THE MINUTES OF THE DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD OF NIAGARA

Transcription

1 THE MINUTES OF THE DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD OF NIAGARA BOARD ROOM - EDUCATION CENTRE JANUARY 13, :15-7:00 p.m. (Information Session) 7:00-7:30 p.m. (Private Session) 7:30-10:00 p.m. (Public Session) ATTENDANCE: Board: Student Trustees: Kevin Maves (Chair), Gary Atamanyk, Lora Campbell, Lynn Campbell, Dalton Clark, Gregg Dame, Larry Lemelin, Liz Fulford, Marcy Heit (Vice-Chair), Don Love, Barbara Ness Alex Ceci, Emilia Ling Regrets: Officials: Recording Secretary: Technical Support: Warren Hoshizaki (Director of Education), Carol Germyn, Sue Greer, Cam Hathaway, Marilyn Hyatt, Linda Kartasinski, Jim Morgan, Jane Roth, John Stainsby, Ardeth Staz, Peter Doan, Doug Durant, Brenda Stokes Verworn, Kim Yielding, Karen Bellamy, Marian Lamb Irene Foster Linda Gonschior A. CALL TO ORDER AND NOTING OF MEMBERS ABSENT Chair Kevin Maves called the Regular Meeting of the Board to order at 7:37 p.m. B. DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST No conflicts of interest were declared. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (C), and RATIFICATION OF BUSINESS CONDUCTED IN COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (I) were deferred to the conclusion of the Regular Board Meeting.

2 Regular Public Meeting - page 2 January 13, 2009 D. SINGING OF "O CANADA" The Board stood and sang O Canada accompanied on tape by Kristen Fletcher and Jasmyne Orescanin, students from Victoria Public School, Niagara Falls. E. OPENING PRAYER OR REFLECTIVE READING Trustee Gregg Dame opened the meeting with a reflective reading. F. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA Moved by Lora Campbell Seconded by Barb Ness That the Agenda be adopted as amended. G. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Moved by Don Love Seconded by Larry Lemelin That the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the District School Board of Niagara dated December 9, 2008, be confirmed as submitted." H. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES There was no business arising from the minutes. J. EDUCATIONAL SHOWCASING OR PRESENTATIONS 1. School Energy Conservation Presentations Doug Durant, Plant Services Controller, introduced the showcase by reminding the Board that the School Energy Conservation program was developed in November 2001 by CUPE Local 4156 and endorsed by the Board. Since that time, all employee groups of the Board have become involved and support the program. Significant energy savings have been realized since 2001 and 75% of all work sites have now reduced energy consumption. The program is recognized provincially and other Boards in the province are following our Board s lead. Doug Durant noted that the success of the program demonstrates the positive working relationship with all employee groups. Doug Durant introduced Tony Piunno, Board Electrician and EDUCATIONAL SHOWCASING OR PRESENTATIONS - continued:

3 Regular Public Meeting - page 3 January 13, 2009 School Energy Conservation Presentations Energy Committee Chair. Tony Piunno introduced members of the Energy Committee - Gary King, Elementary Principal Representative; Marion Gibbons, School Waste Management Coordinator; Sean Hanna, Consultant, DRRC; Bruce McLennan, Past Chair; John Seebach, OSSTF Representative; Todd Rimmington, ETFO Representative; Nick Villella, Caretaker; Dino Miele, Administrative Management Group; Frank Ventresca, President - CUPE 4156; and Dave Alexander, Environment Consultant. Tony Piunno explained that since inception over $589,000 in energy savings (1.6 million kw hours) have been realized Board-wide as a result of the program. Success has been attributed to initiatives such as the Lights Off stickers and the Watts New newsletter which keeps everyone informed. The Committee is currently developing a new logo to reflect the Committee s membership and initiatives are ongoing to assist schools in working towards ECO Schools certification. Representatives from the following schools were presented with a plaque in recognition of their schools successful participation in the Energy Conservation Program. Most Energy Saved Elementary - Pine Grove Elementary School Secondary - West Park Secondary School Most Improved Elementary - Applewood Public School Secondary - Port Colborne High School Trustee Gary Atamanyk asked how the electrical energy is measured to calculate savings. Tony Piunno explained that utility bills are monitored based on kw hours used per square foot, averaged over the previous four years, and compared to the past year. Trustee Liz Fulford thanked everyone involved for their ongoing commitment to this program. Trustee Fulford added that the Board is fortunate to have employees who are willing to organize a program like this and maintain it for the benefit of the Board and enhancement of learning opportunities for students. Chair Maves commended Frank Ventresca and CUPE Local 4156 for developing this initiative and, on behalf of the Board, Chair Maves thanked the employees and students for their continued support of the program. K. DELEGATIONS

