HomeMy WebLinkAbout11.1 Receipt of Committee of the Whole Report, 17 January 2023
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COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE PUBLIC REPORT
Tuesday, January 17, 2023, 7:00 p.m.
Board Room
Administration Building
133 Greenbank Road
Ottawa, Ontario
Trustees Present: Justine Bell, Alysha Aziz, Donna Blackburn, Donna Dickson,
Lyra Evans, Nili Kaplan-Myrth, Jennifer Jennekens, Matthew
Lee, Cathryne Milburn, Suzanne Nash, Amanda Presley, Lynn
Scott, Antong Hou (Student Trustee)
Staff Present: Michele Giroux (Director of Education), Brett Reynolds
(Associate Director of Education), Randy Gerrior (Associate
Director, Business Operations), James Proulx (Executive
Officer, Information Technology and Digital Transformation),
Prince Duah (Superintendent of Instruction), Mary Jane Farrish
(Superintendent of Instruction), Paula Hall (Superintendent of
People, Culture and Leadership), Amy Hannah (Superintendent
of Instruction), Reg Lavergne (Superintendent of Instruction),
Shawn Lehman (Superintendent of Instruction), Richard Sinclair
(General Counsel, Superintendent of Labour Relations, Risk
Management and Privacy), Shannon Smith (Superintendent of
Instruction), Peter Symmonds (Superintendent of Learning
Support Services), Carolyn Tanner (Human Rights and Equity
Advisor), Karyn Carty Ostafichuk (Manager, Planning), Stacey
Kay (Manager, Learning Support Services), Pamela LeMaistre
(Manager, Human Resources), Joan Oracheski (Manager,
Quality Assurance, Research Evaluation & Analytics Division),
Sandra Owens (Manager, Business & Learning Technologies),
Diane Pernari (Manager, Communications & Information
Services), Andrea Rahim (Strategic Business Analyst), Nicole
Guthrie (Manager of Board Services), Michael Guilbault (Central
Audio/Visual Technical Specialist), Marco Paladino (Training &
Support Specialist), James Baker (Board/Committee
Coordinator)
Non-Voting
Representatives
Present:
Dr. Maggie Mamen (SEAC), Suzanne Lyon (PIC), Seema
Lamba (ACE), Tom Holloway (OCASC), Pat Dixon (OCEOTA-
ALT), Lili Miller (IEC), Steven Spidell (OCSSAN), Rebecca
Zuckerbrodt (OCETFO), Nathalie Sharma (EOC-ALT)
1. Call to Order - Vice-Chair of the Board
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Vice-Chair Bell called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
2. Acknowledgement of Territorial Lands
Vice-Chair Bell acknowledged that the meeting is taking place on unceded
Algonquin Homelands and thanked the Algonquin Nations for hosting the
meeting on their land.
3. Approval of Agenda
Moved by Trustee Dickson,
THAT the agenda be approved.
Carried
4. Declarations of Interest
No declarations of interest were filed.
5. Delegations
5.1 Elizabeth Bolton, re Jewish Equity Coach
Rabbi Bolton shared that she is appearing at the request of Trustee
Kaplan-Myrth to show support for the motion to hire a Jewish E quity
Coach. She expressed concern about antisemitism, how the atmosphere
within schools is impacting students, and the need for student support.
5.2 Andrea Freedman, re Jewish Equity Coach
Andrea Freedman shared community concerns about the lived
experiences of Jewish students affected by antisemitism. She explained
that a Jewish Equity Coach would be a helpful resource in understanding
the lived experiences of Jewish students.
5.3 Sam Hersh, re Jewish Equity Coach
Sam Hersh expressed concern that antisemitism exists in society and that
the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) needs to resist
antisemitic violence.
In response to a query, Mr. Hersh noted that discrimination towards
people of colour and antisemitism are not the same.
5.4 Greg Macdougall, re Air Quality in Classrooms
Greg Macdougall stressed the importance of considering the impact of the
long term effects caused by COVID-19 on young people. Mr. Macdougall
recommended that the OCDSB become a leader in better classroom
ventilation through the use of Corsi-Rosenthal boxes.
