SOUTH SHORE REGIONAL SCHOOL BOARD
Special Board Meeting
Regional Office – Board Room
Bridgewater, Nova Scotia
March 23, 2013
9:00 a.m.
Present:
Board
Naugler, Jennifer; Board Chair
Payzant, Elliott; Board Vice-Chair
Crossland, Elizabeth
Garber, Elmer
Fougere, Cheryl
Griffin, Theresa
Simms, Vernon
Stevens, Charmaine
Staff
DeWolfe, Jeff; Director of Programs and Student Services
Ferraina, Lori; Board Secretary & Executive Assistant to the Superintendent of Schools
Morrison, Misty R.; RCH Coordinator
Munro, Tina; Director of Human Resources
Prest, Steve; Director of Operations
Pynch-Worthylake, Nancy; Superintendent of Schools
Tattrie, Wade; Director of Finance
Other
Amirault, Stephen; Regional Education Officer
Regrets
Smith, Trish; Communications Manager
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Naugler called the Special Board Meeting to order at 9:03 a.m.
RECORD OF ATTENDANCE
The Board Secretary recorded attendance. Eight Board Members and seven staff members were
present.
MOTION by Board member Simms, seconded by Board member Fougere, that the Agenda for today’s
session be approved.
Motion Carried Unanimously
School Review – Square Footage
Wade Tattrie, Director of Finance, reviewed the Square Footage Report. The Board is spending more
on space than what is funded by province. He discussed the four factors the province uses to
determine funding: 1) number of students 2) actual square footage 3) small school modifier- 100%
funding factor 4) 59,800 over 7 million for 2012-13. Data was taken from 2012-13.
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Nancy Pynch-Worthylake, Superintendent of Schools, stated that one of the things Mr. Levin
identified province wide was that there is more space in schools than schools have students. The
province has to do something to address this.
Board Member Stevens stated that the report is based on the number of schools and students.
Classrooms are being used for other things. The extra space in schools is not funded, but is utilized.
Many of the programs offered today didn’t exist 20 years ago.
Board Member Griffin asked about the space being used for storage in schools. Dr. J. C. Wickwire is
making use of space, but when more students, will they be able to accommodate?
Nancy Pynch-Worthylake, Superintendent of Schools, stated that extra space is used for storing files,
therefore, saving on outside storage costs. Square footage is indeed underfunded.
Board Member Payzant stated that funding based on 25% square footage and 75% students.
Board Member Stevens stated that if the space is utilized then the province is not properly funding
the Board.
Board Member Simms asked how the extra space will impact the decision for school review?
Nancy Pynch-Worthylake, Superintendent of Schools, explained that if we close Milton at the end of
June and house students at Dr. J. C. Wickwire this would be a saving of 25% for square footage, 75%
savings for students but only when the school closes.
Board Member Stevens stated that the bell time difference for Dr. J. C. Wickwire - 3:10 p.m. and Mill
Village Community - 2:20 pm. There is a significant time change if Mill Village closes. Would the bell
time change in September?
Jeff DeWolfe, Director of Programs and Student Services, stated that there is a policy specific to
change bell times. If Dr. J. C. Wickwire was to change the end of day bell time, four additional busses
would be needed. There will be no change this year, it’s too costly. When Milton is closed, start bell
time 8:45 a.m. would work for the whole system. One time system in Queens County would be ideal,
but bus costs are too high.
Nancy Pynch-Worthylake, Superintendent of Schools, stated that this information would be part of
School Review decision, if Board decides to close Mill Village.
Board Chair Naugler suggested that the Board move to Committee of the Whole to allow a more open
discussion.
MOTION by Board Member Garber, seconded by Board Member Stevens, that the Board meet in
Committee of the Whole. (9:33 a.m.)
Motion Carried Unanimously
Discussion took place regarding the schools under review. Some of the following points were made:
• Board Chair Naugler asked about the Hebbville Academy reduction in administration costs?
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• Tina Munro stated that this would net the two.
• Steve Prest responded with some comparisons of Bluenose Academy with similar square footage.
Petite costs versus Pentz costs.
• Wade Tattrie responded based on operational and maintenance costs times square footage.
• Board Member Griffin asked if the estimates based on past year?
• Wade Tattrie stated that the numbers are year to date, year to year expenses, 12 months of data.
• Board Member Garber asked if there is a low cost per square foot are the repairs are not factored
in?
