YORK REGION DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION May 31, 2007

The Board Meeting - Public Session of the York Region District School Board was held in the Board Room of the Education Centre, Aurora at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 31, 2007 with Chair B. Crothers presiding and the following members present; Trustees A. DeBartolo, N. Elgie, S. Geller, D. Giangrande, J. Hertz, G. Kerr, N. Shan and M. Van Beek.

Regrets: Trustees L. Carruthers, E. Richardson, C. Sheppard and Student Trustees K. Hart and J. Ferguson.

WELCOME TO SCHOOL COUNCIL MEMBERS

The Board Chair welcomed School Council Co-Chairs G. Beros and F. Prater, Chair of the Communication Committee C. Fraser and B. Trivedi, Member from the Oak Ridges School Council. T. Copin, Chair and Rajinder Bains, Community Representative for Markham Gateway School Council were also introduced. N. Stratton and G. Asante, School Council Members from Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School, were unable to the meeting.

MOMENT OF REFLECTION

Trustee J. Hertz delivered the moment of reflection.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

(*)1. Moved by J. Hertz, seconded by G. Kerr;

That the agenda be approved with the addition announced by the Chair.

- Carried -

RISE AND REPORT – MAY 31, 2007 BOARD MEETING – PRIVATE SESSION

(*)2. Moved by D. Giangrande, seconded by N. Elgie:

1) That the Board approve the recommendations in the Employee Services staff reports regarding teacher resignations and resignations for retirement purposes.

2) That the Board receive the Suspension Totals Reports for April 1, 2007 to April 30, 2007.

3) That the Board receive the Student Discipline Report for April 2007. BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 2 MAY 31, 2007

4) That the York Region District School Board approve the adjustments to the Director’s salary as outlined.

5) That the York Region District School Board approve the School Administrator Appointment and Transfers as outlined in the staff report.

- Carried -

LITERACY VIGNETTE

At this time, Coordinating Superintendent of Education K. Thurston introduced the eighth of 12 literacy vignettes entitled “In-school Grade Team Meetings”. He outlined that reference is being made to ‘grade, subject and program’ because in secondary schools this approach is used effectively among members of the same department or within a program area.

The video outlines a team of two grade five teachers at Jersey Public School who are meeting with their principal and special education resource teacher to discuss individual student achievement results. Teachers and administrators consider student data generated from common assessment tools and exemplars used in the school. The dialogue promotes a common understanding of the expected standards of the grade or course as well as providing a basis for planning next steps in instructional interventions and programming.

Trustees and audience members viewed the eighth video clip in the literacy series entitled “In-school Grade Team Meetings”.

Every effort is made to provide opportunities for teachers to meet in such team settings and to guide them in the most effective use of this common time. Among the strategies used by principals and staff to coordinate such opportunities are release time generated through C1 days, scheduled preparation times and time generated through special assemblies and events.

Effective dialogue during such sessions is structured, student focused and intended to inform subsequent instructional interventions and supports for the students. While the focus is on individual student data, patterns of achievement are noted and planned for.

This school’s focus is on writing as part of its literacy initiative. They have developed a consistent and deep understanding of the expectations and the relevant Ministry exemplars. As patterns of student achievement emerge, this in turn affects school planning for subsequent years.

In summary, classroom teachers supported by principals and special education resource teachers collaborate, share perspectives and expertise and develop consistent understanding. Two, three or four great minds are inevitably better than one person going it alone. BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 3 MAY 31, 2007

Board Chair B. Crothers thanked Coordinating Superintendent Thurston for the informative presentation.

APPLAUSE!

The Director of Education made the following comments.

“Courageous Caretaker

Would Stephen Ayres please come forward, as well as Trustee Nancy Elgie.

Mr. Chair, we talk a lot about character in the Board. We try to nurture it in our students as much as possible. Stephen has shown a degree of character that goes well above and beyond the call of duty.

On April 3, while Stephen was working in front of Fairwood Public School, a toddler was struck by a car. Stephen, not thinking twice, took immediate action to prevent a tragedy from unfolding. Stephen rushed to the assistance of the child without any concern for his own personal safety.

