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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard 25 May 1998 Minutes PublicOttawa - Carleton District School Board MINUTES 25 MAY 1998 A meeting of the Ottawa - Carleton District School Board was held on the above date in the Board Room, 133 Greenbank Road, Nepean, Ontario, commencing at 8:00 p.m., with Trustee Scott in the Chair and the following in attendance: Trustees Cynthia Bled, Albert Chambers, Alex Getty, Lynn Graham, Patty Anne Hill, Russ Jackson, Andrew Lam, Jim Libbey, Norm MacDonald, Sheryl MacDonald, and Pam Morse. Student Representative Karen McVie, was also present. Martin Owens of Bell, Baker was present for a portion of the in camera session. Staff: Director of Education and Secretary of the Board, Carola Lane; Superintendent of Business and Treasurer, Michael Clarke; Superintendent of School Operations, Lorne Rachlis; Superintendent of Program and Information Technology, Barbara Stollery; Superintendent of Special Education, Judy Turriff; Superintendent of Human Resources, Jim Vair; Superintendents of School Services, Rose -Marie Batley, Mike Carlon, Ross Donaldson, Roberta Fund, Judith Hoye, Dan Mason; Manager - Physical Planning and Transportation, Donna Warren- Maxwell; Executive Liaison for the Director, Cathy Bowles; Comptroller of Finance, Marie- Louise Chartrand; Coordinator of Communications, Peter Frayne; Assistant Secretary of the Board, Joan Melancon; Committee Coordinator, Brenda Cooper (Committee of the Whole - in camera); and Board Reporter, Cathy Kavanagh (public). On a motion by Trustee Sheryl MacDonald, seconded by Trustee Norm MacDonald, the Board resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider the items on the in camera session agenda. Trustee Getty assumed the Chair in the Committee, and the Committee later rose and presented the following report. 199. Report No. 12. Committee of the Whole (in camera). 25 MU 1998 Trustee Getty presented Report No. 12, Committee of the Whole (in camera) and seconded the recommendations in the report, viz: (a) Early Departure Plan (Motion by Trustee Sheryl MacDonald) That the Board approve the Early Departure Plan for administrative and support staff. (b) Contract Termination (Motion by Trustee Sheryl MacDonald) That the Board terminate a contract for services effective 31 August 1998. (c) Bridlewood North Elementary School Site Acquisition (Motion by Trustee Libbey) i) That the Board approve the purchase of the Bridlewood North elementary school site lands (southerly portion), referred to as Part 3, Plan 4R -3449, from CCH Central Canada Holdings Inc., in accordance with the agreement of purchase and sale, at an estimated purchase price of $301,750; and ii) That the Chair of the Board and Director of Education/Secretary of the Board be authorized to execute the said agreement of purchase and sale on behalf of the Board. 226 Ottawa - Carleton District School Board MINUTES 25 MAY 1998 The report was received and the recommendations were adopted by the Board. 200. Approval of the A eg_ nda On a motion by Trustee Lam, seconded by Trustee Morse, the agenda was approved subject to the addition of two motions regarding the calling of extraordinary Board meetings and the replacement of a member of the Ad Hoc Committee for the Selection of the Director following item 19. A number of amendments to the budget, for which notice had been previously given, were moved up to follow receipt of the "Final Report, Budget Committee ". 201. Confirmation of Minutes. 1 I May 1998 On a motion by Trustee Getty, seconded by Trustee Norm MacDonald, the minutes of the meeting held 11 May 1998, were confirmed as written. 202. Business Arising from the Minutes There was no business arising from the minutes of 11 May 1998. 203. Chair's & Director's Report The Chair advised that she will be meeting with the Minister of Education and Training on 27 May, in Toronto to discuss the following outstanding issues: - the underfunding of education in Ottawa - Carleton and special education funding - an extension to the deadline for declaring surplus school space or provision of alternative funding - the use of ECE's in JK - the summer school program for developmentally disabled and autistic students. The Chair and Director reported the following "good news" items: ■ Grade 6 students at Riverview Alternative entered the United Nations' Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination Essay and Poster contest. Six students won prizes as well as Merit awards which were presented at City Hall on 14 May. ■ A small group of grade 4 and 5 students known as The Learning Circle submitted a proposal to showcase Kars Kids Caught in the Web at Nortel's Young Entrepreneurs Showcase at the Congress Centre on 10 and 11 May and although they had a very tough competition against OAC students, they won the People's Choice Award. Each student received a $200.00 scholarship and have been invited to display the project and web site at the Canadian Advanced Technology Association National Awards Reception at Parliament Hill on 2 June, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Other items of good news will be reported in the next edition of CARRIED. 