HomeMy WebLinkAbout12f COW (Budget) Report 9 28 Aug 2006 Minutes PublicOTTAWA- CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (BUDGE
REPORT NO. 9
DATE: 28 August 2006
A meeting of Committee of the Whole (Budget) was held this evening with the public
session commencing at 7:45 p.m. in the Board Room, 133 Greenbank Road, Ottawa, with Trustee
Riley Brockington in the Chair and the following also in attendance: Trustees Bronwyn
Funiciello, Alex Getty, Lynn Graham, Margaret Lange, Greg Laws, Jim Libbey, Norm
MacDonald, David Moen, David Primeau, Lynn Scott and Joan Spice.
STAFF: Director of Education and Secretary of the Board, Lorne Rachlis; Executive
Superintendent, Diane Jeudy -Hugo; Chief Financial Officer, Michael Clarke, Superintendents
Jennifer Adams, Mike Carson, Laura McAlister, Janice McCoy, Mike Neill, Dawn Paxton and
Walter Piovesan; Manager of Field Services, Robert Flewelling; Executive Officer, Michele
Giroux, Manager of Board Services, Monica Ceschia; Manager of Communications, Maggie
Melenhorst; Assistant Treasurer, Cathy Dempsey, Coordinator of Budget Services, Financial
Systems Support & Labour Relations Costing, Charles D'Aoust, Communications Coordinator,
Sharlene Hunter, A/V Technician, Robert Giekes; and Committee Coordinator, Bruce Fraser.
Student Trustee: Steven Robins
Non - Voting Representatives: Elementary Operations Committee, Colleen Robazza and
Mary McConnell, Non - Affiliated Staff, Dave Miller, Ottawa Carleton Secondary School
Administrators' Network, David McMahon, Ottawa - Carleton Assembly of School Councils,
Elaine Morgan, Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation, Cindy Dubuc (Educational
Assistants), Bonnie Cheung, (Education Support Professionals), Andrew Horwood, (Plant
Support Staff Unit), Diane McCargar, (Professional Educators and Child Care Staff), Tom
Bickford, (Professional Student Services Personnel), Ron Shewchuk, (Secondary Occasional
Teachers), Kerry Houlahan, (Teachers and Special Education Advisory Committee), Special
Education Advisory Committee, Lamar Mason.
Call to Order
Trustee Brockington called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m.
Approval of the Agenda
Trustee Brockington noted that a supplementary agenda had been circulated. On a
motion by Trustee MacDonald, the agenda and the supplementary agenda were approved.
Public Question Period
a) Tammy David
In response to a question by Tammy David regarding the impact of reductions to
the Board's human rights obligations, Director Rachlis advised that the Board would
continues to meet all of its legal obligations.
Committee of the Whole (Budget) -1- 28 August 2006
b) Nadine Clarke
Nadine Clarke asked how the Board would meet its commitment to build two
new schools in Kanata if it uses capital reserves for operating expenses. Director Rachlis
noted that the Board had decided not to utilize the additional $5.0 million from capital
reserves and other options are available to create funding for school construction.
C) Lorraine Smith
In response to a query by Lorraine Smith regarding what mechanisms will be put
in place to ensure student safety and the confidentiality of student information in schools
that will sustain reductions in office staff, Director Rachlis advised that staff will
investigate best practices used in other districts under similar staffing formulas and that
superintendents will work with principals to ensure guidelines are clear with respect to
student safety and the confidentiality of information.
d) C. VanDerGrient
C. VanDerGrient asked what assurances will be given that services and treatment
for autistic students will continue. Director Rachlis stated that staff is aware of the
situation but is confident that the Board will meet its legal obligations. Staff will work
with other agencies that provide services.
e) P. Giuliani
P. Giuliani asked what kind of supports would be implemented to assist teachers
with their duties when reductions to Educational Support Professionals in school offices
are reduced. Director Rachlis reiterated that staff will investigate best practices used in
other districts under similar staffing formulas.
f) David Humphries
In response to a query by David Humphries as to why the Board could not pass
an unbalanced budget in order to minimize the impact of reductions on occupational and
physical therapist services, Director Rachlis advised that the Board has a legal obligation
to balance the budget.
