HomeMy WebLinkAbout9.1 Post Meeting Minutes - BM_Jun26_2023 - EnglishBOARD PUBLIC MINUTES
Monday,June 26,2023,7:00 pm
Board Room
Administration Building
133 Greenbank Road
Ottawa,Ontario
Trustees:Alysha Aziz (electronic communication),Justine Bell,Donna
Blackburn,Donna Dickson,Lyra Evans,Nili Kaplan-Myrth,
Matthew Lee,Cathryne Milburn,Suzanne Nash,Amanda
Presley,Lynn Scott,Antong Hou (Student Trustee)
Staff:Michele Giroux (Director of Education),Brett Reynolds
(Associate Director of Education),Janice McCoy (Executive
Officer,Corporate Services),Richard Sinclair (General Counsel),
Mary Jane Farrish (Superintendent of Instruction),Peter
Symmonds (Superintendent of Learning Support Services),
Prince Duah (Superintendent of Instruction),Shawn Lehman
(Superintendent of Instruction),Reg Lavergne (Superintendent of
Instruction),Amy Hannah (Superintendent of Instruction),James
Proulx (Executive Officer of Information Technology and Digital
Transformation),Prince Duah (Superintendent of Instruction),
Kate Stoudt (Principal,Learning Support Services),Pam
LeMaistre (General Manager of People,Culture and Leadership),
Diane Pernari (General Manager of Communications and
Information Services),Julie Cyr (General Manager of Early
Learning),Daniel Bradley (General Manager of School Facilities
Services),Nicole Guthrie (General Manager of Board Services),
Michael Guilbault (Central Audio/Visual Technical Specialist),
Sue Baker (Recording).
1.Call to Order --Chair of the Board
Chair Lyra Evans called the public meeting to order at 7:24 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.
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4.Report from the Committee of the Whole (In Camera)
Vice-Chair Bell reported that the Committee of the Whole met in camera earlier
this evening and reports and recommends as follows:
Moved by:Matthew Lee
Seconded by:Justine Bell
THAT staff proceed as directed in Board in Camera with respect to a Human
Resources matter.
For (9):Alysha Aziz,Justine Bell,Donna Blackburn,Donna Dickson,
Matthew Lee,Cathryne Milburn,Suzanne Nash,Amanda Presley,and Lynn
Scott
Against:(2):Lyra Evans,Nili Kaplan-Myrth
Carried (9 to 2)
Moved by:Matthew Lee
Seconded by:Justine Bell
THAT staff proceed as directed in Board in Camera with respect to a Human
Resources matter.
For (9):Alysha Aziz,Justine Bell,Donna Blackburn,Donna Dickson,Lyra
Evans,Matthew Lee,Cathryne Milburn,Suzanne Nash,Amanda Presley,
and Lynn Scott
Against:(1):Nili Kaplan-Myrth,
Abstain:(1):Justine Bell
Carried (9 to 1)
5.Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Trustee Dickson,seconded by Trustee Presley,
THAT the agenda be approved.
Carried
6.Presentation to the Director,Michele Giroux
Chair Lyra Evans,on behalf of the Board,expressed appreciation and gratitude
to Director Giroux for taking on the role of Director of Education.She noted that
Director Giroux’s leadership was rooted in a promise to ensure continuity,stability
and credibility and navigated the Board through some challenging conversations
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and decisions.Chair Lyra Evans thanked Director Giroux for her commitment to
the students and staff of the Ottawa Carleton District School Board (OCDSB).
7.Student Trustee Annual Report
Student Trustee Antong Hou presented the student trustee annual report for
2022-2023.The report provided an update on the the initiatives undertaken by
the student trustees including,Student Senate restructuring,consultation and
creation of an identity-based student support coordinator position,participation at
a principal’s professional development day,and student engagement through
social media.Student Trustee Hou thanked the Board and staff for their support
and enabling their work.
8.Presentation to Student Trustees for 2022-2023
8.1.Tabarak Al-Delaimi
Chair Lyra Evans expressed appreciation to Student Trustee Tabarak
Al-Delaimi,a senior at Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School,for her work
during the 2022-2023 school year.She noted that Student Trustee
Al-Delaimi has worked quietly and passionately to support her fellow
students locally and at the provincial table serving on the executive with
the Ontario Student Trustees’Association (OSTA-AECO).Her care and
concern for students of all ages was evidenced in her words and actions
at the Board table.Chair Lyra Evans wished her success as she continues
in her studies next year.