• Nancy Pynch-Worthylake stated that new schools tend to be energy hungry with enhanced service
to students. e.g. LCD projectors and newer technology offset to energy efficiency, Bluenose
Academy 1st gold leader, highly efficient compared to other schools, access to separate funding for
roof replacement and furnace burners would make schools more efficient.
• Board Member Stevens, commented on small school versus new school. Long term operating costs
and bigger school more expensive to fix.
• Steve Prest stated that Bluenose Academy is a more complex school in that it has a bio mass boiler
which is cost effective. We haven’t had chance to evaluate the long term benefits yet but it’s a
very green school.
• Board Member Simms stated that the province should recognize the cost to produce green
schools. New schools cost more but they are more environmentally friendly.
• Board Chair Naugler stated that energy efficiency is more expensive, but there is savings in the
long term.
• Nancy Pynch-Worthylake stated that the square footage of Bluenose Academy replaced four old
schools, fewer square feet means less operating costs for one building compared to four.
• Board Member Stevens asked if the Board has received grants to make schools more efficient?
• Steve Prest stated that the Board has been able to recoup costs through the Efficiency Nova Scotia
Program – e.g. furnace upgrades, lighting.
• Board Member Simms stated that a new building is more to maintain and complex.
• Board Member Crossland stated that Parkview is a newer school and there are known problems
with air quality. We should keep this in mind when planning for new buildings.
• Board Member Garber stated that we must be cautious looking at one year comparables and look
at many years and consider lifespan of the school.
• Board Member Simms stated that we need to look at past mistakes in previous schools, like
Parkview.
Board Chair Naugler called a recess at 9:58 a.m. The Committee of the Whole Board Meeting was
called back to order at 10:07 a.m.
Discussion continued …
• Board Member Garber stated that the Board keeps hearing public comments about what could be
cut from Regional Office staff. What would be impacted by further cuts at that level?
• Nancy Pynch-Worthylake explained that the Board was supplied with an overview of cuts that
already have taken place. In 2009-10, 7.5 pre-budget cuts were done, this being shared
commitment between Senior Team and Board of the day. In 2010-11, 3 positions were reinstated.
Consultants and coordinators doing administrative assistant work which was not cost effective.
Investments made to the Human Resources and Transportation departments to recoup on other
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end. Six HR positions were approved by province. Hired five, then later the 6th position filled,
whose salary recouped through less WCB claims and time loss. e.g. going to job site to view job
tasks; introducing ergonomic mops, which helped prevent injury and time loss.
Tina Munro stated that there was a culture change in the organization. Employees are now calling
to find out steps and procedures when going off for surgery and other leaves with time loss.
Teachers now have multiple assignments, which allow them to return to work earlier. WCB
premiums have decreased and we are now close to provincial average.
Nancy Pynch-Worthylake explained that an Occupational Health and Safety position was added
and this meant more support for staff. A Transportation Manager position has been put in place,
which helps in route reviews. In 2011-12 we were mandated by the province to cut 15% and half
the consultants over 3 years. We surpassed the mandate and cut more than half of consultants as
we needed more staff in schools. For 2012-13, you can see what is here. In 2013-14 we need to
meet ratios for Student Services, with the addition of a Speech and Language Pathologist and LD
Specialist. We are missing a Coordinator of Support and Performance Review, which should be
filled. We have overcut in the Performance Appraisal and School Base Planning department.
Jeff DeWolfe stated that in 2007, initiatives had dedicated funding e.g. Learning for Life 1 & 2. In
2011-12 there were significant cuts and we met government targets with consultant cuts.
Programs have been streamlined and there is no room for cuts. We made a commitment to school
principals not to cut any school based staff and in 2012-13 there were more cuts. Now for 2013-14
we are in our third year of cuts. If we are looking to cut more teachers we would have to look
critically at Regional Office staff. Coordinators are feeling pressured now to meet requests and
deadlines from the Department of Education.
Nancy Pynch-Worthylake stated that it will be challenging to cut from what is left of the remaining
positions as one person is doing the work of four. Positions that are working with provincial
counterparts, takes a position out of the area. There are demands on the Student Services folks
who report out specifically and this will be hard to achieve with less manpower. Human Resources
would lose momentum of cost savings that they are already achieving. There is already a reduction
in Finance where casual staff increases during peak periods and paying time and half for overtime
worked. Cutting beyond a certain point of hourly staff, would have adverse effects and this would
be false savings. The Superintendent office has three employees. We have invested in Operations:
buildings, custodial and technology where we need to gain efficiencies over time.
