Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard 22 February 2011 Minutes Public MINUTES 22 February 2011 A meeting of the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board was held this evening in the Board Room, 133 Greenbank Road, Ottawa, Ontario, commencing at 7:00 p.m. with Trustee Jennifer McKenzie in the chair and the following also in attendance: Trustees Donna Blackburn, Rob Campbell, Cathy Curry, Mark Fisher, Pam FitzGerald, Bronwyn Funiciello, Katie Holtzhauer, Theresa Kavanagh, Lynn Scott, Shirley Seward and John Shea. STAFF: Director of Education and Secretary of the Board, Barrie Hammond; Executive Superintendent, Jennifer Adams; Superintendent of Learning Support Services, Dawn Paxton; Superintendent of Instruction, Jill Bennett; Executive Officer of Corporate Services, Michèle Giroux; System Principal of Learning Support Services, Linda Yan; Manager of Planning, Karyn Carty Ostafichuk; Manager of Communications, Diane Pernari-Hergert; Manager of Board Services, Monica Ceschia; Planners Estelle Butler, Janet MacDonald and Marc Labelle; Communications Coordinator, Sharlene Hunter; Audio Visual Specialist, John MacKinnon and Board/Committee Coordinator, Sue Baker. STUDENT TRUSTEE: Eric Chen. On a motion by Trustee Holtzhauer, seconded by Trustee Blackburn, the Board resolved into Committee of the Whole (in camera). Trustee Funiciello assumed the Chair in Committee and later -089 refers) 88. Call to Order Chair McKenzie called the public meeting to order at 8:12 p.m. 89. Report from Committee of the Whole (In Camera) Trustee Funiciello reported that Committee of the Whole met in camera this evening, and reports and recommends as follows: Moved by Trustee Campbell, seconded by Trustee Funiciello, THAT the base rate charge for childcare centres in District facilities be raised to $9.25 per square foot effective September 1, 2011. - Carried, unanimously - A recorded vote was held and the motion was carried on the following division: FOR: Trustees Blackburn, Campbell, Curry, Fisher, FitzGerald, (12) Funiciello, Holtzhauer, Kavanagh, McKenzie, Scott, Seward and Shea AGAINST: Nil (0) ABSTENSIONS: Nil (0) _____________________________________________________________________________________ - 63 - MINUTES 22 February 2011 90. Approval of Agenda Moved by Trustee Seward, seconded by Trustee Kavanagh, THAT the agenda be approved. Moved in amendment by Trustee Campbell, seconded by Trustee FitzGerald, THAT the agenda be amended to move item 10.a.i and 10.a.ii to follow item 10.b. - Carried - Moved by Trustee Seward, seconded by Trustee Kavanagh, THAT the agenda be approved, as amended. - Carried - 91. Confirmation of Minutes a. 8 February 2011 Moved by Trustee Funiciello, seconded by Trustee Seward, THAT the minutes of the 08 February 2011 Board meeting be confirmed. - Carried - 92. Business Arising from Minutes a. 8 February 2011 There was no business arising from the minutes of 08 February 2011. 93. Director Hammond reported that Merivale High Schoolis one of 21 high schools in the province of Ontario to receive the prestigious Dr. Bette M. Stephenson Recognition of Achievement Award. The award acknowledges students, staff, and the greater school community for its efforts, over many years, at improving student achievement and for its use of EQAO results to improve learning. Principal McCarthy is attending the recognition event on behalf of the school in Toronto this evening. Director Hammond advised that the OCDSB is expecting to receive a report next week from the Information and Privacy Commission (IPC) with regard to the student survey. If there are no concerns expressed in the report, the OCDSB will proceed with the student survey. Director Hammond noted that the focus of the 18 February 2011 professional development day was on improving student achievement. Director Hammond noted that two conferences for student _____________________________________________________________________________________ - 64 - MINUTES 22 February 2011 is to inform OCDSB students about global issues, inspire them to take action, and share the tools and opportunities for initiating change. The keynote address will be delivered by Raymond Ablack, of Degrassi fame, who is an outreach speaker for the Me to We philosophy. The next student conference rs will point out the signs of dating violence, and explain how students can learn to protect themselves from violence in relationships. The all-day event will be held at Confederation High School. 94. Chair McKenzie reported that the Ottawa-Carleton Elementary Teachers' Federation will be launching a new art Exhibit next Thursday. Artwork on the theme of Women's Life Histories will be adorning the walls of the Boardroom for the month of March. An opening reception is planned to launch the exhibit on March 3rd at 4:30 p.m. in the Boardroom. Chair McKenzie congratulated Teacher Amy McSweeney of Elgin Street Public School who won a Golden Apple Award from Magic 100. She won a pizza party for her class, a plaque, and $500 for the school. 