204. Public Ouestion Period Carol Stevenson of Briargreen P.S., questioned why, in the fall, the school will be receiving .75 of a teacher less than currently exists when the enrolment is increasing. The Director advised that senior staff is examining staffing allocations and anomalies such as this. 227 Ottawa - Carleton District School Board MRS UTES 25 MAX 1998 Diane McLoughlin, parent of a gifted student at McNabb Park P.S., requested clarification of the Board's position regarding integration. The Chair indicated that the Ministry's policy is that students should be integrated when the decision is in accordance with the best interests of the student and the parents' wishes. The OCDSB endeavours to maintain a spectrum of placement options for special needs students that applies to all categories. Melodie Salter, representing Crichton Community Council, Crichton School Council and the New Edinburgh Community Alliance, asked if the Board would consider supporting the Lighthouse program by meeting with a group of interested people to consider a long term plan. The Chair advised that the issue of liability regarding school council and community programming will be discussed at the 26 May Education Committee meeting and that a motion will be considered later in this meeting regarding the Lighthouse program. Ian Scott from the Central Children's Choir asked if the Board would consider developing guidelines in order to provide the Choir with a form of certification for educational standing. The Chair requested that this be considered at the 26 May Education Committee meeting. Diana Fineham of the Merivale P.S., School Council enquired as to the status of the provision of student supplies. The Director indicated that the current budget includes the provision of basic supplies for all students in the system. Lisa Lynch referred to the motion regarding the elimination of busing for grades 7 to OAC in urban areas and queried if busing will remain status quo until the area review is complete. The Chair advised that this will be debated later in the meeting. John Crump expressed his appreciation to the Trustees who have defended the community's interests and spoke about the need for a budget that is based on local requirements. He asked if the Chair will address this at her meeting with the Minister. The Chair advised that if time permits she will also express this concern. Meena Ghelani, representing the new Bridlewood North elementary school, spoke about the elimination of transportation for many students and referred to primary and junior level students who require busing. Superintendent Carlon advised that the transportation policy will be applied, however, if there are students with specific requirements, details should be provided to staff. Hope Harris and Roz Cicalo, representing Dunlop P.S., asked why the Children Learning for Living program is being cut and other services such as psychology and speech and language have been re- instated. The Director responded that there are aspects of the program that could potentially be re- instated as part of the Learning Opportunities grant. It has not as yet been determined how those funds will be expended, but the social and emotional requirements of students will be addressed as part of the learning opportunities area. In response to a further question, the Director noted that it has not yet been determined with which department the program will be affiliated. Trustee Chambers advised that the Children Learning for Living program will be discussed at the Education Committee on 15 June. 205. Delegations: (a) Concerned Parent re Delivery of Guidance for Grades 7 & 8 Students - Spokesperson Susan Knorr Susan Knorr expressed serious concern about the elimination of the .5 guidance teacher at Rideau Valley M.S. She noted that the role of the guidance counsellor is prevention, protection and intervention, as well as providing information to students about future academic choices. She spoke about significant increases of emotional 228 Ottawa - Carleton District School Board MUTES 25 MAY 1998 instability which result in poor self esteem, substance abuse, eating disorders, attempted suicide, self injury and sexual activity and the need to address these problems before they evolve into major crises. She noted that education dictates the need to teach in all areas of a student's development. (b) Community Council for Ethnocultural Equity re Funding of Services in the Ethnocultural Area - Spokesperson Des Doran Des Doran referred to the former CBE and OBE ethnocultural and equity policies which committed the Boards to ensuring equity of access, treatment and outcomes for all students regardless of race or ethnocultural background. Without proper staff resources, support to ethnoculturally diverse communities will not be provided. He noted that the Coordinator for Antiracism and Ethnocultural Equity is a vital support person