Board Member Griffin stated that it is difficult to get an understanding of what employees do, are
jobs effective and efficient, and are evaluations done by the District?
Nancy Pynch-Worthylake stated that there was a time in Nova Scotia that that happened regularly.
There were inspectors that came to the offices. This is not common practice in the province now.
The Auditor General does performance evaluations. The last one that was done here on the South
Shore had a focus on Operations and Finance. The Finance department was in good shape, so they
mainly focused on the Operational side.
Board Member Simms stated that to save operating costs the Board should look at decentralizing.
Can we look at other options e.g. contract workers? Is staffing approved by Board?
Nancy Pynch-Worthylake stated that the staffing allocations are Board approved. We are currently
using casuals and short term worker support at specific points of the year. We try our best to cross
train employees, bring in retirees, who have expertise in certain fields etc.
Tina Munro stated that there are contractual issues with contract workers and some services are
not cost efficient.
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• Board Member Stevens asked if employees take professional days and are we able to have
employees pay to take those days.
• Jeff DeWolfe explained that professional development is important and has many different forms.
It is costly to take teachers out of classroom. It is not always effective bringing back information
and implementing as a new practice. There are NSTU contractual issues to make teachers pay for
these days.
• Board Member Payzant stated that Board Members must keep in mind that these employees
belong to a union.
• Board Member Garber stated that professional development is a critical part of education. Doing
away with professional development in any organization is not a good idea and professional
development is necessary.
• Board Member Simms asked if there is any way to look at having professional development
scheduled on weekends, not on work days, as is done with other institutions.
• Board Member Griffin responded that this training makes the teachers role more broadly planned.
Professional development is important to curriculum.
• Board Member Crossland asked how cuts are made - according to priority, primary down to junior
high, and so on. Do support staff work every day - what is the process?
• Tina Munro stated that every school is looked at individually. Multiple discussions with
administration at the schools before final staffing decisions are made. Not a simple process as we
try to meet individual needs of schools.
• Board Member Crossland asked what the tradeoff will be - will Skilled Trades be affected? How
would you balance?
• Jeff DeWolfe stated that Schools Plus receives dedicated funding; Skilled Trades has funding for
one full time employee.
• Nancy Pynch-Worthylake explained that important discussion and conversation is needed. A
variety of programs are needed. Engagement of students at middle level followed up to high
school is level necessary. There needs to be a P-12 focus - fewer students but needs are increasing.
It takes a lot of staff to engage students.
• Nancy Pynch-Worthylake introduced two principals, Charles Williamson, Principal of Parkview
Education Centre and Craig Pottie, Principal of Bayview Community School. Both principals were
asked to respond to what the real impact of funding cuts would be on their schools.
• Charles Williamson captured the following main points in his discussion:
o classes today look different from past years
o education has changed with curriculum
o enrichment of programs is essential
o presently offer programs that fit with the student e.g. STEPS, Skilled Trades, Connect
Centre (Program for Truant Students)
o look at programs that do not have targeted funding
o in-school suspensions may have to be cut
o tone of schools has changed
o if kids are in the right place there is less trouble
o International Baccalaureate Program
o IB program has .5 coordinator; do not get extra funding for program
o social cost when kids do not graduate
o diminish opportunity for kids to be successful
o more students mean more programs
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o cutting of 30 sections(courses) of high school program
o small classes on one side in support of program, means loss on other end
Craig Pottie captured the following main points in his discussion:
o staffing affected by cuts this year
o kids with academic and behavioral challenges, will not get the teacher assistant support
o larger class size with kids with academic and behavioral challenges
o keeping building, cutting our school
o kids are an investment in society’s future
Board Member Griffin asked about the IB courses offered, would class sizes be tailored in these
courses, how many courses are provided and is there room to reduce with some flexibility to
personalize programs?
Charles Williamson responded to say that the IB class size is single digits, other classes are larger.
Possibly 1-2% of student body are completing IB courses. Students on the lower end lose out by
removing courses.
Board Member Simms asked if kids lose their identity when they move to a larger school.
Craig Pottie stated that kids who came from Blockhouse School to Bayview Community School
gained a different connection to the school because of the new facility and increase in culture.
Charles Williamson stated that when Lunenburg Academy closed, his school did not receive any
complaints from students or parents.
Board Member Simms asked if the parents follow the kids, when they moved to larger school.
Craig Pottie stated that the community is connected to the school and if parents are involved, it
will continue. There is more of a struggle with curriculum support from teachers because of job
demands.
