HomeMy WebLinkAbout19.0 REVISED Minutes - Committee of the Whole, Budget_Aug26_2020 KY KG (1)
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COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE, BUDGET REPORT
Wednesday, August 26, 2020
7:00 pm
Zoom Meeting
Trustees Present: Justine Bell, Christine Boothby, Rob Campbell, Chris Ellis, Lyra
Evans, Mark Fisher, Wendy Hough, Jennifer Jennekens, Keith
Penny, Sandra Schwartz, Charles Chen (Student Trustee), Joy
Liu (Student Trustee).
Staff Present: Camille Williams-Taylor (Director of Education), Brett Reynolds
(Associate Director), Mike Carson (Chief Financial Officer),
Janice McCoy (Superintendent of Human Resources), Peter
Symmonds (Superintendent of Learning Support Services),
Dorothy Baker (Superintendent of Instruction), Mary Jane
Farrish (Superintendent of Instruction), Michele Giroux
(Executive Officer, Corporate Services), Shawn Lehman
(Superintendent of Instruction), Eric Hardie (Superintendent of
Instruction), Prince Duah (Superintendent of Instruction), Nadia
Towaij (Superintendent of Program and Learning K-12),
Shannon Smith (Superintendent of Instruction), Carolyn Tanner,
(Human Rights and Equity Advisor), Andrew Parent (Principal,
Gloucester High School), Christine Kessler (System Principal,
Learning Support Services ) ; Rachelle Sintic, (Principal,
Ridgemont High School), Kevin Gardner (Manager of Finance),
Sandy Owens (Manager of Business & Learning Technologies),
Karyn Carty Ostafichuk (Manager of Planning), Diane Pernari-
Hergert (Manager of Communications & Information Services),
Nicole Guthrie (Manager of Board Services), Charles D'Aoust
(Coordinator of Budget Services), Teri Adamthwaite
(Coordinator of Financial Reporting), Michael Guilbault (AV
Technician), Rebecca Grandis (Senior Board Coordinator) and
Amanda Pelkola (Board/Committee Coordinator).
Non-Voting
Representatives
Present:
Jean Trant (SSP), Melodie Gondek (OSSTF-ESP), Kelly
Granum (OSSTF-OT), Jennifer Coleman (OCSSAN), Jennifer
Glassman (OSSTF - PSSP), Jennifer Capitani (OCEOC), Troy
Cluff (OSSTF-PSSU), Susan Gardner (OCETFO), David
Wildman (OCEOTA).
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1. Call to Order - Chair of Committee of the Whole, Budget
Chair Schwartz called the public session to order at 7:01 p.m. and acknowledged
that the meeting is taking place on unceded Algonquin Territories and thanked
the Algonquin Nations for hosting the meeting on their land.
2. Approval of Agenda
Moved by Trustee Hough,
THAT the agenda be approved.
Carried
3. Delegations
3.1 Marty Carr, Ridgemont High School Parent Council, RE: SRO Program
Ms. Carr expressed the opinion that it is inappropriate that a decision
affecting a school community would be brought forward without having
consulted the schools impacted.
She submitted that students confide in the School Resource Officer (SRO)
at Ridgemont High School (HS) and the SRO works with other members
of the team. As a high needs school, it is necessary to have this resource
available until the program has been assessed.
In response to a query from Student Trustee Liu, Ms. Carr advised that the
SRO is a member of the Herongate response team that was put in place
to deal with crime in the area. The SRO provides advice to students, and
the school council is not aware of any SRO issues.
3.2 Maya Basudde, RE: SRO Program
Ms. Basudde, speaking on behalf of SES Canada, advised that she was
diagnosed with PTSD as a result of an assault from a police officer and
she finds it difficult to see the SRO officer as an asset. She expressed her
preference to see the funds used for healing, growth, and programming.
In response to queries, Ms. Bassudde submitted that, with the Black Lives
Matter movement and the District’s anti-racism work, it is important to
listen to their needs. Ms. Bassudde noted that she is looking to defund
police in schools and seeing the funds put where they are more useful in
the long run.
3.3 Souheil Bensimane, RE: SRO Program
Mr. Bensimane shared his ideas about racist institutions and the police.
