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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard 9 Sep 2002 Minutes Public4*AW i. OTTAWA GRLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES 9 September 2002 9 September 2002 A public meeting of the Trustees of the Ottawa - Carleton District School Board was held this evening in the Board Room, 133. Greenbank Road, Ottawa, Ontario. The meeting commenced at 7:00 p.m. with Trustee Jim Libbey in the Chair, and the following in attendance: Trustees Brian Gifford; Lynn Graham; Russ Jackson; Margaret Lange; Myrna Laurenceson; Norm MacDonald; Sheryl MacDonald; David Moen; and Joan Spice. - Student Trustees: Kyle Marsh and Mike Somberger Staff Director of Education and Secretary of the Board (Interim), Ron Lynch; Superintendents Michael Clarke; Judy Turriff; and Bonnie Viney; Coordinator, Communications, Hyacinth Haddad; Assistant Secretary of the Board, Joan Melancon; Manager, Communications and Information Services, Maggie Melenhorst; Legal Advisor, Roger Mills; AN Technician, Robert Giekes; and, Committee Coordinator Bruce Fraser (in camera) and Kim Young (public session). Note: Trustee Graham assumed the Chair when Trustee Libbey wished to participate in the discussion. 339. Call to Order Chair Libbey called the meeting to order at 8:15 p.m. Director Lynch made a number of remarks regarding the status.. of the meeting, noting that, given the appointment of Mery Beckstead as the Supervisor of the Board, and his authority to call meetings, this evening's meeting is not an official Board meeting, but is rather a forum for the trustees to provide advice to the Supervisor. At Director Lynch's request, Roger Mills referred to the terms of reference for the Supervisor, noting that all powers, rights and responsibilities of the Board are vested in Mr. Beckstead. He explained that the-Supervisor has allowed the trustees to meet and to formulate advice or recommendations for submission to him. In response to a number of queries by trustees regarding the Supervisor and his mandate, Director Lynch noted that there are no specific guidelines for the Board at this time, and answers and processes will be developed over time. He also noted that Mr. Beckstead is currently on his way to Toronto for a meeting with Minister Witmer on 10 September 2002. Trustee Graham noted that the agenda refers to a Board Meeting, and expressed concern about the absence of the Supervisor. Trustee Libbey requested that staff provide information regarding the status of the Business Services Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday, 11 September 2002, as well as 267 • Mai OTTAWA-CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES 9 September 2002 the status of the 25 September 2002 meeting of the Chair's Committee, i.e., whether the Supervisor has authorized these meetings. 340. Report No. 22, Committee of the Whole ( In Camera) Trustee Graham advised that there were no recommendations from the in camera session. 341. Approval of Agenda Trustee Moen, seconded by Trustee Gifford, moved that the agenda be approved, subject to the addition of a motion related to trustee participation in negotiations. Trustee Laurenceson's moved in amendment THAT a motion regarding the filling of vacant speech and language pathology and psychologist positions be added to the agenda. In response to a query, Joan Melancon noted that it is unclear at this time whether the OCDSB by -laws and procedures apply, given that the meeting does not have official status as a Board meeting. She expressed the opinion however, that with unanimous consent, the item could be added to the agenda. At Trustee Laurenceson's request, a recorded vote was held, and the amendment to add the above noted item to the agenda was defeated on the following division: FOR: Trustees Gifford, Graham, Lange, Laurenceson, Libbey 8 Sheryl MacDonald, Moen, and Joan Spice AGAINST: Nil ABSTENTIONS: Trustee Jackson Trustee Laurenceson gave notice of motion for the next meeting to fill the vacant speech and language pathologist and psychologist positions. The motion to approve the agenda was carried. 342. Confirmation of Minutes 2 July 2002 (regular) 31 Julv 2002 (special) 8 August 2002 (extraordinar) On a motion by Trustee Laurenceson, seconded by Trustee Lange, the minutes of the regular meeting held 2 July 2002, the special meeting held 31 July 2002, and the extraordinary meeting held on 8 August 2002 were confirmed as written. 268 61-n Ot / OTTAWA CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD 343. Business Arising from the Minutes 2 July 2002 MINUTES 9 September 2002 In response to a query by Trustee Spice, Director Lynch noted that the enrolment figures regarding the French Immersion program at Robert Hopkins Public School are not yet available. Trustee Spice asked that staff provide information about the viability of the French Immersion program at Robert Hopkins Public School as soon as possible. 31 July 2002 There was no business arising from the minutes. 8 August 2002 In response to Trustee Moen's query about the Chair's communications with Minister Witmer following the release of the Investigator's report, Trustee Libbey confirmed that, contrary to the Minister's news release at the time, he had informed the Minister of the Board's willingness to find compromises in addressing the Board's financial situation. He also confirmed that he had conveyed his willingness to meet with her at her earliest convenience to further discuss these issues. 