HomeMy WebLinkAboutChairs' Committee Report 8 26 Sept 2007 Minutes PublicOTTAWA-CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
REPORT NO. 8, CHAIRS’ COMMITTEE
TO: The Board DATE: 26 September 2007
A meeting of the Chairs’ Committee was held this evening commencing at 7:35 p.m. in the
Trustees’ Committee Room, 133 Greenbank Road, Ottawa, with Trustee Rob Campbell in the Chair and
the following also in attendance:
TRUSTEE MEMBERS: Alex Getty, Greg Laws and Lynn Scott
OTHER TRUSTEES: Riley Brockington, Cathy Curry, Pam FitzGerald, Jennifer McKenzie, David
Moen and John Shea
STAFF: Dr. Lorne M. Rachlis, Director of Education and Secretary of the Board
Diane Jeudy-Hugo, Executive Superintendent
Michèle Giroux, Executive Officer, Corporate Services
Bruce Fraser, Committee Coordinator
NON-VOTING
REPRESENTATIVES: Hal Grossner, Special Education Advisory Committee
Ellen Dickson, Ottawa-Carleton Assembly of School Councils
Umber Dube, Student Trustee Advisory Committee
Note: Throughout the meeting, unless otherwise noted, Trustee Scott assumed the Chair when Trustee
Campbell wished to participate in the discussion.
1. Call to Order
Chair Campbell called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
2. Approval of Agenda
Moved by Trustee Laws,
THAT the agenda be approved.
Moved in amendment by Trustee FitzGerald,
THAT an information item re the Ontario Network of Trustees be added following item
10) Report No. 07-154, Implementation Plan for the OCDSB Four-Year Strategic Plan.
- Carried -
Moved by Trustee Laws,
THAT the agenda be approved as amended.
- Carried -
Chairs’ Committee 26 September 2007
1
3. Public Question Period
There were no public questions.
4. Unfinished Business from the 25 June 2007 meeting:
a. Report No. 07-134, Proposed Amendments to Policy P.107.FAC - Naming of Schools
and Educational Support Facilities and Opening Ceremonies
Your Committee had before it staff report No. 07-134 seeking approval of proposed
amendments to policy P.107, FAC - Naming of Schools and Educational Support Facilities and
Opening Ceremonies.
Director Rachlis advised that the current policy does not reference it specifically but
allows a school or facility to be named in recognition of a significant financial contribution by an
individual. The proposed revisions make a clear statement to the public and future school-
naming committees that it is acceptable to acknowledge significant financial contributions from
individuals.
Moved by Trustee Shea
THAT the Board approve the amendments to Policy P.107.FAC, Naming of
Schools and Educational Support Facilities and Opening Ceremonies as
displayed on Appendix 3 of Report No. 07-134 to Chairs’ Committee.
Moved in amendment by Trustee FitzGerald,
THAT “which may include a financial contribution;” in §2.1b) be deleted.
Trustee FitzGerald advised that following consultation, her constituents generally do not
support the naming of a school based on financial contributions. She noted that there is
significant opposition to naming schools to acknowledge corporate donations as the use of a
corporate name could be perceived as advertising.
Director Rachlis pointed out that that the policy refers only to donations from individuals.
He noted that during the selection of a school name, recommendations are submitted by the
community to a task force which reviews submissions and recommends a proposed name for the
Board’s consideration and approval.
Trustees speaking in support of the amendment expressed the view that corporate
contributions should not be acknowledged through the naming of either schools or education
support facilities and that providing an opportunity for a corporate name to be attached to public
education facilities could create an imbalance in funding sources among schools across the
district.
Trustee Moen expressed the view that financial contributions by individuals is unlikely to
be affected by the potential of having a school named after them and the amendment could help
to reduce the time required to consider potential names for facilities.
Chairs’ Committee 26 September 2007
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Trustee Brockington expressed the view that, while corporate names should not be
considered for the naming of schools, it would be acceptable to consider them for support
facilities such as gymnasiums, auditoriums or playgrounds.
Trustee Shea commented that names should be considered on a case-by-case basis and
reiterated that the policy refers only to contributions by individuals. He expressed the view that it
should be permissible to consider the benefits of corporate contributions to schools and
communities when considering the name of a facility.
Ellen Dickson noted that Ottawa-Carleton Assembly of School Councils (OCASC) is not
opposed to the acknowledgement of corporate financial contributions through the naming of
support facilities but opposes corporate titles being used for the naming of a school.
