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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard 28 Aug 2000 Minutes PublicOTTAWA-CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES 28 August 2000 A 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 in attendance: Trustees Cynthia Bled, Albert Chambers, Alex Getty, Lynn Graham, Patty Anne Hill, Russ Jackson, Andrew Lam, Norm MacDonald, Sheryl MacDonald, Pam Morse and Lynn Scott. Staff. Director of Education and Secretary of the Board, James Grieve; Superintendents Rose -Marie Batley, Michael Clarke, Ross Donaldson, Judith Hoye, Dan Mason, Katherine Saunders, Barbara Stollery, Judy Turriff and Bonnie Viney; Manager, Facilities, Planning and Transportation, Michael Carson; Assistant Secretary of the Board, Joan Melancon; Manager of Communications, Maggie Melenhorst; Management, Policy and Planning Advisor, Janice Sargent; A/V Technician Robert Giekes; Committee Coordinators Kim Young (in camera session) and Bruce Fraser (public session). Student Representatives: Ryan Gilmour and Jen McIntyre. On a motion by Trustee Chambers, seconded by Trustee Sheryl MacDonald, the Board resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider the items on the in camera agenda. Trustee Graham assumed the chair in Committee, and the Committee later rose and presented the report below (Board minute 280 -00 refers). 280. Report No. 14, Committee of the Whole (in camera) Trustee Graham presented Report No. 14, Committee of the Whole (in camera) and seconded the recommendations therein. a) Offers of Surplus Property (Motion by Trustee Scott, seconded by Trustee Graham) THAT the Ottawa - Carleton Catholic School Board be advised that the Ottawa - Carleton District School Board has no interest in their surplus property offerings. b) OQption to Purchase Agreement (Motion by Trustee Norm MacDonald, seconded by Trustee Graham) A. THAT the Board approve the option to purchase agreement with South Nepean Development Corporation for Block 357 in the City of Nepean, which contains a portion of the Board's designated elementary school site NE41. B. THAT the Board authorize the Chairman and Director of Education to execute the agreement. -230- 281. Presentations a) D. Aubrey Moodie Award for 1999/2000 Chair Libbey read remarks from D. Aubrey Moodie, who was unable to attend the meeting, congratulating Ariel Burns who graduated in June 2000 from Merivale High School with an average of 99.5 %. Mr. Moodie noted that Ariel's family and school must be very proud of her accomplishments and wished her well in her future endeavours. Chair Libbey and the Director added their congratulations to Ariel on an outstanding accomplishment. b) Athletics Award Katie Jarvis and Sue Fleming presented a plaque and pins to the Chair and Director on behalf of the Ontario Federation of Schools Athletic Association ( OFSSA), in recognition of the OCDSB's support for their organization. Ms. Jarvis outlined the history of OFSSA noting that it is a federation that has grown from three volunteer associations in 1948, to its current size of nineteen associations. The organization is an advocator of the educational value of school sport and provides leadership and services to approximately 280,000 student athletes and 16,000 teacher - coaches within the province. The Chair and Director offered their thanks for the honour and expressed appreciation to Ms. Jarvis and Ms. Fleming for representing the wealth of talented and dedicated coaching staff within the OCDSB. 282. Approval of A eg nda On a motion by Trustee Lam, seconded by Trustee Scott, the agenda was approved as circulated. 283. Confirmation of Minutes 4 July 2000 On a motion by Trustee Graham, seconded by Trustee Getty, the minutes of 4 July 2000 were confirmed as written. 284. Confirmation of Minutes 24 July 2000 (continuation) and 24 July 2000 (special) On a motion by Trustee Getty, seconded by Trustee Morse, the minutes of 24 July 2000 (continuation) and 24 July 2000 (special) were confirmed as written. 285. Business Arising from the Minutes 4 July 2000 Superintendent Hoye, in response to a query by Trustee Graham, advised that three dates are being considered for the next meeting of the Advisory Committee for Children and Youth At Risk. 286. Business Arising from the Minutes 24 July 2000 (continuation) and 24 July 2000 (special) In response to a request by Trustee Graham, staff will provide a report on the number of gifted students who have not been placed into congregated gifted classes. 287. Chair's Report The Chair advised that the latest edition of the Continuing Education Department's Learning magazine has been distributed to the public and thanked all staff involved in the process. He noted that the publication Formula Facts was included with the magazine to provide information to taxpayers regarding the issues associated with the provincial funding formula. -231- (W Chair Libbey congratulated Andy Pan, a student at Colonel By HS who was recently awarded the $30,000 Rector's Scholarship from the University of Ottawa for exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and extra- curricular activities. 288. Director's Report Director Grieve congratulated Jennifer Burden of Sir Wilfrid Laurier SS who was recently awarded the Brian Smith Foundation Scholarship, a $3,000 per year scholarship for up to four years. The Director noted that he takes great pride in the achievements of OCDSB students. 