YORK REGION DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION MARCH 30, 2006
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, March 30, 2006 with Chair B. Crothers presiding and the following members present; Trustees M. Aldridge, L. Carruthers, A. DeBartolo, N. Elgie, D. Giangrande, J. Hertz, S. Korolnek, S. Plamondon, G. Unitas and M. Van Beek.
Also in attendance: Student Trustees A. Lakha and H. Panju
Regrets: Trustee T. Benn-Ireland
WELCOME TO SCHOOL COUNCIL MEMBERS
The Board Chair welcomed school council members Saeed Zolfagari, Co-Chair, Bayview Secondary School, and school council members from H.G. Bernard Public School Rashni Barath, Co-Chair, Kelly Rutherford, Secretary, Rosmin Kassam, Executive Member and School Principal Zera Hameed and Vice-Principal Matthew Biemiller. He acknowledged the important role that school councils play in support of student learning. On behalf of the Board, the Chair thanked school councils for the outstanding work that they do in schools and for taking the time to join trustees at this evening’s meeting.
MOMENT OF REFLECTION
Trustee A. DeBartolo delivered the moment of reflection.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
(*)1. Moved by J. Hertz, seconded by D. Giangrande:
That the agenda be approved with the changes announced by the Board Chair.
That recommendation #4 on page 66 of the March 7, 2006 Board Standing Committee minutes be amended to show MacLeod’s Landing Public School for the unnamed elementary school located on Silver Maple Road in Richmond Hill.
That recommendation #11 on page 69 of the March 7, 2006 Board Standing Committee minutes regarding field permitting be removed from routine.
- Carried -
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RISE AND REPORT – MARCH 30, 2006 BOARD MEETING – PRIVATE SESSION
(*)2. Moved by S. Plamondon, seconded by A. DeBartolo:
1) That the Board approve the recommendations in the Employee Services staff reports regarding teacher resignations, resignations for retirement purposes and deferred salary leaves.
2) That the Board receive the Suspension Totals Report for February 1, 2006 to February 28, 2006.
3) That the Board receive the Expulsion Report for February 2006.
- Carried -
APPLAUSE!
The Director of Education made the following comments.
Work Experience Program Community Partners
“Would Stewart Abram from Markham Total Auto Centre please come forward.
The Board’s Work Experience Program is a training program that enables students with developmental disabilities to learn more about themselves and the world of work. It is designed to promote career awareness by providing an opportunity for students to practice work-related skills in the classroom and community, before making the transition from home and school to the world beyond education. This program fosters success and we have been very fortunate that many businesses realize this and have supported the program and valued our students. One business, in particular, that has been extremely supportive of this program is Markham Total Auto Centre.
Markham Total Auto Centre, which has participated in the program for three years, has more than exceeded the expectations of the Work Experience Program staff. Owner Stewart Abram, and his workers, are extremely dedicated to this program and have spent many hours working one on one with the students.
One particular student, who had struggled with his three previous placements, thrived once arriving at Markham Total Auto Centre. Under Stewart’s guidance, the student not only learned how to be a successful mechanic, but also how to be a successful employee and ultimately, a successful individual. The student is now able to perform oil changes and oil coolant flushes. He is in the process of learning how to do brakes. The most encouraging thing is that the student now demonstrates an enthusiasm towards learning. To see him work, one would never be aware of his past struggles. After his first year on the job, the student was offered a part-time job where he continues to work two years later.
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The staff have also developed personal ties to the student. Stewart drives the student to and from work on weekends and in the summer. For the student’s birthday, all of the employees pitched in to purchase the student his own tool cart.
Without the support and dedication from the staff, this student would not have experienced success in his work experience. We are thrilled with the contribution by Markham Total Auto Centre to the growth and development of Special Education students. On behalf of all of the students who participate in this program, thank you very much for your support.
Unfortunately, representatives from Raywal Kitchens nor Canadian Tire – Newmarket could not be here tonight. We will have them back at a later date.
Regional Course Directory Cover Design
David Ballantyne, please step forward.
October 2005 marked the kick-off of a Board contest for a new design of the Regional Course Directory cover for 2006-2007. Over 85 students from secondary schools across the Board submitted designs focusing on the contest theme - “Pathways.”
David Ballantyne, a Grade 11 student at Sir William Mulock Secondary School is the winner of this contest. David developed his Pathways design as part of an assignment in his Communications Technology course.
In David’s creation, he placed a student walking down a pathway. He merged a school- hall setting, with lockers, into an outdoor, natural scene. His design represents the fusion of school life with the outside world. This unique visual effect highlights the theme of students’ choices on their pathway through life.
In December, David was presented with a gift certificate to honour his success. The cover design has been framed and we have a copy for David to take home with him tonight.
This is a fantastic piece of work David. We wish you all the best in your future design endeavours.
Young Adult Short Story Contest
I would like to welcome the winners of the Richmond Hill Library’s short story contest to the front of the room.
Seven of the 15 winners of the Richmond Hill Public Library’s Young Adult Short Story Contest are York Region District School Board students. The contest, which was open to young people who live, work or attend school in the town of Richmond Hill, were judged in three categories: Grades 7 & 8, Grades 9 & 10, and Grades 11+.
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Our seven winners, and the titles of their compositions are as follows.
In the Grades 7 & 8 category: “Searches” by Campbell Drohan, a Grade 7 student at Beverley Acres Public School; “Mr. Big Fish” by Gemma Regan, a Grade 7 student at Adrienne Clarkson Public School, who was not able to attend tonight; and “Faulty Material” by Martin Focseneanu, a Grade 8 student at Crosby Heights Public School.
