Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout07a3 Extraordinary Board 8 Aug 2002 Minutes PublicOTTAWA CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD /y MINUTES Extraordinary Meeting 8 August 2002 An extraordinary meeting of the Ottawa - Carleton District School Board was held this evening in the Board Room, 133 Greenbank Road, Nepean, Ontario, commencing at 7:00 p.m., with Trustee Jim Libbey in the chair and the following also in attendance: Trustees Brian Gifford, Lynn Graham, Margaret Lange (by phone), Myrna Laurenceson, Norm MacDonald, Sheryl MacDonald, David Moen, Pam Morse, Lynn Scott and Joan Spice. Student Representative: Mike Somberger Staff: Acting Director of Education, Ronald Lynch; Superintendents Michael Clarke, Judy Turriff and Bonnie Viney; Assistant Secretary of the Board, Joan Melancon; Manager of Communications, Maggie Melenhorst; A/V Technician, Robert Giekes, and Committee Coordinator, Gloria Scharfe. Also present were Legal Counsel, Paul Webber and Roger Mills. 330. Call to Order The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. On a motion by Trustee Laurenceson, seconded by Trustee Gifford, the Board resolved into Committee of the Whole (in camera). Trustee Graham assumed the Chair in the Committee and the Committee later rose and presented the following report (reference Board Minute 331 -02 and 336 -02 below): 331. Report No. 21, Committee of the Whole (in camera) Trustee Graham advised that there were no recommendations to report from the in camera meeting. 332. Chair's Report The Chair advised that he had had a discussion with the Minister of Education earlier in the day. Minister Witmer advised Trustee Libbey that she expected to make her decision on the recommendations of the Rosen Report during the week of 12 August and asked if the Board had anything to add. She asked if there was still a chance the Board could present a balanced budget and indicated there would be no additional provincial funding provided. The Chair advised the Minister of this evening's meeting and agreed to respond to her by the end of the week. 333. Approval of the Agenda On a motion by Trustee Norm MacDonald, seconded by Trustee Gifford, the agenda was approved as presented. 259 OTTAWA CAUETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD 334. Public Question Period MINUTES Extraordinary Meeting 8 August 2002 a) Christine Dizazzo, Professional Student Services Personnel OSSTF Ms. Dizazzo commented that her union understands that the Board is faced with choices which will have significant impacts on students. The PSSP wanted the Board to know that union members recognize that Trustees work hard and are committed to their students. The PSSP took extreme umbrage to Dr. Rosen's derogatory remarks regarding Trustees. On behalf of the PSSP, Ms. Dizazzo thanked all Trustees for their ongoing commitment. b) Nancy Myers, Special Education Advisory Committee Ms. Myers noted that there were several areas where the report acknowledges certain amounts which are outstanding; e.g., $14.4 million for special education and $10 million for salaries, as well as money for transportation. Ms. Myers asked for an explanation of why the Board has to borrow money to meet its obligations and the cost thereof. Superintendent Clarke explained that the Ministry grant is received at the middle of every month but many of the Board's obligations must be met at the beginning of the month. In September 2002, the Board faces three pay periods as well as other operating costs, and is obliged to borrow $29 million for two weeks at market rates. In a normal year, the cost of borrowing is approximately $1 million. When the Board is operating with a balanced budget there is no cash flow problem. However, until such time as responsibility for the Board's financial affairs is clarified, funding for September is in limbo. Superintendent Clarke added that the Board also receives funding from municipal taxes and these funds are received at the end of each quarter only, which necessitates further borrowing and additional interest costs. C) Mitchell Beer Mr. Beer asked who would be paying for the audit, and its cost. Superintendent Clarke responded that while there was nothing in writing, he was told the Ministry would be paying for the audit, but the Board could be responsible for travel costs for the investigation team. 335. Consideration of Investigator's Report On a motion by Trustee Moen, seconded by Trustee Spice, the Board resolved into Committee of the Whole (public) to consider the investigator's report. Trustee Moen commented on the inadequacies of the report, noting that nowhere does it deal with educational impacts on students. Instead it appears to rely on only two criteria; firstly, is there a contractual impediment and secondly, will it save money and balance the budget? Whether the cuts 260 ELM OTTAWA CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES Extraordinary Meeting 8 August 2002 suggested are pedagogically sound or will adversely affect this community has not been considered. Trustee Moen stated that local Boards are aware of these important considerations and vesting power in the Minister would be a mistake. Specifically, Trustee Moen pointed out some of the errors in the report. For