Trustee Scott commented that while it is unlikely that the potential recognition of
financial contributions would affect the amounts donated by individuals, the policy should
provide an opportunity to recognize an individual through the naming of a school or facility.
Trustee Campbell expressed a concern that while financial contributions have no strings
attached, there could be a perception that the Board will reward financial contributions with the
naming of a facility. He expressed the view that, as the recommended revision is for clarification
only, a reference to a financial contribution is not required.
Some trustees speaking against the amendment expressed the view that the process for
the naming of schools includes a number of “filters” and requires final approval by the Board;
therefore, the deletion of the reference to a financial contribution is not required.
Moved in amendment by Trustee FitzGerald,
THAT “which may include a financial contribution;” in §2.1b) be deleted.
- Carried -
Trustee Brockington noted that the above amendment does not impact the policy directly
and expressed the view that corporate financial contributions have been gratefully accepted by
schools. He expressed support for considering the naming a major component of a facility on
behalf of a corporation which has provided a significant financial contribution.
Moved in amendment by Trustee Brockington,
THAT “or a financial contribution from a corporation.” be added in §2.2
following “member of the community.”
Trustees speaking in support of the amendment expressed the view that corporate
financial contributions are welcome and that the Board would make an effort to balance the
allocation of contributions amongst schools across the district or in areas with particular needs.
Trustees speaking against the amendment expressed the view that the public education
system should not be for sale. A situation could be created where there are “have” and “have
not” schools as some school communities have more opportunity to solicit or generate corporate
support due to their location or composition.
Chairs’ Committee 26 September 2007
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In response to a query, Director Rachlis advised that the process for naming a major
component of a school is undertaken by the community and does not come to Board for approval.
Moved in amendment by Trustee Brockington,
THAT “or a financial contribution from a corporation.” be added in §2.2
following “member of the community.”
- Carried -
Moved by Trustee Shea
THAT the Board approve the amendments to Policy P.107.FAC, Naming of
Schools and Educational Support Facilities and Opening Ceremonies
including amendments made at the meeting (attached as appendix A).
- Carried -
b. Letter to Minister re Funding of Trustee Honoraria
Notice having been given, Trustee Curry moved as follows:
WHEREAS the Provincial Government promised to fund Trustee honoraria fully;
WHEREAS the Provincial Government has not funded Trustee honoraria fully;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
THAT the OCDSB write a letter to the Minister of Education requesting that the trustee
honoraria be fully funded as promised.
Trustee Curry noted that this motion had originally been brought to the June meeting of
the Chairs’ Committee and that, due to additional funding announcements, the timing may not be
appropriate.
Trustees speaking in support of the motion expressed the view that the government
should fulfill the commitment made by the previous Minister of Education, Gerard Kennedy, to
provide funding for the increased trustee honoraria and that the letter should be sent prior to the
provincial election.
Trustee Brockington noted that Rick Johnson, former president of the Ontario Public
School Boards’ Association (OPSBA), received a letter from Minister Kennedy committing to the
funding.
Trustees speaking against the motion expressed the view that the timing is not
appropriate and the matter is unlikely to become an election issue.
Trustee Campbell expressed the view that while he supports the intent of the motion, the
timing of the request may not be appropriate. He requested that a text copy of former Minister of
Education Kennedy’s commitment be provided for information.
Chairs’ Committee 26 September 2007
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Moved by Trustee Campbell,
THAT the following motion be deferred to the Chairs’ Committee meeting of
October 24, 2007:
Moved by Trustee Curry,
THAT the OCDSB write a letter to the Minister of Education requesting
that the trustee honoraria be fully funded as promised.
- Carried -
c. Funding for Accessibility Alterations
Notice having been given, Trustee Brockington moved as follows:
WHEREAS, all public buildings in Ontario are to become barrier free by 2025,
WHEREAS, all OCDSB schools have been audited by two independent firms, who
estimate the total cost of District-wide barrier-free alterations to be $79.4 million, or $4.1
million per year for the next 18 years,
WHEREAS, the Province of Ontario has not provided any new funding to the OCDSB in
order to implement the required alterations,
WHEREAS, according to staff report 07-118 presented at the June 18, 2007 Business
Services Committee, it reads, “in the absence of a new funding stream, the OCDSB will
not be able to fully implement these programs and will not meet the priorities for barrier
free facilities and expectations as established by the AODA”.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
A. THAT the OCDSB inform the Province of Ontario that a long-term
Implementation Plan has been developed to ensure that all OCDSB buildings are
barrier free by 2025.
