Committee of the Whole Board No.2

The meeting was called to order at 7:40 p.m. by D. Werden.

 

Nil.

 

J. Wibberley referred to the October 17th Committee of the Whole meeting, specifically the Brant County North Study. At that meeting the Board discussed the Ministry pillars and the need to reflect on those pillars with regard to the study. While this task has not been completed due to the absence of G. Kuckyt, he advised that he and J. Gunn had discussions today and that they hope to bring forward to the first Committee of the Whole in January, a template or rubric to show how the pillars can be formed and incorporated into the accommodation study.

D. Pyper presented the above report, noting the goal of the Best Start program is to increase child care spaces and services within communities and locate them, where possible, at schools within specified communities where services are required. This program is intended to be extended to as many neighbourhoods and schools as possible over a 10 year period. 

 

In the report, reference was made to the allocation of funds to develop the program, the roles of the participants and the relationship with our Co-Terminus Board. Also included were the 3 Year Plan Location Recommendations, building and space requirements, the financial plans and responsibilities and benefits of the Best Start Program sites. The areas of caution were also listed.

 

In response to questions from trustees, D. Pyper spoke further on the funding, the clarification of before and after school day care and the matter of transportation. He noted that this is a day care program as any private day care would be. Trustee Everets suggested that this is this government’s approach to the Early Years, the focus being on the JK and SK years and that it is a good opportunity to retain our students. Trustee Sloat suggested the Board should be taking ownership and making a decision on this.

 

D. Pyper introduced Sharon Brooks, the liaison for Best Start, to ensure the good communication between the two boards and keep us on track.  Trustees commended D. Pyper for his thorough report.

 

(M. Hurley left at 7:55 p.m.)

J. Wibberley called on J. Bryant and D. Pyper to present the orientation and teacher mentoring program to help teachers get off to a good start. J. Bryant made reference to the brochure entitled, ‘A “Grand Start” to YOUR Teaching Career’. The program is designed to help our newest teachers understand what Grand Erie is, what we believe, what we strive to achieve with our students and how new teachers can become a part of this exciting opportunity. J. Bryant commended D. Pyper, Chair, and the “Grand Start” Team for their work. D. Pyper highlighted the components of the program and the CD which focuses on the Strategic Plan. 

 

G. Anderson presented the above report which included a Suspension Summary for GEDSB Elementary and Secondary Schools, noting a ten per cent increase in suspensions in elementary and twelve per cent in secondary. He also pointed out that the number of suspensions does not necessarily reflect the size of the school, as suspensions are at the discretion of the principal.

 

C. VanEvery-Albert indicated that suspensions or expulsions of students from Six Nations have never been included. She requested this be looked at for next year. G. Anderson responded to further questions.

 

G. Anderson presented the above report, noting there are two types of expulsions – full expulsions and limited expulsions. Full expulsions may only be determined by the Student Discipline Committee of the Board whereas limited expulsions are normally handled by principals. It was also noted that only serious infractions by pupils result in expulsion. The report indicated there were 23 limited expulsions in 2004-2005.

 

 

M.L. Mackie, in the presentation of the above report, noted that some of the dates in the report are no longer accurate. She indicated this report is a first blush look and that a further analysis will be presented to the Board in December or January. It was pointed out that, despite the fact that there is progress in the results, we are lagging behind the province to some degree, but closing the gap. The report contained appendices outlining important dates for EQAO administration and reporting; the GEDSB Grade 3 and 6 results for 2005 (all students); historical data and graphs for GEDSB Grade 3 and 6 results; GEDSB Grade 9 results for 2005 (all students) and historical data and graphs for GEDSB Grade 9 results.

 

M.L. Mackie advised the detailed analysis will indicate where the gaps are, what students are struggling with and what we need to focus on.

 

Trustee Johnston expressed concern regarding the target of 75%, which places too much emphasis on the test, but rather that the test should be used as a tool. M.L. Mackie indicated we are trying to operate through the projects in our operating plan, what did they do well and what are the gaps, targeting teaching practices to meet the needs and marrying strategies with performance targets. J. Wittet expressed pride in the report and the job being done by administration and staff.

