UPPER GRAND DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
BOARD MEETING – TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013
The regular monthly meeting of Upper Grand District School Board was held on
Tuesday, November 26, 2013, in the Boardroom at 500 Victoria Road North, Guelph,
starting at 7:15 p.m.
Trustee Bailey, Chair, presided and along with Student Trustees Brown and
Hong, all Trustees were present.
OPENING PRAYER OR READING
As the opening reading, Trustee Bailey read a number of inspirational quotes in
support of education.
CONDOLENCES
Trustee Bailey, Chair, reported that condolences were sent on behalf of the
Board to the following: Hanna Morris, Vice-Principal at Erin PS, on the loss of her
mother; the family of Dr. William Lawless, former Chair of the Wellington County
Board of Education; Sherri MacIntyre, Special Program Assistant at College Heights
SS, on the loss of her mother; Murray Camp, teacher at Centre Wellington DHS, on
the loss of his mother; Lyn Chambers, Maintenance staff, on the loss of her father;
Robin Inniss, teacher at John F. Ross CVI, on the loss of her mother; Linda StocktonWigmore, teacher at Jean Little PS and Priory Park PS, on the loss of her mother-inlaw; Laurie Cargo, teacher at Ken Danby PS, on the loss of her mother-in-law; Bonnie
Nadalin, Administrative Assistant for School to Career Programs, on the loss of her
brother; Elaine Love, Continuing Education Literacy Instructor, on the loss of her
father; Sue Bates, Head Custodian at College Heights SS on the loss of her stepfather; Alba Lowery, Administrative Officer - Disability, on the loss of her step-father;
the family of Tom Kostal, a custodian with the Board since 1991; Richard and
Rebecca Vander Vlugt, teachers at Centre Wellington DHS, on the loss of Richard’s
mother and Rebecca’s mother-in-law; Kathy Johnston, teacher at College Heights SS,
on the loss of her father-in-law; Maria Rossi, teacher at John F. Ross CVI, on the loss
of her mother; Sheryl Dook, teacher at Princess Elizabeth PS, on the loss of her
father; and Jodie Windover, teacher at Montgomery Village PS on the loss of her
father-in-law.
GOOD NEWS
Dr. Rogers highlighted the “Good News” as follows:
Erin PS
Erin PS has three good reasons to be proud of their students this month.
1. Praise is received for their Remembrance Day Performance
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Mr. Snowball and choir members received a glowing letter from Rev.
Deacon Irene Walback, Chaplain. Rev. Deacon wrote a letter on behalf
of the members of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 442, Erin. The
letter thanked Mr. Snowball and the students for their performance at the
Remembrance Day service. According to Rev. Deacon their music
presentation was outstanding and literally “stole the show.” Rev. Deacon
reported that the veterans felt honoured that they would give up their day
to sing for them.
2. Grade 8 Students show Act of Empathy and Compassion
On November 21st , a class of grade 8 students visited the Senior Centre
at Centre 2000. The students had been visiting for about half an hour,
when the fire alarm went off. The students instantly went to the nearest
senior, helped them with their coats, wrapped them in blankets, and took
them outside to the designated waiting area. The students stayed with
the seniors, calming and reassuring them. Even though they were
supposed to get back to school for their lunch, they stayed until the all
clear signal was given. They escorted the seniors back into the building
and helped them settle. Before they left, the seniors cheered and gave
the students a round of applause.
3. Grade 6 Students receive a Grant (News Release from State Farm)
“Cathy Dykstra, a grade 6 teacher at Erin PS received a $1,500 State
Farm Good Neighbour Student Achievement Grant. The purpose of this
grant was to lead her class in a semester-long service and learning
project to encourage the school and local community to use reusable
drinking containers. The class project began in early October and will
continue through Global Youth Service Day, April 11-13, 2014.
Throughout the school year, her students, “The Water Rockers”, will
research world and local water issues and reusable container pros and
cons. Through posters, announcements, and assemblies, they will
educate the staff and students of their school to encourage everyone to
use reusable drinking containers daily. They will also be given the
responsibility of selling their newly designed water bottles with the logo:
“Erin: Our local water rocks”. Students will walk downtown to interact
with the storeowners and have discussions with them about water and
reusable containers. The ultimate goal is for all storeowners in Erin to
join the: “BLUE W Program”, a program where customers with reusable
containers can get free water refills and discounts on coffee and tea
(where applicable).”
Rickson Ridge PS Information provided by Principal Gord Healey and the Government
of Canada website.)
