Upper Grand District School Board
Board Meeting, Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Minutes
The regular monthly meeting of the Upper Grand District School Board was held on
Tuesday, August 25, 2015 in the Board Room at 500 Victoria Road North, Guelph,
starting at 8:10 p.m. All Trustees were present with the exception of Trustee Cooper.
Trustee Lustgarten Evoy attended via teleconference. Student Trustee Johnson was
also in attendance.
Chair Bailey welcomed Student Trustee Leia Johnson to her first official Board meeting.
Opening Prayer
Trustee Topping read a prayer in support of giving thanks and showing gratitude.
Condolences
Trustee Bailey, Chair, reported that condolences were sent on behalf of the Board to the
following: Judy Sorbara, former Principal at GCVI, on the loss of her mother-in-law; the
family of Natasha Paterson, student at Spencer Ave. PS, and the family of Matthew
Clark, student at John F. Ross CVI.
Good News
Dr. Rogers highlighted the Good News as follows:
2015 KidsAbility Superhero Run
The second annual Superhero Run for KidsAbility was held at Exhibition Park on June
21st. With the support of Upper Grand DSB staff, they raised over $64,000. The funds
will provide life-changing therapies and support services to children and youth with
special needs in Guelph-Wellington.
Mitchell Woods PS
Heike Schiller received the ETFO Health and Safety Award earlier this month. This
award recognizes an outstanding ETFO member’s commitment and involvement in
health and safety activities. Heike has served on the Board’s Joint Health and Safety
Committee since it began in 2005. She was instrumental in organizing an essay contest
in 2006 by the Orangeville District Labour Council for intermediate students on the topic
of health and safety. The contest continues to be a yearly feature in Orangeville
schools.
ETFO President Sam Hammond stated: “Safety in our schools is paramount for all
educators and students, and Heike has shown true leadership in meeting that goal for
Board Meeting, August 25, 2015
all worksites within her school board, students and educators have safer workplaces in
which to teach and learn thanks to Heike’s constant diligence and proactive work within
her school board and local.” Congratulations Heike.
John F Ross CVI
In June we reported that teacher James Ball was recognized with an Award for
Excellence from the Canadian Association of Physics Teachers. The award is
sponsored by CAP, Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, TRIUMF, Nelson
Education, and the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC.
Part of the reward is a week-long professional development opportunity for which
James has selected a visit to the University of British Columbia and TRIUMF. TRIUMF
is Canada’s national laboratory for particle and nuclear physics. It is owned and
operated as a joint venture by a consortium of Canadian universities via a contribution
through the National Research Council of Canada. James will be in Vancouver from
August 22nd to 29th.
Centre Wellington DHS
{Fergus-Elora News Express – August 19, 2015}
J. M. (Jessica) Frey, former Centre Wellington DHS graduate (and daughter of Donna
Frey, Enrolment/Admissions Administrative Assistant) signed a deal in March to write a
fantasy trilogy. The first volume, The Untold Tale is scheduled to be released this
December with the second book, The Forgotten Tale due next summer and the third to
be released in December 2016.
Confirmation of the Agenda
Trustee Schieck moved, seconded by Trustee Topping, that the agenda be
confirmed as amended with the addition of the Renewal and Renovation Update
2015.
The motion carried.
Declarations of Conflict of Interest
There were no conflicts of interest.
Approval of the Minutes of the Meetings Held June 23, and July 7, 2015
Trustee Fairbairn moved, seconded by Trustee Schieck, that the minutes of the
meetings held June 23, 2015, the minutes of the Committee of the Whole
meeting held immediately prior to the Board meeting, and the minutes from the
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Board Meeting, August 25, 2015
Special Board meeting held July 7, 2015 be approved as printed.
The motion carried.
Ratification of Business Transacted by the Committee of the Whole In Camera
Trustee Fairbairn moved, seconded by Trustee White, that the business
transacted by the Committee of the Whole In Camera be now ratified by the
Board.
The motion carried.
Motion to Rise and Sit in Committee of the Whole
Trustee Topping moved, seconded by Trustee MacNeil, that the Board rise and
sit in Committee of the Whole with the Chairperson presiding.
The motion carried.
Renewal and Renovation Update 2015
Operations Officer Scinocca, together with Capital/Renewal Projects Manager Capling,
provided an update on the renewal and renovations projects for 2015. Projects included
FDK renovations at the following schools; Brant Ave PS, Gateway Drive PS, Grand
Valley PS, Hyland Heights ES, Minto Clifford PS, Ottawa Cres. PS, Palmerston PS,
Parkinson Centennial PS, Priory Park PS, Princes Margaret PS, Victoria Cross PS, and
Willow Road PS. Day care renovations were done at Credit Meadows ES, Jean Little PS,
Fred A Hamilton PS and Taylor Evans PS. Learning Commons projects (libraries) were
done at the following schools: Centennial Hylands ES, Centre Dufferin DHS, Guelph
GVI, Maryborough PS, and Ottawa Cres. PS. Centre Dufferin DHS, Rockwood
Centennial PS and Victoria Terrace PS received energy upgrades. Asphalt and sidewalk
replacements were done at Centennial CVI, Centre Dufferin DHS, College Heights SS,
Erin PS, Fred A Hamilton PS, Guelph CVI, Primrose PS and Tytler PS. Electrical
projects were completed at Centennial CVI, Maryborough PS, Minto Clifford PS, and
Victoria Terrace PS. Mechanical and control projects, were completed at Centennial CVI,
John F Ross CVI, Taylor Evans PS, and Westwood PS. Flooring replacements were
done at Aberfoyle PS, Centre Dufferin DHS, College Heights SS, Elora PS, Guelph CVI,
Victory PS and Westside SS. Roofing projects included Brisbane PS, John F. Ross CVI,
Tytler PS, and the Guelph Board office. Other projects included field drainage,
countertops, millwork, and washroom partitions. Phase one work at Kenilworth PS
commenced with electrical, painting, the implementation of the heating system, exhaust
and controls, and roofing. It was reported that phase two at Kenilworth PS will involve an
addition to the existing building. Trustees expressed thanks for the report as well as the
enormous amount of projects completed.