Board Member Garber explained that he can confirm and has witnessed good community and
parent support at Bayview Community School. The point about students getting lost is more likely
to happen if programs are not available.
Board Member Garber asked Charles Williamson about cutting 30 sections and is it based on
projected 10 teachers or what would happen if we cut further?
Charles Williamson stated that it would get worse.
Board Member Garber stated that the Board is mandated by province to balance budget. The
choice between closing schools or reducing 17 teachers and 30 sections were not included.
Board Chair Naugler asked for clarification on sections.
Charles Williamson responded that sections are programs/courses.
Tina Munro stated that 30 sections are based on a staffing formula. The process is to meet with
schools at the beginning of January and from there Human Resources makes a decision what
could be added/taken away from sections.
Board Member Crossland asked if there was a bussing expense when students moved to Bayview.
Craig Pottie stated that there was no increase in bussing costs as the boundaries have not
changed.
Board Member Simms asked if academic scores change from smaller schools to larger ones.
Craig Pottie responded that he did not feel that the level of education from a small school is better
than that of a larger school.
Board Member Simms asked if there would be an impact if you lost your Grade 9’s.
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Craig Pottie responded that the Grade 9’s are leaders of the school and this would mean
adaptation and reconfiguring of the school and this would then make the Grade 8’s leaders –
which isn’t a bad thing.
Nancy Pynch-Worthylake thanked the principals for coming in and sharing in the discussions.
Board Chair Naugler thanked the principals on behalf of the Board.
The principals were excused from the meeting at 11:23 a.m.
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Nancy Pynch-Worthylake reviewed a chart with the Board, as an option to help focus on the
benefits or impact of the following: students, schools under review plus Chester Area Middle
School and their communities, status quo, configuration of grades e.g. P-5 or P-6, closures
Board Members agreed to use the chart and discuss as a group.
Tina Munro will report on the number of students it will affect, if this change takes place.
Board Member Griffin commented on small and isolated funding. MVCS does not meet the
criteria.
Board Member Stevens stated that the Gunn report did not identify a need for immediate repairs
to the school. There are enough community supports to fundraise to make improvements to the
school e.g. wheel chair accessibility and bathroom renos.
Chair Board Naugler called for a 30 minute break for lunch at 12:11 p.m. The Committee of the
Whole Board Meeting was called back to order at 12:41 p.m.
• Steve Prest responded that there was $35,000 worth of upgrades coming up for the school in the
future, which included painting and new exterior doors. No issues pressing for next year.
• Board Chair Naugler talked about narrowing the focus to MVCS, options for a P-5 school or moving
the students altogether.
• Board Members discussed options to see what each Member is basing their decision on.
• Nancy Pynch-Worthylake reviewed and discussed the options as follows - one to five year option
when making decision of closing. Option of not reviewing again within mandate. How motions
worked, separating motions.
• Board Member Stevens responded to put off Mill Village Community School closing to a future
date, due to the transition already happening at Dr. J. C. Wickwire.
• Nancy Pynch-Worthylake responded that as a Superintendent, it would be necessary to know
when a school was closing.
• Board Member Simms responded that keeping open now, was only putting off the closing that will
happen in one to five years’ time.
• Board Member Payzant responded to say that he does not want a future date to close the school.
The Board cannot revisit this in a years’ time. Mill Village will not remain viable.
• Board Chair Naugler explained that she is concerned about the emotional process of the Mill
Village community and effects of doing another review in a years’ time. Not to close any schools,
would leave the Board to make cuts to programs, etc.
• Board Member Stevens responded to say that the Board should not look at small size as easier to
close. Size of school should fall under the small and isolated criteria for funding.
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• Board Member Griffin stated that no matter what decision is made, it will have a negative effect.
Cuts made across the board affect students as a whole. This will make the funding impact felt by
all South Shore schools.
• Board Member Fougere responded that a school closing in year three will not help balance the
budget this year.
• Jeff DeWolfe stated that Dr. J. C. Wickwire and Milton have been attending events back and forth.
Principals and administrators interchanging schools to get to know kids. Transition is underway
with the upper elementary into junior high and the high school is ongoing. The Administrators
group is meeting and transition planning is already underway. Mill Village Community School
students could be moved.
• Board Member Stevens asked if there is an increase of school numbers at Dr. J. C. Wickwire and
will programs be impacted?
• Jeff Dewolfe stated that the 300 students fell within the range. Concerns are valid and this is a
transition for students. There is an opportunity for clustering and the Just in Time program and
guidance would be available every day.
