ROUTINE
YORK REGION DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION NOVEMBER 25, 2010
The Board Meeting - Public Session of the York Region District School Board was held in the Board Room of the Education Centre, Aurora at 8:01 p.m. on Thursday, November 25, 2010 with Chair D. Giangrande presiding and the following members present; Trustees L. Carruthers, B. Crothers, A. DeBartolo, N. Elgie, S. Geller, J. Hertz, G. Kerr, P. Luchowski, E. Richardson, and M. Van Beek.
Also in attendance: Student Trustees M. Bun and L. Shelson
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
(*)1. Moved by L. Carruthers, seconded by A. DeBartolo:
That the agenda be approved with the following addition.
• Naming of a New Secondary School Oak Ridges (Centre for Continuous Learning) Dr. Bette Stephenson Centre for Learning.
- Carried -
RISE AND REPORT – NOVEMBER 25, 2010 BOARD MEETING – PRIVATE SESSION
(*)2. Moved by A. DeBartolo, seconded by E. Richardson:
1) That the York Region District School Board approve the recommendations in the Human Resource Services staff report.
2) That the York Region District School Board receive the Student Discipline and Suspension reports for information.
3) That the York Region District School Board receive the information in the staff report for submission to the Ministry of Education.
- Carried -
STUDENT TRUSTEE REPORTS
At this time, Student Trustee L. Shelson made the following remarks.
“Madame Chair, Mr. Director, Trustees, Staff, Ladies and Gentlemen.
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This month has been incredibly busy for Student Trustee Bun and myself.
The Ontario Student Trustees’ Association (OSTA) held its Fall General Meeting (FGM) this month, which coincided with OSTA’s 10 Year Anniversary Gala at which we were joined by Director of Education K. Thurston and Vice-Chair A. DeBartolo.
OSTA has been representing the student body with greater enthusiasm than ever. OSTA, Student Vote and Scholarships Canada have teamed up to administer a province-wide student survey, and at FGM we elected our first Board of Directors, submitted an application for incorporation, and joined the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association, the Ontario Principals’ Council and many other Ministry stakeholders in supporting Motion 571 in the House of Commons that will secure equal rights for Aboriginal education across Canada. As well, expect to hear alot more from OSTA in the new e-newsletter entitled 'OSTA-AECO ECHO'.
Student Trustee Bun and I attended the Quest Conference which was an incredible learning experience, and back in the classroom I convinced my politics teacher to incorporate Twitter into student assignments. I and the other trustees were amazed at how teachers in the Board are utilizing technology and professional internet devices (PIDs). Hopefully this movement will carry on and educators will continue to use 21st century technology to connect and engage students. I am proud to be in a Board that utilizes student interest.
On November 23, Student Trustee Bun and I attended the SpeakOUT leadership conference for lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender youth and their allies at which Maria and I were the moderators. Maria led a workshop on Twitter and we would like to thank Board staff for their help setting up the technology for the conference. It worked wonderfully and we hope that this is the start of more social media interaction between students and the Board. I would also like to thank Superintendent of Schools S. List and the planning committee for all the work that was put into SpeakOUT. It was a great success and truly showcased the inclusiveness and equity in the Board.
At the last YRPC meeting, students from the Toronto Catholic School Board and the York Catholic District School Board joined us, which provided an excellent networking opportunity and sharing of ideas. I would like to thank Education and Community Services for providing us with refreshments. As well, the YRPC sent out delegate applications for the annual leadership conference to be held April 7-10, 2011 at Camp Trillium. On behalf of YRPC I would like to extend a thank you to Superintendent of Schools C. Roach for all of his help and we hope trustees and staff encourage schools to send delegates. It is an amazing experience and the YRPC looks forward to sharing it with another amazing group of student leaders this year.
We would also like to thank Director of Education K. Thurston, Senior Manager Board and Trustee Services, L. Barnes and Assistant Manager Board and Trustee Services, L. Reinhardt for meeting with us to discuss many things, amongst them a new policy that Maria and I are writing. The policy will have a strong focus on Student Council, BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 3 NOVEMBER 25, 2010
student engagement and leadership. We recently spoke at the principals’ and vice- principals’ meetings regarding YRPC and the policy, and ask that if you have anything you would like to contribute, please let us know. Our hope is that the policy will be passed during our term.
On a final note, on behalf of the student body I would like to thank the outgoing trustees for their contribution to the Board. It is greatly appreciated and we wish you the best of luck in the future.
Thank you.”
Director of Education K. Thurston and Board Chair D. Giangrande thanked Student Trustee Shelson for his remarks.
PRESENTATION TO TRUSTEES
At this time, Chair D. Giangrande read the following remarks.