95. Public Question Period a. Barbara Massey Barbara Massey, Co-chair of the Mutchmor School Council, asked if staff had assessed whether renovations would be required for Mutchmor Public School to provide facilities for a second class of junior kindergarten students, and if so, what would be the cost of the renovations. She suggested that permanent changes be consistent with long term plans for the school. Ms. Massey also asked if staff considered negotiating with the day care provider in the school to use their currently unoccupied space during the school day. Superintendent Carson advised that staff is considering different options, such as room conversions and plumbing work, to accommodate students. Cost is a concern. With regard to using day care space, Superintendent Carson noted this area is also under discussion and it is one of the areas that staff will continue to examine. b. Gisele Durocher Gisele Durocher, Co-chair of Glashan Public School Council, expressed the opinion that redirecting grade six students to Glashan Public School would relieve overcrowding at First Avenue Public School and Hopewell Public School. She submitted that the cost would be minimal for busing and the transition would be relatively easy for staff. She noted that Glashan Public School is a multi-cultural school that has an Early French Immersion program, a regular English program, a gifted program and a general learning program. Enrolment is declining with the loss of Late French Immersion at Glashan, and the school is in danger of losing staff. Ms. Durocher asked what the OCDSB will do in the Fall of 2011 to minimize the impact of the loss of staff and program. _____________________________________________________________________________________ - 65 - MINUTES 22 February 2011 Superintendent Carson advised that staff has recognized that Glashan will be impacted next year with the loss of Late French Immersion, and the Principal will work with the Superintendent of Instruction to ensure the delivery of programs to children in the best way possible. c. Sue Malone-Tucker Sue Malone-Tucker referred to the possible relocation of the language learning disability class from Cambridge Public School to Fallingbrook Community Elementary School. She expressed the opinion that the details of the relocation were not adequately communicated to the affected community and that parents of students at Hilson Avenue Public School and Fallingbrook Community Elementary School were not consulted. Ms. Malone-Tucker asked why the language learning disability class (LLD) at Cambridge is being dismantled and recreated at Fallingbrook Community Elementary School. Superintendent Paxton advised that the class would be relocated because it is geographically closer to the majority of students. Travel times would be reduced for the majority of students in the class and they could be accommodated on existing bus runs. Fallingbrook Community Elementary School is a K- d. Blair Tucker Blair Tucker enquired about the consultation process with regard to the relocation of the LLD class from Cambridge Public School to Fallingbrook Community Elementary School and whether input provided by parents was taken into consideration. He submitted that some questions from parents were not answered at the consultation meeting, and some information provided by staff seemed to contradict earlier information that was provided to some parents. Superintendent Paxton advised that staff attends the consultation meetings with a written plan for class changes. In many cases, staff has changed or revised their plan for changes based on information provided by parents. Other factors that influence the determination to make changes to specialized classes are the number of students in the classes and where they reside. 96. Report 3, Business Services Committee, 9 February 2011 Moved by Trustee Holtzhauer, seconded by Trustee Curry, THAT Report 3, Business Services Committee, dated 09 February 2011, be received. - Carried - Trustee Scott requested that the first paragraph on folio 19 be amended to include her comment that when a new secondary school is constructed in Stittsville, the situation will change and Barrhaven may require a third secondary school. _____________________________________________________________________________________ - 66 - MINUTES 22 February 2011 a. Approval of Long Term Financing Moved by Trustee Blackburn, seconded by Trustee Holtzhauer, A. THAT the Board approve the issuing of long term debt of up to $8.1 million, as long as there is no net cost to the Board; B. THAT staff be directed to make the necessary arrangements so that the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board can participate in the provincial loan agreement; and C. THAT the Chair, Director of Education and staff of the Ottawa- Carleton District School Board be authorized to sign all necessary documentation to participate in the loan. - Carried, unanimously - A recorded vote was held and the motion was carried on the following division: FOR: Trustees Blackburn, Campbell, Curry, Fisher, (12) FitzGerald, Funiciello, Holtzhauer, Kavanagh, McKenzie, Scott, Seward and Shea AGAINST: Nil (0) ABSTENSIONS: Nil (0) b. Approval of Expenditure for Preliminary Design Work re Capital Priorities Projects Moved by Trustee Shea, substituting for Trustee McKenzie, seconded by Trustee Holtzhauer, A. THAT the Board approve the expenditure of up to $700,000 for preliminary design work by the architects of record on projects which have been identified as capital priorities (Appendix A of report 11-025); and B. THAT approval be sought from the Ministry of Education to fund these expenditures from the Pupil Accommodation Reserve Fund. - Carried, unanimously - _____________________________________________________________________________________ - 67 - MINUTES 22 February 2011 A recorded vote was held and the motion was carried on the following division: FOR: Trustees