term plan,developed in accordance with the Accountability
FrameworkforPupilAccommodations,issues are identified that the Board will
have to address along withthe manner Inwhich these issues have been dealt
withto date.The report is broken into the following factors:
-Enrolment Projections
-Need for New School Facilities
-New School Facilities
-Surplus School Facilities
-Processes to Assess School Conditions and Service Quality
- Priority Setting
Enrolment Projections
This section ofthe report delineates the enrolment projections for the next 15
years.The global data Is as follows:
ELEMENTARY SECONDARY
Ministry
Capacity
F.T.E.
Enrolment
%
Enrolment
vs
Capacity
Ministry
Capacity
F.T.E.
Enrolment
%
Enrolment
vs
Capacity
1999-00 57,349 53,479.5 93.3 33,789 27,438.4 81.2
2004-05 56,204 54,866.0 97.6 32,325 24,931.3 77.1
2009-10 56,204 56,882.0 101.2 32,325 24,557.9 76.0
20014-15 56,204 58,190.0 103.5 32.325 24,307.1 75.2
2000 October 24...364
In summary,the enrolment projections indicate that:
- Inthe elementary panel at the Districtlevel,the enrolment does not exceed
capacity until 2009/10 at which point it is 1.2% or 678 students above
capacity,and in 20014/15 itis 3.5% or 1,986 students above capacity.
- Inthe elementary panel at the designated citylevel,the enrolment does not
exceed capacity in London untilthe school year 2009/10 at 3.4%or 1,086
students,and 7.0%or 2,227 students in 2014/15.In St.Thomas,enrolment
meets capacity inthe 2004/05 school year, and will exceed capacity by5.8%
or 225 students In 2009/10,and 7.3%or 283 students in the 2014/15 school
year. In Woodstocic,enrolment exceeds capacityby3.4%or98 students in
the 2004/05 school year; similarly,by 3.1% or 87 students in the 2009/10
school year,and 4.6% or 133 students inthe 20014/15 school year.
- Inthe secondary panel, enrolment does not exceed capacity during the next
15 years,either at the Districtlevel or at the designated city level.
- Inorder to reach 100%capacity, approximately four average size schools
would have to be closed.The average size of an elementary school inthe
District is 334.
Methodology and Assumptions
The Ministry of Education in its "Accountability Reporting Requirements"
requires enrolment projections to be made for a 15-year period. This Is
consistent with the Ministry timeframe which requires Boards to. provide
enrolment projections ofthis length priorto imposing Education Development
Charges.
Inorder to develop the long-term projections it was necessary to co-ordinate
and utilize data from a number of sources.First the historical enrolment for
each Individual school by grade had to be obtained for each ofthe elementary
and secondary schools within the Thames ValleyDistrictSchool Board. The
historical data was identifiedfromthe 1991 -92 school year through to the 1999-
00 school year.This 9-year historical pattern wouldform essential background
data inthe calculation ofthe long-term projections.Second,both historical arid
current general population data was drawn from across the Districton the
overall population within the 25 cities, towns, villages, townships, and
municipalities which fall within the Thames Valley DistrictSchool Board as
administered by the Ontario Property Assessment Corporation's assessment
records.
2000 October 24...365
Third recent Census Canada Data from Statistics Canada as well as survival
and fertility rates published by the Office of the Registrar General for the
Province of Ontario was obtained.Fourth, the current projections for the
Thames Valley District School Board from the l\/linlstry of Education and
Training were secured.Rnally,data on current and future residential growth
and development,as well as population data was obtained from municipalities
and planning departments throughout the Districtin order to assist In the
development of the long-term enrolment projections.
Overall in Canada,there is a general demographic shift within the population.
Whilethe overalltotal number of school-age children Is expected to increase in
the country as a whole, It will not increase at the same rate as the total
population because ofa shiftindemographics toan olderpopulationand fewer
births. Currently in Canada the population contains a massive bulge
representing the huge generation of"baby boomers" born between 1947 and
1966.Following the "baby boom"generation was a smaller group which has
become known as the "bust generation", and the most recent group who are the
children ofthe "baby boomers"once again is a bulge Inthe population.
