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12/12/2000 - Regular Board MeetingTHAMES VALLEY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD INAUGURAL MEETING,2000 DECEMBER 12 The 2001 Board meets in Inaugural session,in public, on the above date in the Board Room at the Education Centre at 7:00 p.m. 6 CONFLICTS OF INTEREST 7 INVOCATION 8 O CANADA AND MUSICAL PRESENTATION 9 WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS 10 GREETINGS 11 CEREMONIAL OATH OF ALLEGIANCE.AND DECLARATION 12 ELECTED MEMBERS •PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS 13 CONFIRMATION OF 2001 CHAIRPERSON AND VICE-CHAIRPERSON 14 REPORT OF THE CHAIRS'COMMITTEE •COMMITTEE AND OTHER APPOINTMENTS 15 PRESENTATION OF GAVEL 16 MUSICAL INTERLUDE 17 INAUGURAL ADDRESS 18 BENEDICTION 19 DIRECTOR'S CLOSING REMARKS AND INVITATION ADJOURNMENT THAMES VALLEY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD INAUGURAL MEETING,2000 DECEMBER 12 The 2001 Board held its Inaugural meeting in public session on 2000 December 12 In the Board Room at the Education Centre at 7:00 p.m. The following were in attendance: TRUSTEES D.Stewart,Chairperson J.Bennett S.Deller J.Hunter D.Anstead S.Peters T.Roberts L.Stevenson P.Schuyler A.Cartier G.Hart P.Sattler P.Jaffe P.Doelman ADMINISTRATION &OTHERS: J.Laughlln G.Jazey B.Beatty P. Askey J.Thorpe K.Bushell P.Gryseels P.Mennlll S.Dawson B.Bryce L Robertson S.Galati B.Greene R. Murray D.Williams C. Murphy G.Treble S.Christie M.Sereda L.Peck W.Scott 6.No conflicts of interest were declared. 7.INVOCATION Reverend Jim Redpath,delivered the invocation. 8.0 CANADA AND MUSICAL PRESENTATION The Lester B.Pearson Singers from London, with conductor Rob Cairns,and accompanist Angus Sinclair,lead in the singing of "0 Canada" and brought musical greetings.Trustee Jaffe extended the appreciation of the Board to the students,conductor,accompanists,and Rick Wood, Principal, for their participation in the Inaugural meeting. 9.WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS Joyce Bennett, Vice Chairperson,welcomeed guests to the meeting and introduced Trustees and the Director of Education. 10.GREETINGS Government of Canada Ministry of Education Representative of Municipalities Ministry of Education John B.Finlay,MP, Oxford Lynn Watson,Constituency Assistant to Dianne Cunningham,MPP Cheryl Miller,Councillor, City of London Joanne Lapensee-Crimmins, Education Officer,Regional Office 2000 December 12...6 London District CatholicSchool PaulWhitehead.Chairperson Board Representative forHome&School BrianPeat, Co-Chairperson Associations 11. OATH OF ALLEGIANCE,AND DECLARATION OF OFFICE The Oath and Declaration of Office forTrustees is administeredbyJohn Laughlin, Director of Education. Received on motion of Schuyler and Hunter. 12.ELECTED MEMBERS -PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS The Secretary of the Board confirms the election to the Board of the following trustees and certifiesthatthe members have metallprocedural requirements,and are eligible totake office fora three-yearterm,effective 2000 December 01. Elgin County Linda Stevenson,David Stewart Cityof London Diana Anstead,Joyce Bennett,ArtCartier,Peter Jaffe, Terry Roberts,Peggy Sattler Middlesex County Jan Hunter,Sharon Peters Oxford County Stewart Delier,Graham Hart Note: Peter Doelman was elected Student Representative by secondary school student delegates,to serve as their representative for the 2000-2001 school year,commencing 20000 September. .NATIVE TRUSTEE APPOINTMENT A communication dated 2000 November 20 was received fromLindaDoxtator, Education Administrator,Onyota'a:ka Kalihuny'^Nihtsla Tehatilihutakwas, advisingthatPhilSchuylerhas beenappointed Native Trusteefora three-year term,effective 2000 December 01. Received on motion of Jaffe and Bennett. CONFIRMATION OF 2001 CHAIRPERSON AND VICE CHAIRPERSON 13-A.The election of Trustee Stewart as Chairperson of the Board for 2001, elected in accordance with Board Bylaw 3, is confirmed on motion of Stevenson and Jaffe. 2000 December 12...7 14.REPORT OF THE CHAIRS'COMMITTEE That,effective2000December 01.the Committeeand Other Appointments: the Public Library Boards Nominations for Appointment;and the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC)Appointments,as set out below,(14 A, B, C) be approved. 14-A.Board Committee and COMMITTEE Committee of the Whole Information Committee of the Whole Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) (3 year term) Supervised Alternative Learning for Excused Pupils (SALEP) Chairs'Committee Policy Working Committee Budget Advisory Committee Negotiations Advisory Committee Native Advisory Committee Communications &Public Relations Committee Staff Development Advisory Committee Ad Hoc Committee on School Councils /Community Involvement Director/System Review Committee Thames Valley Education Foundation Ontario Public School Boards' Assoc. Western Fair Representative Computer Committee Award of Distinction Committee Strathroy Joint Planning Committee Children's Safety Village Other Appointments 2001 COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP