HomeMy WebLinkAbout13 Business Services Committee Report 6 8 Mar 2006 Minutes PublicOTTAWA - CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
TO: The Board
REPORT NO. 6, BUSINESS SERVICES COMMITTEE
DATE: 8 March 2006
A meeting of the Business Services Committee was held this evening in the Trustees' Committee
Room, 133 Greenbank Road, Ottawa (Nepean), Ontario, commencing at 7:30 pm, with Trustee Riley
Brockington in the Chair, and the following in attendance:
Trustee Members: Lynn Graham, Jim Libbey, and Lynn Scott.
Other Trustees: Bronwyn Funiciello, Margaret Lange, Greg Laws, David Moen, and Joan Spice.
Staff. Superintendents Michael Carson, Michael Clarke, Peter Gamwell, and Laura McAlister,
Manager of Business & Learning Technologies, Dave Miller, Planners Ian Baxter and Estelle Butler,
and Committee Coordinator, Brenda Cooper.
Non - Voting Representatives: Elementary Operations Committee, Michel Chartrand, Ottawa -
Carleton Assembly of School Councils (OCASC), Ellen Dixon, and Ottawa Carleton Secondary School
Administrators' Network (OCSSAN), Mary Bada.
1. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:32 pm.
2. Approval of the Agenda
On a motion by Trustee Moen, the agenda was approved with the addition of the two delegations
on the supplementary agenda.
3. Public Question Period
There were no questions from the public.
4. Delegations
(a) Ottawa Childcare Association, re Non - Profit /For Profit Childcare, Rosanne Sallafranque
Rosanne Sallafranque described that Association's work and the benefits of non - profit
childcare services.
The Association encourages the Board to discuss its role in the delivery of publicly
funded community services in OCDSB schools, and develop a policy regarding non-
profit childcare.
She also encouraged the Board to rent only to non - profit childcare centres in the future.
Business Services Committee - 1 - 8 March 2006
(b) Crystal Beach/Lakeview Community Association re Grant Alternative School
Accommodation Study, Michael and Ruth Tremblay
Michael and Ruth Tremblay reported that the Crystal Beach/Lakeview Community
Association supports the transfer of the program from Grant Alternative School to their
neighbourhood. To this end, they requested that the Board consider acquiring St. Thomas
School in Crystal Beach to house the program.
(c) Berrigan Elementary School Council re LDH 7 -12, Scott Towaii
Scott Towaij reported on an e -mail survey which showed Berrigan Elementary School's
strong support for the proposed 7 -12 school configuration in Longfields- Davidson
Heights.
(d) Blossom Park School Council re Canada Lands Development, Sylvia McHugh
Sylvia McHugh requested the redirection of Canada Lands Development students to
Blossom Park Public School rather than Sawmill Creek Elementary School, in order to
bolster Blossom Park's future viability.
Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) for Boardroom & Trustees Committee Room
Your Committee had before it for consideration staff report No.06 -056 recommending the
installation of a complete web conferencing system in the Boardroom and the Trustees' Committee Room.
Trustee Laws moved the recommendation in the staff report, viz:
A. THAT staff proceed with the fit -up of the Board Room and the Trustees' Committee
Room as described at an estimated cost of $22,000 and,
B. THAT appropriate staff be trained in the optimal use of this technology to facilitate
Board and Committee meetings.
The report indicated that the Macromedia Breeze software that the Board is acquiring to support
e- learning and video conferencing within the district could be extended to the Boardroom to provide
Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP). Some enhancements to the existing sound system would be required.
The Trustees' Committee Room would require the installation of an audiovisual system and a computer.
In response to queries, Dave Miller advised that there is already video camera equipment in the
Boardroom and that a person at a remote site will be able to participate and see what is happening. Intranet,
high speed internet, and dial -up internet services will function effectively with multi -site capability.
Trustees expressed concern about accessibility to the web conferencing system for those with
visual and hearing problems, security provisions, and the control of interactivity with shared applications.
Trustee Scott moved that the motion be deferred to a future Business Services Committee
meeting, at which time additional information is to be provided in response to trustees' questions and
concerns.
Business Services Committee - 2 - 8 March 2006
The motion to defer was carried, and staff was asked to provide the following information for the
next report on VoIP to the Business Services Committee:
• Provide the results of testing and consultation with the appropriate trustees regarding services
for those with hearing and visual problems, with the goal of determining a single package to
serve both audio and visual needs,
• provide information on the nature of the security provisions for the proposed VoIP system,
including assurance that in camera meetings would be secure, and
• clarify how interactivity will be controlled with shared applications, and ensure clarity in
describing functions.
• Provide the cost of connecting trustees by telephone over the past two years.