Althoughthis group knowas the "echo generation"is large, itis smaller than
their parents'generation because the number ofchildrenper household islower
than during the post war period.By tracking these overall trends and
fluctuations in population demographics,the size of different age groups that
result from this phenomenon provides valuable informationfor predicting the
percentage of tiie population who will be school-age,not only in Canada but
also withinthe Thames Valley School District.
Inpreparing the school-by-school projections forthe District,an historical data
base of the grade-by-grade enrolment and total full-time equivalent student
population was set upforthe period 1991 to 1999.A series'of modifiedcohort-
retention algorithms was developed and applied to the base data for each
school to amve at a series of school-by-school projections.The age specific
cohort data fromthe Ontario Property Assessment Corporation for each ofthe
individual municipal areas was then used to calculate approximate pre-school
totals (used forJK estimates)forthe next 5 years.Itwas then assumed that the
patterns which have existed over the past years inconjunction withthe known
pre-school informationwould be maintain for the duration of the period of the
projection. Thus it was possible to completer the initial 15-year projection for
each school in the District.
The above methodology has been determined to meet the long-term needs for
a majority ofthe schools within the District;however,forthose schools which
are or will be impacted bysignificant development or are holding schools,orfor
those areas of new construction where there Is no current accommodation
available,it was necessary to consider additional data elements in order to
finalize the District enrolment forecast and to then compare this information to
the District capacity in the 5-year cohort intervals which the Ministry
Accountability Framework Report requires.
2000 October 24...366
A brief summaryofthe approach taken for specific schools in Woodstock,St.
Thomas and London was provided.
System Enrolment Forecast
The system enrolment projections were developed with the use of base
historical data, cohort retention patterns, forecasts of specific municipal
population and dwelling unitdemandsovertheperiodofthe projection toarrive
at 5-year cohort inten/al school-by-school projections.The overall District
elementary forecast wouldindicatea potentialincrease inenrolment of 4,710
F.T.E.pupilsover the 15-year timeframe. This represents a net increase of
approximately 9%.
The secondary projectionshave attempted to take intoaccount the impact of
the 4-year secondary programinthe long-termfiguresand the recent pattern
of student school and Board selection.It should be noted that,while there is
projectedtobe a declineinthe overallsecondary numbers based onthe known
information as the pattern of student choices and the implementation ofthe new
4-year program are monitored,these figures will be revised to reflect these
changes.
Needs for New School Facilities
Intheelementarypanel,twoguidingprincipleshave emerged: renovationsand
additions will be considered when schools have exceeded capacity by 35%;
and secondly,students will be transported fromnew housing developments to
other schools until such schools exceed capacity by 35% at which time the
following options will be considered:
-boundary changes
-renovations and additions
-new schools
In reviewing the population in new housing zones, the following areas will
exceed a residential population of 300 F.T.E.students.It is noted that the
average elementary school size inthe Districtis 334 F.T.E.students.
There will not be a need for a new secondary school in the next 15 years.At
the present time,no closures of secondary schools are contemplated.
As a result of an Area Accommodation recommendation,a review of program
Isbeing conducted regarding Thames and Sir George Ross Secondary Schools
with a combined student population of 927.29. Administratively, a program
review should be undertaken at West Elgin and Glencoe Secondary Schools.
West Elgin has 525.00 students in attendance,and Glencoe has 431.80
students in attendance.Witha combined student population of 956.80,there
may be an opportunity to consider the offering a wider breadth of program.
2000 October 24...367
With respect to school closures,area accommodation reviews since
amalgamation have closed 2 schools in St. Thomas and 3 schools in
Woodstock. Inthe timeperiodjust priortoamalgamation,13 schools in the City
ofLondonwere closed,including2 secondary schools.Atthe present time, no
school closures are being contemplated; however,Elliott-Fairbairn and
Sweaburg PublicSchools,with a combined student populationof 129.0,may
be two schools that require review inthe future.
Included inthis section ofthe report was a summary of current holding zones
and proposed holding zones. The Board will be considering the proposed
holding zones prior to 2000 December 31.