4 Regular Public Meeting - page 4 January 13, Joanne Hicks, Friends of NDSS Joanne Hicks addressed the Board on behalf of Friends of NDSS. For the benefit of Trustees, Joanne Hicks provided a chart listing the components of the Arts Programs at Niagara District Secondary School and at Stamford Collegiate. Joanne Hicks focussed her remarks on the Ontario Public School Boards Association s (OPSBA) Submission to the Minister s Working Team on Declining Enrolment dated September 30, The submission was in response to a request by the Ministry of Education s Declining Enrolment Working Group to provide input to the Ministry on declining enrolment issues. In drafting a submission, OPSBA incorporated the views of the entire public school board sector, including the District School Board of Niagara, in four key areas - Impacts of Declining Enrolment and Response Strategies, Funding Formula Supports/Effectiveness, Partnerships, and General. Joanne Hicks summarized OPSBA s comments and the examples of successful strategies in these four areas and suggested that it is not too late to begin the process in Niagara of engaging and empowering the local community to give everyone ownership and find solutions. Joanne Hicks handout identified the recommended strategies supported by Friends of NDSS. Joanne Hicks concluded by saying the final report of the Ministry s Declining Enrolment Working Group will be a tool for the District School Board of Niagara and communities to guide decision making on effective and efficient education planning. Joanne Hicks asked that the Board place a moratorium on school closings until the Ministry of Education s final report is released. Chair Maves thanked Joanne Hicks for the presentation. L. BOARD RECESS There was no Board recess. M. OLD BUSINESS 1. ACCOUNTS Moved by Dalton Clark Seconded by Lora Campbell That the Summary of Accounts paid in Batch Numbers 0579 to 0582, for the month of November 2008, totalling $13,869, be received. OLD BUSINESS - continued:

5 Regular Public Meeting - page 5 January 13, REPORT OF THE SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE (SEAC) Moved by Liz Fulford Seconded by Don Love That the report of the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) dated December 11, 2008, be received. Trustee Don Love provided a verbal summary of the report, as follows: Carol Germyn, Superintendent of School Support Services, reported on the progress of the Board s Operational Plan and described its positive impact on students with Special Education needs (for example, the Intensive Support Program, differentiated learning, and technology supports). Kelly Pisek, School Support Services Administrator, provided an update on professional development opportunities for Special Education staff, including Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Sensory Room Strategies, and support for Blind and Visually Impaired students. Larry Sirianni, School Support Services Administrator, provided an update on Aboriginal Education. Trustee Love noted the Board s Aboriginal Education Grant Proposals were approved. A $10,000 grant will support an Aboriginal Student Mentorship and Leadership Development Day at Fort Erie Secondary School and St. Catharines Collegiate; a $35,000 grant will support classroom instruction to increase the success of Aboriginal students; a $50,000 grant will fund a Regional Symposium in May 2009 to promote the success of Aboriginal Youth. Trustee Love expressed his appreciation for the information provided by staff at these meetings. 3. REPORT OF THE JOINT PROGRAM AND PLANNING AND FINANCE COMMITTEES Moved by Don Love Seconded by Dalton Clark That the report of the Joint Program and Planning and Finance Committees dated December 17, 2008, be received and the recommendation adopted. Courtesy Transportation and Boundary Change Proposal That commencing the school year, the District School Board of Niagara transportation procedures and practice be aligned with our current transportation policy, eliminating all courtesy transportation from the Board including, Eden High School students from Niagara-on-the-Lake and North St. Catharines, Maple Grove Public School students, Niagara District Secondary School Performing Arts students from Niagara Falls, and students who were OLD BUSINESS - continued: REPORT OF THE JOINT PROGRAM AND PLANNING AND FINANCE COMMITTEES