“We have much to be proud of in York Region. Our public education system is one of the best in Ontario and, indeed, the world. The work that goes on day to day from the front lines of student and parent engagement to setting the vision and policy, the system is continuously enhanced by those called to public service.
Over the previous four years, our outgoing trustees have contributed enormously to the advancement of public education. You have served the Board well. The students and their parents, staff, and our many other stakeholders will always be grateful for your many hours of hard work, insight, vision and dedication.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would like to personally thank you and ask that Ken Thurston, Director of Education proceed with a small presentation for you.”
At this time, Director of Education K. Thurston made the following comments.
“Thank you Madam Chair. I would like to thank Vice-Chair Anna DeBartolo for her assistance in the presentation of appreciation gifts.
Today, we are presenting a Group of Seven painting to our three outgoing trustees. The Group of Seven are synonymous with Canadian culture and excellence. These are the same qualities each of you exemplified as trustees for the York Region District School Board.
Trustee Peter Luchowski
Trustee Peter Luchowski brought a wealth of knowledge, understanding and appreciation for education. His previous experience as a coach and occasional teacher were evident throughout his time as trustee. Among his many contributions and BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 4 NOVEMBER 25, 2010
accomplishments over the past term were his demonstrated leadership skills and commitment to safe schools. Over the past year, Trustee Luchowski chaired the Student Discipline Committee with a high degree of fairness that garnered the respect of all those who attended the meetings. We are also grateful for his involvement on other committees and groups including the Audit Committee, the Policy and By-law Committee, the Property Management Committee and the Joint Board Consortium, among others.
Trustee Elizabeth Richardson
Trustee Elizabeth Richardson brought to the York Region District School Board her commitment to equity and fairness, as well as a student and parent voice. Her keen business sense was a benefit to the Board and all the committees she served on. Her leadership abilities came to the forefront as chair of the Property Management Committee. She also participated in the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association as a Director, and served on the Negotiations Advisory Committee, Policy and By-law Committee and the Supervised Alternative Learning for Excused Pupils, among others.
Trustee Bill Crothers
Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Trustee Bill Crothers has given so much to the community and public education in particular. He has presented himself as a role model that all youth from York Region and across Canada can look up to.
His hard work, determination and pursuit of excellence have always been visible. In fact, the University of Toronto describes him as “arguably the greatest middle distance runner Canada has yet produced.” In 1964, Trustee Crothers made the nation proud with an Olympic Silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics. And, ever since, he has applied that same hard work, determination and pursuit of excellence to the community.
In 1988, Bill successfully ran for York Region District School Board Trustee. Five years later, he became the Chair of the Board. His tenure as Chair would eventually set a provincial record, serving in that role from 1993 to 2007.
In a fitting tribute to his dedication and hard work, Bill Crothers Secondary School was opened bearing his name. The school, open since 2008 is a unique, character-focused learning environment for students motivated by sport, athletics and the pursuit of healthy, active living.
His commitment to education is unparalleled; he is honest, truthful, generous and humble. These are qualities he has embodied throughout his life and are apparent in his long-time devotion to the needs and interests of York Region students. How proud his wife Morven and their three children Margaret, Andrea and William must be.
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I would ask at this time that Lori Barnes, Senior Manager, Board and Trustee Services, also come forward to present Trustee Bill Crothers with the official Board gavel.
On behalf of the over 116,000 students, their parents and the staff of the York Region District School Board, thank you for your work in advancing education in York Region and preparing learners for life.”
Trustees Crothers, Luchowski, and Richardson expressed their appreciation and thanks to colleagues and staff.
Chair Giangrande thanked all out-going trustees for their service and dedication to the Board.
APPLAUSE
Director K. Thurston made the following remarks.
Today’s Parent Magazine 2010 School MVP – Support Staff
Would David Holborn and Ramon Andrade please come forward.
Great school experiences do not happen by accident. They are the result of hard work and dedication from individuals in the school community. That is why Today’s Parent Magazine put out a cross-Canada call for the principals, teachers, volunteers and support staff who make their schools great. More than 200 nominations were received.
David Holborn
Today’s Parent Magazine’s 2010 School Most Valuable Person for Support Staff is David Holborn, Lead Caretaker of Beverley Acres Public School in Richmond Hill.
He was nominated by Paula Windsor, a school parent, who said “David is so much more than a caretaker at our school. He truly cares about the students and gives selflessly to help them be the best that they can be.
When the school choir found itself without a music director, he did not think twice about using his lunch hours to fill the role. In addition, David acts as a vocal coach for actors in Beverley Acres’ annual musicals. He leads our students in school concerts and performances, and even outside the school in the Richmond Hill Santa Claus Parade and in the Music Alive Festival.
David also shares his time and talent with the school and students during many special events, such as the grade eight graduation ceremony where he plays the bagpipes to usher in the student procession.
