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HomeMy WebLinkAbout16 COW Public 12 December 2011 Minutes Report 2 REPORT NO. 2, SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (PUBLIC) Centretown / Glebe / Old Ottawa South Area Accommodation Review DATE: 12 December 2011 A special meeting of the Committee of the Whole (Public) was held this evening in the Board Room, 133 Greenbank Road, Ottawa, Ontario, commencing at 7:42 p.m. with Trustee Bronwyn Funiciello in the chair and the following trustees also in attendance: Donna Blackburn, Rob Campbell, Cathy Curry, Pam FitzGerald, Mark Fisher, Katie Holtzhauer, Theresa Kavanagh, Jennifer McKenzie, Lynn Scott and Shirley Seward. STAFF: Director of Education and Secretary of the Board, Jennifer Adams; Associate Director, Walter Piovesan; Superintendent of Facilities, Michael Carson; Superintendent of Instruction, Susan MacDonald; Executive Officer, Corporate Services, Michèle Giroux; Manager of Planning, Karyn Carty Ostafichuk; Manager of Board Services, Monica Ceschia; Planners, Marc Labelle and David Suriano; Communications Coordinator, Sharlene Hunter; Audio Visual Specialist, John MacKinnon; Senior Board Coordinator, Maureen Strittmatter; and Board/Committee Coordinator, Natasha Knight. 1. Call to Order Chair Funiciello called the meeting to order at 7:42 p.m. and welcomed everyone to the meeting. 2. Approval of Agenda Moved by Trustee Fisher, THAT the agenda be approved. - Carried - 3. Public Question Period a. Lisa Furrie Lisa Furrie queried if trustees would consider re-directing orphaned fragment of the Glebe Annex area to Glebe schools. In response to the query from Ms. Furrie, Trustee Funiciello indicated that she was confident trustees would answer this during debate. b. Zoe Oxaal Zoe Oxaal queried why trustees would choose a more costly scenario, when a less expensive solution is available. In response to the query from Ms. Oxaal, Trustee Funiciello indicated that she was confident trustees would answer this during debate. - 1 - Special Committee of the Whole (Public) 12 December 2011 Centretown / Glebe / Old Ottawa South c. Mike Todd Mike Todd queried if staff would have changed their recommendation for the 2013 implementation date at Glashan Public School based on the results from First Avenue Public School parent survey. Superintendent Carson indicated that staff was aware of school and parent surveys that were conducted in the area and the results. He added that there were a number of sources that were taken into consideration when staff completed their recommendation of the 2013 implementation date for student re-direction to Hopewell Avenue Public School. Staff is confident that the delay will allow students, teachers and parents sufficient transition time. d. David Barr David Barr queried if trustees had questions regarding the MFI forecast he provided at the 30 November 2011 meeting. Trustee Funiciello indicated that trustees had no questions. 4. Debate on Report 11-197, Centretown/Glebe/Old Ottawa South Accommodation Study Your Committee had before it a substitute motion submitted by Trustee Campbell in regard to the Centretown, Glebe and Old Ottawa South Accommodation Study. Moved by Trustee Campbell, A. THAT Board approve the continued redirection of the JK program at First Avenue Public School to Mutchmor Public School effective for September 2012; B. THAT Board authorize staff to seek approval of an 11 classroom addition at Mutchmor Public School opening for September 2013; C. THAT Board approve the revised intermediate program attendance boundaries, effective September 2012, for Glashan Public School and Hopewell Avenue Public School as detailed within Attachment 1; D. THAT 2011-2012 grade 7 students attending either Glashan Public School or Hopewell Avenue Public School be permitted to complete their elementary education at their current school; E. THAT Board approve the revised attendance boundaries and program offerings, effective September 2013, for First Avenue Public School and Mutchmor Public School as detailed within Attachment 1; F. THAT Board approve a new MFI program at Mutchmor Public School commencing with grade 4 in September 2012 (moving to First Avenue Public School in 2013 in accordance with recommendation E above) advancing one grade/year and feeding into Glashan Public School for grades 7 and 8, and revised MFI program attendance boundaries as detailed within Attachment 1; - 2 - Special Committee of the Whole (Public) 12 December 2011 Centretown / Glebe / Old Ottawa South G. THAT Board approve an option area as detailed below and reflected in Attachment attend Centretown & Glebe area schools effective September 2012; Currently Designated School Option to attend Cambridge P.S. JK-6 ENG Mutchmor P.S or Cambridge P.S. JK-6 ENG Devonshire P.S. JK-6 EFI First Avenue P.S. or Devonshire P.S. JK-6 EFI Fisher Park P.S. 7-8 EFI Glashan P.S. or Fisher Park P.S. 7-8 EFI H. THAT Subject to the approval of recommendations F & G above, the Board Centennial Public School MFI students the option to attend Mutchmor Public School for MFI effective September 