Finding the toddler pinned beneath the car, Stephen attempted to lift the car off of the child. In his effort to free the child, Stephen injured his own back and required medical treatment. He was transported to in an ambulance.

However, due to Stephen’s prompt and courageous actions, the child escaped with only minor injuries.

Stephen, you are a true hero.

Principal Brian Donnelly and Vice-Principal Brenda Manning are also here this evening.

Leonardo Da Vinci Awards

Would the staff and students from Baythorn Public School please come to the front of the room with Trustee Susan Geller.

Baythorn Public School is the winner of a Leonardo da Vinci Award. The Leonardo da Vinci Awards recognize and celebrate new, useful and positive inventions, or improvements in several different fields, including education. The mandate of the Leonardo da Vinci Awards is to raise awareness that creativity, applied imagination and creative problem solving skills are important for the health and vibrancy of our economy and our people.

Leonardo Da Vinci was the inspiration for Baythorn Public School’s Journey Beyond da Frame, a school play devoted to the seven da Vincian Principles for creative thinking. While the play itself was a success, it was Arts@Baythorn’s emphasis on the BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 4 MAY 31, 2007

importance of creativity in mastering academic subjects, and the performers themselves, that made this initiative a finalist.

Teachers, parents and students created a climate for learning that encouraged all students to conceive, write, design, choreograph and produce a piece of living art. As the 185 Grade 6, 7 and 8 students engaged the sold-out crowd in the principles of creative thinking, the audience witnessed the development of future leaders; leaders ready to create positive change and possibilities in the world.

Bravo to Baythorn!

Representing the school tonight, we have:

• Students Michelle Bali, and; • Garrick Zaterman; and • Brian Stone, Principal of Baythorn Public School.

Prince Charles Kitchen

Would the group from Prince Charles Public School please come forward with Trustee Martin Van Beek.

Principal Steve Baber, teacher Janice Sadler and community coordinators Joy Dow and Myssie Nunn were instrumental in coordinating the addition of a new kitchen to Prince Charles Public School.

The project began as a wish from the community coordinators. They wanted to have a place where they could offer a breakfast program for students. Janice mentioned the breakfast program idea to a community member, who generously offered to cover the cost of the renovation through a charitable foundation. There was one stipulation, the donor insisted on remaining anonymous.

With that, the project began to move forward. A number of departments, including Plant, Finance, and Purchasing, worked with Community Education Centre North to develop the plans and cost estimates. In the fall of 2006, the first installment of funds arrived from the donor.

While Steve and Janice consulted with Plant Services staff and the architect, Myssie and Joy helped coordinate the ordering of appliances and kitchen equipment through the Purchasing department.

A “Name the Kitchen Contest” led to the new kitchen being named “The Panther Pantry.” In March 2007, the “Panther Pantry” began serving breakfast. The official opening involved media coverage and a renewed sense of school community spirit.

BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 5 MAY 31, 2007

Needless to say, the Prince Charles school community has been overwhelmed by the generous donation to fund this project. This is the first time that a project of this type has been funded by an anonymous donor.

May North Star

Would Jennifer Nutting please come forward.

Jennifer teaches at Mackenzie Glen Public School and she is this month’s North Star. She was nominated by Janice Miles. Janice’s nomination was supported by 29 staff members.

Here is what Janice told us about Jennifer:

“Jennifer is all about helping colleagues do their job well, and helping them know they are supported. When long-term occasionals or teacher candidates come into the school, she introduces them to staff with suggestions of what posters or books we might be able to share. As Literacy Lead, Ms. Nutting gives her fellow teachers professional development in fun ways, never afraid to let us laugh but always creating new learning opportunities for us. She directs us to and encourages us to take courses she’s heard about, shares what she learns at events she attends, and makes us laugh, thereby embedding information. Jennifer helps us continue to put one foot in front of the other and see the joy of sharing in others’ lives. She is like the goose who both leads and supports.”

Congratulations Jennifer!

