Community Advisory Working Group Report on Findings Balmoral School April 10, 2012
Meeting Objectives To provide an overview of the background, context and scope of work for the Community Advisory Working Group To confirm CAWG mandate, roles and expected outcomes To review recommendations regarding measures to address needs, issues and concerns associated with the operations of proposed programs and services at the Balmoral site To review recommendations regarding candidate programs and services being considered for location at the Balmoral site (in addition to the Community Learning Program) To provide an opportunity for public feedback To clarify next steps including the Board of Education decision process
NVSD Learning Centre at Balmoral Site Community Learning Program (Board decision) Other candidate programs & services Distributed Learning Centre Continuing Education District Support Services Community Use
Community Advisory Working Group Student reps Cooper Heibloem (Keith Lynn) aquaticgirl_94@hotmail.com Anna Simmons (Youth Learning Centre) annasimmons94@gmail.com Krista Tulloch (Braemar) ktulloch@shaw.ca PAC reps Myles Aikenhead (PAC Chair: Carson North Campus) myles.aikenhead@gmail.com Laura Mack (Keith Lynn PAC) lauramack@telus.net Kelly Skuse (Youth Learning Centre) kskuse@telus.net Heather McTaggart, Principal, Braemar Elementary hmctaggart@nvsd44.bc.ca School Admin Jeremy Church, District Administrator jchurch@nvsd44.bc.ca Maureen Stanger, District Administrator mstanger@nvsd44.bc.ca Carolyn Berg CBerg@sunprovince.com Barb McKinley Barbaramckinley@shaw.ca Community reps Lisa Falloon lisa.falloon@telus.net Tory Vassos tvassos@novatec.ca Lynne Charbonneau Lynne_Charbonneau@hsbc.ca Rec Commission rep Bernie Blake blakeb@northvanrec.com Mark Jefferson, Assistant Superintendent mjefferson@nvsd44.bc.ca NVSD District Staff Monty Bell, Director of Instruction: Learning Services mbell@nvsd44.bc.ca Ian Abercrombie, Director Facilities and Planning iabercrombie@nvsd44.bc.ca Irene Young, Secretary Treasurer iyoung@nvsd44.bc.ca School Trustees Trustee Cyndi Gerlach cgerlach@nvsd44.bc.ca Trustee Susan Skinner sskinner@nvsd44.bc.ca
Community Advisory Working Group Terms of Reference To provide advice on the operations of the North Vancouver School District Learning Centre at Balmoral site, to identify potential impacts on the immediate community, and to suggest ways to mediate identified concerns.
Community Advisory Working Group Mandate Provide advice on the operations of the North Vancouver School District Learning Centre at Balmoral, Identify needs and potential impacts and concerns associated with these operations, and Suggest measures to address identified needs and concerns
Community Advisory Working Group Role Consider information collected to date regarding operational issues associated with the NVSDLC at the Balmoral site Identify operational considerations, needs and issues associated with the Community Learning Program and other candidate NVSDLC programs and services (Distributed Learning Centre, District Support Services, Continuing Education, and Community Use) Identify measures to address operational considerations, needs and issues Make recommendations to the Executive Committee and the Board of Education regarding program operations of the NVSDLC at the Balmoral site
Community Advisory Working Group Responsibilities Attend Working Group meetings on Jan 30, Feb 27 & Mar 26 Represent the membership of your organization or constituency Attend all meetings Keep your constituency informed of CAWG discussions Gather input from your constituency and bring this input to Working Group meetings. Strive to be inclusive of the array of perspectives within your constituency when participating in Working Group discussions.
Community Advisory Working Group Expected Outcomes Recommendations regarding programs and services to be located at the North Vancouver School District Learning Centre (NVSDLC) at Balmoral (in addition to the Community Learning Program) A list of needs, issues and concerns associated with the operations of proposed programs and services at NVSDLC at Balmoral Suggested measures to address needs, issues and concerns associated with the operations of proposed programs and services at NVSDLC at Balmoral
Community Advisory Working Group Communications A meeting summary was generated after each Working Group meeting. The meeting summaries were posted on the NVSD website and distributed through email contacts. A Final Community Advisory Working Group Report incorporates findings and recommendations for consideration by the Executive Committee and the Board of Education. The Final CAWG Report was posted on the NVSD website and distributed through email contacts. The Final CAWG Report is not a consensus document.
