Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout05c Board Special 6 Jul 2006 Minutes Public• 7J-j- OT-FAWA-CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL RDARD MINUTES 6 July 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 6:40 p.m. with Trustee Lynn Graham in the Chair and the following in attendance: Trustees Riley Brockington (by phone), Bronwyn Funiciello, Alex Getty, Margaret Lange, Greg Laws, Jim Libbey, Norm MacDonald, David Moen, David Primeau, Lynn Scott and Joan Spice. Staff. Superintendents Diane Jeudy -Hugo (Director Designate) Mike Carson, Michael Clarke, Laura McAlister, and Glenda Stevenson, Executive Officer (Administration), Michele Giroux, Manager of Planning and Transportation, Karyn Carty Ostafichuk, Manager of Board Services, Monica Ceschia; Manager, Communications and Information Services, Maggie Melenhorst; Communications Coordinator, Sharlene Hunter, AV Technician Robert Giekes; and Committee Coordinator, Board Services, Kim Young. Student Trustees: Steven Robins and Oliver Kahn. 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 06 -274 refers). 273. Call to Order Trustee Graham called the public session to order at 8:20p.m. 274. Report from Committee of the Whole (In Camera) Trustee Scott presented report No. 17 of the Committee of the Whole (in camera), and seconded the recommendations therein: a). Process for Selecting a Facilitator for the Board Evaluation and the Director Performance Evaluation Process. (Motion by Trustee Funiciello, seconded by Trustee Scott) THAT staff proceed as directed in Committee of the Whole (in camera) with respect to the process for selecting a facilitator for the Board Evaluation and the Director Performance Evaluation Process. The motion was carried. b) Appointment of Facilitator for Board Evaluation Process and the Director Performance Evaluation Process (Motion by Trustee Moen, seconded by Trustee Scott) -221- • 7J-j- OT-FAWA-CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL RDARD MINUTES 6 July 2006 THAT staff proceed with the appointment of a facilitator for the Board Evaluation Process and the Director Performance Evaluation Process as directed in Committee of the Whole (in camera). The motion was carried. C) Report 06 -171, Amendment of Energy Performance Contract (Motion by Trustee Spice, seconded by Trustee Scott) THAT the amount of the Energy Performance Contract with Ameresco be amended as discussed in Committee of the Whole (in camera). The motion was carried. d) Report 06 -173, Bronson Shop Facility (Motion by Trustee Lange, seconded by Trustee Scott) THAT staff proceed as directed in Committee of the Whole (in camera) with respect to the Bronson Shop Facility. The motion was carried. 275. Presentation of the D. Aubrey Moodie Award to Graduating Secondary Student with Highest Average in the 2005 -2006 School Year Chair Graham and Superintendent Diane Jeudy -Hugo presented the D. Aubrey Moodie Award to Hillcrest High School student Yiannis Loizides for being the highest achieving student, with an average of 99.67 percent, among all secondary students in the OCDSB. Chair Graham noted that Yiannis' plans to study mathematical physics at the University of Waterloo in September 2006. She listed a number of awards that Yiannis has won, including the Governor General's Bronze Medal for scholastic achievement, a President's Scholarship, and the Petawawa Rotary Club Citizenship Award. Chair Graham wished Yiannis well in his future endeavours and described him as an inspiration to all. Chair Graham also congratulated Max Spear of Bell High School and Larisa Droll of Merivale High School for graduating with a grade average of 99 percent. She recounted a number of Max and Larisa's accomplishments, outlined their future plans, and wished them well in their future endeavours. 276. Approval of Agenda Trustee MacDonald, seconded by Trustee Moen, moved THAT the agenda be approved with the addition of Public Question Period to precede agenda item No. 5, the motion regarding the education funding issue. -222- • 7J-j- OT-FAWA-CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL RDARD MINUTES 6 July 2006 Trustee Scott clarified that the information included under additional supporting documentation in item No. 6 on the agenda is not a possible amendment and was provided as supporting information with respect to the recommendation on secondary gifted centres that trustees will be dealing with later in the meeting. Trustee Libbey, seconded by Trustee Laws, moved in amendment THAT agenda item No. 9, the draft Capital Plan, be moved to follow agenda item No. 5, the motion regarding the education funding issue. The amendment was carried. The agenda, as amended, was carried. Trustee Moen asked, and staff confirmed, that information requested from staff at the 5 July 2006 Committee of the Whole (Budget) meeting, and included as part of a motion listed under agenda item No. 10 on this meeting's agenda, would be provided. 