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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05a Board 27 Feb 2006 Minutes Public0 LT,- OTTAWA CARLETO N DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES 27 February 2006 27 February 2006 A meeting of the Ottawa - Carleton District School Board was held this evening in the Board Room, 133 Greenbank Road, Ottawa (Nepean), Ontario, commencing at 7:10 pm with Trustee Lynn Graham in the Chair, and the following in attendance: Trustees Riley Brockington, Bronwyn Funiciello, Alex Getty, Margaret Lange, Greg Laws, Jim Libbey, Norm MacDonald, David Moen, David Primeau, Lynn Scott, and Joan Spice. Student Trustees: Kate Genest and Ian Kasper Staff. Director of Education and Secretary of the Board, Lorne Rachlis; Superintendents Diane Jeudy -Hugo and Glenda Stevenson, Principal of Special Education, Cindy Alce, Executive Officer (Administration), Michele Giroux, Manager of Field Services, Bob Flewelling; Acting Vice - Principal of Special Education, Mari Murray, Learning Support Consultant, Gifted, Bill Morton, Senior Board Coordin- ator, Maureen Strittmatter; A/V Technician, James Wright, and Committee Coordinator, Brenda Cooper. On a motion by Trustee Laws, seconded by Trustee Funiciello, the Board resolved into Committee of the Whole (in camera) to consider the items on the in camera agenda. Trustee Scott assumed the Chair in Committee, and later presented the Committee's report in public session (Board minute 05 -121 refers). 119. Call to Order - Chair of the Board The Chair called the public session to order at 8:09 pm. 120. Report No 6, Special Committee of the Whole (in camera), 22 February 2006 Trustee Scott reported that a special meeting of Committee of the Whole (in camera) was held on 22 February 2006. There were no recommendations. 121. Report No. 7, Committee of the Whole (In Camera), 27 February 2006 Trustee Scott presented Report No. 6, Committee of the Whole (in camera), and declared a conflict of interest on the recommendation in the report and did not participate in debate or vote on the following motion. Appointment of Manager of Board Services (Motion by Trustee Brockington, seconded by Trustee Moen) THAT staff proceed with an offer of employment for the Manager of Board Services as directed in Committee of the Whole (in camera). The recommendation was adopted by the Board. - 73 - 0 LT,- OTTAWA CARLETO N DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES 27 February 2006 122. Approval of Agenda On a motion by Trustee Brockington, seconded by Trustee Laws, the agenda was approved as presented. 123. Confirmation of Minutes, 13 February 2006 On a motion by Trustee Getty, seconded by Trustee Scott, the minutes of the meeting held 13 February 2006 were confirmed as written. Trustee Laws noted a minor error in Board minute 06-111 f, i.e., wherein his name should be capitalized. 124. Business Arising from Minutes, 13 February 2006 There was no business arising from the minutes of Board meeting of 13 February 2006. 125. Chair's & Director's Reports Chair Graham reported that Brookfield High School students, staff and alumni are beaming with pride with Kristina Groves' wonderful performance at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Turino, Italy. Kristina, a 1995 Brookfield graduate, won silver medals for two speedskating events, the 1500 metres and the team pursuit. On behalf of the Board, she congratulated Ms Groves. The Chair was pleased to announce that Roch Carrier Elementary School, the newest OCDSB school in Kanata, is featured in the latest National Architectural Award Magazine for its unique design. The school was designed to conserve energy and to be energy efficient, going so far as to integrate timbers from the building site into its interior design. Noting that the building is striking, she urged trustees to visit Roch Carrier Elementary School at the first opportunity. As a former science teacher, Director Rachlis was pleased to announce that Colonel By students took second place at the city -wide Science Olympics held at the Museum of Science and Technology on 21 February. Students won for their innovative designs in three separate categories and of particular note is the first place win by student Bruce Calvert for his bionic arm design. Bruce's designs have been awarded first place for three years in a row. The Director reminded everyone of the upcoming annual Maplefest celebration at the MacSkimming Outdoor Education Centre on Sunday 26 March from 10 am to 2 pm. Maplefest features sleigh rides, sugar bush tours, live music and of course, pancakes and maple syrup. Admission is $3 per person. - 74 - 0 LT,- OTTAWA CARLETO N DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD 126. Public Question Period MINUTES 27 February 