Background to CAWG How did we get here?
Background to CAWG Budget Restructuring 2010 April 20, 2010 Consolidation of Alternate Programs October 10-January 11 Community Learning Program Working Group February 11 Report of Community Learning Program Working Group received at Public Board meeting (see report for complete list of recommendations) March 11 June 11 CLP Working Group focus on Choices programs at Sutherland Secondary with incremental implementation at all other secondary sites
Background to CAWG (cont d) September 11 November 11 CLP Working Group focus on CLP for implementation September 2012 November 15, 2011 Public Board meeting recommendation of Balmoral as the site for the CLP as part of the North Vancouver School District Learning Centre January 10, 2012 Community Public Meeting CAWG established and meetings held January 30, February 27, March 26 April 10 CAWG Report on Findings
NVSD Learning Centre at the Balmoral site Overview of Candidate Programs and Services
Features Community Learning Program Flexible individualized programs for 150-175 students in grades 9-12 Distributed Learning is integral to CLP Reduced class size teacher ratio 15-20:1 Approximately 61 parking spaces needed (CLP, DL, District Support and Ancillary Staff and Services-includes visitor numbers) Staffing (approx. 25 FTE) Administration, Teachers, Counsellors, YEWs, SEAs, Supervision aids, Clerical Staff Facility Hours as per mainstream high school (7:30 5:30) Wrap Around Services (approx. 3-4 FTE) Providing on site support
Features Choices Program Features Mainstream School-based support services at all Secondary Schools Flexible and adaptable schedule and programming Additional counselling support at the school level Provides transitions between the Choices and the Community Learning Program Supported through the School Based Resource Team and the District Resource Team Maintains students within their home school environment Will maintain student enrolment in the CLP at 150-175 students)
Features NVSD Distributed Learning The North Vancouver Distributed Learning School provides students with an alternate, flexible pathway to complete courses at the Grade 10-12 levels Part of Community Learning Program DL is offered in all of our Secondary Schools Distributed Learning Centre offers a Blended model of instruction. Online and opportunity for face-face assistance DL is expanding in all secondary schools throughout School District with the establishment of DL centres, course offering s and staffing
Features NVSD Learning Centre Continuing Education General interest Continuing Education eliminated three years ago Now: Continuing Education Program offers classes for ELL (ESL) adults; Literacy Foundations (levels 3-7) and English 10, 11, and 12 (presently up to 200 students attend per day for classes held from 9:00 12:00 pm daily) Approximately 130 cars associated with Adult Education (CE) Student population is primarily new Canadians, (English Language Learners), who require English skills to gain employment Current Ministry of Advanced Education Announcement (Monday, April 9, 2012) being reviewed by Executive Free tuition at Capilano University and other post-secondary sites
NVSD Learning Centre District Support Services Features (District Support Services approx. 4 FTE) District Support Services (presently located at LMCC/Lucas) Science Kits, media storage, musical instruments, Archival storage, Library cataloguing, North Shore Athletics Association office Maintenance remains at the Lucas Centre (until future location) Features (Ancillary Services approx. 5-7 FTE) Psychologists, Therapists, Specialist Teachers Supports to CLP and neighbouring schools (other location will be in Eastern part of school district)
Features NVSD Learning Centre - Community Use Space being considered: Gymnasium and present cafeteria Hours of operation: Primarily weekend uses (e.g., Recreation Commission rentals) Similar to model in use at Sutherland Secondary on weekends Type of use: Dependent upon Joint Use Agreement with Recreation Commission Staffing: may have a staff coordinator on site Recommendations to proceed with community use would require further communication with the Recreation Commission
Community Advisory Working Group Summary of Findings
CAWG Discussions Meeting #1 What operational considerations are important to support a successful program or service? What needs or concerns have been raised in relation to these operational considerations? Meeting #2 What options or measures would best address these identified issues, needs and concerns?
CAWG Discussions Meeting #3 Do these suggested recommendations address the identified issues, needs and concerns? Revise and improve recommendations where needed Seek agreement on recommendations Do these recommendations address the issues, needs and concerns sufficiently for you to support the location of this program or service at Balmoral?
