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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10 Chairs' Committee Report 4 29 Mar 2006 Minutes PublicOTTAWA- CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD TO: The Board REPORT NO. 4, CHAIRS' COMMITTEE DATE: 29 March 2006 A meeting of the Chairs' Committee was held this evening commencing at 7:45 p.m. in the Trustees' Committee Room, 133 Greenbank Road, Ottawa, with Trustee Lynn Graham in the Chair, and the following also in attendance: TRUSTEE MEMBERS: Riley Brockington, Alex Getty, Greg Laws and Lynn Scott OTHER TRUSTEES: Bronwyn Funiciello, Margaret Lange, Jim Libbey, David Moen, David Primeau and Joan Spice STAFF: Lorne Rachlis, Director of Education and Secretary of the Board Michael Clarke, Chief Financial Officer Peter Gamwell, Superintendent of Instruction Laura McAlister, Superintendent of Curriculum Michele Giroux, Executive Officer (Administration) Bruce Fraser, Committee Coordinator NON - VOTING REPRESENTATIVES: Elaine Morgan, Ottawa - Carleton Assembly of School Councils (OCASC) Hal Grossner, Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAL) 1. Call to Order Chair Graham called the public session of the meeting to order at 7:45 p.m. 2. Approval of Agenda Trustee Lange moved THAT the agenda be approved. Trustee Moen moved in amendment THAT item 4) Electoral Zone Boundary Review be moved to follow item 2) Public Question Period. The amendment was defeated. The motion to approve the agenda was carried. 3. Public Question Period There were no public questions. Chairs' Committee 1 29 March 2006 Progress Made Towards Objectives and Goals (2005 -2006) and a Recommendation to Extend the Objectives and Goals to 2006 -2007 Your Committee had before it staff report No. 06 -068 providing a report on the status of the action plans of the 2005 -2006 Objectives and Goals and to recommend extending these Objectives and Goals to 2006 -2007. Executive Officer (Administration) Giroux reviewed the process of the development of the Board's Objectives and Goals to date and provided a high level overview of the initiatives undertaken to support the three major objectives: a) Improve student learning b) Improve availability, quantity, and effective use of resources to support learning C) Increase the effectiveness of the organization through a positive corporate culture Trustee Moen acknowledged the success of the many initiatives undertaken to support student learning. He asked what strategies are being used to enhance support in areas such as writing skills, where results could be improved. Director Rachlis and Superintendent McAlister advised that staff would first determine if there is difficulty at an individual school or if the challenge is district wide. The curriculum material would be reviewed and consideration given to using and /or developing alternate delivery methods, if the material was not being well received. Trustee Moen requested that subsequent reports provide that type of information where possible. Trustee Getty moved the recommendation in the staff report. Trustees speaking in support of the motion expressed the view that significant success is being achieved and that these goals and objectives should be continued for an additional year. Trustee Laws expressed the view that the goals and objectives were not developed for the long -term and that a strategic planning component should be included. In response to a query by Trustee Laws regarding the areas in which work would not have been undertaken without the development of the objectives and goals, Director Rachlis advised that the Board's direction has resulted in significant progress in the area of developing a positive corporate culture. Trustee Primeau requested that future reports include the identification of areas that require trustee guidance and support as well as the areas of achievement. Several trustees requested that future interim reports include an update on progress with respect to deadlines. The motion was carried. On a motion by Trustee Laws, therefore, your Committee recommends: THAT THE FOLLOWING 2005 -2006 OBJECTIVES AND GOALS BE EXTENDED TO 2006 -2007. Chairs' Committee 2 29 March 2006 A) IMPROVE STUDENT LEARNING: I) FOCUS ON LITERACY AND NUMERACY AT ALL GRADES II) FOSTER ATTENTION FOR EVERY CHILD WITH INDIVIDUAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP EACH CHILD ACHIEVE HIS /HER POTENTIAL III) ENSURE BALANCED CHOICE, UNIVERSAL ACCESS TO CORE PROGRAMS, DISTRIBUTION OF SPECIALTY PROGRAMS B) IMPROVE AVAILABILITY, QUANTITY, AND EFFECTIVE USE OF RESOURCES TO SUPPORT LEARNING: I) SEEK IMPROVEMENTS TO PROVINCIAL FUNDING AND TO OCDSB SHARE OF SAME II) ALLOCATE RESOURCES EQUITABLY WITHIN A BALANCED BUDGET III) INCREASE MARKET SHARE C) INCREASE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE ORGANIZATION THROUGH A POSITIVE CORPORATE CULTURE: I) EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP II) ESTABLISH RESPECT, LOYALTY AND TRUST III) A MORE CLIENT - CENTERED CULTURE Electoral Zone Boundary Review Your Committee had before it staff report No. 06 -084 recommending a model for the realignment of the electoral zone boundaries of the Ottawa - Carleton District School Board in accordance with the revised ward boundaries of the City of Ottawa. Executive Officer (Administration) Giroux advised that four zone models had been developed for consideration and consultation. She noted that limited feedback