4. Summary, Committee of the Whole (Budget), 22, 23 and 24 August 2006
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Clarke advised that replies have been provided to all
questions received up to 3:00 p.m. today and thanked Cathy Dempsey, Charles D'Aoust and
members of the Finance Department for their work.
CFO Clarke noted, in respect to a query regarding the Ministry approving an extension to
the filing of the budget, that in addition to the Minister's approval it would require a guarantee of
the Board's debt to permit the Board to borrow approximately $14 million to meet the first
payroll in September. He advised that, per legal advice, Ministry staff has indicated that they
could not guarantee the Board's debt.
Committee of the Whole (Budget) -2- 28 August 2006
Notice of Motions to Amend 2006 -2007 Budget
a) Reductions to Expenditures
i) Reduce Staff Expenditures in Board Services by 0.5 FTE for Committee
Co- ordinator Position (by $34,000)
(Motion by Trustee Moen)
THAT staff expenditures in Board Services be reduced by 0.5 FTE
committee co- ordinator position ($34,000)
Trustee Moen expressed the view that the intent of the motion could be
achieved through attrition as there is the potential for a retirement from the area
which has not been announced.
Trustees speaking against the amendment expressed the view that, as it is
speculative at this time, it should not be considered until a retirement is officially
announced.
Trustee Moen commented that a retirement is not necessary for the
reduction and the methodology applied was consistent with that used for other
reductions.
budget:
The motion was carried and the following amendment was made to the
THAT staff expenditures in Board Services be reduced by 0.5 FTE
committee co- ordinator position ($34,000)
ii) Cost recovery from Ottawa - Carleton Catholic District School Board for
previous services for the Braillist position ($77,500)
(Motion by Trustee Moen)
THAT costs ($77,500) for the previous services performed by the
braillist position be recovered from the Ottawa - Carleton Catholic School
Board.
The amendment to the budget was accepted as friendly.
iii) Increase the change in budget assumptions for the Instruction Envelope
to $4.5 million (increase of $2.0 million)
(Motion by Trustee Laws)
THAT the budget assumption for the instruction envelope be increased to
$4.5 million.
Committee of the Whole (Budget) -3- 28 August 2006
Trustee Laws expressed the view that the amendment would reduce
pressure on the Board to make reductions and still provide an opportunity to
develop a balanced budget.
In response to a query, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Clarke advised
that the amount in question would be distributed across the major budget lines
such as salaries and benefits. He advised that the Ministry would apply a
reasonability check to the budget and request clarification and plans for
achievement for areas considered unreasonable and that increasing the
assumption of surplus could increase the risk of running a deficit at the end of the
year.
Trustees speaking in support of the amendment agreed that it is a
reasonable estimate and that the Board will be working with other agencies to
provide non - educational services.
Trustee Scott moved a sub - amendment to reduce the increase of $2.0
million to $0.5 million.
Trustees speaking in support of the sub - amendment expressed the view
that as the $2.0 million would be taken mainly from the $25 million instruction
budget it would be reasonable to reduce the figure.
Trustee Moen expressed the view that the assumption could be achieved
through increased revenue sources.
The sub - amendment was defeated.
Trustees speaking in support of the amendment reiterated the view that it
will result in a reasonable level of risk and would provide for services to students
with higher needs.
Trustees speaking against the amendment expressed the view that it
creates a significant level of risk for a deficit and any deficit amount would be
taken off the top of the following year's budget.
The motion was carried and the following amendment was made to the
budget:
THAT the budget assumption for the instruction envelope be increased to
$4.5 million.
