Upper Grand District School Board
Board Meeting, Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Minutes
The regular monthly meeting of the Upper Grand District School Board was held on
Tuesday, May 27, 2014 in the Board Room at 500 Victoria Road North, Guelph, starting
at 7:10 p.m. All Trustees were present. Student Trustees Brown and Dong were also in
attendance.
Opening Prayer
Trustee Fairbairn read an excerpt from an American Philosopher, Alfred North
Whitehead regarding education.
Condolences
Trustee Bailey, Chair, reported that condolences were sent on behalf of the Board to the
following: the family of Iona McClure, head caretaker at Centennial CVI; Alan Gouk,
teacher at John Black PS, on the loss of his mother, Laura Gouk; the family of Heather
Large, teacher at J.F.Ross CVI; the family of Jane Hughes, retired elementary teacher;
Dawn Gray, teacher at College Heights SS, on the loss of her mother, Therese Gray;
Cheryl McCallum, office coordinator at Ken Danby PS, on the loss of her father, Lloyd
Butt; Mary Craig, library technician at ODSS, on the loss of her mother, Dorothy Rose
Craig; Kathy Majeski, ECE at Laurelwoods, on the loss of her mother, Eve McKinnon;
Carrie Nethery, instructional coach in the program department, on the loss of her
mother-in-law, Ann Nethery; Paul Nethery, teacher at multiple schools, on the loss of his
grandmother, Ann Nethery; Lea Hooper, EA at ODSS, on the loss of her mother-in-law,
Barbara Hooper.
Good News
Dr. Rogers highlighted the Good News as follows:
2014 Regional and Provincial Technological Skills Competition Results
Gold medal winners at the Regional Competition were eligible to compete at the Ontario
Technological Skills Competition on May 5-7 in Waterloo. The results are as follows:
2D Character Animation Team of 2: Gold - Kai Lynn and Ryan, Centennial CVI placed
4th out of 24 at the Provincial Competition; Silver - Centre Wellington DHS
3D Character Animation: Jacob and Madeline from Centre Wellington DHS placed 5th
out of 17 at the Provincial Competition
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Architectural Technology and Design: Gold – Janet, John F. Ross CVI placed 10th out
of 27 at the Provincial Competition; Silver – Erin DHS; Bronze – John F. Ross CVI
Automotive Service Technology: Gold – Norwell DSS; Silver – Norwell DSS; Bronze –
John F. Ross CVI, Bradley from Norwell placed 21st out of 38 at the Provincial
Competition
Cabinetmaking: Gold – Tyler, Orangeville DSS placed 25 out of 34 at the Provincial
Competition; Silver – Guelph CVI; Bronze – College Heights SS
Carpentry – Individual: Gold – Mitchell, Wellington Heights SS placed 4th out of 19 at the
Provincial Competition; Silver – Centre Wellington DHS; Bronze – Centre Dufferin DHS
Carpentry – Team of 2: Gold – Brenden and Cody College Heights SS placed 6 out of
45 at the Provincial Competition; Silver – Wellington Heights SS; Bronze Medal –
Centre Wellington DHS
Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM): Gold – Jayson, Erin DHS won Bronze at the
Provincial Competition;; Silver – Erin DHS; Bronze – John F. Ross CVI
Culinary Arts: Francois from Centre Wellington DHS placed 10th out of 24 at the
Provincial Competition
Electrical Installations: Steven of Wellington Heights SS placed 16th out of 19 at the
Provincial Competition
Geographic Information Systems Team of 2: Jordan and Alisa of Centennial CVI placed
4th out of 5 at the Provincial Competition
Graphic Design – Presentation: Gold – Justin, Erin DHS placed 12th of 25 at the
Provincial Competition; Bronze – Erin DHS
Graphic Design – Studio Presentation: Samantha, Guelph CVI placed 27th out of 29 at
the Provincial Competition
Hairstyling: Gold – Jocelyn, John F. Ross CVI placed 5th out of 33 at the Provincial
Competition; Silver – John F. Ross CVI, Bronze – Norwell DSS
Home and Team Building Team of 4: Maverick, Wilson, Connor and Connor from
Wellington Heights SS placed 5th out of 10 at the Provincial Competition
I.T. and Network Support: Nicholas, Centre Wellington DHS placed 4th out of 12 at the
Provincial Competition
I.T. – Office Software: Clair, Centennial CVI placed 5th out of 10 at the Provincial
Competition
Job Skills Demonstration: Tim, Centre Wellington DHS placed 4th out of 12 at the
Provincial Competition
Mechanical CAD: 3D – Gold - Alex, Centre Wellington DHS placed 17th out of 18 at
the Provincial Competition
Photography: Gold – Jess, Centre Wellington DHS placed 5th out of 37 at the Provincial
Competition; Silver – Guelph CVI; Bronze – Wellington Heights SS