was received from stakeholders at two open house meetings and five additional models were received from trustees. The deadline for the completion of the review process has been extended by the Ministry of Education to May 3, 2006. Ms. Giroux pointed out that the most difficult part of the process is maintaining a balance between representation by population while acknowledging communities of interest and that there is merit in maintaining the status quo as much as possible. She pointed out that Model G in the report is very similar to the current electoral zone boundary structure and offers a balance between the two criteria. Trustee Spice moved as follows: Whereas the determination of the Board's electorate zones is an important component of the democratic process and merits a transparent and careful examination and balancing of all relevant factors, Whereas the Board is required to make a decision by May 3, 2006, Whereas as indicated in staff report (06 -082), there appears to be a degree of consensus among Trustees and the community that the principle of representation by population and Chairs' Committee 3 29 March 2006 the importance of "communities of interest" should be recognized and balanced in the determination of the zone structure, Whereas the Board has not developed an understanding of what might constitute "communities of interest ", and there is insufficient time between now and May 3, 2006 to undertake the work necessary to do so, Whereas there are other factors including Trustee workload (number of students and schools represented) on which data has been provided but which has not been discussed or reflected in the staff proposal, Whereas there has been no examination of the possibility of reducing the number of zones to 11 which might have advantages in terms of Board decision - making (e.g. fewer tie votes), costs and which might reflect a better balance of representation by population, Trustee workload and communities of interest, Whereas the City of Ottawa Report on the Ottawa Ward Boundary Review entitled "Building Consensus" indicates that "it is expected that this configuration of 23 wards will serve the City until 2015, based on current population forecasts. Whereas, there are good reasons for not making significant changes to the current zone structure in terms of accountability of the current Board to the electorate for the 2003- 2006 term, and of preparations for the fall 2006 election. Therefore, be it resolved: A. THAT the Board approve a model for the 2006 election at the April 26, 2006 Board meeting that represents minimal disruption from the current model and the best balance between representation by population and obvious "communities of interest ", including recognizing the need for effective representation of rural, suburban and urban constituencies, B. THAT by December 1, 2007 staff submit to the Board through Chairs Committee a report including proposed criteria for determining electoral models, possible models based on those criteria, and a consultation plan and timelines so that the Board could make decisions on a provisional electoral model by December 1, 2008, subject to changes required by population data as and when received. Trustee Spice expressed the view that it would be preferable to maintain the status quo at this time and to undertake a study in the next term to determine the best electoral models. This would be useful to determine appropriate communities of interest and to ensure the most effective way to ensure representation by population. Trustee Laws moved in amendment THAT part A be revised to read as follows: A. THAT the Committee adopt model G of staff report No. 06 -084 as the electoral zone boundary model for the Ottawa - Carleton District School Board and that staff complete the trustee distribution and determination process based on this model. Chairs' Committee 4 29 March 2006 Trustee Moen expressed the view that model A better meets the criteria being addressed noting that it is third best in standard deviation and tied for first in largest difference. Trustee Moen moved in sub - amendment THAT "model A" replace "model G" in part A. Several trustees expressed the view that following consultation with members of the affected communities, model A better reflects communities of interest. Director Rachlis noted that almost any of the models would be acceptable so trustees must decide if one is reasonable, and effectively balances communities of interest with representation by population. Trustee Scott expressed the view that consideration should be given to areas that will be affected by significant population growth resulting in a high electoral quotient in the next few years. The sub - amendment was defeated. At the request of Trustee Spice, it was agreed that parts A and B would be reversed and a separate vote held on each part. The amendment was carried. Trustee Brockington commented that due process has been followed and that community consultation has taken place. He noted that he took exception to comments made by some trustees during the public forums regarding the political motivation of other trustees with respect to their preferences for certain zone boundary models. Trustee Getty while expressing support for model G, expressed concern that the process is being rushed and that he will have no opportunity to consult with his constituents should a model be selected and approved at a special Board meeting