HomeMy WebLinkAbout11.1.c. Receipt of Committee of the Whole Report, 7 March 2023
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COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE PUBLIC REPORT
Tuesday, March 7, 2023, 7:00 p.m.
Board Room
Administration Building
133 Greenbank Road
Ottawa, Ontario
Trustees Present: Alysha Aziz (electronic communication), Justine Bell (electronic
communication), Donna Dickson (electronic communication),
Lyra Evans, Jennifer Jennekens, Nili Kaplan-Myrth, Matthew
Lee, Cathryne Milburn, Suzanne Nash, Amanda Presley, Lyn n
Scott, Tabarak Al-Delaimi (Student Trustee), Antong Hou
(Student Trustee)
Staff Present: Brett Reynolds (Associate Director of Education), Randy Gerrior
(Associate Director, Business Operations), Janice McCoy
(Executive Officer, Corporate Services), 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),
Stacey Kay (Manager, Learning Support Services), Sandra
Owens (Manager, Business & Learning Technologies), Diane
Pernari (Manager, Communications & Information Services),
Nicole Guthrie (Manager of Board Services), Michael Guilbault
(Content Creator, Digital Multimedia Technician), Marco
PaladinoMarco Paladino (Training & Support Specialist)
Non-Voting
Representatives
Present:
Stephanie Kirkey (Secondment, Seconded - OSSTF), Andrew
Nordman (Principal, Roland Michener Public School), , Jean
Fulton-Hale (OCSSAN Representative - ALT), Tom Holloway
(OCASC), Sue Cowin (SEAC), Lili Miller (IEC)
1. Call to Order - Vice-Chair of the Board
Chair Kaplan-Myrth called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
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2. Acknowledgement of Territorial Lands
Chair Kaplan-Myrth 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 Presley,
THAT the agenda be approved.
Carried
4. Declarations of Interest
No declarations of interest were filed.
5. Delegations
5.1 Nick Morabito, re Student Safety
Mr. Morabito introduced himself as a father of four children who attend
Ottawa Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) schools. He raised
concern that trangendered students, particularly those who were identified
as male at birth, are allowed to use the same school washrooms as his
daughters. He shared his perspective that adolescent males have sexually
driven bodies as the basis of his safety concerns. He indicated his support
for inclusivity, but emphasized the need for boundaries aligned with
parental expectations.
At this point, the Chair asked that the delegation be ended on the basis
that the comments were unsafe for persons who identify as gender
diverse.
*** Chair Kaplan-Myrth called the meeting into recess at 7:04 p.m.***
*** Chair Kaplan-Myrth called the meeting back to order at 7:26 p.m.***
The Chair apologized for the disruption and reiterated the Board’s
commitment to freedom of expression and to upholding human rights in
accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and Board policy.
6. Briefing from the Chair of the Board
During the Briefing from the Chair of the Board, the following information was
provided:
Each year, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB)
recognizes the valuable contributions of its community members, parents,
and businesses through the OCDSB Community Recognition Awards.
Nominations are open until 7 April 2023; and
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On 7 March 2023, the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center’s Tour for
Humanity bus visited Sir Robert Borden High School. This mobile
education center is used to run workshops on topics ranging from the
Holocaust, genocide and Canada’s human rights history. Multiple classes
from Sir Robert Borden, Broadview Public School and Nepean High
School participated in learning activities. Funding to support this learning
opportunity was donated from the family of Holocaust survivor and
advocate David Shentow.
7. Briefing from the Director
During the Briefing from the Director, the following information was provided:
The OCDSB will be hosting a webinar on supporting trans and gender
diverse children and youth on 29 March 2023. The webinar will explore
how parents and guardians can support young people to be themselves,
regardless of age or gender;
Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is reminding families to keep up to date with
their regular vaccinations. OPH is monitoring the emergence of measles in
the community; and
Nominations are open for the 2023 Ontario Public School Board
Association’s Awards. These awards recognize trustees, teachers,
education workers, students or community members for making a
difference in their local school or community. The nominations for most
awards are open until 7 April 2023.
8. Matters for Action:
8.1 Report 23-022, Approval of Revision to P.029.SCO Field Trips (B.
Reynolds)
Your Committee had before it Report 23-022 to approve the revised Policy
P.029.SCO Field Trips.