• The Board moved on to the grade 9s to move from Chester and New Ross to Forest Heights
discussion.
• Board Member Griffin stated that there would be a benefit to delay moving the grade 9s until
there can be proper transition planning.
• Nancy Pynch-Worthylake stated that Forest Heights can accommodate the 9’s with space now,
without renos.
• Steve Prest stated there is room using existing classrooms. Unallocated space, not enhancement
space.
• Jeff DeWolfe there is an opportunity for piloting a Pre O2 Program, with a skilled trades focus and
other areas. There is a better chance to get a program with skilled trades at Forest Heights. Could
use instructor from Forest Heights to help grade 9’s with this program.
• Nancy Pynch-Worthylake stated that the advantage to continue in grade 9 courses and move on
to grade 10 when in a Grade 9-12 school.
• Tina Munro stated that the student teacher ratio would be smaller class size at FHCS.
• Board Member Stevens suggested to wait and see the benefits of moving grade 9s in Queens
County first before moving the grade 9’s from CAMS and NRCS to FHCS.
• Jeff DeWolfe stated that to delay this would be fine because of administration change and
transition. In the end this will be the best thing. Safe to say 2014-15 to move grade 9s.
• Nancy Pynch-Worthylake stated that to delay the decision keeps communities in limbo. If the
Board makes the decision to move in the future, then transition can start.
• Board Members were in agreement to make the decision move the grade 9’s and delay the date
to future. For school year 14-15.
Board Chair Naugler called a recess at 2:38 p.m. The Committee of the Whole Board Meeting was
called back to order at 2:48 p.m.
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Nancy Pynch-Worthylake reviewed the options with the Board. Discussion took place.
Benefits to students in schools under review were discussed. All South Shore students,
communities of schools under review. Options – IA Report Options, Option identified by Study
Committee – Petite Plus, Variation for configuration P-5/P-6: Review not required e.g. MVCS.
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Petite – The majority of Board Members did not support the Status Quo/Petite Plus Option or the
Close & Transfer students to HA – unless new information is received.
Pentz – The majority of Board Members did not support the Status Quo P-6 Option or the Close &
move to HA Option – unless new information is received.
Board Members supported a P-5 school option for PES and PRES.
Board Members agreed that HA should remain as status quo.
The majority of Board Members agreed a new school and model for PES and PRES would attract
newcomers, supports the rural strategy, provincial pilot, connect to provincial strategies - early
years & after school, small school, reasonable size catchment area, “super” community, improved
students programming and allows community to add value to the school.
The majority of Board Members agreed to move the students from GRWS to CDES – integrate
starting in grade primary rather than grade 6, increased diversity sooner, need transition and
cultural focus, on site programs & student services, integrated focus on equity, Mi’kmaq focus P12, increased on site programming and increased resources.
MVCS – move students to DJCWA and SQJHS. Program needs met (PSP), increased program
opportunities, increased diversity, increased ability to sustain, increased innovation, decreased
impact of reputation, increased access to services, increased accessibility, full time administrator,
increased music and increased resource.
MVCS – benefits – status quo P-6 – not preferred unless there is new info received.
NRCS – move grade 9 to FHCS. Inquiry based learning, enhanced programming, skilled trades, pre
O2 (grade 9), smaller grade 9 classes.
MOTION by Board Member Payzant, seconded by Board Member Simms, that the Board move In
Camera. (3:55 p.m.)
Motion Carried Unanimously
Board Chair Naugler called a recess at 3:55 p.m. The In Camera session was called back to order at
4:07 p.m.
MOTION by Board Member Payzant, seconded by Board Member Griffin, that the Board move to
Committee of the Whole. (4:24 p.m.)
Motion Carried Unanimously
MOTION by Board Member Payzant, seconded by Board Member Griffin, that the Board move to the
Special Board Meeting. (4:24 p.m.)
Motion Carried Unanimously
DATES FOR UPCOMING MEETINGS
• Professional Development Session – March 25, 2013 – 5:30 p.m.
• Committee of the Whole Board Meeting – March 25, 2013 – 7:00 p.m.
• Special Board Meeting – March 27, 2013 – 7:00 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Board Member Payzant, seconded by Board Member Fougere, that the meeting be
adjourned. (4:25 p.m.)
Lori Ferraina,
Board Secretary &
Jennifer Naugler, Board Chair
Special Board Meeting – March 23, 2013
Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
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