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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05a Board Special 22 Jun 2006 Minutes Public• [�17 � OTTAWA-CAUETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES 22 June 2006 A special meeting of the Ottawa - Carleton District School Board was held this evening in the Board Room, 133 Greenbank Road, Ottawa, Ontario, commencing at 7:35 p.m. with Trustee Lynn Scott in the Chair and the following in attendance: Trustees Riley Brockington, Alex Getty, Margaret Lange, Greg Laws, Jim Libbey, Norm MacDonald, David Moen, David Primeau, and Joan Spice. STAFF: Director of Education and Secretary of the Board, Lorne Rachlis; Superintendents Mike Carson, Michael Clarke, Diane Jeudy -Hugo and Mike Neill, Executive Officer (Instruction), Isabel Millington, Principals Judy Anne -Brush and Faith Schmidt, Executive Officer (Administration), Michele Giroux, Manager of Board Services, Monica Ceschia; Manager of Communications, Maggie Melenhorst; AV Technician Robert Giekes; and Committee Coordinator, Bruce Fraser. STUDENT TRUSTEE: Steven Robins. 246. Call to Order Trustee Scott called the public session of the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. She noted that Chair Graham was not in attendance due to the recent passing of her father. 247. Approval of Agenda On a motion by Trustee MacDonald, seconded by Trustee Spice, the revised agenda circulated at the meeting was approved. 248. Proposed Name for the New Longfields /Davidson Heights 93 Public School (Motion by Trustee Norm MacDonald, seconded by Trustee Lange) THAT the New Longfields /Davidson Heights 93 School be named Farley Mowat Public School. Trustee MacDonald advised that the naming committee is pleased to honour Mr. Mowat in this way. Executive Officer (Instruction) Isabel Millington thanked Principal Judy Anne -Brush and the naming committee for their work. The recommendation was adopted by the Board. 249. Proposed Name for the New Riverside South Public School (Motion by Trustee Laws, seconded by Trustee MacDonald) THAT the new Riverside South Public School be named Steve MacLean Public School. Superintendent Neill noted there was strong consensus for the recommended name due to Mr. MacLean's fame and expertise as an astronaut and physicist. Mr. MacLean is a graduate of the Ottawa public school system. ., • [�17 � OTTAWA-CAUETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD The recommendation was adopted by the Board. MINUTES 22 June 2006 250. Report No. 6, Chairs' Committee, 31 May 2006 (see also Board Minute 06 -254 below) Trustee Scott noted that Report No. 6, Chairs' Committee dated May 31, 2006 was received at the June 13, 2006 Board meeting and the recommendations not dealt with would be brought forward at this meeting. a) Board and Committee Meeting Schedule, Structure and Agenda Distribution (Motion by Trustee Brockington, seconded by Trustee Spice) A. THAT the Board approve a one -year pilot project which proposes changes to the current Board schedule and committee structure as follows: i) A combination of Chairs' Committee and Business Services Committee into the Business Administration Committee, meeting twice per month and to be composed of three trustees, Chair of Education Committee and Chair of Human Resources Committee (Chair and Vice Chair ex- officio); ii) A reduction in the number of Human Resources Committee meetings to six meetings per year (plus at the call of the Chair), iii) Revisions to the structure of the Board and committee meeting schedule based on a Tuesday /Wednesday cycle as follows: • Board Meetings - I" and 3rd Tuesday of every month, • Business Administration Committee — I" and 3rd Wednesday of each month, • Education Committee — 2nd Wednesday of each month, • Human Resources — 2nd Tuesday (6 times per year meeting six times per year, in October, November, February, March, May and June), • Special Education Advisory Committee — 4th Wednesday of each month, • Advisory Committee on the Arts — 2nd Tuesday of each month, • CCEE and ASAC — 4th Tuesday of each month, • CAYARAC — 4tn Tuesday every second month. B. Staff be directed to develop the necessary revisions to the Board By -laws and Standing Rules to accommodate these changes for consideration at the first Board meeting in September 2006, and 190 • [�17 � OTTAWA-CAUETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES 22 June 2006 C. Staff be directed to undertake a broader review of the rules of procedure and bring a report for consideration to the appropriate Committee in the fall 2006. Trustee Brockington noted that a full discussion of the recommendation took place at two Chairs' Committee meetings and a brief discussion at the last Board meeting. He expressed the view that the recommendations are designed to improve the flow of Board business. In response to a query by Trustee Moen regarding possible amendments by Trustees Scott and Laws, Trustee Scott advised that the two amendments would be handled as stand alone motions. Trustee Spice expressed concern with the combining of the Business Services and