277. Public Question Period Michael Slavitch referred to the Special Education Review report, and asked about the accuracy of the data with respect to Special Education placements in the OCDSB and those of other school boards. He noted that other school boards might describe and identify students with multiple exceptionalities in a different manner than the OCDSB does, and questioned the usefulness of comparing this data among school boards. Superintendent Stevenson explained that the external reviewers who conducted the Special Education Review indicated in the report that they experienced difficulty in drawing conclusions from the data gathered from other school boards, given the disparities in the identification of Special Education students. The data is presented in the report as a means for base -line comparison purposes only. Pam Fitzgerald referred to the transportation contracts between the OCDSB and school bus companies, and asked what the cost to the Board would be to terminate these contracts. She also asked for the rationale for this issue to have been discussed at an in camera session at the 5 July 2006 meeting of the Committee of the Whole (Budget), if the Board is not currently involved in litigation regarding this issue. Superintendent Carson noted that the contracts with transportation providers do not include termination clauses. The contracts include a provision for serving 90 day notice with respect to the cessation of services, but he pointed out that this date has passed with respect to the start of the school year in September. With respect to the discussion of the transportation issue being held in camera, Superintendent Carson explained that issues related to the security of the Board, and those related to possible litigation and the Board's strategies in addressing these issues, are routinely held in camera. On a motion by Trustee Scott, seconded by Trustee Spice, the Board agreed to move into Committee of the Whole (in camera). - xxxx — The public session meeting resumed at 9:10 p.m. -223- • 7J_J_ OTTAWA-CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL RDARD 278. Report from Committee of the Whole (In Camera) MINUTES 6 July 2006 Trustee Scott noted that, following the in camera session, there were no recommendations to report. 279. Unfinished Business: Education Funding Issue, Trustee Brockington Trustee Brockington, seconded by Trustee Moen moved: 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 PC and NDP 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 (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, Note: Part B and Part C of the motion were carried following discussion at the 22 June 2006 Special Board meeting. In introducing the motion, Trustee Brockington noted that the intent of the motion is to establish a communications strategy to inform the Ministry and the public about the fiscal challenges facing the OCDSB as it proceeds with the budget process. An amendment by Trustee Libbey, seconded by Trustee Moen THAT Part A (ii) be amended as follows, was accepted as friendly: follows: A. (ii) THAT all major Ontario newspapers and other local media.... Trustee Scott, seconded by Trustee Laws, moved in amendment THAT Part A (i) be revised as A. (i) THAT The Ottawa - Carleton District School Board write to the Minister of Education and Premier of Ontario.... and provide multiple and detailed examples of chronic under funding ofpzrblic education and the anticipated impacts of introducing major reductions at this point late in the school Year. Trustees speaking in favour of the amendment expressed support for informing the Ministry of the impact of inadequate funding on all school boards, not only the OCDSB. -224- • 7J_J_ OTTAWA-CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL RDARD MINUTES 6 July 2006 Trustee Getty moved THAT the debate be closed and a vote be taken on the amendment. The amendment was carried with a two - thirds majority. Trustee Scott noted that the OCDSB met with the Minister in the spring of 2006 and more recently in June to convey concerns regarding a number of issues, including the funding of Special Education, English as a Second Language (ESL), and transportation. She expressed the view that the financial challenges facing the OCDSB and other school boards are the result of chronic under funding, and noted that this fact should be emphasized in a letter to the Minister, as well as the anticipated impact of reductions in funding on students' programs, given the lateness of the grants this year. Trustees speaking in favour of the motion noted that the Board has a responsibility to convey its concerns to the Ministry about the inadequate funding of public education. It is important to educate the public about these concerns so that the public can in turn compel the Ministry to provide additional funding to meet the needs of students. Other trustees questioned the likelihood of influencing the Ministry with respect to funding for the 2006 -2007 school year, but noted that efforts such as the letter to the Ministry and communications strategy must begin now to impact on budget processes in coming years. Trustees speaking against the motion noted that undertaking a strategy of this kind at this point in time would not be beneficial to the Board, and might result in impacting negatively on the OCDSB's working relationship with the Ministry. They pointed out that the Minister is already aware of the OCDSB's budgetary concerns, and it would be more useful to send a letter emphasizing the need for the Ministry to address certain issues, for example, the gaps between funding from the Ministry and teachers' salaries, transportation costs, and the moratorium on school closures. Other trustees indicated that the letter to the Ministry, copied to the media, might jeopardize the Ministry's willingness to provide bridge funding to the OCDSB to address its budget shortfall in the short term. In wrap -up, Trustee Brockington pointed out that the letter to the Ministry