Precision Machining: Gold – Jordan, John F. Ross CVI placed 5th at the Provincial
Competition; Silver – Wellington Heights SS; Bronze – Norwell DSS
Prepared Speech: Olivia, Centennial CVI placed 16th out of 19 at the Provincial
Competition
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Board Meeting, May 27, 2014
Robotics Team of 4: Kirk, Joshua, Carson and Phoenix of Erin DHS placed 13th out of
19 at the Provincial Competition
Small Powered Equipment: Gold – Centennial CVI; Silver – Norwell DSS; Bronze –
Centre Wellington DHS. Aydan, Centre Wellington DHS won gold at the Provincial
Competition and Cuinn of Centennial CVI placed 9th out of 24 at the Provincial
Competition
TV/Video Production Team of 2: Gold – Hannah and Daniel, Norwell DSS placed 7th
out of 23 at the Provincial Competition; Silver – Centennial CVI; Bronze – Guelph CVI
Welding: Gold - Matthew, Norwell DSS placed 9th out of 24 at the Provincial
Competition and Matthew, Orangeville DSS placed 14th out of 24 at the Provincial
Competition; Bronze – Centre Dufferin DHS
Minister’s Student Advisory Council
We received word that a student from Rockwood Centennial PS and a student from
Laurelwoods ES will be appointed to the 2014-15 Minister’s Student Advisory Council.
OPC – President Elect
Brian Serafini was successfully elected as the OPC President Elect for the 2014-2015
year. Congratulations Brian!
Brisbane PS
The junior choir who performed at the December Board meeting participated in the
Kiwanis Music Festival and came away winning Gold!
Teacher Christy Geddes, grade 2/3 English teacher is being nominated for the Prime
Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence.
Erin PS
Erin PS won a $25,000 computer lab from Staples. Seven hundred schools applied and
Erin PS was chosen as one of the top 100 Regional Finalists for its exceptional
dedication to caring for the environment. Erin PS went on to be selected one of 10
across Canada winners. Erin PS is the Ontario winner (chosen from the 10 Ontario
Regional Finalists). Erin PS has received Gold Status with its ECO Schools activities
and in particular its grade 6 Water Rockers, Waste Free Wednesdays, 75% reduction in
waste over the past 4 years, and their refillable water bottle initiative were noted in their
win. Teacher, Cathy Dykstra and her grade 6 class played a big role in this win.
Congratulations Erin PS.
Victory PS
On Monday April 28, three grade 4/5 students from Victory PS spoke at the Guelph City
Council meeting about the “lets ban smoking outdoors at parks etc.” Their class
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received a grant from Public Health to do a bit of work picking up cigarette butts around
Exhibition Park arena.
Centre Dufferin DHS
This Friday, students from Centre Dufferin DHS will be departing for Normandy. Two
students have been invited by The Honourable Julian Fantino and Veterans Affairs
Canada, to act as the official representatives of Canadian youth by reciting the
Commitment to Remember during the commemorative event on June 6 at Juno Beach,
in France. The students will be seated at the Ceremony (wearing their Centre Dufferin
DHS jackets) with the Queen, Prime Minister Harper, French President Hollande, etc.
Their classmates will look on from a special standing section beside the Veterans.
Women of Distinction
Brenda Sherry was honoured on May 1 at the 19th Annual Women of Distinction Awards
at the River Run Centre in Guelph. Brenda received the award in the Information
Technology Category.
Wellington Heights SS student Nicole Bauman was nominated as Young Woman of
Distinction. While Nicole was not an award recipient, her peers and teachers, believe
that she is a young woman of distinction.
Confirmation of the Agenda
Trustee Cooper moved, seconded by Trustee Fairbairn, that the agenda be
confirmed as printed.
The motion carried.
Declarations of Conflict of Interest
There were no conflicts of interest.
Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting Held April 22, 2014
Trustee Borden moved, seconded by Trustee Gohn, that the minutes of the
meeting held April 22, 2014, and the minutes of the Committee of 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 Schieck moved, seconded by Trustee Topping, that the business
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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 Moziar moved, seconded by Trustee Fairbairn, that the Board rise and
sit in Committee of the Whole with the Chairperson presiding.
The motion carried.