Committee of the Whole (Budget) -4- 28 August 2006
b) Trade -Offs in the Proposed Budget (Addition with Reduction)
i) Reduce School Budgets by $101,677 and use Savings to Restore
$101,677 into the New Schools Budget
(Motion by Trustee Moen)
THAT school budgets be reduced by $101,677 and the savings used to
restore $101,677 into the new schools budget.
Trustees speaking in support of the amendment expressed the view that
new schools should not be penalized when they are opened and it would be
appropriate to disperse the cost of stocking new schools.
Trustees speaking against the amendment expressed the view that the
amendment is punitive, especially to smaller schools.
The amendment was defeated.
C) Increases to Expenditures
Trustee Moen assumed the Chair.
i) Reinstate 1.0 FTE to the Planning Department for $42,587
(Motion by Trustee Brockington)
THAT 1.0 FTE to the Planning Department. for $42,587 be reinstated.
Trustees speaking in support of the motion expressed the view that the
Board will be considering future major projects which will require additional
planning staff.
budget:
The motion was carried and the following amendment was made to the
THAT 1.0 FTE to the Planning Department for $42,587 be reinstated.
Trustee Brockington resumed the Chair.
Committee of the Whole (Budget) -5- 28 August 2006
ii) Reinstate 2.2 Occupational/Physiotherapy Therapists for $146,000
(Motion by Trustee Libbey)
THAT 2.2 occupational/physiotherapy therapists for $146,000 be
reinstated.
Trustee Libbey noted that the Board has heard from students that these
services are required.
Trustee Lange noted that the services are valuable but the Board should
look at a transition to other agencies. Trustee Lange moved in sub - amendment
THAT "provided that staff explore alternative funding sources" be added at the
end.
The Chair ruled the sub - amendment out of order as it does not have a
direct impact on the budget.
Trustee Lange gave notice that she would bring a motion forward to the
September Business Services Committee meeting.
Trustees speaking in support of the amendment expressed the view that it
is unlikely any agencies would come forward to provide the necessary services.
Trustees speaking against the amendment acknowledged the importance
of the services but expressed the view that they should not be funded by the
education system.
Trustee Spice noted that the Toronto District School Board is providing
these services and suggested it be determined if boards are being funded equally.
The motion was carried and the following amendment was made to the
budget:
THAT 2.2 occupational/physiotherapy therapists for $146,000 be
reinstated.
iii) Reinstate 1.0 FTE for a Braillist position for a net cost of $29,100
(Motion by Trustee Libbey)
THAT 1.0 FTE for a braillist position for a net cost of $29,100 be
reinstated.
The amendment to the budget was accepted as friendly.
Committee of the Whole (Budget) -6- 28 August 2006
iv) Reinstate Audiology Services (Lip to $9,200)
(Motion by Trustee Libbey)
THAT audiology services (up to $9,200) be reinstated.
The amendment to the budget was accepted as friendly.
V) Reinstate $500,000 into the Community Living Summer Program
(Motion by Trustee Libbey)
THAT $500,000 into the Community Living Summer Program be
reinstated.
Trustee Libbey noted that the summer program assists approximately
300 students with special needs by reinforcing what they have learned during the
regular year.
Trustee Primeau acknowledged the program's value and noted that some
parents have expressed a willingness to pay higher fees to keep the program
available.
Trustee Primeau moved in sub - amendment THAT $500,000 be reduced
to $300,000.
Trustees speaking in favour of the sub - amendment expressed support for
additional contributions from parents.
Trustees speaking against the sub - amendment expressed the view that it
would be difficult for some parents to contribute more to the program and that
the costs should be reviewed as part of the special education review.
budget:
The sub - amendment was defeated.
The motion was carried and the following amendment was made to the
THAT $500,000 into the Community Living Summer Program be
reinstated.
vi) Reinstate 3.0 FTE to the Special Education Department for Speech and
Language Pathologists for $230,500
(Motion by Trustee Libbey)
THAT 3.0 FTE to the Special Education Department for speech and
language pathologists for $230,500 be reinstated.