example, the statement that the large number of elementary vice - principals is due to non - closure of schools is inaccurate, as closing schools would, in fact, increase the number of vice - principals. Another section of the report states that reducing the number of vice - principals is not recommended. Dr. Rosen's assumption that schools previously considered for closure can be legally closed without a further consultation process is also erroneous. Trustee Moen noted that there are numerous other errors of fact, contradictions and inconsistencies in the methodology. Trustee Libbey commented that in his opinion the investigation is not complete because only the Board's expenditures were reviewed and these not in sufficient detail. Several Trustees were surprised that the investigation of the financial position did not address issues around the funding formula, as the Board's financial condition is not dependent only on expenditures but also on revenues. Trustee Libbey did not suggest that Dr. Rosen should have reviewed the entire funding formula, but it was suggested to him that he comment on the $27 million salary gap. It was also suggested that auditors should be able to look at standards and norms for real property. Trustee Libbey stated that he did not agree with the report's allegation regarding Trustee inaction. Trustees did, in fact, cut $84 million out of the budget since the inception of the OCDSB and asked only for an additional $23.3 million to cover the projected deficit, a small amount in relation to the Board's total budget. Furthermore, good process for an audit requires that the auditor speak with the auditee before the report is released, but although requested, this courtesy was not extended to the Board. The report dwelt at length on improving efficiency, with the example being the staff - recommended cuts to transportation. Trustee Libbey pointed out that this would reduce the level of service and raise safety issues. He suggested that Dr. Rosen does not appear to have a good grasp of the concepts of efficiency and level of service. Moreover, this Board is not treated in the same manner as its co- terminous Board. For the past four years this Board has received $10 million less per year for transportation than the OCDSB, although all Boards are supposed to be treated equitably. Trustee Libbey considered it was vital that the Board respond to the Minister who will be considering the report on its own merits unless Trustees provide some balance. Allowing the Minister to make her decision based on this report alone would be a disservice to the community. Some Trustees agreed that if the Board does not comment, it could appear to denote agreement with the report. Trustee Laurenceson moved as follows: WHEREAS Dr. L.S. Rosen has submitted his investigation report regarding the Ottawa - Carleton District School Board to the Minister of Education; and 261 r� OTTAWA CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES Extraordinary Meeting 8 August 2002 WHEREAS the Trustees of the Ottawa - Carleton District School Board have had an opportunity to study that report; and WHEREAS the document contains questionable statements, ignores significant. input, fails to provide adequate rationale to support the findings, fails to discuss the impact of the recommended cuts on students and services, and is based on a very narrow interpretation of the mandate of the investigators; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, THAT the Chair, on behalf of the Ottawa - Carleton District School Board, immediately write a letter to the Minister of Education expressing its concern and detailing the failings of the report. Trustee Laurenceson stated that the investigation has been long awaited and everyone here worked diligently to ensure information was available to the investigating team. However, it must be concluded that if Trustees have erred in giving too much weight to students, Dr. Rosen has erred in the opposite direction. It was irresponsible to recommend cuts without considering their impact on students. As an example, there are 3700 students who require special services. The impact on them, and on all students if congregated classes are abandoned, has not been considered. Dr. Rosen also stated that the Board does not provide rationale for its decisions; neither does he. It appears that many documents which were sent to him have not been considered. The report appears to have been written in a very narrow concept, in that it looked at expenditures without addressing the inadequate funding, despite the fact that all candidates for the recent Progressive Conservative leadership agreed there is a fundamental problem with the formula and that this must be addressed. Trustee Gifford noted that the Minister drafted the Terms of Reference and hired Dr. Rosen and his team. No input was sought from this Board whose only requirement now is to advise the Minister whether or not the Board agrees with the conclusions, and whether there are omissions and significant errors. Dr. Rosen questioned the credentials of some Trustees. In turn, Trustee Gifford questioned Dr. Rosen's credentials, as he has no background or experience in the field of education. Trustee Spice commented that those Boards which submitted