Blackburn, Campbell, Curry, Fisher, (12) FitzGerald, Funiciello, Holtzhauer, Kavanagh, McKenzie, Scott, Seward and Shea AGAINST: Nil (0) ABSTENSIONS: Nil (0) c. Approval of School Boundary Option for Students Residing in Half Moon Bay Motion by Trustee Blackburn, seconded by Trustee Holtzhauer, THAT the students who currently reside in Half Moon Bay and would normally attend Cedarview Middle School be given an option to attend John McCrae Secondary School as well as South Carleton High School for registration in September 2011 and September 2012. This was a non consent item and, when dealt with later in the meeting, the following discussion ensued. Trustee Blackburn introduced the motion and noted that she brought it forward as a result of input received from families residing in the Half Moon Bay area of Barrhaven. In response to a query from Trustee Shea, Superintendent Carson advised that this area could be reviewed by staff as part of its regular minor boundary reviews that are done in April of each year. Trustee Campbell expressed the view that the Board regularly reviews catchment areas and that it was unusual to include time restrictions on boundary changes. Moved in amendment by Trustee Campbell, seconded by Trustee Blackburn, ` deleted. In response to a request from Trustee Scott for staff comment, Superintendent Carson advised that staff is recommending a time limit for this option because Half Moon Bay is expanding rapidly and there is potential for overcrowding at John McCrae Secondary School and South Carleton High School. Placing portables on either site would be a challenge. In response to a request for clarification of the Half Moon Bay area shown on the map, Manager of Planning Ostafichuk advised that Half Moon Bay is the shaded area on the left side of the map. At the present time, it has a small built-up area at Cambrian Road and Greenbank Road, but it is expected to build out quickly and significantly. South Carleton High School is not shown on the map. Trustee Scott advised that South Carleton High School would be close to where Cambrian Road reaches the edge of the map. _____________________________________________________________________________________ - 68 - MINUTES 22 February 2011 With regard to the amendment, Trustee Scott noted that this is not a minor boundary adjustment as the Half Moon Bay area is projected to reach 6,000 units. Currently there are very few Half Moon Bay students attending Cedarview Middle School, and allowing them to select the option to attend John McCrae Secondary School with their friends is acceptable in the short term. However, by the time the area expands, the new high school in Stittsville will accommodate future growth at South Carleton High School and make room for students from Half Moon Bay. Trustee Scott suggested that a full accommodation review should be conducted if the time limit were removed. Speaking in support of the amendment, Trustee Funiciello noted that the Board could revisit the boundary options at a later date if there is significant growth in the area. Trustee Campbell submitted that the area will not be fully built-up by September 2013 and there should be no time limit on the option for students to attend either school. The Board may choose to revisit the options at a later date and, if a new school is constructed, the Board will review its proposed attendance area. Moved in amendment by Trustee Campbell, seconded by Trustee Blackburn, ` deleted. - Carried - Moved by Trustee Scott, seconded by Trustee Fisher, THAT the motion be deferred pending consultation with the South Carleton High School and John McCrae Secondary School communities. Trustee Scott maintained that parents at South Carleton High School have expressed concerns about the implications for the long term. She submitted that taking students out of South Carleton High School and moving them to John McCrae Secondary School, which has a zero transfer cap, would be ill-advised and that both communities should be consulted. In response to a query, Superintendent Carson advised that the length of time for consultation could take a couple of months or longer depending on the scope of the consultation. He advised that a decision is required this evening if the motion is to be implemented for September 2011. ern with regard to how this motion differs from other minor boundary reviews that are presented in April, Superintendent Carson advised that most of the minor boundary reviews in April are either proposed for implementation in the following year, affect areas that are not yet developed, or do not affect families that are currently living in the area that is under review. Noting that there was a similar situation in Orleans, Trustee Shea expressed concern about the apparent lack of consistency when dealing with boundary reviews. Trustee Funiciello, noting the urgency of making a decision this evening in order to _____________________________________________________________________________________ - 69 - MINUTES 22 February 2011 implement the motion in September 2011, submitted that students are not being directed away from a particular school, but rather given an option to attend two schools. Trustee Scott expressed concern that the Board may choose not to consult with the communities that could be impacted by the loss of students who opt to attend John McCrae Secondary School, and from the John McCrae Secondary School community who may have to deal with potential overcrowding with no room to accommodate portables. She