HomeMy WebLinkAbout10 SPPC Report 8 12 September 2011
REPORT NO. 8, STRATEGIC PLANNING AND PRIORITIES COMMITTEE
TO: The Board DATE: 12 September 2011
A meeting of the Strategic Planning and Priorities Committee was held commencing at 7:30 p.m.
in the Trustees’ Committee Room, 133 Greenbank Road, Ottawa, with Trustee Jennifer McKenzie in the
chair and the following also in attendance:
TRUSTEE MEMBERS: Pam FitzGerald (electronic communication), Bronwyn Funiciello,
Shirley Seward and Katie Holtzhauer
OTHER TRUSTEES: Donna Blackburn, Rob Campbell and Lynn Scott
STAFF: Jennifer Adams, Director of Education and Secretary of the Board
Walter Piovesan, Associate Director of Education
Steven Sliwa, Superintendent of Instruction
Michele Giroux, Executive Officer, Corporate Services
Dave Miller, Manager, Business and Learning Technologies
Bruce Fraser, Board/Committee Coordinator
NON-VOTING
REPRESENTATIVES: Susan Klimchuk, Ottawa-Carleton Assembly of School Councils
Dorothy Baker, Ottawa-Carleton Elementary Operations Committee
Rob Kirwan, Special Education Advisory Committee
Peter Giuliani, Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario
1. Call to Order
Chair McKenzie called the public session to order at 7:30 p.m.
2. Approval of Agenda
Moved by Trustee Seward,
THAT the agenda be approved.
- Carried –
3. Public Question Period
There were no public questions.
4. Director’s Report
Director Adams reported that the District continues to promote the availability of schools for
provincial candidates meetings and that community associations have been alerted. She noted that the
first meeting will be hosted by the Ottawa Carleton Elementary Teachers’ Federation and will be held at
Nepean High School on 19 September 2011.
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Report No. 8
Director Adams advised that the Parent Involvement Committee has received a grant of $10,500
and the funding will be used to improve communication with parents.
Director Adams advised that the District has partnered with CHEO to expand the ongoing
Speakers’ Series. Six sessions, to be held during the 2011-2012 school year, will cover key physical &
mental health topics for a specific age group. The series will commence on 19 September 2011 at the
Adult High School with a session on parenting teenagers. A session in October will deal with early years
and a November session on 4 to 6 year olds.
Director Adams advised that Lauren Peddle has been hired as the new Coordinator in the
Communications Department.
5.Chair’s Report
Chair McKenzie reported that a review of the committee meeting structure is being considered for
implementation by the end of the year. She noted that all trustees will be consulted and that the issue will
be discussed at the 13 September 2011 Board meeting.
6.Review of Agenda Items for Standing and Statutory Committees
Your Committee reviewed agenda items for the Standing and Statutory Committees and the
following points were noted:
Audit Committee
A common workplan for all boards within the regional Audit Committee family will be
developed.
Education Committee
A staff report will be presented in October re the Children And Youth At Risk Advisory
Committee (CAYARAC) which was dissolved per Board policy; and
Reference to the “Beacon Index” will be discontinued.
Business Services Committee
The meeting has been cancelled
A memo regarding Extended Day Childcare will be distributed to trustees and the
communities by the end of the week; and
A memo re the Ottawa Student Transportation Authority efficiency audit will be distributed
to trustees and a discussion session with Ministry of Education staff will be scheduled in
October prior to a Committee meeting.
7.Report 11-157 Review of Policy P.100.IT Acceptable Use of Information
and Communication Technology
Your Committee had before it staff report 11-157 seeking approval of a consultation plan
associated with gathering input on the recommended revisions to Policy P.100.IT Acceptable Use of
Information and Communication Technology.
Superintendent Sliwa advised that the current policy was issued approximately ten years ago and
since that time, new information and communication technologies have been created including social
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media networks and tools, new computer hardware and the development of sophisticated portable digital
devices. He noted that with the increasing array of devices and communication systems available to
students and staff there is an increased possibility of the technology being used inappropriately.