All Trustees All Trustees J.Bennett.P.Sattler,L.Stevenson CEC Central - J.Bennett. J.Hunter (Alternate) CEC East - G.Hart,S.Deller (Alternate) CEC South • L.Stevenson,D. Stewart (Alternate) D.Stewart,J.Bennett,P.Jaffe 0.Anstead,A.Cartier,S.Peters, T.Roberts,L.Stevenson J.Bennett,S.Peters,P.Sattler J.Bennett,G.Hart,A.Cartier S. Deller, J. Hunter, P.Schuyler T.Roberts,P.Sattler D.Anstead,T.Roberts D.Stewart (Chair), S. Deller G.Hart,J.Hunter,P.Jaffe, D.Stewart J.Stewart,P.Jaffe D.Anstead,G.Hart,D.Stewart (Alternate) J.Hunter P.Sattler P.Schuyler P.Jaffe,S.Peters J.Bennett,P.Schuyler (Alternate) 2000 December 12...8 14-B .Public Library Board Thatthe following representatives be nominatedfortheappointment tothe London.St.Thomas,Tillsonburg and Woodstock PublicLibrary Boards on behalf ofthe Thames ValleyDistrictSchool Board, for a three-year term commencing 2000 December 01: London St.Thomas Tillsonburg Woodstock Suzanne O'Neill,Gregory Sutton Karl Buczkowski Jane Brown,Bob Marsden Fred Freeman,MarleneTurkington 14-C.SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE That the following Appointments to the Special Education Advisory Committee, for a three-year term commencing, 2000 December 01, be approved: Provincial Associations (12) London Down Syndrome Association Autism Society Ontario London and District Representative Ed Hager Patricia Gallin Learning Disabilities Association of London-Sue Cowan Middlesex . Association for Bright Children of Ontario (ABC)Rebecca Hurwitz Ontario Association for Families of Children with Carol Hawthorne Communication Disorders Linda Vince Patty Gillls Alison Morse Claire Cochrane Alternate None Listed Dr.Richard (Dick) Philp Ellen Maybury Patricia Toogood Susan Seymour Bill Mates Sheryl Ragobar None Listed Lisa Brown Community Living London, Oxford, Elgin,Middlesex Integration Action Group The Easter Seal Society, Ontario Epilepsy London &Area Views Janet Batchelor-None Listed Williamson Voice Additional Association to be named by the Board at a future date Jill Worthington Representative for First Gina McGahey Nations Students None Listed 2000 December 12...9 Additional Representatives (1-4) The Thames Valley Alliance of Home and School Wayne Gowers None Listed Associations Thames Valley Children's Mary AnnTucker Barb Booking Centre Biuewater Family Support To be named None Listed Services District School Council To be named The report was received and the recommendation adopted on motion of Hart and Bennett. 15.PRESENTATION OF GAVEL Onbehalfofthestudents, trustees, staffand community ofthe Board,the gavel of office was presented to Chairperson Stewartby Leah Turner,a grade one student from Port Stanley Public School. 16.MUSICAL INTERLUDE The Banting Secondary School Jazz Quartet from London brought musical greetings.Trustee Schuyler extended the appreciation of the Board to the quartet, for their participationinthe Inaugural meeting. 17.BOARD CHAIRPERSON'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS Before I begin myaddress, Iwantto offer yourthanksand mine tothe Banting Jazz Quartet who have come together because of their love of music, both performing and composing.I'd liketo introducethem to you: on trumpet is Michael Fallow,on trombone- Megan Snow, on base - Gregg Pilling and on drums,Brendan Home. Weverymuchappreciate yoursharingyourtalentswithus, especiallyatsuch a busy time ofyear, and look fon/vard to enjoying another number at littlelater on.Thank you all. Honoured guests,fellow trustees,ladies and gentlemen,students: Since this is the first opportunity I have had in this publicway to talk about education,Iam goingtotake the liberty of looking backa little.Actually,there is a word in our English language that means to look back and that word is "respecf comingfromtwo roots-''specto''-to look,as inourword "spectacles" and "re"meaning back or again. This word respect will be the thread running through my remarks this evening I have learned a lot about education since I left school.I have learned that education is big business-very big business.Moreover,there is a tendency for large bureaucracies to hide the human face of the organization,to turn people into numbers or useable statistics. When I first became a trustee in Elgin County, I marveled at the size of our budget. I remember that itwas inthe area of$73 million.Our budget thisyear for Thames Valley DistrictSchool Board is around $545 million.The figure for the Toronto School Board is approximately $2 billion.These are by any standards very big numbers. 