requested a recorded vote. Moved by Trustee Scott, seconded by Trustee Fisher, THAT the motion be deferred pending consultation with the South Carleton High School and John McCrae Secondary School communities. - Defeated - A recorded vote was held and the motion was defeated on the following division: FOR: Trustees Curry, Fisher and Scott (3) AGAINST: Trustees Blackburn, Campbell, FitzGerald, Funiciello, (9) Holtzhauer, Kavanagh, McKenzie, Seward and Shea ABSTENSIONS: Nil (0) Moved in amendment by Trustee FitzGerald, seconded by Trustee Shea, . Trustee Scott noted that she did not support the amendment. Moved in amendment by Trustee FitzGerald, seconded by Trustee Shea, . - Carried - In response to a query from Trustee Curry, Superintendent Carson advised that, if the motion is approved, he would consult with the Chair and local trustees with regard to the content of the communication to the community. The communication will include a statement about the potential growth in the area and that the attendance options could change in the future. _____________________________________________________________________________________ - 70 - MINUTES 22 February 2011 Trustee FitzGerald requested a recorded vote. Motion by Trustee Blackburn, seconded by Trustee Holtzhauer, THAT the students who reside in Half Moon Bay and would normally attend Cedarview Middle School be given an option to attend John McCrae Secondary School as well as South Carleton High School. - Carried, as amended - A recorded vote was held and the motion was carried on the following division: FOR: Trustees Blackburn, Campbell, Curry, (10) FitzGerald, Funiciello, Holtzhauer, Kavanagh, McKenzie, Seward and Shea AGAINST: Scott (1) ABSTENSIONS: Fisher (1) 97. Report 3, Education Committee, 15 February 2011 Moved by Trustee Seward, seconded by Trustee Funiciello, THAT Report 3, Education Committee, dated 15 February 2011, be received. Several Board members requested revisions to the report and the following amendments were noted: should advise Learning Support Services if they were dissuaded by school staff from t C pertains to the day-to- sentence; Folio 32, remove the third bullet; Folio 33, first set of bullets re those in favour of the motion: include all points made by Trustees McKenzie and Campbell; view, and a responsibility of trustees as it pertains to student achievement and well- dresses _____________________________________________________________________________________ - 71 - MINUTES 22 February 2011 The revised report will be provided to Board members for information. Moved by Trustee Seward, seconded by Trustee Funiciello, THAT Report 3, Education Committee, dated 15 February 2011, be received, as amended. - Carried - a. Receipt of Special Education Advisory Committee Report No. 2, 26 January 2011 Moved by Trustee Fisher, seconded by Trustee Seward, THAT Report No. 2, Special Education Advisory Committee, dated 26 January 2011 be received. - Carried - b. Establish a Special Education Policy Ad Hoc Committee to Review and Consult on the Special Education Policy This was a non consent item and when dealt with later in the meeting, the following discussion ensued. Moved by Trustee Funiciello, seconded by Trustee FitzGerald, A. THAT the Board strike a Special Education Policy Ad Hoc Committee to review and consult on the OCDSB special education policy draft, including reviewing the policy implications of any concerns with respect to specialized class location, wait list management, identification rates, IEP / IPRC protocols, and related communication protocols, and to provide its recommendations as to draft policy changes, including any specific policy directives or procedural recommendations, to the Education Committee by November 2011; B. THAT the Ad Hoc Committee consist of three Board-appointed Trustees and two SEAC representatives, that it report monthly to SEAC and Education Committee as to its progress, that any meetings of the Ad Hoc Committee be public except if normal in camera concerns apply, that it appoint its own Chair, that it be provided with such reasonable Board Services and Learning Support Services supports and resources as may be required, and that it provide its final report to the Board through SEAC and the Education Committee; and _____________________________________________________________________________________ - 72 - MINUTES 22 February 2011 C. THAT no planned specialized class closures/relocations proceed for the 2011-2012 school year, and staff recommendations for specialized class location changes for 2012-2013 must follow Board receipt of the final report of the Ad Hoc Committee. Trustee Funiciello introduced the motion and noted that she has presented it in response to requests from the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) and the public for an updated special education policy that will provide direction to the Board and staff in addressing the concerns that have been raised by the public. Trustee Fisher advised that he did not support the process outlined in Parts A and B of the motion, and submitted that the special education policy should be dealt with by the Education Committee. With regard to Part C, it was his opinion that it is out of order and that Board members should focus on policy and entrust the day-to-day management of schools to the Director of Education, Superintendents and Principals. He noted that some Board members identified the setting of the school year calendar, number and location of