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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12 Report 2, Director Selection Committee, 01 February 2011 REPORT NO. 2, DIRECTOR SELECTION COMMITTEE TO: The Board DATE: 01 February 2011 Ameeting of the Director Selection Committee was held this evening in the Trustees’ Committee Room, 133 Greenbank Road, Ottawa, commencing at 5:44 p.m. with Trustee McKenzie in the Chair and the following in attendance: TRUSTEE MEMBERS: Donna Blackburn, Pam FitzGerald, Bronwyn Funiciello and Shirley Seward STAFF:Janice McCoy, Superintendent of Human Resources Maureen Strittmatter, Senior Board Coordinator GUESTS: Michael Naufal and Jane Griffith (electronic communication), Odgers Berndtson 1. Call to Order Chair McKenzie called the meeting to order at 5:44 p.m. 2. Approval of Agenda Moved by Trustee Funiciello, THAT the agenda be approved. - Carried – 3. Discuss and Finalize the Advertising Strategy Superintendent McCoy provided an updated version of the advertisement for the Director of Education position and noted that the only change was the addition of the diversity statement at the bottom. She noted that the draft advertisement was being provided for the committee’s consideration and approval. In addition to the advertisement, confirmation is required on where the advertisement should be placed, who it should target and the timeline. Jane Griffith advised that since the last committee meeting, she had pursued some avenues discussed and Education Research and Development Institute (ERDI) did not have a job area on their website to place an advertisement. She added that she also did not find an area on the Council of Ontario Directors of Education (CODE) website for job postings. Superintendent McCoy noted that it was her belief that there was a link between CODE and Ontario Public Supervisory Officials’ Association (OPSOA), and it would be either through this website or through Ontario Association of School Business Officials (OASBO) that an advertisement could be placed. She added that two other suggested sites at the last meeting were the Canadian School Board Association (CSBA) and Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA), with the latter having a career board on their website. Director Selection Committee -1-01 February 2011 In response to a query regarding whether there were other Director of Education postings currently circulating, Jane Griffith noted that her web search turned up only one, for Regina school district from last fall. Trustee Funiciello noted that OPSBA also provided links to their Career Board in their Fast Reports which are issued, and possibly other organizations may have a publication that is circulated to school boards in the education sector. Superintendent McCoy confirmed that, in the past, the school board association for each province that has an association has been used, and depending on the scope of the search this could be a possibility. She added that later in the meeting a discussion will be held regarding qualifications required and this could be considered after that discussion. Chair McKenzie noted that Board approval on the advertisement and strategy should be received at the upcoming Board meeting, 08 February 2011. Michael Naufal added then the advertisement could be placed in the Globe and Mail the following week. In response to a statement from Trustee Seward regarding the references to reports in the first two paragraphs interrupting the flow and detracting from the message, Superintendent McCoy clarified that the italicized references in the first paragraph refer to district initiatives and in the second paragraph refer to the Board’s mission statement. The attempt was to try to identify the key priorities in the District. Discussion ensued regarding the advertisement and the following was noted: Third paragraph should note “As the ideal candidate, you are an exceptional communicator, leader and educator. You have managerial and analytical abilities...” downplaying manager and noting that good communication is required; The information listed in the second sentence highlights the district’s priorities and it is important that the applicants are aware of these; Academic achievement should be included, moved up from end of advertisement, possibly “district-wide priorities related to academic achievement, student well being....”; Second sentence, remove “Today”; Revise the second sentence to read, “The OCDSB is the largest school board in Eastern Ontario, employing 7200 staff who are dedicated to student learning and serve over 68,000 students”; Possibly include information as to the qualifications and experience required or a statement “eligible to obtain”; The third paragraph commencing with, “As the ideal candidate...” should be in bullet form, or in a shorter paragraph form, more prioritized; “Complex, multi stakeholder environments” should be revised; What does the word “diplomacy” mean in this context; How much experience is really required in labour relations and collective bargaining and should it be included; Possibly split the third paragraph