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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard 08 Nov 2011 Minutes Public MINUTES 08 November 2011 A meeting of the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board was held this evening in the Board Room, 133 Greenbank Road, Ottawa, Ontario, commencing at 8:14 p.m. with Trustee Jennifer McKenzie in the chair and the following also in attendance: Trustees Donna Blackburn, Rob Campbell, Cathy Curry, Mark Fisher, Pam FitzGerald, Bronwyn Funiciello, Katie Holtzhauer, Lynn Scott, Shirley Seward and John Shea. STUDENT TRUSTEES: Kareem Ibrahim and Bill Lin STAFF: Director of Education and Secretary of the Board, Jennifer Adams; Superintendent of Human Resources, Janice McCoy; Chief Financial Officer, Michael Clarke; Executive Officer, Corporate Services, Michèle Giroux; Manager of Board Services, Monica Ceschia; Manager of Communications & Information Services, Diane Pernari-Hergert; Communications Coordinator, Sharlene Hunter; Central Audio-visual Technician, John MacKinnon; Senior Board Coordinator, Maureen Strittmatter; and Board/Committee Coordinator Natasha Knight. On a motion by Trustee Shea, seconded by Trustee Blackburn, the Board resolved into Committee of the Whole (in camera). Trustee Funiciello assumed the Chair in Committee and later report in the public session. (Board Minute 11-309 refers) 308. Call to Order Chair McKenzie called the public meeting to order at 8:14 p.m. 309. Report from Committee of the Whole (In Camera) Trustee Funiciello reported that Committee of the Whole met in camera this evening and reports and recommends as follows: a. Confirmation of trustee observers and alternates during negotiations Moved by Trustee Fitzgerald, substituting for Trustee Kavanagh, seconded by Trustee Funiciello, THAT staff proceed as directed in Committee of the Whole (In Camera) with respect to Trustee Observers at Negotiations. - Carried A recorded vote was held and the motion was carried on the following division: FOR: Trustees Blackburn, Campbell, FitzGerald, (7) Funiciello, Holtzhauer, McKenzie and Seward AGAINST: Trustees Curry, Fisher, Scott and Shea (4) ABSTENSIONS: Nil (0) _____________________________________________________________________________________ - 281 - MINUTES 08 November 2011 b. Approval of the internal control operation verification plan 2011-2012 Moved by Fisher, seconded by Trustee Funiciello, THAT the Board approve the internal control operation verification plan. - Carried A recorded vote was held and the motion was carried on the following division: FOR: Trustees Blackburn, Campbell, Curry, Fisher, FitzGerald, (11) Funiciello, Holtzhauer, McKenzie, Scott, Seward and Shea AGAINST: Nil (0) ABSTENSIONS: Nil (0) 310. Approval of Agenda Moved by Trustee Seward, seconded by Trustee Holtzauer, THAT the agenda be approved. - Carried 311. Confirmation of Minutes a. 11 October 2011, Joint Board meeting with Edmonton Public Schools Moved by Trustee Scott, seconded by Trustee Seward, THAT the minutes of the 11 October 2011 Board meeting be confirmed. - Carried b. 25 October 2011 Moved by Trustee Scott, seconded by Trustee Seward, THAT the minutes of the 25 October 2011 Board meeting be confirmed. - Carried _____________________________________________________________________________________ - 282 - MINUTES 08 November 2011 312. Business Arising from the Minutes a. 11 October 2011, Joint Board meeting with Edmonton Public Schools There was no business arising from the minutes of 11 October 2011. b. 25 October 2011 There was no business arising from the minutes of 25 October 2011. 313. Director Adams reported that Associate Director Piovesan was invited to speak at "Re-Thinking Demographic Data in Terms of Student Equity" Discussion Forum at the York University Faculty of Education, on October 24, 2011. The event was sponsored by the Knowledge Network of Applied Research (KNAER) and York Centre for Education and Community. He addressed the group on the process of the OCDSB staff census and student survey, and what the District hopes to do with the data collected. Associate Director Piovesan was also invited to speak at Faculty of Education, University of Florida (Gainesville), on Urban Education. His presentation on November 9 will focus primarily on the work the District is doing in the area of cultural proficiency. On November 18, Associate Director Walter Piovesan and Superintendent of Human Resources Janice McCoy will be presenting on the staff census, at the York Region's Quest Conference, and on December 8, Associate Director Piovesan will be presenting on emotional intelligence and cultural Superintendent of Instruction Peter Gamwell was invited to present at the Oklahoma Creativity Conference last week. He invited Geoff Raymond, Chief Custodian at Bayview Public School, and Michael Wendler, teacher at Adrienne Clarkson Elementary School to be co-presenters. Their presentations were on the topic of Fostering Creative Organizations: Creating the Conditions for the Extraordinary, and focussed on embedding strength-based inquiry approaches to organizations. They described how the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board has used appreciative inquiry and creativity as a model