Mackenzie Glen interim Vice-Principal Tania Sterling, is also here this evening.

Principal Peter Sovran could not be here this evening, but this is what he told me about Jennifer in an email:

“I am just thrilled that our Literacy Lead Teacher, Jennifer Nutting, is the recipient of a North Star Award. This speaks to the hard work that she does day-in and day-out to help build the capacity of all staff within our student achievement agenda. It also reflects the shift she has helped us make this year towards a Kindergarten to grade eight focus on literacy. While there is much more to be done, we certainly could not have made the progress that we have without her passion for literacy.”

April North Star

Would Marilyn Wagman, please come forward.

Marilyn is April’s North Star. She was nominated by four of her colleagues Jordana Weinstein, Rachel Berdugo, Tracy Fong and Babita Mohan-Mohabir.

BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 6 MAY 31, 2007

Here is some of what Jordana told us about Marilyn:

“Aside from her exemplary teaching and knowledge, Marilyn is committed to creating a positive environment around her. One can always find Marilyn conferencing with a teacher, helping them to brainstorm teaching strategies or lessons that will be most effective for their students. Marilyn is a real mentor! I first worked with Marilyn when I began teaching 12 years ago. She mentored me through what seemed like the hardest, yet most exciting year of my career. I could not have done it without her!”

This is what Rachel and Tracy told us:

“We have had the opportunity to have Marilyn as our mentor for the past two years. In the 2005-06 year, Marilyn was our adjunct professor at Thornhill Woods PS, while we were both student teachers in our final year at York. Marilyn consistently provided us with the relevant and practical knowledge and understanding required for us to excel in the teaching profession.”

Finally, this is what Babita told us about Marilyn:

“Marilyn has been an immense support for every member of our staff. She has generously shared her wealth of resources. She has led many workshops, not only for our staff, but for the staff of many other schools. Marilyn has a strong grasp of our curriculum and can easily take an expectation and come up with creative and engaging ways to teach it. She quickly shares these brilliant lessons that she prepares with all of us. She has supported me through many challenges. Marilyn is truly an angel among us and shines with her kindness, wisdom and wonderful sense of humour.”

Congratulations Marilyn! Your colleagues obviously hold you in high regard.

Principal Rhonda Polisuk is also here tonight to support you”.

ONTARIO PUBLIC SUPERVISORY OFFICIALS’ ASSOCIATION STUDENT AWARDS PRESENTATION

Coordinating Superintendent of Education K. Thurston announced the winners of this year’s Ontario President’s Leadership Award that is presented annually by the outgoing president of the Ontario Public Supervisory Officials’ Association to students in his or her Board.

Coordinating Superintendent Thurston indicated that the criteria for the award may be modified by the outgoing president to fit the current priorities of the Board or the Association. This year, in keeping with Student Success initiatives within the Board and across the province, as well as being a stated priority in the Ontario Public Supervisory Officials’ strategic plan, the following criteria were set:

BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 7 MAY 31, 2007

1) completion of a secondary school diploma by June 2007 with preference to students who have accessed and will successfully complete one or more pathways or student success program initiatives such as; dual/experiential credits, credit recovery, cooperative education and apprenticeship; 2) enrolment in an apprenticeship or college level skilled trades program commencing Summer or Fall of 2007; and 3) positive contributions to the school and school community.

Winners of the award this year will share the total value of $1,000.

The following winners, all of whom are pursuing further studies related to their respective professions in the skilled trades were introduced and welcomed to the meeting. Coordinating Superintendent Thurston made the following remarks.

“Drew Delaney

Unfortunately, Drew Delaney and his Principal Peter Tse were unable to attend tonight as it is Bayview Secondary School’s prom this evening. Drew’s parents, Mr. & Mrs. Delaney are in attendance to accept this award on his behalf.