Community Advisory Working Group Problem-solving approach Strive for consensus through collaborative problemsolving. Rather than either/or discussions, seek to identify the concern or interest that each person is trying to achieve in proposing changes and problem-solve to accommodate those interests.
CAWG Findings Community Learning Program Recommendations All Working Group members supported the following CLP recommendations: Hours of operation: Consider later start time or earlier start time, but not the same as Braemar and Andre Piolat Physical facilities to meet program needs: Classroom spaces must be appropriate and in required condition for students and staff Program elements and design to meet student needs: Students to have access to: elective areas, enhanced programs of choice, career and work experience options, and sports programs at the CLP or secondary schools Access to staff, community agencies and support services: Students to have access to wrap around support services, on site, as required
CAWG Findings CLP Recommendations (cont d) Ease and safety of access for students and pedestrian safety: NVSD and District of North Vancouver to review and include, where possible, traffic study recommendations (Urban Systems, 2012) Participate in the TravelSmart high school program Provide ongoing information in school newsletters and on the school websites on parking & traffic safety, carpooling, transit, walking, and cycling Enhance trail linkages through trailhead signs Promote events such as walk and bike to school week, Iwalk Provide a bicycle rack (weather protected if possible) near the front entrance Provide a convex mirror, signage, and trimmed hedges at the Mahon Avenue entrance to the driveway
CAWG Findings CLP Recommendations (cont d) Ease and safety of access for students and pedestrian safety (continued): NVSD to work with DNV to implement the following: Request crosswalk and/or realigned stop bar on Mahon at east leg of intersection at Mahon Avenue and West Osborne Road Request sidewalk on west side of Mahon Avenue between West Queens Road and West Kings Road Request installation of curb bulges on Mahon at existing crosswalk at Mahon Avenue and West Queens Road intersection Request a designated drop-off zone for Braemar Improve maintenance of trails managed by NVSD and DNV around Balmoral (e.g., Red Fern trail behind school). Provide a pedestrian-friendly option for transit users disembarking Bus Route #230 and walking from Lonsdale to Mahon on Osborne, Kings and Windsor
CAWG Findings CLP Recommendations (cont d) Ease and safety of access for students and pedestrian safety (continued): NVSD to work with DNV to implement the following: DNV and NVSD to discuss and communicate winter driving plans to improve pedestrian safety. Ease of access and parking for staff and community partners: School District and District of North Vancouver to review and include, where possible, traffic study recommendations (Urban Systems, 2012): NVSD to work with DNV to implement the following: Designate a drop-off and pick-up location on the west side of Mahon Avenue, with parking restrictions during peak hours (i.e. 8:00-9:30 a.m. and 2:30-3:30 p.m.) Ensure that parking spaces and locations on Balmoral site conform to bylaws (for traffic management and safety) Review geometry of driveway to enhance drivability and safety for larger vehicles
CAWG Findings CLP Recommendations (cont d) Transit scheduling: Review public transit schedules with Coast Mountain Bus Service (align with peak times and school schedule of blocks) Encourage use for all members of community to utilize and access public transit Review Traffic Report (Urban Systems), engage with DNV, and include where appropriate any additional recommendations Involve NVSD Green Team in discussions about improved options for transit
CAWG Findings CLP Recommendations (cont d) Loitering: NVSD to direct maintenance to review Balmoral site grounds, landscaping and trails to promote: Safety, Ease of access, Beautification, Open spaces, Functionality, to minimize loitering, and to reduce littering Implement Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED)
CAWG Findings CLP Recommendations (cont d) Coordination and supervision: Ensure adequate supervision including: Administration Teachers SEA (Special Education Assistants) YEW (Youth Engagement Workers) Support and Clerical Staff Promote community involvement and school reciprocal involvement CLP Communications Working group (representation from CAWG) School contacts: Contact school administration and liaisons and working group representatives (or their constituencies)
CAWG Findings CLP Recommendations (cont d) Suggested recommendations: Community awareness of value and need for CLP: NVSD and CLP to have websites and search for ways to support communication with public Task a CLP Communications Working Group to meet as needed to support progress and address issues related to the CLP Continue to work with larger community regarding communication and reciprocally, have community engage and become involved with CLP Welcome back events, celebrations, partnership with schools, etc. Child care needs: Review potential of child care services and if feasible offer in appropriate space on site Result: No agreement