Heather Walker - Winner of Prime Minister’s Teaching Award of Excellence
Rickson Ridge PS is thrilled to announce that Heather Walker was honoured by
receiving a Prime Minister’s Teaching Award of Excellence.
"The Prime
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Minister’s Awards for Teaching Excellence recognize outstanding elementary
and secondary school teachers who, through the innovative use of information
and communications technologies, help Canadian students meet the
challenges of a 21st century society and digital economy. This year marks the
20th anniversary of this award, with more than 1600 educators honoured to
date." Every year, Heather Walker plans her lessons around a central theme,
and Global Citizenship is one that tends to reappear. As they study poetry,
literature and art, Walker's students connect with people from around the world
and learn about how other cultures live and survive. She understands that
technology is an integral part of her students' lives and that it's here to stay.
Walker finds engaging ways to make use of her students' skills to get them
interested in their course work. Walker's grade eight students created and
produced a movie about their school. The video gave an overview of the
programs and activities at the school and was used as an introduction to the
school when it was visited by a review committee. Congratulations Heather!
Maryborough PS (Board website)
Maryborough PS is one of 28 elementary and secondary schools to receive the
2013 Dr. Bette M. Stephenson Recognition of Achievement from the EQAO.
The award recognizes the school and its community for its efforts at improving
student achievement and for its use of EQAO results to improve student
learning.
Primrose ES (Board website)
Primrose ES has been selected as a winner of Ontariofresh.ca's Farm to
School Challenge. Primrose ES showed their commitment to locally grown
food through activities such as: serving the “localest” food possible at their fall
BBQ by having a mom/chef prepare their school garden harvest; winning the
“most entries” prize at the 2013 Shelburne Fall Fair with veggies from their
school garden; a local food video that the grade 8’s created; and a grade 1-4
Nutrition Detective workshop and sensory exploration with local seasonal
veggies.
John F. Ross CVI
On November 15, John F. Ross CVI completed their first book drive. Three
students from their leadership class took the project on in a big way. Over
6,000 books were collected. The children’s books are headed to a developing
country and the books for older kids will be used in the classroom “reading
boxes”.
Norwell District SS (The Wellington Advertiser – Oct. 25)
The Automotive Program at Norwell DSS is the recipient of a fully functional
new Corolla courtesy of the Cambridge Toyota manufacturing plant. The
vehicle will be used for teaching diagnostic investigations and analysis of
computer-related components.
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We Day – November 20, 2013
(Upper Grand schools were featured in a special edition of The Waterloo
Region Record).
Ken Danby PS is featured in the headlines: We Day, we act to empower young
people to lead local, global change. Grade 7 and 8 students, under the direction of
teacher Christine Smith spent many hours doing research to discover where their
favourite jeans, electronics and chocolate bars are made. They discovered the lack of
transparency and corporate social responsibility policies within many of their favourite
brands. Students took action, from educating their peers and community members
about fair trade to writing letters to companies and politicians, to changing their own
buying habits. They held a Valentine’s Day Dance to raise money for a community in
Sierra Leone.
Hyland Heights ES was also featured for their massive coin drive in support of
Adopt a Village. Last year the school collected pennies to support clean water. They
raised enough money to give six people water for life. This year they are participating
in a campaign to support the Year of Education. Every $20 collected provides a brick
for construction, and $10,000 completes a school.
Victoria Cross PS students have raised $35,000 over the past four years
through campaigns like coin drives, spaghetti supper benefits, chocolate auctions and
toy sales. It all started when Donna McFarlane retired, and asked for donations of
coins for charity, instead of retirement gifts. The change drive continued for another 4
years.
Centennial CVI student Julie Duleavy organized a Halloween themed 5 km
walk that raised $150 for Free the Children. This past summer she went on a Me to
We trip getting a chance to see firsthand, the impact education has on local kids and
even volunteered on a school building project herself.
CONFIRMATION OF THE AGENDA
Trustee Fairbairn moved, seconded by Trustee Schieck, that the agenda be
approved with the removal of item 11 d) which was already considered In
Camera, and the remaining items re-numbering accordingly.
The motion carried.
DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of conflict of interest.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD MEETING HELD OCTOBER 22,
2013
Trustee Waterston moved, seconded by Trustee Cooper, that the Minutes of
the Board meeting held October 22, 2013 and the Minutes of the Committee of
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the Whole meeting held immediately prior to the Board meeting, be approved
as printed.
The motion carried.
RATIFICATION OF BUSINESS TRANSACTED BY THE COMMITTEE OF THE
WHOLE IN CAMERA
Trustee Topping moved, seconded by Trustee Gohn 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
Trustee Schieck moved, seconded by Trustee Fairbairn, that the Board rise and
sit in Committee of the Whole, with the Chairperson presiding.