is unlikely to worsen the funding situation, and emphasized the need to begin a communications strategy as soon as possible to inform the public about the fact that the application of the Ministry's funding formulas are resulting in inadequate funding to school boards to meets students' needs. Trustee Getty asked that a separate vote be taken on each part of the motion. At the request of Trustee Brockington, a recorded vote was held on each part of the motion. Part A (i) of the motion was carried on the following division: FOR: Trustees Brockington, Funiciello, Getty, Graham, Laws (10) Libbey, Moen, Primeau, Spice and Scott AGAINST: Trustees Lange and MacDonald (2) ABSTENTIONS: Nil (0) -225- • 7J_J_ OTTAWA-CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL RDARD Part A (ii) was carried on the following division: MINUTES 6 July 2006 FOR: Trustees Brockington, Funiciello, Graham, Laws, Libbey (8) Moen, Primeau, and Spice AGAINST: Trustees Getty, Lange and MacDonald (3) ABSTENTIONS: Trustee Scott (1) In summary, the following motion, as amended, was carried. 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 chronic under funding of public education, and the anticipated impacts of introducing major reductions at this point late in the school year, (ii) THAT all major Ontario newspapers and other local media (newspaper, radio and television), all local MPPs, the PC and NDP 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 (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, 280. Report No. 06 -169, Draft Capital Plan (Motion by Trustee Laws, seconded by Trustee Libbey) A. That staff be directed to submit the "Draft Capital Plan for the Ministry of Education" dated June 2006 to the Ministry, and B. That staff bring forward a schedule for consultation and approval of a Capital Plan to the September Business Services Committee. The Board had before it for consideration report No. 06 -169 seeking approval to submit to the Ministry, the "Draft Capital Plan for the Ministry of Education ", dated June 2006, as part of the capital planning process. Superintendent Carson presented a summary of the report, noting the importance of providing the draft plan to the Ministry as soon as possible to ensure that the OCDSB's circumstances are considered as they consider changes to the capital funding model. He also noted that on Folio 93, No. 5, "notice" should be revised to "nature ". -226- • 7J_J_ OTTAWA-CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL RDARD MINUTES 6 July 2006 In response to a query, Superintendent Carson reported that no members of the public attended the public meeting to seek public input, and one person attended the second public meeting. Trustees speaking in support of the motion noted that the plan is still in draft form, and it is important to approve the motion so that the process can proceed. The motion was carried. 281. Unfinished Business: Continuation of Partial Report No. 8, Education Committee, 19 June 2006 Note: Partial Report No. 8, Education Committee, dated 19 June 2006, was received by the Board at its 26 June 2006. The report included the following recommendations, which were not dealt with at the 26 June 2006 Board meeting: a) Establishment of Arts Incentive Fund (Motion by Trustee Lange, seconded by Trustee Laws) A. THAT as part of each school's improvement planning process, staff be encouraged to look critically at their Arts program, assess their needs, plan for growth and new experiences, and B. THAT $170,000 be added to the instruction budget for 2006 -2007 to allow each school in the Board to have some funds to teach the arts and to allow the Board's Art Coordinator to hold an "Arts Incentive Day" for teachers to access arts resources as outlined in the proposal for the "Arts Incentive Fund ", subject to budget considerations. In introducing the motion, Trustee Lange noted that the Arts Incentive Fund would permit one teacher from each school to attend a one -day session to learn about arts initiatives. The budget would provide for half of the OCDSB schools each year to participate. Trustee Moen, seconded by Trustee Libbey moved THAT Part B of the motion be referred to the 2006 -2007 Committee of the Whole (Budget) process. During a brief discussion and in response to queries, Superintendent Clarke confirmed that the list of trustee and committee recommendations regarding budget expenditures being compiled for consideration would be presented along with the staff recommended budget for consideration by trustees at the Committee of the Whole (Budget). In wrap -up, Trustee Moen noted that the decision by trustees to allocate funding to programs and other initiatives must be made in the context of knowing how much money the Board has to spend. The motion to refer Part B of the motion was carried. Part A of the motion was also carried. -227- • 7J_J_ OTTAWA-CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL RDARD MINUTES 6 July 2006 b) Establishment of Autism Spectrum Disorder Classes (Motion by Trustee Moen, seconded by Trustee Laws) A. Two semi - integrated Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) classes at the intermediate level located in the major geographic areas of the region, with the criteria for these classes to be: i) a diagnosis of moderate to high functioning Autism, including Asperger Syndrome, and ii) a maximum class size of 10 students, with the purpose of the classes to include the development of social and organization skills to ease the