this evening. Separate votes were held and part A and part B, as amended, were carried. On a motion by Trustee Spice, therefore, your Committee recommends: A. THAT by December 1, 2007, staff submit to the Board through Chairs' Committee a report including proposed criteria for determining electoral models, possible models based on those criteria, and a consultation plan and timelines so that the Board can make decisions on a provisional electoral model by December 1, 2008 subject to changes required by population data as and when received. B. THAT the Committee adopt model G of staff report No. 06 -084 as the electoral zone boundary model for the Ottawa - Carleton District School Board and that staff complete the trustee distribution and determination process based on this model. * Recommendation approved at 29 March 2006 Special Board Meeting Chairs' Committee 5 29 March 2006 Trustees Scott and Getty echoed Trustee Brockington's concerns regarding inappropriate remarks made by other trustees in a public forum. Trustee Getty requested an apology from Trustee Moen. Trustee Moen submitted that his comments were to the effect that the three trustees supporting a status quo model were those who could be most affected and that that ties with electoral purpose. Trustee Scott noted that trustees are expected to follow the Board's policies on guiding principles and code of ethics. Trustee Brockington moved THAT the Committee rise and report to a Special Board meeting and return to Chairs' Committee following the completion of business. The motion was carried and the meeting temporarily adjourned at 9:45 p.m. and reconvened at 9:55 p.m. with Trustee Graham in the Chair. Parental Involvement Policy plementation Your Committee had before it staff report No. 06 -080 to develop a framework to implement the Ontario Parent Involvement Policy and to establish an interim Parental Involvement Committee. Executive Officer (Administration) Giroux noted that the Ministry of Education, issued a memorandum to introduce the implementation of the Ontario Parent Involvement Policy intended to improve student achievement and public confidence in education. She advised that the policy requires the creation of a Parental Involvement Committee, to be chaired by a parent representative, and comprised of a majority of parent representatives as well as trustee representatives and the Director of Education. Ms. Giroux noted that for 2005 -2006 funding of approximately $150,000 comprised of four components will be provided by the Ministry to support this initiative and that two of the components will be application based funding managed by the Ministry in future years. Staff has consulted with representatives of Ottawa - Carleton Assembly of School Councils ( OCASC) and it was recognized that there is a need to work collaboratively, to encourage the participation of other stakeholders and to use this as an opportunity for broader public engagement. Trustee Moen moved the following recommendation: A. THAT the OCDSB establish an interim Parental Involvement Committee comprised of nine members as outlined in this report: • two OCASC representatives • two school council representatives • two parents from community groups (i.e., OCISO, CCEE) • two trustees • Director of Education • three non - voting representatives (as noted) B. THAT the Parent Involvement Committee be delegated authority for the allocation of the "school based initiatives funding" and "Provincial and regional project funding" ($59,652); and C. That staff take immediate action to distribute the $500 per school council and communicate the funding provisions, restrictions and reporting requirements, and Chairs' Committee 6 29 March 2006 follows: develop the "Parent Involvement Project Funding Application" and related requirements. Trustee Moen moved in amendment THAT the third bullet in part A be revised as • three parents from community groups representing immigrants, cultural minorities and the socio- economic disadvantaged Trustee Scott noted that Community Council for Ethnocultural Equity (CCEE) is not a community group but an advisory committee to the Board and that consideration should be given to Multicultural Liaison Officers (MLO) and city wide groups which deal with disadvantaged families. In response to a query by Trustee Spice, Director Rachlis confirmed that the Board will choose the groups that will participate. The amendment was carried. A motion by Trustee Getty THAT the debate be closed and a vote be taken on the motion, did not receive a two - thirds majority vote. Amendments by Trustee Primeau THAT the third and fourth bullets in part A be revised as follows, were accepted as friendly: two parents nominated by Ottawa - Carleton Assembly of School Councils ( OCASC) representatives two parents nominated by school council representatives Trustee Funiciello moved in amendment THAT one parent representative of parents of special needs students be added. Trustees Scott expressed the view that those parents are normally involved with their children's education and have an opportunity to be heard through the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAL). Trustees speaking in support of the amendment expressed the view that those parents should have representation at this committee in order to become involved through something other than OCASC and SEAL. Elaine Morgan noted that OCASC will work to encourage these parents