Award Presentation to the Upper Grand DSB from Canadian Parents for French
(Ontario) for 40 Years of French Immersion
Canadian Parents for French (Ontario) is an Ontario branch of a national network of
volunteers who value French as an integral part of Canada and who are dedicated to
promoting opportunities for youth to learn French in Canada. Betty Gormley, Executive
Director, spoke in support of the French Immersion programs and French as a second
language. She applauded the Board for its strong leadership, great insight, enabling
French Immersion to grow and flourish, and proudly acknowledging that thousands of
students graduated from the program over a forty year span. Director M. C. Rogers,
Chair Bailey, and Trustee Moziar, were invited to accept the plaque on behalf of the
Board for recognition of 40 years of French Immersion programming and commitment to
excellence in French Second Language (FSL) learning.
Andree Hoogendoorn Simmons, a former French Immersion teacher with the Board,
reflected on the history of the FI program and highlighted recent achievements and
efforts made to the French Immersion program ensuring access to as many students as
possible. She commended the Board for its support of the French program and
persistence over the years.
Andrea Higgins, a French Immersion graduate, and currently a teacher with the Board,
shared her success story. She was involved in the French Immersion program as a
student and currently as a teacher, collectively, for the past 23 years.
Trustee Bailey expressed his thanks for the reflections, recognition, and kind words. He
stated that the Board is committed to strength and sustainability of the French program.
Delegation
Jen Macleod was in attendance to delegate the Board to seek a permanent busing
solution for Rockwood area French Immersions students who will attend King George
PS. She discussed current enrolment numbers, Rockwood area student demographics
for 2014 and 2015, potential results without busing, and a proposed solution. She
asked for a motion of reconsideration of the “with no transportation” clause that was
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part of the motion passed at the November 26, 2013 Board meeting. Ms. Macleod
further requested permission to contact both Board and transportation staff to discuss
various options for transporting the students. Questions of clarification followed.
Trustee Bailey thanked Mrs. Macleod for her delegation.
Program Committee
Trustee Topping moved that the minutes of the Program Committee held May 6,
2014, be received and considered.
The motion carried.
Trustee Topping moved that:
1.
The verbal report from Student Trustees be received.
2.
The verbal report on Mental Health at the Upper Grand District School Board
be received.
3.
The verbal report on the Board Improvement Plan for Student Achievement
be received.
4.
The verbal OPSBA report be received.
5.
The verbal DELF report be received.
6.
The date for the Annual Board Retirement Party remain as scheduled for
June 12, 2014.
The motion carried.
Business Operations Committee
Trustee Cooper moved that the minutes of the Business Operations Committee
held May 13, 2014 be received and considered.
The motion carried.
Trustee Cooper moved that:
1.
Memo PLN: 14-05 “Wellington North Elementary Accommodation
Review – Staff Report # 2”, dated May 13, 2014, be received as
information.
2.
The report entitled “10kW MicroFIT Solar PV for Elementary Schools –
Update” (CP:14-01) dated May 13, 2014, be received.
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3.
Report PLN: 14-12 “Education Development Charges – 2014 Renewal
Update” dated May 13, 2014 be received.
4.
PLN: 14-07 “Elementary Identified Schools Report - 2014/15” dated
May 13, 2014 be received.
5.
PLN: 14-08 “Secondary Identified Schools Report – 2014/15” dated
May 13, 2014 be received.
6.
The verbal report on Health and Safety be received, with thanks.
7.
The verbal report on Resignations and Retirements dated May 13, 2014
be received, with thanks to staff for the many years of service.
The motion carried.
Elementary and Secondary Principal and Vice-Principal Transfers and
Appointments
Director of Education Rogers presented a verbal report on the elementary and
secondary Principal and Vice-Principal transfers and appointments.
Special Education Advisory Committee
Trustee Moziar moved that the minutes of the Special Education Advisory
Committee held May 14, 2014 be received.
The motion carried.
Policy Management Committee
Trustee Gohn moved that the minutes of the Policy Management Committee held
April 15, 2014 be received and considered.
The motion carried.
Trustee Gohn moved (items 1, 3, 5, 6, and 7 as contained in the minutes of the
Policy Management Committee) that:
1.
Policy 300 Emergency Procedures be approved as amended.
2.
Policy 400 Pre-employment Screening be approved.
3.
The Home Use of Technology Protocol P.2 be received.
4.
There be a future discussion around equity of access for
technology.
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5.
The Policy Schedule dated April 15, 2014 be received.
The motion carried.
Trustee Moziar requested that items 2, Policy 303, and item 4, Policy 310
be considered separately.
Trustee Gohn moved that:
1.
Policy 303 Naming Schools and Board Facilities be approved as
amended.
2.