transition to high school, individual academic progress, and identification of curriculum modifications for secondary school, B. One ASD secondary class to provide a semi - integrated setting for high functioning ASD students, and C. An additional staff member on the Autism Team in order to: i) assist teachers in developing Individual Education Plans (IEPs), ii) assist more schools in developing strategies for their ASD students, and iii) to liaise between parents of ASD children and OCDSB staff. Trustee Scott, seconded by Trustee Spice, moved in amendment THAT the following be added as a preamble to precede Part A of the motion: That, subject to budget considerations, the Board approve additional support for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, viz, The amendment was carried. Trustee Moen, seconded by Trustee Libbey, moved THAT the motion be referred to the Committee of the Whole (Budget) process. The motion to refer was carried. Trustee Brockington asked staff to provide information on the need for the additional classes being recommended. C) Special Education Review — Recommendations for Future Work (Motion by Trustee Moen, seconded by Trustee Laws) THAT taking into consideration the comments accompanying the recommendations in the Special Education Program Service Review, Phase II report (January 2006), and the -228- • 7J_J_ OTTAWA-CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL RDARD MINUTES 6 July 2006 Recommendations of the Special Education Steering Committee on the Report of the Special Education Review, Phase II, (May 2006), the Board approve: A. Establishment of a representative panel that includes trustees, senior staff, experts from the field, and stakeholder groups, including SEAL, to undertake the development of a comprehensive plan for Special Education for the Ottawa - Carleton District School Board, B. A review of the organizational structure within the OCDSB by the Director and Senior Staff in order to consider a closer alignment of Learning Support Services and Curriculum Services and the possible decentralization of central Special Educations support staff, C. Establishment of a small working committee made up of trustees, senior administrators and an outside facilitator to consider ways to bring a stronger sense of common purpose to the delivery of Special Education within the governance and management sectors and to build a renewed respect for both professional and guardianship roles inherent in the organizational structure, D. The development of a framework document by Learning Support Staff which sets out standards for delivery of Special Education programs and services, E. The development of detailed guidelines by Learning Support Staff, in consultation with relevant staff groups regarding the roles, responsibilities and accountability of support and professional staff within the Special Education delivery model, F. The development of a multi -year professional development plan by Learning Support Services, in conjunction with other central departments and professional associations that targets all staff to increase their knowledge of the needs of students with exceptionalities; G. The practice of including in any submission prepared by Learning Support staff for Board approval, where feasible, the true costing of the proposals, including expenditures related to transportation, facility changes or renovations, staff training and the impact to other programs in the system, H. The development of clear information tools and resource materials in collaboration with the Special Education Advisory Committee, Ottawa - Carleton Assembly of School Councils, parents and other stakeholders, I. The development of a mechanism to acquire and maintain an adequate supply of assessment instruments for use by OCDSB professional staff, -229- • 7J-j- OT-FAWA-CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL RDARD MINUTES 6 July 2006 The development of a work plan including timelines with a report to the October 2006 Education Committee meeting to address the following: (i) protocol for entry to school for special needs students, (ii) establishment of and expectations for operation of In- School Teams, (iii) administration and training for CCAT testing, (iv) tracking of students for whom referral procedures have been initiated, (v) protocol for transition of exceptional students, (vi) protocol for third party professionals, (vii) staff allocation formula based on school profiles and student needs, (viii) inventory of school and system equipment and plan to support special needs students, (ix) program indicators for specialized classes, and K. The hiring of additional central staff for Learning Support Services to ensure implementation of the Special Education Review, Phase II recommendations. On a motion by Trustee Libbey, the motion was revised to include the minor revisions to wording included on Folio 67 and 68 of the agenda package, with the exception of the possible amendment noted to Part K on Folio 68. In introducing the motion, Trustee Moen noted that the recommendations stem from a review of Special Education programs undertaken by external reviewers, Dr. Jean Hewitt and Mr. Gerry Clarke, and endorsed, for the most part, by both the Steering Committee on the Special Education Review, Phase II, and the Special Education Advisory Committee. He pointed out that the Steering Committee and SEAC did not endorse the first part of the Report, having had concerns about the accuracy