2006 In response to Pam FitzGerald's request for assurance that the dual diagnosis unit at Lisgar Collegiate Institute will not be isolated in a "basement annex ", the Chair provided unqualified assurance that the students in the unit will not spend the entire day in a room in the lower level of the annex as students will be rotated through the class. Catherine Gardner asked about accessibility for students in the dual diagnosis unit at Lisgar who may also have physical challenges (e.g. washrooms, elevator, evacuation). Superintendent Stevenson reported that students with a dual diagnosis do not usually have accessibility issues, but that this would be addressed as it would for any other students in the school. 127. Delegation: Phil Jourdeuil re Adoption of a Strategic Plan for the Management of the OCDSB Gifted Program Phil Jourdeuil stated that the OCDSB provides a high quality program for gifted students, but allocates resources on an ad hoc basis. He recommended that the Board adopt his six point strategic plan to help identify gifted students who are not in congregated classes. 128. Report No. 4, Special Business Services Committee, 24 January 2006 On a motion by Trustee Brockington, seconded by Trustee Libbey, the Board received report No. 4, from a special meeting of the Business Services Committee, dated 24 January 2006. The recommendations in the report were dealt with at 30 January 2006 Board meeting. 129. Report No. 5, Business Services Committee, 8 February 2006 On a motion by Trustee Brockington, seconded by Trustee Scott, the Board received report No. 5, from the meeting of the Business Services Committee, dated 8 February 2006. The recommendations in the report were dealt with at 13 February 2006 Board meeting. 130. Partial Report No. 3, Education Committee, 20 February 2006 On a motion by Trustee Laws, seconded by Trustee Funiciello, the Board received partial report No. 3, Education Committee, dated 20 February 2006. - 75 - 0 LT,- OTTAWA CARLETO N DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES 27 February 2006 Trustee Laws presented and seconded the recommendations in the report, viz: (a) Receipt of Special Education Advisory Committee Report No. 3, 1 February 2006 (Motion by Trustee Laws, seconded by Trustee Primeau) THAT the Board receive report No. 3, Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAL), dated 1 February 2006. The motion was carried. Note: Report No. 4 from the 9 February 2006 meeting of SEAC will not be received by the Board until after it has been reviewed by the Committee. Trustee Scott noted a change to Report No. 4, i.e., under item 3, Public Question Period, where a reference to 150 square feet should be changed to 750 square feet. (b) Specialized Classes /Programs 2006 -2007 Recommendations (Motion by Trustee Scott, seconded by Trustee Laws) THAT the Board approve the following changes of special education specialized classes /programs for the 2006 -2007 school year: A. Closure of one Physical Support Unit at Centennial Public School, B. Establishment of one Physical Support Unit at Sir Guy Carleton Secondary School, C. Relocation of Deaf and Hard of Hearing program from Centennial Public School to Vincent Massey Public School, D. Closure of Dual Diagnosis program at Fielding Drive Public School, E. Closure of Dual Diagnosis program at Henry Munro Middle School, F. Relocation of Dual Diagnosis program from Crystal Bay Centre for Special Education to Bridlewood Community Elementary School, G. Establishment of a Dual Diagnosis program at Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School, H. Establishment of a Dual Diagnosis program at Lisgar Collegiate Institute, I. Relocation of French Immersion Gifted program from Maple Ridge Elementary School to Fallingbrook Community Elementary School, J. The addition of 1.0 teacher for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing program, subject to budget consideration, K. The addition of staff as required for the French Immersion Gifted program at Fallingbrook Community Elementary School (proposed location), L. The addition of 1.0 FTE Physiotherapist, subject to budget consideration. - 76 - 0 LT,- OTTAWA CARLETO N DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES 27 February 2006 Trustee Graham declared a potential conflict of interest (her daughter is employed as an elementary teacher at Vincent Massey Public School) and did not participate in any discussion or vote on any of the recommendations pertaining to or having an impact on Vincent Massey Public School. This was not a consent item (debate took place after receipt of the Chairs' Committee report, but is included here for ease of reference). Trustee Scott pointed out that over the years the placement of classes has become controversial, as it has