8.2.Antong Hou
Chair Lyra Evans expressed appreciation to Student Trustee Antong Hou,
a senior from West Carleton High School,who has been a constant and
vocal champion of student voice.Through his diligent efforts,he helped
rewrite policy which will see a doubling of student trustees District wide for
the 2023-2024 school year.He also contributed provincially,serving on the
executive with Ontario Student Trustees’Association (OSTA-AECO).
Chair Lyra Evans wished Student Trustee Hou success as he continues to
pursue his passions and furthers his learning in post-secondary
endeavors.
9.Presentation of Jack A.MacDonald Certificate of Recognition to Gavin Hickey
Chair Lyra Evans presented a certificate of recognition from the Ontario Public
School Boards’Association (OPSBA)to Gavin Hickey.Gavin,a student at Sir
Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School,was nominated for the Jack A.MacDonald
Award of Merit by his teacher Erin MacKinnon.She noted that Gavin is an
exceptional student and throughout his time at Sir Wilfrid Laurier he has ably
combined academic excellence with a passion and commitment to sports and
community service.An Honour Roll student in each year of high school,Gavin
also won subject awards for top marks in Mathematics and Health &Physical
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Education.Outside the classroom,Gavin is Co-President of the Sir Wilfrid Laurier
Student Council and an inspiring leader of many student activities.Gavin is also
a passionate Lancer having been a member of many athletic teams including
basketball,cross country,soccer,volleyball,ultimate frisbee and track and field.
When not at school,Gavin has competed in elite level basketball throughout all
his school years with the Gloucester-Cumberland Basketball Association
Wolverines and Ottawa Phoenix.He also volunteers for these organizations,as
well as working as a counsellor at Ottawa's "Above the Rim"basketball camp.
Gavin’s qualities were recognized by OPSBA and the judging committee wished
to ensure his contributions to his school and community were recognized.
10.Advisory Committee Presentation
10.1.Indigenous Education Council (IEC)
The presentation was postponed to a later date.
11.Briefing from the Chair of the Board
During the briefing from the Chair of the Board,the following information was
provided:
●Congratulations were extended to the nominees and winners of the
OCDSB Student Recognition Awards and the Excellence in Equity Award;
●Congratulations were extended to the graduating class of 2023,their
parents and caregivers,and the educators and staff who supported them.
The Board is proud of what these students have been able to accomplish
through a high school experience like no other;
●Several trustees and staff members attended the annual Wabano Spirit
Gala to celebrate National Indigenous People’s Day and raise funds for
Wabano’s essential services;and
●Best wishes were extended to all Muslim families who are celebrating Eid
al-Adha this week.
12.Briefing from the Director
During the Briefing from the Director of the Board,the following information was
provided:
●The last day of school is 27 June 2023 for secondary students,and 29
June 2023 for elementary students.Report cards will be sent by email to
parents,guardians,and students in grades 7-12.Elementary report cards
will be sent on 28 June 2023 and secondary report cards will be sent on 6
July 2023;
●The OCDSB mental health team is hosting a workshop series over the
summer for students.The six-part series is called “From stressed out to
chilled out”and it is intended to help students in grades 7 to 9 develop
strategies to manage stress;
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●Expressions of interest are welcome in the Skilled Trades and Technology
diploma program at the Ottawa Technical Secondary School and Sir Guy
Carleton Secondary School for students in grades 8 to 12;
●The OCDSB has been invited to lead the Ottawa pride parade this
upcoming August.Members of the community are encouraged to join
students,staff and families in this annual parade on 27 August 2023;
●Director Giroux thanked all trustees,student trustees,staff,and
community members across the OCDSB for their tireless efforts to support
students.She also thanked all students and families for their work in
building an inclusive and caring community.While there are many staff
members who work through July and August,Director Giroux expressed
the hope that everyone has the opportunity to rest and relax this summer;
and
●Director Giroux expressed appreciation to the Board of Trustees and
senior team for their support,and noted that she will return to Corporate
Services when the new Director of Education Pino Buffone arrives.