Committee of the Whole (Budget) -7- 28 August 2006
budget:
A sub - amendment by Trustee Moen THAT 3.0 FTE be revised to 6.9
FTE and $230,500 be revised to $530,000 was defeated on a tie vote.
The motion was carried and the following amendment was made to the
THAT 3.0 FTE to the Special Education Department for speech and
language pathologists for $230,500 be reinstated.
vii) Reinstate the Rideauwood Services (Lip to $262,500)
(Motion by Trustee Libbey)
THAT the Rideauwood Services (up to $262,500) be reinstated.
Trustee Libbey noted that the services should be maintained while other
options for delivery are pursued.
Tom Bickford expressed the view that it would be more cost effective to
use the funds for in -house social workers and psychologists.
Trustee Moen acknowledged the value of the service but expressed the
view that it is not an educational matter. A motion by Trustee Moen to defer
discussion of this item to the end of the amendments was defeated on a tie vote.
Trustees speaking in support of the amendment expressed the view that
the services impact a large number of students at risk and should be continued.
Trustees speaking against the amendment expressed the view that the
service is not affordable as there is no grant for it.
The amendment was defeated.
viii) Reinstate 10.5 FTE to the Outdoor Education budget for $586,700
(Motion by Trustee Libbey)
THAT 10.5 FTE to the outdoor education budget for $586,700 be
reinstated.
Trustees speaking in support of the amendment expressed the view that
the outdoor centres are a valuable asset for teaching students about the
environment.
Trustees speaking against the amendment expressed the view that the
centres are not necessary and should not be maintained as the province does not
provide funding for outdoor education.
Committee of the Whole (Budget) -8- 28 August 2006
Trustee Spice noted that the Toronto District School Board maintains ten
outdoor education centres and suggested that it should be determined how those
programs are funded.
budget:
The motion was carried and the following amendment was made to the
THAT 10.5 FTE to the outdoor education budget for $586,700 be
reinstated.
ix) Add $200,000 for a detailed examination of Special Education in Ontario
(Motion by Trustee Libbey)
THAT $200,000 for a detailed examination of Special Education in
Ontario be added.
Trustees speaking in favour of the amendment expressed the view that an
examination of special education is required using a detailed approach with clear
terms of reference in order to determine what other boards are doing.
Trustees speaking against the amendment submitted that it is not
necessary as the Board has reviewed the local delivery of special education and
that it is the government's responsibility to undertake a province wide
examination.
A sub - amendment by Trustee Libbey THAT "in Ontario" be deleted was
accepted as friendly.
A sub - amendment by Trustee Scott THAT "$200,000" be reduced to
$75,000 was defeated.
The amendment was defeated on a tie vote.
X) Reinstate $360,000 to the School Budgets
(Motion by Trustee Libbey)
THAT $360,000 to the School Budgets be reinstated.
A motion by Trustee Moen THAT discussion of this amendment be
deferred to the end of the increases to budget was carried. (refer to item xxi)
below)
xi) Reinstate the proposed $0.01 reduction to the kilometerage rate
(up to $33,200)
This amendment was not put on the floor.
Committee of the Whole (Budget) -9- 28 August 2006
xii) Reinstate the changed budget assumption for $3,090,500
This amendment was not put on the floor.
xiii) Reinstate Fifteen Itinerant Educational Assistants and Five Job Coaches
for $830,632
(Motion by Trustee Moen)
THAT fifteen itinerant educational assistants and five job coaches for
$830,632 be reinstated.
Trustee Moen expressed the view that there is a great risk for some
students if Itinerant Educational Assistants are not reinstated and that job coaches
are not available elsewhere.
Trustee Funiciello noted that the total complement in the Ottawa -
Carleton District School Board 2005 -2006 was 516 educational assistants and job
coaches while the Toronto District School Board had 600 educational assistants
in Junior Kindergarten classes.
A sub - amendment by Trustee Scott to reduce the Itinerant Educational
Assistants to twelve was defeated.