for teachers as needs in this area are increasing as Canada becomes more diverse. The Community Council for Ethnocultural Equity recommends that the position be retained and that adequate resources be allocated. The Chair advised that she will respond in writing to the questions submitted in the written presentation. In response to a question, the Director clarified that as part of the re- structuring of the Curriculum Services Department, all of the subject specific positions are being eliminated and replaced with Curriculum Support Teachers. She noted that it is a priority to acquire expertise in the area of antiracisim and ethnocultural equity. She also clarified that Multicultural Liaison Officers are not being eliminated. It was noted that Superintendent Stollery will discuss the matter further with the Community Council for Ethnocultural Equity. (c) Concerned Parent re Junior Kindergarten and Loss of School Time - Spokesperson Lanny Thornton Lanny Thornton expressed concern about the expense to taxpayers for the junior kindergarten program and was of the opinion that it should not have been reinstated. She also expressed concern about the loss of instructional time this year as a result of the ice storm and the teachers' strike. She suggested that the school year be reduced by three weeks and that this be reflected in property taxes and that teachers spend this time studying the program they will be teaching in the next school year. The Chair indicated that she will provide a written response to the questions submitted in the written brief. (d) Ottawa - Carleton Elementary Teacher's Federation re Voluntary Early Exit Plan and the Impact of Late Budeet Decisions on Staffing -S Spokespersons Doug Carter, Lisa Falls, Geoff Sheppard and Dave Wildman On behalf of 3,200 elementary teachers, Doug Carter implored the Board to approve a budget this evening in order that staffing can commence for the next school year. He indicated that there is a massive decline in teacher service to schools, school staffs have been reorganized and will be again, large numbers of teachers have been misplaced, and there is very low morale. He requested that the Board consider a voluntary exit program for teachers similar to that which will be presented to non - teaching staff. This will encourage more teachers to leave the system and create more jobs for less experienced teachers which will save money in salaries. 229 Ottawa - Carleton District School Board MUTES 25 MAY 1998 In response to a question, Superintendent Clarke clarified that teachers who retire must be paid a gratuity and the first year of the salary differential would be directed to that. 206. Report No. 5 Business Services Committee. 12 May 1998 On a motion by Trustee Graham, seconded by Trustee Getty, the Board received Report No. 5, Business Services Committee, dated 12 May 1998. Trustee Graham presented and seconded the recommendation in the report, viz: (a) Configuration of Planning Areas for School Space Study (Motion by Trustee Libbey) i) That the Board approve the revised configuration of the planning areas as shown in the maps in Appendix A of Report No. 98 -173, for the purpose of attendance boundary/area review /school closure studies to address the short term needs of the Board; and ii) That planning areas 4 and 5 be merged for the purpose of studying secondary schools. The report was received and the recommendations were adopted by the Board. 207.- Report No. 7. Human Resources Committee (Special). 20 May 1998 On a motion by Trustee Lam, seconded by Trustee Hill, the Board received Report No. 7, Human Resources Committee (Special), dated 20 May 1998. There were no recommendations in the report. 208. Minutes. Budget Committee (a) 12 May 1998 On a motion by Trustee Graham, seconded by Trustee Morse, the Board approved the minutes of the Budget Committee dated 12 May 1998. (b) 14 May 1998 On a motion by Trustee Graham, seconded by Trustee Getty, the Board approved the minutes of the Budget Committee dated 14 May 1998, subject to amending the word "segregated" on page 3, 6th paragraph to read "specialized ". 209. Final Report. Budget Committee On a motion by Trustee Graham, seconded by Trustee Morse, the Board received the final report of the Budget Committee dated 22 May, 1998. On behalf of the Board, the Chair expressed appreciation to Trustee Graham for her work as Chair of the Budget Committee. 