13.Delegations (oral)
13.1.Cameron Ketchum and Stephanie Pieri,re Fundraising to Replace
Playground Infrastructure
On behalf of the Parent Council at W.E.Gowling Public School,Cameron
Ketchum highlighted concerns around the removal of the school’s
playground infrastructure,including the reliance on community fundraising
for a replacement,the absence of Board strategies for replacements,the
District’s limited capacity to support parent council leadership,and its
resistance to exploring options for substantive in-kind community
contributions.
In response to a query with respect to in-kind contributions,Mr.Ketchum
noted that contributions could include professional services such as grant
writing or trades expertise.
Director Giroux advised that staff would provide a memo to trustees with
respect to the installation,removal,and replacement of playground
equipment and how school councils can provide assistance.
14.Delegations (written)
14.1.Courtney Fontaine,re Concerns with OSTA's Transportation Funding
Formula
Courtney Fontaine provided a written delegation expressing concern
about the Ottawa Student Transportation Authority’s (OSTA)ability to
maintain van transportation services for students with special needs as a
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result of the Ministry’s transportation funding formula reduction of $6.5
million.
15.Confirmation of Board Minutes
15.1.30 May 2023
Moved by Trustee Presley,seconded by Trustee Blackburn,
THAT the Board report,dated 30 May 2023,be confirmed.
Carried
15.2.12 June 2023,Special Board
Moved by Trustee Presley,seconded by Trustee Blackburn,
THAT the Special Board report,dated 12 June 2023,be confirmed.
Carried
15.3.12 June 2023,Special Board
Moved by Trustee Presley,seconded by Trustee Blackburn,
THAT the Special Board report,dated 12 June 2023,be confirmed.
Carried
16.Business Arising from Board Minutes
There was no business arising from the Board minutes.
17.Matters for Action
17.1.Receipt of Committee of the Whole Report
a.13 June 2023
Moved by Trustee Bell,seconded by Trustee Presley,
THAT the Committee of the Whole report,dated 13 June 2023,
be received.
Carried
a.Approval of the Special Education Plan 2022-2023
Moved by:Trustee Scott
Seconded by:Trustee Bell
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A.THAT the 2022-2023 Special Education Plan,
attached as Appendix A of Report 23-045,be
approved (Attached as Appendix A);and
B.THAT the 2022-2023 Special Education Report,
attached as Appendix B of Report 23-045,be
approved (Attached as Appendix B).
For (11):Alysha Aziz,Justine Bell,Donna Blackburn,
Donna Dickson,Lyra Evans,Nili Kaplan-Myrth,Matthew
Lee,Cathryne Milburn,Suzanne Nash,Amanda Presley,
and Lynn Scott
Carried (11 to 0)
b.Approval of the 2023-2027 Strategic Plan
Moved by:Trustee Aziz
Seconded by:Trustee Bell
THAT the Strategic Plan 2023-2027,attached as
Appendix A of Report 23-051,be approved (Attached as
Appendix C).
For (11):Alysha Aziz,Justine Bell,Donna Blackburn,
Donna Dickson,Lyra Evans,Nili Kaplan-Myrth,Matthew
Lee,Cathryne Milburn,Suzanne Nash,Amanda Presley,
and Lynn Scott
Carried (11 to 0)
c.Approval of Naming of the New Elementary School in Half
Moon Bay
Moved by:Trustee Blackburn
Seconded by:Trustee Bell
THAT the new Half Moon Bay elementary school located
in Ottawa at 989 Kilbirnie in Barrhaven,be named
Wazoson Public School,effective September 2023.
For (11):Alysha Aziz,Justine Bell,Donna Blackburn,
Donna Dickson,Lyra Evans,Nili Kaplan-Myrth,Matthew
Lee,Cathryne Milburn,Suzanne Nash,Amanda Presley,
and Lynn Scott
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Carried (11 to 0)
17.2.Receipt of Committee of the Whole Budget Reports
a.Committee of the Whole Budget,23 May 2023
Moved by Trustee Blackburn,seconded by Trustee Dickson,
THAT the Committee of the Whole Budget report,dated 23 May
2023,be received.
Carried
b.Committee of the Whole Budget,31 May 2023
Moved by Trustee Blackburn,seconded by Trustee Nash,
THAT the Committee of the Whole Budget report,dated 31 May
2023,be received.