 

 

J. Gunn presented the above report, indicating the October 31, 2005 actual enrolments. He advised that if these actual enrolments hold, we will have an average enrolment of sixty more students than in our budget and this will change the revenue side in a positive fashion. 

 

 

M.L. Mackie reviewed the above report noting the Board has had some previous experience with this program and that they would try to coordinate it through one school, Delhi District S.S., and that the Category 3 Field Trip process would be used for the Board’s approval. The Board would have the opportunity to see the students who would be participating in the program. The report included information relating to the rationale, stating that International Cooperative Education (ICE) provides Grand Erie students with a unique opportunity to live with a host family and to work at one or two Co-op placements in a country such as Thailand. ICE integrates academic study, community service and cross-cultural living. Students earn 4-6 Co-op Education and Language credits as they experience a 20 week, 24 hour a day education. Also included in the report was information on the program, participants, fees, credits earned, student evaluation, enrolment and screening of applications, supervision of students, liability, budget implications/funding sources and a communication plan.

 

M.L. Mackie advised they are looking to run the program next year, second semester, 2006-7, and that they are looking to spend about $1,000 at this point for advertising to all schools in Grand Erie. Following presentation of the report, M.L. Mackie responded to questions and concerns from trustees relating to fees and possible barriers for some students, and to the safety of students while traveling to certain areas. She noted that every effort would be made to ensure that cost would not be a barrier. She also outlined the precautions that would be taken for student safety and noted the experience of the coordinator of the program. Student trustees expressed their support for this opportunity. Trustee VanEvery-Albert, while noting this is a wonderful program, expressed her strong belief that it is very important for people in this country to know their own country before they start venturing other places. It was also indicated that the $1,000 would come from the administration’s budget line.

 

J. Bryant and Principal, Joann Alho, who was commended for her work, presented the pamphlet and 2005-2006 Leadership Program document. Information was provided on the Leadership 2005 program which has been developed to assist aspiring and new leaders in their role. The program consists of four modules on four days from 1:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. with supply coverage provided. There is no cost to the individual to participate in this program. Further information was given on the Leadership Activities including a variety of interests listed on the last page of the document. It was noted the Covey Workshop in April is open to everyone. Also noted was the fact that all of the facilitators are practicing leadership right now.

J. Gunn advised the Ministry of Education announced the “Good Places to Learn” funding which is designed to finance infrastructure improvements to community schools. The Grand Erie District School Board has been notified it will receive 19.2 million dollars of this funding. To date, the Board has invested nearly 3 million dollars worth of capital renovations under the parameters of this initiative.

 

The report also indicated that it is the Ministry’s intention to develop a debenture plan. Until that occurs, school boards will be permitted to finance the cost of this work and the Ministry will fund the interest cost at a rate not to exceed 0.13% per annum above the Bankers’ Acceptance Rate. The Royal Bank of Canada has agreed to provide revolving credit to finance infrastructure improvements under this program at the required rate.

 

Following a brief discussion, amendments were made to the document.

 

M.L. Mackie presented the above good news item regarding the infusion monies from the Ministry to each board in the province of Ontario, for the purpose of purchasing textbooks and other learning resources that support Literacy, Numeracy and Student Success.  Grand Erie was allotted $413,000 for the Elementary Panel and $218,077 for the Secondary Panel. A list of the options considered was included in the report. Option #3 which would provide funding based on 2005-2006 projection enrolments was selected as it was consistent with past practice in the allocation of resources in Grand Erie.

 

D. Pyper presented the above reports which provided background information, current activities, and current and developing issues concerning activities relating to the West Brant School Construction. With regard to the naming of the school, information was given on the rationale, options considered, budget implications/funding source and the communication plan. 

 

B. Johnston distributed the report which included information on the following: Bill 123 – Transparency in Public Matters, Regional Meetings, Daily Legislative Reports, Native Trustee Representation, and the Next Board of Directors’ Meeting (Nov. 25-26, 2005). 

 

 

J. Wittet and T. Yantzi highlighted the above report which included minutes from the Student Senate Meeting at the Simcoe School Support Centre on October 27, 2005 and the Agenda for the November 30th meeting at the Education Centre of the GEDSB. S. Cann commended the students on how well they had run the meeting and for their organization.

 

 

Open session resumed at 11:00 p.m.

 

OMERS Matter:

            CARRIED.