5.5 Amichai Wise, re Jewish Equity Coach
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Amachai Wise, the father of two OCDSB students, expressed concern
regarding the gap in the curriculum pertaining to the impact of Jewish
people during the Second World War. Mr. Wise expressed his support for
the hiring of a Jewish Equity Coach.
5.6 Diana Ralph, re Jewish Equity Coach
Diana Ralph noted that she is a learning coordinator at a local synagogue
where she provides training with respect to antisemitism and that she
supports the motion for a Jewish Equity Coach.
In response to a query, Ms. Ralph expressed the view that the Jewish
Equity Coach would work in collaboration with other coaches and equity
staff to address all forms of discrimination.
5.7 David Baker, re Jewish Equity Coach
David Baker is the father of an OCDSB student who has experienced
antisemitism at school. He expressed the view that a Jewish Equity Coach
is necessary to avoid further victimization of students and to better support
students and families who are subjected to this kind of experience.
In response to a query, Mr. Baker stated that acts of antisemitism are an
ongoing concern and encouraged greater transparency and accountability
from both staff and the Board.
5.8 Eytan Kenter, re Jewish Equity Coach
Rabbi Eytan Kenter expressed concern regarding rising rates of
antisemitism. Rabbi Kenter expressed the view that antisemitism is
comparable to other forms of discrimination and that he supports the
motion to hire a Jewish Equity Coach.
5.9 Idan Scher, re Jewish Equity Coach
Rabbi Idan Scher expressed concern about the rise in antisemitism and
suggested that the OCDSB has allowed the problem to get out of hand.
He further suggested that the Board needs guidance from those with lived
experience in order to fight antisemitism.
6. Briefing from the Chair of the Board
Chair Lyra Evans reported that:
Shingwàkons Public School opened during the week of 9 January 2023
and is one of five new school construction projects underway;
Construction continues on the new elementary schools in Half Moon Bay
and Findlay Creek and secondary schools in Stittsville and Riverside
South;
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The OCDSB kindergarten registration commenced in January 2023 and
that all children who turn four years of age in 2023 are encouraged to
register;
Parent information sessions were held in January and February of 2023
about kindergarten at elementary schools across the District. "Welcome
to School" information sessions will be also be held at secondary schools
across the District;
The application period for elementary and secondary student transfers will
be open from 30 January to 10 February 2023.
7. Briefing from the Director
Director Giroux reported that:
An sharing session was planned for 19 January 2023 at Bell High School
to gain input from the community regarding the Board's Strategic Plan,
and that a virtual session is scheduled for 2 February 2023;
A speaker series event on supporting child mental health and well -being is
scheduled for 23 January 2023;
A transition planning Question and Answer session for parents and
caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities is scheduled for 8
February 2023;
An introductory webinar for parents on gender identity and expression is
scheduled for 13 February 2023;
A professional activity (PA) day is scheduled for 20 January 2023 for
assessment and report card writing; and
The OCDSB had arranged training with Bernie Farber, Chair of The
Canadian Anti-Hate Network and past Canadian Jewish Congress past
leader, and Len Rudner, advisory committee member to the Canadian
Anti-Hate Network and past Canadian Jewish Congress leader, on the 20
and 30 January 2023. The focus was professional learning and
development seminars focused on identifying and addressing
antisemitism for school and system leaders.
In response to a query regarding the rescheduling of a strategic planning session
at Ottawa Technical Secondary School (OTSS), Director Giroux advised that the
session would be scheduled after other sites have completed their sessions.
8. Matters for Action:
8.1 Report 23-002, New Riverside South Secondary School - Approval of
Study Consultation Plan and Timeline (R. Gerrior)
Your Committee had before it Report 23-002, seeking approval of a
consultation process and timeline to establish the opening grade structure,
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program offering and attendance boundary for a new secondary school
located in the Riverside South community in Gloucester.