Priorto amalgamation,the four forming Boards dealt with accommodation
issues and building conditions in differentways. Since amalgamation, the
Thames Valley District School Boardhas addressed the same issues through
AreaStudyCommittees established throughthe "SchoolAccommodationand
Facility Organization"policy and procedures, and Board motion.
New School Facilities
During the next five years based onthe information inthe precedingsections,
there does not appear to be a need fora newschool ineitherpanel. There are
a number of areas that do surface,however,that require decisions.These
areas can be resolvedthrough boundary changes,additionsand newschools.
The difficulty the Boardfaces Isthat it will not receive Provincial funds fornew
schools bythe timea newschool isrequiredinthe newhousing developments,
unless it closes at least four schools.The domino effect of closing four schools,
restructuring boundaries, and resultant Increased transportation costs makes
thisoptionextremelyundesirable. Anotheroptionto consider istoconsider use
of a secondary school or a portion of a secondary school as an elementary
holding school.
Funding New School Facilities
The Thames Valley DistrictSchool Board is not eligiblefor New Pupil Places
funding under current Ministry guidelines.The Board has taken steps to ensure
that resources are made available to fund new school facilities in the future.
The Consolidated Student Accommodation Resen/e Fund was approved by the
Board as part of the Student Accommodation and Planning Report, March
1999.Included in the recommendation to create this reserve fund were the
followingitems:
-Surplus of the four former Boards
-1998 stub year surplus
-Sale of administrative buildings, land and other facilities
-Other reserve funds
The resen/e fund has a balance of $6 628 649 as of 2000 March 31.
2000 October 24...368
Thepurposeofthisreservefundisthatitbe used exclusively fornewschools
as a resultof new pupil places in growth areas. The Consolidated Student
Accommodation Reserve Fund could be used to finance annual debt and/or
lease payments for new schools.
Should the annual debt and/or lease payments exceed the amount in the
Consolidated Student Accommodation Reserve Fund,then the balance must
be funded from non-classroom expenditures or school renewal budgets.
Should thisoccur, itwouldrestrict the Board's abilityto dedicate school renewal
funds for renewal projects at existing facilities.
The Boardhas alsoapproved an annual contribution notto exceed $2.2 Mfrom
the School Renewal funding envelope to assist with the financingof principal
and interest payments on capital debt.
Surplus School Facilities
Boards are responsible fordeterminingwhether ornota school issurplus, and
whether or not the surplus property should be leased or sold.The requirements
fordisposal of surplus schools are outlined inOntario Regulation 444/98.
Boards have an opportunity to reduce the capacity figures used in the
determination of tiie Grants for NewPupil Places on an ongoing basis.Surplus
schools offered at no charge to coterminous school boards and the Ontario
Realty Corporation by December 31 of each year will be removed from the
capacity figures used to determine Grants forNewPupil Places forthe following
academic year.
Boards also have the option of selling schools which may be surplus to their
needs atfair mat1<et value,except that the priceforthe property is notto exceed
the value of the Ministry's Grants for New Pupil Places when the purchaser is
a coterminous school board, or a ProvincialSchool or publiclyfunded care and
treatment facility offering programs leading to a diploma. The proceeds from
the sale are to be placed in a Pupil Accommodation Resen/e.
At the present time, the Board has approached the Provincial government to
seek fundingon a regional basis.Obviouslyifcapitalfunds are notforthcoming
for new schools,the Board should retain the funds from capital sales.If,
however,the Province considers funding new schools on a regional basis,the
logical option would be to turn over empty schools to the Ontario Realty
Corporation.
Funds inthe Pupil Accommodation Reserve are restricted for new pupil places
or school renewal and may not be transferred to any other category.
2000 October 24...369
With respect to school closures, the Board has approved the closure of two
schools in St.Thomas and three In Woodstock.In order to close these schools,
the Board has changed attendance boundaries to increase enrolment in
neighbouring schools, transported students to other schools and provided
additionalspace at existingschools using school renewal funding.
The Board has also closed and sold the former Middlesex Board office,the
former Oxford Board office, the Beachville administration office and a vacant
elementaryschool. The Boardhas placed the sale proceeds ina reserve fund
tobe used exclusivel/for newschools as a resultofnewpupilplaces ingrowth
areas.