He expressed the view that the Board has one moral choice to make,
which is to cut ties with police and remove the SRO from Ridgemont HS
and Gloucester HS. Police officers have racist practices to reduce
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colonialism, control black and aboriginal people, and other oppression.
The settler state's goal is to steal land, have servitude, police migrant
communities, and in his opinion, police still play this racist role. He asked
why the Board wants to be associated with this system that still has a
racist presence and SROs, like other oppressive institutions, could not be
reformed and must be abolished.
In response to queries, Mr. Bensimane submitted that society, schools
and social services are structured to put Black and Indigenous youths and
those of families that are poor, in the prison system. An SRO has the
ability to push youth through the prison system and forcibly confine them
and prepare them for jail. He advised that he did time with people who
started jail when they were young because they fought white children who
were being racist. He noted that his friends in Toronto have fought the
SRO program and succeeded in removing it, and his friends in Ottawa
have told him stories involving SROs.
In response to queries from Student Trustee Chen, Associate Director
Reynolds advised that the OCDSB may not have a mandate or the ability
to remove SROs from schools given that 23 of them are paid for by the
Ottawa Police Service (OPS). He added that there are policies at the
municipal level that encourage this partnership. If there are threats at
school, staff call the police and they determine how it should be managed.
The Board does have discretion over the two SRO officers paid by the
District.
3.4 Peter Gareau, RE: SRO Program
Mr. Gareau noted that he was very impacted by Ms. Basudde’s statement.
He submitted that more information is required with respect to the role and
responsibilities of the SRO before consultation with Gloucester HS,
Ridgemont HS, the community, students, and teachers. He urged the
Board not to be hasty with this decision as the positions may not be
replaced if they are eliminated.
3.5 Sophie Chen, RE: SRO Program
Ms. Chen, a 2017 graduate of Gloucester HS, noted that she went to a
school where they struggled to receive textbooks and updated labs, but
prioritized SROs who roamed the halls.
She submitted that SROs were not trusted by students, and social workers
and counsellors should be hired. People got into fights and abused drugs,
but they did not need to be criminalized. As a student who used
counselling, she knows that you can get help instead of being judged by
your circumstances. SROs do harm and distract from learning. Parents
may not have made an issue of SROs, but as a former student she is
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providing her experience of emotional harm, and that of the marginalized
communities that have been harmed.
In response to queries, Ms. Chen advised that the SRO attended
Gloucester HS weekly, and those who needed help were punished by the
SRO who instilled fear.
Ms. Chen expressed the view that consultation is important but we need
students to speak of their experiences one-on-one rather than consulting
with people who are not impacted by SROs.
3.6 Amran Ali, RE: SRO Program
Ms. Ali, speaking on behalf of a group of mothers and fathers of the Black
African community in support of the removal of the SROs from all schools
as their children's safety is compromised by being over policed and
underserved. She expressed the opinion that these funds should be used
for social supports for students, noting that she volunteers in jail where
there are many young men from Gloucester HS who had issues with
SROs and became criminalized.
In response to queries, Ms. Ali noted that she respects parents who
support their children and schools but she does not want to be consulted
on her rights or her children's rights. She expressed the view that policing
criminalizes and ruins the Black African community. Food, good schools,
playgrounds and safe places contribute to safety not a police officer
walking around with a gun and exercising their power. As a successful
woman, she is intimidated when a police officer wa lks beside her and
expressed the view that, this does not positively impact their learning.
3.7 Hailey Dash, RE: SRO Program
Ms. Dash expressed the opinion that the OCDSB must defund the SRO,
Herongate initiative, and support the “no cops in school” campaign.
Students of colour are at risk and therefore it is not a safe environment.
She has heard numerous stories of fear, racism, sexism and abuse from
SROs, who have shamed kids, made comments towards black and brown
students, apprehended these students, and put them in the youth justice
system. These coloured youths are overrepresented in the youth justice
system. Ms. Dash submitted that they are not provided the same learning
environment as white students as they are impacted by the SRO's
presence.
In response to queries, Ms. Dash submitted that the OCSDB must value
their opinions and meet their demands more than they do now.
Ms. Dash explained that the anti-racist feminist collective that she is part
of is a group of black and brown students who graduated in 2016 from
Merivale HS. They are advocating for the complete removal of SROs, in
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Catholic, Public and French schools. The act of policing has its roots in
racism. They are to police the behaviour of Afro-Americans and should
not be in place anymore. The collective wants the relationship with OPS to
be terminated. Punishment and fear should not drive behaviour, but
instead accountability and getting to the root of the problem is more
effective.