6. 2006 -2007 Budget Process
Your Committee had before it for consideration staff report No. 06 -062 providing a status report
on the 2006 -2007 budget process and recommending that a date be set for the first meeting of Committee
of the Whole (Budget).
Superintendent Clarke reported that the provincial budget is to be announced on 23 March, but
the release of the general legislative grant (GLG) detail is not expected until towards the end of April.
Staff are not recommending that budget deliberations begin before the GLGs are in hand, but an
early meeting is necessary to examine the effects of provincial budget announcements, look at the budget
framework and approve a budget process and tentative schedule. Superintendent Clarke advised that the
original proposed date for a budget meeting was no longer available, and suggested 4 or 6 April as
alternatives.
In response to queries, Superintendent Clarke advised that the financial projection included with
the report was based on the current grant model. He noted that given the number of school boards facing
a deficit due to declining enrolment and factors such as the salary gap in the funding, it is unlikely that the
model will remain unchanged. The OCDSB must submit teacher staffing numbers by the end of March
and funding will not be known until later. He remarked that the province is aware of staffing dates and
that teachers make up some 60% of school board budgets.
In response to a question on teacher staffing, Superintendent Clarke advised that the biggest part
of discretionary teacher staffing is special education staffing levels.
Trustee Scott stated that it is already late for any significant redesign of how the Board does
business, and expressed regret that Committee of the Whole (Budget) had not proceeded with multi -year
budgeting.
Trustee Moen moved THAT the first Committee of the Whole (Budget) meeting be held on
Tuesday, 4 April 2006.
The motion was carried.
Business Services Committee - 3 - 8 March 2006
7. Proposed Schedule and Timeline - New Longfields- Davidson Heights Secondary School
Your Committee had before it for consideration staff report No.06 -050, providing a revised plan
and tentative schedule for the construction of a new Longfields- Davidson Heights secondary school with
a proposed opening date of September 2008.
Superintendent Carson recalled that the members had asked for a revised schedule, including
earlier consultation around the question of grade configuration. The challenge with the schedule will be
to keep moving along mindful of the need to integrate the findings of the ongoing secondary program
review and the technical programs review.
Two open houses are planned for late April and early May, with the staff recommendation for
approval going to a special Business Services Committee meeting and then to the Board in May.
Trustee Laws moved the recommendation in the staff report, viz:
THAT the proposed schedule and timeline for the construction of a new secondary school in
Longfields- Davidson Heights, attached as Appendix A, be approved.
During discussion, OCASC representative Ellen Dixon commented that the report did not
mention other schools that may be affected such as Rideau Valley Middle School or South Carleton High
School. Superintendent Carson advised that staff focused on schools directly linked to South Nepean,
i.e., Sir Winston Churchill Public School, Cedarview Middle School, and Merivale High School. Trustee
Scott requested that the other schools, including John McCrae Secondary School, be kept informed so
they are not taken by surprise if unexpected changes should occur.
Superintendent Carson concurred that a number of schools outside the core area for the new
school might have an interest, and staff would ensure that the communication plan includes those
communities that might be potentially affected so that all are aware of plans for the new school. He noted
that initial consultation will be specific to the issue of grade configuration. The results will go to the
Board for approval in late May.
In response to a query, Superintendent Carson advised that the new school is being built to serve
students in urban South Nepean, and he expects that this is where the boundary study in the spring of
2007 will focus, although other areas could be affected too.
The motion was carried. On a motion by Trustee Laws, therefore, your Committee recommends:
THAT THE PROPOSED SCHEDULE AND TIMELINE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW
SECONDARY SCHOOL IN LONGFIELDS - DAVIDSON HEIGHTS, ATTACHED AS APPENDIX A,
BE APPROVED.
Grant Alternative School Accommodation Study - Recommendation
Your Committee had before it for consideration staff report No. 06 -057 recommending that the
trustees' decision on the staff recommendation for the Grant Alternative School Accommodation Study
(to remain at the current site for another year) be dealt with at the I I April 2006 meeting of the Business
Services Committee.
Business Services Committee - 4 - 8 March 2006
Superintendent Carson noted that a consensus does not appear to be emerging on the best course
of action vis -a -vis future accommodation for the Grant Alternative School program. He remarked that
although it was unusual for staff to ask the Committee to delay a decision on staffs recommendation, the
objective is to give the communities to develop a response.
He noted that the report identifies some of the timing challenges, e.g., the Board is not in a
position to talk of closure and even temporary relocation is not desirable without a sense of where the
program will be located in the long term. The Grant School Council is clear that it does not want to be
co- located, and needs to be in a stand alone facility to function as an alternate school. Others feel that
there should be a west end study before any changes are made.