6 Regular Public Meeting - page 6 January 13, 2009 historically provided transportation outside of policy; and that the boundaries of Parliament Oak Public School be adjusted to alleviate the courtesy transportation issue in Garrison Village. Trustee Don Love reported that the Joint meeting was well attended by Trustees, with ten of eleven Trustees being present, and that lengthy and interesting discussion took place. Superintendent Kartasinski reported on various questions posed at a prior Program and Planning Committee meeting, followed by a report on courtesy transportation, and a report on a boundary change proposal for Parliament Oak and Colonel John Butler Schools. Following lengthy discussion and proposed motions, the Committee members passed the recommended motion. Prior to calling a vote on the recommended motion, Chair Maves provided an opportunity for discussion. Trustee Marcy Heit stated that she will not support the motion as recommended. Trustee Heit commented that too many issues were included in the discussion under courtesy transportation and they should be discussed and decided upon as separate issues. For example, there should be a more thorough review of programs recognized as alternate programs eligible for busing, including transportation for the Arts Programs and to Eden. Trustee Larry Lemelin stated that he will not support the motion as recommended. Trustee Lemelin suggested that discussion on the boundary changes for Parliament Oak Public School should be deferred and moved forward as a separate issue. Trustee Lemelin agreed with Trustee Heit that the issues being considered should be reviewed individually. Trustee Lynn Campbell agreed there are situations to be dealt with individually and she reminded Trustees that attempts were made at the Joint meeting to split the issues into separate motions. Trustee Lynn Campbell added that the six students from Niagara Falls who were transported to the Niagara District Secondary School Arts Program have now transferred to another Board. Trustee Lynn Campbell thanked Joanne Hicks for providing the chart which lists the components of the Arts Programs at Niagara District Secondary School and Stamford Collegiate. The chart shows that the program at Stamford is not as extensive as Niagara District Secondary School s program and if the motion carries, the program at Niagara District Secondary School will not be available to students residing in Niagara Falls. Trustee Marcy Heit asked for clarification on whether transportation for students currently enrolled in programs will be grandfathered. Trustee Heit noted that Lori Powell, Executive Director - NSTS, indicated that direction would have to come from the School Board to provide continued transportation. Superintendent Kartasinski replied that the Board would have to provide a letter to NSTS authorizing that transportation be grandfathered for program or boundary change reasons. Superintendent Kartasinski OLD BUSINESS - continued: REPORT OF THE JOINT PROGRAM AND PLANNING AND FINANCE COMMITTEES

7 Regular Public Meeting - page 7 January 13, 2009 cautioned that if students are grandfathered, there may be more than the six students identified by Trustee Lynn Campbell who are affected. Trustee Liz Fulford asked if it was possible to receive the report only and have further discussion on the issues. Trustee Dalton Clark replied that timing is important to ensure that parents are informed by the end of January of the availability of transportation, particularly as intention sheet time is approaching. Director Hoshizaki reminded Trustees that Open Houses are taking place this week in secondary schools and staff are waiting for this information to share with parents. Trustee Larry Lemelin expressed concern about the voting process and voting eligibility at the Joint meeting and he suggested that there needs to be reflection on how information is presented and voted on. Trustee Don Love agreed there was some confusion at the meeting on who was eligible to vote. Trustee Love suggested that Trustees be reminded by way of an information session on their eligibility to vote or abstain at Committee meetings. Trustee Gary Atamanyk expressed his understanding that abstaining is perceived as a nay vote and it is counted that way. Trustee Atamanyk added that initially he would have voted on sending the matters back to Committee, however, Trustee Atamanyk suggested that the motion be amended to remove reference to transportation to Niagara District Secondary School from Niagara Falls, and to remove reference to the boundary changes for Parliament Oak Public School so that, in part, the matters can move forward and further discussion on the remaining issues can take place at a later date. Amended Motion Moved by Gary Atamanyk Amended Motion Seconded by Larry Lemelin That commencing the school year, the District School Board of Niagara transportation procedures and practice be aligned with our current transportation policy, eliminating all courtesy transportation from the Board including, Eden High School students from Niagara-on-the-Lake and North St. Catharines, Maple Grove Public School students, and students who were historically provided transportation outside of policy. DEFEATED Trustee Liz Fulford stated that the amendments to the original motion which remove Niagara District Secondary School Performing Arts students from Niagara Falls, and reference to the boundaries of Parliament Oak Public School, significantly change the original motion, and she will not support the amendments. OLD BUSINESS - continued: REPORT OF THE JOINT PROGRAM AND PLANNING AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