4. Matters for Action
4.1 Report 20-063, 2020-2021 Staff-Recommended Budget
The following motion, as amended, was on the floor at the conclusion of
the last meeting of Committee of the Whole Budget on 18 August 2020:
Moved by Trustee Lyra Evans,
A. THAT the unconsolidated 2020-2021 operating budget of
$1,008.3 million as presented in Report 20-063, 2020-2021
Staff-Recommended Budget and detailed in the 2020-2021
Staff-Recommended Budget Binder be approved, as
amended, subject to Ministry authorization to use the
accumulated surplus in the amount required to balance the
budget;
B. THAT the 2020-2021 capital budget of $97.9 million as
presented in the 2020-2021 Staff-Recommended Budget
Binder, be approved;
C. THAT the In-Year Deficit Elimination plan as presented in
the 2020-2021 Staff-Recommended Budget Binder, be
approved.
D. THAT the accumulated surplus be used to further increase
the recommended $4.0 million COVID expense provision by
$471,491;
E. THAT the new funding of $3.5 million as shown in Ministry of
Education Memo 2020: B11, Investments to Support School
Reopening in Response to the COVID-19 Outbreak, be
added to the 2020-2021 Staff-Recommended Budget
operating revenues and that a corresponding increase in
planned operating expenses be reflected; and
F. THAT the new funding of $1.9 million as shown in Minister of
Education Memo dated 14 August 2020, Additional
Guidance and Funding for School Reopening, be added to
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the 2020-2021 Staff-Recommended Budget operating
revenues and that a corresponding increase in planned
operating expenses be reflected.
Note: The motion includes the following amendments:
THAT $ 95,976 be removed from the School Programs and Support
budget which pays for two dedicated School Resource Officers
(SROs) at Gloucester High School and Ridgemont High School.
THAT the $95,976 be apportioned to the two schools on a per pupil
basis to be administered within the urban priority high school
framework.
THAT a budget allocation of $150,000 be made for the funding of
effective school councils across all schools and the work of an
engaged Parent Involvement Committee to ensure it meets
obligations regarding communications with School Councils and to
“undertaking activities to help parents of pupils.
The following amendment was deferred at the meeting of 26 August 2020
and was now on the floor:
An amendment moved by Trustee Lyra Evans,
A. THAT the budget for instructional salaries be increased by
$100,000,000, to provide the hiring of 1025 additional
elementary teachers, reducing the class sizes to a maximum
of 15;
B. THAT the budget for school operations be increased by
$10,000,000, to provide for additional custodial and
maintenance positions at the elementary levels;
C. THAT accommodation costs be increased by $15,000,000 to
provide for the rental and acquisition of 1000 elementary
classrooms equivalent space;
D. THAT the budget for school operations be increased by
$80,000,000 for additional custodial and maintenance
positions at the secondary level; and
E. THAT the accommodation costs be increased by
$30,000,000 to provide for the rental and acquisition of 1600
secondary classroom equivalents.
Referring to the announcement from the Ministry of Education earlier in
the day indicating that the OCDSB would receiving an additional
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$7,000,000 rather than the anticipated $10,000,000, Chief Financial
Officer (CFO) Carson advised that the funding is to augment funding for
student transportation, special education, mental health remote learning,
additional teaching staff, and school reopening, Some additional funds
are being held centrally for the cost of additional personal protective
equipment (PPE) through the course of the year and also for
transportation. Staff will assess needs and report on the use of the funds.
There are a number of competing demands and staff will have a clear
understanding later in the week after speaking to the Deputy Minister. The
school reopening funds will allow schools to respond more quickly to their
staffing and administration issues as well as other issues that are
anticipated in the next six months.
CFO Carson advised that the choice of remote or in-class learning has
created the need to develop virtual schools. The original funding allocated
was approximately $600,000 but that will not be enough to support
thousands of students. Once the reorganization is completed there will be
additional costs for principals and vice-principals. It is not anticipated that
costs will exceed the 2% deficit the Ministry has recommended.