Processes to Assess School Conditions and Service Quality
The Board designed and implemented a comprehensive facility audit in 1999.
The audit was developed by both Facility Services staff and a team of 10
architectural and engineering firms (consultants)with experience in school
construction. Using Hanscomb yardsticks as a guide, a template was
developed to assess all major buildng components systems,and access as
wellas the functionality ofthe school withrespect to service areas.The audit
also included a section to evaluate the suitabilityof spaces withinthe school for
the deliveryof the required academic programs such as the gymnasium or
resource area. A separate audit was completed bythe consultants for each
school and/or addition over 400 square feet in building area.In total the audit
had 257 points of inspection for the consultant to review.
The inspectionsofthe schools by these consultants where conducted Inthe fall
of 1999 in conjunction with the school custodian. Each firm was assigned
approximately 40 schools,including schools from each ofthe four founding
school Boards, so that a system wide perspective was developed.The
consultantinspected allcomponents and systems and ranked them on a scale
from1to 10 with10 beinginneed ofimmediatereplacement or non-functional.
The consultants were also required to document technical information on all
mechanical and electrical equipment such as boilercapacity orelectrical sen^ice
size.Asimilaraudit is used forportable classrooms and is being completed by
Facility Services Staff.
All auditswere inputted electronically so that a computerized data base could
be developed and used for maintenance,school renewal,as well as
accommodation and planning.
Both the Maintenance Leaders and Project Co-ordinators use the audit to
develop replacementand repairprograms. Once a repairor replacement is
completedat a school,the audit ranldng ofthatcomponentis changed to a 1
and a date is placed inthe database along witha briefdescription ofthe work
performedso that the auditis continuallyupdated forfuture use.
2000 October 24...370
The implementation ofthe Facility Information ManagementSystem (FIMS)will
allow forthe tracking and revision tothe audit automatically through the work
or/request component.
Priority Setting
The Board has developed an annual school renewal program which has been
developed to address the renewal ofthe Boards facilities and also provides
resources to enhance program, provide barrierfree access,and to deal with
health and safety issues.
The School Renewal Program consists ofthe following categories:
1.Fire and Life Safety Upgrades
2.Program Enhancement
3. Health and Safety Allowance
4.Barrier Free Access
5.Septic Systems and Municipal Services
6. Roof Restoration and Replacement
7. Boilerand Heating System Replacement
8.Heating,Ventilation and Air Conditioning Systems
9.Electrical Services and Equipment Replacement
10.Fire Alarm Replacement
11.Intercom and Security System Replacement
12.Window Replacement
13.Grounds and Asphalt Repair
14.Masonry and Concrete Restoration
15.Energy Management Allowance
16.Portable Classroom Replacement
17.Portable Repairs
18.Contingency Allowance
By using the data collected through the FacilityAudit, a listing of the Board's
immediate priorities is developed for the categories listed under the School
Renewal Program.Afterreviewing the trending analysis,budgets are allocated
to each ofthe School Renewal sections and a listof projects is developed after
consultation with the Maintenance Leaders and from information collected
through the School ConditionSurvey.
The process described above for setting priority within the Thames Valley
District School Board allows Facility Sen/ices to implement a renewal process
which deals with health &safety requirements,program standards,cost
benefits/life cycle analysis and equity throughout the Board for renewal funding.
(see recommendation 3)
2000 October 24...371
7.Partnerships for Excellence
The Administration presented a report requesting Board approval for the
expenditure ofsupplementary fundingreceivedfromthe Ministry ofEducation
in June,2000 related to the Learning Opportunities Grants and Special
Educationtosupport JK-3learningand literacy.Itisproposed thatthe funding
be focused in an initiativeto be known as "Partnerships for Excellence".
In June,2000 the Ministry released supplementary fundingto school boards to
supportreduced class sizes inelementaryandsecondary schools, to provide
additional supports in early Interventions for young children needing Special
Educationservices, and toprovideprogramsupports forJK-3 students withlow
achievement.The funding is being made available forthe 2000-01 school year
and school boards will be responsible for reporting howthe money was spent
and results attained.