Superintendent Sliwa indicated that the review of the policy will consider the levels of responsibility
which accompany the use of technology, what will be considered acceptable practice and how a safe and
secure environment will be maintained in the classroom and workplace when technology and information
is being accessed. He highlighted the references to the concept of “digital citizenship”, and noted that the
term is becoming universally recognized and accepted by many organizations, including the Ontario
College of Teachers, in the development of guidelines for the use of technology. Superintendent Sliwa
advised that the consultation process will solicit input from trustees and staff as well as community
groups and stakeholders.
Trustee Scott agreed that the current policy is in need of review and updating, and that any
changes should strive to increase the long-term validity of the policy.
Moved by Trustee Scott,
THAT the consultation plan (attached as Appendix A) regarding the proposed revisions
(attached as Appendix B) to Policy P 100.IT “Acceptable Use of Information/
Communication Technology” as outlined in Report 11-157 to the Strategic Planning
Priorities Committee be approved.
In response to a query by Rob Kirwan regarding the use of “Digital Citizenship”, Superintendent
Sliwa advised that the term is recognized and utilized by the International Society for Technology in
Education. The concept encompasses nine principles related to the appropriate behaviour associated with
the use of technology including responsibility, safety, social, ethical and legal issues.
Director Adams advised that the definition of “Digital Citizenship” could be included in the final
version of the policy.
In wrap up, Trustee Scott expressed the view that proposed policy revisions will require a
fulsome debate as the consultation with stakeholders will identify a variety of issues, and provide valuable
input for consideration.
Moved by Trustee Scott,
*
THAT the consultation plan (attached as Appendix A)regarding the proposed
revisions to Policy P 100.IT “Acceptable Use of Information/ Communication
Technology” (attached as Appendix B)as outlined in Report 11-157 to the Strategic
Planning Priorities Committee be approved.
- Carried -
8.Ministry of Education - Draft Fundraising Guideline
Your Committee had before it a draft fundraising guideline from the Ministry of Education.
Director Adams advised that, following the development of school fee guidelines, the Ministry of
Education is now consulting on the development of fundraising guidelines. She noted that the deadline
for submissions has been extended to 1 November 2011 and that staff will bring forward a submission for
review and approval following consultation with school principals and trustees. Director Adams
indicated that the proposed Ministry guidelines are quite detailed and, that in conjunction with the new
limits on school fees, could impact the ability of principals to offer enhanced and/or specialized programs
at their schools.
* Recommendation dealt with at the 13 September 2011 Board
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In response to a query regarding trustee input, Associate Director Piovesan requested that
comments be sent to him. Input provided by trustees and staff would be consolidated into a draft report
and brought to the Committee for review and approval. Director Adams noted that, as staff expects that
process will follow similar timelines to that of the School Fees Guideline process, the final guideline will
likely be provided in the spring for implementation next September. Staff could provide a memo to
trustees outlining any areas of concern in the draft guideline noted by staff. A staff committee will
develop possible procedural changes but will not finalize details until the final guidelines are received
from the Ministry of Education.
In response to queries regarding consultation with school councils and an opportunity to consider
stakeholder input, Director Adams advised that the Ministry of Education has requested input directly
from a variety of focus groups including school councils, other stakeholders, and school boards. The
Ministry will analyse the input provided by the various groups in order to develop a fund raising
guideline. Trustee Seward expressed concern that the Board is being used as a focus group and will not
have an opportunity to consult with its stakeholders prior to making a submission to the Ministry.
Trustee Scott noted that issues related to fundraising in schools are significant and varied and
cited the concept of equity as outlined in the Board’s Strategic Plan. She submitted as an example, the
provision of play structures at schools and whether they should be provided to all schools and, if so,
should the money be provided by the Board or raised by the community. Trustee Scott noted that both
scenarios have existed in the past; therefore, the new guidelines will result in the Board having to
determine whether items such as play structures are a necessary piece of equipment or just an option. She
submitted that schools experience a wide variety of needs, due to the age and condition of a school and
the condition and variety of existing equipment. Trustee Scott stressed that the ability of parents to raise
funds for school equipment and activities varies significantly across the district and that, due to peer
pressure, many parents interpret additional fees as a requirement as they do not want their child to be the
only one unable to participate in an activity. She submitted that the Board must ensure that there are
adequate opportunities for students and noted that equity does not mean equal. Trustee Scott noted a
recent Toronto newspaper article outlining various viewpoints and considerations with respect to
fundraising.