of the data included. He urged the trustees to approve the recommendations so that staff can undertake the work necessary to revise OCDSB Special Education programs and delivery. Trustee Libbey, seconded by Trustee Getty, moved THAT Park K of the motion be referred to Committee of the Whole (Budget). An amendment by Trustee Moen THAT Parts A through J be referred to the Committee of the Whole (Budget) process was ruled out of order by the Chair. The motion to refer Part K of the motion was carried. In response to Trustee MacDonald's query about costs associated with the other parts of the motion, Superintendent Stevenson noted that if the motion was approved, staff would review the recommendations, and present a report to trustees for future work, along with cost estimates. Superintendent Jeudy -Hugo noted that staffs list of budget recommendations includes a line item of $50,000 with respect to the Special Education Review report. -230- • 7J-j- OT-FAWA-CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL RDARD MINUTES 6 July 2006 Trustee Spice, seconded by Trustee Moen, moved in amendment THAT the following be added to the motion as Part K: K. THAT staff prepare a disclaimer to be posted to the OCDSB web site, along with the Special Education Review report, with regards to the content of Part 1 of the report and specific reference to the statistics related to the Gifted program. Trustee Getty questioned whether the amendment was in order, given that the addition of Part K is not germane to the content of the rest of the motion, and is a reaction to an article in a local newspaper on 5 July 2006 regarding the OCDSB's Special Education program delivery. Chair Graham ruled that the amendment was in order. Trustee Getty challenged the ruling of the Chair. A motion to uphold the Chair was carried. Trustees speaking against the amendment questioned the Board disclaiming aspects of a report from a review that it commissioned. Trustees speaking in favour of the amendment noted that if the media misinterpreted data in the report, it is possible that the public might also misinterpret the data. Other trustees noted that it is common practice to include a disclaimer on reports generated by external sources to an organization. In wrap -up, Trustee Spice noted that the statistical data in the Special Education Review report is confusing and misleading. For example, the report indicates that twenty percent of OCDSB students have been identified as Gifted, when in fact, the figure is actually two to three percent. The amendment was carried. Trustee Funiciello, seconded by Trustee Moen, moved THAT Parts A through J of the motion be referred to the Committee of the Whole (Budget) process. In response to a query, staff indicated that they would do their best to provide as much costing information as possible on the motion for the budget process. They noted that it would not be possible to estimate some of the costs of the Special Education - related work until the work itself begins. Trustees speaking in favour of the motion to refer noted that staff are not being asked to provide cost estimates related to the implementation of changes to Special Education. They are being asked for information on the resources that will be required to undertake the items outlined in the motion, based on the presumption that management staff who are running the Special Education system cannot also be undertaking the initiatives to overhaul the system. Trustees speaking against the motion to refer noted that staff are not being provided with adequate time to gather the costing information to present during the budget process. Other trustees pointed out that staff are likely already undertaking many of the initiatives outlined in the motion, and it is unnecessary to refer the issue to the budget process. -231 - • 7J_J_ OTTAWA-CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL RDARD The motion to refer Parts A through J of the motion was defeated. MINUTES 6 July 2006 A motion to continue the meeting past 10:30 p.m. was carried with a two - thirds majority. In wrap -up, Trustee Moen noted the need to reform the OCDSB's Special Education programs and services to improve the quality of programs being provided to students. He cited the inaccurate data regarding Gifted students in the OCDSB and noted that, in fact, these students are being under - served. The motion, as amended, was carried. In summary, the following motion, as amended, was carried: THAT taking into consideration the comments accompanying the recommendations in the Special Education Program Service Review, Phase II report (January 2006), and the Recommendations of the Special Education Steering Committee on the Report of the Special Education Review, Phase II, (May 2006), the Board approve: A. Establishment of a representative panel that includes trustees, senior staff, experts from the field, and stakeholder groups, including SEAL, to undertake the development of a comprehensive plan for Special Education for the Ottawa - Carleton District School Board, B. A review of the organizational structure within the OCDSB by the Director and Senior Staff in order to consider a closer alignment of Learning Support Services and Curriculum Services and the possible decentralization of central Special Educations support staff, C. Establishment of a small working committee made up of trustees, senior administrators and an outside facilitator to consider ways to bring a stronger sense of