Chairs' Committees due to an increased workload for trustees, achieving quorum at meetings, and the difficulty for some non - voting representatives to attend all meetings. Executive Officer (Administration) Giroux noted that the intent of combining the committees was to move business forward expeditiously and explained items that would have been taken to either current committee would be appropriate on an agenda of the combined committee. Trustee Spice, seconded by Trustee Brockington, moved in amendment THAT "a one - year pilot project" be replaced with " a six month pilot project" in part A. Trustees speaking in support of the amendment expressed the view that the shorter time - frame would provide for an earlier termination of the pilot should it be found to be unworkable. Trustees speaking against the amendment expressed the view that one -year is appropriate to provide time to fine tune the process and noted that the Board could always terminate the project early should significant challenges arise. A motion by Trustee Moen to resolve into Committee of the Whole (Public) was defeated on a tie vote. Trustee Moen, seconded by Trustee Laws, moved THAT the recommendation be referred to the September 2006 Chairs' Committee meeting. Trustees speaking in support of referral expressed the view that there is no urgency to revise the process and that there are still a number of issues to be discussed such as the distribution of workload and the timing of the introduction of the changes. Trustees speaking against referral expressed the view that adequate discussion has been undertaken and that any problems which arise could be addressed during the pilot project. The motion to refer the recommendation was carried. 191 • [�17 � OTTAWA-CAUETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD 251. Board and Committee Meeting Schedule. Structure and Agenda Distribution MINUTES 22 June 2006 Trustee Laws, seconded by Trustee Moen, moved THAT the above motion referred to the September 2006 Chairs' Committee meeting, be amended as follows: THAT part A of the Chairs' Committee recommendation be amended by adding the following: All OCDSB staff reports, staff recommendations and trustee motions, as well as associated backup, be published no less than one week prior to the item being discussed at a standing committee, except in cases where the Ministry of Education has mandated a significant change in policy which must be responded to in short order. Trustee Laws noted that the amendment attempts to address issues raised in previous discussions. In response to a request for staff comment, Director Rachlis commented that the amendment is quite prescriptive and staff would require some flexibility. He submitted that while some reports can be produced by the deadline, others would need some method of exemption from the absolute requirement of the amendment. Trustee Brockington expressed support for the intent of the motion but pointed out that due to variety of circumstances both staff and trustees are sometimes delayed in writing reports until the week they are due to be distributed. He noted that he would be willing to support an amendment to add "when possible" to the motion. Trustee Brockington, seconded by Trustee Libbey, moved THAT the above amendment to part A of the Chairs' Committee recommendation be referred to the September 2006 Chairs' Committee meeting. The motion to refer was carried. A motion by Trustee Laws THAT part A of the Chairs' Committee recommendation be amended by adding the following, failed for lack of a seconder: Trustees will be required to give notice of non - consent on an agenda item at least one week prior to the board meeting at which the item may be discussed, in order that staff may have additional time to prepare further information and a response. Trustee Laws, seconded by Trustee Moen, moved THAT part A of the Chairs' Committee recommendation be amended by adding the following: Trustee attendance records for all standing committee meetings and board meetings will be published monthly in the agenda package for the first board meeting of the month. 192 • [�17 � OTTAWA-CAUETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES 22 June 2006 Trustees speaking in support of the motion expressed the view that providing a summary of trustee attendance at meetings provides public accountability. Trustees speaking against the motion noted that the information is already published in the minutes of individual meetings therefore a summary report is unnecessary. At the request of Trustee Laws a recorded vote was held and the motion was defeated on the following division: FOR: Trustees Laws and Moen (2) AGAINST: Trustees Brockington, Getty, Lange, Libbey, MacDonald, Primeau, Scott and Spice (8) ABSTENTIONS: Nil (0) 252. Board and Committee Meeting Schedule, Structure and Agenda Distribution The following motion was ruled out of order pending the provision of two weeks notice and revised wording, as the motion pertains to the amendment of the Board's By -laws: (Motion by Trustee Laws, Trustee Primeau) THAT part A of the Chairs' Committee recommendation be amended by adding the following iv) THAT delegations will be allowed to register with Board Services to speak on an item at any time up to twelve noon on the day of the meeting at which the item is to be discussed. Trustee Getty assumed the Chair. 