Drew Delaney has been an active participant in Bayview Secondary School’s Co- operative Education Program for two semesters. Drew has presented himself as a role model, leader and an athlete on Bayview Secondary School’s Senior Boys Basketball Team. He became a registered Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program student in the Spring of 2006, while working to become an Autobody & Collision Damage Repairer Apprentice. Currently, he is continuing his apprenticeship competencies at Wilson Niblett Motors Ltd. in Richmond Hill and plans to attend Centennial College in his corresponding program as sponsored by the Ministry of Training, Collages and Universities. Good Luck Drew! We are proud of you.

Nader Failey

Nader Failey, student at Pierre Elliott Trudeau High school, is currently enrolled in his second full semester of cooperative education as an Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program student. He worked with a plumber in semester one where he solidified his decision to pursue this line of work. Nader applied for and was selected to participate in the accelerated apprenticeship program this semester. He was accepted as an apprentice during the group signing which took place at Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School in November 2006. Nader is currently working on his apprenticeship courses at George Brown College.

Dennis Luong

Dennis Luong, student at Middlefield Collegiate Institute, is a part of the Accelerated Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program at Humber College. He has successfully completed his level one apprenticeship to become an electrician. Presently he is BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 8 MAY 31, 2007

working with Best Electric and is helping to wire an elementary school in Mississauga for the Peel District School Board. Dennis plans to complete his apprenticeship and become a licensed electrician. Congratulations Dennis!

Daniel Wilkinson

Daniel Wilkinson has been an honour student throughout his academic career at Keswick High School, with marks in the 90’s in Grade 12 English, Science, Math and Cooperative Education.

Daniel returned to Keswick High School in order to pursue his desired path in the field of carpentry. He signed as an Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program student in order to begin working towards his carpenter apprenticeship.

Daniel plans to attend Georgian College starting in September 2007, studying carpentry and later specializing in cabinet making. He is presently working on his carpentry proficiencies with the L.S. Development Group, his previous cooperative education placement.

ONTARIO PUBLIC SUPERVISORY OFFICIALS’ ASSOCIATION PRESENTATION

Incoming President of the Ontario Public Supervisory Officials’ Association (OPSOA) Johanne Messner addressed the Board at this time to honor the contribution of Coordinating Superintendent of Education K. Thurston for his exemplary work as President of the association over the past year.

Ms. Messner stated she had been amazed by the contributions of both the Director of Education and Mr. Thurston at the provincial level. Mr. Thurston’s passion for public education is paralleled only by his genuine dedication to his family. Ms. Messner observed that he exemplifies the “heart of leadership”, which she described in the following manner. “True leaders desire to serve others, not themselves. They put others ahead of their own agenda and possess the confidence to serve. True leaders initiate service to others, are not position conscious and serve out of caring about the benefit to others.” Ms. Messner indicated that Superintendent Thurston’s desire to serve others has definitely benefited the Ontario Public Supervisory Officials’ Association (OPSOA) over the past year. By focusing on the goals in the strategic plan, which he developed, student success, leadership capacity and confidence in public education has been well served.

Superintendent Thurston’s monthly reports at OPSOA illustrated his ability to put other needs ahead of his own agenda. He continually demonstrated the knowledge and confidence to debate any topic related to public education at the highest level to serve the interests of students and their leaders. Superintendent Thurston represented supervisory officers at numerous provincial events and ensured that their interests were heard. Ms. Messner thanked Mr. Thurston for giving so much back to the province and for demonstrating the “heart of leadership” for all public supervisory officers in Ontario. She BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 9 MAY 31, 2007

also thanked the Board for allowing Co-ordinating Superintendent Thurston to serve in this capacity, stating that he has truly made a significant difference.

Superintendent Thurston thanked the Board for giving him the opportunity to serve as President over the past year. He also expressed appreciation to his colleagues who have provided support and assistance locally while he was attending to provincial matters.

ROUTINE RECOMMENDATIONS

(*)3. Moved by A. DeBartolo, seconded by M. Van Beek:

That the Board adopt the following routine recommendations (*) in accordance with Board Procedure.

BUDGET COMMITTEE MINUTES, APRIL 30, 2007

1) Approval of Agenda

That the agenda be approved as written.