2012; and I. THAT staff bring forward a proposal before June 2012 which will allow for comprehensive central dialogue and appropriate consultation with respect to regular English accommodation options and program supports and guidance to schools. In introducing the motion Trustee Campbell stated that this motion is a compromise of both staff and the Accommodation Working Group (AWC) recommendation. Trustee Campbell highlighted the following: WHEREAS both the Board-mandated community working group and OCDSB staff have recommended the switch of First Avenue Public School and Mutchmor Public School, including an 11- classroom addition to Mutchmor Public School and with the direction of all Glebe and Elgin Street Public School Intermediates to Glashan Public School; WHEREAS the community working group, individual school communities and the Board, through its delegation evening, have appropriately and adequately consulted the communities involved; WHEREAS it is clear that MFI demand in the Glebe is sufficient to open a new MFI program there and without important impact on other area MFI program locations; WHEREAS it is clear that a strong majority of Glebe families wish to go to Glashan Public School for Intermediate programming, all programs, not to split this community cohort, to start this uniform redirection at the earliest reasonable opportunity, and given that Glashan Public School would benefit from an undelayed increase in numbers; WHEREAS the Hopewell Avenue Public School community clearly wanted to keep all programs all grades at the school, become more of a community-focused school and shed Intermediates, and given that the number of Intermediates remaining at the school, especially within the context of its remaining one of the very largest elementary schools in the District, should continue to ensure high quality Intermediates programming there; WHEREAS this major accommodation review effort is not something we want to have again anytime soon within Capital Ward and now is the time to provide for any large or small improvements to student direction in the area; - 3 - Special Committee of the Whole (Public) 12 December 2011 Centretown / Glebe / Old Ottawa South WHEREAS the stranded mini-community, known locally as the Glebe Annex and referred to by staff as Dow's Lake North, is Glebe-oriented and both its immediately adjacent neighbours and indeed itself in part as an area are all already Glebe / Glashan Public School-directed, and further very few students are involved; and WHEREAS there remain important continuing concerns within the whole of the study area, clearly expressed also by the working group in its explicit recommendation for central responsibility in this regard, that the Board has not sufficiently grappled with the decline to date of the regular English elementary program, and needs to provide better guidance to both accommodation processes with respect to this program and with respect to ongoing central support and guidance to schools for the program. Trustee Campbell noted that the intent of Part I of the motion is to strengthen the English language programming across the District. He added that the AWC had submitted a number of methods on how that could be accomplished in their original recommendation. The Glebe community has established a sub-committee to help address this concern. Trustee Campbell added that, in his opinion, the Board should provide better guidance and dialogue to schools for the English program. Executive Officer Giroux indicated that Part I of the motion, is not directly related to the accommodation and seeks to create another study. Trustee Campbell noted that during the 2009 Ottawa-East Accomodation Review, the Board accepted a motion that included some District-wide recommendations not specific to that area and the same consideration should be permitted. Trustee McKenzie indicated that the recommendations brought forward at the 2009 Ottawa- East Accommodation review were specific to area schools and not Board wide. She added that, in her opinion, Part I of the motion could be debated separately. Trustee Campbell stated that not all recommendations from the 2009 Ottawa-East Accommodation review were area specific. In response to a query from Trustee Scott, Trustee Campbell indicated that although Part I of the motion is not the recommendation from the AWC, it seeks to address concerns that were expressed from the AWC in regards to the English language programming. Trustee Campbell highlighted the following recommendations from the AWC: Enhance communications and marketing of the English program; Review the transfer policy in terms of strengthening programs; Review /improve Core French program to increase French language outcomes; Review Board policy with respect to: Flexible entry points into Immersion programs; Embrace the notion of integrated classrooms when the language of teaching is the same; and Set specific, measurable goals on program viability and actions to take when goals are not met. Trustee Curry expressed the view that, Part I of the motion should be dealt with separately and a more