344. Chair's Report Trustee Libbey expressed pleasure in announcing the top OAC scholars of the 2001 -2002 school year. Vijay Narasimhan of Brookfield High School, graduated as the Board's top OAC scholar with a 100 percent average. Noting that Vijay is the highest achieving student in the history of the Board, Trustee Libbey indicated his eagerness to meet Vijay later in the fall when he is presented with the D. Aubrey Moodie Scholarship Award. The Chair congratulated Heidi Au of Gloucester High School and Cory Fletcher of Colonel By High School for graduating with the second highest average of 98.8 percent. He also commended Lauren Chad of Glebe Collegiate Institute who graduated with a 98.7 percent average. Trustee Libbey announced that the OCDSB received an Award of Excellence in Crime Control from the Police Services Board at City Hall on 22 July 2002, in recognition of its partnership with the Ottawa Police Service and the University of Ottawa in Project CADO, a personal crime prevention initiative. Trustee Libbey commended Dan Wiseman for his leadership role in CADO. 345. Interim Director's Report Director Lynch expressed pleasure in announcing that Barbara Brockman, a Grade 8 teacher at Fisher Park Public School, will receive a Governor General's Award for Excellence in 269 Ot OTTAWA- CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES 9 September 2002 teaching Canadian history. Ms. Brockman is one of six recipients from across Canada who will receive the award at Rideau Hall in November. Director Lynch noted that a successful School Bus Safety Awareness Day was held on 25 August 2002, during which six thousand students from across the region were shown safety videos and were also taken on a mini school bus ride for the first time. The Director thanked and congratulated staff in schools and central services for their tremendous effort in ensuring that schools opened on 3 September 2002. 346. Public Question Period Ben Anthony asked if the OCDSB's budget is balanced. Superintendent Clarke noted that the OCDSB does not have an approved, balanced budget at this time, and that the Board is operating with interim funding at this time. Roy Cooper referred to the fact that the OCDSB does not have a balanced budget, and inquired how the Board was able to obtain a bank loan to meet its expenditures, when OCDSB trustees were unable to attain funding from lending institutions due to the Board's financial situation. Superintendent Clarke noted that, under the Education Act, trustees are required to approve a balanced budget. Once a Supervisor is appointed, a different aspect of the Act is applied, which provides the Supervisor with the power to borrow funds as required. Gail Stuart asked for information regarding the number of staff hired to assist Mr. Beckstead, other than the Public Relations individual, as well as the related salary costs. Director Lynch responded that one administrative staff member has been hired, in addition to the Public Relations position, and noted that he is unaware of the total salary costs for these positions. Superintendent Clarke noted that contract negotiations with Mr. Beckstead have not yet been completed. He indicated that Mr. Beckstead's salary, and those of his two staff, would be borne by the OCDSB. Bronwyn Funiciello asked for information regarding the number of psychologists and speech and language pathologists who are currently employed by the Board, as well as the number of vacancies. Superintendent Turriff noted that there are currently 13.5 psychologists in the schools, and 6.5 vacancies in psychology. With respect to speech and language pathologists, there are 13.1 positions filled, and 6.9 vacancies at this time. She noted that PSSP staff, including psychologists, are continuing to work on the ISA review process. 270 • OTTAWA GRLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL ROAILD MINUTES 9 September 2002 In response to Ms. Funiciello's query about filling the vacancies, Director Lynch noted that staff is expecting to receive direction from the Supervisor shortly. Keith Hanlan inquired if the Supervisor's mandate included a means of reporting to the Ministry information regarding the conditions at the OCDSB, as well as the results of consultations with the public. He also asked if Mr. Beckstead's observations would be made available to the public. Director Lynch noted that he was unable to respond on Mr. Beckstead's behalf, and indicated that a formal communications plan is not yet available. David Keay asked why, given the number of ISA applicants at the Ottawa Technical Learning Centre, the number of educational assistants (EAs) was recently reduced from ninety - one to thirty. He inquired when more EAs would be hired, and noted that fewer educational assistants at the Centre may result in safety concerns. Superintendent Turriff noted that ISA funding is not attached to individual students, and the Board is not yet aware of how much funding it will receive as a result of the review process, and whether this funding will result in the hiring of additional EAs. She noted that staff allocate EAs to meet students' needs, in the context of enrolment and program requirements, on a case by case basis. 