balanced budgets, either did so reluctantly or included revenues they may not receive. Some of Dr. Rosen's comments about Trustees were insulting, but it is not true that the Board does not believe in equity of funding. Dr. Rosen's statement that this Board failed to pass a motion regarding user fees for transportation is incorrect. The Board did pass such a motion, but the Minister refused to allow such action. Trustee Spice submitted that, Dr. Rosen does not understand the difference between efficiency and service level, pointing out that, contrary to Dr. Rosen's findings, transportation costs will rise if schools are closed. Also, the report focuses on special education but also states that the Province must undertake a study which would lead to standards for special education. A letter which focuses on this type of inconsistency in the report would be useful. 262 0 ML OTTAWA CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD /Y1 MINUTES Extraordinary Meeting 8 August 2002 Trustee Spice noted that this Board has consistently referred to a $27 million salary gap between it and other Boards, but Dr. Rosen's number is considerably lower. Superintendent Clarke responded that the report's number may relate only to teachers under the foundation grant, which would exclude many teachers. He confirmed that $27 million is correct and advised that Hay Associates has been asked to validate this and did so. Trustee Moen noted that the Education Act insists that the needs of exceptional students be met but the recommendations in this report are not conducive to meeting those requirements, and the Minister should be so advised. Trustee Scott asked if there was ever any question as to the source of the Board's funding, and at what point in the current year this Board had a good understanding of the funding which would be available for next year. Superintendent Clarke responded that it was common knowledge that 98% of the funding is from the Province of Ontario, and the GLGs were announced in March/April of 2002. Trustee Scott then commented that the Board had asked the Ministry for someone to come to Ottawa to address the possibility of providing a balanced budget given the amount of funding provided. (6w Trustee Morse suggested that the Board was taking the wrong approach to this issue. Inasmuch as the Minister asked the Chair if the Board could possibly balance its budget without more money, it appears the Board is being given a final opportunity to govern itself. Therefore, in her opinion, the Board should be reviewing the recommendations to determine if there are further savings which can be achieved. This would provide an opportunity to continue the dialogue, working with the Minister to ensure Ottawa schools open in September. Trustee Morse commented that in spite of the many hours spent at the Board table, Trustees have failed to make the decisions needed to rationalize programs within the Board. Responding to earlier comments, Trustee Morse noted that funding formula issues are common to all Boards in Ontario. The Minister is aware of this and has appointed a Task Force to review and report. Meantime most Boards have presented a balanced budget and this Board must deal with reality and provide the best possible education for students within the available resources. Trustee Norm MacDonald commented that the motion will produce no useful result. The Board has no power in this situation and rather than spending time on a critique of the report, Trustees would be better advised to consider what to tell teachers, staff and students. He asked how the required financing for September's operating costs would be achieved. Staff advised that the Board requires interim financing for the first two weeks of September. The Board authorizes the loan if it has a balanced budget; if not, the loan must be guaranteed from an outside source. The Ministry has been advised of this requirement and staff are awaiting a response. Trustee Norm MacDonald then questioned staff s plans regarding school start-up in light of the teacher shortage and the fact that only 16 working days remain before September 3. Staff advised that as soon as they receive direction, either from the Board or the Minister, the tasks required to staff the schools will be completed. There may be some discussion required with the unions but staff does not foresee any major stumbling blocks in this regard. It was noted that the time required to complete staffing will 263 OTTAWA CAUETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES Extraordinary Meeting 8 August 2002 depend on what direction is given. If the current staffing model is maintained, few changes will be required; if not, additional work will be necessary. Staff reiterated that everything possible will be done to ensure there is a teacher in every classroom by September 3. Student Representative Sornberger commented that if the report contains significant errors, it would be unfair not to comment. It is the belief of many students that quality education requires quality funding and that this Board strives to provide quality education. Not responding to the Minister, even if she does not react favourably, would be a disservice to students. In wrap -up, Trustee Laurenceson stated that the Board can balance its budget only if it ignores the needs of its students. The Minister asked for comments and the Chair agreed to provide input. Therefore, the Board should provide comments on contentious items. The motion was carried. Trustee Scott moved THAT the Committee rise and report to Board. The motion was carried. The Board meeting resumed at 9:50 p.m. with Trustee Libbey in the Chair. 