Superintendent Carson also noted that Best Start and childcare initiatives add to the complications,
and staff would prefer to address the program school accommodation issues in the west end so that a final
decision regarding accommodation for the Grant Alternative School program is the right one.
In response to a query about the amount of work to be done to continue using the school next
year, particularly health and safety issues, Superintendent Carson advised that health and safety is
addressed on an ongoing basis. The roof has been repaired and this will minimize the rest of the work.
The staff report in April will include the budget for the work to be carried out.
Superintendent Carson reported that the Ottawa - Carleton Catholic School Board has not made
any decision about the status of St. Thomas School. It has not been closed.
Trustee Spice suggested that a school consolidation study for Regina Street Public School and
Severn Avenue Public School be started by June 2006. Should there be a decision to close one of the
schools at the end of the 2006 -2007 school year, the remaining school would be able to accommodate the
Grant Alternative School program by September 2007. Superintendent Carson noted that clear direction
from the Ministry on school closures and other school accommodation issues is still needed proceed with
these kinds of ideas.
Trustees concurred with staffs advice that the final solution for the Grant Alternative School
program should wait for the outcome of the West End Ottawa schools study. The West End study, which
is a high priority, is one of a number of areas which will be considered in the context of the capital plan,
but not await completion of the capital plan. Superintendent Carson advised that Grant alternate
program's priority status within the West End Study is still uncertain.
Trustee Lange moved as follows:
THAT staffs recommendation that the alternate program be accommodated at Grant Alternative
School for the 2006 -2007 school year be dealt with at the I I April 2006 Business Services
Committee meeting.
The motion was carried.
9. Canada Lands Development, Confirmation of Elementary Boundaries
Your Committee had before it for consideration staff report No. 06 -052 recommending
confirmation of the inclusion of the Canada Lands Development area in the attendance boundary for
Sawmill Creek Elementary School.
Business Services Committee - 5 - 8 March 2006
Superintendent Carson noted that first families will start moving into the new Deerfields section
in the development by September. As the delegation indication, distance is not a significant factor in the
choice of schools. The larger issue is that Bank Street forms a natural boundary which would include
Sawmill Creek Elementary School.
Trustee Laws moved a modified version of the staff recommendation, viz:
A. That Board confirm the inclusion of the Canada Lands Development area within the early
French immersion attendance boundary for Sawmill Creek Elementary School as shown
in Appendix 1 of Report No. 06 -052.
B. That Board confirm the inclusion of the Canada Lands Development area within the
regular English/core French attendance boundary for Blossom Park Public School as
shown in Appendix 1 of Report No. 06 -052.
With respect to questions about transportation, Superintendent Carson advised that junior and
senior kindergarten pupils would be bused to either school, but other students would be within walking
distance. If pathways are not complete and there are no safe alternatives, children would be bused. He
pointed out that Bank Street is much wider and has a higher speed limit in the Sawmill Creek/Blossom
Park area than it does in Centretown and the Glebe, so most likely transportation would be necessary.
The cost would not be high for the first few years because the number of students will be small.
Trustee Scott commented that the enrolment at both Elizabeth Park and Blossom Park Public
Schools could use bolstering, and asked whether the projection for Sawmill Creek Elementary School
included students from the Canada Lands Development. Superintendent Carson believes so, and will
confirm whether this is the case.
Trustee Scott also asked for projections for the direction of the English/Core French students to
Blossom Park Public School and the Early French Immersion students to Elizabeth Park Public School.
She expressed support for the motion and indicated that when the additional information is available, she
may make a recommendation at Board to direct the French immersion students to Elizabeth Park Public
School.
In response to a query, Trustee Laws advised that the Sawmill Creek School Council would
prefer that the entire development be directed to their school.
Most trustees indicated a preference for directing all the students to Sawmill Creek Elementary
School, in part to keep the community together and because there is a dual track program.
Trustee Laws reported that the reason he brought forth a modified motion was to ensure the long
term viability of Blossom Park Public School. Its growth area was Findlay Creek, which has now been
directed to Elizabeth Park Public School. The Canada Lands Development is closer to Blossom Park, and
would provide some future growth.
The motion was defeated.
Trustee Moen moved the recommendation in the staff report.
Business Services Committee - 6 - 8 March 2006
The motion was carried. On a motion by Trustee Moen, therefore, your Committee recommends:
THAT THE BOARD CONFIRM THE INCLUSION OF THE CANADA LANDS DEVELOPMENT
AREA WITHIN THE ATTENDANCE BOUNDARY FOR SAWMILL CREEK ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL, AS SHOWN IN APPENDIX B.
10. New Longfields- Davidson Heights Secondary School - A
Preliminary Assessment of the Impact on Other Schools
Your Committee had before it for information staff report No. 06 -063 providing additional
information and possible scenarios regarding the potential effect on other schools of building a new
Longfields- Davidson Heights Secondary School.