289. Public Ouestion Period a) Nancy Meyers Nancy Meyers expressed the viewpoint that the creation of two additional gifted classes in June, following last year's cancellation of special classes for children over nine years of age with Language Learning Disabilities (LLD), has created the perception of inequity. She noted that while a large percentage of children identified as gifted have access to gifted programs, only a relatively small percentage of children with Language Learning Disabilities have access to specialized classes. In response to Ms. Meyers request that special classes for children over nine years old with Language Learning Disabilities be reinstated, the Director indicated that although every attempt will be made, budget limitations will make it difficult to achieve. b) Nora Burnett Nora Burnett noted that an attendant will no longer accompany the students in wheelchairs who travel by bus. She commented that a number of these students have medical conditions that require special attention and asked what safety measures have been considered for these students while travelling. Michael Carson commented that staff take the responsibility for the safety of all children very seriously. He advised that the OCDSB is now responsible for a number of children previously transported by the Ottawa- Carleton Catholic School Board and that staff are reviewing individual situations to ensure that the needs of those students are accommodated. 290. Delegations Phoenix Development Corporation, Mark Purchase - Senior Planner/Development Manager Mark Purchase introduced his company and provided background information on a new residential development being proposed for the area known as "Moffat Farm ", directly across from Carleton Heights PS on Prince of Wales Drive. He explained the development concept and timing of the project noting that it will involve the construction of between 225 and 250 single family homes over a two and one half year period beginning in the spring of 2001. The projected population for the development is approximately 1000 residents with approximately 25% to 30% of the residents being of school age. Mr. Purchase noted that members of the community had expressed concerns over the possible disposition of Carleton Heights PS and had requested that his firm present its plans for development in the area to the Board. In response to query by Trustee Scott, he advised that the formal development application will be filed within the next two weeks and that no analysis was done in the demographic projections regarding public versus separate school board supporters. -232- 291. Area Review Closure Study - Staff Recommendations for Elementary School Closure- (inside Greenbelt) The Board had before it for information, Report No. 00 -187 Area Review /School Closure Study - Recommendations for Elementary Accommodation (inside Greenbelt), providing recommendations for school closures as part of the School Closure Process approved on 08 March 2000. Superintendent Batley reviewed the process to date and noted that the recommendations for closures were made to achieve a minimum utilization level of 90% at full implementation. The report recommends the closure of the following nine schools: Elgin St. PS Mutchmore PS Overbrook PS Lamira Dow Billings ES Grant Alternative School Devonshire Community PS Elmdale PS General Vanier PS Merivale PS Superintendent Batley reviewed the guiding principles and process used by staff in developing the recommendations and explained the costs associated with maintaining surplus pupil places. In response to a query by Trustee Chambers, staff will provide a legal opinion on the procedural implications of naming alternate schools for closure that were listed in a previous staff report. Staff agreed to provide the costs involved with performing the boundary review study, recommended for the South East family of schools, as requested by Trustee Graham. Michael Carson advised that planning staff have been working with the Region's Planning Department in reviewing regional demographics. The OCDSB has been identified as a stakeholder in a demographics study being performed by Regional planning staff and Mr. Carson expects to be contacted for input. In response to a query by Trustee Graham, staff advised that the Regional Government was consulted regarding their motion requesting that the Board delay school closures. Regional planning staff have indicated that the growth figures for the area inside the Greenbelt remain valid. Superintendent Batley, in response to a query by Trustee Bled, advised that a report on school renewal costs is being prepared and that these costs were one of several factors considered in preparing the staff closure recommendations. At the request of Trustee Scott, staff will provide a breakdown of the operation and maintenance costs for a portable classroom. The Director noted that corrections to the report will be made as they are brought to the attention of Planning Department staff. In closing, Superintendent Batley advised that all questions regarding the report should be forwarded to her attention and that copies of the questions and answers will be circulated to all trustees. 292. Receipt of Report No. 4, Chair's Committee, 28 June 2000 On a motion by Trustee Graham, seconded by Trustee Scott, the Board received Report No. 4, Chair's Committee, dated 28 June 2000. The recommendations in the report were dealt with at the 4 July 2000 Board meeting. 