schools, school boundaries, and full-day kindergarten as being day-to-day management issues that are presented to the Board for approval. He submitted that these issues are specified in the Education Act as being the responsibility of trustees and not day-to-day management issues. The opening, relocation and closing of special education classes is not specified in the Education Act, and should not be included in a Board policy, or determined by Board members as it is an operational matter. Speaking in favour of the motion, Trustee Seward indicated that she has received many comments from parents with regard to concerns about access to special education information and classes. Noting that the Director has advised that trustees have the right to proceed with all parts of the motion, she submitted that it is time for the Board to work closely with staff to address these concerns and meet the needs of all students who require special education services. Trustee Campbell expressed that opinion that any decisions that are taken on an annual basis, such as the location of specialized classes, should not be considered as day-to-day management. He noted that there is no clear policy for specialized class locations, and the -laws allow for the creation of Ad Hoc committees. He also suggested that it is appropriate to have a one year moratorium on planned closures or relocations of specialized classes until the special education policy has been revised. Trustee Holtzhauer, speaking from personal experience, noted that it is difficult for parents of children with exceptionalities to navigate the system to obtain services for their children. While she expressed concerns for Part C of the motion, she noted her support for Parts A and B and for an updated policy and procedures that are clearly communicated to parents. Trustee Blackburn, noting her experience as a social worker and what can happen to children whose needs are not being met, submitted that the concerns expressed by parents are justified, substantial and need to be addressed in a diligent manner. With regard to whether specialized class location is considered to be part of the day-to-day management of the District and therefore within the purview of staff, she maintained that the Bill 177 legislation is open to _____________________________________________________________________________________ - 73 - MINUTES 22 February 2011 interpretation. In response to a number of questions from Trustee Curry, Director Hammond confirmed that it is his opinion that day-to-day management regarding the number and location of specialized classes should be left to staff. He recognized that it is within the purview of trustees to have a different opinion and recalled that he had commented on the delivery model at an earlier meeting where he made a commitment to deal with the concerns that have been expressed by parents. He also noted that if Parts A and B are approved then it would be up to the Ad Hoc Committee to determine how it would complete its work. If Part C of the motion was approved, then the classes would remain in place and budget savings would not be realized. If it was determined in the fall that there were insufficient students to keep any of the classes open, it would be dealt with as per the normal fall staffing process. Trustee Curry thanked the Director Trustee Kavanagh expressed support for the motion and noted that it is important for trustees to listen and respond to their constituents. Speaking in support of the motion, Trustee FitzGerald noted that many children with special needs are well served; however, the needs of these students can change from year to year. needs are not being met and the Board has a moral obligation to respond. Speaking against the motion, Trustee Scott submitted that proposed revisions to the special education policy have yet to be presented to the Education Committee despite the fact that it has been on the SEAC agenda several times over the past 10 months. She expressed the view that the Board should not establish an Ad Hoc Committee that includes non-trustee members before it has had an opportunity to officially review the work that has been done to date. She noted that the special education program delivery framework outlines expectations for the delivery of special education, including the expectation that services should be delivered closer to where students live, and responsibility for determining the location of specialized classes and staff has been delegated to staff. Trustee Scott noted that scarce resources should be allocated to meet the needs of as many students as possible. Classes with few or no children in them are not an efficient use of resources. Trustee Shea expressed his concern about Part C of the motion and noted that spending time determining where a small number of students should attend school was not an efficient use to consolidate services so that precious resources are not used to maintain classes of only one to two students. He also expressed his support for Fallingbrook Community Elementary School and its existing congregated LLD class. Chair McKenzie submitted that it is the responsibility of trustees to listen to the concerns of constituents who have conveyed their dissatisfaction with the information and communications with regard to the application to, and location of, specialized classes. She expressed her hope that the motion will provide a way forward for the Board and staff to work together to address the