Committee of the Whole Board No.1

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by A. Everets who extended a pleasant welcome to J. Wibberley, newly-appointed Director. She noted that Jim had returned to this Board after five years with another board. A. Everets also welcomed D. Pyper in his new role as Superintendent of Education.

 

 

Referring to Item B-2(a) on P. 2 and the last paragraph, D. Werden requested the last sentence should note the initiative should be used as a tool rather than be implemented. The sentence was revised, “…there was merit in considering the initiative as a tool during discussions of accommodation problems in some of the communities.”

 

It was also noted that the second motion under Item B-2(a) should read, “…organization be considered in future discussions…”.

 

With the revisions, THE MOTION CARRIED.

 

Remarks by J. Wibberley are attached to the minutes.

 

 

J. Bryant expressed appreciation to L. Latreille for preparation of the report and to the Committee and union representatives for their assistance in developing the guidelines. L. Latrielle reviewed the Annual Report, noting committee composition and accident/incident statistics. The number of student aggression incidents had increased over the past year as verbal abuse had been incorporated into the statistics. Indoor air quality continued to be a major issue in some areas. Yet, protocols had been developed to address any matters in a timely fashion. L. Latrielle reviewed the priorities for 2005-06: improving the safety of working environments for employees; increased training; easier access and management of the Board’s Material Safety Data Sheets.

She indicated that there were no Ministry of Labour directives regarding learning/working in high temperature conditions. It was more of a comfort factor for employees/students in classrooms. However, L. Latreille stated that she had developed guidelines to assist administrators in dealing with any situations.

 

J. Bryant stated that the reporting of accidents over the last two years had been reviewed and there should be a plateau in the data. B. Johnston noted that the Board was on the cusp on including “stress’ on the injury list. L. Latreille stated that consideration was being given to those employees who worked with special needs children and the stress associated with these assignments. D. Werden expressed appreciation for receipt of the annual report and the monthly inspection report.

 

 

G. Anderson introduced A. Nesbitt and S. Cass, leaders of the Pathways to Success program. Grand Erie was on the cutting edge of the province regarding the Pathways Success program.

 

A. Nesbitt stated that many people throughout the system had collaborated to ensure the success of this initiative. Components of the Operating Plan included: Transitions; Literacy and Numeracy; Secondary School Program Completion; Promotion of School to Work; with Community, Culture, Caring added in June. The Board’s clear Strategic Plan had been most helpful in steering the actions of the leaders and direction of the program. Student Success activities included building capacity, special programs (Leaver rate; OSSD completion; credit accumulation; school-work promotion), and a communication plan (Gr. 8 orientation power point; Gr. 9 parent video; Pathways to Success Continuum 7-12). Funding had been received from the Ministry of Education through the Student Success Program and Learning to 18 Phase I and II. The Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities had also provided funding through the Ontario Youth apprenticeship Program.

 

Since implementation of the program, pass rates for Grade Nine and Ten Applied Level students had increased, OSSLT results had improved; Leaver rates had decreased; credit recovery and achievement had increased. Registration in the Experiential Learning aspect had increased by 50% over the past five years. Next steps included consolidation with site-based teams; launching of “Community, Culture, Caring”; special program expansion; E-learning credit recovery; enhanced communication plan; sharing this venture with boards across the province.

 

C.A. Sloat expressed her appreciation for the presentation and the work of the committee, which had resulted in province-wide recognition. In response to questions, S. Cass stated that discussions had commenced with Fanshawe College representatives in Simcoe to develop a similar program as was currently in place with Mohawk College. A. Everets noted that this initiative had been mentioned at various conferences across the province.

 

 

 

J. Wibberley stated that the proposed schedule for review of all By-Laws had been developed in accordance with Board direction in October. He explained that the By-Laws had been grouped according to commonality rather than clustered by numbers. C.A. Sloat suggested that By-Laws 7 & 11 be considered at the same meeting. Since the Committee would also be reviewing policies, J. Angus felt it prudent to consider time limits, as discussion on some items could be lengthy. J. Wibberley acknowledged that some By-Laws were relatively short while others longer. A. Everets suggested that a specific amount of time be set aside at each meeting for review of By-Laws, adding that By-Laws were specific to the Board. She noted that some By-Laws could overlap when revisions were considered.

 

CARRIED.