347. Delegation a) Our Schools/Our Communities, Mitchell Beer - Welcome to Supervisor Mitchell Beer thanked the trustees for the stand they have taken with respect to the OCDSB budget, and offered his assurance that Our Schools/Our Communities (OSOC), supports their efforts and regards them as the Board. Mr. Beer expressed the view that, contrary to media reports, the start to the school year was not smooth, and that the Supervisor's reductions to the budget have already impacted on the system. He indicated that OSOC intends to document the direct impact of the reductions on students in the classroom, including the twinning of principals. Mr. Beer asked that staff provide: • Information regarding a direction from the Supervisor to restrict access to publications at the central level; • The formula used for the allocation of principals across the system; and, • Information related to the total OCDSB deficit, including the salary costs of the Supervisor and his staff. Trustee Libbey thanked Mr. Beer for his input, and noted that since delegations do not include an opportunity for questions, responses from staff would not be forthcoming. 271 • ML OTTAWA- GRLFTON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES 9 September 2002 b) Special Education Advisory Committee Co- Chairs Lamar Mason and Nancy Myers - Reductions in Special Education Budget Ms. Mason and Ms. Myers thanked the trustees for having listened and reacted to the concerns of parents with exceptional students in the past, and expressed hope that SEAC would have the opportunity to work with the trustees to ensure that the real impact of the most recent special education reductions is understood across the system. Ms. Mason and Ms. Myers provided an overview of the Supervisor's recent reductions to special education and the potential impact on students across the system, including the reduction in SERTs, SELCs, the Kindergarten Language Headstart Program, and the Congregated Gifted program. In response to Trustee Moen's query, Ms. Myers estimated that the reduction or dilution of services is impacting 3,000 students across the system. In effect, more students are now being required to share fewer SERTs. In response to Trustee Gifford's query about the impact of the budget reductions on students' futures, Ms. Mason predicted that at the secondary level, it is likely that the Board will experience an increase in the drop -out rate and behaviour - related incidents, as well as an increase in suspension rates, as a result of students' access to remedial help, and differentiated programs being reduced. Trustee Libbey thanked the SEAC Co- Chairs for their delegation, and expressed appreciation to SEAC and to OSOC for having made presentations to the Education Equality Task Force earlier that day. C) MPP Ottawa/Centre Richard Patten - Reaction to Government's Approach Richard Patten, MPP, commended the trustees for their attempts to inform the Ministry regarding the OCDSB's financial situation and the flaws in the education funding formula. Mr. Patten referred to the significant discrepancies between the media reports and the Ministry's press, releases with respect to the OCDSB's efforts to collaborate with the Ministry. Mr. Patten noted that the main issues of concern to the OCDSB at this time are transportation funding, special education, and salary issues. He pointed out that Mr. Beckstead, Supervisor, Mr. Rosen, Auditor, and Minister of Education Witmer have also identified these issues as priorities. Mr. Patten provided an outline of Dalton McGuinty's efforts in the Liberal caucus to support the OCDSB and to draw attention to the recent takeover of the Board. He commended the trustees for their dedication to students and their communities. 272 Ot o1TAWA-CkUET0N DISTRICT SCHOOL ROARD MINUTES 9 September 2002 In response to Trustee Graham's query about publicizing the impact of the special education reduction on students, Mr. Patten noted the importance of ensuring that accurate information is provided to the media and parents. He noted the challenge inherent in working with the media, and expressed the view that local reporting of provincial matters is sometimes biased. In response to Trustee Jackson's query about the Liberal position on provincial bargaining, Mr. Patten noted that he would treat the issue of returning taxation powers to school boards with caution, but would amend the funding formula and accommodation formula to better meet students' needs. 348. Carrvforward of Unspent Funds in Trustee Accounts The Board had before it for consideration report No. 013 -02 seeking approval for the carryforward of unspent funds in trustee professional development and constituency communication accounts. Trustee Moen, seconded by Trustee Gifford, moved as follows: THAT any unspent funds remaining in individual Board member's professional development and constituency communications accounts be carried forward to next year. In response to Trustee Spice's query, the Assistant Secretary reported that trustees would receive itemized accounts shortly, and estimated that there is approximately $75,000 in unspent funds for all trustees, including carryforwards from the previous year. The motion was carried. 