concerns. _____________________________________________________________________________________ - 74 - MINUTES 22 February 2011 In wrap up, Trustee Funiciello recalled that the Board had successfully established an ad hoc committee to deal with the delivery of French-as-a-Second-Language. She expressed the view that in this case, an ad hoc committee will help the Board to move forward with revisions to the special education policy, bring clarity and consistency to the process, and provide recommendations with regard to the procedures to implement the revised policy. She submitted that SEAC did not support the revised versions of the policy that have been presented to it over the past two years and it is now time to change the approach. With regard to Part C of the motion, Trustee Funiciello maintained the importance of updating the policy before making decisions on class locations to ensure the Board and the public understands, and has confidence in the process. Trustee Scott requested a separate vote on Part C of the motion. * * * The 10:30 vote obtained the required 2/3 majority to continue the meeting. * * * Moved by Trustee Funiciello, seconded by Trustee FitzGerald, A. THAT the Board strike a Special Education Policy Ad Hoc Committee to review and consult on the OCDSB special education policy draft, including reviewing the policy implications of any concerns with respect to specialized class location, wait list management, identification rates, IEP / IPRC protocols, and related communication protocols, and to provide its recommendations as to draft policy changes, including any specific policy directives or procedural recommendations, to the Education Committee by November 2011; B. THAT the Ad Hoc Committee consist of three Board-appointed Trustees and two SEAC representatives, that it report monthly to SEAC and Education Committee as to its progress, that any meetings of the Ad Hoc Committee be public except if normal in camera concerns apply, that it appoint its own Chair, that it be provided with such reasonable Board Services and Learning Support Services supports and resources as may be required, and that it provide its final report to the Board through SEAC and the Education Committee; and - Carried - _____________________________________________________________________________________ - 75 - MINUTES 22 February 2011 A recorded vote was held and Parts A and B of the motion were carried on the following division: FOR: Trustees Blackburn, Campbell, FitzGerald, (8) Funiciello, Holtzhauer, Kavanagh, McKenzie and Seward AGAINST: Trustees Curry, Fisher, Scott and Shea (4) ABSTENSIONS: Nil (0) C. THAT no planned specialized class closures/relocations proceed for the 2011-2012 school year, and staff recommendations for specialized class location changes for 2012-2013 must follow Board receipt of the final report of the Ad Hoc Committee. - Carried - A recorded vote was held and Part C of the motion was carried on the following division: FOR: Trustees Blackburn, Campbell, FitzGerald, (7) Funiciello, Kavanagh, McKenzie and Seward AGAINST: Trustees Curry, Fisher, Scott and Shea (4) ABSTENSIONS: Trustee Holtzhauer (1) i. Appointment of Special Education Policy Ad Hoc Committee Trustee Members Trustee Funiciello nominated Trustee Campbell (declined). Trustee Shea, seconded by Trustee FitzGerald, nominated himself. Trustee FitzGerald, seconded by Trustee Shea, nominated Trustee Funiciello. Trustee Shea nominated Trustee Scott (declined). Trustee Funiciello, seconded by Trustee Blackburn, nominated Trustee FitzGerald. Trustee Curry, seconded by Trustee Campbell, nominated Trustee Fisher. Trustee Campbell, seconded by Trustee Seward, nominated Trustee Holtzhauer. Trustee Campbell, seconded by Trustee FitzGerald, nominated Trustee Seward. Moved by Trustee Blackburn, seconded by Trustee Funiciello, THAT nominations be closed. - Carried - An election was held, and Trustees FitzGerald, Funiciello and Holtzhauer were declared members of the Special Education Policy Ad Hoc Committee. _____________________________________________________________________________________ - 76 - MINUTES 22 February 2011 * * * * * A motion to continue the meeting past 11:00 p.m. received unanimous consent. * * * * * Moved by Trustee Shea, seconded by Trustee Scott, THAT the ballots for the election held be destroyed. - Carried - 98. Report 1, Committee of the Whole, Public 16 February 2011 Moved by Trustee Funiciello, seconded by Trustee Seward, THAT Report 1, Committee of the Whole, Public, dated 16 February 2011, be received. - Carried - a. Approval of interim solutions re Kanata Boundary/Grade Program Review Moved by Trustee Curry, seconded by Trustee Funiciello, It is recommended for September 2011: A. THAT Roch Carrier Elementary School remains status quo; B. THAT any students generated from the new residential development as illustrated on Appendix F of report 11-033, be redirected from Roch Carrier Elementary School to Bridlewood Community Elementary School for JK-grade 8 ENG and to W.O. Mitchell Elementary School for SK-grade 8 EFI; C. THAT JK students from the Katimavik Elementary School attendance area be directed to Castlefrank Elementary School; D. THAT 2011-2012 grade 4 MFI students from Katimavik Elementary School be redirected to either Bridlewood Community Elementary School or W. Erskine Johnston Public School in accordance with the attached boundary map contained in Appendix I of report 11-033; and E. THAT SK EFI students from the Stephen Leacock Public