Carried
c.Committee of the Whole Budget,6 June 2023
Moved by Trustee Blackburn,seconded by Trustee Dickson,
THAT the Committee of the Whole Budget report,dated 6 June
2023,be received.
Carried
d.Committee of the Whole Budget,12 June 2023
Moved by Trustee Blackburn,seconded by Trustee Lee,
THAT the Committee of the Whole Budget report,dated 12
June 2023,be received.
Carried
17.3.Receipt of Ad Hoc Policy Review Committee Report
a.31 May 2023
Moved by Trustee Milburn,seconded by Trustee Kaplan-Myrth,
THAT the Ad Hoc Policy Review Committee Report,dated 31
May 2023, be received.
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Carried
a.Rescission of Policy P.111.GOV Advisory Committee for
Extended Day and Child Care Programs
Moved by:Trustee Scott
Seconded by:Trustee Presley
A.THAT the Advisory Committee for Extended Day
and Child Care Programs be stood down;and
B.THAT Policy P.111 GOV:Advisory Committee for
Extended Day and Child Care Programs be
rescinded.
For (10):Alysha Aziz,Justine Bell,Donna Blackburn,
Lyra Evans,Nili Kaplan-Myrth,Matthew Lee,Cathryne
Milburn,Suzanne Nash,Amanda Presley,and Lynn
Scott
Abstain (1):Donna Dickson,
Carried (10 to 0)
In response to a query from Trustee Blackburn,Director
Giroux advised that this policy was approved by a previous
Board of Trustees.
17.4.Receipt of Ad Hoc Board and Director Evaluation Committee Reports
a.30 May 2023
Moved by Trustee Presley,seconded by Trustee Aziz,
THAT the Ad Hoc Board and Director Evaluation Committee
Report,dated 30 May 2023,be received.
Carried
a.Approval of Questionnaire and Process for the 2022-2023
Board Self Evaluation
Moved by:Trustee Aziz
Seconded by:Trustee Presley
A.THAT the Board proceed with the Board
evaluation for the 2022-2023 school year as
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outlined in Report 23-046,including the proposed
self-evaluation questionnaire,as amended
(Attached as Appendix D);and
B.THAT the comprehensive evaluation of the Board
be undertaken in the spring of 2024.
For (11):Alysha Aziz,Justine Bell,Donna Blackburn,
Donna Dickson,Lyra Evans,Nili Kaplan-Myrth,Matthew
Lee,Cathryne Milburn,Suzanne Nash,Amanda Presley,
and Lynn Scott
Carried (11 to 0)
b.21 June 2023
Moved by Trustee Presley,seconded by Trustee Aziz,
THAT the Ad Hoc Board and Director Evaluation Committee
Report,dated 21 June 2023,be received.
Carried
a.Approval of Director Job Description and Performance
Assessment Guide to be used for the 2023-2024 Evaluation
Moved by:Trustee Aziz
Seconded by:Trustee Dickson
THAT the Director of Education job description and
Performance Assessment Guide attached as Appendix
B to Report 23-056 be approved,as amended (Attached
as Appendix E).
For (11):Alysha Aziz,Justine Bell,Donna Blackburn,
Donna Dickson,Lyra Evans,Nili Kaplan-Myrth,Matthew
Lee,Cathryne Milburn,Suzanne Nash,Amanda Presley,
and Lynn Scott
Carried (11 to 0)
17.5.Receipt of Advocacy Strategy Committee Reports
a.19 June 2023
Moved by Trustee Bell,seconded by Trustee Presley,
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THAT the Advocacy Strategy Committee Report,dated 19 June
2023,be received.
Carried
a.Approval of Terms of Reference
Moved by:Trustee Presley
Seconded by:Trustee Dickson
THAT the Terms of Reference for the Advocacy Strategy
Committee be approved.
For (11):Alysha Aziz,Justine Bell,Donna Blackburn,
Donna Dickson,Lyra Evans,Nili Kaplan-Myrth,Matthew
Lee,Cathryne Milburn,Suzanne Nash,Amanda Presley,
and Lynn Scott
Carried (11 to 0)
17.6.Report 23-055 Approval for the Chair and Director to Approve Contracts
for the Summer Period (R.Gerrior)
The Board had before it Report 23-055,seeking approval for the Chair
and Director to approve contracts for the summer period.Director Giroux
advised that it is customary to ask the Board for this approval to
temporarily increase the signing authority limits of $500,000 to $3,500,000
for specific contracts.She added that staff will refer Policy P.007.FIN,
Signing Authority and Spending Controls to the Policy Review Committee
to update the spending limits in the Fall of 2023.
