HomeMy WebLinkAboutPost-Meeting Minutes - BM_Sep26_2023 - English
BOARD PUBLIC MINUTES
Tuesday, September 26, 2023, 7:00 pm
Board Room
Administration Building
133 Greenbank Road
Ottawa, Ontario
Trustees:
Alysha Aziz, Justine Bell, Donna Dickson, Lyra Evans, Jennifer Jennekens, Nili Kaplan-Myrth, Matthew Lee, Cathryne Milburn, Suzanne Nash, Amanda Presley, Lynn Scott
Staff:
Emma Hong (Student Trustee), Malaika Kamanzi (Student Trustee), Pino Buffone (Director of Education), Brett Reynolds (Associate Director of Education), Randy Gerrior (Associate Director,
Business Operations), James Proulx (Executive Officer, Information Technology and Digital Transformation), Paula Hall (Superintendent of People, Culture and Leadership), Richard Sinclair
(General Counsel), Karyn Carty Ostafichuk, (General Manager of Planning/Transportation), Sandy Owens (General Manager, Business & Learning Technologies), Diane Pernari (General Manager
of Communications & Information Services), Nicole Guthrie (General Manager, Board Services), Michael Guilbault (Content Creator, Digital Multimedia Technician), Susan Baker (Recording)
Guests:
Samuel Roy (Central Audo-Visual Technical Specialist)
1.Call to Order -- Chair of the Board
Chair Lyra Evans called the public meeting to order at 7:27 p.m.
2.Acknowledgement of Territorial Lands
Chair Lyra Evans acknowledged that the meeting is taking place on unceded Algonquin Homelands and thanked the Algonquin Nations for hosting the meeting on their land.
3.Declarations of Interest
No declarations of interest were filed.
4.Report from the Board (In Camera)
The Board met in camera this evening and Vice-Chair Scott reported that there were no recommendations.
5.Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Trustee Aziz, seconded by Trustee Milburn,
THAT the agenda be approved.
Carried
6.Briefing from the Chair of the Board
During the briefing from Chair Lyra Evans, the following information was
provided:
The third National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (also known as Orange Shirt Day) will take place on 30 September 2023 to recognize the history and legacy of residential school;
Rowan's Law Day will take place on 27 September 2023 to raise awareness of concussions;
The next meeting of Committee of the Whole will take place on 3 October 2023. Agenda action items include a report on capital priorities and a notice of motion regarding the introduction
of an Indigenous student trustee; and
Applications are open for parents and community members to serve on the Board's Parent Involvement Committee. Details are available on the District's website.
7.Briefing from the Director
During the briefing from Director Buffone, the following information was provided:
The Board will review and update a number of policies this year, including policies on naming schools and the extended day and child care program;
The Ottawa Student Transportation Authority (OSTA) has reinstated approximately 100 bus routes since the start of the school year by optimizing bus routes and hiring new or returning
bus drivers. OSTA is investigating a number of options to increase bus routes;
The OCDSB will host job fairs on 2 October 2023 and 5 October 2023; and
Friday, 6 October 2023 is a Professional Activity day for elementary and secondary students.
Trustee Kaplan-Myrth noted that bus cancellations have affected many families whose children have no other way of getting to school. She requested that OSTA clearly communicate measures
being taken to address this issue and consider compensation to parents and/or alternative funding sources.
Trustee Scott noted that parents in rural areas without OC Transpo service have been severely affected by bus cancellations and requested that OSTA urgently address the problem, for
example, to provide partial, one way busing before or after school.
8.Delegations
9.Confirmation of Board Minutes
9.126 June 2023
Moved by Trustee Aziz, seconded by Trustee Milburn,
THAT the Board Minutes, dated 26 June 2023, be confirmed.
Carried
9.27 September 2023, Special Board
Moved by Trustee Aziz, seconded by Trustee Milburn,
THAT the Special Board Minutes, dated 7 September 2023, be confirmed.
Carried
9.311 September 2023, Special Board
Moved by Trustee Aziz, seconded by Trustee Milburn,
THAT the Special Board Minutes, dated 11 September 2023, be confirmed.
Trustee Dickson noted that she was interrupted when she was speaking and requested that this interruption be reflected in the minutes.)
Moved by Trustee Aziz, seconded by Trustee Milburn,
THAT the Special Board Minutes, dated 11 September 2023, be confirmed, as amended.
Carried
10.Business Arising from Board Minutes
There was no business arising from the minutes.
11.Matters for Action
11.1Receipt of Committee of the Whole Report
11.1.a12 September 2023
Moved by Trustee Scott, seconded by Trustee Lee,
THAT the Committee of the Whole report, dated 12 September 2023, be received.
Trustee Scott requested that her remarks regarding the opening grade structure at the new Stittsville secondary school be amended to include staff’s comment that enrolment would be monitored
to determine whether it could open with grades 7-10 rather than grades 7-9.
Moved by Trustee Scott, seconded by Trustee Lee,
THAT the Committee of the Whole report, dated 12 September 2023, be received, as amended.