During a discussion and in response to queries, the following information
was provided:
Funding was received for construction of the proposed Riverside
South High School (HS) in 2020;
There are approximately 1560 students, in grades 7 through 12,
residing in Riverside South HS;
The construction schedule is being adjusted as more work is
required in respect to grade structure and school boundaries;
Schools that would be impacted have already been notified;
Consultation will be conducted both virtually and in -person;
There will be opportunity to obtain input from the Indigenous
community;
Transportation is being explored with urban transit and yellow
busing; and
Flexibility exists to further explore impact on students and equity
issues.
Moved by Jennifer Jennekens
A. THAT the timeline and consultation plan attached as Appendix
B and C to Report 23-022, be approved in order to consult with
local school communities and the public (attached as
Appendix A and B); and
B. THAT the Board affirm that a Pupil Accommodation Review
(PAR) under Board Policy P.118.PLG is not required for this
study.
Carried
8.2 Report 23-007, Purchase of New Portable Classrooms (R. Gerrior)
Your Committee had before it Report 23-007, seeking approval to
purchase ten new modular portable classrooms in order to provide the
District with sufficient flexibility to accommodate student enrolment.
During a discussion and in response to queries, the following information
was provided,
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Approximately 60% of portables are over 25 years in age but 80%
of that number have been renewed;
No current studies regarding air quality are available; however,
newly constructed portables adhere to building codes and
mechanical air exchange units have been installed on all portables;
The use of portables is intended to be temporary, consideration is
given to building and fire codes with respect to environmental
impact;
Lifespan of portables is undetermined due to const ant maintenance
and refurbishing of aged units;
A formal program is in place to renovate and update, work orders
are completed as needed, renovations go above and beyond
formal requirements;
Current renewal funds are being used to rebuild surplus and
replace units that have been destroyed; and
Some units may need to be disposed of.
Moved by Donna Blackburn
THAT the purchase of ten new modular portable classrooms,
at a budgeted total cost of $2,020,000.00 (excluding HST), be
approved and funded from reserves, subject to Ministry
approval.
Carried
8.3 Notice of Motion, Re: Jewish Equity Coach, Trustee Kaplan-Myrth
Moved by Trustee Kaplan-Myrth,
WHEREAS the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board’s Indigenous,
Equity and Human Rights Roadmap 2020-2023, introduced in October
2020, sets direction in identifying and addressing systemic barriers that
impact equitable access, opportunity and outcomes for underserved
students and staff;
WHEREAS students and staff in Ottawa-Carleton District School Board
schools, and in the community, are experiencing a persistent rise in
antisemitic attitudes, discourse and behavior; and
WHEREAS Jewish students and families have shared their traumatic
experiences and have appealed to the Board seeking stronger support in
protecting and promoting Jewish student well -being;
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THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
THAT the Board approve the hiring of a 1.0 FTE Jewish Equity Coach,
with budget approval of approximately $100,000 per annum,
commensurate with other Equity Coach salaries.
During a discussion and in response to queries, the following information
was provided:
Trustees expressed concern that antisemitism is on the rise and
may be overlooked or insufficiently addressed in schools;
Concerns were raised about the level of resources currently
available to address antisemitism, and the need for more
transparency and accountability in dealing with this issue;
It was suggested that the lived experiences of Jewish students at
school indicate the need for specialized/focused resources to
address antisemitism and hate in a manner that is similar or
comparable to the focused resources that have been made
available to other identity based groups;
A Jewish Equity Coach could assist in education, student support,
and the management of incident reports;
The allocation of resources with respect to the proposed position
needs to be considered;
A Jewish Equity Coach could expand the capacity to address
antisemitism and anti-hate issues;
The Jewish Equity Coach position should be a part of the equity
team and work in collaboration with other staff on matters related to
equity;
*** Vice-Chair Bell called the meeting into recess at 8:57 p.m. ***
*** Vice-Chair Bell called the meeting back to order at 9:08 p.m. ***
If approved, additional work will be required by staff to develop the
job description and areas of focus for the position; and
While an instructional component will be important to the role, there
is no requirement that the candidate be a certified educator.