Superintendent Carson noted that, as the charts indicate, the most affected schools will be
Merivale High School and Sir Winston Churchill Public School.
11. Lessons Learned - Riverside South Attendance Boundary Study
Your Committee had before it for information staff report No. 06 -053, a summary of the lessons
learned from feedback during the Riverside South School Attendance Boundary Study.
Superintendent Carson recalled that the members had asked for a report so that the knowledge
gained from the experience of the study can be used for future reference. Staff went to the working group
for feedback, and also used comments from Business Services Committee and Board meetings, as well as
input from the recent Kanata boundary review.
He noted that the information will be useful when staff are considering the development of new
boundary review and other school accommodation studies.
12. Update on Revised Process and Schedule for Capital Plan
Superintendent Carson reported that staff hope to bring an action report with a revised schedule to
the 11 April meeting of the Business Services Committee.
13. OCENET Report & Financial Statements
Your Committee had before it for information staff report No. 06 -054, providing OCENET's
2004 -2005 financial results. The OCENET Board approved their financial statements on 8 February
2006. In compliance with Ministry of Education requirements, the results have been consolidated into the
OCDSB's 2004 -2005 financial statements.
Superintendent Clarke provided clarification on financial relationship between the OCDSB and
OCENET, noting that the latter is a separate operation set up to deal with visa students. OCENET
collects fees from the students and remits them to the Board on 31 October and 31 March.
OCENET retains the interest on fees in accordance with the Board's direction that it not be a
burden to the OCDSB, and OCENET is now generating enough money from interest to provide its own
reinvestment funds.
Business Services Committee - 7 - 8 March 2006
Trustee Scott remarked that OCENET has come a long way from its original concept of
marketing programs and services to finally reach profitability with its current operations. She recalled its
assistance in funding the outdoor education centres, and noted that OCENET is examining the possibility
of an annual contribution to the Board.
In response to queries, Superintendent Clarke advised that there are visa students in at least fifteen
schools, and the program provides funding for two system English as a second language (ESL) teachers
and $500 directed to schools with each student. He noted that the students are in different schools because
they want an English immersion and not a segregated program.
Trustees requested that OCENET's annual report and a presentation by OCENET staff regarding
their operations be scheduled for the appropriate committee.
14. New Business
(a) Update Academic /Athletic Partnership
Trustee Libbey reported that he had just received an e -mail update on the status of the
partnership agreement regarding the integrated academic athletics program at Cairine
Wilson Secondary School. It is expected that the feasibility study will be considered by
the City's Corporate Services Committee in April.
Trustee Libbey explained that financing is the major problem. One third is to be federal,
one third provincial and one third the City, including a long term commitment by the
latter to lease space. The federal/provincial dollars will be provided to the city.
He noted that the nature of the project continues to evolve, and that the Secondary School
Review needs to address programming so that the Board is ready when called upon to
participate. Superintendent Carson reported that the vision of the program keeps
changing too, e.g., from a magnet program to "the school next door ".
(b) Student Transportation Funded from LOG Grants
Trustee Laws requested an update on student transportation for financially disadvantaged
students funded from LOG grants, including how it was promoted and how this might be
improved in the future.
(c) Student Transfers
Trustee Spice asked when trustees can expect the annual report on student transfers.
(d) Beacon School Funding
Trustee Lange recalled that upon receipt of a memorandum on funding for beacon
schools she had asked the purpose of the centrally held funds. She is also interested in
learning whether criteria are used and if so, how they are applied to schools.
Superintendent Clarke advised that he will follow up with Superintendent McAlister.
Business Services Committee - 8 - 8 March 2006
(e) Notice of Motion re Laurentian High School
Trustee Brockington gave notice of a two part motion for the May Business Services
Committee meeting, viz:
(i) THAT Laurentian High School be declared surplus to the Board's needs, and
(ii) THAT the process for the disposition of Laurentian High School begin.
Trustee Brockington noted that in his absence, Trustee Libbey will chair the April meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 10:25 pm.
Riley Brockington, Chair
Business Services Committee
BLC:cb
BSC_060308.doc
Business Services Committee - 9 - 8 March 2006
•
/ SAWMILL CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL APPENDIX 1
Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8
Lam- 9
OTTAWA- CARLETON English Attendance Boundary
DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
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OTTAWA- CARLETON
DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
SAWMILL CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8
Early French Immersion Attendance Boundary
,E.S.
Canada Lands
Development
Sawmill Creek Elementary School Map is for illustrative purposes only.
3400 D'Aoust Avenue For detailed inquiries, contact (613) 596 -8780.
Gloucester KIT 1R5
January 2006
(613) 521 -5922