2000 December 12...10 Other Thames Valley statistics that continue to amaze me are that we have over8,000 staff.We transport 30,000studentsover 961 routestoschool daily and ourbuses travelover 15 million kilometers annually.These arestaggering statistics yet, despite our size,we are able to provide a safe learning environmentforour students where theyfeel valued and respected. Itis no accidentthatoursecond beliefstatement emphasizes thatlearningoccurs best insafe, caring,respectfuland welcoming environments".Itis the basis upon whichour decisions as a board are made and what keeps the human face of our organization in full view. Serandly,Ihavealso learnedthat education consistsofmorethan mastering academicsubjects. Thatacademicsubjects are important isevidenced bythe diplomas,certificatesand degrees thatmanyhere tonighthave earned. These are what I might refer to as the "tangibles of an education". Butwhat about the intangibleslikeselfconfidence, a feelingofworth,the belief infair play,the value of respect?William Butler Yeats said,"Education is not the filling ofa pail butthe lighting ofa fire."A fire,I would suggest, sparked bya strong value system. Last year in his address,Dr.Jaffe challenged us to imagine schools without violence,to imagine if cultural diversity was embraced and valued,going beyond tolerance to celebrate diversity.These are not academic considerations.These belong to the intangibles of education-a real education which truly prepares our students to deal withthe worldof tomorrow, the world that will belong to them. Butto returnto the theme ofmy remarks-respect,letme tellyoua story from long ago and far away...my high school days. A story with a little extra curricular twist. Our Greek and Latin teacher was also our rugby coach and,as you can imagine,his home roomwas littered withallsorts ofrugbyparaphanalia like rugbyjerseys and crests and nets and whistlesand flagsand rugbyballs AND a tool that looked rather like a screw driver.At least it had a head like a screw driver made of very hard wood. On the other end,it had a metal hook which was used for lacing the balls. You may be wondering how I remember such details about this tool. Well, this teacher had another use foritthat had nothing to do with lacingrugby balls. Some days we would be doing drills with Greek words and Greek roots and if he should stop and ask you a question and you didn't know the answer,he would begin to tap on your head withthis instnjment.This made me nervous. So nervous,that Icould remember nothing. I couldn't even remember that the Greek word "pathos" meant pain fromwhich, by the way, we get our English word pathetici Was our Greek teacher being disrespectful to us?Perhaps.Perhaps not. Maybe he just thought that we rugby jocks had such hard heads that we scarcely felt such a littletap. One thing I learned,however, is that respect is something that comes from within. It is an attitude,a value,an attribute of a civilized society.It must be constantly cultivated and monitored in an educational system ifthe system is to meet its responsibility to its students. When I speak of respect,I'm not simply talking about a value our students should learn, or about student codes of conduct although ifs interesting that the word "respecf is mentioned in eight of the ten expectations in the Ministry's Code of Conduct. I'm talking about the whole educational system from the government as a whole,to the Minister of Education,to our youngest students.We all have a role to play ifwe want to see mutual respect modeled throughout our province and our system. 2000 December 12...11 Agreat Christian theologian oncewrotethatto practice one's Christian religion without love is like banging a gong or tinkling a cymbal.Hewasn'ttalking about making music. Hewas talking about making noiseandso itisinan educational system. Howeasy itis tohave goodwords,an admirablemissionstatement, and flawless plans for student improvement.But without these being underwritten by respect,they remain emptywords. Our schools must be secure environments for learning and teaching, distinguished bydiscipline,responsibility,andrespectfor others.1cansay with pridethat inthe threeshortyears ofthisBoard's life,a culture ofrespect has been firmly establishedthankstothe positive role modelling ofthe trustees, our Director,the superintendents,our school administrators, and staff. Wecan be proud ofour efforts to provide a welcoming and respectful learning environment forour students.This evening Iwouldliketo touch on a few areas that provide tangible examplesofthe exceptional level of mutual respectthathas developed throughout our system. Amalgamation Itwas a dauntingconcept tobringfourverydifferentcultures together-rural and urban,each working with Its own policies,proceduresand philosophies;each answerable to its local taxpayers. A successful amalgamation required an enormous helping ofgood will and respect.We were so successful that ours was recognized as one of the most complex, yet one of the smoothest-a model for the province said the Education Improvement Commission. We were successful because we grew from a fundamental respect for each other's values and history. Our goal was a seamless transition forour students which we achieved. Labour Relations Overthe pastthreeyears, wehave harmonizedforty-six collective agreements to seven and were the firstinthe province this year to achieve a secondary agreement. Weneed onlylookaroundus,forexampleatthelabourchallenges theTorontoand Hamilton boardsare experiencing,torealizehowsignificant an achievement this was, and considering that the government overturned our first agreement with our secondary teachers. Again,the mutualrespect we shared