230 Ottawa - Carleton District School Board MINUTES 25 MAY 1998 (1) Approval of the 1998 -99 Budget Trustee Graham commented that the budget process was lengthy, but in her opinion, it allowed the Board to hear from a large segment of the community and hopefully resulted in sound decision - making. She felt that it was helpful to have input from non - voting representatives. She expressed regret for the layoffs of approximately 500 administrative and custodial employees. She noted that there is a great deal of work to do in terms of harmonizing programs and services and advocating for public education in Ottawa - Carleton. Trustee Graham expressed her appreciation to the staff of Board Services for their work in connection with the Budget Committee meetings. Trustee Graham presented and seconded the recommendation in the report, viz: (Motion by Trustee Getty) That the Board approve the 1998 -99 budget, as amended in committee, in the amount of $512,400,000 and authorize the transfer of $6.7 million from reserves. It was agreed that the notices of amendments to the budget would be dealt with at this time. (2) Consideration of Amendments to the 1998/99 Budget Referred from Budget Committee (a) Custodial Services Trustee Sheryl MacDonald, seconded by Trustee Bled, moved in amendment that up to 50 school custodians be re- instated subject to finding funds elsewhere in the budget. Trustee Sheryl MacDonald presented her amendment noting the important role of custodians in the schools. In response to a question, Superintendent Clarke indicated that the addition of 50 custodians would cost approximately $1,750,000. Concerns were expressed as to where these funds would be acquired. It was noted by some Trustees that the safety of schools will be jeopardized due to the reduction in custodial 'staff. It was also pointed out that custodians go "above and beyond" what is required of them. In response to a question, the Director indicated that, if approved, the amendment is not directing staff to find the funds, but if funds were found in other areas of the budget they would be used to reinstate up to fifty custodians. A recorded vote was held at the request of Trustee Bled and the amendment was defeated on the following division: For: Trustees Bled, Getty, Hill, Norm MacDonald and Sheryl MacDonald (5) Against: Trustees Chambers, Graham, Jackson, Libbey, and Morse (5) Abstentions: Trustees Lam, and Scott (2) * * ** *RECESS * * * ** 231 Ottawa - Carleton District School Board MINUTES 25 MAY 1998 The Chair noted the importance of custodians and acknowledged the significant role they play in the schools. She also noted, however, that the impact of the funding formula and other budget decisions that have been made are reflective of the above decision. (b) ,Cgpital Project Debt Trustee Morse, seconded by Trustee Lam, moved in amendment: Whereas the Ministry of Education and Training announced on 14 May 1998 that it will provide funding to pay the cost of all outstanding capital project debt in existence as of that date; Whereas the Ministry of Education and Training had previously refused to fund the Ottawa Board of Education capital projects, at least partially due to the negative grant issue; Whereas the Ottawa Board of Education arranged its fiscal affairs to self fund the entire cost of the Hopewell reconstruction project due to the lack of the Ministry of Education and Training capital funding, Whereas the Education Improvement Commission in 1997 has approved capital debt of $7,471,156 for the Hopewell project; Whereas the Ministry of Education and Training changed its funding formula for school Boards on 25 March 1998 so that all Boards are to be on an equal financial basis and so ending the negative (W grant issue; Therefore be it resolved: i) That the Board fully utilize the Education Improvement Commission approved debt for the Hopewell project, resulting in an additional $3.7 million of 1997 surplus for the Ottawa Board of Education; and ii) That the resulting $3.7 million be placed in a reserve for retirement gratuities. Discussion ensued regarding retirement gratuities (sick leave) and it was noted that sufficient funds were allocated in this year's budget for the normal rate of retirement gratuities excluding retirements under the TPP. Superintendent Clark clarified that the budget is based on the assumption that severance payments will be funded through transition funding. In response to a question regarding reserves, Superintendent Clarke advised that the reserve referred to in the amendment is an operating reserve and that its purpose can be changed. A designated reserve has a specific purpose and restrictions and Ministry approval is required to change its designation. Trustee Chambers, seconded by Trustee Libbey, moved in sub - amendment that the words "for retirement gratuities" be deleted. The sub - amendment was defeated. The amendment was carried. 232 Ottawa - Carleton District School Board MINUTES 25 MAY 1998 (c) Provision of OC Transpo Bus Passes Trustee Graham, seconded by Trustee Jackson, moved in amendment: Whereas students of the former Carleton Board, who are financially disadvantaged and meet the distance entitlement criteria, are provided with transportation on OC Transpo for 10 months; and Whereas students of the former Ottawa Board, who are financially disadvantaged and meet the distance entitlement criteria, are provided with transportation on OC Transpo for only 8 months; Therefore be it resolved: i) That all students, who are financially disadvantaged and meet the distance entitlement criteria, are treated in an equitable manner through the harmonization of the policies of the former Boards, and ii) That $95,000 be reinstated in the