336. Report of the Committee of the Whole (public) Trustee Graham presented the report and seconded the recommendation therein, viz: a) Letter to the Minister of Education (Motion by Trustee Laurenceson) THAT the Chair, on behalf of the Ottawa - Carleton District School Board, immediately write a letter to the Minister of Education, expressing its concern and detailing the failings of the Investigator's Report. Trustee Morse expressed her disappointment that the wording of the motion has a negative connotation. She suggested that since the Minister has clearly indicated she wants to work with the Board, it might have been preferable to review the recommendations, commenting on each and pointing out where the Board has real concerns. She felt strongly that it would be more valuable to concentrate on seeking a balanced budget and reporting this back to the Minister. She requested a recorded vote on the motion. Trustee Scott agreed with Trustee Morse's comments but others felt that had the Minister really wanted cooperation, her approach would have been different. The motion was carried on the following recorded vote: FOR: Trustees Gifford, Graham, Lange, Laurenceson, Libbey, 264 • ML OTTAWA CAnETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES Extraordinary Meeting 8 August 2002 Sheryl MacDonald, Moen and Spice 8 AGAINST: Trustees Norm MacDonald, Morse and Scott 3 ABSTENTIONS: None 0 On a motion by Trustee Moen, seconded by Trustee Gifford, the Board resolved into Committee of the Whole (public) to discuss the content of the letter to the Minister. 337. Content of the Letter to the Minister The Chair asked for suggestions for inclusion in the letter to the Minister. Trustees raised a number of items including: any errors which affect the recommendations; for example, if a school closure recommendation is supported by inaccurate cost savings; double counting of savings and anything that will help the Minister to avoid mistakes by assuming savings which will not occur; the non - review of revenue; salary gap; transportation (including walking distances and the funding disparity between Ottawa's two English Boards); special education considerations, as well as the implications of the high percentages of students in ESL and special education programs in this Board. The lack of attention to the impact on students and the inaccurate statement regarding Trustees' failure to provide rationale for their decisions should be addressed. It was also suggested that the Board express its concern regarding good process and suggest to the Minister that she may wish to consult with Board staff regarding the implications of some of the recommendations. Trustee Libbey agreed that Trustees could provide further suggestions before 11:00 a.m. the following day. Trustee Spice asked about the statement in the-report, that on any given day, 120 custodians are absent. Superintendent Clarke was unable to state where the investigators obtained this information as none of them spoke to Plant personnel. Legal Counsel advised that the Board has two options; either pass a balanced budget at this time with its inherent consequences, or wait for Cabinet to make a decision on the administration of the Board. Trustee Norm MacDonald moved: THAT the Board instruct staff to prepare a new balanced budget as early as possible within the next ten days and present it to Board for approval. Trustee Moen noted that Dr. Rosen had made some suggestions and staff had also made a number of recommendations. He suggested that staff needs some direction as to what the budget should contain. He reminded Trustees that one of the benefits hoped for was to gain new insights on how to save money and he suggested that Appendix E of the report be reviewed. 265 0 ML OTTAWA-CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES Extraordinary Meeting 8 August 2002 Some Trustees believed that since the Minister is to make her decision before ten days, work on a revised budget at this time would be fruitless. Staff indicated that they would not be able to fulfill the recommendation prior to release of the Minister's decision, but it was noted that the Board could review the recommendations in Appendix E to see if any are feasible. The Chair ruled the motion out of order on the basis that staff could not fulfill its direction and, in any event, the Minister's directive will be received before the new budget could be prepared. Trustee Libbey moved THAT the Committee rise and report to Board. The motion carried. The Board meeting resumed at 10:28 p.m. 338. Report of the Committee of the Whole (public) Trustee Graham advised that there were no recommendations to report from the second session of Committee of the Whole (Public). i9S The meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m. Ronald Lynch, Acting Director of Education and Secretary of the Board 266 Jim Libbey Chair of the Board