forthe issues and positionsthat have been taken ensured our positive relationships. And in our most recent challenge,that of extra-curricular activities inour schools,stakeholders came together to develop constructive solutions. We owe a debt ofgratitude to our Director;Past Chair Peter Jaffe;trustees;principals; school council representatives;Ken Coran,the President of our local OSSTF;and our student representative Peter Doelman for their commitment to addressing this issue collectively. Harmonization Since the amalgamation, our Program Services department has focused on bringing equity to Thames Valley, recognizing the need to provide students withthe opportunityto access district-wideprograms. Junior Kindergarten is a good example and there are many others. In fact, a total of eighty-five programs have been harmonized. While equity of opportunity does not mean Uiat all programs offered are the same.Itis another tangible example ofthe respect we holdforour students by ensuring that they have a variety of learning opportunities available to them despite our vast geographic region. 2000 December 12...12 Special Education Funding In 1999-2000,the Ministry of Education provided $46.4 million for special education programs.We knew that ifwe were to maintain our commitment to "students firsf,itwould be necessary to allocate additional funds to meet our special student needs.Fromour respect for each learner,we allocated an additional$6 million to special education and an additional$14 million from non-classroom funds to the classroom. School Councils One of the most impressive accomplishments and highlights of our new systemwas the development ofour school council partnership.For many years,our schools were served by the local school community,parents participating as willing volunteers. The development of mandated school councils hadthe potential forgreat disruption particularly whentheirrolewas initially unclear. Theprocess to bring all partnerstogether could havebeenvery taxing fora new system, yet, once again, a partnership of mutual respect was born through this new group. Without respect for one another and for each partner's history,we might still be struggling to meet the Ministry's expectations. Today,we have a developed a very effective communication system with school councils,parent and community groups playing an Important,indeed vital role In our system. Accommodation Plans Iwantto comment briefly onthe commendable processthatwas implemented as we considered the accommodation needs throughout the Districtover the past two years.Time and again, our principals and school council representatives spoke of the atmosphere of collegiality that pervaded the discussions,each bringing to the table the needs of staff,students and community as plans were developed.If ever there was a need for mutual respect,itwas ina climateofamalgamation and growingtrust as our schools were renovated for the future. I wanttothankeveryonewho participated ontheAreaAccommodation Study Committees fortheir input.These projects weresuccessfulbecause ofyour commitment to workingtogether and understanding each other's vision for your school. Government vs trustees Here Imust introducea dissonant noteinto this happystory. Recently,the Globe and Mali asked why anyone would want to become a trustee.The publicperception of the role became a reality created by the government's actions in limiting trustee power and decision-making. Yet when difficult,even awkward decisions have to be made,we find the Ministry eager to have boards solve the problemthemselves, or it passes responsibility for the problem's existence on to them.Think how much we could achieve witha level of mutual respect province-wide. 2000 December 12...13 When speaking of trustees,itwouldbe inappropriateofme not tomention the significant respectoursystemhas developed forourstudent representatives. Ashley DeatheandPeter Doeiman have brought thestudentperspectivethat a Board of this size so richly needs. These fine youngpeoplenotonly bring respect for the Board's work to the table,but also command it from the trustees because of their insights,dedicationto their role and willingness to provide the students'viewpoints.We are a better,more effective board because of their contributions. I'vetouchedononlya fewofthe manyexamples Icouldgiveyouwherewe've charted new paths,taken risks,and learned from each other as a result of the positive climate we enjoy at Thames Valiey-a climate based on mutual respect and good will towards each other and on behalf of our students. Imust notgo any furtherwithoutgivinga word of praise to our DirectorJohn Laughlln for his constructive leadership. He,during some very trying circumstancesand when trustees tended to becomeagitatedbywhatwas happening around them, wisely channeled our efforts ina manner that would position us to have an impact on the decisions that would be made.We've seen many Instances where the Ministry has listened to us and sought our inputas a result of the leadership John has demonstrated. My address to you tonight would not be complete without recognizing the