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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03a Notice of Motion Trustee MacDonald re Name Change for the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board0 �s OTTAWA-CAUETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD EXCERPT FROM THE MINUTES OF THE:- 28 September 2005 Chairs' Committee meeting 9. Name Change for the Ottawa - Carleton District School Board Trustee MacDonald moved the following motion, referred from the 12 September 2005 Board meeting: WHEREAS Ontario School District #25, known as the Ottawa - Carleton District School Board, is in its eighth year; WHEREAS the amalgamated City of Ottawa in its sixth year; WHEREAS the school district and the City of Ottawa are co- terminus; WHEREAS the name Ottawa - Carleton District School Board was adopted on the recommendation of its predecessor boards at the time of amalgamation, in part to recognize and continue the names of the predecessor boards; WHEREAS the mission, objectives and goals of the board apply equally across a unified school district; WHEREAS each year more and more students have known only a unified city and a unified school district, and more staff have worked only for the unified school district; WHEREAS all aspects of amalgamation have essentially been achieved; WHEREAS the board serves most of the students in Ottawa and provides progressive and responsive education for its students; WHEREAS the school board works to distinguish itself as the primary provider of public education in the City of Ottawa, which would be assisted by a distinctive name; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, THAT Ontario School District #25 henceforth be known as the Ottawa District School Board. Speaking to the motion, Trustee Sheryl MacDonald expressed the view that changing the name of the Board would reflect the reality of the City of Ottawa being comprised of a number of former municipalities. She noted that costs would be controlled, as items such as signage replacement are performed on a regular ongoing basis. Consumable items such as letterhead and forms would be replaced as required. d . 6 ML OTTAWA- CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD EXCERPT FROM THE MINUTES OF THE:_ 28 September 2005 Chairs' Committee meeting Director Rachlis noted that the transition and associated costs would be invested over several years, although some items such as the Board's Website, advertising and the Administration Building signage would be changed quickly. Chair Graham advised that while she would permit amendments to the motion, substantive amendments such as a complete name change would be ruled out of order and would require that a trustee provide proper notice to the Committee. Trustee Lange expressed the view that it is logical to have only Ottawa in the name as it would be consistent with changes to the City of Ottawa's structure and would prevent confusion with the Ottawa Carleton Catholic School Board. Trustee Laws expressed the view that, while there would be no "right time" it would be worthwhile to consult with constituents to explore options and the implications of re- branding. Trustee Moen moved THAT the motion be referred to staff to develop a draft consultation plan to determine whether a) the Board's name should be changed and b) what name should be adopted. The motion to refer was defeated. Pam Fitzgerald noted that almost all members of the Ottawa - Carleton Assembly of School Councils (OCASC) executive were against a name change as it does not directly benefit students. Trustee Brockington noted that school councils in his ward, including those from the former Ottawa Board of Education, did not support the recommendation and questioned the reasoning behind making a name change a priority. In response to queries regarding up front costs and total transition time, Director Rachlis advised that he would expect the change to be phased -in over three years but a detailed estimate of costs was not available at this time. Student Trustee Advisor David Steele expressed the view that a name change would be a progressive step as it would be consistent with the names of City of Ottawa services such as the Ottawa Public Library but noted that a three -year transition could be confusing. Trustee Getty advised that he does not support the recommendation as there is no direct benefit to students and many people want to retain a reference to the former county of Carleton. Lisa Falls advised that the Executive of the Ottawa- Carleton Elementary Teachers' Federation (OCETF) does not support a change of name. *revised 6 3 OTMWA-CAUETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD EXCERPT FROM THE MINUTES OF THE:_ 28 September 2005 Chairs' Committee meeting Trustee Scott agreed with Trustee Getty that many people, including former Carleton Board of Education staff, want to "recognize and continue the names of the predecessor boards" as noted in the motion. She expressed support for the inclusion of "Public" in the Board's name. Trustee Spice expressed support for the recommendation, noting that a shorter name would be good for marketing purposes and clearly communicates the geographic area that the Board serves. Trustee Lange moved in amendment THAT "District" be replaced with "Public." The amendment was carried. Trustee Lange expressed support for a streamlined consultation process with a time limit and moved in amendment THAT the proposed name be subject to consultation with the Board's stakeholder groups prior to Board approval. In response to a query by Trustee Moen regarding the amendment, Director Rachlis advised that staff would develop a consultation plan. Trustee Graham advised that she had previously confirmed that the amendment would be voted on in two parts. Some trustees requested clarification of the wording of the two parts and to what part(s) the amendment would apply. A brief recess was called to clarify the wording of the two parts of the motion and Trustee Lange's amendment. Trustee Spice supported presenting the name change and providing the rationale to stakeholders. Some trustees expressed the view that limited consultation would contradict the spirit of the Board's consultation policy and that more choices should be presented to stakeholders for consideration. Other trustees noted that they could support consultation on a significant change but not if the only change was from district to public. A motion to continue the meeting past 10:30 p.m. did not receive a two - thirds majority vote. The meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m. Discussion on this item will continue at October Chairs' Committee and other items that were not dealt with will also be included on the October agenda. (W *revised OTTAWA CAUETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD EXCERPT FROM THE MINUTES OF THE:_ 28 September 2005 Chairs' Committee meeting The motion on the floor at the time of adjournment with Trustee Lange's pending amendment is: THAT Ontario School District #25 henceforth be known as the Ottawa Public School Board and that the proposed name be subject to consultation with the Board stakeholder groups prior to Board approval. Lynn Graham Chair Chairs' Committee BAF/ * revised P]