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Beyond his musical talents, David positively influences students, helps redirect students’ actions if needed and encourages them to choose appropriate games and dress appropriately when outside at recess. David takes an active role in helping ensure the safety and well-being of all Beverley Acres Public School students.”
Beverley Acres Public School Principal, Ramon Andrade said the following of David: “David Holborn is an altruistic, responsible, caring individual who is always willing to help and selflessly contributes his time and energy to making our school a better place to learn and work.”
Congratulations to our Today’s Parent 2010 School Most Valuable Person, David Holborn. Keep up the good work, David.
Habitat for Humanity Build
Bur Oak Secondary School Global Action Club
Would the Bur Oak Secondary School Global Action Club and Principal Kadri Mereweather please come forward.
Recently, this group of students from Bur Oak Secondary School participated in a Habitat for Humanity Build in Keswick. The school’s Global Action Council met with the volunteer co-ordinator of Habitat for Humanity York Region, Heather Johnson, in the spring of last year. Heather, who unfortunately could join us tonight, conducted safety training and an orientation for participating students and ensured that they were ready to get down to work.
Due to a mandatory minimum age of 16, not all members of the Council were able to participate, but 13 members of the Global Action Club spent the day working very hard on the construction site that will eventually be home to a mother and her five adopted daughters.
The members of the Global Action Club who worked on the build that day were Anmol Punjabi, Arunyah Sivakular, Narusha Arulranjan, Maria Mustansir, Irene Nguyen, Deepiga Vigneswaran, Iesha Wu, Cara Cho, Momtha Sivapathasundram, Dhivya Sasi, Asta Au, Amal Ahmed and Kate Kostandoff, Head of Library at Bur Oak.
The team took a bus to Keswick, donned their work boots and hard hats and prepared for a challenging day. Students were guided by experienced Habitat for Humanity volunteers who directed the student team and taught them some basic skills.
Throughout the day, Bur Oak students cemented bricks, dug a hole and prepared it to have the concrete poured, shifted excess concrete blocks from inside the foundation to be stacked for removal, positioned and raised floor joists. It was a full day of hard and steady work and certainly put our students and teacher to the test.
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The team was happy to meet the thankful mother who will be moving into the energy efficient home in late December 2010.
Thank you, Bur Oak Global Action Club for your outstanding efforts and hard work.
North Star
Would Marc Nicholson, Mark Melnyk, Steve Bewcyk, and Colleen Ireland please come forward.
November’s North Star is Marc Nicholson of Markville Secondary School. Marc was nominated by Mark Melnyk, who asked to read his nomination.
“Marc is an unsung hero at Markville Secondary. He is an excellent classroom teacher and also a dedicated teacher-librarian. It is in these roles that he assists numerous students and staff with learning the ever-changing technology tools, all in an effort to enhance student learning.
Marc also organizes school trips for students to Washington, New York and Boston. He is so selfless that he sometimes does not go on the trip himself, but is just happy to see students get the great experience.
Every year, with little fanfare, Marc also orchestrates our schools Remembrance Day ceremonies with precision.
Marc has such a kind, generous and calm demeanor that permeates a room. On those crazy days when you feel stressed, a few kind words from Marc, and life comes back into perspective.
Everyone on staff thinks very highly of Marc Nicholson, and while he is genuinely happy for others’ successes, I believe it is time that this dedicated educator is recognized for his great contributions to our Board.”
Congratulations Mark.”
Director Thurston and Chair Giangrande congratulated all recipients and thanked them for their contributions.
ONTARIO PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARDS’ ASSOCIATION
Trustee E. Richardson stated that she and Trustee P. Luchowski would be attending the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association Board of Directors’ Meeting on November 26 & 27, 2010, and a report will be provided to the Board. Trustee L. Carruthers indicated that meeting information is available in the trustee lounge.
BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 8 NOVEMBER 25, 2010
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Director of Education K. Thurston asked Superintendent of Schools R. Lambert to provide information regarding a damaged water pipe at James Robinson Public School. Superintendent Lambert provided details and expressed thanks to Principal J. Spiers, Senior Manager, Administrative Services D. Neale, and Superintendent of Plant Services M. Roberts, who provided outstanding support and coordination of staff resources so that students could attend school the next day.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
(*)3. Moved by P. Luchowski, seconded by M. Van Beek:
That the minutes of the October 28, 2010 Board Meeting be approved as written.
- Carried -
ROUTINE RECOMMENDATIONS
(*)4. Moved by N. Elgie, seconded by J. Hertz
That the Board adopt the following routine recommendations (*) in accordance with Board procedure.
SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES, NOVEMBER 4, 2010
1) Approval of Agenda
That the agenda be approved as written.