CAWG Findings Distributed Learning (DL) Program Working Group members were not able to reach agreement regarding the Distributed Learning Program. Needs and concerns: Desire for student access to these programs to help them succeed Concern about potential growth of DL Program over time at Balmoral Concern about adult Distributed Learning students at Balmoral Desire for recognition that NVSD already provides a proportional program and shares the load between secondary schools Concern about limited parking on site Concern about potential disproportionate loading of DL at Balmoral
CAWG Findings DL Program (cont d) Suggested recommendations: Continue to expand DL course offerings at all secondary schools so that there are multiple centres for DL Where possible, provide invigilation at home schools Where possible, have DL start times incongruent with timing of CLP program and other schools Ensure that the size of the adult DL program at Balmoral is proportional to the size of DL at other secondary schools Result: No agreement
CAWG Findings District Support Services Working Group members were unable to reach agreement regarding District Support Services. Needs and concerns: Concern about potential loss of current and/or future educational space to District Support Services needs Desire to minimize additional parking and traffic impacts Desire for clarity regarding the number and composition of District Support Services staff Concern about adding an administrative function that is not related to students Desire to make use of existing space
CAWG Findings District Support Services (cont d) Suggested Recommendations: Ensure that Balmoral site is used for students first and then for District Support Services (the existing function at the existing level of staffing) Ensure that District Support Services move to Balmoral site does not impact the current and/or future use of space for educational purposes Result: No agreement
CAWG Findings Ancillary Support Staff and Service After Meeting #3 Clarification provided regarding Ancillary Support Staff & Service The approximately five to seven professional ancillary support staff would include a psychologist, therapists and specialist teachers. Result: No agreement
CAWG Findings Continuing Education (Adult Ed) (CE) Working Group members were unable to reach agreement regarding Continuing Education. Operational considerations: Hours of operation, student numbers and traffic: Concern about program hours and student numbers contributing to traffic volumes Parking: Concern about limited on-site parking and potential impact on street parking
CAWG Findings Continuing Education (Adult Ed) (CE) Suggested Recommendations: Deliver CE at Balmoral if CE program load is shared around all secondary school sites (proportional distribution of program) Review current delivery model and seek to: Stagger CE program start times (e.g., morning and afternoon sessions) Consider evening sessions at other sites Reduce scope of program (numbers of students) NVSD and District of North Vancouver to review and include, where possible, traffic study recommendations (Urban Systems, 2012) Provide a conveniently located reserved parking stall(s) for carpool vehicle(s) Provide a subsidized transit pass to adult learners in the Continuing Education program
CAWG Findings Continuing Education (CE) (cont d) Result: No agreement Current Ministry of Advanced Education Announcement (Monday, April 9, 2012) being reviewed by Executive Free tuition at Capilano University and other post-secondary sites
CAWG Findings Community Recreational Use Working Group members were supportive of the future consideration of Community Recreational Use at Balmoral. Recommendation: Consider future community recreational use of Balmoral in concert with consideration at all other secondary schools (proportional distribution of community use at all secondary schools) Result: Agreement
CAWG Findings NVSD Learning Centre at Balmoral Working Group members were unable to reach agreement regarding the future location of programs and services at the NVSD Learning Centre at Balmoral. Suggested Recommendation: In considering the future location of programs and services at the Balmoral site, treat Balmoral the same as any other secondary school. Do not locate programs or services there simply because there is excess space. Any additional programs or services should be proportional to the addition of programs or services at other secondary schools. Result: No Agreement
Community Advisory Working Group Public Feedback
CAWG Findings Public Feedback We invite your feedback regarding the CAWG Findings Which of the recommendations are most important to you? What needs or concerns, if any, were not addressed by the CAWG? What other suggestions, if any, do you have to support the Community Learning Program and the North Vancouver School District Learning Centre at the Balmoral site?
A few guidelines Honour one voice at a time Be Respectful Listen Try to be succinct Make space for others to participate Stay on topic and on time 1 minute per question/comment before going to bottom of list for further question/comment opportunities
Next Steps Post presentation materials to website NVSD Executive Review of Final CAWG Report and community feedback April 24, 2012 Public Board of Education Meeting Presentation of recommendations from Executive (meeting at Sutherland Secondary) Closing / Thank you!