3) Adjournment

That the Budget Meeting be adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

POLICY AND BY-LAW COMMITTEE MINUTES, MAY 7, 2007

1) Approval of Agenda

That the agenda be approved as written.

2) Policy and Procedure #601.0, Supports for Aboriginal Students

That in accordance with Board Policy #285.0, Board Policies and Procedures, Policy #601.0, Supports for Aboriginal Students (First Draft Revision), as amended, be circulated to the system for comment.

4) Policy #135.0, Food Services

That in accordance with Board Policy #285.0, Board Policies and Procedures, Policy #135.0, Food Services (First Draft Revision), as amended, be circulated to the system for comment.

BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 10 MAY 31, 2007

5) Policy and Procedure #280.0, Volunteers in our Schools

That in accordance with Board Policy #285.0, Board Policies and Procedures, Policy #280.0, Volunteers in our Schools (First Draft Revision), as amended, be circulated to the system for comment.

6) Policy and Procedure #152.0, Inclement Weather Days and Emergency Conditions Days

That in accordance with Board Policy #285.0, Board Policies and Procedures, Policy #152.0, Inclement Weather Days and Emergency Conditions Days (First Draft Revision), be circulated to the system for comment.

BOARD STANDING COMMITTEE MINUTES, MAY 7, 2007

1) Approval of Agenda

That the agenda be approved as written.

2) Dr. G. W. Williams Secondary School Replacement

That the York Region District School Board receive the report on Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School Replacement for information.

3) Healthy Active Living Report

1. That the York Region District School Board work collaboratively with community partners to ensure the sustainability of the healthy schools approach in existing schools and to support the integration into all remaining schools over time.

2. That the York Region District School Board develop a Healthy Schools and Workplace Policy.

4) School Council Annual Report 2005/2006

That the York Region District School Board receive the information report on School Councils.

5) Elementary Boundary Changes

That the York Region District School Board approve the following recommendations.

BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 11 MAY 31, 2007

1. That the Mount Joy Public School and Milliken Mills French Immersion boundary be revised to include portions from the Franklin Street Public School French Immersion boundary for September 2007, as reflected in Appendix A and B of the staff report. That the Franklin Street Public School boundary be revised to match these changes.

2. That the Herb Carnegie Public School boundary be revised to include the Block 20 portion of the Mackenzie Glen Public School boundary for September 2008, as reflected in Appendix C and D of the staff report. That the Mackenzie Glen Public School boundary be revised to match these changes.

3. That the Stephen Lewis Secondary School boundary be revised to include Block 20 for September 2008, as reflected in Appendix E and F of the staff report. That the Maple High School boundary be revised to match these changes.

6) Cash Disbursements, March 2007

1. That Cash Disbursements for March 2007 for all expenditures, except item #42, in the sum of $18,021,505.32 be approved.

2. That Cash Disbursements for March 2007 for item #42, in the sum of $65,040,114.22 be approved.

CHAIR’S COMMITTEE MINUTES, MAY 14, 2007

1) Construction Projects Review

That the Board receive the staff report Construction Projects Review.

2) Supervisory Officer Selection Committee

That Trustees A. DeBartolo, B. Crothers and D. Giangrande be appointed to the Supervisory Officer Selection Committee to develop a short list of candidates for future appointments.

3) Naming of New Elementary School - Harry Bowes Public School

That the name for the new elementary school located at the intersection of Greenwood Road and Forsyth Farms Drive in the Town of Whitchurch- Stouffville, approved at the April 26, 2007 Board Meeting, be amended to “Harry Bowes Public School”.

BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 12 MAY 31, 2007

SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES, MAY 17, 2007

1) Approval of Agenda

That the agenda be approved as written.

2) Receipt of Minutes – April 5, 2007

That the change to the minutes of the April 5, 2007 Special Education Advisory Committee meeting be noted.

3) How to Help Your Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder Presentation

That the Special Education Advisory Committee receive the How to Help Your Students with Autistic Spectrum Disorder presentation for information.

4) Report from the Board

That the Special Education Advisory Committee receive the Report from the Board for information.