changed from an annual staff task to a three -month debate which has added greatly to staffs workload so that other work has been put on hold. She urged that the recommendations, which incorporate changes from Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAL) and minor changes from the Education Committee, be approved, but that those items requiring additional staff be deferred until they can be considered during the budget deliberations. Trustee Scott quoted earlier remarks by the Director in support of the changes where he stated that they provide balance, move students closer to where they need to be and to age appropriate settings such as high school. Trustee Lange reported that an e -mail from Lamar Mason raised questions regarding the French immersion gifted program at Vincent Massey Public School because there are seven students in a split grade 5 -6 class. She noted that SEAL, including the representative from the Association for Bright Children, had recommended the closure of this class, and at the end of the 2006 -2007 year, the grade 8 class. Bill Morton reported that next year there will be a maximum of 11 students in this class. Superintendent Stevenson advised that if the class were closed, the deployment of the resources would be a budget decision. Trustee Lange, seconded by Trustee Scott, moved in amendment THAT one French immersion gifted class at Vincent Massey Public School be closed, and THAT the remaining class becoming a grade 8 only French immersion gifted class, to be closed at the end of the 2006 -2007 school year. The Board recessed for ten minutes to give trustees an opportunity to review the proposed amendment. - 77 - 0 LT,- OTTAWA CARLETO N DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES 27 February 2006 A lengthy debate ensued and while some trustees expressed support for the amendment, others were not in favour of the change. Trustee Funiciello reported that she had received an e -mail from Sean Maddox on behalf of the First Avenue Public School Council expressing concern about accommo- dating the Vincent Massey Public School students without displacing students from the current catchment area. In support of the amendment, Trustee Lange noted that the proposed change had been recommended by staff last year, and that the enrolment prospects had not improved. At her request, staff confirmed that the project enrolment for 2006 -2007 at Vincent Massey is 11 in grade 5 -6, and 15 in grade 7 -8. If the students are directed to First Avenue Public School, the enrolment will be 21 and 24 in two classes, including the students from Vincent Massey. When the classes were recommended for closure last year, the enrolment was two students in grade 5 and seven in grade 6. In response to queries, Dr. Bob Flewelling confirmed that due to the broader criteria, more students were identified as gifted this year than last, and described how this affected the catchment area for Vincent Massey Public School. That is, 15 grade four students were identified as gifted, and all but two families declined placement of their children in the gifted program. Dr. Flewelling noted that one of the objectives of congregated classes is to place students with other students of like ability, and for this reason, a full class is better than one that is half full. Twelve students in a combined grade 6 -7 class is not, therefore, as desirable as 25 students. He advised that data in the most recent "postal code" memo was up to date. Trustees favouring the amendment noted that because some students have to go a long distance to access programs, improvements are needed for the distribution of resources across the district. If the additional number of gifted students identified is in the range of 50 -60, a limited number of these students will live in any one catchment area, and any additional classes would not necessarily be needed in the current locations. In response to a query, the Director advised that the OCDSB is out of step with most other school boards across the province where the number of congregated classes is being reduced. Some trustees felt that this change could not be justified when there is no long range program plan in place. Several trustees expressed concern about "micro- managing" the class placement process, and suggested that trustees should be dealing with policy and governance issues. At the request of Trustee Lange, a recorded vote was held, and the amendment was lost on a tie vote on the following division: FOR: Trustees Getty, Lange, Primeau, and Scott 4 AGAINST: Trustees Funiciello, Laws, Libbey, and Moen 4 ABSTENTIONS: Trustees Brockington and Spice 2 - 78 - 0 LT'_ OTTAWA CARLETO N DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD Trustee Funiciello, seconded by Trustee Moen, moved in