Moved by:Trustee Scott
Seconded by:Trustee Blackburn
THAT,notwithstanding the provisions of P.007.FIN,Signing Authority
and Spending Controls policy,the Chair (or designate)and Director
(or designate)be given authority to award necessary contracts
above the regular spending signing authority limits of $500,000,up
to a limit of $3,500,000 per contract without prior Board approval,for
the 1 July 2023 to 15 September 2023 period subject to the following
conditions:
I.The Associate Director,Business Operations or designate will
certify that the appropriate procurement policies have been
followed and the amounts have been approved in the budget;
and
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II.That staff will inform the Board in October 2023 of any
contracts awarded under this temporary authority that are
exceptional in nature and not part of the planned activities of
the FRP/SCI or Minor Tangible Capital Activities programs.
For (11):Alysha Aziz,Justine Bell,Donna Blackburn,Donna Dickson,
Nili Kaplan-Myrth,Matthew Lee,Cathryne Milburn,Suzanne Nash,
Amanda Presley,and Lynn Scott
Abstain (1):Lyra Evans,
Carried (10 to 0)
17.7.Receipt of Annual Reports from Advisory Committees
a.Advisory Committee on Equity
Moved by Trustee Presley,seconded by Trustee Kaplan-Myrth,
THAT the Annual 2022-2023 Report from the Advisory
Committee on Equity be received.
Carried
b.Alternative Schools Advisory Committee
Moved by Trustee Presley,seconded by Trustee Kaplan-Myrth,
THAT the Annual 2022-2023 Report from the Alternative
Schools Advisory Committee be received.
Carried
c.Parent Involvement Committee
Moved by Trustee Presley,seconded by Trustee Kaplan-Myrth,
THAT the Annual 2022-2023 Report from the Parent
Involvement Committee be received.
Carried
Trustee Nash requested that the membership of the Parent
Involvement Committee listed in the report be updated.
18.Matters for Discussion
18.1 Report from OPSBA Representatives (if required)
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There was no report from the OPSBA representatives.
20.Matters for Information
There were no matters for information.
21.New Business --Information and Inquiries
Trustee Kaplan-Myrth queried whether a letter had been written to the Ontario
Public School Boards’Association (OPSBA)to advocate that hate-based
protests should not be permitted on or near school property.Director Giroux
advised that this work is expected to be completed before the summer break.
Trustee Kaplan-Myrth inquired about the status of antisemitic graffiti on Manor
Park Public School.Associate Director Reynolds advised that the graffiti was
discovered early in the day,reported to police,and immediately removed.It is
unknown who was responsible for the graffiti.
Trustee Blackburn inquired about the status of the Protocol for Police
Involvement in the Schools of Ottawa.Director Giroux advised that the Protocol
was signed by the four area school boards and may now require updating to
reflect the cancellation of the School Resource Officer (SRO)program.She
noted that she has had preliminary discussions with Ottawa Police Services
(OPS)and the Ottawa Police Association.Associate Director Reynolds and
Superintendent Lehman advised that work is currently underway to update the
Protocol and is expected to be completed in the next three to four months.It is
unknown whether the Youth Intervention/Diversion Unit referred to on page 27 of
the Protocol continues to operate in the same manner,and the OPS is currently
working on new youth strategies.
Trustee Blackburn expressed appreciation to the OPS for their assistance at 133
Greenbank Road over the past year to ensure the safety of trustees and staff.
Trustee Scott noted that police response to non-emergency situations in schools
has occasionally been significantly delayed,requiring administrators to remain at
their schools after hours.For mandatory and non-mandatory situations requiring
police response,schools have the option of reporting online or by telephone.
Trustee Kaplan-Myrth inquired whether air quality is monitored in schools.
Director Giroux advised that information on ventilation and indoor air quality is
available on the District’s website.She added that significant work was
undertaken since the beginning of the pandemic to improve indoor air quality.
Director Giroux agreed to follow up on the frequency of reporting on air quality.
22.Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:26 p.m.
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Lyra Evans,Chair of the Board
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