Carried
11.1.a.aApproval of Riverside South Attendance Boundary
Moved by
Jennifer Jennekens
Seconded by
Lynn Scott
A. THAT the new Riverside South SS open in September the year it is completed for occupancy as a grade 7 to 12 secondary school, initially offering grades 7 to 10, to grow a grade per
year thereafter until offering a full grade complement;
B. THAT the boundary of this secondary school (as shown in Appendix B) be drawn from the current 7 to 12 boundaries of Merivale HS, South Carleton HS, Osgoode Township HS, Ridgemont
HS, Brookfield HS, and Gloucester HS in accordance with Appendices F, G, H, I, J, L.
C. THAT any grade 11 and 12 students (upon opening of the new Riverside South SS) attending Merivale HS, South Carleton HS, Osgoode Township HS, Ridgemont HS, Brookfield HS, and Gloucester
HS, shall remain at their current high school with transportation provided if they are eligible under Student Transportation Policy P.127 TRA and Procedure PR.556 TRA;
D. THAT the boundary for Farley Mowat PS be amended (as reflected in Appendix C) to bring that portion of its current boundary east of the Rideau River into the Steve MacLean PS catchment;
all students grade K to 5 will be expected to block move to Steve MacLean PS upon opening of the new Riverside South SS. Students entering grade 6 upon opening of the new Riverside South
SS may remain at Farley Mowat PS with all transportation provided if they are eligible under Student 7 Transportation Policy P.127 TRA and Procedure PR.556 TRA;
E. THAT the grade structure for Steve MacLean PS be amended to a K-6 grade format and the boundary be amended as reflected in Appendix D;
F. THAT the grade structure for Vimy Ridge PS be amended to a K-6 grade format and the boundary be amended as reflected in Appendix E;
G. THAT the boundary for South Carleton HS be amended as reflected in Appendix F;
H. THAT the boundary for Osgoode Township HS be amended as reflected in Appendix G;
I. THAT the boundary for Merivale HS be amended as reflected in Appendix H;
J. THAT the boundary for Ridgemont HS be amended as reflected in Appendix I;
K. THAT the boundary for Brookfield HS be amended as reflected in Appendix J;
L. THAT the Grade 7 to 8 English Program with Core French and Early French Immersion Attendance boundary for Kars on the Rideau PS be amended as reflected in Appendix K;
M. THAT the boundary for Gloucester HS be amended as reflected in Appendix L;
N. THAT students in the area bounded by Rideau Road to the north, Limebank Road to the east, Mitch Owens to the south, and the Rideau River to the west that are impacted by the opening
of the new Riverside South SS,
i. Students residing in this area upon opening of the new Riverside South Secondary School, be given a one-time option to remain at / choose to attend Merivale HS, Osgoode Township HS,
or South Carleton HS and be provided transportation if they are eligible under Student Transportation Policy P.127 TRA and Procedure PR.556 TRA;
ii. Students not residing in this area upon opening of the new Riverside South SS, be directed to attend Osgoode Township HS, or South Carleton HS and be provided transportation if they
are eligible under Student 8 Transportation Policy P.127 TRA and Procedure PR.556 TRA; and
O. THAT any student on a cross boundary transfer at a school whose program cohort is being relocated to another school as a result of approved recommendations in Report 23-048 be allowed
to move with their program cohort without having to reapply for a transfer.
For (11): Alysha Aziz, Justine Bell, Donna Dickson, Lyra Evans, Jennifer Jennekens, Nili Kaplan-Myrth, Matthew Lee, Cathryne Milburn, Suzanne Nash, Amanda Presley, and Lynn Scott
Carried (11 to 0)
Carried, by consent
11.1.a.bApproval of New Findlay Creek Elementary School Study - Consultation Plan Approval
Moved by
Jennifer Jennekens
Seconded by
Lynn Scott
THAT the New Findlay Creek Elementary School Study Consultation Plan and Timeline, attached as Appendix D to Report No. 23-061, be approved.
For (11): Alysha Aziz, Justine Bell, Donna Dickson, Lyra Evans, Jennifer Jennekens, Nili Kaplan-Myrth, Matthew Lee, Cathryne Milburn, Suzanne Nash, Amanda Presley, and Lynn Scott
Carried (11 to 0)
Carried, by consent
11.1.a.cApproval of Air Quality Standards and Guidance for Public School Buildings
Moved by
Nili Kaplan-Myrth
Seconded by
Lynn Scott
A. THAT, after the Board receives an update regarding air quality standards in the 2023-2024 school year, the Chair write to the Minister of Education, including the Ontario Public School
Boards’ Association, the Minister of Health, the Minister of 11 Municipal Affairs, Ontario Chief Medical Advisor and Chair of Public Health Board, requesting:
1. Updates to air quality standards and guidance for public school buildings to support schools in creating the safest possible learning environments;
2. Dedicated capital and operating funding envelopes for reducing the spread of illness in schools. These are to: i. Build from previous provincial investments to support ventilation
improvements to build long-term improvements to air quality in all our schools; and ii. Support continued public health promotion activities in and around schools, in partnership with
Ottawa Public Health.