lengthy discussion should occur. - 4 - Special Committee of the Whole (Public) 12 December 2011 Centretown / Glebe / Old Ottawa South Staff responded to a number of trustee queries and the following points were noted: Offering an additional MFI program in the Glebe was thoroughly discussed by staff and the impact that it would have on other programs in the area; Staff reported that there had been considerable debate regarding the 2012 implementation of intermediate students re-directed to Glashan Public School and although, there were advantages and disadvantages, it was concluded that a delay until 2013 would give both staff and students preparation time, cohorts would transfer concurrently and it would be less disruptive; The Glebe Annex or Dows Lake area (as referred to in the motion) was not discussed by staff during this accommodation review, as it was not part of the study area; Devonshire Public School students are eligible for transportation from the Glebe Annex area; The existing transportation agreements for students in the Glebe Annex area would remain in place if they were granted an optional area; Currently, from the Glebe Annex area, there are eight students at Cambridge Street Community Public School, three at Glashan Public School, two at Devonshire Public School, one at First Avenue Public School, one at Centennial Public School and one at Lady Evelyn Alternative School; In staffs opinion, most of the stream of MFI students may come from the English program; Schools are typically staffed based on enrolment numbers; MFI and English programs are staffed differently; Grade level is also taken into account for staffing purposes; and Split classes are a reality across the Board. Trustee Curry noted that, in her opinion, it will take the MFI program a few years to be successful; however, she feels that it would be beneficial for the Glebe area. She added that if the motion is carried, the Board could monitor the programess. Trustee Curry expressed concern in regarding Part G of the motion as all schools should be consulted. Speaking in support of Part F of the motion, Trustee McKenzie stated that the addition of an MFI program in the Glebe may see low enrolment in the beginning; however, she is confident with community support that the program will grow. Trustee McKenzie expressed concern regarding Part G of the motion and the implications on Cambridge Street Community Public School. Speaking in support of Part F of the motion, Trustee Kavanagh indicated that there is a community demand for an additional MFI program in the Glebe area and expressed the view that it is important to provide this option. She expressed concern regarding the implications of Part G of the motion on Cambridge Street Community Public School. She added that Part I of the motion requires a more lengthy discussion. Speaking in support of Part C of the motion, Trustee Scott expressed the opinion that, it is important to keep cohorts together. Trustee Scott expressed concern regarding Part F of the motion and the future implications on the English program in the area, enrolment numbers for an additional MFI program and staffing. Speaking in support of Parts A-H of the motion, Trustee Seward commended Trustee regarding Part I of the motion and suggested that a more lengthy study be conducted in this regard. - 5 - Special Committee of the Whole (Public) 12 December 2011 Centretown / Glebe / Old Ottawa South Moved by Trustee Seward, THAT the following motion be referred to the Education Committee, to be included in the agenda at the earliest possible date: THAT staff bring forward a proposal before June 2012 which will allow for comprehensive central dialogue and appropriate consultation with respect to regular English accommodation options and program supports and guidance to schools. - Carried Trustee Fisher expressed concern regarding the sustainability of balancing enrolment numbers should Part G of the motion be passed and suggested consultation with the community in this regard. Trustee Fisher inquired about whether the outcome of this motion would address the existing accommodation pressures in the Glebe area and questioned if provincial funding was denied, if staff had an alternate plan. In response to the query from Trustee Fisher, Superintendent expressed concern regarding Part G of the motion. In addition, Superintendent Carson expressed concern regarding offering an additional MFI program in the Glebe and possible implications on the English program. He added that the use of capital reserves would be an option that staff would need to consider if provincial funding was denied. Trustee McKenzie expressed concern regarding Part G of the motion and the implications on the possible transfer of the eight students that are currently enrolled at Cambridge Street Community Public School. She added that if this motion were to pass, students could be directed to First Avenue Public School and transportation may not be provided. She suggested a boundary review of the Glebe Annex area be conducted. Trustee Scott requested separate votes for Parts F and G. In