for leadership and learning, and for harnessing the creative abilities of everyone in the organization. Director Adams thanked Geoff Raymond and Michael Wendler for the amazing work they did to prepare and present at this event. Director Adams also reported that United Way events were underway in schools and in the administration buildings. On Friday, November 4, staff celebrated United Way Day throughout the District with the following events; Roch Carrier Elementary School wore Hats and Fascinators to mark the day; Osgoode Public School held a "Jar" walk where students contributed jars of treats for a school raffle; Hilson Avenue Public School's dance and drama club led students through a variety of dances. Dancers made a donation and were also able to buy baked goods; and Stittsville Public School's muffin mania plus a wine and cupcakes raffle contributed over $1,500. _____________________________________________________________________________________ - 283 - MINUTES 08 November 2011 Director Adams thanked all staff and students who participated in these events. Director Adams added that at the Board Office, the United Way campaign continues with Learning Support Services holding a silent auction and bake sale on Thursday, November 10. The final event, the United Way Marketplace, will take place November 18 in the Atrium. Staff is invited to participate in the upcoming United Way activities here and in their community. Director Adams congratulated Tyrone Henry, a South Carleton student and endurance athlete, who was presented with the Rick Hansen medal. The medal was presented to him by Harvey Lord, a Team Canada gold medalist. Tyrone made history by joining the cross-country relay tour. In response to a query from Trustee Campbell, Director Adams agreed to provide trustees with ducation, University of Florida on Urban Education. 314. Chair McKenzie reported that Clifford Bowey Public School would like to extend an invitation to all trustees to celebrate the Grand Opening of their primary yard playstructure. The new playstructure is th designed to be fully accessible. The event takes place on Thursday, November 17. A special assembly is planned to thank the District and its community partners who provided funds to build the playstructure. The Media Awareness Netw 6th annual Media Literacy Week at Trillium Elementary School yesterday, November 7th. The event achers. And in addition, Community Character certificates were presented to students using technology to support their volunteer work in the community. Trustee FitzGerald questioned whether other schools in the District were applying for funding for a playstructure. Trustee Blackburn confirmed that Mary Honeywell Elementary School was a semi- finalist. Trustee Scott added that Manotick Public School was competing as well. 315. Public Question Period There were no public questions. 316. Report 4, Human Resources Report, 01 November 2011 Moved by Trustee FitzGerald, seconded by Trustee Fisher, THAT Report 4, Human Resources Committee, dated 01 November 2011 be received. - Carried Trustee FitzGerald noted that there were no recommendations. _____________________________________________________________________________________ - 284 - MINUTES 08 November 2011 317. Partial Report 10, Strategic Planning and Priorities Committee, 02 November 2011 Moved by Trustee Funiciello, seconded by Trustee Seward, THAT Partial Report 10, Strategic Planning and Priorities Committee dated 02 November 2011 be received. - Carried Trustee Funiciello noted that there were no recommendations. a. Authorize payment of 2011-2012 membership, Ontario Association Moved by Trustee Seward,seconded by Trustee Funiciello A. THAT membership in the Ontario Student 2012 be approved with the cost of membership to be financed through the board business account. B. THAT the membership in the Onta considered an annual budget item, as is the Board membership in the Ontario Public School Boards Association, and that staff be directed to incorporate the cost of the OSTA membership into the annual Board Budget. - Carried A recorded vote was held and the motion was carried on the following division: FOR: Trustees Blackburn, Campbell, Curry, Fisher, FitzGerald, (11) Funiciello, Holtzhauer, McKenzie, Scott, Seward and Shea AGAINST: Nil (0) ABSTENSIONS: Nil (0) _____________________________________________________________________________________ - 285 - MINUTES 08 November 2011 b. Direct that information issued to Board members to inform a decision be posted on the district website This was not a consent item and, when dealt with later in the meeting, the following discussion ensued: Moved by Trustee Campbell, seconded by Trustee Funicielo, THAT the Director be asked to ensure that, any non-confidential memoranda issued to the Board of Trustees in advance of a Board or Standing Committee meeting in order to inform a decision on a matter which is before the Board or Standing Committee, be posted on the district website as soon as reasonably practicable excepting correspondence which is judged by the Director of Education, to be protected based on the special relationship between the Director of Education and the Board. Trustee Campbell, introducing the motion, emphasized the