School attendance area be directed to Roland Michener Public School. Trustee Curry introduced the motion and noted that Kanata is a growing community and several of its schools are overcrowded. The motion does not require any students who are already attending school to change schools, but instead it changes the school to which some students would otherwise have been directed to enter their program. While parts of the motion may be _____________________________________________________________________________________ - 77 - MINUTES 22 February 2011 problematic for families with siblings attending other schools, Trustee Curry noted that this motion affects the fewest number of students in the area. Trustee Scott, noting the requirement for funding to build another elementary school in Kanata, expressed the opinion that the motion provides the best temporary accommodation solution for the area. She asked staff to communicate the Dis unique family circumstances when considering transportation requests. Superintendent Carson Ottawa Student Transportation Authority (OSTA) to provide as many transportation alternatives as possible. Parents should raise any concerns with the school principal or appropriate superintendent of instruction. Trustee FitzGerald expressed concern with regard to the redirection of kindergarten and primary students and the difficulty it may cause for families with other young children in terms of day care and transportation arrangements. Trustee FitzGerald requested separate votes on all parts of the motion. Trustee Shea also expressed concern with regard to the redirection of kindergarten students, and noted that he would support the local trustee who knows the community best. Trustee McKenzie expressed concern about the redirection of Middle French Immersion students from Katimavik Elementary School to W. Erskine Johnston Public School, a school that also currently has a number of portables on site. She submitted that students should be redirected to a school that has permanent facilities available to accommodate them. During wrap up, Trustee Curry noted that the Accommodation Review Committee will submit its recommendations to the Board in December 2011, at which time there may be other options put forward. She thanked the members of the school councils and staff for their participation and expressed the hope that staff and OSTA will do what they can to assist families. Moved by Trustee Curry, seconded by Trustee Funiciello, It is recommended for September 2011: A. THAT Roch Carrier Elementary School remains status quo; - Carried, unanimously - A recorded vote was held and Part A of the motion was carried on the following division: FOR: Trustees Blackburn, Campbell, Curry, Fisher, (12) FitzGerald, Funiciello, Holtzhauer, Kavanagh, McKenzie, Scott, Seward and Shea AGAINST: Nil (0) ABSTENSIONS: Nil (0) _____________________________________________________________________________________ - 78 - MINUTES 22 February 2011 B. THAT any students generated from the new residential development as illustrated on Appendix F of report 11-033, be redirected from Roch Carrier Elementary School to Bridlewood Community Elementary School for JK-grade 8 ENG and to W.O. Mitchell Elementary School for SK-grade 8 EFI; - Carried, unanimously - A recorded vote was held and Part B of the motion was carried on the following division: FOR: Trustees Blackburn, Campbell, Curry, Fisher, (12) FitzGerald, Funiciello, Holtzhauer, Kavanagh, McKenzie, Scott, Seward and Shea AGAINST: Nil (0) ABSTENSIONS: Nil (0) C. THAT JK students from the Katimavik Elementary School attendance area be directed to Castlefrank Elementary School; - Carried - A recorded vote was held and Part C of the motion was carried on the following division: FOR: Trustees Blackburn, Campbell, Curry, Fisher, Scott, (9) Funiciello, Holtzhauer, Kavanagh and Shea AGAINST: Trustee Seward (1) ABSTENSIONS: Trustees FitzGerald, McKenzie (2) D. THAT 2011-2012 grade 4 MFI students from Katimavik Elementary School be redirected to either Bridlewood Community Elementary School or W. Erskine Johnston Public School in accordance with the boundary map contained in Appendix I of report 11-033; and - Carried - _____________________________________________________________________________________ - 79 - MINUTES 22 February 2011 A recorded vote was held and Part D of the motion was carried on the following division: FOR: Trustees Blackburn, Campbell, Curry, Fisher, Scott, (10) Funiciello, Holtzhauer, Kavanagh, Seward and Shea AGAINST: Trustee McKenzie (1) ABSTENSIONS: Trustee FitzGerald (1) E. THAT SK EFI students from the Stephen Leacock Public School attendance area be directed to Roland Michener Public School. - Carried - A recorded vote was held and Part E of the motion was carried on the following division: FOR: Trustees Blackburn, Campbell, Curry, Fisher, (10) Funiciello, Holtzhauer, Kavanagh, McKenzie, Scott, and Shea AGAINST: Nil (0) ABSTENSIONS: Trustees FitzGerald and Seward (2) 99. Partial Report 2, Committee of the Whole, Public 17 February 2011 Moved by Trustee Funiciello, seconded by Trustee FitzGerald, THAT partial Report 2, Committee of the Whole, Public, dated 17 February 2011, be received. - Carried - a. Approval of interim solutions re accommodation pressures for schools in Glebe, Old Ottawa South and Centretown Moved by Trustee Campbell, seconded by Trustee Funiciello, A. THAT the Board approve the redirection of the Junior Kindergarten program at First Avenue Public School to