An amendment moved by Trustee Scott,
THAT the recommendation reads as follows: “THAT the Board approve
the creation of a 1.0 FTE position to support Jewish students experiencing
antisemitism and to develop the OCDSB's capacity to combat
antisemitism, with budget approval of approximately $100,000 per annum
commensurate with current Equity Coach salaries.”
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Trustees expressed concern that the amendment removes the
identification criteria,focuses only on students, and does not require lived
experience as a requirement for the position.
Staff indicated that, under the Human Rights Code, a pathway exists to
require the candidate to be Jewish as it is a bona fide occupational
qualification.
A concern was raised that locking in a specific title could create an
expectation that may be unachievable.
Moved by Trustee Scott,
That the Board approve the creation of a 1.0 FTE position to support
Jewish students experiencing antisemitism and to develop the OCDSB's
capacity to combat antisemitism, with budget approval of approximately
$100,000 per annum commensurate with current Equity Coach salaries.
Defeated
It was clarified that 1.0 FTE indicates that the role would be filled by one
individual.
Moved by Nili Kaplan-Myrth
THAT the Board approve the hiring of a 1.0 FTE Jewish Equity
Coach, with budget approval of approximately $100,000 per
annum, commensurate with other Equity Coach salaries.
Carried
a. Supplemental Information
a. Memo 23-004, Resource Supports to Address Antisemitism
and Hate
Your Committee had before it Memo 23-004. The memo was
provided for information.
9. Reports from Statutory and Other Committees
9.1 Advisory Committee on Equity (ACE), 27 October 2022
Moved by Trustee Presley,
THAT the 27 October 2022, Advisory Committee on Equity minutes
be received.
Carried
9.2 Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC), 9 November 2022
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Moved by Trustee Scott,
THAT the 9 November 2022, Special Education Advisory Committee
minutes be received.
Carried
9.3 Indigenous Education Council (IEC), 17 November 2022
Moved by Trustee Nash,
THAT the 17 November 2022, Indigenous Education Council minutes
be received.
Carried
9.4 Audit Committee, 28 November 2022
Moved by Trustee Scott,
THAT the 28 November 2022, Audit Committee minutes be received.
Carried
9.5 Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC), 7 December 2022
Moved by Trustee Aziz,
THAT the 7 December 2022, Special Education Advisory Committee
minutes be received.
Carried
10. Matters for Discussion:
10.1 Report 23-011 Environmental Scan Part 1
Your committee had before it Report 23-011 to discuss the environmental
scan portion of the OCDSB Strategic Plan.
During a discussion and in response to queries, the following informatio n
was provided:
Reporting on the environmental scan and strategic plan will be
ongoing throughout the remainder of the school year;
The consultation process had begun, information about sessions
has been shared and input has been received from Family and
Community Engagement (FACE) to support the main sessions and
the school-based focus groups;
Four pathways are being utilized to gain input including one-on-one
conversations and the use of the strategic planning toolkit with
small groups and advisory committees;
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Consultations are planned in-person at Bell High School and
virtually on 2 and 3 February 2023;
A focused approach would take place at selected schools to
capture the voice of parents, families and caregivers who may be
less inclined to engage in the system wide consultations;
The environmental scan was created to be a live document,
allowing it to be interactive and to facilitate access to reports;
Staff reviewed some of the key data in the report and responded to
trustee questions.
*** The 10:30 vote did not receive the required 2/3 majority vote to
continue***
11. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 10:29 p.m.
At the time of adjournment, items 11. Information Items and 12. New Business
were not dealt with.