In response to a query by Trustee Campbell, Associate Director of Education Piovesan speculated
that the process would likely be a long term endeavour but will depend on when the final draft is received
from the Ministry of Education.
Trustee Campbell noted that a provincial standard will provide clarity with respect to fundraising.
He expressed concern that the Ministry of Education is encouraging parents to raise additional funds
instead of modifying the provincial funding formula to ensure fairness and equity across the province. He
submitted that, although fundraising will occur in some form even if it was banned, the scope should be
carefully monitored as it can create permanent differences among schools and should not be a substitute
for adequate provincial funding.Trustee Campbell expressed the view that the Board could consider
offset fundraising, allowing schools that can raise money to do so and the Board backfilling funding for
schools that are unable to achieve similar levels of fundraising or to limit fundraising to a certain level
and have any excess funds directed to other schools. He stressed that public education was founded on
the concept of equity in education and submitted that it would be difficult to rely on charity to build the
public education system. Trustee Campbell expressed the view that community fundraising can
undermine the ability of the Board to build a case to the Ministry of Education regarding the need for
additional funding.
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Trustee Blackburn agreed with Trustee Scott that the age and condition of schools and equipment
results in different levels of fundraising among schools to help meet the needs of students. She cautioned
that, as school councils are voluntary groups which work to enhance the school environment and build
good community relations, the Board should not dictate how school council funds are utilized. Trustee
Blackburn agreed that the ability of parents to raise funds varies among schools but submitted that while
the Board needs to discuss how to address inequity among schools, it is a separate issue from fundraising.
She advised that when she was involved in her school councils, funds raised by one school were donated
to another school which could not achieve the same level of fundraising but doubted that would have
happened had it been a Board requirement.
Susan Klimchuk commented that school councils would prefer not to have to raise funds but is
something they undertake in order to provide schools with what parents want for their children. She
submitted that, while some students and parent groups are competitive, many parents would prefer to
write a cheque rather than buy chocolate bars, tickets, etc. for fundraising events. She expressed the view
that the consultation process will be interesting.
Trustee Funiciello agreed that the consultation process will be interesting as it moves forward but
expressed some concern that the groups that will be engaged will likely be the ones capable of effective
fundraising. She reiterated the view that the Board should be cautious with respect to dictating how
school council raised funds are raised and used and speculated that many school councils would stop
fundraising before an imposed limit was reached. Trustee Funiciello submitted that school councils
would find ways to circumvent any attempts to ban or limit fundraising and that the Board must carefully
consider the impact of any changes to the policy.
Peter Giuliani noted that, although the Ministry refers to the draft as a “guideline”, it outlines best
practices. He submitted that the Board must decide if fundraising should be permitted, or not, and that
dictating limits on the ability to fundraise would have a negative impact on participation by teachers and
parents.
Chair McKenzie expressed the view that fundraising should only be permitted for non-academic
purposes as using funds for books or scholarships etc. creates inequities among schools.
Director Adams recommended that, to provide additional time for trustee input, the draft
submission to the Ministry be placed on the 18 October 2011 Education Committee meeting agenda.
9.New Business
There was no new business.
10.Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
Jennifer McKenzie
Chair
Strategic Planning and
Priorities Committee
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Strategic Planning & Priorities Committee 12 September 2011
Report No. 8
Appendix B
POLICY P.100.IT
TITLE:
ACCEPTABLE USE OF INFORMATION/COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
APPROPRIATE USE OF TECHNOLOGY
Date issued: 21 November 2001
Revised:
(Insert Board approval date of revised policy)
Authorization: Board 22 October 2001
1.0 OBJECTIVE
technologyinOttawa-Carleton District School(the District’s)
To govern the use of the Board’s
school community and work environment.
technology, Internetservice by staff, students, school
councils, parents, school volunteers and community members.
2.0 DEFINITIONS
Internet
global
2.1 means anelectronic communications system connecting computers all
over the world through which individual subscribers can interact and share information.