During discussion on the amendment, the following points were noted:
● The additional funding noted above will not be included in the
budget as it is not flowing through the Grants for Student Needs
(GSN), and staff is recommending that the budget be approved this
evening;
● This funding was previously expected to be distributed mid-year.
The province has not yet disclosed the details for the second half of
the federal transfer;
● Staff is not recommending any changes to the budget with respect
to the deficit and the use of 2% of reserves;
● Staff does not anticipate any savings as a result of today’s funding
announcement. The funds will not reduce the deficit; but rather it
will allow for schools to address their needs earlier than previously
anticipated. The funding reduces the Board’s risk and a llows the
Board to increase spending beyond the planned $4.5 million buffer;
● Staff anticipates additional expenses for teaching staff to respond
to virtual schools and reduce class sizes. CFO Carson confirmed
that the additional funding will allow them to make schools safer,
enhance practices and physical barriers, and allow further class
size reductions;
● If the Board does not pass the budget prior to 31 August 2020, the
CFO and Director would need to explain to the Ministry why the
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Board is not in compliance and the Ministry could intervene and
appoint a supervisor;
● CFO Carson advised that every year staff budgets for a deficit, and
staff would bring forward additional requests to overspend, if
required, when expenditures were necessary for students or staff;
● With respect to the amendment, Trustee Campbell expressed the
view that it is a political statement, but the structure is not clear
about the offsetting revenue. CFO Carson advised that the only
way to increase expenses is to increase the accumulated deficit by
$180.0 million and this would not be approved by the province;
● Trustee Ellis suggested that 440 Albert Street and Confederation
Education Centres are no longer in use and could generate
revenue from proceeds of sales. Although the Board cannot use
money from capital sales for operating expenses, it is important to
reopen schools that are as safe as possible with 15 pupils per
class, which is not possible without this amendment. Trustee Ellis
submitted that the last time the OCDSB passed a non -compliant
budget, it led to better education outcomes across the province;
● Trustee Boothby submitted that if the Board is taken over by the
province, it would be for the balance of this term and the good work
over the last five years would be reversed. Staff and trustees would
have little opportunity to ensure programs that are important would
be carried out and trustees would no longer be representing their
communities. She advised that she and Trustee Penny will raise
the issue at OPSBA. OPSBA has, in the past, gone back to the
province and were able to use reserves to spend additional funds
that they know are critical;
● Director Williams-Taylor advised that additional funds and
information about the protocols for outbreaks and safety will
address the safety of students and staff. Safety is not limited to
physical space and sanitation but also to mental health and
emotional safety regarding human rights and anti-black racism;
● While not every challenge is solved by additional funds, Director
Williams-Taylor noted the difficulty is in finding places that are safe
for students and to provide transportation to those locations.
Parents are not comfortable moving their child to unfamiliar
locations;
● If these funds became available, the Board would not see the
impact until March 2021 due to the requirement to organize
schools, find appropriate space, and recruit and train staff. Trustee
Schwartz noted that the Board has the opportunity, whether it is a
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formal motion or through discussion, to write to the Minister to ask
for additional funds to assist with safety, if necessary;
● CFO Carson advised that the Education Act and Regulation were
amended last year to state that a deficit of 1% would be deemed
compliant. The Minister has now deemed 2% to be compliant but
has not yet published the Regulation. If an in-year deficit is
anticipated that exceeds 2%, the Board could request additional
supports, or the Minister could make a charge against next year’s
budget;
● Trustee Scott submitted that staff has looked at the most important
issues this year, including well-being and safety. If the Board is
taken over, none of that funding could be utilized, and the Board
could not spend it in the days prior to a supervisor taking over. It
would result in worse conditions for students rath er than
better. She added that making a grand gesture, knowing trustees
could not represent the community, would not be a responsible
thing to do; and
● Trustee Lyra Evans expressed the view that although her
amendment may not pass, it is not a political statement. Dr. Etches
has said the Board should minimize class sizes, and the
amendment would allow all class sizes to be 15 students. The
biggest issue is that the Board does not think the Minister would
approve it and that is a question that should be asked, not
assumed. If something similar is not proposed, she will vote against
the budget.