amendment: THAT paragraphs A and B be combined to read as follows: MINUTES 27 February 2006 Closure of one Physical Support Unit at Centennial Public School, establishment of one Physical Support Unit at Sir Guy Carleton Secondary School, and an additional 0.5 FTE physiotherapist to serve all students in Physical Support Units across the system, and* THAT paragraph L (new K if first change approved) be changed to read: The addition of a 0.5 FTE Physiotherapist, subject to budget consideration. *Note: the phrase starting with to seiv,e all students was added by Trustee Funiciello following staff clarification of the deployment of physiotherapists. The Chair ruled the following proposed sub - amendment by Trustee Brockington, seconded by Trustee Getty out of order: that the last clause in part A be changed to insert: and subject to budget consideration, before the additional 0.5 FTE physiotherapist. Trustee Moen recalled a 24 February 2006 memo from staff which advised that an additional position was necessary to provide the same level of physiotherapy services. It was agreed that part A should be voted on in two sections, i.e., first the section on Centennial Public School and Sir Guy Carleton Secondary School, and then the section on the additional 0.5 physiotherapist. Staff provided clarification on how these positions are deployed. At the request of Trustee Spice, separate recorded votes were held on the two sections of part A, and both sections were carried, viz: First Part of Part A (Centennial/Sir Guy Carleton) FOR: Trustees Brockington, Getty, Graham, Lange, Laws, 9 Libbey, MacDonald, Primeau, and Spice AGAINST: Nil ABSTENTIONS: Trustees Funiciello, Moen, and Scott 3 Second Part of Part A (0.5 physiotherapist to serve all students) FOR: Trustees Brockington, Funiciello, Graham, Laws, Libbey, 7 Moen, and Spice AGAINST: Trustees Getty, Lange, MacDonald and Primeau 4 ABSTENTION: Trustee Scott I - 79 - 0 LT'_ OTTAWA CARLETO N DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES 27 February 2006 Trustee Funiciello stated that where an IEP recommends culinary, woodworking or other classes, it would be a mistake to place a student in facilities where these opportunities are not available, and asked about renovations to accommodate new classes at schools such as Lisgar Collegiate Institute and Vincent Massey Public School. Superintendent Stevenson advised that renovations would be made as appropriate. With respect to comparisons to program offerings for students in the General Learning Program (GLP), Dr. Flewelling noted that the Individual Education Programs (IEP) for these students are based on behav- ioural programs, not hands -on learning opportunities. Superintendent Stevenson noted that students currently enroled in the Physical Support Unit at the Ottawa Technical Learning Centre may stay there if they do not wish to move to Sir Guy Carleton Secondary School. Trustee Moen expressed concern that the relocation of French Immersion Gifted program from Maple Ridge Elementary School to Fallingbrook Community Elementary School (new part H) would reinforce a status quo that does not meet the needs of students in the western part of the catchment area. Stating that there is a need to accommodate both those in the program and those who are not well served by the new location, Trustee Moen, seconded by Trustee Funiciello, moved in amendment THAT Henry Larsen Elementary School replace Fallingbrook Community Elementary School for the relocation of French Immersion Gifted program from Maple Ridge Elementary School. In support of the amendment he noted that Henry Larsen Elementary School is in the centre of Orleans and accessible to more students. Superintendent Stevenson advised that staff had conducted a telephone survey of 40 families regarding the proposed change, and those currently at Maple Ridge Elementary School showed a preference for redirection to Fallingbrook Community Elementary School over Henry Larsen Elementary School (7 -2). Some indicated that they would not accept redirection to either school, and others would not choose the program at all. She noted that Fallingbrook, which is in a growth area, would allow for more site flexibility (portables). Trustee Primeau, who represents part of the area in question, expressed support for a more central location at Henry Larsen Elementary School. Trustee Moen suggested that Fallingbrook Community Elementary School is more likely to need portables than Henry Larsen Elementary School. The amendment was carried. A vote to continue the meeting past 10:30 pm was carried by the required two - thirds majority. An amendment to the new part J by Trustee Primeau , to change the addition of staff as required 'for the French Immersion Gifted program from Fallingbrook Community Elementary