 

A. Everets requested Committee direction regarding the need to discuss part of the Best Start report in In Camera session. J. Wibberley explained that Executive Council had felt that certain aspects of the report related to the security of Board property. D. Werden stated that the Education Act had been very clear regarding those items which could be discussed during in camera. J. Angus clarified that Best Start was a unique program and not driven by the Ministry of Education. It had been expected that certain sites would be designated to the program. The Best Start Network had requested Boards take discretion about announcing the sites as the Network had not yet reached the stage to make commitments. She acknowledged that this particular item was excluded from the Education act; yet noted the organization had requested that Boards maintain confidentiality. C.A. Sloat expressed concern that the Board had had no input into the program or its implementation.

 

M.L. Mackie clarified that Best Start groups were cognizant that authority to determine locations rested with School Boards and not Best Start. Following a lengthy discussion, it was determined to revise the in camera memo to enable the entire matter to be considered in open session.

 

(G. Anderson left at 9:15 p.m.)

 

M.L. Mackie clarified that the location recommendations had not yet been presented to the Norfolk County Council. She provided background information regarding the Best Start initiative, noting that Networks had been established in Brantford/Brant County and Haldimand/Norfolk. She emphasized that the two groups worked according to the needs of each community rather than in concert with each other. Phase 1 Implementation Plan included a description of needs for each community, a plan to implement early learning and care hubs, a plan to implement childcare during no-school hours for JK/SK students and a plan for gradual expansion of childcare for children 0-4 for 2006-07 onwards; and provide advice to the Consolidated Municipal Service Manager in the development of a transition plan to increase licensed childcare spaces and subsidies in 2005-06.

 

(T. Yantzi left at 9:30 p.m.)

 

M.L. Mackie reviewed the activities completed and planned by each Network. Both groups would continue to develop the Implementation Plan, which must be completed by December 1st. The Advisory Committees had recommended the following locations for 2005-06: Bellview School in Brantford; Houghton School in Norfolk; and Hagersville Elementary School in Haldimand. In response to questions, J. Delong indicated that Bellview had been recommended as there was already a Launch Pad situated at the school and a good rapport between the staff at the school and Launch Pad.

 

D. Werden acknowledged that the Board would experience costs to implement this initiative, yet had not received information related to specific costs nor the source of funding. He requested that administration provide trustees with specific sites and financial implications on November 14th. J. Wibberley stated that such information could be compiled, and clarified that the questions would remain unanswered as the information from external sources was not yet available. A. Everets noted that if the Board did not approve the recommended sites, another board would likely step in to provide this accommodation. Approval of the site locations proved no risk to the Board.

 

 

 

J. Wibberley clarified that the financial implications to the Board of this initiative in the first year were relatively low risk.

 

To the motion, CARRIED.

 

M.L. Mackie stated that Board direction was required with respect to the student ratios and reviewed the statistics. Following a brief discussion, trustees expressed support for the ratios presented.

 

J. Angus stated that the Chairs Committee had met earlier and confirmed that the secondary staffing workshop would be held on November 17th at 6:00 p.m. She reminded trustees that the possibility of convening a media session had been considered some time ago and the Committee was now recommending this workshop be held on Saturday, January 14th or 21st.

 

 

Open session reconvened at 11:25 p.m.

 

 

 

CARRIED.

 

 

First of all let me say how honoured I am to have been selected to be the Director of this Board. I want to thank the Board for the privilege of serving in this capacity. In many ways it is humbling to assume this job. One can’t help but think of the many responsibilities that come with sitting in the Director’s chair. At the same time there is the opportunity to make effect positive change for students, make personal connections and influence the culture of our organization.

 

Let me say a few words about each of these.

 

The need to change is sometimes an over used phrase in today’s society. We hear people complain that there is too much change in their lives – a longing for the “good old days.” However, change is the reality we face. In the context of the GEDSB change must be focused on improving student learning above all else. We must be vigilant in asking the question, “Will this improve educational world of our students?” We must also respect and build our system’s capacity for change. This means having clarity of focus and congruence with regard to our system initiatives. I believe this to be of the utmost importance and it will be one of my highest priorities.

 

This board has declared that relationships and respect are keys to success. They are our values. Operating in a respectful manner builds relationship. In this regard we must all “keep our eye on the ball.” If we say it is important then our actions must model this. Not some of the time but all of time. I accept the responsibility to ensure that our organization builds respectful relationship. If I don’t do this how can I ask that others act in this manner. However, this is responsibility we all own. In my office you will find a poster that says, “if we don’t model what we teach then we are teaching something else.” How true this is. As an organization we must ensure that our values are not mere statements on a wall but rather the standards we are held to. This too is one of my highest priorities – model every day the values of our Board.