B. THAT the OCDSB inform the Province of Ontario, including the Ministry of
Education and Ministry of Community and Social Services that there are no
available funds to implement the required changes and that sufficient funds to
proceed with the necessary alterations are needed.
C. THAT the Ontario Public Schools Boards Association be contacted to determine
how other school boards are paying for the necessary alterations and that staff
prepare a brief report to be provided to the October 2007 Business Services
Committee.
D. THAT all stakeholder groups within the OCDSB that advocate on accessibility
issues, be notified of the current situation and be encouraged to pressure the
provincial government for the required funds.
Chairs’ Committee 26 September 2007
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Trustee Brockington noted that the goal of the Accessibility for Ontarians with
Disabilities Act is to have all public buildings barrier free by 2025. Accessibility audits
undertaken on behalf of the OCDSB estimate it would require approximately $80 million to meet
the requirements of the Act. He explained that the intent of the motion is to inform the Ministry
that, while the Board supports the concept of barrier free access, additional funding for the
necessary renovations will be required.
Moved by Trustee Brockington,
A. THAT the OCDSB inform the Province of Ontario that a long-term
Implementation Plan has been developed to ensure that all OCDSB
buildings are barrier free by 2025.
B. THAT the OCDSB inform the Province of Ontario, including the
Ministry of Education and Ministry of Community and Social
Services that there are no available funds to implement the required
changes and that sufficient funds to proceed with the necessary
alterations are needed.
C. THAT the Ontario Public Schools Boards Association be contacted
to determine how other school boards are paying for the necessary
alterations and that staff prepare a brief report to be provided to the
October 2007 Business Services Committee.
D. THAT all stakeholder groups within the OCDSB that advocate on
accessibility issues, be notified of the current situation and be
encouraged to pressure the provincial government for the required
funds.
- Carried -
5. Report No. 07-138, Structure of Board’s Organizational and Inaugural Meetings
Your Committee had before it staff report No. 07-138 seeking approval for changes to the process
for the Board’s inaugural and annual organizational meetings.
Executive Officer Giroux advised that following the Board’s 2006 inaugural/organizational
meeting in response to comments from trustees regarding the length of the meeting, staff undertook to
review ways to increase the efficiency of the appointment and decision making process. She noted that a
number of administrative changes will be undertaken to increase the profile of the inaugural meeting
ceremonies, improve efficiencies and provide for an annual report from the Director of Education.
Executive Officer Giroux noted that most of the feedback received was due to the length of the
meeting. She noted that, in an effort to streamline the nomination and voting processes, staff is
recommending that the “invitation method” be used to nominate candidates prior to the meeting while
still providing for nominations from the floor where appropriate.
Moved by Trustee Laws,
THAT the structure of the organizational/inaugural meeting be redesigned using the
invitation method for the nomination of board members to committees of the Board.
Chairs’ Committee 26 September 2007
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In response to a query, staff noted that a nominating committee would not be utilized but that
staff would simply solicit nominations from trustees in advance of the meeting and provide a report to all
Board members of all nominations received in advance of the meeting.
Some trustees expressed concern with the amount of work that would be involved for staff to
document and organize all of the possible nominations.
Some trustees expressed the view that many of the nominations made are based on developments
at the meeting over the course of the evening.
Trustee Moen noted that care must be taken to meet all legal requirements with respect to
nominations and the requirement for seconders as, prior to the inaugural meeting, new trustees would not
have been sworn in; therefore, they would not be permitted to nominate anyone.
Executive Officer Giroux pointed out that any changes to the Board’s By-laws and Standing
Rules, required as the result of any of the recommendations being approved, must be made by Notice of
Motion by a member of the Board.
Several trustees expressed the view that the last meeting was an anomaly and major revisions to
the process are not required. Other strategies could be used to reduce the time required to complete the
elections such as the elimination of speeches.
Moved by Trustee FitzGerald,
THAT the motion be deferred to the Chairs’ Committee meeting of October 24, 2007.
- Defeated -
Trustee Brockington noted that he would prefer to retain speeches for the position of Chair and
Vice-Chair.
Moved by Trustee Laws,
THAT the structure of the organizational/inaugural meeting be redesigned using the
invitation method for the nomination of board members to committees of the Board.
- Defeated -
6. Report No. 07-143, Election Activities Policy
Your Committee had before it staff report No. 07-143 seeking approval of new policy
P.122.SCO: Elections Activities.