Priortothe funding announcement.ProgramServices and OperationServices
had been developing a planning framework to coordinate a number of
concurrent initiatives that had been occurring within the system and with
community partners. These initiatives were focusingonlearningsupports forat-
risk learners,student behavior programs,learning supports forfamilieswithpre
school children and early years students,and literacy interventions for
struggling learners. The goals of planning framework were to coordinate
programs across Thames Valley,to ensure thatstudents receivedthe required
interventions to be successful at school and to examine the next steps in the
evolution of the Kids Count initiative that had originated within the City of
London.
The June Ministry announcement has been verytimelyinthe sense that there
are now more dollars available to support the coordlnaticm of these special
inten/entions and equity issues across Thames Valley. During July and
August, Program and Operations staff met to develop a detailed planning
proposal forthe Board's consideration.The "Partnerships forExcellence"plan
has the following goals:
- to provide special interventions and supports,with an emphasis in the
primary years,to enable students to achieve academic success
-to provideabove-complement resources to schools and communitiesthat
have special needs and circumstances
-to provide opportunities for schools,familiesof schools and communities to
develop intervention strategies that will respond to their unique
circumstances
- to develop outreach programs with community partners in support of
improved student learning
2000 October 24...372
- tocoordinate efforts amongst community agencies andtheThames Valley
District SchccI Boardto optimizeavailable resources and talents
- to provideincreased staff training and development inthe areas o.f literacy
- to measure and report on results achieved through the inten/ention
strategies
The Learning Opportunities Grantamountsto approximately $2 647 760 with
funding distributed across the various envelopes ofthe funding model.Itis
envisioned that through the supplemental LearningOpportunitiesGrant, the
PartnershipsforExcellence initiative wouldemploy21additionalteachers,16.5
additional Educational Assistants,and 3 additional professionals/para-
professionals,leaving approximately $205000 available forsupplies,resource
development and staff in-service.
-Atthis pointIntime$377 437 has not been allocated fortwoofthe envelopes
inthe LearningOpportunitiesgrant for Principals,Vice-Principals and school
secretaries.
The Special Educationallocationamounts to approximately $2 854 976. Itis
envisionedthat throughthis funding,the Partnerships for Excellence initiative
wouldemploy20 additionalteachers, 6.5 additionalEducationalAssistants, and
23additionalprofessionals/para-professionals leavingapproximately$245000
for supplies,resource development and staff In-service.
The total cost for the proposed staff is $4 675 299. with resources costing
$450 000.
The Partnerships forExcellence initiativewill be a jointeffort between Program
Services and Operations Services withcoordination ofthe project being led by
the LearningSupervisor -School &Community Sen/lces'and a designated
Superintendent of Education. The Partnerships for Excellence Initiative
complementsmanycomponents ofthe Attainmentof Vision effortsofthe board
because of its focus on improved student learning. Itis expected this project
will commence in October,2000.
Proposed Projects and Costing
High Needs Students
The additional staff and resources made possible through these grants will
enhance student learning across Thames Valley DistrictSchool Board. The
Learning Opportunities Grant in particular, is an attempt to meet the special
needs of particular students and schools.Issues such as poverty, English as
a Second Language,and high mobility place additional challenges upon
learning.
2000 October 24...373
Additional staff and resources will allow the neediest of our sciiools,on an
individual or family of schools basis, to address those factors that impact
negatively upon the learning oftheir students.
Schools that meet the criteria will be funded to support school-based programs
that address the issues of JK - 3 literacy.Early Years learning initiatives or
additionalsupports to complement Special Educationprograms and services.
Student learning will improve with a variety of additional programs and
interventions for JK-3 students,particularly in areas of literacy,speech and
language,learning disabilities,social/emotional developmentand behaviour.
These interventions will include direct service to students as well as buildingthe
capacity of staff and parents.
Program Services will develop an outline of possible strategies,models and
potential community partnerships.Itis envisioned that 40 designated schools
will be able to access additional staff and resources such as a School Support
Counsellor, a Literacy Specialist Teacher,an Educational Assistant, a Speech
and Language Pathologist or other Professional staff in the development of a
school-based proposal.On average a school would have $ 70 500.