The motion carried.
DELEGATION
Ms. Melissa Frost, a resident of Everton, was in attendance to address her
concerns regarding the new Rockwood Elementary School Boundary Review. She
noted that she has two children, one in SK, and one who will be entering JK in
September 2014. She noted that there is one additional child in Everton who will be
impacted by the New Rockwood Elementary school boundary review. Her concerns
included current and future community ties to Erin, continuity of education, possibility
of the new Rockwood elementary school opening later than September 2014, and the
availability and securing of day care. Ms. Frost requested that the Board consider
grandfathering her children into the current French Immersion program at Brisbane PS
and a consideration for the provision of transportation.
PROGRAM COMMITTEE
Trustee Cooper moved that the Minutes of the Program Committee dated
November 5, 2013 be received.
The motion carried.
Trustee Cooper moved the adoption of recommendations 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7
as contained in the Minutes of the Program Committee dated November 5,
2013.
The motion carried.
The motions are as follows:
THAT:
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1.
The verbal report on the First Nation, Métis and Inuit Education Plan be
received.
2.
The verbal report on the Board Improvement Plan for Student
Achievement 2011 – 2014 (BIPSA) be received.
3.
The verbal report on EQAO Elementary Data be received.
4.
The following motions be approved.
a)
The report entitled “Commencement of a French Immersion
Program in Rockwood” PLN: 13-33, dated November 5, 2013 be
received.
b)
A French Immersion program be established in Rockwood
beginning September 2014 and that admission to the program be
permitted in JK, SK, and Grade 1
c)
The Rockwood French Immersion program shall increase by one
grade per year.
After 2014/15, admission to the French
Immersion program will be in JK or SK or in accordance with
standard Board practice
d)
The New Rockwood Elementary School Boundary Review
determine the appropriate location or locations for the French
Immersion program
e)
The New Rockwood Elementary School Boundary Review
confirm the ability to accommodate a JK-6 or JK-8 FI program in
Rockwood.
5.
The verbal report on Creating Pathways to Success be received.
6.
The verbal OPSBA report be received.
7.
The verbal update from Student Trustees be received.
BUSINESS OPERATIONS COMMITTEE
Trustee Waterston moved that the Minutes of the Business Operations
Committee dated November 12, 2013 be received.
The motion carried.
Trustee Waterston moved the adoption of recommendations 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
and 8 as contained in the Minutes of the Business Operations Committee,
dated November 12, 2013.
The motion carried.
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186
The motions are as follows:
THAT:
1.
The report “Capital/Renewal Plans (2013/2014)”, CP:13-16, dated
November 12, 2013, be received.
2.
Memo PLN:13-31 entitled “New Rockwood Elementary School
Boundary Review – Report #2” be received.
3.
Memo PLN:13-29 entitled “Ponsonby PS Boundary Review –
Report #2” be received.
4.
a)
the report entitled “2013 Partnership Report”, PLN:13-32,
dated November 12, 2013 be received,
b)
staff be directed to advise the Partnership List that there is
no available Partnership Space or Co-Build opportunities.
5.
The “Annual Accessibility Report 2012-2013” dated November 12,
2013 be received.
6.
The report “Trustee Honoraria Annual Calculation”, dated
November 12, 2013 (Finance # 2013-30) be received.
7.
The report, “Resignations and Retirements dated November 12,
2013” be received.
8.
The verbal report on Health and Safety be received.
2012-2013 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Superintendent Wright, together with Tom Mennill from KPMG, presented the
2012-2013 Audited Financial Statements for the Board’s consideration. Ms. Wright
noted that the Ministry of Education required that the financial information contained in
the Education Finance Information System (EFIS) needed to be submitted by
November 15th. The Audit Committee directed staff to file this information in order to
comply with the Ministry deadline and avoid the cash flow restrictions associated with
late filing. The data in the EFIS forms the basis for the Financial Statements. The
deadline to file the Financial Statements with the Ministry is December 6, 2013. Mr.
Mennill noted that due to good accounting records, and good quality of work done by
staff, there are no significant recommendations with respect to internal control.
Clarifications were given in response to questions asked, and Trustees expressed
thanks to staff and the Audit Committee for a job well done. It was noted that there is
a substantial increase in tuition fees due to the increased enrolment of international
students, thanks to the work of Superintendent Morrell.
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Trustee Waterston moved that:
1.
The report “2012-2013 Audited Financial Statements (Finance #201331) dated November 26, 2013 be received.
2.