School to Henr -, Larsen Elemental -, School was accepted as friendly. - 80 - 0 LT'_ OTTAWA CARLETO N DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES 27 February 2006 During discussion of the main motion, Trustees Laws and MacDonald reiterated their concern that the process for the placement of classes needs to be improved so that this drawn out process is not repeated each year. Trustee Laws stated that he looks to finding improvement in strategic planning at both a Board -wide and departmental and program level. Trustee MacDonald emphasized his concern that the addition of staff without budget conditions weakens the budget process. During wrapup, Trustee Scott noted agreement with her colleagues on the need for an improved process. This year it has taken four meetings on this topic, plus Special Education Advisory Committee and public meetings to reach this point. She concurred that trustees should not be dealing with business that is staffs professional responsibility and area of expertise. Time spent on this kind of detail takes time away from the consideration of policy and program issues. She expressed hope that this would be the last time for this process, and that by next year trustees will be back to their functions and leave staff to theirs. At the request of Trustee Brockington, a separate vote was held on each part of the amended motion. Parts A to J were carried. Part K was defeated on a tie vote. The following recommendation, as amended was therefore adopted by the Board: (Motion by Trustee Scott, seconded by Trustee Laws) THAT the Board approve the following changes of special education specialized classes /programs for the 2006 -2007 school year: A. Closure of one Physical Support Unit at Centennial Public School, establishment of one Physical Support Unit at Sir Guy Carleton Secondary School, and an additional 0.5 FTE physiotherapist to serve all students in Physical Support Units across the system, B. Relocation of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing program from Centennial Public School to Vincent Massey Public School, C. Closure of the Dual Diagnosis program at Fielding Drive Public School, D. Closure of the Dual Diagnosis program at Henry Munro Middle School, E. Relocation of the Dual Diagnosis program from Crystal Bay Centre for Special Education to Bridlewood Community Elementary School, F. Establishment of a Dual Diagnosis program at Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School, G. Establishment of a Dual Diagnosis program at Lisgar Collegiate Institute, H. Relocation of the French Immersion Gifted program from Maple Ridge Elementary School to Henry Larsen Elementary School, I. The addition of 1.0 teacher for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing program, subject to budget consideration, and J. The addition of staff as required for the French Immersion Gifted program at Henry Larsen Elementary School.* *includes a friendly amendment by Trustee Primeau to remove (proposed location). - 81 - 0 LT,- OTTAWA CARLETO N DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD 131. Report No. 3, Chairs' Committee, 22 February 2006 MINUTES 27 February 2006 On a motion by Trustee Scott, seconded by Trustee Brockington, the Board received report No. 3, Chairs' Committee, dated 22 February 2006. Trustee Primeau noted that the following correction to item 4 of the report regarding his analysis of the models: models 2 and 3 were rated the highest from a representation by population and schools per zone perspective. Trustee Scott seconded the recommendation in the report, viz: Electoral Zone Boundary Review (Motion by Trustee Brockington, seconded by Trustee Scott) A. THAT the electoral zone boundary models be considered at the March 29, 2006 Chairs' Committee meeting, B. THAT staff models 2 and 3, Moen model 5, Brockington status quo model, and Moen model 6, be considered for a decision, C. THAT trustees and interested stakeholders submit any additional models for consideration at that meeting to staff by March 12, 2006, and D. THAT a special Board meeting for the purpose of finalizing the trustee determination process be scheduled following Chairs' Committee on March 29, 2006. This was not a consent item, and the meeting adjourned before it could be dealt with. 132. Adjournment Unanimous consent was not granted to continue the meeting past 11:00 pm, and it was agreed that the remaining items on the agenda, i.e., Electoral Zone Boundary Review and Secondary School Program Review Mandate would be dealt with at a special meeting of the Board (subsequently scheduled for Thursday, 2 March 2006 at 7:30 pm). The meeting adjourned at 11:03 pm. Lorne Rachlis, Director of Education/ Secretary of the Board BLC:cb Board_0060227.doc - 82 - Lynn Graham Chair of the Board