as well as others to become more involved in the education system. The amendment was defeated. An amendment by Trustee Scott THAT the sixth bullet in part A be revised as follows, was accepted as friendly: • three non - voting representatives - one elementary principal, one secondary principal, and one Multicultural Liaison Officer (MLO) Chairs' Committee 7 29 March 2006 Trustee Getty moved in amendment THAT the fourth bullet in part A be revised as to read "one trustee ". A sub - amendment by Trustee Spice THAT "one trustee" be replaced with "one trustee and one alternate," was accepted as friendly. A motion to continue the meeting past 10:30 p.m. was carried by a two - thirds majority vote. The amendment was carried. Trustees speaking in support of the main motion agreed that the initiative will send a positive message to the community and the funding will assist some parents in reducing the barriers that limit their involvement with their children's education. The motion, as amended, was carried. On a motion by Trustee Moen, therefore, your Committee recommends: A. THAT THE OCDSB ESTABLISH AN INTERIM PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT COMMITTEE COMPRISED OF NINE MEMBERS AS OUTLINED BELOW: • TWO PARENTS NOMINATED BY OTTAWA- CARLETON ASSEMBLY OF SCHOOL COUNCILS (OCASC) REPRESENTATIVES • TWO PARENTS NOMINATED BY SCHOOL COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES • THREE PARENTS FROM COMMUNITY GROUPS REPRESENTING IMMIGRANTS, CULTURAL MINORITIES AND THE SOCIO- ECONOMIC DISADVANTAGED • ONE TRUSTEE AND ONE ALTERNATE • DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION • TWO NON - VOTING REPRESENTATIVES - ONE ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL, ONE SECONDARY PRINCIPAL, AND ONE MULTICULTURAL LIAISON OFFICER (MLO) B. THAT THE PARENT INVOLVEMENT COMMITTEE BE DELEGATED AUTHORITY FOR THE ALLOCATION OF THE "SCHOOL BASED INITIATIVES FUNDING" AND "PROVINCIAL AND REGIONAL PROJECT FUNDING" ($59,652); AND C. THAT STAFF TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION TO DISTRIBUTE THE $500 PER SCHOOL COUNCIL AND COMMUNICATE THE FUNDING PROVISIONS, RESTRICTIONS AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS, AND DEVELOP THE "PARENT INVOLVEMENT PROJECT FUNDING APPLICATION" AND RELATED REQUIREMENTS. Chairs' Committee 8 29 March 2006 Agenda and Meeting Schedule Review Your Committee had before it staff report No. 06 -079 seeking input with respect to Board and committee agendas and meeting schedules and to encourage discussion at the committee level. Executive Officer (Administration), Michele Giroux advised that staff intends to provide a summary of input at the April Chairs' Committee meeting and encouraged members of the Committee to provide comments by April 7, 2006. In response to a request by Trustee Spice, Director Rachlis agreed that a separate report summarizing trustee input would be prepared. Update on Action Taken With Respect to the OCDSB Position Paper to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs Your Committee had before it for information the OCDSB Position Paper on Education Finance provided to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs. Chair Graham advised that she and Trustee Spice had recently met with Richard Patten MPP who had encouraged trustees to meet with local opposition MPPs. Chair Graham confirmed that the Board is on the agenda for the April 21, 2006 meeting of the eastern Ontario caucus. Trustee Lange noted that she and Trustees Brockington and Getty are scheduled to meet with Jim Watson MPP in the near future. Draft Legislation: The Student Performance Bill (Bill 78) Your Committee had before it for information a backgrounder report and a technical briefing paper from the Ministry of Education dated March 2, 2006 regarding The Student Performance Bill (Bill 78). Several trustees agreed that the Board should consider providing carefully considered input to the Minister with respect to the Bill. Executive Officer (Administration) Giroux agreed to research the timelines with respect to the Bill's progress. 10. Public Sector Salary Disclosure Your Committee had before it staff report No. 06 -061 identifying employees with salaries in excess of S 100,000 in 2005 in accordance with the Public Sector Salao, Disclosure Act. 11. Zone 11 Survey Results, Trustee Brockington Your Committee had before it for information the results of a survey of stakeholders in Zone 11, conducted by Trustee Brockington, soliciting feedback with respect to local education issues. Chairs' Committee 9 29 March 2006 12. Report on Planning for OPSBA Annual General Meetin Your Committee had before it an update on the status of the planning stages of the OPSBA Annual General Meeting prepared by Trustee Spice. Trustee Spice encouraged all trustees to participate in the planning stages and asked that they seek donations of draw prizes from various sources. 13. Review of April Agendas and Long Range Agendas for Standing and Statutory Committees Business Services Committee Add - Parking Lot at Adult High School Human Resources Committee The meeting will likely be rescheduled to Tuesday, May 2, 2006. 14. Chair's Report There was no report from the Chair. 15. Director's Report There was no report from the Director. 16. New Business There was no new business. 17. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 10:55 p.m. Lynn Graham Chair Chairs' Committee /BAF Chairs' Committee 10 29 March 2006