The Audit Findings Report to the Board, as prepared by KPMG, dated
November 26, 2013 be received.
3.
The 2012-2013 Audited Financial Statements for the Upper Grand
District School Board and the 2012-2013 Audited Financial Statements
for the Upper Grand District School Board Trust be approved.
The motion carried.
ANNUAL TREASURER’S REPORT
Superintendent Wright presented the Annual Treasurer’s Report, on behalf of
the Board Treasurer, Director Dr. Rogers, and updated the Board on investment
activity in compliance with Regulation 41/10, and as a follow-up to a recommendation
from the Operational Review Report from 2010.
Trustee Waterston moved that the report “Annual Treasurer’s Report
(Finance #2013-34) dated November 26, 2013” be received.
The motion carried.
TRUSTEE EXPENSES
Superintendent Wright presented the report Trustee Expenses in order to share
the summary of Trustee Expenses with Trustees prior to posting on the website, in
compliance with the Ministry of Education directive. She elaborated on the differences
in expenses due to the amount of travel required to attend meetings in Guelph for outof-town Trustees, the expectations and added responsibilities of the Chair and Vicechair to attend numerous functions which incur more costs, and costs related to the
Executive Council of Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) membership
and obligations.
Trustee Borden moved that the report "Trustee Expenses (Finance #
2013-32) dated November 26, 2013” be received.
The motion carried.
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE FOR THE YEAR ENDING
AUGUST 31, 2013
Superintendent Wright submitted the Annual Report of the Audit Committee,
which was prepared by Trustee Waterston, Audit Committee Chairperson. She
mentioned who was on the committee, the tasks completed, the meetings scheduled,
feedback from external and internal auditors, and a summary of the work performed to
date. She expressed her appreciation for the expertise and work performed by the
external members.
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188
Trustee Fairbairn moved that the “Annual Report to the Board of Trustees for
the Year ended August 31, 2013” be received.
The motion carried.
ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL ELIGIBILITY LIST 2014
AND ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL AND VICE-PRINCIPAL TRANSFERS AND
APPOINTMENTS
Director of Education Rogers reported that, further to the In Camera session
this evening, Paolo Argentino, Kathy Gossling-Spears and Gilliam Muir were
appointed to the Elementary Principal eligibility list. She also shared elementary
Principal/Vice-Principal transfers and appointments effective January 1, 2014.
SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Trustee Fairbairn moved that the Minutes of the Special Education Advisory
Committee held November 13, 2013 be received.
The motion carried.
Trustee Fairbairn moved that the Board dispense of the limit of 10
accommodations per category in the IEP Engine software.
Trustee Borden moved an amendment as follows:
That the Board receive the recommendation from SEAC to dispense of the limit
of 10 accommodations per category in the IEP Engine software.
The amendment taking precedence
was considered first and carried.
The motion, as amended carried.
MOTION OF RECONSIDERATION
At the October 22, 2013 Board meeting, Trustee Cooper placed a notice of
motion of reconsideration.
Trustee Cooper moved that the following motion be reconsidered as printed.
The motion of reconsideration carried.
“THAT the Board approve the Implementation Plan as articulated in Section 3.3
of PLN:12-03 “Edward Johnson JK-6 FI Boundary Review – Report #3,” which
is further illustrated by the flow diagrams contained in Appendix 5, and that
transportation be supplied to East Wellington FI students east of Jones
Baseline to come to Guelph until 2014; and,
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THAT that all students and their siblings affected by the boundary shift between
Scenario A and Scenario A Modified, be grandparented to attend Edward
Johnson PS until June 2014. Effective September 2014 all students affected
by the modified area would attend King George until grade 8; and,
THAT siblings of current Guelph Eramosa French Immersion Program students
be grandparented to attend King George PS until 2014.”
Trustee Cooper moved that the reconsidered motion be defeated.
The motion was defeated.
Considering that the motions were defeated, and in order to reinstate items that deal
with East Guelph and Tytler students, Trustee Cooper moved the first two motions
listed below. She then moved the remainder of the motions. All motions were
considered separately.
That:
1.
The implementation plan as articulated in Section 3.3 of PLN:12-03
“Edward Johnson JK-6 FI Boundary Review - Report # 3”, which is
further illustrated by the flow diagrams contained in Appendix 5 be
approved for the East Guelph FI students living in the new King George
PS boundary and Tytler Area FI students living in the new King George
PS boundary.
The motion carried.
2.
All students and their siblings affected by the boundary shift between
Scenario A and Scenario A Modified, be grandparented to attend
Edward Johnson PS until June 2014. Effective September 2014 all
students affected by the modified area would attend King George until
grade 8.