8 Regular Public Meeting - page 8 January 13, 2009 Trustee Dalton Clark stated that he will not support the amended motion. Trustee Dalton Clark stated that the intent of the original motion is to address the common element of courtesy transportation. Trustee Clark clarified that to be eligible to qualify for full transportation funding under the Ministry s Efficiency and Effectiveness Review the Board must eliminate all courtesy transportation. Additional funding for our Board could be in excess of $1 million and the motion needs to be considered in terms of eliminating courtesy transportation and not in terms of specific schools or programs. Trustee Lynn Campbell asked what savings can be realized if courtesy transportation was eliminated for Eden High School and Maple Grove Public School. Superintendent Kartasinski stated that as Trustee Clark indicated, if the Board s policy and procedures align with practice, then the Board could be eligible for up to $1 million in funding if it receives a good rating following the Ministry s Efficiency and Effectiveness Review. The potential additional funding does not require reducing the number of buses or distance travelled, rather aligning policy and procedures with practice. Trustee Gary Atamanyk stated that the amended motion recognizes that the practices of the Transportation Consortium will not be reviewed until the Fall of 2009 and there is time for further discussion regarding whether or not programs/students may qualify for transportation, such as the students from Niagara Falls attending the Niagara District Secondary School Performing Arts Program. Trustee Atamanyk added that the original motion with respect to Parliament Oak Public School states that the boundaries be adjusted to alleviate, not eliminate, the courtesy transportation issue. Trustee Atamanyk stated that savings will not be affected as long as we work with the knowledgeable Transportation Consortium staff. Trustee Atamanyk indicated that the amendment does not eliminate students who were historically provided transportation outside of policy. Trustee Lynn Campbell agreed that more thought needs to be put into the matter of Parliament Oak Public School and that the matter should be delayed for further discussion until the location of the new Niagara-on-the-Lake elementary school is decided so that Trustees can make well informed decisions. Trustee Lynn Campbell added that transportation for the students from Niagara Falls attending the Niagara District Secondary School Performing Arts Program should be grandfathered. Trustee Larry Lemelin expressed his support for the amended motion and agreed that more information on the new location of the elementary school should be considered as part of the decision making process. Trustee Lemelin added that some elements of the original motion may be time sensitive, however, in reference to alleviating rather than eliminating courtesy transportation issues in Garrison Village, Trustee Lemelin indicated that Lori Powell, Executive Director - NSTS, expressed a willingness to receive boundary change concerns from the Trustees. OLD BUSINESS - continued: REPORT OF THE JOINT PROGRAM AND PLANNING AND FINANCE COMMITTEE Further discussion took place to clarify the intent of the amended motion and it was

9 Regular Public Meeting - page 9 January 13, 2009 suggested by Trustee Atamanyk that the amended motion could delete reference to being aligned with our current transportation policy and that courtesy transportation be eliminated as recommended in the original motion, save and except the Performing Arts students from Niagara Falls. Trustee Clark indicated that Trustee Atamanyk s further suggestions would allow some courtesy transportation to continue. Brenda Stokes Verworn, Board Lawyer, pointed out that currently only six students are identified as being affected by reference to transportation from Niagara Falls to Niagara District Secondary School. Trustee Gregg Dame called a point of order noting that the suggestions alter the intent of the amended motion and that a vote must take place on the amended motion prior to moving any further amendments. Chair Maves called a recess at 8:34 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 8:47 p.m. Trustee Larry Lemelin stated that the Parliament Oak Public issue has nothing to do with courtesy transportation, that busing to the Performing Arts Program is not courtesy transportation and, therefore, the amended motion is eliminating all courtesy busing. Trustee Liz Fulford disagreed as the Parliament Oak Public School area does have some courtesy transportation, and that transportation from Niagara Falls for Performing Arts at Niagara District Secondary School involves courtesy busing. Trustee Fulford stated she will not support the amended motion. Trustee Don Love stated that Parliament Oak Public School is a courtesy busing issue. Trustee Love indicated that he will not support the amendment. Trustee Lynn Campbell reiterated that it is important to deal with the Parliament Oak boundary issue as a separate matter following further consultation. Trustee Lynn Campbell suggested that the matter be discussed at a future meeting. Chair Maves called for a vote on the amended motion and the motion was defeated. Chair Maves called for a vote on the original motion and the motion carried. Trustee Liz Fulford left the meeting. OLD BUSINESS - continued: 4. REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE Moved by Dalton Clark Seconded by Lora Campbell