Each school will seek the involvement of community agency partnerships to
enhance readiness to learn and parenting skills programs,nutrition programs
etc.
As part of the project,schools will receive a portion of the $ 300 000 allocated
for additional resources.
A committee of Superintendents,Learning Supen/isors,and Principals will
evaluate each proposal and allocate staff and resources a&:ordingly.
Staffing:$2 821 620
Resources:$300 000
Additional School Support
Additional support will be available for early inten/ention with JK-3 students
across the system who require special education services and/or professional
support for improved student learning.Staff will be allocated according to the
needs of students by a committee of Superintendents,Principals and Program
Sen/ices staff.
Staffing:$1 147 050
Early Literacy Program "Keys to Literacy"
This program currently operates in a variety of locations throughout the system.
The intent of this proposal Is to extend the program to all families of schools.
2000 October 24...374
ItinerantEarly Literacy Teachers serve as a resource to the school-based
ProgramDevelopmentTeam inhelpingschools meetthe needs of students at-
riskfor acquiring literacyskillsinthe primaryand, toa lesser degree, the junior
division.The Principal collaborates withthe ItinerantEarlyLiteracyTeacher to
establish specific school literacy priorities and to establish the direct
services/support action plan. The Itinerant Early Literacy Teachers work
cooperatively with school-based staff to provide direct instruction in
phonological awarenessand/orinfundamental literacy skills.The Early Literacy
Teachers also provide occasionaland/or ongoing school-based inservice.
Sixadditional teachers will be requiredto extend the program system wide.
Staffing:$385 434
Teachers on Special Assignment
The Teachers on Special Assignment (Early Formative Team)will be
responsibleforcoordinating the Partnerships for Excellence initiatives,including
delivery ofstaff training and development forliteracyprojects.
It isproposedthat5 specialassignmentteachers be allocatedonthe basis of
families of schools.The teachers on special assignment will report to the
Superintendents ofEducation andthe Learning Supervisors-Program Services.
ItIsproposedthat $100,000 be allocatedforstaffdevelopmenttosupportthe
Initiatives at the school and system level. In-service will be coordinated bythe
teachers on special assignment In consultation with Operation Services and
Program Services.Monies will be utilized for teaclier release time and
resources.
Staffing:"$321 195
Resources:$100 000
Accountability
There Isa clear expectation on the part ofthe Ministry that boards will be able
todemonstrate howthey have metthe expectations supporting this additional
funding.It is our Intent to develop with the Research and Assessment
Department,specific strategiesthat will measure Improved student learning.
Data sources could include results such as teacher reports,academic and
attitudinal assessments,pre and post testing, parent feedback and community
feedback.
Resources:$50 ODD
Total:$5 125 299
(see recommendation 4)
20QQ October 24...375
8. The Report of the Native Advisory Committee, which met on 2000
September 12, was received.
9. The Reportofthe Policy Worldng Committee,which meton2000October03,
was received.
a) Noconflictsof interest were declared.
b) The Administration presented the draft policy,Progressive Discipline of
Employees,fordiscussion. The draft procedures and TrainingManual
forSupervisory Staffwere also presented forreview. Itwas the goal of
Administration to harmonize and update the practices of the former
boards.It was agreed there should be a link to the Supervision of
Employees policy and procedures,and notation wiil be included in the
Reference sections.
The issue of whether the Administration should regularly provide
informationto the Board on progressive disciplineof employees and the
levelofactivityhappening inthe District,withoutgetting intothe specifics,
is discussed.It was agreed this information could be included in the
Human Resource Services departmental update.
After review, it was agreed to submit the draft policy,procedures,and
training manual for supervisory staff to the consultation process through
the Board's Intranet,for input from the employee groups.
c) A draft policy on Twinning/De-Twinning of Schools was introduced for
consideration.The criteria cited inthe policy arebasedonthe following:
-theaverage number of students of 12 per grade is less than half that
recommended by the Province;
- the minimum of 120 students for a school would be the average of
the school size which includes grades JK-8.