Moved by Trustee Scott,
THAT the revisions to P.029.SCO Field Trips, attached as Appendix A to
Report 23-022, be approved.
During a discussion and in response to queries, the following information
was provided:
Revisions reflect concerns from parents and the District’s goal to
minimize costs;
Opportunities to lower costs continue to be explored;
Families and students will not face barriers based on economic
status or other grounds;
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Athletic field trips will continue as they have their own procedure
and fall under the general policy; and
The intention is to allow off -site extra curricular activities to continue
safely while mitigating expenses.
Moved by Lynn Scott
THAT the revisions to P.029.SCO Field Trips, attached as
Appendix A to Report 23-022, be approved (Attached as
Appendix A).
Carried
8.2 Notice of Motion, Re: Recycling Programs in the OCDSB, Trustee Lyra
Evans
Moved by Trustee Lyra Evans,
WHEREAS the OCDSB prioritizes a culture of social responsibility,
including environmental stewardship; and
WHEREAS other jurisdictions engage students directly in recycling and
composting programs to bolster understanding of waste management,
conservation, and environmental and personal responsibility.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
A. THAT the OCDSB implement a recycling and composting program
at every active school and administration site by the end of the
2023-2024 school year;
B. THAT the OCDSB use these programs as an opportun ity to engage
students in hands on learning about composting and recycling in
age appropriate ways by the end of the 2024-2025 school year;
and
C. THAT the District promote the program.
During a discussion and in response to queries, the following information
was provided:
The motion seeks to address concerns about being environmental
stewards by teaching students about sustainability;
By implementing the program, students will learn about their
responsibility for sustainability through hands on engagement;
The OCDSB has an opportunity to become a leader through the
implementation and promotion of the program;
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The program will be optional, but available to all schools;
Concerns were raised regarding how this motion is distinguished
from current recycling programs and composting as part of the
science curricula;
Opportunity exists to expand in areas involving school cafeteria
waste to mitigate environmental impact;
Custodial staff do not have sufficient time in their shifts to expand
their duties, programs would require student volunteers;
The City of Ottawa requires registration to participate in
compositing programs;
Challenges exist at larger schools with respect to collection and
volume of waste;
Approximately 50 schools were engaged in composting prior to
March 2020, an effort is underway to return and exceed pre -
pandemic levels of engagement;
It is incumbent on schools to find a champion, internally, to lead
these programs. It was recognized that not all schools will be
successful;
Concerns were expressed with respect to pest control and safety
both in rural and urban areas;
It was noted that families play a critical role in teaching students
about environmental responsibility;
It was noted that these programs should be implemented in
collaboration with the City of Ottawa;
It was suggested to staff that this program could be implemented
through the creation of in school clubs;
Concerns were expressed with respect to the financial implications
in having the City of Ottawa collect recyclable and composting
materials; and
A request was made for a financial assessment to be presented at
the Board meeting on 30 March 2023.
Student Trustee Hou requested that a non-binding recorded vote be held
that includes student trustees.
Moved by Trustee Lyra Evans,
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A. THAT the OCDSB implement a recycling and composting program
at every active school and administration site by the end of the
2023-2024 school year;
B. THAT the OCDSB use these programs as an opportunity to
engage students in hands on learning about composting and
recycling in age appropriate ways by the end of the 2024-2025
school year; and
C. THAT the District promote the program.
A non-binding vote was held and the motion was carried on the following
division:
For: Trustees Aziz, Bell, Dickson, Lyra Evans, Jennekens, Kaplan-Myrth,
Lee, Milburn, Nash, Presley, Scott, Student Trustee Hou
Against: Nil
Abstain: Nil
Absent: Student Trustee Al-Delaimi
Moved by Lyra Evans
A. THAT the OCDSB implement a recycling and composting
program at every active school and administration site by the
end of the 2023-2024 school year;
B. THAT the OCDSB use these programs as an opportunity to
engage students in hands on learning about composting and
recycling in age appropriate ways by the end of the 2024 -2025
school year; and
C. THAT the District promote the program.
Carried
9. Report from Statutory and Other Committees
9.1 Advisory Committee on Equity (ACE), 1 December 2022
Moved by Trustee Presley,
THAT the Advisory Committee on Equity (ACE) Report dated 1
December 2022, be received.
Carried
9.2 Parent Involvement Committee (PIC), 18 January 2023
Moved by Trustee Nash,
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THAT the Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) Report dated 18
January 2023, be received.