10 Regular Public Meeting - page 10 January 13, 2009 That the report of the Finance Committee dated December 17, 2008, be received and the recommendations adopted. Addition to St. Davids Public School That an additional classroom and the school office be added to the St. Davids Public School Addition Project at a revised estimated project cost of $3,000,000. Laura Secord Public School Heritage Register That the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake not include the Laura Secord Public School property in its Register of Cultural Heritage Properties on the basis that inclusion may both dissuade potential purchasers of the property and encumber any future owner in converting the site to the uses specified in the Village of Queenston Secondary Plan Revised Estimates That the surplus of $1,011,586 be used to provide elementary schools with onetime learning resources and that the Revised Estimates reflecting funding changes announced by the Ministry of Education, updated enrolments at October 31, 2008, and the resulting changes in revenues and expenditures, be submitted as required to the Ministry of Education. Trustee Dalton Clark reminded the Board that as part of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Accommodation Review, it previously voted to amalgamate Laura Secord Public School with St. Davids Public School, and to build an addition onto St. Davids Public School. Trustee Clark reported that subsequently, the Ministry of Education has announced the requirement that Boards provide space for 4 and 5 year olds in new schools and additions to new schools. This Ministry requirement has resulted in an increase to the estimated project costs. Trustee Dalton Clark reported that the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake has notified the Board of its intention to consider including the Laura Secord Public School property on its Register of Cultural Heritage Properties. The Committee s recommendation is to object to including Laura Secord Public School on the Heritage Register as it would impact on the value and future use of the property. OLD BUSINESS - continued: REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE Trustee Dalton Clark reminded the Board that $3 million was transferred from reserves to balance this year s budget, which was subsequently offset by approximately $3 million in additional revenue received from the Ministry, in part, from Special Education and

11 Regular Public Meeting - page 11 January 13, 2009 Transportation, leaving a surplus this budget year. The Revised Estimates reviewed by the Committee shows that the Board now has an additional surplus of $1,011,586. The Committee s recommendation is to allocate the additional surplus to elementary schools to provide one-time funding to improve learning resources. It was suggested that Senior staff prepare a report with recommended areas of support for a future Program and Planning Committee meeting. Trustee Gary Atamanyk stated that he cannot support the recommendation to allocate the additional surplus funds. Trustee Atamanyk stated that the Board has a Strategic Plan and an Operational Plan which are supported by a responsible Budget created by skilled and knowledgeable people in this Board. Trustee Atamanyk recognized that the Operational Plan is beginning to show positive results. Trustee Atamanyk suggested that the recommendation for Senior staff to identify and report on areas of support bypasses the formal budgeting process to support the Operational Plan, it does not require the involvement of the Board s skilled staff, and it does not reflect the public s trust to allocate funds through a formal budgeting process. Trustee Atamanyk added that if there are initiatives the surplus funds are urgently needed for then, as a Board, we have failed in including them in the Operational Plan. Trustee Atamanyk stated that he does not believe the Board failed and it has done an excellent job in supporting the Operational Plan. Trustee Atamanyk spoke in favour of placing the surplus funds into operating reserves for access at a later date when identified needs arise. Trustee Atamanyk stated that he does not support the argument that the Ministry of Education would question the amount of reserves being held by the Board. Trustee Atamanyk added that the Board does not place its students at educational risk and there are no underfunded programs or needs at this time or the Board would have accessed reserve funds to address those needs. Trustee Dalton Clark agreed the Board has an excellent Operational Plan. Trustee Clark added that the Board builds its budget throughout the year, unlike some organizations that build a budget at specific times of the year. Trustee Clark reminded the Board that we have been subsidizing Special Education for a number of years to keep it viable and now that we are receiving additional grants from the Ministry, this is an opportunity to put some money into the classroom that was previously allocated to support Special Education. Trustee Clark stated that Senior staff will participate in the process of identifying areas of need in the classroom to determine where the monies will be allocated. Trustee Marcy Heit expressed her support for the recommendation and indicated she is looking forward to reviewing a report on how the monies can be allocated. Trustee Heit expressed her concern about the Ministry of Education s perception on the amount of monies that would be held in reserves. Trustee Heit added that due to the times we are living, the Board should not anticipate receiving additional funding. OLD BUSINESS - continued: REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE Trustee Heit asked for clarification on the Ministry s requirement to provide space for 4 and 5 year olds, and whether the Ministry will provide funding to create the spaces. Superintendent Jane Roth explained that the Ministry of Education has indicated that