Executive Superintendent Jeudy-Hugo noted that during the November 2006 municipal elections
administrative guidelines were sent to principals to assist in managing requests for access to schools and
school council meetings during election campaigns. Feedback received indicated that a policy statement
should be developed and during development, the focus of the policy was changed to address all levels of
elections. She noted a high level of congruence in all areas except §3.5 regarding the endorsement of
candidates or political parties.
Executive Superintendent Jeudy-Hugo advised that only five situations have arisen during the
current campaign involving candidate requests to visit schools. Of the five, two were considered routine
Chairs’ Committee 26 September 2007
7
and were permitted and three were turned down by the principals as they would have involved
electioneering activity.
In response to a query by Trustee Shea regarding endorsement of candidates by trustees,
Executive Superintendent Jeudy-Hugo explained that while acting as an individual, trustees are free to
endorse a candidate; however, the draft policy reflects the opinion that as a member of the Board of
Trustees it would be prudent for trustees to refrain from the endorsement of a party or candidate.
Moved by Trustee Shea
THAT Policy P.122.SCO: Election Activities, Annex I of staff report No. 07-143, be
approved with the deletion of “and trustees” in §3.5.
Moved in amendment by Trustee Scott,
THAT “and trustees” be inserted in §3.5.
- Defeated -
Trustees speaking in support of the amendment expressed the view that trustees are
always members of the Board and should not endorse candidates individually or otherwise. It
was noted that the Board must work with whichever party is elected and should avoid endorsing
or supporting candidates or parties as doing so could jeopardize future working relationships with
the government.
Trustees speaking against the amendment expressed the view that trustees have a
responsibility to speak out for public education and should have the right to express support for
candidates who, or parties which, support public education or to oppose those who, they feel, will
negatively impact the education system.
Moved in amendment by Trustee Scott,
THAT “during a time of non-election campaigning” in the 4th line of §3.2 be replaced
with “outside the election campaign period”.
- Carried, friendly -
Moved in amendment by Trustee Moen,
THAT “school board” be added before “municipal” in §2.2 and § 3.2.
- Carried, friendly -
Moved in amendment by Trustee Moen,
THAT “to hold” be replaced with “and currently holds” the redundant “office” be
deleted in §2.2:
- Carried, friendly -
Moved in amendment by Trustee Scott,
THAT “The use of” at the beginning of §3.3c) be deleted.
- Carried, friendly -
Chairs’ Committee 26 September 2007
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Trustee Brockington expressed concern with §2.2 with respect to school access by incumbent
members of parliament and recommended that those visits should be by invitation only.
Executive Superintendent Jeudy-Hugo noted that legislation permits incumbent members to visit
schools for a variety of reasons. She agreed to review the language contained in the legislation.
Moved in amendment by Trustee FitzGerald,
THAT “school councils” in §3.5 be deleted.
- Defeated -
Trustees speaking in support of the amendment expressed the view that the Board should not be
drafting rules governing school councils.
Trustees speaking against the amendment expressed the view that school councils appreciate
having guidelines for reference in order to preclude debate on a subject.
Ellen Dickson advised that the subject was discussed by Ottawa-Carleton Assembly of School
Councils (OCASC) and it was agreed that school councils should provide and distribute information but
not endorse candidates or parties.
Note: Subsequent to the meeting staff consulted with legal counsel who advised that the wording of
§3.5 could be problematic. Staff will address the issue at the Board meeting during the receipt of
this report. The attached draft policy (appendix B) reflects direction given to staff at the Chairs’
Committee meeting in terms of changes to the draft policy.
Moved in amendment by Trustee Moen,
THAT “school board” be added before “municipal” in §2.2 and § 3.2.
- Carried, friendly -
In response to a query by Trustee Moen regarding access to schools, staff agreed to review the
wording of applicable legislation and revise §3.2 if necessary.
Moved in amendment by Trustee Scott,
THAT “The use of” at the beginning of §3.3c) be deleted.
- Carried, friendly -
In response to a query regarding reduced user fees for community associations when organizing
all candidates meetings, Executive Superintendent Jeudy-Hugo advised that staff will be undertaking a
review of user fees in the fall.
Moved by Trustee Shea,
THAT Policy P.122.SCO: Election Activities, Annex I of staff report No. 07-143, be
approved with the deletion of “and trustees” in §3.5 and incorporation of the
revisions approved during debate (attached as Appendix B).