_________________________
Keith Penny, Vice-Chair
DRAFT Appendix A to 17 January 2023 COW
New Riverside South Secondary School
Consultation Timeline
Activity Date
Notice of Intention to Commence Study and Approve Study and Timeline
Committee of the Whole Meeting (potentially an online format)
Board Approval of Study Consultation Plan and Timeline (potentially an
online format)
January 2023
January 2023
Consultative Stage
Formation of the Advisory Group
Information Meeting #1 with Advisory Group (potentially an online format)
Information Meeting #2 with Advisory Group (potentially an online format)
Information Meeting #3 with Advisory Group (potentially an online format)
Public Consultation Meeting (potentially an online format)
January 2023
February 2023
March 2023
March/April 2023
April 2023
Recommendation and Decision Making Stage
Regular Committee of the Whole Meeting – Presentation of Staff
Recommendation Report (potentially an online format)
Regular Board Meeting – Final Decisions (potentially an online format)
June 2023
June 2023
Communication and Implementation Stage
Communication of Board Approved Decision
Implementation of Board Approved Decision
June 2023
Upon Facility Opening
DRAFT
0.
CONSULTATION PLAN
(REFERENCES: POLICY P.110.GOV AND PROCEDURE PR.644.GOV)
DATE:January 2023
PROJECT:
(Project name, Letter of
Transmittal, etc.)
New Riverside South Secondary School Study – Approval of Timeline and Consultation Plan
CONTACT / PROJECT LEAD
(Name, telephone, email):Randy Gerrior CPA, CMA, Associate Director, Business Operations, 613-596-8211, ext. 8881 (randall.gerrior@ocdsb.ca)
WHAT?
1. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE CONSULTATION?
(Describe project scope, nature of consultation, decision to be made, and any relevant information)
The scope of the consultation includes five elementary (Steve MacLean, Farley Mowat, Kars on the Rideau Blossom Park, and Vimy Ridge) and six secondary schools (Merivale, South
Carleton, Ridgemont, Osgood Township, Brookfield, and Gloucester).
The consultation process will serve to implement recommendations regarding the attendance boundary, program, and opening grade structure for the new grade 7 to 12 secondary
school. Those changes may result in associated revisions to some area schools not directly impacted by the new school opening.
WHY?
2. WHY ARE YOU CONSULTING?(Check all that apply)
__√_ To seek advice, informed opinion or input for consideration prior to decision-making?
__√_ To share information and/or create awareness about a subject/potential recommendations/decision yet to be made?
____ To share information and awareness about a subject/recommendation/decision that has been made?
____ Other? (Please explain)
3. HOW DOES THIS CONSULTATION LINK TO THE OCDSB STRATEGIC PLAN, DISTRICT IMPROVEMENT PLAN, BUDGET, ANNUAL DISTRICT GOALS
AND OBJECTIVES AND/OR RELEVANT MINISTRY / OCDSB POLICIES OR PROCEDURES (if applicable)?
The consultation will seek to recommend a plan to implement an opening grade structure, program, and attendance boundary for the new school. To minimize disruption to families
and students it will also likely recommend the phasing of some of the recommended changes.
The process will strive to make effective use of District facilities, improve student access to viable programming and appropriate instructional resources. As well, there is the
overriding goal of improving student achievement through the provision of strong educational programming in safe, healthy, secure and accessible learning environments.
OCDSB Form 644: Consultation Plan
Appendix B to 17 January 2023 COW
CONSULTATION PLAN
(REFERENCES: POLICY P.110.GOV AND PROCEDURE PR.644.GOV)
WHO?
4. WHO WILL BE CONSULTED?(Key stakeholders) (Check all that apply)
OCDSB Community Internal to OCDSB External / Other (please identify)
_____ Students __√__ Trustees _____ Agencies/associations __________________
__√__ Parents/guardians __√__ Superintendents __√__ Community groups ____________________
__√__ School council(s)__√__ Principals and/or Vice-principals __√__ General Public __________________
_____ Ottawa Carleton Assembly of School Councils _____ Managers _____ Other governments ____________________
_____ Advisory committees (Specify below)_____ District staff _____ Other ______________________________
_____ Special Education Advisory Committee, etc _____ Federations
____ Other ______________________________________ Other __________________________
Please describe or expand on who will be consulted and any partners in the consultation:
5. HAVE ANY OF THESE STAKEHOLDERS BEEN INVOLVED IN INFORMAL CONSULTATION AS PART OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS PLAN?