12 Regular Public Meeting - page 12 January 13, 2009 Boards are to consider including space for ages 4 and 5 learning in new schools or schools with major renovations although it has not identified what the spaces should look like. The Ministry has provided additional funding at the St. Davids Public School site within the Niagara-on-the-Lake funding. Trustee Lynn Campbell expressed her enthusiasm about the additions at St. Davids and that there are funds in the reserves for that project, and that there are funds to ensure the new Niagara-on-the-Lake school will be appropriately equipped. Trustee Larry Lemelin stated that he will not support the recommendation with respect to the surplus funds. Trustee Lemelin agreed that the Director has developed an effective Operational Plan which must be followed and this motion undermines that. N. QUESTIONS ASKED OF AND BY BOARD MEMBERS 1. Trustee Gary Atamanyk gave notice that he will introduce the following motion at a future Board meeting. That the District School Board of Niagara resolves to preserve the last remaining public high school in each of the following communities so that they will continue to operate and not be closed: Beamsville, Fonthill, Fort Erie, Grimsby, Niagara-on-the- Lake, Port Colborne, Ridgeway-Crystal Beach, South Lincoln (Smithville), and Thorold, -and- That the District School Board of Niagara resolves to take whatever actions are possible and within its power to carry out this mandate. 2. Trustee Barb Ness noted that the chart provided by Delegation Joanne Hicks listing the components of the Arts Programs does not show Grade 9 Music and Media Arts (Grades 11 and 12). Trustee Ness asked for additional information on the Arts Programs. Superintendent John Stainsby stated that a report can be brought forward to a future Program and Planning Committee meeting. 3. Trustee Marcy Heit asked about the disclaimer in the brochure recently published by the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Superintendent John Stainsby replied that it was important that Board staff approve the content of the Town s brochure and also approve its distribution to our students. QUESTIONS ASKED OF AND BY BOARD MEMBERS - continued: 4. Trustee Marcy Heit asked why Laura Secord Secondary School s St. Catharines Standard insert was distributed in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Superintendent Stainsby replied that the insert is a school newspaper produced and distributed to St. Catharines residents under contract by a local company. Superintendent Stainsby explained that there were extra copies of the insert and, in error, The Standard s staff

13 Regular Public Meeting - page 13 January 13, 2009 inserted them into The Standard that was delivered in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Superintendent Stainsby added that he has spoken with both Lord Mayor Gary Burroughs and Lew Holloway, the Town s CAO, and apologized for The Standard s error. 5. Superintendent Linda Kartasinski reminded Trustees of the Business Education Council Breakfast on Friday, February 6, 2009, and asked Trustees to contact the Director s Office if they are interested in attending. O. NEW BUSINESS 1. Ontario Public School Boards Association (OPSBA) Trustee Don Love provided a verbal report as follows: Trustees Love, Gregg Dame and Barb Ness attended the January 10, 2009, Central West Regional meeting in Hamilton. Discussion took place on the Ministry of Education s November 2008 announcement that a Governance Review Committee will be established. Discussion took place on issues such as Trustee training and education (should it be mandated), Special Education, transportation, finance, legislative requirements, code of conduct for Trustees, and roles and regulations for Trustees. OPSBA s Public Education Symposium will take place at the end of January The next Central West Regional meeting is scheduled for January 31 st. Trustee Love invited Trustees to attend the Aboriginal meeting. Discussion took place on the School Year Calendar and suggestions were made to begin the school year on September 1 st. Trustee Love noted that our Trustees access training by participating in many inservice opportunities and conferences. Trustee Love encouraged Trustees to attend at least one outside conference a year. Trustee Gregg Dame reported that concerns were raised regarding the outcome of the recommendation of the governance Working Committee on accountability. Trustees questioned if the Ministry is expecting that Trustees be accountable for student learning outcomes in addition to their current financial roles, how will accountability for student learning outcomes be identified, what are the consequences, for example, will School Boards be subject to supervision or will there be personal consequences for Trustees. Trustee Dame stated that the Ministry of Education is accountable for student outcomes and that the School Board is accountable for implementation of initiatives and strategies within the funding provided by the Ministry. Trustee Dame added that a Trustee s accountability will be NEW BUSINESS - continued: Ontario Public School Boards Association (OPSBA) measured at the polls. Trustee Dame reminded Trustees to submit their input to OPSBA s Steering Committee by completing a survey of questions provided by OPSBA.