importance of the need of trustees to refer to documents in public that are not otherwise available to the public. He added that the way the motion is worded does not include any memorandums written as a result of trustee questions. Director Adams noted that, in the event that a public or trustee question is answered orally, the response is available to the public in the minutes. Executive Officer Giroux added that staff is currently revisiting the issue of handling and reporting of public questions and advised that a memorandum will be circulated once the process is finalized. Moved in amendment by Trustee Campbell, seconded by Trustee FitzGerald, THAT on report back to the Board within six In introducing the amendment, Trustee Campbell noted that after the process has been changed, staff could look for further opportunities. In response to a query from Trustee Curry, Director Adams indicated that her understanding of the motion was as follows: Trustee memoranda that are informing a public decision will be made available to the public. She added that staff is in the process of finalizing a memorandum describing the process of follow up to public questions or delegations at Committee and Board meetings. In response to a query from Trustee Scott, Executive Officer Giroux clarified that the implementation strategy has not been finalized, including the extent of the related work. All memorandums would be directed through Board Services so they can be centrally monitored and the estimated time of work for logistics and mechanics is three days. She added that posting to the web site is a regular process and presumably the item would be posted to the matter under consultation. _____________________________________________________________________________________ - 286 - MINUTES 08 November 2011 In wrap up, Trustee Campbell appealed for support of the motion. He added that he was encouraged by staff progress on this issue. Trustee Campbell suggested that the staff report outline the work involved. Moved in amendment by Trustee Campbell, seconded by Trustee FitzGerald, THAT months as - Carried Trustee Scott expressed concern regarding the language of the motion. She added that the te a problem rather than a resolution. Moved in amendment by Trustee Scott, seconded by Trustee Campbell, THAT to be protected based on to have been provided in the context of - Carried, friendly Speaking on the main motion, Trustee FitzGerald indicated that providing the public with information will increase transparency and public confidence regarding the decisions of the Board. Moved by Trustee Campbell, seconded by Trustee Funiciello, THAT the Director be asked to ensure that, any non-confidential memoranda issued to the Board of Trustees in advance of a Board or Standing Committee meeting in order to inform a decision on a matter which is before the Board or Standing Committee, be posted on the district website as soon as reasonably practicable excepting correspondence which is judged by the Director of Education, to have been provided in the context of the special relationship between the Director of Education and the Board, and that the Director of Education report back to the Board within six months as to opportunities for possible broadening of the effect of this motion. - Carried A recorded vote was held and the motion was carried on the following division: FOR: Trustees Blackburn, Campbell, Curry, Fisher, FitzGerald, (11) Funiciello, Holtzhauer, McKenzie, Scott, Seward and Shea AGAINST: Nil (0) ABSTENSIONS: Nil (0) _____________________________________________________________________________________ - 287 - MINUTES 08 November 2011 c. Approval of Direction to Staff re in-year Variations to the Approved Budget This was not a consent item and, when dealt with later in the meeting, the following discussion ensued: Moved by Trustee Campbell, seconded by Trustee Funiciello, A. THAT non-compensation discretionary spending amounts specifically approved by the Board in the annual Budget motion, cannot be increased by reassignment from other budget amounts, whether discretionary or non- discretionary, without either Board approval for those transfers whose dollar value exceeds the lesser of 25% of the receiving budget or $500,000, or Board approval of the use of another funding source to increase a discretionary budget line; B. THAT any non-compensation spending amount specifically approved by the Board in the annual Budget motion, discretionary or non-discretionary, which is to be under spent by more than the lesser of 25% or $500,000 must have that portion of its under spending greater than the lesser of 25% or $500,000 assigned to year-end surplus, unless the Board approves otherwise; C. THAT multiple budget transfers into or out of the same specifically approved budget within a fiscal year are to be considered as a single transfer for the purposes of this motion; and D THAT nothing in this motion is to be considered as: i) changing the emergency purchasing provisions of Policy P.069 FIN (Tendering, Purchasing and Acquisition of Supplies & Services); ii) preventing the Board from establishing additional standing orders if it so wishes; or iii) reversing the existing Board approval for automatic school budget