The rationale for presenting this as a policy was three-fold:
to address inequities informer Board practices;
- the practice of assigning Principals to more than one school is not
covered in the Education Act or Regulations
-such a move is frequently the subject of considerable emotion and
discussion,and a policy statement outlines the criteria in advance,
and offers trustees support at the policy level.
The Committee agreed to submit the draft policy to the consultation
process for input from the community,schools,and other stakeholders.
2000 October 24...376
d) The item,Code ofConduct for Visitors to Schools, was deferred to the
next Committee meeting, November 07. The Administration was
requested to prepare a draft policyfor consideration.
The Administration was also directed to determine If any policies,
procedures,guidelines existwith respecttoan employee hiring a family
member, and to obtain any information on Conflicts of Interest for
Employees.
10.The Reportofthe Information Committee of the Whole,which met on 2000
October 03,was received.
a) Noconflictsof interest were declared.
b) A comprehensive update on Literacy Inten/ention Programs was
presented by Peter Askey,Executive Superintendent of Program
Sen/ices,Charmaine Graves and Bob Merifieid,Learning Supen/isors,
Barb Aharan,Literacy Intervention Support Team, Susan Blocker,
Teacher at BealS.S.,Mike Milne,Teacher atSouth S.S.,Heather White,
Student at South S.S.,Mike Vita,Special Education Learning
Coordinator,and Gweneth Minaker,Vice-Principalat HarrisHeights P.S.
The Board's Literacy Task Force has responded to assist in Improving
student learning with system initiatives which are founded on the
Principles of Learning.Summary highiights of the following literacy
initiativeswere presented:
-implementation ofa cross curricutar literacy campaign,"Thinking It
Through",which focuses on the reading,writing and thinking skills
required inthe new curricuium and highlights the skills necessary for
success on the Grade Ten Test of Reading and Writing Skills;
-provision of system In-service to all secondary school subject
associations,learning support teachers and administrators;
- instruction of Summer Literacy Programs for students in grade 8, 9
and 10,both credit and non-credit courses;
- creation of a Literacy Inten/entionSupport Team whose mandate is
to support those teachers of students in Grade 7, 8 and 9 who
stnjggle with reading and writing skills;
- developmentofa Learning Strategies curriculum focused on literacy
instructionfor students in Grade 9 or 10.Learning howto learn and
transference of these strategies require a guided process.These
skillsand strategies are explicitly taught and students are provided
opportunitiesto both enhance and remediate theirskills;
z'
20DQ October 24...377
-development of School Based Literacy Teams In everysecondary
school. Eachschoolhas identified literacy goalsanddesignedaction
plans based on these goals.Representatives from two,Literacy
Teams, Susan Blocker,Beal S.S. and Mike Milne,South S.S., each
presented their school's plan and strategies for implementation.
HeatherWhite,agrade9student,presentedher experiences gained
from attending the Summer Literacy Institute held at SouthS.S. in
August 2000. Heatherexplained a 'Before,During and After"reading
and writing strategy practised during the summer session.In
summary,toquoteHeather,•Learning isa precioustool. Weget out
of it what we put in to it-just as in life."
The "Multiple Keysto Literacy"programis an earlyinterventionprogram
thatsupportsschools meetthe needs of students-at-risk for acquiring
literacyskillsinthe primaryand, to a lesser degree, the junior division.
The Principalcollaborates withthe ItinerantEarly Literacy Teacher to
establish specific school literacy priorities and to establish the direct
services/support actionplan. The ItinerantEariyLiteracyTeachers work
cooperatively with school-based staff to provide direct instruction in
phonological awareness and/or Infundamental literacyskills. The Eariy
LiteracyTeachers also provideoccasional and/or ongoing school-based
insen/ice.Avideo highlighted the services being provided to schools.
• The "Multiple Keys to Literacy" program is now used throughout the
District and Is proving to be a very effective model.
The Administration respond to questions forclarification.
c) Director of Education John Laughlin,provided an update on extra
curricular activities throughout the system.