293. Board Membership in the Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation (OCRI) The Board had before it Report No. 00 -169 seeking approval to renew the Board's membership in the Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation (OCRI). Director Grieve introduced the report, noting the extensive relationship that the OCDSB has with OCRI and the variety of programs and initiatives that the OCDSB has participated in as a -233- IC member of the organization. He advised that he represents the area Directors of Education as a member of the OCRI Board of Directors and noted that Barb McNally, Vice - President of OCRI, was present to respond to questions. Trustee Lam, seconded by Trustee Getty, moved THAT a one -year membership renewal for the Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation be approved covering the period 1 June 2000 to 31 May 2001. Several trustees expressed support for the organization, noting that membership in the organization is of mutual benefit to both parties and that OCRI has done a good job with relatively limited financial resources. Trustee Morse, expressed concern regarding the lack of references to the education system in the membership renewal letter from OCRI. She expressed the viewpoint that the participation of the OCDSB is being overshadowed by the technical and business community and that OCRI should do more to promote the educational community. Barb McNally commented that Bill Collins, President of OCRI, is a strong advocate of school boards and the education system. In response to a query, Barb McNally noted that, although the number of participants in the Teacher Internship Program is declining, the on -line interaction with teachers and the education community is increasing. Trustee Graham requested that OCRI provide additional information regarding fees charged to other educational partners. The motion was carried. 294. Proposed Budget Process & Board/Committee Schedule for 2000 -01 The Board had before it Report No. 00 -177 providing options and recommendations for the proposed Budget 2001 -02 process, and a proposed Board/Committee schedule for September to December 2000. At the Board meeting of 4 July 2000, the Board decided to defer consideration of the recommendation from the Chair's Committee meeting of 28 June 2000. In response to a point of order raised by Trustee Scott, the Chair advised that the original motion by Trustee Getty, seconded by Trustee Graham, was now back on the floor: THAT: A. the Plan of Action for the 2001 -02 budget process be approved; B. a Special Purpose (Budget) Committee be established for 2000 -01, to be chaired by a trustee member of the Committee, with terms of reference and reporting relationship as outlined in report 00 -177, and comprised of the chair and vice - chair, chairs of each standing committee and up to three additional trustees; C. the quorum for the Committee be four (if seven trustee members) or five (if eight members), and, in accordance with the Board Bylaws, all trustees in attendance at the meeting be entitled to make motions and to vote; D. the following groups and organizations, which have non - voting representative status at Standing Committees and COW (Budget) meetings as per Board Policy P.010.GOV, be invited to name a representative to the Special Purpose (Budget) Committee in September 2000: i) Ottawa - Carleton Assembly of School Councils (OCASC) Ottawa - Carleton Student Presidents' Council (OCSPC) Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation (OSSTF) (W Ottawa - Carleton Elementary Teachers' Federation (OCETF) Ottawa- Carleton Secondary School Administrators' Network (OCSSAN) -234- Ottawa - Carleton Elementary Principals' Association (OCEPA) Ottawa - Carleton Elementary Vice - Principals' Association (OCEVPA) Administrative and Support Groups (one representative collectively on the most appropriate Committee as determined by the groups). ii) the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAL) and OCDSB student trustees also be invited to name a non - voting representative to this Committee; E. the schedule of dates for Special Purpose (Budget) Committee meetings from September to December 2000 be approved; F. a Standing Committee of the Whole (Public) structure be approved for October 2000 to the end of March 2001; G. the amended Board Calendar, including Board, Standing Committee of the Whole (Public) and Special Purpose (Budget) Committee, for September through December 2000 be approved; H. a proposed calendar for January - April 2001, in accordance with the plan of action for the 2001 -02 Budget Process, be brought for approval to the Board on 11 September 2000. Trustee Norm MacDonald, seconded by Trustee Sheryl MacDonald, moved in amendment THAT items F and G be deleted and that item H be revised to read: A proposed calendar for September - April 2001, in accordance with the Plan of Action for the 2001 -02 Budget Process, be brought for approval to the Board on 11 September 2000. In speaking to the amendment, Trustee Norm MacDonald expressed his support for a Special Purpose (Budget) Committee to clarify and assist the budget process. He expressed concern, however, regarding the proposed changes to the existing Committee structure noting a lack of leadership opportunities for new trustees as chairs of committees, as well as an increased workload for the Chair and Vice Chair if a Standing Committee of the Whole (Public) structure is approved. He expressed the viewpoint that the current standing committee structure allows the Board to focus on specific issues at specific meetings and reduces the number of support staff required to attend meetings. He also expressed concern regarding the quorum requirements for Committee of the Whole meetings. Trustees