Intranet
2.2 means a network of computer servers holding and sharing information that is
accessible only from within an organization.
Electronic Device means portable or stationary equipment which can be used for the
2.3
purpose of communication, data management, entertainment, word processing,
accessing a wireless network, internet or intranet access, image capturing/recording,
sound recording, information transmitting/receiving and accessing technology.
Supervisor refers to superintendents, principals, vice-principals, teachers, supervisors,
2.4
and managers.
2.5Social media refers to online social interaction, using a variety of highly accessible,
web-based and/or mobile technology or electronic devices for communication and/or
interactive dialogue by publishing text or pictures.
Technology refers to electronic content, data, communication, and equipment.
2.6
User
trustees,/
2.7means all staff, students, volunteers, parentsguardians, school councils,
school volunteers and community members. i.e., any person using OCDSB technology
or personal electronic devices in the District’s learning or work
equipment
environment
.
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3.0 RESPONSIBILITIES
3.1 Superintendents, principals, and managers are responsible for:
(a) Ensuring that staff are aware of the Board policy.
(b) Instructing and modeling for staff and students, the appropriate use of
technology.
3.2 Teachers are responsible for:
(a) The supervision of student use of technology within the teacher’s assigned
teaching area.
(b) Instructing and modeling for students, the appropriate use of technology.
3.3 All users are responsible for:
(a) Ensuring that technology is used in accordance with Board policies and
procedures.
(b) Using technology in a responsible and ethical manner consistent with the
purposes for which it is provided.
POLICY
4.0
4.1
The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board supports, through Internet and Intranet
access, the enhancement of communications and appropriate use of materials and
The District recognizes the benefits that
resources consistent with educational goals
technology can bring to support student learning, staff development, communication
administrative and
with stakeholders, and other operational activities aligned with
the core business functions of the District.
The District also believes that users must employ Digital Citizenship when accessing
these benefits of technology. The District supports and encourages responsible use of
technology through the following nine principles of digital citizenship:
(a)Digital Access: Equity of access is essential to the effective use of technology in
both the learning and working environment.
(b)Digital Commerce: Technology users must be competent consumers when
engaging in the purchase of goods and services online by ensuring transactions are
made on appropriate and secure sites, and that all transactions involve the legal
exchange of goods, services or information.
(c)Digital Communication: Technology users must recognize the wide variety of
communication mediums available to them, and must consider the most
appropriate time, place, and method, when collaborating and communicating with
others.
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-2- P.100.IT – Revised June 2011
(d)Digital Literacy: Technology Users must be committed to lifelong learning and be
accepting of new and changing technologies and willing to learn and use them in
the workplace and in the learning environment.
(e)Digital Etiquette: Technology users must recognize that certain activities that are
acceptable for personal use may not be appropriate in other settings. Users must
inform themselves of the standards of conduct or procedure of organizations when
using their technology.
(f) Digital Law: Technology users must be aware that their online actions are subject
to real world consequences if they are considered illegal, for example, hacking,
illegal downloading, plagiarizing, or stealing someone’s identity.
(g)Digital Rights and Responsibilities: Technology users must recognize the basic
digital rights and responsibilities extended to all users.
(h) Digital Health and Wellness: Technology users must recognize both the
physical and psychological effects long-term technology use can have, for example,
eye strain, repetitive stress syndrome, or internet addiction.
(i) Digital Security (self protection): Technology users must recognize the importance
of protecting themselves in an environment where technology is shared by diligently
backing up data, keeping computers password protected, and not sharing passwords
or personal information with others.
4.2District technology is provided for educational and administrative purposes.Users are
expected to utilize OCDSB technology in a manner that is in keeping with the values
and expectations of the District and in compliance with all federal and provincial laws
and regulations. Users who are given access to the District’s technology, its electronic
devices, or who use their own technology or personal electronic devices in the
District’s learning or work environment, whether connected to the District or non-
District networks, are required to know and abide by this policy in order to ensure that
all technology is being used in a safe, legal, and responsible manner.
. District
The Board encourages acceptable use of technology, the Internet and Intranet by
staff, students, volunteers, parents, school councils, school volunteers and community
members.