transportation budget for the purpose of allowing all these students to receive the OC Transpo provision for 10 months. In response to a question, Superintendent Clarke advised that the OCDSB has students attending its schools from other Boards, with the largest population attending Osgoode H.S. He also advised that there are a number of OCDSB students attending other Boards. Discussion ensued regarding the allocation of severance payments to individual departments. The Director explained that within the budget funds have been set aside in order to make specific payments. The amount of $7.9 million has been designated for retirement gratuities and $7.4 million has been allotted for severance payments. It is anticipated that severance payments will be paid for by the province and therefore, $7.4 million can be added into the budget for this purpose which totals $15.3 million. A maximum amount of $10.8 million is required for teacher retirements which results in $4.5 million remaining for retirement gratuities and severance payments. The $95,000 referred to in the amendment will be deducted from the $4.5 million and corresponds with the amount of severance that has been allotted for the Plant Department. Donna Warren - Maxwell indicated that the OCDSB students who are being transported attend Arnprior in accordance with an agreement between the two Boards, at a cost of $127,000 to the OCDSB. The cost of transporting students attending Osgoode H.S., who are not OCDSB students, is $130,000 and is paid by the resident Board. Following the above clarification, a sub - amendment, by Trustee Hill, seconded by Trustee Sheryl MacDonald, that offsetting funds come from the transportation budget for students attending OCDSB schools from neighbouring Boards, was declared out of order. Superintendent Clarke noted that application has been made to the province for phase 1 of the transition funding and it is anticipated that a reply will be received by late June. Application for phase 2 must be submitted by 15 June and a reply is anticipated by July /August. Trustee Morse moved in sub - amendment that $95,000 be taken from the savings in the severance budget due to the reduced number of laid off employees. This was accepted as a friendly amendment. 233 Ottawa - Carleton District School Board MINUTES 25 MAY 1998 Trustee Graham requested that the Board be advised immediately if unforeseen problems related to severance payments arise. A recorded vote was held and the amendment was carried unanimously. Trustee Morse, seconded by Trustee Getty, moved That the meeting continue past 11:00 p.m. The motion was carried. . (d) Special Education and Transportation In response to a request from Trustee Hill, Superintendent Turriff explained that it is administration's preference to have the flexibility to deploy staff to meet the needs of both elementary and secondary schools as required. On this basis, Trustee Hill withdrew her amendment regarding special education. The amendment related to the elimination of transportation entitlements for grades 7 to OAC students within areas served by OC Transpo was also withdrawn. Trustee Chambers requested that information be provided in the upcoming Friday package regarding cross Board transportation. (e) Lighthouse Program Trustee Bled, seconded by Trustee Hill, moved in amendment: Whereas in view of the service offered to students before, after and during school (afternoon etc.); Therefore be it resolved: i) That use of the school facilities and insurance be provided to allow continuance of the Lighthouse program for the 1998/99 school year; ii) That schools be advised that this funding is terminal at the end of June 1999 unless schools can make arrangements to be fully financially self sufficient, including insurance costs; iii) That the Board cover the cost of a part-time coordinator; iv) That discussion with the municipalities that are served by the program be initiated on the issues of after school and other recreational programs; and V) That payment for this year's part-time coordinator be taken out of the severance budget due to reduced layoffs. It was noted that the cost of insurance would be approximately $32,000 and a coordinator would be approximately $20,000. Superintendent Stollery noted that to date the program has been cost recovery with the exception of the salary of the Community Education Coordinator and insurance. She advised that a reciprocal agreement study is currently underway. Superintendent Clarke indicated that these agreements are costly to the Board as the municipalities use Board facilities to a far greater extent than the 234 Ottawa - Carleton District School Board MINUTES Board uses municipal facilities. division: 25 MAY 1998 A recorded vote was held at the request of Trustee Bled and the amendment was carried on the following For: Trustees Bled, Chambers, Hill, Jackson, Lam, Libbey, Norm MacDonald, and Sheryl MacDonald (8) Against: Trustees Getty, and Morse (2) Abstentions: Trustees Graham, and Scott (2) (f) Central Choir Trustee Lam, seconded by Trustee