253. Board and Committee Meeting Schedule, Structure and Agenda Distribution a) Notice having been given, Trustee Scott, seconded by Trustee Primeau, moved as follows: THAT the Board's meeting schedule for the 2006 -2007 school year be based on Tuesday /Wednesday meeting nights but with no change to the existing committee structure, Trustee Scott noted that moving meetings to nights other than Mondays appears to be preferable to trustees as it avoids conflict with most statutory holidays. 193 • [�17 � OTTAWA-CAUETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES 22 June 2006 In response to queries, Executive Officer (Administration) Giroux advised that the current workflow patterns would be adhered to as much as possible. Trustee Brockington noted that there could be further changes to the schedule following discussion of the referred motions at the September Chairs' Committee meetings. A motion by Trustee Brockington to refer the motion to the September Chairs' Committee meeting failed for lack of a seconder. Trustee Scott advised that she will provide written notice with respect to the necessary amendments to the Board's By -laws. The motion was carried. b) Notice having been given, Trustee Scott, seconded by Trustee Moen, moved as follows: THAT staff be directed to maintain an up -to -date list, on the Ottawa - Carleton District School Board web site, of upcoming agenda issues, by topic, with summaries, key questions and tentative dates for discussion and debate by the Board and its committees. Trustees speaking in support of the motion expressed the view that a list on the website would provide school communities with advanced notice of upcoming items. They would have an opportunity to discuss, solicit input and consider issues before they are scheduled at Board or committee. In response to a query by Trustee Brockington, Director Rachlis noted that the intent is admirable but that a significant amount of staff time could be required to maintain the information. Trustee Scott expressed the view that the summaries would not require much detail. The motion was carried. Trustee Scott resumed the Chair. 254. Report No. 6, Chairs' Committee, 31 May 2006 (continued) It was agreed that the following recommendation from the May 31, 2006 Chairs' Committee meeting was subsumed by the motion approved previously: THAT the Board and Committee Meeting calendar for the period of September 2006 to June 2007, be approved, subject to changes for individual meetings as may be necessitated during the school year. 194 • [�17 � OTTAWA-CAUETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD 255. Resolve into Committee of the Whole (in camera MINUTES 22 June 2006 On a motion by Trustee Libbey, seconded by Trustee Moen, the Board resolved into Committee of the Whole (in camera) at 9:05 p.m. Trustee Getty assumed the chair in Committee and later presented the Committee's report in public session. There were no recommendations from the Committee. The Board meeting resumed at 9:45 p.m. with Trustee Scott in the Chair. 256. Education Policy Issues - Funding Notice having been given, Trustee Brockington, seconded by Trustee Moen, moved as follows: WHEREAS, the June 12 provincial announcement of the Grants for Student Needs (GSN) did not adequately address the serious financial funding issues faced by school boards in Ontario, including the Ottawa - Carleton District School Board, WHEREAS, the Ottawa - Carleton District School Board's anticipated declining enrolment grant has been slashed from $10 million to $3 million, and as a result, trustees will need to cut $7 million in spending which may directly impact student achievement, WHEREAS, the Province of Ontario continues to discriminate against public school children as funding for the Ottawa - Carleton Catholic School Board for transportation is disproportionately higher than the Ottawa - Carleton District School Board, WHEREAS, due to chronic under funding from the Province of Ontario, the Ottawa - Carleton District School Board has a school renovation and repair backlog in excess of $250 million, WHEREAS, a focused, clear response to the serious funding issues affecting the School Board must be acted upon immediately, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT: A. i) THAT The Ottawa - Carleton District School Board write to the Minister of Education and Premier of Ontario, stating our dissatisfaction with the recent Grants for Student Needs (GSN) and provide multiple and detailed examples of recent and chronic under funding to this Board, which has a direct impact on our students and student achievement, (ii) THAT all major local media (newspaper, radio and television), all local MPPs, the Progressive Conservative and New Democratic Party's Education Critics, all City of Ottawa Councillors and the