carry forwards. In introducing the motion, Trustee Campbell indicated clarification on spending would decision unduly. Trustee Campbell expressed the view that the Board should be indicating when it wants decisions to come back to the board. In summary, this motion would identify to the Board high level variations in the budget while there was time in the year to decide whether or not to redeploy the funds. Trustee Fisher expressed the view that the motion gets to the core of the issues of determining what is governance and what is micro-managing. He added that staff could express their views on the threshold, and this motion in its present format would present undue restrictions on the way staff manage the resources on a as needs basis. _____________________________________________________________________________________ - 288 - MINUTES 08 November 2011 Director Adams reported that, in supplement to the discussion at committee, staff had additional conversations and were in agreement for the need to monitor budgets. Director Adams expressed some concern regarding the wor examination, staff noted that this could potentially lead to discussions at the Board level for $3,000 items and suggested a threshold of $100,000. In response to a query from Trustee Fisher, Chief Financial Officer Clarke reported that at the present time Audit Committee receives the forecasts and year-to-date fiscal reports quarterly. He indicated that the report created by the motion, would likely to go to Audit Committee; however, there has been some concern expressed given the external members of the Audit Committee. Business Services Committee would be an alternate route but its agendas are already maximized. Moved in amendment by Trustee Fisher, seconded by Trustee Curry, THAT in Trustee Campbell expressed concern with the amendment. He stated that the amount of the budget line item would be debated and approved by the Board. If the Board decides to keep the budget at certain levels of detail than the 25 percent becomes relevant, however small the 25 percent amount. Trustee Curry expressed support for the amendment and stated that $500,000 was a reasonable amount. In summary, Trustee Fisher noted that the amendment provides flexibility for staff and achieves the objective of having the appropriate mechanism in place to bring items forward for discussion. Moved in amendment by Trustee Fisher, seconded by Trustee Curry, THAT in - Defeated - Moved in amendment by Trustee Curry, seconded by Trustee Scott, THAT 25% of the receiving budget where that number exceeds $100,000, or $500,000 A discussion ensued regarding the extent of work involved and possible debate over minor variations in the budget. Chief Financial Officer Clarke clarified that when the Board votes on specific projects, the funds are to be spent only on that project. He added that it is highly unlikely that staff would not come back for approval if they were to use the funds elsewhere. _____________________________________________________________________________________ - 289 - MINUTES 08 November 2011 In wrap up, Trustee Curry noted that, Director Adams had indicated that $100,000 was an acceptable figure. She added that, in instances where staff deems the need for discussion on specific budget variations, it is assumed staff would bring forward to trustees. Moved in amendment by Trustee Curry, seconded by Trustee Scott THAT 25% of the receiving budget where that number exceeds $100,000, - Carried Trustee Curry specified the importance of the main motion in terms of monitoring the budget for high value variations. Trustee Seward noted that moving funds in line items is one issue but the larger issue is the surprise at fiscal year-end of the possible surplus. She expressed the need for an improved mechanism on a quarterly basis for trustees to receive information on expenditures in a way that would permit the trustees to see the variations and deal with them at that time. Moved in amendment by Trustee Seward, seconded by Trustee Blackburn, within three months regarding potential options in providing quarterly reports to the Board detailing expenditures as they relate to the budget. One option might be to report through the Strategic Planning and Priorities Committee, which would in turn make rec Part E. On a point of order, Trustee Fisher stated that quarterly reports are currently submitted to the Audit Committee. to make decisions on the re- according to accounting principles. Chair McKenzie ruled the amendment in order and indicated that the amendment reflects an additional monitoring function of the budget and was related to the original motion. Trustee Seward expressed concern that the motion, as it stands, will not provide the trustees with regular financial information; however, the amendment would permit staff to provide the information to trustees on a quarterly basis. She expressed the view that the Strategic Planning and Priorities Committee would be the most logical committee for this report, but noted that this is for staff to decide. Trustee Seward noted that she was advised that efforts were made in the past to bring issues of this nature to other committee agendas but either the agendas were maximized or it was not deemed part