Hill, moved in amendment that the grant of $25,000 to the Central Choir be maintained. Trustee Hill moved in sub - amendment that every effort be made to accommodate disadvantaged children. Trustee Lam accepted this as a friendly amendment. Trustee Graham requested that information regarding the current membership of the concert and chamber choirs, and the schools which the children attend, be provided in the upcoming Friday package. In response to a question from Trustee Graham, Superintendent Clarke advised that there is no rental fee for the three rooms that are used by the choir at McNabb Park P.S. Trustee Graham commented that a policy will have to be developed that is fair to all groups. (g) Operating Reserve Trustee Lam withdrew his amendment regarding an operating reserve. The Director clarified that in the event that funds become available from the departure of a large number of teachers and the hiring of new teachers at a lower salary, senior administration will request direction from the Board as to focus of the revenue. (h) Research and Planning and Program and Student Evaluation Trustee Libbey, seconded by Trustee Jackson, moved in amendment that: Whereas this Board has repeatedly expressed interest in having relevant high quality information available to guide both the governance and management of the OCDSB; Be it resolved: i) That the budget for central Research and Planning be restored ($75,190), that the budget for the Program and Student Evaluation Function of the Program Department be restored ($87,449), and that the Director of Education, in consultation with senior staff, decide whether to use the restored funding for personnel or contracted services in both cases. 235 Ottawa - Carleton District School Board MINUTES 25 MAY 1998 ii) That offsetting funds be taken from the savings in the severance budget due to reduced layoffs. Trustee Libbey presented the amendment noting that these areas are directly related to learning outcomes. He noted that a program review will be undertaken in the near future and that considerable research will have to be conducted. Following a brief discussion, the amendment was defeated. Concerns were expressed that there are educational issues that have not been dealt with in the budget i.e., effective programming for gifted and ESL students, and elementary summer school. Trustee Libbey expressed concern about the process and that there were too many unkown factors. Trustee Graham referred to a motion approved by the Board on April 27, which indicated that all cutbacks and restructuring of programs, operations and administration, as the result of budget deliberations, will be listed in an appendix to the budget, together with impact statements, and forwarded to the Ministry, and that the Board will begin to address the long term impacts of cutbacks for the next three years. The Director indicated that the material will be available for submission with the budget to the Ministry. On a motion by Trustee Getty, seconded by Trustee Graham, the Board approved the 1998/99 budget as amended by the Budget Committee and the Board, in the amount of $512,409,855 and authorized the transfer of $6.7 million from reserves. 210. Authorization for CgM Forward of Unexpended Funds for School Year Budgets The Board had before it a staff report seeking approval for the carry forward of unspent school budgets to the following year's budget. On the basis of the staff report, Trustee Morse, seconded by Trustee Jackson, moved as follows: That the Board approve year -end carry forwards of schools' unexpended budgets. The motion was carried. 211. Confirmation of Delegate and Alternate to OPSBA Annual General Meeting The Board had before it a staff report requesting confirmation of the voting delegate and alternate for the Annual General Meeting of OPSBA. On a motion by Trustee Lam, seconded by Trustee Graham, Trustee Lam was appointed as the voting delegate and Trustee Morse was appointed as the alternate for the Annual General Meeting of OPSBA. 212. Appointment of fresentative on Special Education Advisory Committee for the Ottawa Regional Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Ontario The Board had before it a staff report seeking approval for the appointment of an association representative to the Special Education Advisory Committee. On the basis of the staff report, Trustee Graham, seconded by Trustee Getty, moved as follows: 236 Ottawa - Carleton District School Board MINUTES 25 MAY 1998 That Wayne Anderson be appointed to the Special Education Advisory Committee as the regular member representing the Ottawa Regional Chapter of the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Ontario for the remainder of the term ending 30 November 2000. The motion was carried. 213. Proposed Name for the New Bridlewood North Elementary School The Board had before it a staff report seeking approval of the proposed name for the new Bridlewood North elementary school. On the basis of the staff report, Trustee Libbey, seconded by Trustee Jackson, moved as follows: That the new Bridlewood North elementary school be named W.O. Mitchell Elementary School. The motion was carried. 