4.3District
All use of Board technology, Internet and Intranet involving OCDSB equipment
or personal electronic devices
by users staff, students, volunteers, parents, school
in the District’s learning or work
councils, school volunteers and community members
environmentduties
shall support classroom activities and/or professional or career
Certainactivity
development. which might be acceptable on a user's private personal
or in an environment other than the
equipment or on account on another system,
workplace or school setting,
may not be acceptable.
4.4
The District Board supports efficient, ethical and legal utilization of technology and
Internet resources. The District has the right to monitor the individual uses of its
in the learning or work environment
technology. The smooth operation of the network is
dependent upon user adherence to the guidelines and limitations outlined in
accompanying District procedure.
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-3- P.100.IT – Revised June 2011
SPECIFIC DIRECTIVES
5.0
5.1Supervisorsand responsibleof District
Staff shall promote and encourage thoughtful use
or personal technology and electronic devices
the OCDSB computer system, and access
with students, through staff
to the Internet/Intranet throughout the curriculum
development sessions with employees, and public information campaigns with other
members of the school community
, and shall provide guidance, support and instruction
to students in their use.
4.2 All users of the Board'stechnology and Internet/Intranet shall acknowledge their rights
and responsibilities by becoming familiar with this policy and with accompanying
.
District procedure PR.622.IT: Acceptable Use of Computers and Internet / Intranet
Technology.
5.2District
All users who are not employees of the Board who apply for access to this
technology and service shall sign an agreement to abide by this policy and accompanying
District
Board procedure.
5.3greater connectivity andincluding Social Media,
With access to the Internet, comes the
in the District learning or
availability of material that may not be considered appropriate
work environment.
to be of educational value in the context of the school setting
Teachers shall guide
Staff/management shall supervise, guide and monitor student
and technology. Supervisors in the work environment shall make
access to the Internet
employees aware of expectations for use of internet and intranet and other
technologies and shall guide and monitor employee use of technology in accordance
with this policy.
To this end, I It is recommended that students and staff use the Teacher
and Student Resource web pages, which direct staff and students to appropriate
information available on the Internet and OCDSB Intranet.
5.4
The principal/manager shall be responsible for content, copyright and protection of
privacy on all web pages created for the school/department.
5.5 District technology resources and all data stored on District technology are owned and
may be accessed by the District. The District collects data to assist in monitoring the
health of technology. Data stored on District technology may be reviewed, monitored
and accessed by the District as needed; in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of
Information and Protection of Privacy Act; and/or without notice to the user where
there are reasonable grounds to believe that the user breached any applicable policy or
law and notification may frustrate the purpose of the search.
Information stored on personally owned devices is the responsibility of the device
owner/user. However, personally owned devices used on District property for
displaying, storing, sending or creating fraudulent, harassing, sexually explicit,
profane, obscene, intimidating, defamatory or otherwise unlawful materials may result
in investigation and/or disciplinary action including police involvement where
required.
Where there is reason to believe that technology has been used in the District's
working or learning environment in a manner that contravenes this or any District
policy or procedure, or provincial or federal law, the use will result in an investigation
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-4- P.100.IT – Revised June 2011
and necessary action will be taken where appropriate and in accordance with relevant
district policies, procedures, employee or student codes of conduct and/or employment
contracts.
Inappropriate technology or Internet use or may result in disciplinary actions outlined in
accompanying Board procedure PR.622.IT: Acceptable Use of Computers and Internet /
Intranet Technology.
4.7 The Director of Education is authorized to issue such procedures as may be necessary to
support this policy.
5.0 REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
The Education Act, as amended, Section 170
Ontario College of Teachers, Professional Advisory: Use of Electronic Communications and
Social Media (2011)
Board Policy P.032.SCO: Safe Schools: Conduct of Persons in Schools
Board Policy P.049.IT: Electronic Communications Systems
Board Policy P.074.IT: Computer Network Security
Board Procedure PR.538.IT: Electronic Communications Systems
Board Procedures PR.564.IT: Computer Network Security
Board Procedure PR.622.IT: Acceptable Use of Computers and Internet/Intranet Technology
M. Ribble, “Digital Citizenship: Using Technology Appropriately” www.digitalcitizenship.
net
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