In response to a query, Robert Flewelling advised that job coaches work
with students with developmental disabilities in semi - integrated classes and
monitor their work program by working as a liaison on the job site.
budget:
The motion was carried and the following amendment was made to the
THAT fifteen itinerant educational assistants and five job coaches for
$830,632 be reinstated.
xiv) Reinstate Three Multicultural Liaison Officers for $180,000
(Motion by Trustee Moen)
THAT three multicultural liaison officers for $180,000 be reinstated.
The amendment to the budget was accepted as friendly.
xv) Reinstate One Psychologist and One Social Worker to Supervise
Itinerant Educational Assistants
(Motion by Trustee Moen)
THAT one psychologist and one social worker to supervise itinerant
educational assistants be reinstated.
Committee of the Whole (Budget) -10- 28 August 2006
The amendment to the budget was accepted as friendly.
xvi) Reinstate One Social Worker
(Motion by Trustee Graham)
THAT one social worker be reinstated.
A motion to continue the meeting past 10:30 p.m. was carried by a two - thirds majority vote.
Trustee Graham expressed the view that a full complement of social
workers is required as the Rideauwood services will be discontinued.
Trustee Getty cautioned against the introduction of new amendments as
it is difficult to compare priorities.
budget:
The motion was carried and the following amendment was made to the
THAT one social worker be reinstated.
xvii) Reinstate One English as a Second Language Position
(Motion by Trustee Spice)
THAT one English as a second language position be reinstated.
In response to a query, Superintendent McCoy advised that the position
is currently vacant but an allocation would normally be made in the fall if
required.
budget:
The motion was carried and the following amendment was made to the
THAT one English as a second language position be reinstated.
xviii) Add One Secondary School Learning Support Consultant
(Motion by Trustee Funiciello)
THAT one secondary school learning support consultant be added.
Trustee Funiciello noted the high demand for services and that there
would only be two consultants serving the entire secondary panel.
The amendment was defeated on a tie vote.
Committee of the Whole (Budget) -11- 28 August 2006
xix) Add $80,000 for the Implementation of the Special Education Review
(Motion by Trustee Moen)
THAT $80,000 for the implementation of the special education review
be added.
The motion was carried and the amendment was made to the budget:
xx) Reinstate Two Teacher Resource Centre Positions
(Motion by Trustee Laws)
THAT two teacher resource centre positions be reinstated.
Trustee Laws submitted that teachers will need the support provided by
the resource centre.
The amendment was defeated
A motion to continue the meeting to 11:15 p.m. was carried by unanimous consent.
xxi) Reinstate $315,000 to School Budgets
(Motion by Trustee Lange)
THAT $315,000 to school budgets be reinstated.
The amendment to the budget was accepted as friendly.
6. Approval of 2006 -2007 Budget
(Motion by Trustee Lange)
A. That the Board approve the 2006 -2007 operating budget in the amount of $611.6
million, (model B of staff Report No. 06 -177) as amended in Committee of the
Whole (Budget).
B. That the Board approve the use of $13 million of reserves in financing its 2006-
2007 budget, subject to receiving the Minister of Education's approval for the
conversion of the Wide Area Network specific reserve to a working fund reserve.
C. That the Board directs that the annual $150,000 transfer to the Wide Area
Network specific reserve end for 2006 -2007 and future years.
Committee of the Whole (Budget) -12- 28 August 2006
Trustee Lange thanked Trustee Brockington for chairing the budget meetings and all of
the non - voting representatives for their participation. She thanked members of staff for their
support.
The motion was carried and the recommendation approved for submission to the Board.
New Business
Trustee Moen commented that work on next year's budget needs to commence at
Business Services Committee in September 2006 due to the reductions that may be necessary.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 11:05 p.m.
BAF/
Riley Brockington
Chair
Committee of the Whole (Budget)
Committee of the Whole (Budget) -13- 28 August 2006