speaking in support of the amendment noted that more staff would be required to attend Standing Committee of the Whole (Public) meetings due to the variety of issues that would be discussed. The amendment, which would retain the current Standing Committee structure, would result in fewer meetings for individual trustees because of reduced quorum requirements. Following clarification, from the Assistant Secretary of the Board Joan Melancon, that a sub - amendment must pertain to the amendment Trustee Chambers, seconded by Trustee Lam, moved in sub - amendment THAT item H be revised to read: A proposed calendar for September - December 2000, in accordance with the Plan of Action for the 2001 -02 Budget Process, be brought for approval to the Board on 11 September 2000. In speaking to the sub - amendment, Trustee Chambers noted that it would allow trustees to focus on budget issues and then turn over the information and recommendations to the new Board of Trustees for consideration of how to proceed through the remainder of the process. In response to a query by Trustee Graham, Director Grieve commented the sub - amendment could be problematic for staff in developing a long -term financial plan. In wrap up, Trustee Chambers noted that he agrees with the development of a long -term financial plan and that staff will be able to continue that process independent of trustee decisions. He advised that the goal of the -235- sub - amendment is to allow the new Board of Trustees to review tangible information from the current Board and decide on the best course of action. The sub - amendment was carried. In wrap up, Trustee Norm MacDonald reiterated his earlier comments about issues being fully debated at Board and that he is concerned that potential trustees may be discouraged if they observe committee meetings running very late due to the number of agenda items. He expressed the view that maintaining the current Standing Committee structure does not increase the number of meetings significantly over the proposed structure. The amendment was carried. Discussion reverted to the main motion which now incorporated Trustee Norm MacDonald's amendment. Trustee Chambers, seconded by Trustee Morse, moved in amendment that the Proposed Plan of Action (Appendix A to staff report 00 -177) be deleted except item 4. - Special Purpose (Budget) Committee Meetings - September- December 2000. In response to a query by Trustee Norm MacDonald, staff advised that the staff approach to long term planning will not be changed significantly as a result of trustee decisions. Trustee Scott, seconded by Trustee Getty, moved in sub - amendment that items 1- 3 in the Proposed Plan of Action be deleted and that items 4 - 7 inclusive be retained. In speaking to the sub - amendment, Trustee Scott remarked that the key references in the Plan of Action should be retained to provide members of the public with a guide to the budget process. The sub - amendment and the amendment were carried. Trustee Getty requested a recorded vote and the main motion, as amended, carried on the following division: FOR: Trustees Graham, Lam, Libbey, Norm MacDonald, Sheryl MacDonald, Morse and Scott (7) AGAINST: Trustee Hill (1) ABSTENTIONS: Trustee Chambers, Getty and Jackson (3) The amended motion adopted by the Board was therefore as follows: THAT: A. the Plan of Action (items 4 - 7 inclusive, of Appendix A to staff report 00 -177) for the 2001 -02 budget process be approved; B. a Special Purpose (Budget) Committee be established for 2000 -01, to be chaired by a trustee member of the Committee, with terms of reference and reporting relationship as outlined in report 00 -177, and comprised of the Chair and Vice - Chair, Chairs of each Standing Committee and up to three additional trustees; C. the quorum for the Committee be four (if seven trustee members) or five (if eight members), and, in accordance with the Board Bylaws, all trustees in attendance at the meeting be entitled to make motions and to vote; D. the following groups and organizations, which have non - voting representative status at Standing Committees and COW (Budget) meetings as per Board Policy P.0 1 O.GOV, be invited to name a representative to the Special Purpose (Budget) Committee in September 2000: -236- i) Ottawa- Carleton Assembly of School Councils (OCASC) Ottawa - Carleton Student Presidents' Council (OCSPC) Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation (OSSTF) Ottawa - Carleton Elementary Teachers' Federation (OCETF) Ottawa - Carleton Secondary School Administrators' Network (OCSSAN) Ottawa - Carleton Elementary Principals' Association (OCEPA) Ottawa - Carleton Elementary Vice - Principals' Association (OCEVPA) Administrative and Support Groups (one representative collectively on the most appropriate Committee as determined by the groups). ii) the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAL) and OCDSB student trustees also be invited to name a non - voting representative to this Committee; E. the schedule of dates for Special Purpose (Budget) Committee meetings from September to December 2000 be approved; H. a proposed calendar for September to December 2000, in accordance with the Plan of Action for the 2001 -02 Budget Process, be brought for approval to the Board on 11 September 2000. Trustee Morse, seconded by Trustee Scott, moved that the meeting continue past 11:00 p.m. The motion was defeated and the meeting therefore adjourned at 11:10 p.m. James P. Grieve Director of Education and Secretary of the Board BAFBE- 000828 -237- Jim Libbey Chair of the Board PI