5) Special Education Report

That the Special Education Advisory Committee receive the Special Education Report for information.

6) Communications and Sub-Committee Update

That the Special Education Advisory Committee receive the Communications and Sub-Committee Report for information.

MARKHAM DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL REPLACEMENT FEASIBLITY STUDY, TOWN OF MARKHAM

1) That the York Region District School Board receive the Feasibility Report on Markham District High School prepared by Moffet and Duncan Architects Inc.

2) That the York Region District School Board authorize Moffet and Duncan Architects Inc. to carry out the detailed design for the replacement of Markham District High School on the existing school site.

BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 13 MAY 31, 2007

3) That the York Region District School Board direct staff to include the replacement of Markham District High School in the Board’s 2007 Capital Strategy.

- Carried -

The Board Chair drew trustees’ attention to the routine recommendation which had been passed with regard to the naming of the new elementary school located at the intersection of Greenwood Road and Forsyth Farms Drive in the Town of Whitchurch- Stouffville, as “Harry Bowes Public School”. He took this opportunity to introduce Harry Bowes, who was in attendance at the meeting. He paid tribute to his many contributions to pubic education and his community of Whitchurch-Stouffville over the years.

ONTARIO PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARDS’ ASSOCIATION (OPSBA) REPORT

Trustee J. Hertz informed trustees that the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association Board of Directors held a meeting on Friday, April 27th and Saturday, April 28th. The main issue being considered was governance and restructuring. Members also discussed the move toward one school board in Ontario and emphatically did not support this initiative. A number of regularly scheduled reports were also received. Trustees were reminded about the annual general meeting being held on June 7 – 10, 2007.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS Board Chair B. Crothers congratulated Trustee Neethan Shan on being awarded the Youth Activist Award at the South Asian Heritage Day Awards for Excellence for his work with south Asian youth. Board Chair B. Crothers also introduced and welcomed incoming Student Trustee for the 2007/2008 school year S. Soltaninia to the meeting. He invited her to join trustees at the Board table. The following information was also shared with trustees. Friday, June 1, 2007 is Tree Day, an annual for people of every , race and to celebrate peace and diversity together. This year’s student Arts camp was a tremendous success and was held from Saturday, May 26th to Saturday, June 2nd. The “We Said Never Again: The Silent Voices of Rwanda” organized by York Region Teacher Leo Kabilisa is currently being shown at the Markham Museum before traveling to all Markham High Schools and then McGill University for a World Genocide Conference being held in July. BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 14 MAY 31, 2007

The Joint Board Consortium meeting previously scheduled for Wednesday, June 6, 2007 has been cancelled. The next scheduled meeting is on Wednesday, November 7, 2007.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

(*)4. Moved by A. DeBartolo, seconded by S. Geller:

That the Minutes of the April 26, 2007 Board Meeting and the May 7, 2007 Special Board Meeting be approved as written.

- Carried -

BUDGET COMMITTEE MINUTES, APRIL 30, 2007

RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE THE 2007/2008 BUDGET

Trustee M. Van Beek, Chair of the Budget Committee, highlighted that at the Budget meeting held on April 30th, trustees recommended approval of the 2007-2008 budget which provides for an expenditure level of $949,021,000, serving over 104,000 full-time students. Provincial grants for 2007-08 support student needs and increased student achievement. Three new grants were introduced this year. The first is The Program Enhancement Grant that supports programs and activities such as arts, music, physical education and outdoor education. The second grant is the First Nations, Metis and Inuit Education Supplement which aims to support the goal of improved achievement in the aboriginal community. Finally, the Supported School Allocation of Geographic Circumstances Grant aims to provide ongoing stable funding for the cost of principals, vice-principals and secretaries in open and operating schools of school boards with declining enrollment. This final grant does not apply to any schools in York Region.