An amendment moved by Trustee Lyra Evans,
A. THAT the budget for instructional salaries be increased by
$100,000,000, to provide the hiring of 1025 additional elementary
teachers, reducing the class sizes to a maximum of 15;
B. THAT the budget for school operations be increased by
$10,000,000, to provide for additional custodial and maintenance
positions at the elementary levels;
C. THAT accommodation costs be increased by $15,000,000 to
provide for the rental and acquisition of 1000 elementary
classrooms equivalent space;
D. THAT the budget for school operations be increased by
$80,000,000 for additional custodial and maintenance positions at
the secondary level; and
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E. THAT the accommodation costs be increased by $30,000,000 to
provide for the rental and acquisition of 1600 secondary classroom
equivalents.
Defeated
The motion was defeated on the following division:
FOR: Trustees Ellis and Lyra Evans (2)
OPPOSED: Trustees Boothby, Hough, Campbell, Jennekens, Penny, Bell,
Fisher, Scott, and Schwartz (9)
During discussion on the main motion, the following points were noted:
● Trustee Campbell queried whether sufficient funding was made
available in the budget to manage the additional workload and
stress for central staff support. Director Williams-Taylor
acknowledged that human resources are stretched, and noted the
importance of communications and data in managing the
pandemic. She added that there may be a requirement to adjust
funding as needs arise;
● Superintendent McCoy noted the strain on the Employee Wellness
division, which is managing a large number of requests for
accommodation. Some additional support has been provided on a
temporary basis to assist with screening requests and realigning
some responsibilities. The Employee Wellness division
acknowledges the delay in responding to employees and is working
on requests as quickly as possible;
● In response to a query with respect to the use of funding for SROs
at Gloucester HS and Ridgemont HS, Associate Director Reynolds
advised that the schools would use a process to determine what is
in the best interests of students, which may include continuing the
SRO program. Principal Parent noted that the SRO agreement is
between the Board and the OPS, and not the school. He suggested
that the OPS would want to know in the next week if the service
would be continued, and if it is discontinued, it may be difficult to
bring it back; and
● Executive Officer Giroux clarified that the amendment to remove
the SRO funding has not yet been approved by the Board as part of
its approval of the budget, as amended. The amendments could be
listed in the motion for clarity. At the time of Board approval, Board
members may overturn the amendment. If the amendment is
carried, there is also the option to reconsider that part of the budget
at a future meeting.
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1. Memo 20-112, 2020-2021 Staff-Recommended Budget Questions
and Answers (Release 4)
Provided for information.
2. Status of Budget Motion
The following motion, as amended, was on the floor:
Moved by Trustee Lyra Evans,
A. THAT the unconsolidated 2020-2021 operating budget of
$1,008.3 million as presented in Report 20-063, 2020-2021
Staff-Recommended Budget and detailed in the 2020-2021
Staff-Recommended Budget Binder be approved, as amended,
subject to Ministry authorization to use the accumulated surplus
in the amount required to balance the budget;
B. THAT the 2020-2021 capital budget of $97.9 million as
presented in the 2020-2021 Staff-Recommended Budget
Binder, be approved;
C. THAT the In-Year Deficit Elimination plan as presented in
the 2020-2021 Staff-Recommended Budget Binder, be
approved.
D. THAT the accumulated surplus be used to further increase
the recommended $4.0 million COVID expense provision by
$471,491;
E. THAT the new funding of $3.5 million as shown in Ministry of
Education Memo 2020:B11, Investments to Support School
Reopening in Response to the COVID-19 Outbreak, be
added to the 2020-2021 Staff-Recommended Budget
operating revenues and that a corresponding increase in
planned operating expenses be reflected; and
F. THAT the new funding of $1.9 million as shown in Minister of
Education Memo dated 14 August 2020, Additional
Guidance and Funding for School Reopening, be added to
the 2020-2021 Staff-Recommended Budget operating
revenues and that a corresponding increase in planned
operating expenses be reflected.
Note: The motion includes the following amendments:
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THAT $ 95,976 be removed from the School Programs and Support
budget which pays for two dedicated School Resource Officers
(SROs) at Gloucester High School and Ridgemont High School.
THAT the $95,976 be apportioned to the two schools on a per pupil
basis to be administered within the urban priority high school
framework.
THAT a budget allocation of $150,000 be made for the funding of
effective school councils across all schools and the work of an
engaged Parent Involvement Committee to ensure it meets
obligations regarding communications with School Councils and to
“undertaking activities to help parents of pupils.