wrap-up, Trustee Campbell noted that the Glebe Annex area community is oriented to Glebe schools. The option of attending Glebe area schools, would provide for a more diverse student body. He added that the community has expressed their need for an additional MFI program in this area. Moved by Trustee Campbell, A. THAT Board approve the continued redirection of the JK program at First Avenue Public School to Mutchmor Public School effective for September 2012; B. THAT Board authorize staff to seek approval of an 11 classroom addition at Mutchmor Public School opening for September 2013; C. THAT Board approve the revised intermediate program attendance boundaries, effective September 2012, for Glashan Public School and Hopewell Avenue Public School as detailed within Attachment 1; D. THAT 2011-2012 grade 7 students attending either Glashan Public School or Hopewell Avenue Public School be permitted to complete their elementary education at their current school; and - 6 - Special Committee of the Whole (Public) 12 December 2011 Centretown / Glebe / Old Ottawa South E. THAT Board approve the revised attendance boundaries and program offerings, effective September 2013, for First Avenue Public School and Mutchmor Public School as detailed within Attachment 1. - Carried F. THAT Board approve a new MFI program at Mutchmor Public School commencing with grade 4 in September 2012 (moving to First Avenue Public School in 2013 in accordance with recommendation E above) advancing one grade/year and feeding into Glashan Public School for grades 7 and 8, and revised MFI program attendance boundaries as detailed within Attachment 1. - Carried G. THAT Board approve an option area as detailed below and reflected in Attachment tly designated students the option to attend Centretown & Glebe area schools effective September 2012; (i) Currently Designated School Option to attend Cambridge P.S. JK-6 ENG Mutchmor P.S or Cambridge P.S. JK-6 ENG - Defeated G. THAT Board approve an option area as detailed below and reflected in students the option to attend Centretown & Glebe area schools effective September 2012; (ii) Currently Designated School Option to attend Devonshire P.S. JK-6 EFI First Avenue P.S. or Devonshire P.S. JK-6 EFI. - Carried G. THAT Board approve an option area as detailed below and reflected in ently designated students the option to attend Centretown & Glebe area schools effective September 2012; (iii) Currently Designated School Option to attend Fisher Park P.S. 7-8 EFI Glashan P.S. or Fisher Park P.S. 7-8 EFI. - Carried H. THAT Subject to the approval of recommendations F & G above, the Board designated Centennial Public School MFI students the option to attend Mutchmor Public School for MFI effective September 2012. - 7 - Special Committee of the Whole (Public) 12 December 2011 Centretown / Glebe / Old Ottawa South - Carried In summary, the following motion was passed in its entirety, A. THAT Board approve the continued redirection of the JK program at First Avenue Public School to Mutchmor Public School effective for September 2012; B. THAT Board authorize staff to seek approval of an 11 classroom addition at Mutchmor Public School opening for September 2013; C. THAT Board approve the revised intermediate program attendance boundaries, effective September 2012, for Glashan Public School and Hopewell Avenue Public School as detailed within Attachment 1; D. THAT 2011-2012 grade 7 students attending either Glashan Public School or Hopewell Avenue Public School be permitted to complete their elementary education at their current school; E. THAT Board approve the revised attendance boundaries and program offerings, effective September 2013, for First Avenue Public School and Mutchmor Public School as detailed within Attachment 1; F. THAT Board approve a new MFI program at Mutchmor Public School commencing with grade 4 in September 2012 (moving to First Avenue Public School in 2013 in accordance with recommendation E above) advancing one grade/year and feeding into Glashan Public School for grades 7 and 8, and revised MFI program attendance boundaries as detailed within Attachment 1; G. THAT Board approve an option area as detailed below and reflected in students the option to attend Centretown & Glebe area schools effective September 2012; Currently Designated School Option to attend Devonshire P.S. JK-6 EFI First Avenue P.S. or Devonshire P.S. JK-6 EFI Fisher Park P.S. 7-8 EFI Glashan P.S. or Fisher Park P.S. 7-8 EFI H. THAT Subject to the approval of recommendations F & G above, the Board designated Centennial Public School MFI students the option to attend Mutchmor Public School for MFI effective September 2012. - Carried 5. New Business There was no new business. - 8 - Special Committee of the Whole (Public) 12 December 2011 Centretown / Glebe / Old Ottawa South 6. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:04 p.m. Jennifer Adams Bronwyn Funiciello, Chair, Director of Education and Committee of the Whole (Public) Secretary of the Board - 9 - Special Committee of the Whole (Public) 12 December 2011 Centretown / Glebe / Old Ottawa South