Mutchmor Public School effective September 2011; and _____________________________________________________________________________________ - 80 - MINUTES 22 February 2011 B.THAT staff be directed to consult on the proposed timelines, scope and consultation plan for an accommodation review, as provided in Attachment 5 to Report No.11-034, and report to Board at its meeting of March 22, 2011, with its findings and recommendations. Trustee Campbell introduced the motion and expressed the hope that staff would accommodate as many reasonable transportation requests as possible to assist families who may experience difficulty with the redirection of kindergarten students to Mutchmor Public School. He noted that the community is divided on their support for the motion and the consultation process will be important to seek their input as part of the accommodation review. Trustee Seward expressed concern about the declining enrolment at Glashan Public School due to the phasing out of the Late French Immersion program, and that the redirection of grade six Early French Immersion students to Glashan Public School was not recommended. Trustee Seward did not support the redirection of kindergarten students. Trustee Fisher expressed support for the motion and noted the requirement for a thorough accommodation review of the downtown core to assist in managing enrolment over the next five years. In response to queries from Trustee Scott, Superintendent Carson advised that staff will present the scope and timelines for a consultation plan on 22 March 2011. Depending on the nature of the consultations with the community, an accommodation review may or may not be required. The intent is to implement any recommendations in September 2011. Chair McKenzie expressed concerns with the redirection of kindergarten students and that the redirection of grade six Early French Immersion students to Glashan Public School was not recommended. Trustee FitzGerald requested separate votes on Parts A and B of the motion. Moved by Trustee Campbell, seconded by Trustee Funiciello, A. THAT the Board approve the redirection of the Junior Kindergarten program at First Avenue Public School to Mutchmor Public School effective September 2011; and - Carried - A recorded vote was held and Part A of the motion was carried on the following division: FOR: Trustees Blackburn, Campbell, Curry, Fisher, (9) Funiciello, Holtzhauer, Kavanagh, Scott and Shea AGAINST: FitzGerald, McKenzie and Seward (3) ABSTENSIONS: Nil (0) _____________________________________________________________________________________ - 81 - MINUTES 22 February 2011 C.THAT staff be directed to consult on the proposed timelines, scope and consultation plan for an accommodation review, as provided in Attachment 5 to Report No.11-034, and report to Board at its meeting of March 22, 2011, with its findings and recommendations. - Carried, unanimously- A recorded vote was held and Part B of the motion was carried on the following division: FOR: Trustees Blackburn, Campbell, Curry, Fisher, (12) FitzGerald, Funiciello, Holtzhauer, Kavanagh, McKenzie, Scott, Seward and Shea AGAINST: Nil (0) ABSTENSIONS: Nil (0) 100. Report 3, Director Selection Committee, 08 February 2011 Moved by Trustee Funiciello, seconded by Trustee FitzGerald, THAT Report 3, Director Selection Committee, dated 08 February 2011, be received. - Carried - In response to a query from Trustee Scott, Director Hammond confirmed that the Committee will receive binders of all applications received after the application deadline has passed. There were no recommendations in the report. 101. Staff Report 11-049, Appointment of Representative on the Special Education Advisory Committee, VOICE for Hearing Impaired Children Your Committee had before it staff report 11-049, requesting approval for the appointment of a representative member on the Special Education Advisory Committee to represent VOICE for Hearing Impaired Children (VOICE). Moved by Trustee Scott, seconded by Trustee Shea, THAT the Board confirm the appointment of Terry Warner as the representative member to represent VOICE for hearing impaired children on the Special Education Advisory Committee for the term ending 30 November 2014. - Carried - _____________________________________________________________________________________ - 82 - MINUTES 22 February 2011 A recorded vote was held and the motion was carried on the following division: FOR: Trustees Blackburn, Campbell, Fisher, FitzGerald, (11) Funiciello, Holtzhauer, Kavanagh, McKenzie, Scott, Seward and Shea AGAINST: Nil (0) ABSTENSIONS: Nil (0) 102. Report on OPSBA Public Education Symposium, 27-29 January 2011, Trustee Scott Trustee Scott provided a written report on the Ontario Public School Boards Association Public Education Symposium and Board Member Certification Program, held in Toronto on 27-29 January 2011. Trustee Seward thanked Trustee Scott for the report. 103. Student Trustee Report Student Trustee Eric Chen provided a written report on the apparent sudden drop in the past few years of school spirit in OCDSB high schools. Trustee Scott reported that Student Trustee Chen had expressed his regret at having to leave the meeting early. 104. New Business There was no new business. 105. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 11:35 p.m. Barrie Hammond Jennifer McKenzie Director of Education and Chair of the Board Secretary of the Board _____________________________________________________________________________________ - 83 -