214. Board Member Motions: (a) Staffing�Allocation - Elementary Vice Principals - Trustee Getty Notice having been given, Trustee Getty, seconded by Trustee Lam, moved as follows: Whereas the Budget Committee made a decision, subject to ratification by the Board, that the budget allocation for elementary vice - principals will equate to 45.75 FTEs for the 1998/99 school year; Whereas the Board must now decide upon the basic methodology for determining the staff allocation of the 45.75 FTEs in a manner most likely to maintain harmony and to minimize disruption in the system; Whereas the formula -based approach to the staffing allocation for vice - principals issued on 20 May 1998, results in a number of anomalies, including leaving an inordinate number (57) of schools without vice - principals' release time; Whereas the severe cuts in funding notwithstanding, the 1998/99 budget which is unfolding, essentially leaves the bulk of the Board's program delivery approach and methodologies intact, and is designed to provide us with some time to properly consider and develop a new harmonized approach to programs, facilities and governance; Whereas adopting the current staffing allocation of the two predecessor Boards offers the greatest potential for stability and harmony among staff and within the system for the 1998/99 school year; Whereas approval of this motion will not increase the budget allocation; Therefore be it resolved: 237 Ottawa - Carleton District School Board MMUTES 25 MAY 1998 i) That the basic staffing allocation of elementary vice - principals for the 1998/99 school year be based on the current staffing allocation models of the two predecessor Boards; and ii) That the necessary work and steps be undertaken to develop and implement a new and harmonized approach and methodology for staffing for the 1999 -2000 school year. Trustee Jackson referred to material that was distributed in the 22 May Friday package which addresses the concerns of this motion. The Director explained that following the discussion at the Special meeting of the Human Resources Committee on 20 May regarding the vice principal allocation, a number of issues that were raised were addressed in the material circulated on 22 May. She noted that the most recent allocation is a harmonized approach, but there are some schools that currently have vice principals that will not have them and other schools that will have reduced amounts of vice principal time. As a result there is a net decrease of sixteen positions from the current allocation, instead of a net decrease of thirty-four positions as set out in the material that was reviewed on 20 May. In response to a question, the Director indicated that if this motion is defeated, the allocation set out in the May 22 material will be implemented. The Director also explained that as a result of the budget, there will be no flexibility in the staffing allocation and that the allocation determined for September will continue at least until the end of the school year. The motion was defeated. (b) Extraordinary Board Meetings Trustee Getty, seconded by Trustee Sheryl MacDonald, moved as follows: That the Board invoke the provisions in Board By -laws for the calling of extraordinary meetings of the Board for discussion of human resources issues for the period to the end of June 1998. The motion was carried. (c) Resignation of Member of Ad Hoc Committee for the Selection of the Director The Chair advised that Trustee Chambers has tendered his resignation as a member of the Ad Hoc Committee for the Selection of the Director. Trustee Lam, seconded by Trustee Getty, nominated Trustee Graham to replace Trustee Chambers. The motion was carried. On a motion by Trustee Getty, seconded by Trustee Libbey, Trustee Graham was confirmed as a member on the Ad Hoc Committee for the Selection of the Director. The Chair expressed her appreciation to Trustee Chambers for his participation on the committee. 238 Ottawa - Carleton District School Board MWUTEs 215. New Business 25 MAY 1998 (a) Notice of Motion Trustee Bled noted that she will present the following motion for consideration at the 8 June Board meeting: That staff be directed to investigate plans for the location of the casino in Gloucester and report back to the Board; and That any necessary steps be taken to register the concerns of the Board that casinos should not be located in close proximity to Gloucester High School or any other school in the Ottawa - Carleton District School Board. (b) OPSBA Trustee Lam advised that he will be attending the OPSBA Provincial Labour Relations meeting and Trustee Chambers will be attending the OPSBA Programs Work Group and that they will report back to the Board. (c) Budget Trustee Getty expressed appreciation to Trustees Graham and Scott, and to all senior staff for their work on the budget. The meeting adjourned at 1:20 a.m. Carola Lane Director of Education Secretary of the Board 239 Lyn Scott Chair of the Board