into two paragraphs; Possibly add something along the lines “promoting and maintaining positive relationships with staff and unions”; and Possibly add “Backed by a strong senior staff, you will...” Discussion ensued regarding whether the advertisement should include a statement on the importance of a sound Board/Director relationship, and Trustee Seward noted that it could state “appreciate the complexity involved with dealing with an elected board of trustees” – sensitivity is required. Chair McKenzie noted that it could possibly state “experience having worked with an elected Director Selection Committee -2-01 February 2011 Board” and not imply that the Board is complex. Trustee Blackburn agreed that a statement along these lines should be included. The committee agreed that the draft advertisement would be reviewed by the Communications Department with a view of adding “pizzazz and enthusiasm”. In summarizing, the following was noted for the third paragraph of the advertisement: As the ideal candidate, you are an exceptional communicator, leader and educator. You have strong managerial skills. You have the character and integrity.... Your political acuity, diplomacy and ability to engage diverse communities... Backed by a strong senior team, you promote a positive relationship across the organization. You appreciate the importance of a sound Board-Director relationship (add working with an elected Board). Delete “your record of managing complex public finances....uncertainty and fiscal constraint”. (Situation has changed and Committee does not wish to give that impression). “You have a Master’s level degree, qualifications.....” – add “or eligible to obtain”. In response to a query regarding where the advertisement should be placed, Michael Naufal noted that staff would review the number of words for the cost and also the agate line. Usually advertisements in the Globe and Mail are in the range of 350 words at a cost of approximately $8 thousand. Most organizations must run the advertisement three times, but Mr. Naufal noted that their firm has a volume discount with the Globe and Mail and are able to run the advertisement twice, thereby reducing costs. He added that the Globe and Mail usually includes an on-line feature as well. The total cost for this type of advertising would run from $12 to $15 thousand. If the Committee wished to place an advertisement in the Ottawa Citizen this would increase costs, and Mr. Naufal advised that their costs are higher than the Globe and Mail. Trustee FitzGerald noted that, for the last competition, the advertisement went international and expressed the view that, in her opinion, she was not sure that it was a good use of funds or time. The candidates that had applied did not easily fit into our District. Superintendent McCoy noted that the Committee may wish to consider placing an advertisement in the Ottawa Citizen, as has been done in the past, as a demonstration of local support since the search is for a significant position within the local community. Jane Griffith advised that, if the Committee wanted to post internationally, there was a chronicle of higher education where an online posting could be made for 30 days at a cost of $300 U.S. Michael Naufal added that while he agreed with the international element, even the qualification requirement in Ontario was different from other provinces and, in his opinion, there are sufficient leaders in Education provincially. Chair McKenzie noted that there are other magazines that are geared towards the education sector, i.e., The School Administrator. Discussion ensued regarding whether Principals should be encouraged to apply and possibly the addition of “experience as a supervisory officer or equivalent” could be included or whether it should be left to the screening process. Possibility for the wording included “You are a demonstrated instructional leader and have...” Mike Naufal noted that he would provide the advertisement in bullet form to the Communications Department so they can review and revise. Director Selection Committee -3-01 February 2011 Discussion ensued regarding placing an advertisement in the Ottawa Citizen due to the costs involved, and the Committee agreed that Superintendent McCoy will seek the Communication Department’s perspective on including or excluding the Ottawa Citizen, and possibly an abbreviated version could be placed. In response to a query from Trustee Seward regarding providing reference to salary and benefits in the advertisement, Superintendent McCoy and Michael Naufal noted that salaries are usually not indicated for a position in this level. Moved by Trustee Funiciello, A.THAT the advertisement be approved in principle (attached as Appendix A); B.THAT the advertisement strategy be approved with a Canada-wide reach and Ontario focus (as attached as Appendix B); and C.THAT the advertising costs not exceed $25,000. - Carried - 4. Professional Qualifications Superintendent McCoy advised that the Board may appoint a Supervisory Officer who does not hold the qualifications for a term of not more than two years, provided the person