3. Notice of Motion to Amend Budget:
1. Amendments, Trustee Jennekens
An amendment moved by Trustee Jennekens,
A. THAT staff be directed to monitor and report to the
Board any emergent COVID-19 related shortfalls in
resources required to maintain safe and healthy
school operations;
B. THAT the Board approach the province for more
funding, if necessary, to ensure the safety of OCDSB
students and educators; and
C. THAT staff be directed to report to the Board monthly
until the end of the first semester and every two
months until the end of June 2021.
Trustee Jennekens submitted that the amendment would
allow staff to approach the Ministry for additional funding to
make appropriate health and safety adjustments as school
resumes. Trustee Scott noted that, at the time of approving
the principles for the return to school plan, the Board
included reporting expectations as part of that action. She
queried how the concept of monthly reports and
expenditures and shortfalls fit with what was previously
approved regarding the COVID pieces. Executive Officer
Giroux advised that Part F of the principles provides a
standing item on the agenda for regular updates for the full
year.
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Trustee Scott expressed the opinion that Parts 5, 6 and 7 of
the principles overlap with Parts A and B of Trustee
Jennekens’ amendment.
A sub-amendment moved by Trustee Jennekens,
THAT Part A and Part C be deleted.
With respect to Part B, Trustee Scott queried whether the
intention is to approach the province for more funding now or
in the future. Trustee Jennekens advised that her intention is
based on an assessment of weaknesses and strengths over
the next few weeks.
A sub-amendment moved by Trustee Jennekens,
THAT Part A and Part C be deleted.
Carried
Trustee Ellis expressed the view that there are too many
unanswered questions, for example, who decides if it is
necessary to have more funding and how will the safety of
staff be determined.
An amendment moved by Trustee Jennekens,
THAT the Board approach the province for more funding, if
necessary, to ensure the safety of OCDSB students and
educators.
Carried
2. Amendments, Trustee Campbell
An amendment moved by Trustee Campbell,
THAT the Chair of the Board communicate immediately with
the Minister of Education and Premier, with a copy of the
communication also sent to Ontario Public School Boards’
Association (OPSBA) member boards and local media,
calling on the province to:
1. Commit to making school boards whole with respect to
their extraordinary COVID-19 related use of reserves;
2. Commit to making school boards whole with respect to
any unplanned COVID-19 related shortfalls arising
directly however from either:
i. Their Ministry-approved plans
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ii. Further changes in Ministry direction, or
iii. Unforeseen and unavoidable local COVID-19 related
circumstances, and
3. Commit to asking Ontario's Chief Medical Officer to
immediately review and publicly respond fully and directly
to the expert advice on COVID-19 risk reduction for
schools provided on 19 August 2020 by the Registered
Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO), and the Minister
and Premier then to reassess as may be indicated the
Province's financial support and direction around COVID-
19 risks reduction in its schools.
Trustee Campbell submitted that there is an advocacy piece
of his amendment for adequate provisions for safety. He is
also asking the Province to ensure that the extraordinary
COVID-19 costs are not borne by the District. There could
be implications that we won't understand yet and he is
seeking an in-year budget risk mitigation from the province in
the form of a letter to be sent shortly.
Trustee Scott expressed concern that the Ministry states that
school boards need to do what they recommend but they are
not approving their plans. Director Williams-Taylor clarified
that the language used by the Ministry is "confirming" plans,
which is in alignment with the guidance document but the
word is not “approved” or “endorsed”.
A sub-amendment moved by Trustee Scott,
THAT "Ministry-approved" be changed to "Ministry
confirmed" in part B i of the amendment.
Carried friendly
With respect to Trustee Scott’s request for clarification on
Part C, Trustee Campbell noted that it was his intent that the
Minister of Education and Premier be asked to write to the
Ontario Chief Medical Officer.