- Carried -
Chairs’ Committee 26 September 2007
9
7. Recorded Votes at Board Meetings
Notice having been given, Trustee Brockington moved as follows:
WHEREAS, the recording of votes at Board meetings is only done when requested by a Trustee
or Student Trustee per §5.4, Annex 5, of the By-laws and Standing Rules, viz.:
5.4 Votes will be recorded only at the request of a member made before voting commences.
During a recorded vote, members shall keep their hands raised until their names have been
read by the Secretary, who shall record them as being in support of or against the motion, or
abstaining.
WHEREAS, there have been multiple requests from various members of the public to record all
votes at Board meetings;
WHEREAS, the recording of Trustees’ votes fosters an open and transparent method of decision
making;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
THAT §5.4, Annex 5 of the By-laws and Standing Rules be revised to read:
5.4 Votes on all substantive main motions at Board meetings shall be recorded. Votes on
amendments and sub-amendments as well as procedural and regulatory motions will be
recorded only at the request of a member made before voting commences. During a recorded
vote, members shall keep their hands raised until their names have been read by the Secretary
or designate, who shall record them as being in support of or against the motion, or
abstaining.
Trustee Moen expressed some concern with ambiguous wording related to “substantive main
motions”.
Chair Campbell noted that a wording revision may be brought to Board to clarify the intent of the
motion with respect to substantive motions.
Moved by Trustee Brockington,
THAT §5.4, Annex 5 of the By-laws and Standing Rules be revised to read:
5.4 Votes on all substantive main motions at Board meetings shall be recorded.
Votes on amendments and sub-amendments as well as procedural and
regulatory motions will be recorded only at the request of a member made
before voting commences. During a recorded vote, members shall keep their
hands raised until their names have been read by the Secretary or designate,
who shall record them as being in support of or against the motion, or
abstaining.
- Carried -
Chairs’ Committee 26 September 2007
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8. Special Assistance Team Recommendations
Notice having been given, Trustee Curry moved as follows:
WHEREAS the Board of Trustees for the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board requested from
the Ministry of Education the help of a Special Assistance Team,
WHEREAS a Special Assistance Team spent several months reviewing our Board’s finances and
operations and wrote a report containing 27 recommendations,
WHEREAS 22 of the recommendations were recommendations specifically for the Ottawa
Carleton District School Board,
WHEREAS the taxpayers of Ontario paid for the team to review our Board, write a report and
make recommendations,
WHEREAS the OCDSB is accountable to its public,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED,
A. THAT the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board develop a report to publicly and visibly
address each of the 22 recommendations in the Special Assistance Team’s report so that
the public is aware of the Board’s response to each of the recommendations and any
plans for implementation that have been undertaken or are being contemplated; and
B. THAT staff determine how best to track the progress or status of each recommendation
throughout the 2007/08 school year and subsequent years where necessary.
Trustee Moen asked if the intent of the motion is to have a one-time report or ongoing updates.
* * * * *
A motion to continue the meeting past 10:30 p.m. did not receive a two-thirds majority vote.
* * * * *
9. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m.
The following action item will be added to the Chairs’ Committee meeting agenda of October
24 2007 as unfinished business:
a. Special Assistance Team Recommendations, Trustee Curry
Rob Campbell
Chair
Chairs’ Committee 26 September 2007
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Chairs' Committee
Chairs’ Committee 26 September 2007
12
____________________________________________________________________________________
-1- P.107.FAC
POLICY P.107.FAC
TITLE: NAMING OF SCHOOLS AND EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT FACILITIES AND
OPENING CEREMONIES
Date issued: 21 November 2001
Last Revised: 14 November 2005
Authorization: Board: 10 September 2001
1.0 OBJECTIVE
1.1 To provide a framework for naming schools and educational support facilities.
1.2 To recognize and celebrate the official opening of new schools, major additions, or other
educational support facilities, including adjacent day care centres and municipal facilities.
2.0 POLICY
2.1 It is the policy of the Board that the following shall be used as guidelines in the selection
of the names for new schools or educational support facilities or renaming a school or
educational support facility:
(a) in honour of a famous Canadian event, achievement, or individual; or
(b) in recognition of an individual for outstanding lifetime contribution to the
educational community which may include a financial contribution, or
(c) in recognition of a local historical contribution by a resident or family, or
(d) the street, road, major thoroughfare or geographical feature on which, or near to
where, the school is located, or
(e) the village, town, subdivision or community in which the school is located.
2.2 A major component of the school such as a library, gymnasium or day care unit may be
named to recognize a particular or outstanding lifetime contribution, including a financial
contribution, of a member of the community, or a financial contribution from a
corporation.