Budget Chair Van Beek said the Board continues to welcome input into the development of the budget on an annual basis. This year presentations were well received from the Special Education Advisory and Race Relations Advisory Committees, as well as the Managers’ Council and York Region Administrators’ Council. He highlighted some of the priorities which had been addressed with this budget, including a continued focus on primary class size, support for elementary and secondary teachers, special education and leadership development. On behalf of his colleagues, Trustee Van Beek expressed sincere appreciation to the Director of Education, Associate Director of Education B. Richardson and the Business Services staff for their exemplary work in preparing the budget documentation, background information and related recommendations.

BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 15 MAY 31, 2007

(*)5. Moved by M. Van Beek, seconded by D. Giangrande:

That the York Region District School Board approve the 2007-2008 Budget, as submitted at the April 30, 2007 Budget Committee meeting, with an expenditure level of $949,021,000.

- Carried -

POLICY AND BY-LAW COMMITTEE MINUTES, MAY 7, 2007

POLICY AND PROCEDURE #462.0, STUDENT ACCOMMODATION REVIEW

The Board Chair announced that the recommendation to circulate the Student Accommodation Policy for comment had been removed from routine due to some amendments to the appendices which had been introduced following approval at the Policy and By-Law Committee meeting.

(*)6. Moved by A. DeBartolo, seconded by N. Elgie:

That in accordance with Board Policy #285.0, Board Policies and Procedures, Policy #462.0, Student Accommodation Review (First Draft Revision), as amended, be circulated to the system for comment.

- Carried -

RESOLUTION RE DEBENTURE BY-LAWS 2007-01 AND 2007-02

Note: Trustee G. Kerr declared a direct or indirect pecuniary interest regarding the motion to approve the Board’s debenture by-laws and refrained from the discussion and voting on this item.

Associate Director B. Richardson provided specific details with respect to the special debenture issue the Board is required to approve in order to secure funds to finance schools over the next 25 year period. He explained the fiscal agent for this transaction had provided excellent service and support in the past. The debenture had been split into two sections; one for furniture and equipment in the amount of $6,356,000 and one for school construction in the amount of $87,022,000. The Ontario Financing Authority, which is an independent body of the provincial government, has given staff assurances that the rates being established are appropriate within the existing marketplace. Business Services staff is extremely pleased with the rates that have been negotiated for this purpose and are recommending the Board’s approval of same. Associate Director Richardson expressed appreciation to the Business Services staff members who had worked to prepare the debenture issue for trustees’ approval.

BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 16 MAY 31, 2007

(*)7. Moved by M. Van Beek, seconded by S. Geller:

That the Board approve Debenture By-Laws 2007-01 and 2007-02 authorizing the issue of debentures in the amount of $87,022,000 and $6,356,000 respectively.

- Carried -

MOTION REGARDING PETITIONING THE CANADIAN AND ONTARIO GOVERNMENTS TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF GUNS AND OTHER WEAPONS AVAILABLE IN THE COMMUNITY

Board Chair B. Crothers introduced a motion to petition the provincial and federal levels of government to take action to reduce the number of guns and other weapons that are available within our school communities. He clarified the Board is proposing this motion independent of neighbouring boards but with their philosophical support.

Some discussion took place with respect to the specific wording in the motion. It was noted that there are other weapons of significant concern, such as knives that also can inflict serious harm or fatal injury.

(*)8. Moved by B. Crothers, seconded by J. Hertz:

Whereas there seems to be an increasing number of incidents involving guns and other weapons in our communities, and

Whereas there seems to be a disproportionate impact of those incidents on young people, either directly through their own involvement, or indirectly through their parents, and

Whereas young people are entitled to feel safe in their homes and communities, and

Whereas there would seem to be a correlation between the number of incidents and the availability of guns and other weapons in the community,

Therefore be it resolved that the York Region District School Board petition the Canadian and Ontario governments to initiate steps which will have the effect of reducing the number of guns available in the community and, consequently, the number of gun related incidents affecting young people in our communities.

- Carried -

BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 17 MAY 31, 2007

ADJOURNMENT

(*)9. Moved by G. Kerr, seconded by J. Hertz:

That the Board Meeting be adjourned at 9:20 p.m.

- Carried -

Chair of the Board Director of Education and Secretary-Treasurer