holds certain qualifications and provides a written commitment that they will meet the qualifications required within the two year period; however, this period can be extended for two additional years if required, with Board approval. Superintendent McCoy noted that it was important for the Committee to review the expectations from the Ontario College of Teachers. The College has developed a Prior Learning and Assessment Recognition program for Supervisory Officers that allows candidates, who do not have the qualifications, to submit a portfolio which will be assessed on each of the five modules in the Supervisory Officer Qualification Program (SOQP). A committee has been struck to assess the information provided by candidates and inform the candidates what the College is prepared to recognize for equivalencies for their experience and qualifications. Superintendent McCoy noted that, in her opinion, this assessment could take some time. In response to a trustee query regarding whether the Prior Learning and Assessment could take place after the candidate was chosen, Superintendent McCoy confirmed that this was possible as long as the candidate meets the minimum requirements to be eligible for the SOQP. 5. Update on Consultations Michael Naufal noted that he had commenced the consultations. So far the information received, has been informative, there are some commonalities with issues and concerns, with the communications piece standing out. It has been noted that the Director must have energy and enthusiasm, with the person being “of the people” and able to speak to all different levels of the organization. Michael Naufal advised that he has only spoken to five people and the consultations will continue over the week. Overall what he is hearing is leadership is needed, not management. Management is already in place, but there will be a need to know how to lead, be inspirational, open, trustworthy and respectful. Director Selection Committee -4-01 February 2011 Superintendent McCoy advised that this week Michael will be meeting face-to-face with all senior staff, trustees and a small group of principals. The Chair has signed a number of letters that are being forwarded to stakeholders inviting their feedback, including advisory committees and other groups. One question has been asked “what are the important attributes and characteristics that the Board should be looking for?” Superintendent McCoy added that a message will also be sent by BEAM to all employees, inviting them to provide feedback. This was done during the last competition and is an important gesture, some but not a lot of feedback was received last time. Chair McKenzie noted that maybe it should be made public that Barrie Hammond is willing to remain as interim Director of Education until the new Director is hired. In response to a query whether timing for the new Director should be placed in the advertisement, Michael Naufal advised that this information would be added to the briefing document. Trustee FitzGerald expressed the view that the Committee should hold out to ensure that the candidate that truly meets the District’s needs is hired, and if the successful applicant cannot leave their present job until October then they should not be turned away. In response to a query regarding how many school boards are currently seeking a new Director, Superintendent McCoy advised that two catholic boards are searching for a new Director and she was not aware of any other large public school board. She added that usually there is very little movement between public and catholic school boards. In response to a query from Trustee Seward regarding gender and other equity issues, the Committee agreed that the best candidate will be hired. Trustee Funiciello expressed the view that bilingualism may be an asset as our District does serve English, bilingual and francophone families. 6. Expectations re Trustee Participation in Process With the Committee’s consent, Superintendent McCoy noted that this discussion will be deferred until the next meeting. 7. Next Steps / Objectives for the Week Discussion ensued regarding the next meeting, and due to a prior commitment on Monday, 07 February the scheduled meeting was cancelled. Superintendent McCoy and Chair McKenzie will discuss the possibility of scheduling a meeting on Tuesday, prior to the Board meeting, i.e., 5:30 or 6:00 p.m. to discuss expectations re trustee participation and provide an update. 8. New Business There was no new business. 9. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m. Trustee McKenzie, Chair, Director Selection Committee Director Selection Committee -5-01 February 2011 Appendix A Educating for Success Ï Inspiring Learning and Building Citizens Director of Education 4§¤/³³ ¶ # ±«¤³®­$¨²³±¨¢³3¢§®®«"® ±£ T 4§¤/³³ ¶ # ±«¤³®­$¨²³±¨¢³3¢§®®«"® ±£¨²¢®¬¬¨³³¤£³®¤°´¨³¸¥®± ««²³´£¤­³² ­£²³ ¥¥ ­£³® £¤«¨µ¤±¨­¦³§¤§¨¦§¤²³°´ «¨³¸¤£´¢ ³¨®­³§±®´¦§ °´ «¨¥¨¤£¶®±ª¥®±¢¤³§ ³±¤¥«¤¢³²³§¤£¨µ¤±²¨³¸®¥³§¤ ²³´£¤­³² ­£¢®¬¬´­¨³¨¤²¨³²¤±µ¤² Appendix B Advertising Strategy Posting VenuePrint/ Online DurationCost Estimate Error! Unkument nown doc propertyname.