of their mandate. She indicated that in her opinion, external members, as such on the Audit Committee, should not make recommendations on the spending or re-deployment of budgeted funds. _____________________________________________________________________________________ - 290 - MINUTES 08 November 2011 Trustee Scott expressed the opinion that the amendment seemed to be a spontaneous attempt to reform the monitoring function of a governing body. In addition, she added that the report is already provided to trustees and the duplication to another committee may not be necessary. If there are concerns, a trustee could bring forward a notice of motion. In response to a query from Trustee Campbell, Chief Financial Officer Clarke clarified that, currently the reports to Audit Committee do not provide the same level of detail (the 25 percent of line items voted by the Board); however, they do include items such as benefits, supplies and services, and fees and contractual costs. He added that the reports (forecast and year-to-dates) are distributed in January, March and May and a forecast in September of the next school year (year-end process). Director Adams informed trustees that staff has commenced establishing processes in this regard and further discussions are scheduled with senior staff. She added that the focus this year is on monitoring the completion of the district goals and related budgets and would like an opportunity to complete the analysis before moving forward. A discussion ensued regarding the information that is currently provided to the Audit Committee and the possible requirement that staff prepare an additional report. Attendance at the future Audit Committee meetings was encouraged. Trustee Curry, speaking against the amendment, expressed the view that a discussion should occur regarding the nature of reports and the level of detail. Chair McKenzie expressed the view that this was an important item. She indicated that one role of the Board is the oversight of the budget and this is only asking for a report on a possible process to implement such oversight. In wrap up, Trustee Seward expressed the view that it is difficult to formulate a decision regarding one or two line items without having the detailed financial reports that will permit trustees to see how these line items fit within the overall picture and whether it is the best use of the allocation of the relocation of funds. She added that during discussions next week regarding governance, should this motion pass, she believes it would be strengthened if staff would report back to trustees regarding the discussion Director Adams mentioned with senior staff. In addition, Trustee Seward concluded that the motion would assist trustees with future recommendations. Moved in amendment by Trustee Seward, seconded by Trustee Blackburn, within three months regarding potential options in providing quarterly reports to the Board detailing expenditures as they relate to the budget. One option might be to report through the Strategic Planning and Priorities Committee, Part E. - Carried _____________________________________________________________________________________ - 291 - MINUTES 08 November 2011 Trustee Scott expressed concern regarding the wording of the motion. She noted that the last clause in Parts A and B of the motion does not clearly indicate that this would apply to specific budget line items therefore, it would apply to all discretionary budgets. She added that as it stands, she was not in support of the motion. In response to a query from Trustee Scott on the impact of the motion, Chief Financial Officer Clarke advised that the intent of the last clause in parts A and B of the motion is that staff seek approval for both the movement of funds between budget lines and any new funding received. Moved by Trustee Scott, seconded by Trustee Fisher, THAT the motion be referred to the Strategic Planning and Priorities Committee. In introducing the motion Trustee Scott expressed the view that the intention was not clearly stated in Part A and further review was required. Moved by Trustee Scott, seconded by Trustee Fisher, THAT the motion be referred to the Strategic Planning and Priorities Committee. - Defeated In wrap up, Trustee Campbell noted that the motion is meant to focus on other areas of the budget and not staffing as stated in Parts A & B with the reference to non-compensation spending. He added that the motion will provide an important delegation instrument. Trustee Curry requested separate recorded votes for Parts A, B, C and E, and Part D. Moved by Trustee Campbell, seconded by Trustee Funiciello, A. THAT non-compensation discretionary spending amounts specifically approved by the Board in the annual Budget motion, cannot be increased by reassignment from other budget amounts, whether discretionary or non-discretionary, without either Board approval for those transfers whose dollar value exceeds the lesser of 25% of the receiving budget where that number exceeds $100,000 or $500,000, or Board approval of the use of another funding source to increase a discretionary budget line; B. THAT any non-compensation spending amount specifically approved by the Board in the annual Budget motion, discretionary or