common purpose to the delivery of Special Education within the governance and management sectors and to build a renewed respect for both professional and guardianship roles inherent in the organizational structure, D. The development of a framework document by Learning Support Staff which sets out standards for delivery of Special Education programs and services, E. The development of detailed guidelines by Learning Support Staff, in consultation with relevant staff groups regarding the roles, responsibilities and accountability of support and professional staff within the Special Education delivery model, F. The development of a multi -year professional development plan by Learning Support Services, in conjunction with other central departments -232- • 7J-j- OT-FAWA-CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL RDARD MINUTES 6 July 2006 and professional associations that targets all staff to increase their knowledge of the needs of students with exceptionalities, G. The practice of including in any submission prepared by Learning Support staff for Board approval, where feasible, the true costing of the proposals, including expenditures related to transportation, facility changes or renovations, staff training and the impact to other programs in the system, H. The development of clear information tools and resource materials in collaboration with the Special Education Advisory Committee, Ottawa - Carleton Assembly of School Councils, parents and other stakeholders, The development of a mechanism to acquire and maintain an adequate supply of assessment instruments for use by OCDSB professional staff, The development of a work plan including timelines with a report to the October 2006 Education Committee meeting to address the following: (i) protocol for entry to school for special needs students, (ii) establishment of and expectations for operation of In- School Teams, (iii) administration and training for CCAT testing, (iv) tracking of students for whom referral procedures have been initiated, (v) protocol for transition of exceptional students, (vi) protocol for third party professionals, (vii) staff allocation formula based on school profiles and student needs, (viii) inventory of school and system equipment and plan to support special needs students, (ix) program indicators for specialized classes, and K. THAT staff prepare a disclaimer to be posted on the OCDSB web site, along with the report with regards to the content of Part 1 of the report and specific reference to the statistics related to the Gifted program. d) Approve Special Education Plan for 2005 -2006 (Motion by Trustee Scott, seconded by Trustee Laws) That the Board approve the OCDSB's Special Education Plan for 2005 -2006, with the changes suggested by SEAC at its 7 June 2006 meeting. The motion was carried. -233 - • 7J-j- OT-FAWA-CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL RDARD MINUTES 6 July 2006 e) Secondary Gifted Centres — Recommendations for Future Work (Motion by Trustee Lange, seconded by Trustee Scott) THAT with respect to the recommendations in Appendix A of report No. 06 -140: A. Staff move forward immediately on recommendations 5 and 6, so that the consultation process can commence, with a recommendation for action being presented to the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAL) at its November 2006 meeting, B. Recommendations 2, 3 and 4 be referred to the Secondary School Program Review Ad Hoc Committee for consideration, and C. Recommendations 7 through 11 inclusive be referred to the appropriate staff group(s) established to set out the standards for the delivery of Special Education programs and services as cited in recommendation D of report No. 06 -145, Special Education Program and Service Review if recommendation D is approved by the Board, and if it is not, that these recommendations be referred to the Secondary School Program Review Ad Hoc Committee for consideration. An amendment by Trustee Funiciello, seconded by Trustee Moen, THAT the motion be revised by deleting Part A, and revising Part B as follows, was accepted as friendly: B. Recommendations 2 through 6 be referred to the Secondary School Program Review Ad Hoc Committee for consideration, and In response to a query, Superintendent McAlister confirmed that although the recommendation from SEAC did not include Recommendation No. 1 from report No. 06 -140, the recommendation will be dealt with by the Secondary School Program Review Ad Hoc Committee. She indicated that staff would likely present information at the September 2006 meeting of the Education Committee regarding a potential delivery model for Gifted centres at the secondary level. In response to a query, Superintendent Jeudy -Hugo noted that it might not be possible to implement changes to the secondary Gifted program delivery until September 2007. Trustees in support of the motion noted that a comprehensive review of the secondary Gifted program should coincide with a review of Special Education programs and services in order to ensure that the OCDSB is meeting these Gifted students' needs. Steve Robins commented that the reduction in the number of secondary Gifted centres would likely result in students having to travel further to access a program, and expressed the view that the students would likely choose to remain with their peers in their home school. In summary, the following motion, as amended was carried: -234- • 7J_J_ OTTAWA-CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL RDARD MINUTES 6 July 2006 THAT with respect to the recommendations in Appendix A of report No. 06 -140, Review of Secondary Gifted Centres in the Ottawa - Carleton District School Board: A. Recommendations 2 through 6 be referred to the Secondary School Program Review Ad Hoc Committee for consideration, and B. Recommendations 7 through 11 inclusive be referred to the appropriate staff group(s) established to set out the standards for the delivery of Special Education programs and services as cited in recommendation D of report No. 06 -145, Special Education Program and Service Review if recommendation D is approved by the Board, and if it is not, that these recommendations be referred to the Secondary School Program Review Ad Hoc Committee for consideration. f) Funding for Demonstration Focus Program (Motion by Trustee Scott, seconded by Trustee Laws) THAT the 2006 -2007 budget include funding to support a demonstration focus program for implementation in 2006 -2007 such as the cabinet making project, as outlined in Appendix B of the Trades and Technology Steering Committee minutes of 11 May 2006. In response to Trustee MacDonald's query, Superintendent McAlister explained that there is a line in the current budget to cover the cost of the demonstration focus program, and noted that the project would begin in January 2007. Trustee Getty, seconded by Trustee Spice moved THAT the motion be referred to Committee of the Whole (Budget) for consideration. The motion to refer was carried. g) Undertaking a Study for Enhanced Arts Programming (Secondary) in the Western Area of the Board (Motion by Trustee Lange, seconded by Trustee Laws) THAT staff prepare a report/study to determine how the delivery of enhanced arts programming in the western section of the City could be met, which would include one or more location(s) and the process for implementation and report back to Education Committee in the fall of 2006. In introducing the motion, Trustee Lange noted that the motion has no financial implications at this time. There has been a need to undertake a study on the delivery of arts programming in the western area of the district for a number of years, which was delayed due to the need to undertake a review of secondary school programs and service delivery. Given that this work is underway, it is now the time to proceed with this issue. -235- • 7J-j- OT-FAWA-CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL RDARD MINUTES 6 July 2006 Trustee Moen, seconded by Trustee Spice, moved in amendment THAT "Education Committee" be revised to "the Secondary School Program Review Ad Hoc Committee ". In introducing the amendment, Trustee Moen noted the need to streamline the reporting process by having the report/study on arts programming presented to the Ad Hoc Committee for input prior to it being presented to the Education Committee. A motion to continue the meeting past 11:00 p.m. to deal with the current item under discussion, as well as agenda item No. 7 and 8, was carried unanimously. Trustees speaking against the amendment stated that an increasing number of issues are being referred to the ad hoc and steering committees for consideration. They noted that the Secondary School Program Review Ad Hoc Committee has a considerable mandate, and expressed the view that trustees should be dealing with this issue. Trustees speaking in support of the amendment noted that whether the amendment is carried or defeated, the issue will eventually end up being dealt with by the Education Committee. In response to Trustee MacDonald's query, Superintendent McAlister confirmed that having the study /report presented to the Ad Hoc Committee prior to it being presented to the Education Committee will not delay it considerably. The amendment was carried. An amendment by Trustee Brockington THAT "the fall of 2006 be replaced by "October 2006" failed for lack of a seconder. Trustee Brockington, seconded by Trustee Spice moved in amendment THAT the motion be revised as follows: THAT staff prepare a report/study to determine how the delivery of enhanced arts programming and International Baccalaureate (IB) programming in the western section of the City could be met, which would include one or more location(s) and the process for implementation and report back to the Secondary School Program Review Ad Hoc Committee in the fall of 2006. In response to Trustee Lange's query, Chair Graham ruled that the amendment was in order. In introducing the amendment, Trustee Brockington referred to the inadequate IB programming in the western area of the district, and noted that it is an opportune time for staff to address this issue given the concurrent review of arts programming in the same area. Trustees speaking against the amendment noted that there may not be adequate staff resources in place to address the two reports simultaneously, and pointed out that there are a number of additional programs that could be reviewed with respect to their accessibility to students in the western section of -236- • 7J-j- OT-FAWA-CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL RDARD MINUTES 6 July 2006 the City. Other trustees noted that establishing an IB program includes meeting the requirements of an external regulatory body, and would require a considerable amount of time and effort at this time. Trustees speaking in support of the amendment pointed out that studies of arts programming and IB programming in the western area of the Board were