The motion carried.
3.
That those East Wellington FI students who attended Grades JK to 4 at
Edward Johnson PS in 2011/12 and were permitted to attend King
George PS on an out of area basis until June 2014, be allowed to
continue attendance at King George PS until Grade 8 and then attend
John F Ross CVI for grades 9 to 12.
Trustee Waterston moved an amendment to # 3 to add “with no
transportation provided.
The amendment taking precedence
was considered first and carried.
The motion, as amended carried.
4.
The East Wellington FI students in Grades 2 to 12 in the 2014/15 school
year who attended Brisbane PS, Erin PS or Erin DHS in the 2012/13 or
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2013/14 school year continue to attend Brisbane PS, Erin PS or Erin
DHS and be provided with transportation.
The motion carried.
5.
East Wellington FI JK or SK students in the 2013/14 school year, who
are siblings of East Wellington FI students who attended Edward
Johnson PS in the 2011/12 school year and were permitted to attend
King George PS on an out of area basis until June 2014, be directed to
attend the new French Immersion program to be established in
Rockwood beginning in September 2014.
The motion carried.
6.
Staff be directed to modify any map or flow diagram to reflect the
November 26, 2013 decision of the Board with respect to the direction of
East Wellington FI students who attended Edward Johnson PS in
2011/12.
The motion carried.
RESIGNATIONS AND RETIREMENTS
Executive Officer of Human Resources Rose presented the resignations and
retirements report dated November 26, 2013.
Trustee Schieck moved that the report “Resignations and Retirements
(Appendix A) dated November 26, 2013 be received.
The motion carried.
BOARD CORRESPONDENCE
Trustee Bailey advised that he received correspondence from Ontario College
of Teachers, and a letter from Mr. Ted Arnott, MPP Wellington Halton Hills.
Trustee Fairbairn moved that the Board Correspondence dated November 26,
2013 be received.
The motion carried.
TRUSTEE QUESTIONS AND REPORTS
Trustee Schieck expressed his thanks for the opportunity to attend the EQAO
recognition of Maryborough PS, together with two principals, two teachers, and two
parents, which was held in Toronto. He was also honoured to be part of the Me to We
Day, and was able to bring students from both Minto Clifford PS and Drayton Heights
PS.
Trustee Gohn reported that he attended an open house at Centre Wellington
DHS where future plans and for additions were shared.
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191
Trustee Borden reported that Dufferin Peel students were involved in activities
such as a float in the Santa Claus Parade, where they were advertising for the school.
He also noted that Don Drone, Director for the separate Board is retiring, and he
suggested that the Board send him best wishes.
Trustee Borden moved that that a letter of appreciation be sent to Don Drone,
in honour of his retirement.
The motion carried.
DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS
Trustee Moziar moved that the December 2013 schedule for Board and
Standing Committee Meetings be approved as follows:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
Program Committee – No meeting for December
Final/Inaugural Board Meeting – December 3, 2013
Business Operations – December 10, 2013
Regular Board Meeting – December 17, 2013
The motion carried.
The list of meetings scheduled in December 2013 were reviewed with the following
additions and changes.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
SAL, Guelph, Room 8, 9:00 am – 12:00
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Strategic plan, 7:00 pm, Boardroom
Thursday, November 28, 2013
SAL, North Wellington, Wellington Heights,
9:30 am – 12:00
Monday, December 2, 2013
Environmental committee, 4:00 – 6:00 in the
Boardroom
Monday, December 2, 2013
Learning foundation 5:30 – 7, Room 4
Monday, December 9
Safe Equitable and Inclusive Schools
Steering Committee, 4:00 – 5:00, in the
Boardroom
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Policy Management Committee,
Board Room, 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Audit Committee, 4:00 – 6:00, Room 6
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
SEAC, 7:00 pm
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192
Thursday, December 12, 2013
James McQueen Public Information Session at
J D Hogarth PS, 7:00 – 9:00
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Kiwanis Christmas Luncheon 11:30 – 1:00,
The Italian Canadian Club
Thursday, December 12, 2013
SAL, Guelph, 9:00 – 12: 00 pm, Room 8
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
SAL, North Wellington, Wellington Height
9:30 am – 12:00 pm
December 23 – January 3, 2014 Winter Break
OPSBA
January 30 to February 1, 2014 Public Education Symposium, at the Sheraton,
downtown Toronto.
Trustee Cooper moved that the Dates of Future Meetings dated November 26,
2013 be received.
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 Cooper 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 Waterston moved, seconded by Trustee Borden that the Board adjourn
and this meeting now close at 9:15 p.m.