Carried
9.3 Indigenous Education Council (IEC), 19 January 2023
Moved by Trustee Scott,
THAT the Indigenous Education Council (IEC) Report dated 19
January 2023, be received.
Carried
9.4 Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC), 1 February 2023
Moved by Trustee Nash,
THAT the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) Report
dated 1 February 2023, be received.
Carried
9.5 Audit Committee, 15 February 2023
Moved by Trustee Scott,
THAT the Audit Committee Report dated 15 February 2023, be
received.
Carried
10. Matters for Discussion:
10.1 Report 23-005, Revisions to Policy P.019.GOV Special Education
Advisory Committee (J. McCoy)
Your Committee had before it Report 23-005, to discuss revisions to policy
P.019.GOV Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC).
During a discussion and in response to queries, the following information
was provided:
The revisions were made at the request of members of the
Indigenous Education Council (IEC);
The regulations and policy allowed the Board discretion to increase
membership and to revise the policy;
The procedure is with respect to the appointment of community
associations to SEAC;
Appointments will be made in consultation with IEC and
recommendations will be submitted to the Board for approval;
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The two community association members will be independent as
members are not permitted to sit on more than one committee; and
Changes expand SEAC and will not have any impact on the
number of community association members.
11. Information Items:
11.1 Report from OPSBA (if required)
There was no report from the OPSBA representatives.
11.2 OSTA Update (if required)
During Trustee Lee's report, the following information was provided:
Ottawa Student Transportation Authority (OSTA) decided in
January 2023 that the Empty Seat/Courtesy Seating Program
would be discontinued due to the shortage of staff and stress on
services. The Empty Seat/Courtesy Seating Program will be
reviewed in the spring of 2023 and the results will be made
available in 2024;
A system wide risk assessment of the transportation system will be
conducted as a full assessment has not been conducted since
2019 due to staff shortage and stress on the system;
A decision regarding the continuation of the Empty Seat/Courtesy
Seating Program will be made with the assistance of an external
party which will perform the risk assessment;
Although the Drive Yellow campaign had success in recruiting new
drivers, there are a number of positions that are vacant;
OSTA is addressing concerns from drivers regarding compensation
and a review is underway regarding retention bonuses; and
OSTA acknowledges the challenge of having one driver per route
and the effect of driver absenteeism.
12. New Business - Information and Inquiries
There was no new business.
13. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
_________________________
Nili Kaplan-Myrth, Acting Chair
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POLICY P.029.SCO
TITLE:FIELD TRIPS
Date Authorized: 15 May 1998
Last Revised: XX XXX XXXX
Last Reviewed: XX XXX XXXX
COMMITMENT TO INDIGENOUS RIGHTS, HUMAN RIGHTS, AND EQUITY
The Board recognizes its responsibility to ensure that this policy and associated procedures promote
and protect Indigenous rights, human rights, and equity, and strives to address and eliminate racism
and structural and systemic barriers for students, staff, and the community.
1.0 RATIONALE
To provide equitable access to Field Trips for OCDSB students throughout all OCDSB schools
to broaden their knowledge and enhance their learning while ensuring the safety of students
and staff in accordance with the Education Act.
2.0 DEFINITIONS
Please refer to Appendix A for a list of definitions of terms used in this policy.
3.0 POLICY
3.1 The Board supports the inclusion of safe and inclusive Field Trips in all schools to
broaden the knowledge of students and enhance their learning.
4.0 SPECIFIC DIRECTIVES
3.2 All policies of the Board, including Policy P.125.SCO School District Code of Conduct,
Policy P.147.GOV Human Rights and P.121.GOV Accessibility shall apply to all Field
Trips.
3.3 All Field Trips shall:
a) support student learning;
b) be offered at a minimal to no costs to students;
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Appendix A to 7 March 2023
c)support the inclusion of all students through equitable access without
discrimination based on Protected Grounds;
d)ensure the safety of all students, and to the extent possible, identify and mitigate
any foreseeable risks; and
e)be governed by all OCDSB policies and procedures.
3.4 The District shall provide, to the point of Undue Hardship, reasonable Accommodations,
including financial subsidies and specialized transportation to allow all students to
participate fully and equitably in field trips.