Policy 310 Display of Flags be approved as amended.
Questions of clarification were answered regarding both policy 303 Naming
Schools and Board Facilities as well as policy 310 Display of Flags.
The motion carried.
Trustee Gohn moved that the minutes of the Policy Management Committee held
May 6, 2014 be received and considered.
The motion carried.
Trustee Gohn moved that:
1.
Policy 514 Appropriate Dress be approved.
2.
Policy 510 Safe Arrival be approved.
3.
The Policy Schedule be received.
The motion carried.
2013/2014 Interim Financial Reporting as at March 31, 2014
Superintendent of Finance Wright presented the report 2013 2014 Interim Financial
Reporting as at March 31, 2014. She noted that it is the second Interim Financial
Report to Trustees for the 2013 2014 fiscal year. She elaborated and clarified
enrolment numbers, classroom instruction and non-classroom projections versus actual
costs, as well as issues with the transportation consortium. Trustee Schieck requested
a report be presented to the Board outlining the pre-payment and reconciliation of
transportation costs. In response, Superintendent Wright advised that financial
statements will be presented at the August Board meeting.
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Board Meeting, May 27, 2014
Trustee Borden moved that the report “2013 2014 Interim Financial Reporting as
at March 31, 2014”, dated May 27, 1014, be received.
The motion carried.
Resignations and Retirements
Executive Officer of Human Resources Rose presented the Resignations and
Retirements report dated May 27, 2014.
Trustee Schieck moved that the report Resignations and Retirements, Appendix
A and Appendix B dated May 27, 2014 be received with thanks for the many
years of service.
The motion carried.
Board Correspondence
Trustee Bailey advised that correspondence was received from the Ministry of
Education, expressing thanks for the submission and supporting documentation of the
school year calendars for 2014-15.
Trustee Borden moved that the Board Correspondence dated May 27, 2014 be
received.
The motion carried.
Trustee Questions and Reports
Notice of Motion of Reconsideration
Further to the delegation heard earlier this evening, Trustee Cooper raised the issue of
transportation for Rockwood FI students to Guelph, as well as permission to have the
community contact transportation and Board staff to discuss other options for
transportation. Concerns were raised and discussed. It was agreed that, the next step
is the determination of the outcome of the motion of reconsideration. Trustee Cooper
advised that she will be placing the following motion of reconsideration that was passed
at the November 26, 2013 Board meeting, to be considered at the June 2014 Board
meeting.
Trustee Cooper placed the following Notice of Motion of Reconsideration:
“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, with no
transportation provided”.
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Board Meeting, May 27, 2014
Environmental Education Meeting
Trustee Cooper advised that she attended the Environmental Education Meeting, and
was very impressed with progress staff is making. She expressed her thanks to Dr. M.
C. Rogers for her letter to the system supporting the policy and incorporating
environmental issues into school improvement plans and goals. She also commended
staff for the hefty energy management plan which is progressing very well. She praised
staff for their engagement and seriousness in this issue.
Celebrations
Trustee Moziar commended the Student Senate for their good job and hard work in the
implementation of the Student Senate conference held earlier this month. She also
commented on anniversary celebrations for Waverley Drive PS as well as Guelph CVI.
She congratulated staff for great work done. Trustee Schieck also noted that Kenilworth
PS is having a 75 plus anniversary celebration. He noted that this Saturday, the Centre
Peel SS Mennonite school is holding an open house from noon to 4:00 p.m., and all are
invited to attend.
Dates of Future Meetings
Trustee Fairbairn moved that the May 27, 2014 schedule for Board and Standing
Committee Meetings be approved as follows:
Program Committee
Business Operations
Board Meeting
June 3, 2014
June 10, 2014
June 24, 2014
The motion carried.
Director Rogers added the following to the Dates of Future Meetings:
Monday, June 2, 2014
Budget Workshop, 6:30 – 7:00 p.m. Boardroom
Monday, June 2, 2014
Board as Budget, 7:00 p.m. Boardroom
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Accessibility Committee meeting (not June 10th )
Room 9, 1:30 p.m.
Friday, June 6, 2014
PD session for Child and Youth and Speech and
Language workers, at Elora Raceway, 9:00 a.m., all
day
Friday, June 6, 2014
Learning Choices Committee, room 9, 9:30 a.m.
Monday, June 16, 2014
Strategic Planning Committee 7:00 p.m.
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Board Meeting, May 27, 2014
Trustee Cooper moved that the Dates of Future Meetings dated May 27, 2014 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 Gohn 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 Topping that the Board adjourn
and this meeting now close at 9:10 p.m.
The motion carried.
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