signlHcant roleour school administratorsand teachers playIndevelopinga climateof mutualrespect inour classrooms on a dailybasis. They are our front-line ambassadors ofrespect. Theyrecognizethe need tosupport and celebrate our differences.They understand that the "one size fits all" philosophy which is necessary on the assembly line,has no place in the education of our youth. Whenwe celebrate ourstudents'individuality,and acknowledgethe range of skills, learning styles and talents that they bring to the classroom,we underscore our commitment to providingan atmosphere where all are able to reach their potential,whatever that level may be. It is a commitment that respects the dream of every child to achieve success.As we move into the new year,I hope that you will join me in pledging to treat each student as if they were your child. What greater tributecouldwe giveour students as we address issues that affect their future success? Ilookforward toservingyouas Chairfor 2001 and pledgetoeach ofyoumy full respect and support. Iwant to close leaving you with one thoughtand challenge for the coming year. "Never doubt that as a small group of thoughtful,committed people,we can change the world,indeed, itistheonly thingthat ever has." !wishyou God speed as we move intoan excitingnew year,fullof promise and reward . David Stewart Chair of the Board The Chairperson's address is included in the minutes and posted to the Board's web site on motion of Bennett and Jaffe. 18.BENEDICTION Reverend Jim Redpath pronounced the benediction. 2000 December 12...14 19.DIRECTOR'S CLOSING REMARKS AND INVITATION Tonight has been a very special evening for allof us. We've reminisced as to howwe have developed fromfourdistinct partners as a new board, toa cohesive caring learning community. I share your enthusiasm as we lookfonvard to the new term withall the rewards and accomplishments it promises. I also look fonward to working with ChairpersonStewart,Vice-Chairperson Bennettand Past Chair Peter Jaffe-individuals who bring a wealth of experience and leadership tothe roleof frustee.Ihave appreciated the collaborative spiritinwhichthese three individuals have worked with the Director and Senior staff to address significant provincial and local issues and look forward to their input and guidance over the next three years. From our inception as Thames Valley,I'vebeen impressed with thefocusthey have placed on students firstas we've addressed complex issues and Iknow that each decisionthe Board will make inthe comingyear,will be premised on this belief. Ialso want to extend my personal congratulations to our new trustees-Trustee Anstead,Trustee Cartier,Trustee Deller,Trustee Roberts,Trustee Sattler, and Trustee Stevenson. Itrustthatyou've felt a warmThames Valley welcomeand that you have sensed the commitment of all our partners to our students.And toourreturningveteran trustees-Trustee Hart,Schulyer,Jaffe,Doelman,Peters and Hunter-welcome back. Your expertise and politicalastuteness will continue to serve our system well. 1would be remise ifIfailed to recognize twospecial people. Evenings such as we have enjoyed tonight do not just happen-they are the result of careful planningand attention todetail. Iwant to express mythanks to Shan-on Christie and Wendy Scott for theirextra effortinco-ordinatingtonight's meeting. As Itravelthroughoutthe system,Icontinue to be humbledby,and proudof,the dedication of our administrator,staff,trustees,school council and home and school representatives and all of our school communities to providing our students withevery opportunity for success;and Ibelievethat whatoursystem offers is not only information,but opportunities. Opportunities to open their minds, to expand their perspectives,to exchange ideas, and to come to new understandings and appreciations. Our young performers this evening demonstrated what can be achieved when these opportunities are seized. Providing a wide range of opportunities supports our Attainment of our Vision initiative as we have focussed on improving student learning.Together our system has rallied around ourvisionofa caring learning community whichhas defined us as a system to better serve our students.We can indeed be proud of what we've achieved over the past three years and excited about what the next three will offer. 2000 December 12...15 Thank you to each of you for attending this evening and making itthe success that it was;to our student performers,staff, family,friends,and our special guests who joined us to bring greetings.To have this number of education partners represented at our Inaugural Meeting Isan example ofthe commitment to young people that is shared throughout the District. We look forward to continuing to work with you in the coming year. We hope that you will join us now in the cafeteria for a reception to renew acquaintances and to extend your best wishes to our new Board. We wish you all a safe,relaxing and meaningful holiday season. W.John Laughlin Director of Education ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. on motion of Schuyler and Peters. CONFRMED David Stewart Chairperson J