2) Receipt of Minutes
That the minutes of the October 7, 2010 Special Education Advisory Committee meeting be received for information.
3) Board Improvement Work Plan for Student Achievement
That the Special Education Advisory Committee receive the Board Improvement Work Plan for Student Achievement presentation for information.
4) 2010-2011 Education Funding Update
That the Special Education Advisory Committee receive the 2010-2011 Education Funding Update presentation for information. BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 9 NOVEMBER 25, 2010
5) Special Education Report
That the Special Education Advisory Committee receive the Special Education Report for information.
6) Student Services Report
That the Special Education Advisory Committee receive the Student Services Report for information.
7) Report from the Board
That the Special Education Advisory Committee receive the Report from the Board for information.
8) Communications Sub-Committee Update
That the Special Education Advisory Committee receive the Communications Sub-Committee Update for information.
POLICY AND BY-LAW COMMITTEE MINUTES, NOVEMBER 8, 2010
1) Approval of Agenda
That the agenda be approved as written.
2) Policy #250.0, Violence Prevention and Intervention
That in accordance with Board Policy #285.0, Board Policies and Procedures, Policy #250.0, Violence Prevention and Intervention, as amended, be forwarded to the November 25, 2010 Board Meeting for final approval.
3) Policy #536.0, Performance Appraisal Process
That in accordance with Board Policy #285.0, Board Policies and Procedures, Policy #536.0, Performance Appraisal Process (First Draft Revision), be circulated to the system for comment.
4) Policy #663.0, Partnerships with External Agencies for Provision of Services by Regulated Health Professionals, Regulated Social Service Professionals and Paraprofessionals
That in accordance with Board Policy #285.0, Board Policies and Procedures, Policy #663.0 (Working Document), Policy Partnerships with BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 10 NOVEMBER 25, 2010
External Agencies for Provision of Services by Regulated Health Professionals, Regulated Social Service Professionals and Paraprofessionals (First Draft Revision), be circulated to the system for comment.
5) Policy #235.0, Environmental Policy
That in accordance with Board Policy #235.0, Board Policies and Procedures, Policy #235.0, Environmental Policy (First Draft Revision), be updated as required and scheduled for further review at the January 10, 2011 Policy and By-Law Committee Meeting.
6) Policy #194.0, Appropriate Use of Technology
That in accordance with Board Policy #285.0, Board Policies and Procedures, Policy #194.0, Appropriate Use of Technology (First Draft Revision), be revised and scheduled for additional review at the January 10, 2011 Policy and By-Law Committee Meeting.
BOARD STANDING COMMITTEE MINUTES, NOVEMBER 8, 2010
1) Approval of Agenda
That the agenda be approved as written.
2) Annual 2009-2010 Accessibility Plan
That the York Region District School Board receive the 2009-2010 Annual Accessibility Plan, as amended, and make it available to the public in accordance with the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 (ODA).
3) Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) Annual Report September 2009 to June 2010
That the York Region District School Board receive the Special Education Advisory Committee 2009/2010 Annual Report for information.
4) Cash Disbursements, September 2010
That the York Region District School Board approve the following recommendations.
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1. That Cash Disbursements for September 2010 for all expenditures, except item #89, in the sum of $31,784,408.43 be approved.
2. That Cash Disbursements for September 2010 for item #89, in the sum of $49,534,964.56 be approved.
CHAIR’S COMMITTEE MINUTES, NOVEMBER 15, 2010
1) That the York Region District School Board receive the staff report Construction Projects Review.
PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION D01-10007/D02-10020/D06-10039, TOWN OF RICHMOND HILL
That the York Region District School Board approve the following recommendations.
1) That the York Region District School Board will not require a public elementary school site within proposed development plan D01-10007/ D02-10020/D06-10039, Town of Richmond Hill.
2) That the Director of Planning for the Town of Richmond Hill be advised of this action.
- Carried -
NAMING OF A NEW SECONDARY SCHOOL OAK RIDGES (CENTRE FOR CONTINUOUS LEARNING) DR. BETTE STEPHENSON CENTRE FOR LEARNING
Coordinating Superintendent B. Harper provided background information regarding the recommended name change for the Oak Ridges site previously known as the Centre for Continuous Learning.
(*)5. Moved by A. DeBartolo, seconded by L. Carruthers:
That the York Region District School Board approve the name ‘Dr. Bette Stephenson Centre for Learning” for the unnamed secondary school, formally identified as the Centre for Continuous Learning, located at the Regatta site in Oak Ridges.
- Carried -
BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 12 NOVEMBER 25, 2010
ADJOURNMENT
(*)6. Moved by E. Richardson, seconded by G. Kerr:
That the Board Meeting be adjourned at 8:43 p.m.
- Carried -
Chair of the Board Director of Education and Secretary-Treasurer