An amendment moved by Trustee Campbell,
THAT the Chair of the Board communicate immediately with
the Minister of Education and Premier, with a copy of the
communication also sent to Ontario Public School Boards’
Association (OPSBA) member boards and local media,
calling on the province to:
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1. Commit to making school boards whole with respect to
their extraordinary COVID-19 related use of reserves;
2. Commit to making school boards whole with respect to
any unplanned COVID-19 related shortfalls arising
directly however from either:
i. Their Ministry-confirmed plans
ii. Further changes in Ministry direction, or
iii. Unforeseen and unavoidable local COVID-19 related
circumstances, and
3. Commit to asking Ontario's Chief Medical Officer to
immediately review and publicly respond fully and directly
to the expert advice on COVID-19 risk reduction for
schools provided on 19 August 2020 by the Registered
Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO), and the Minister
and Premier then to reassess as may be indicated the
province's financial support and direction around COVID-
19 risks reduction in its schools.
Carried
Trustee Penny assumed the chair.
Trustee Schwartz noted that the Committee has had a
fulsome debate over many meetings. She thanked everyone
involved, including staff, non-voting representatives, and
trustees for their participation in the meetings.
Moved by Trustee Schwartz,
THAT debate be closed.
Carried
Chair Schwartz resumed the chair.
Moved by Trustee Lyra Evans,
A. THAT the unconsolidated 2020-2021 operating
budget of $1,008.3 million as presented in Report
20-063, 2020-2021 Staff-Recommended Budget
and detailed in the 2020-2021 Staff-Recommended
Budget Binder be approved, subject to Ministry
authorization to use the accumulated surplus in
the amount required to balance the budget,
amended as follows:
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a. THAT $ 95,976 be removed from the School
Programs and Support budget which pays
for two dedicated School Resource Officers
(SROs) at Gloucester High School and
Ridgemont High School; and
b. THAT the $95,976 be apportioned to the two
schools on a per pupil basis to be
administered within the urban priority high
school framework.
c. THAT a budget allocation of $150,000 be
made for the funding of effective school
councils across all schools and the work of
an engaged Parent Involvement Committee
to ensure it meets obligations regarding
communications with school councils and
to “undertaking activities to help parents of
pupils of the Board support their children’s
learning at home and at school”.
d. THAT the Board approach the province for
more funding, if necessary, to ensure the
safety of OCDSB students and educators.
e. THAT the Chair of the Board communicate
immediately with the Minister of Education
and Premier, with a copy of the
communication also sent to Ontario Public
School Boards’ Association (OPSBA)
member boards and local media, calling on
the province to:
i. Commit to making school boards whole
with respect to their extraordinary
COVID-19 related use of reserves,
ii. Commit to making school boards whole
with respect to any unplanned COVID-19
related shortfalls arising directly
however from either (i) their Ministry-
confirmed plans, 1. further changes in
Ministry direction, or 2. unforeseen and
unavoidable local COVID-19 related
circumstances, and
iii. Commit to asking Ontario's Chief
Medical Officer to immediately review
and publicly respond fully and directly
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to the expert advice on COVID-19 risk
reduction for schools provided on 19
August 2020 by the Registered Nurses’
Association of Ontario (RNAO), and the
Minister and Premier then to reassess as
may be indicated the province's financial
support and direction around COVID-19
risks reduction in its schools;
B. THAT the 2020-2021 capital budget of $97.9
million as presented in the 2020- 2021 Staff-
Recommended Budget Binder, be approved;
C. THAT the In-Year Deficit Elimination plan
presented in the 2020-2021 Staff-Recommended
Budget Binder, as amended, be approved;
D. THAT the accumulated surplus be used to further
increase the recommended $4.0 million COVID
expense provision by $471,491;
E. THAT the new funding of $3.5 million as shown in
Ministry of Education Memo 2020:B11,
Investments to Support School Reopening in
Response to the COVID-19 Outbreak, be added to
the 2020-2021 Staff-Recommended Budget
operating revenues and that a corresponding
increase in planned operating expenses be
reflected; and
F. THAT the new funding of $1.9 million as shown in
Minister of Education Memo dated 14 August
2020, Additional Guidance and Funding for
School Reopening, be added to the 2020-2021
Staff-Recommended Budget operating revenues
and that a corresponding increase in planned
operating expenses be reflected.
Carried.
5. New Business - Information and Inquiries
There was no new business.
6. Adjournment
18
Chair Schwartz thanked CFO Carson and staff for the hard work put into creating
a budget and making safety paramount. As a parent, she noted that she is very
thankful to staff for making this a priority.
The meeting adjourned at 10:10 p.m.
_________________________
Sandra Schwartz, Chair