14 Regular Public Meeting - page 14 January 13, 2009 Trustee Barb Ness reported that the session she attended had discussion on governance. Concerns were raised that the Ministry of Education may be considering standardizing School Board Policies and Procedures across the province. Further discussion will take place at the Public Education Symposium. Trustee Marcy Heit agreed with Trustee Dame s concerns and she asked if a copy of the survey questions can be provided for Trustees to complete. Trustee Dame asked if financial support is available so that the Student Trustees can attend OPSBA s Public Education Symposium. Chair Maves replied the request will be reviewed, however, this conference is not the most appropriate venue for Student Trustees to attend and historically there has been very limited presence by Student Trustees. Trustee Lemelin suggested the Student Trustees contact him if they are interested in attending the conference. P. INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS 1. Trustee Information Sessions Prior to the Board meeting, Trustees attended an Information Session on the Multi Subject Instructional Period (MSIP) Program at Governor Simcoe Secondary School. Information was presented by Rick Karr, Principal, Governor Simcoe Secondary School; Mike Kelso, Vice-Principal; Beth Atack, Head of Guidance; and Scott Madole, Math Teacher. Chair Maves invited Trustees to provide their comments and feedback to the Director s Office or to the staff at Governor Simcoe Secondary School. Chair Maves also invited Trustees to submit suggestions to the Director s Office on items for future Information Sessions. 2. Staff Reports No reports. 3. Correspondence and Communications No correspondence and communications. NEW BUSINESS - continued: 4. Trustee Communications (a) Trustee Retreat - Wednesday, February 4, 2009, 12 noon -4:00 p.m. - Great Wolf Lodge. (b) Trustee Larry Lemelin reported that he attended the recent Annual Welland Tribune Basketball Tournament games played by Eastdale Secondary School

15 Regular Public Meeting - page 15 January 13, 2009 and Welland Centennial Secondary School. Trustee Lemelin recognized Centennial coach, Rod Richards, for his leadership and dedication to students. Trustee Lemelin reported that Eastdale made it to the semi-finals and played a very emotional final game under the excellent leadership of coach Rob Desson. Trustee Lemelin commended both teams for their successes and accomplishments. Both schools displayed character and they can be proud of their accomplishments. (c) Trustee Lynn Campbell announced on behalf of Principal, Mike Cockburn, that Niagara District Secondary School is now an official candidate school for the International Baccalaureate Program. Trustee Lynn Campbell commended Superintendent John Stainsby and Brenda Stokes Verworn, Board Lawyer, for their assistance in the application process. Trustee Lynn Campbell noted that the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake has produced a brochure which includes information about new programs to be offered at Niagara District Secondary School. Q. FUTURE MEETINGS The Schedule of January 2009 meetings was amended by cancelling the Finance Committee meeting on January 21 st. The Board recessed from 9:32 p.m. - 9:43 p.m. C. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Moved by Gregg Dame Seconded by Marcy Heit That the Board do now enter Committee of the Whole." Moved by Gregg Dame "That the Board do now return to open meeting." I. RATIFICATION OF BUSINESS CONDUCTED IN COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Moved by Marcy Heit Seconded by Gary Atamanyk That the business transacted in Committee of the Whole be now ratified by the Board.

16 Regular Public Meeting - page 16 January 13, 2009 Staff Matters - Elementary Staff Matters - Secondary Staff Matters - Support Staff Human Resources Negotiations Legal/Property Update R. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Gregg Dame Seconded by Lora Campbell That this meeting of the District School Board of Niagara be now adjourned. The meeting adjourned at 10:08 p.m. KEVIN MAVES Chair WARREN HOSHIZAKI Director of Education and Secretary