B. THAT the Director present a report to the Board, prior to the end of 2023 on:
1. Ventilation-related investments, challenges and opportunities; and
2. Other opportunities related to reducing respiratory viruses in schools.
For (11): Alysha Aziz, Justine Bell, Donna Dickson, Lyra Evans, Jennifer Jennekens, Nili Kaplan-Myrth, Matthew Lee, Cathryne Milburn, Suzanne Nash, Amanda Presley, and Lynn Scott
Carried (11 to 0)
Carried, by consent
11.2Non-Consent Items
11.3Report 23-068 Appointment of Local Association Representatives to the Special Education Advisory Committee (M. Giroux)
Moved by
Nili Kaplan-Myrth
Seconded by
Donna Dickson
THAT Lindsay Copland, be appointed as the primary member representing VOICE for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children to the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) for the term ending
14 November 2026;
THAT Terry Warner, be appointed as the alternate member representing VOICE for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children to the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) for the term ending
14 November 2026;
THAT Mike Marta, be appointed as the primary member representing Learning Disabilities Association of Ottawa-Carleton to the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) for the term
ending 14 November 2026; and
THAT Marianne Long be appointed as the alternate member representing Learning Disabilities Association of Ottawa-Carleton to the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) for the term
ending 14 November 2026.
For (11): Alysha Aziz, Justine Bell, Donna Dickson, Lyra Evans, Jennifer Jennekens, Nili Kaplan-Myrth, Matthew Lee, Cathryne Milburn, Suzanne Nash, Amanda Presley, and Lynn Scott
Carried (11 to 0)
12.Matters for Discussion
12.1Report from OPSBA Representatives (if required)
Trustee Jennekens advised that she and Trustee Scott attended the Ontario Public School Boards Association (OPSBA) Board of Directors meeting on 23-24 September 2023. She noted that
OPSBA's Advocacy Day meeting with Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) will take place at Queen's Park on 27 November 2023. Local Government Week will take place on 15-20 October
2023 to help raise awareness of the role local government plays in communities. This year, OPSBA will recognize and advocate for civics classes for students in Grades 5 and 10.
12.2Ministry Initiatives
12.2.aDisposition of Surplus Property and Schools in Shared Sites
Associate Director Gerrior provided an overview of the memo regarding disposition of surplus property and schools in shared sites. He highlighted that school boards are permitted to
sell properties that would not be required for pupil accommodation for the next 10 years at fair market value. A new regulation is proposed with respect to the requirements to acquire
a school site that would be shared with an entity other than another school board, a municipality or child care centre.
Trustee Scott inquired whether a school site that is shared with an entity other than another school board, a municipality or child care centre, could include multi-use residential or
commercial space, for example, a school located on the ground floor of a residential building. Staff agreed to seek further information and provide some examples.
13.Matters for Information
Ottawa School Transportation Authority (OSTA( Update
Trustee Lee advised that OSTA continues to reinstate as many bus routes as possible and provide daily updates on their website. On 27 September 2023, some routes will be reinstated in
Stittsville and West Carleton. OSTA understands that parents/guardians are frustrated and is working diligently to explore all options.
Trustee Presley expressed concern about some of the walking distances that may require students to circumnavigate pathways that are not accessible.
Trustee Aziz noted the difficulties for families in rural areas and expressed her disappointment that municipal and provincial governments have not done more to provide assistance.
Trustee Kaplan-Myrth noted that some students, who must travel across the District to attend specialized system programs at Canterbury High School and Glebe Collegiate Institute, are
unable to get to their school. She asked how long the District has known about the transportation problems and what actions will be taken in the future to ensure it does not happen again.
Director Buffone noted that many school bus drivers did not confirm their intention to continue until after school started, and negotiations with bus operators is ongoing.
Trustee Scott advised that of the 68 bus routes in the western area of the District were cancelled and to date, only 12 routes have been restored. Many families are facing hardships
as a result of bus cancellations and are frustrated with the lack of information on when full service will be restored.
Trustee Jennekens noted that public transportation is not available in some rural areas and the lack of school bus transportation is having a negative impact on families.
Trustee Bell submitted that those who have the power to resolve the transportation issues should have a plan in place to ensure these issues to not happen again.
Trustee Lee advised that a concern was raised at the Committee of the Whole meeting on 12 September 2023 with respect to a seven-year-old child who was dropped off at a school bus stop
without someone being there to meet her. OSTA policy provides that students under the age of six are not to be left without a parent/guardian to greet them. For children six and older,
parents have been advised of the time that the school bus is expected to arrive at their child's stop and there is no requirement for the driver to remain at the bus stop with the student.
School bus delays are posted on the OSTA website.
Use of Face Masks by Staff and Students
Trustee Kaplan-Myrth noted the rising rates of COVID, RSV, and flu and requested that staff and students be reminded to wear a mask indoors. Director Buffone advised that staff would
follow up with Ottawa Public Health on appropriate messaging for inclusion in updates to parents/guardians and staff.
14.New Business -- Information and Inquiries
There was no new business.
15.Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:23 p.m.
Lyra Evans, Chair of the Board