2.3 All future schools offering programs from kindergarten to grade 8, or any other
elementary grade configuration, shall have the designation “Public School” as part of the
official name.
2.4 The official opening of a new school, major addition to an existing school or other
educational support facility is a central Board function for which the Chair and members
of the Board of Trustees are official hosts. An official opening ceremony shall involve,
as fully as possible, parents, school council chair, students, staff, municipal/provincial/
federal officers, and the general public in a single ceremony.
3.0 SPECIFIC DIRECTIVES
3.1 Care should be taken to avoid similarities with the names of existing schools within the
district.
3.2 The Board's logo and name shall be incorporated into the overall design of new school
signage and, subject to the availability of funds, existing schools and educational support
facilities.
3.3 The official school opening should be structured with minimum formality and feature
participation by students, staff, community representatives, the Chair of the Board and
the local trustee.
3.4 If the school has been named after a famous Canadian or in recognition of a significant
educational or local historical contribution by a resident or family, the Official Opening
Committee shall endeavour to recognize the individual(s) and/or contributions within the
official ceremony.
3.5 The Director of Education is authorized to issue any necessary procedures to implement
this policy.
4.0 REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
The Education Act, 2000, Section 195
Board Procedure PR.630.FAC: Naming of Schools and Educational Support Facilities
Board Procedure PR.599.COM: Official Opening Ceremonies – New Schools
____________________________________________________________________________________
-2- P.107.FAC
- - PR.122.SCO
Appendix B
POLICY P.122.SCO
TITLE: ELECTION ACTIVITIES
Date issued: October
Last revised:
Authorization: Board:
1.0 OBJECTIVE
To provide a framework to manage political activity tied to municipal, provincial and federal
elections or by-elections.
2:0 DEFINITIONS
2.1 For the purpose of this policy, the term election is defined as any municipal, provincial or
federal election or by-election.
2.2 The term incumbent refers to any person who has been elected or appointed to hold and
currently holds any school board, municipal, provincial or federal office.
2.3 The term candidate refers to any person registered to run in an election as defined above.
3.0 POLICY
3.1 The Board believes that election processes can provide a rich opportunity for students to
learn about the democratic process. Schools shall use these opportunities for enhancing
curriculum delivery wherever appropriate.
(a) Community service hours for secondary diploma requirements may be
accumulated for work on a political campaign if the work occurs outside of
regular school hours.
3.2 Incumbent school board and provincial assembly members may visit schools in their
own zone or constituency at any time in the course of their regular constituency duties.
These types of duties include ceremonial duties (i.e. school openings, award ceremonies)
and those activities that an incumbent would be invited to attend outside the election
campaign for a particular purpose. during a time of non-election campaigning. Any
campaign candidate who requests access to visit a school will be governed by the
following parameters:
(a) Once an election is called, any candidate, including an incumbent, who requests
access to the school during the instructional day, must clearly state the purpose
of the visit to the principal.
- 1 -
(b) Where that purpose is determined by the principal to be campaigning,
access shall be denied.
3.3 The principal shall authorize access to schools by election candidates only if the access
supplements learning objectives. In this case, fair and equitable access to Board facilities
shall be granted to all under the following conditions:
(a) No political, partisan activities by individual candidates that are part of a election
campaign will take place;
(b) Activities that are approved by the principal should respect equal access for all
candidates and should provide learning opportunities, such as all candidates’
debates;
(c) The use of Board materials, equipment and property shall not be used for
political purposes;
(d) The use of students or board delivery services to distribute materials that openly
lobby for a political party or candidate is not permitted;
(e) Access to Board facilities beyond the times that would be ordinarily managed by
the school shall be subject to the Community Use of School Facilities Policy.
3.4 School Councils, in consultation with their school communities, shall determine the need
and nature of the meetings that they sponsor with political candidates. Where school
councils choose to provide access for candidates, fair and equitable access shall be
provided to all candidates.
3.5 Principals, staff, school councils and trustees shall not endorse a candidate or political
party while undertaking their representative duties as an agent or employee of the Board.
Delete entire section.
3.5 Personal information regarding students, parents and employees will not be provided to
any candidates, their staff or volunteers. Any information that is in the public domain
should be provided by means of the regular requests for information.
4.0 REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
Board Policy P.014.SCO: School Councils
Board Policy P.046.SCO: School Communications: Distribution of Materials Via Students
Board Policy P.012.CON Community Use of School Facilities
Board Procedure PR.507.CON Community Use of School Facilities
- - PR.122.SCO - 2 -