Mayor, Ottawa - Carleton Assembly of School Councils (OCASC), Ontario Public School Boards' Association (OPSBA) and Ottawa - Carleton District School Board School Councils be copied on the letter 195 • [�17 � OTTAWA-CAUETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES 22 June 2006 (Part Ai) as well as provide them a link to the Ottawa - Carleton District School Board website where all other copies of previous presentations on funding issues is stored, B. THAT the Ottawa - Carleton District School Board urgently request a meeting with the Minister of Education either in her office in Toronto or at Ottawa - Carleton District School Board headquarters in Ottawa (Nepean), to discuss the Board's funding crisis, and C. THAT the Ottawa - Carleton District School Board contact Ontario Public School Boards' Association to determine the reaction and strategies of other Boards across the province and to request Ontario Public School Boards' Association's assistance in advocating on behalf of the Ottawa - Carleton District School Board. In response to queries, Director Rachlis confirmed that staff are obligated to bring forward a balanced budget for consideration by trustees and that staff is currently reviewing all budget areas and staff vacancies for opportunities to reduce expenditures. Trustee Brockington noted that grants for student needs (GSN) are approximately $7.0 million less than was expected and that the motion is intended to gain a clear response from the Minister and inform the public of the extent of the financial challenges facing the Board. Trustee MacDonald expressed the view that a letter to the Minister would not be effective and that Board representatives should meet with the Minister and her advisors to discuss possible solutions. Trustee Moen expressed the view that the government will increase funding only if their constituents convey their willingness to invest additional tax dollars in the education system. He submitted that the Board must do a better job of educating the public with respect to funding challenges. An amendment by Trustee Laws, seconded by Trustee Moen, to replace "the Progressive Conservative and New Democratic Party's Education Critics" with "all provincial Education Critics" in part Ai) was defeated. An amendment by Trustee Laws to add "parents and students" before "be copied on the letter" in part Aii) failed for lack of a seconder. An amendment by Trustee Laws to add "in a letter outlining our expected remedies to the identified deficit situations both short and long term" before "and provide multiple examples" in part Ai) failed for lack of a seconder. Trustee Getty assumed the Chair. 196 • [�17 � OTTAWA-CAUETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES 22 June 2006 Trustee Scott noted that she has met with the Minister twice and expressed the view that a face to face meeting would be more effective than writing a letter and undertaking a media campaign at this point in time. Trustee Scott, seconded by Trustee Primeau, moved THAT part A of the motion be deferred to the first week of July (if necessary): Trustees speaking in support of deferral noted that negotiations with senior Ministry officials are underway and expressed the view that the letter and media campaign should be delayed. Trustees speaking against deferral expressed the view that the issue should be dealt with immediately and it would be more effective to inform the public of the serious budget situation before the end of the school year. At the request of Trustee Moen, a recorded vote was held and the motion to defer part A was carried on the following division: FOR: Trustees Getty, Lange, MacDonald, Primeau, Scott and Spice (6) AGAINST: Trustees Brockington, Laws, Libbey and Moen (4) ABSTENTIONS: Nil (0) Trustee Scott resumed the Chair. A motion to continue the meeting past 10:30 p.m. was carried by a two - thirds majority vote. Trustees speaking in support of parts B and C of the motion expressed the view that a meeting is necessary and noted that the Toronto District School Board is also facing significant financial challenges. At the request of Trustee Brockington, separate recorded votes were held on parts B and C. Part B was carried unanimously: FOR: Trustees Brockington Getty, Laws, Lange, Moen, Libbey, MacDonald, Primeau, Scott and Spice (10) AGAINST: Nil (0) 197 • [�17 � OTTAWA-CAUETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD ABSTENTIONS: Nil Part C was carried on the following division: MINUTES 22 June 2006 (0) FOR: Trustees Brockington Getty, Lange, Moen, Libbey, MacDonald, Primeau, Scott and Spice (9) AGAINST: Nil (0) ABSTENTION: Trustee Laws (1) Trustee Scott noted that she will apprise Chair Graham of the Board's decisions and the letter, deferred to July, will be drafted immediately in order to provide an opportunity for trustee input. A request for a meeting will be sent to the Minister as quickly as possible. 257. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 10:45 p.m. BAF/ Lorne M. Rachlis, Lynn Graham, Director of Education/Secretary of the Board Chair of the Board 198