Hereportedthat extra-curricularprograms,whichIncludesdrama, music,
athletics,clubs and other activities,are up and running in all 161
elementary schools.We have a good beginning for secondary
Inter-school Athletics.Programs are also undenvay inclubs,leadership
opportunities and the arts.
The Thames Valley Region AthleticAssociation is pleased to announce
a good beginning regarding an exhibition play schedule for fall secondary
Inter-school sports set to begin after Thanksgiving.In all, 51 teams are
set toparticipate so far.The team listingsare tentative at this timeand we
expect to receive registrations from other teams during the next week.
2000 October 24...378
Boththe Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB)and the London
DistrictCatholicSchool Board (LDCSB)consider the current interest that
has been expressed as a solidbuildingblock.InSr. Girls' Basketball, for
example,there is enough participationto run an exhibition schedule that
approximates league play.A number of the teams are running as a joint
venture of staff advisors and community volunteers.Both boards have
also collected data showing that some secondary extra-curricular
activities are also underway in clubs,leadership opportunities,and the
arts.
Schedules are being arranged by the teacher coaches.Weekend
tournaments are also being considered for opportunities to participate
where numbers can not support conference play.The tentative list of
teams that are participating was provided.
Recommendations:
1.That the proposal from the V/aiter Fedy Partnership be accepted to provide
design consultant services for Woodstock Collegiate Institute renovations and
renewals.
2. That the Administration proceed to tender the proposed additions and
renovations to Forest Park,Northbrae,Central,Northdaie Central (Dorchester),
and Northdaie (Woodstock)Public Schools.
3. That the Long-Term Report developed in accordance with the Accountability
FrameworkforPupilAccommodation be approved and forwarded tothe Ministry
of Education.
4.That the Partnerships forExcellence planningframework and'associated funding
be approved.
P.JAFFE,
Chairperson
The report is received and the recommendations are adopted on motion of Brock and
Sutherland.
88-C.Report of the Committee of the Whole 2000 October 24
Reports:
1.Chairperson Jaffe declared a conflictof interest with respect to negotiations and
absented himself during discussion of same.
2000 October 24...379
2. The Committee met in camera from 7:50 p.m. to 8:18 p.m.and discussed
confidential personnel and negotiation matters.
Recommendations:
1.Thattheresignationsfortheteacherslistedbelow,be accepted underthe mutual
consent clause,effective dates as indicated:
Name Resignation Date
Mary-Theresa Hiltz (SS)2000 08 31
Jodi Weiner (PS)2000 08 31
2. That the resignations to retirement for the teachers listed below, be accepted
under the mutual consent clause,effective dates as indicated:
Name Retirement Date
Trudy Ball (PS)2000 10 31
Beverley Clark (PS)2001 01 31
Barbara Kaiser (PS)2001 02 28
Jana Stojdl (Sutton)2000 12 31
3. That the motion approved at the in camera session,2000 October 24, related to
negotiations,be adopted.
That the Board ratify the Coiiective Agreement with The Ontario
Secondary School Teachers'Federation -District 11 Occasional
Teachers Bargaining Unit,reached bythe parties on 2000 October 19,
for the period 1998 September 01 to 2002 August 31, pending
ratification by the Union."
Secretary's Note:The OSSTF -District 11 Occasional Teachers ratified the
agreement on 2000 October 30.
D.STEWART,
Chairperson
The report is received and the recommendations are adopted on motion of Stewart and
Smith.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
90-A.Ontario Public School Boards'Association -Update
Trustee Brock provides an update on the Ontario Public School Boards'
Association (OPSBA)meeting held on 2000 September 29. Itis reported that
OPSBA is taking a proactive approach in lobbying the Province regarding
Special Education funding;resource documents have been placed in the
Trustee's Workroom.
2000 October 24...380
OPSBA continues to discuss the issue of extra-curricular activities.
OPSBA has prepared an inlormaticn packagefor all candidates registered
for the Officeof Trustee forthe upcoming municipalelection.
Thereportis received on motion of Brock and Stewart.
COMMUNICATIONS
91-A.None at this time.
ADJOURNMENT
The meetingadjourns at 8:20 p.m.,on motionofVaughan and Peters.
CONFIRMED:
Chairperso