349. Board Member Motion, Student Transfer Policy and Procedure - Clarification of Item 4.16, Trustee Morse The motion regarding the clarification of Item 4.16 of the Student Transfer Policy and Procedure was deferred to the next meeting. 350. Board Member Motion, Re- opening of Two Portables at W. Erskine Johnston Public School, Trustee Libbey Notice having been given, Trustee Libbey, seconded by Trustee Gifford, moved: THAT the two portables at W. Erskine Johnston Public School that were recently closed be reopened and put at the disposal of the Principal. In introducing the motion, Trustee Libbey reminded the trustees that their decision regarding this motion is not binding, as the Supervisor will make the final decision on this issue. Trustee Libbey referred to the need for a new school in North Kanata, and noted that the W. 273 • ML OruWALETON MINUTES DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD 9 September 2002 Erskine Johnston School Council was surprised, given the over capacity of the school, to learn that two portables were closed over the summer. He recalled that trustees have, in the past, consistently requested that schools be consulted regarding decisions of this kind, and reiterated the need to consider the needs of students and teachers before portables are removed. Superintendent Viney referred to the 6 September 2002 memorandum provided to trustees on this issue, and noted that the principal of W. Erskine Johnston Public School was notified about the school's preliminary portable allocation of ten portables for active day use for the following school year, based on projected enrolment. Superintendent Clarke explained that, due to the impact of the reductions to the facilities budget, there can be no separate classrooms for Core French instruction, and therefore, as a result of employing the portable allocation formula, two portables at the school were deemed surplus. He pointed out that reopening the portables would result in maintenance resources having to be spread even more thinly at the school. In response to a query, Superintendent Turriff reported that enrolment figures at the schools are still being confirmed. She noted that staff calculated portable allocations on a school by school basis, and they ensured that if portables were to be removed at a school, that there was space for the students and the programs elsewhere in the school. Trustee Moen pointed out that it is the inadequate funding provided by the Ministry that has resulted in the Board's inability to provide adequate facilities for programs. The Ministry does not take into account the value in providing Core French instruction in a separate setting. In response to a query, Superintendent Clarke confirmed that there are costs related to re- opening the portables at the school. Trustee Libbey expressed the view that schools, not the portable allocation formula, should determine their need for portables. In response to Trustee Libbey's query, Superintendent Turriff noted that the principal of W. Erskine Johnston Public School had indicated a need for the portables, as did other principals in the system regarding their own schools. The principals were also aware that school boards are not required to deliver Core French in a separate classroom. Superintendent Turriff noted that it is unlikely that any Core French programs across the system are being provided in separate classrooms. In wrap -up, Trustee Libbey noted that, given the severity of the overcrowding at W. Erskine Johnston Public School, the two portables should be re- opened as soon as possible. The motion was carried. 274 Ot OTTAWA-GRLETON DISTR1Cr SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES 9 September 2002 351. Board Member Motion, Revised Budget for 2002/03, Trustee Graham Notice having been given, Trustee Graham, seconded by Trustee Gifford moved; WHEREAS the province has given every indication that there will be additional funds for education following the review of the funding formula; WHEREAS many school boards across Ontario have submitted "balanced" budgets, which have omitted funds for salary increases and have projected revenues not yet secured; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED A. THAT in order to save programs and services for our students, the OCDSB balance its 2002 -2003 budget by: 1. Eliminating the funding that was been built in for negotiations; 2. Adding the $8 million (approximately) in new special education ISA grants; Adding $10 million (approximately) to the transportation budget to - provide equity between the OCCSB and the OCDSB; B. THAT the Supervisor obtain confirmation from the Minister of Education that this revised budget is acceptable to the government under the Education Act. In introducing the motion, Trustee Graham noted that other school boards in Ontario submitted balanced budgets that omitted funds for salary increases, and also projected revenues not yet secured. She pointed out that if this motion were approved, the OCDSB would have a balanced budget as do other school boards. Trustee Graham noted the importance of balancing the budget to ensure that programs and services are not further reduced. Director Lynch advised that it would be inappropriate to add projected revenue for the following year to the budget in an effort to achieve a balanced budget. Trustee Moen expressed the view that it is inappropriate for the Board to adjust the budget by eliminating all funding for negotiations with unions, and noted that the Board might be risking a strike this year if this adjustment to the budget is made. An amendment by Trustee Moen that item No. 1 in Part A be deleted, failed for lack of a seconder. Trustee Moen requested that Part A1, A2, A3, and B of the motion be voted on separately. 