non- discretionary, which is to be under spent by more than the lesser of 25% where that number exceeds $100,000 or $500,000 must have that portion of its under spending greater than the lesser of 25% where that number exceeds $100,000 or $500,000 assigned to year-end surplus, unless the Board approves otherwise; _____________________________________________________________________________________ - 292 - MINUTES 08 November 2011 C. THAT multiple budget transfers into or out of the same specifically approved budget within a fiscal year are to be considered as a single transfer for the purposes of this motion; and E. THAT nothing in this motion is to be considered as: i) changing the emergency purchasing provisions of Policy P.069 FIN (Tendering, Purchasing and Acquisition of Supplies & Services); ii) preventing the Board from establishing additional standing orders if it so wishes; or iii) reversing the existing Board approval for automatic school budget carry forwards. - Carried A recorded vote was held and Parts A, B, C and E of the motion was carried on the following division: FOR: Trustees Blackburn, Campbell, Fisher, FitzGerald, (9) Funiciello, Holtzhauer, McKenzie, Seward and Shea AGAINST: Nil (0) ABSTENSIONS: Trustees Curry and Scott (2) Moved by Trustee Campbell, seconded by Trustee Funiciello, D. THAT staff be directed to report to the Board within three months regarding potential options in providing quarterly reports to the Board detailing expenditures as they relate to the budget. One option might be to report through the Strategic Planning and Priorities Committee, which would in turn make recommendations to the Board. - Carried A recorded vote was held and Part D of the motion was carried on the following division: FOR: Trustees Blackburn, Campbell, FitzGerald, (6) Funiciello, McKenzie and Seward AGAINST: Trustees Curry, Fisher and Scott (3) ABSTENSIONS: Trustees Holtzhauer and Shea (2) _____________________________________________________________________________________ - 293 - MINUTES 08 November 2011 318. Report 5, Audit Committee, 24 October 2011 Moved by Trustee Fisher, seconded by Trustee Funiciello, THAT Report 5, Audit Committee dated 24 October 2011 be received. - Carried Trustee Fisher noted that there were no recommendations. 319. Appointment or Election of Trustee and Alternate for the Secondary School Review Ad Hoc Committee Trustee Seward volunteered to be a member. She noted that at least half of the meetings were during the day and she was available for all dates. Trustee Shea volunteered to be the alternate. Moved by Trustee Funiciello, seconded by Trustee Holtzhauer, THAT the Board confirm the appointment of Trustee Seward as the member and Trustee Shea as the alternate to the Secondary School Review Ad Hoc Committee. - Carried 320. Student Trustees Report Student Trustee Ibrahim and Lin thanked the Board for the approval of the 2011-2012 membership to the . Student Trustee Ibrahim provided an overview of the Student Trustees Report and noted that as a result from the Fall General meeting, the Student Senate would like to explore the possibility of hosting a board wide student leadership forum/conference day. Student Trustee Lin summarized the results of the the Student Survey, as follows: One in three students and one in four parents did not know where to seek help if they were suffering from mental health related illnesses; A very large majority of parents and students believe that students should establish Gay Straight Alliance clubs in schools should they choose to do so; Almost half of the students believe that sexual education did not successfully address their concerns; Most students believe that it is acceptable for teachers to connect with students through Facebook while the majority of parents did not; and Most students and parents believe that schools should take action if cyber-bullying occurs outside of school time. _____________________________________________________________________________________ - 294 - MINUTES 08 November 2011 Student Trustee Ibrahim reported that the hot topic for October was the healthy food initiative and noted that students have noted the inconvenience of purchasing unhealthy foods off school property. He added that a manual providing fundraising ideas and the regulations would be helpful for student councils. In response to a query from Trustee Campbell, Student Trustee Ibrahim indicated that the in the process of communicating with Ottawa- Carleton Assembly of Schools Council regarding a possible debate between parent and student councils on the Student Survey results. In observation, Trustee Seward noted the difference in responses by students compared to parents was not substantial. Trustee Seward suggested that the companion document that outlines ttawa-Carleton District School Board website. Student Trustee Lin indicated that the document was still being reviewed but, in all probability will be included in the Student Trustees Report. 321. New Business There was no new business. The meeting adjourned at 10:14 p.m. Jennifer Adams Jennifer McKenzie Director of Education and Chair of the Board Secretary of the Board _____________________________________________________________________________________ - 295 -