In accordance with section 4.3 of Policy P.110.GOV, it is expected that informal consultation has taken place with representative stakeholders to obtain their suggestions prior to
finalizing this plan. Please describe below. (If this informal consultation did not take place, explain why it was not feasible.)
Yes, local Trustees, the Superintendent of Instruction for area schools, and the Associate Director, Business Operations.
HOW?
6. HOW WILL STAKEHOLDERS BE MADE AWARE OF THIS CONSULTATION PROCESS?(Check all that apply)
__√__ Media advertisement (print and/or radio)__√ __ School newsletter
__√__ Letter distribution __√ __ Website (schools and/or OCDSB sites)
__√__ School council(s)______ Other
____ Ottawa Carleton Assembly of School Councils
Please describe how stakeholders will be made aware of the consultation process and any special requirements for consultation (translation, alternate formats, etc)?
7. HOW WILL THE CONSULTATION BE CARRIED OUT?(Check all that apply)
____ Focus groups ______ Ottawa Carleton Assembly of School Councils
____ Interviews ___√__ Public meetings
_√__ Mail-out or email circulation ______ Survey / questionnaire
OCDSB Form 644: Consultation Plan
____ Open houses / workshops / cafes ___√__ Web-based notice / Web-based comments
_√__ School council(s)______ Other
Please describe:
CONSULTATION PLAN
(REFERENCES: POLICY P.110.GOV AND PROCEDURE PR.644.GOV)
WHEN?
8. PROJECT PLAN FOR CONSULTATION (KEY ACTIVITIES AND COMMUNICATIONS)
1:
i.e. Identify plan approval dates; Timelines for awareness of consultation; Specific consultation initiatives; Timelines for analysis;
Date for Committee/Board deliberation; Evaluation of consultation
TARGETTED DATE FOR FINAL DECISION:June 2020
PROJECTED
DATE(S)ACTIVITY/MILESTONE NOTES**
January 2023 Board Approval of Study Consultation Plan and Timeline
January 2023 Formation of Working Group
February 2023 to
April 2023
Working Group Meetings
April 2023 Public Consultation Meeting
June 2023 Committee of the Whole Meeting – Presentation, Debate, and Recommendations
June 2023 Regular Board Meeting – Final Study Decisions
1 Outline provides information on the minimal number of activities proposed, which may be amended to intensify the process if required.
Further information on the overall project/initiative and the specific consultation plan and process can be provided in the Letter of Transmittal to Board.
OCDSB Form 644: Consultation Plan
**In filling out this chart, please note:
▪the materials, reports or resources that will be distributed to stakeholders, either in advance or at the session;
▪ any constraints such as necessary deadlines, availability of stakeholders; and
▪ the timelines for communicating the outcome/related decisions reached to those consulted.
9.HOW WILL THE RESULTS OF THE CONSULTATION AND THE RATIONALE OF THE FINAL DECISION BE COMMUNICATED TO ALL CONTRIBUTORS
TO THE PROCESS?(Check all that apply)
__√_ Email circulation ___√___ School / principal communications / newsletter
__√_ Letter distribution ___√___ Website (schools and/or OCDSB sites)
_____ Letter of Transmittal to committee/Board _______ Media reports
_______ Other
Please describe:
OTHER
10. ESTIMATED COSTS FOR THE CONSULTATION*(i.e. advertising, facilities, translation, materials):
Consultation costs will be managed within existing departmental budgets.
* Note that the consulting body bears responsibility for the costs of the consultation.
11. EVALUATION:
Please specify the method(s) you plan to use to assess the effectiveness and success of this consultation process. (e.g., outcomes/results, satisfaction of participants, debriefs,
questionnaires/evaluation sheet collected from participants, peer review, school council meeting discussion with date, etc.)
OCDSB Form 644: Consultation Plan