3.5 Prior written consent shall be obtained from parents/guardians prior to the participation
of students on field trips unless the student is considered an Adult Student.
3.6 Schools may approve fundraising activities (in keeping with Board Policy P.052.SCO:
Fund-Raising in Schools) to support field trips.
3.7 The Director of Education is authorized to issue such procedures as may be necessary
to implement this policy, including:
a)the process and criteria for determining the suitability of field trips;
b)the process for approving field trips;
c)the process and form for obtaining parent/guardian consent;
d)ensuring equitable access for all students; and
e)the process for engaging school councils in the planning of field trips.
5.0 APPENDICES
Appendix A: Policy Definitions
6.0 REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
Education Act
OCDSB Policy P.026.SCO: Student Suspension and Expulsion
OCDSB Policy P.032.SCO: Safe Schools (Managing Student Behaviour)
OCDSB Policy P.052.SCO: Fund-raising in Schools
OCDSB Policy P.108.SCO: Care for Students with Severe,or Life-threatening Medical
Conditions
OCDSB Policy P.121.GOV: Accessibility
OCDSB Policy P.125.SCO: School District Code of Conduct
OCDSB Policy P.147.GOV: Human Rights
OCDSB Procedure PR.521.SCO: Safe Schools
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OCDSB Procedure PR.515.SCO: Student Suspension and Expulsion
OCDSB Procedure PR.523.SCO: Student Substance Abuse
OCDSB Procedure PR.525.SCO: Weapons
OCDSB Procedure PR.673.SCO: Field Trips - Day
OCDSB Procedure PR.674.SCO: Field Trips - Overnight
OCDSB Procedure PR.683.SCO: Field Trips - International
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APPENDIX A: POLICY DEFINITIONS
In this policy,
Accommodation means making an adjustment, providing support, or making exceptions to remove
Barriers on Protected Grounds to ensure fair and equitable access, treatment, and inclusion. This
enables a person to participate equally and perform to the best of their abilities when learning,
working, or accessing services. The duty to accommodate is a legal obligation that exists to the point
of Undue Hardship.
Adult Student means a student who is 18 years of age,or 16 or 17 and has withdrawn from parental
control.
Board means the Board of Trustees.
Discrimination means any form of unequal treatment based on a protected ground, whether
imposing extra burdens or denying benefits. It may be intentional or unintentional. It may involve
direct actions that are discriminatory on their face, or it may involve rules, practices or procedures that
appear neutral, but disadvantage certain groups of people. Discrimination may take obvious forms, or
it may happen in very subtle ways. Even if there are many factors affecting a decision or action, if
discrimination is one factor, that is a violation of this policy.
Discrimination may happen because of perceptions about a person based on a protected ground or
because of association with a person or group with characteristics of a protected ground. Engaging in
hate-related behaviour is a type of discrimination.
Forms of discrimination include (see Appendix B for examples):
a)direct, indirect, subtle and constructive/adverse effect discrimination;
b)harassment;
c)sexual and gender-based harassment;
d)poisoned environment; and
e)systemic discrimination.
District means Ottawa-Carleton District School Board.
Field Trips means any school organized activity, whether curricular or extracurricular, that takes
students off school property and is supervised by school staff.This includes reciprocal student
exchanges and excursions and does not include competitive athletics.
Protected Ground means the attributes or characteristics upon which discrimination is prohibited
under both the Code and by the OCDSB. The following grounds are Code-protected:
a)citizenship;
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b)race;
c)place of origin;
d)ethnic origin;
e)colour;
f)ancestry;
g)disability (including mental, physical, developmental or learning disabilities);
h)age (18 years of age or older);
i)creed (religion);
j)sex (including pregnancy and breastfeeding);
k)family status (such as being in a parent child relationship);
l)marital status (including married, single, widowed, divorced, separated or living in a conjugal
relationship outside of marriage, whether in a same-sex or different-sex relationship);
m)sexual orientation;
n)gender identity;
o)gender expression;
p)record of offences (in employment only and including a criminal conviction for a provincial
offence, or for an offence for which a pardon has been received); and
An additional ground protected from discrimination by the OCDSB is:
q)socio-economic status.
Undue Hardship means the point at which the legal duty to accommodate ends based on an
objective assessment of only three factors: (i) costs, (ii) outside sources of funding (if any), and (iii)
health and safety considerations (if any) of the proposed Accommodation.
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