275 • MIJ OTTAWA-COL DI MINUTES STRICT SCHOOL BOAM BOARD 9 September 2002 Trustees speaking in support of the motion noted that fifty percent of the school boards across Ontario balanced their budgets by not including salary increases as part of their expenditures, and expressed the view that the OCDSB should be treated equitably by the Ministry. They noted the need to convey to the public that the OCDSB is not in a minority of only three boards that did not technically balance their budgets. They expressed the view that budgets should be a responsible plan, devised in a consistent manner, with integrity. Trustees speaking against the motion noted that the intent of the motion is the same as earlier attempts to balance the budget by adding funding that the Board has not received. An amendment by Trustee Libbey THAT A3 be revised as follows, was accepted as friendly: A. 3. Adding $10 million (approximately) in estimated transportation grants to the transportation budget to provide equity between the OCCSB and the OCDSB; Trustee Libbey noted that instead of eliminating costs, it would be more fiscally responsible to add revenues. He moved in amendment THAT Part A 1 be revised as follows: A. 1. Adding additional revenue to cover the amount that has been built in for negotiations; Trustee Graham requested a recorded vote, and the amendment was carried on the following division: FOR: Trustees Graham, Lange, Laurenceson, Libbey, 7 Sheryl MacDonald, Moen, and Spice. AGAINST: Trustee Norm MacDonald ABSTENTIONS: Trustee Gifford In wrap -up, Trustee Graham noted that while the OCDSB is waiting for the Ministry's revisions to the funding formula, it must make an effort to preserve its existing programs and services. The members agreed that, given the amendments to the motion, it was not necessary to vote separately on each part of the motion. At Trustee Norm MacDonald's request, a recorded vote was held, and the following motion was carried: A. THAT in order to save programs and services for our students, the OCDSB balance its 2002 -2003 budget by: 276 Ot OTTAWA CARLFTON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES 9 September 2002 1. Adding additional revenue to cover the amount that has been built in for negotiations; 2. Adding the $8 million (approximately) in new special education ISA grants; Adding $10 million (approximately) in estimated transportation grants to the transportation budget to provide equity between the OCCSB and the OCDSB; B. THAT the Supervisor obtain confirmation from the Minister of Education that this revised budget is acceptable to the government under the Education Act. FOR: Trustees Gifford, Graham, Lange, Laurenceson, Libbey Sheryl MacDonald, Moen, and Spice AGAINST: Trustee Norm MacDonald ABSTENTIONS: Nil 352. Board Member Motion, Elementary School in North Kanata, Trustee Libbey Notice having been given, Trustee Libbey, seconded by Trustee Gifford moved: WHEREAS North Kanata has long been recognized as the area of the Board that is most in need of a new school; WHEREAS staff have been requested to make every effort to have the new school ready for occupancy in September 2003; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Trustees recommend to the Supervisor that the North Kanata School project be fast tracked so that the school can open in September 2003. In response to a query, Superintendent Clarke noted that a conservative estimate of the time needed to build a school, with the drawings in place, and ideal weather, would be approximately ten to twelve months. He expressed the view that it would not be possible to have the North Kanata school ready to open by September 2003, given that a site has not yet been selected. In response to a query, Superintendent Clarke confirmed that the funds for the construction of the new school are in the capital reserve budget. 277 OMWA-GRLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES 9 September 2002 In response to Trustee Norm MacDonald's query, Superintendent Viney confirmed that the area of North Kanata was identified in the Long Term Accommodation Plan (LTAP) as one of the areas of priority with respect to building new schools. Superintendent Clarke noted that there is no additional facilities funding in place to cover the operating costs of a new school, and he indicated that the Supervisor would have to approve such expenditures. An amendment by Trustee Lange THAT the motion be revised as follows, was accepted as friendly: THAT the Board of Trustees recommend to the Supervisor that every effort be made to fast track the North Kanata project so that the school can open in September 2003. In response to Trustee Spice's query about acquiring a school site, Superintendent Viney noted that there is no new information available since the confidential memorandum to trustees on this issue. Trustees speaking in