undertaken a few years ago, and it might require a minimum of work to update this data for presentation to trustees for consideration. In wrap -up, Trustee Brockington noted that the intent of the amendment is to direct staff to present a report on the possible establishment of an IB program, not establish the program at this time. The amendment was defeated. Trustee Brockington gave notice of motion regarding a study for an International Baccalaureate program in the western area of the Board for the September 2006 meeting of the Education Committee. In summary, the following motion, as amended, was carried: THAT staff prepare a report/study to determine how the delivery of enhanced arts programming in the western section of the City could be met, which would include one or more location(s) and the process for implementation and report back to the Secondary School Program Review Ad Hoc Committee in the fall of 2006. 282. Report 06 -170, Notice of Pending Amendment — By -laws & Standing Rules, Section 14.1 The Board had before it for consideration report No. 06 -170 providing notice of an amendment to section 14.0 of the Board's By -laws and Standing Rules to reflect the following changes: "Unless otherwise directed by resolution of the Board, the regular meetings of the Board shall normally be held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, except for the months of July and August, commencing in Committee of the Whole, in camera, at 7:00 pm and in open public session at 8:00 pm. Where a meeting would fall on a recognized statutory holiday, it shall normally be held on the following Thursday. During July and August, regular meetings of the Board shall be held at the call of the Chair as required, or as pre- determined by resolution of the Board." Trustee Scott moved the recommendation in the staff report, noting that only trustees can give notice of motion to change the Board's By -laws and Standing Rules. She indicated that proper written notice had not be given regarding the proposed change to the Board's By -laws and Standing Rules. Executive Officer Giroux noted that two -weeks notice in writing has been provided to trustees as this item was on the agenda for the 22 June Special Board meeting as unfinished business. She also noted that the proposed By -law change was discussed at the 13 June Board meeting, and the revision to the Board calendar was also discussed at the April meeting of the Chairs' Committee. Superintendent Jeudy -Hugo noted the importance of dealing with the approval of the Board and Committee meeting calendar for the 2006 -2007, for planning purposes and in the interests of parents and other stakeholders. -237- • 7J_J_ OTTAWA-CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL RDARD MINUTES 6 July 2006 No decision or vote was taken with regard to the motion, however, Trustee Scott gave notice of her intent to bring this motion forward at the 12 September 2006 Board meeting. 283. Report 06 -168, Board and Committee Meeting Calendar for 2006 -2007 The Board had before it for consideration report No. 06 -168 seeking approval for the revised schedule of Board and Committee meetings for the period of September 2006 to June 2007. Trustee Scott, seconded by Trustee Getty, moved the recommendation in the report, viz: THAT the Board and Committee Meeting calendar for the period of September 2006 to June 2007, attached as Appendix A be approved, subject to changes for individual meetings as may be necessitated during the school year. Trustee Spice, seconded by Trustee Scott, moved in amendment THAT "subject to By -law approval" be added following "during the school year." Trustee Scott, seconded by Trustee Primeau, moved in sub - amendment THAT the motion be revised as follows: THAT the Board and Committee Meeting calendar for the period of September 2006 to June 2007, attached as Appendix A be approved, subject to the relevant provision of the BY-laws being waived pending approval of the appropriate amendment, subject to changes for individual meetings as may be necessitated during the school year, and subject to by -law approval. Chair Graham ruled the sub - amendment out of order. Trustee Scott challenged the Chair, noting that there is a precedent at the Board level for dealing with the issue in this manner. A vote was held, and the Chair was upheld. An amendment by Trustee Scott, seconded by Trustee Getty, THAT the motion be amended as follows was accepted as friendly: THAT the Board and Committee Meeting calendar for the period of September 2006 to June 2007, attached as Appendix A be approved as a pilot, subject to changes for individual meetings as may be necessitated during the school year, pending approval of the amendment to the By -laws and Standing Rules. The motion, as amended, was carried. 284. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 11:35 p.m. -238- • 7J-j- OT-FAWA-CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL RDARD MINUTES 6 July 2006 Note: The following items not dealt with at this meeting will be dealt with at the next Board meeting: the motion regarding the dissolution of the Foundation Advisory Board, the motions by Trustee Laws on the OCDSB yellow bus service and the notice to parents regarding the 2006 -2007 OCDSB budget realities, and the motions by Trustee Moen with respect to Special Education grants and Special Education costs and revenues. Lorne M. Rachlis, Director of Education/Secretary of the Board /ky -239- Lynn Graham, Chair of the Board