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Board Meeting, August 25, 2015
Trustee Fairbairn moved that the verbal update on the 2015 Renewal and
Renovation for 2015 be received.
The motion carried.
Director’s Objectives for 2015-2016
Director of Education Rogers advised that the process for her performance appraisal as
outlined in her 2012-2017 employment contract, links performance appraisal to the
establishment of annual objectives which became the basis for the annual Operating
Plan which is linked to the Strategic Plan. Director Rogers presented her Objectives for
2015-2016. She noted that student achievement and student and staff well-being are
the primary goals which are reflected in many of the planning objectives for 2015-2016.
Other goals included the enhancement of public confidence, and the continuance of the
strong and positive leadership to the educational community. Trustees expressed
congratulations for a terrific report, thanks for the amazing accomplishments, ambitious
goals, outstanding supervision, leadership, and support to the team of senior
administration staff which, as a team, makes the operation of the Board run smoothly
and efficiently. The history of excellence and terrific leadership will set the foundation
for another successful year.
Trustee Fairbairn moved that:
1.
The report entitled Director’s Objectives for 2015-2016 dated August 18,
2015 be received.
2.
The objectives outlined in Appendix A of the report entitled Director’s
Objectives for 2015-2016 be approved.
The motion carried.
Resignations and Retirements
Executive Officer of Human Resources Rose presented the Resignations and
Retirements report dated August 25, 2015. She pointed out that Lynda Scott is the
longest serving employee EVER in the Board, with just over 48 years of service.
Trustee Fairbairn moved that the report Resignations and Retirements, Appendix
A and Appendix B dated August 25, be received, with sincere thanks for the
many years of service, and a special thanks to Lynda Scott, for her 48 plus years
of service and being the longest serving employee to date.
The motion carried.
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Board Meeting, August 25, 2015
Board Correspondence
Trustee Bailey advised that correspondence was received from Campaign Life Coalition
with regards to the new health curriculum.
Trustee Fairbairn moved that the Board Correspondence dated August 25, 2015
be received.
The motion carried.
Trustee Questions and Reports
Objectives and Achievements of Senior Administration
At the In-Camera portion earlier this evening, Trustees were provided with a report on
the objectives and achievements of senior administration. Trustees were very
appreciative of the hard work and dedication of the senior administrative team, and how
well they work with the Director of Education to ensure efficient and effective operations
of the entire system. The following motion was moved: that thanks be conveyed to the
senior administrative staff for their dedication, diligence, passion, leadership skills, and
for their strong teamwork to ensure the efficient and effective operations of the entire
system.
The Learning Fair
Trustee Fairbairn expressed thanks for the successful Learning Fair. He expressed his
thanks to Superintendent McDonald and his Executive Assistant Lynne McInnis for her
hard work in organizing this yearly event.
Secondary Vice-Principal Appointment
Director Rogers advised that, at the In-Camera session earlier this evening, Lisa
Sanvido was appointed temporary Vice-Principal at Orangeville DSS.
Dates of Future Meetings
Trustee Fairbairn moved that the September 25, 2015 schedule for Board and
Standing Committee Meetings be approved as follows:
Program Committee
Business Operations
Board Meeting
September 8, 2015 – In Orangeville
September 15, 2015
September 29, 2015
The motion carried.
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Board Meeting, August 25, 2015
Director Rogers added the following to the Dates of Future Meetings:
Wednesday September 2, 2015 New Staff Orientation, 8:00 a.m., Lakeside Church
Thursday, September 17, 2015
State of the System Address, 8:30 a.m.,
Lakeside Church
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Art Gallery of Guelph, Public Open House and
Renaming of the Art Gallery. Time has yet to be
determined.
Trustee Fairbairn moved that the Dates of Future Meetings dated August 25,
2015 be received, with the above noted additions.
The motion carried.
Motion to Rise and Report to the Board
Trustee Topping moved that the Committee of the Whole rise and report to the
Board.
The motion carried.
Ratification of Business
Trustee Moziar moved, seconded by Trustee Schieck that the business
transacted by the Committee of the Whole be now ratified by the Board.
The motion carried.
Adjournment
Trustee White moved, seconded by Trustee MacNeil that the Board adjourn and
this meeting now close at 9:45 p.m.
The motion carried.
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