support of the motion noted that there is a demonstrated need for a school in North Kanata, and they pointed out that there is a precedent in the Board for opening a school part way through the school year if necessary, for example, in January 2004. Trustees speaking against the motion noted that given that a site has not been chosen yet, it is not possible to have the North Kanata school ready to open in September 2003. Trustee Spice asked that staff provide information regarding the status of other facilities projects currently being undertaken by the Board, including the additions to Stonecrest Elementary School, and Greely Public School. At Trustee Sheryl MacDonald's request a recorded vote was held, and the motion was carried on the following division: FOR: Trustees Gifford, Graham, Lange, Laurenceson, Libbey 8 Sheryl MacDonald, Moen, and Spice AGAINST: Nil ABSTENTION: Trustee Norm MacDonald 1 353. Board Member Motion, Review of By -laws and Board Policies at Chair's Committee Trustee Libbey Notice of motion having been given, Trustee Libbey, seconded by Trustee Lange, moved: 278 • o,J] OTUWA CARLFTON DIS PJCr SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES 9 September 2002 WHEREAS the Supervisor wishes to increase the efficiency of the operations of the Board in all possible ways; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Chair's Committee, at its September 2002 meeting, review the bylaws, policies and procedures of the Board to identify potential ways to improve efficiency, and that staff and the Supervisor be invited to make suggestions in this regard to the Committee, all with the purpose of advising the Supervisor on ways and means to improve efficiency. In introducing the motion, Trustee Libbey noted that, in response to queries by trustees, Mr. Beckstead has indicated that he is not yet prepared to address issues related to the by -laws, policies and procedures. The intent of the motion is to provide notice to the trustees that this item will be on the agenda for the 25 September 2002 meeting of the Chair's Committee, if the meeting is authorized by the Supervisor, to allow them to provide input to the Supervisor regarding ways and means to improve Board efficiency. In response to a query, Director Lynch noted that the motion was appropriate, and staff would also be working on issues related to improving efficiency. In response to Trustee Norm MacDonald's query, Trustee Libbey noted that Mr. Beckstead is aware of the motion. He also noted that the Supervisor, in a 29 August 2002 memorandum to trustees, indicated that he would be seeking trustees' input regarding a review of policies and procedures. The motion was carried. 354. Board Member Motion Continuation of Process for Selection of New Director, Trustee Libbev Trustee Libbey withdrew the motion as a decision had already been made by the Supervisor to delay the selection process until 31 October 2002. 355. Negotiations Issue Notice having been given, Trustee Graham, seconded by Trustee Laurenceson, moved: WHEREAS the participation by Trustees in negotiations with the unions has proven to be a very positive force in obtaining reasonable settlements; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the participation of Trustees in negotiations of collective agreements with the unions be continued without change, and that any and all collective agreements negotiated be ratified by the Board of Trustees. 279 • 7JJ1 OTTAWA- GRLETON DIS PJCT SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES 9 September 2002 In introducing the motion, Trustee Graham stated that the inclusion of trustees in negotiations has been a positive experience, and should be continued. Trustee Spice expressed the view that, given trustees no longer have control over Board finances, perhaps trustees should not be at the negotiation table. In wrap -up, Trustee Graham noted the importance for trustees to remain involved in this key area of Board business, given that collective agreements represent a substantial portion of the OCDSB budget. The motion was carried. 356. OPSBA ReRort There was no OPSBA report. 357. New Business In response to Trustee Moen's query about the restriction of information to students and principals, Director Lynch noted that the only incident that he was aware of involved the decision not to distribute a SEAC paper to the system, given that the content included confidential information. The SEAC Executive agreed, and the material was provided to SEAC members and parents at its 4 September 2002 information session. The Student Trustees raised the possibility of students having a vote registered, as meetings are no longer official Board meetings of Trustees. The Chair agreed to add this issue to agenda for the 25 September 2002 meeting of the Chair's Committee. Trustee Sheryl MacDonald asked that, given the unofficial status of this evening's meeting, staff provide clarification regarding whether trustees would vacate their seats if they were unable to attend three or more consecutive meetings. She also asked for clarification regarding trustees' calling in to meetings if they are unable to be present at the meetings. The meeting adjourned at 10:50 p.m. Ronald Lynch, Director of Education/ Secretary of the Board (Interim) ky/bdmins9septOldoc W Jim Libbey Chair of the Board E