Grades 9 & 10 “Safe Haven” by Arielle Friedman, a Grade 10 student at Alexander Mackenzie High School, who also could not be here tonight; “The Beetles in the Bathroom” by Maysum Panju, in Grade 10 at Richmond Hill High School; and “Slither” by Rabiya Adhia, a Grade 10 student at Richmond Hill High School.
In the Grade 11 and over category: “This Used to be My Playground” by Bianca Vong, a Grade 12 student at Richmond Hill High School.
It was an extremely well-qualified judging panel who picked these stories as the winners. The panel consisted of the CEO of the Library and two authors, one of whom is a Governor General award recipient. Each winning submission, which was limited to 1,500 words, will be published in an anthology entitled “First Impressions” as well as on the Richmond Hill Library’s website.
How exciting for our young writers to have their works published, not to mention to be recognized by this panel of judges.
Congratulations to you all.
Ontario Spirit Awards
Would the staff and students from Willowbrook and Wismer Public Schools please come forward.
On February 28, the Ontario government rewarded 24 recipients with an Ontario Spirit Award. This award recognized recipients for their “outstanding efforts in raising awareness and funds for victims of the December 2004 tsunami disaster.” Two of the award recipients were York Region District School Board schools – Willowbrook and Wismer Public Schools.
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Willowbrook Public School added a special tsunami section to the school newsletter and made heartfelt presentations to students to solicit donations. The community response was overwhelming with almost $3,000 being raised in a very short amount of time. The school’s effort was led by a group of Grade eight and Grade four students.
Attending on behalf of Willowbrook are:
teacher Nyka Carter; students Lamia Aganagic; Pallavi Pati; and Sarah Nezon; Jesse Weiss and Jesse Silverman are now in high school and could not be here tonight.
Excellent work team.
Wismer Public School’s initiatives included the “Helping Hands” Campaign (which raised $4,000), and a food drive of non-perishable items that were donated to the Red Cross.
Wismer students also initiated the C.A.R.E. Campaign (Children Are Responding with Empathy). One hundred and twenty-five C.A.R.E. boxes - filled with items such as band-aids, soap, combs, and bottled water - were assembled and sent to the affected areas. Wismer students included personalized letters and handwritten cards of hope and encouragement.
Wismer Public School also marked the tsunami’s first anniversary on December 15th by inviting nine-year old Bilaal Rajan, UNICEF Youth Ambassador, to be present to speak about his firsthand experiences of the tsunami-affected areas. He reinforced the notion that anyone can make a difference in this world, no matter what age.
Tonight we have from Wismer Public School:
students Harmon Malhi and Krystal Tieu; school council co-chair, Asad Chugtai ; teachers Neelan Hirji and Nola Paul; Vice-Principal Mary Salvarinias; and Principal Harald Grammenos.
I am very happy that the Premier’s office has recognized two very deserving schools with this award. The generosity of all of our schools during times of crisis never ceases to amaze me! Not to mention the amount of fundraising that takes place on an ongoing basis throughout the Board, which is also staggering. What a terrific way to have our school’s efforts recognized at the provincial level.
Congratulations to everyone who was involved at Wismer and Willowbrook.
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Douglas. E. Lear Memorial Award
Unfortunately Cheryl Ebidia, recipient of the Douglas. E. Lear Memorial Award, could not be here this evening. We hope to have her attend at a later date.
North Star
Mr. Chair, March’s North Star is Jennifer Burke from J.A. Gibson Public School. Would Jennifer please come forward.
Jennifer was nominated for the North Star award by Michelle Walsh.
Michelle tells us that:
‘Jennifer goes out of her way to comfort and support both staff and students. She is always the first to offer a hello, a shoulder to cry on, or a kind word to brighten your day.
She is the head of the social committee and always makes sure cards, flowers and personal words are ready for someone who has lost a loved one. This year, one of our staff lost her husband to cancer; Jennifer organized the staff to ensure meals were prepared every day for her and to provide emotional support.
Jennifer Burke is one of the main reasons our school feels like a community. She is always creating elaborate displays in the front hall. As well, she welcomes international students (as the head of ESL) making them feel at home and always going the extra mile to make them feel comfortable.’
They love and cherish her and we the staff do too.’
Congratulations Jennifer”
STUDENT TRUSTEE REPORT
At this time, Student Trustees A. Lakha and H. Panju made the following remarks
“Good evening, Mr. Chair, Mr. Director, Trustees, Staff, Ladies and Gentlemen.
When we look at the month of March, we tend to realize that in all faiths, cultures, and traditions March has been symbolized to be a month of revitalization, re-birth and new beginnings. If we look at the end of March from a financial perspective, it is the beginning of a new quarter. Naturalistically, it is a new season, a season which is associated with the flowers blooming, and a brand new beginning. In many religions, spring is a time of re-birth, it is a new year, and even when we turn to our own history, March is the month associated with the elimination of racial discrimination.
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All our students took the day on March 21st to reflect on the personalities of various individuals who took part in the elimination of racism. Our elementary students, in their own classrooms talked about the importance of anti-racism, and various secondary schools held school-wide assemblies to remind the students of the negative effects of racism and discrimination worldwide. As I personally took a moment to reflect on how the world is today; the racism, the discrimination that is being encountered by several ethnic and religious groups, I remembered the words of Martin Luther King in which he said “Darkness cannot run out darkness, only light can do that; Hate cannot run out hate, only love can do that.” Perhaps, if every person on this earth could use twice as much love, as they do hate this world would be a better place.
When Husein and I took our positions last August, we mandated ourselves to accomplish certain tasks. The first of those was raising awareness of our position and making it known in time for our student trustee elections. The scheduled date for our election is currently set to April 19th where we will elect two new student trustees in accordance with Board and YRPC policy. It is with pleasure that we have potential candidates in the audience today, who have decided to come and see for themselves as to how our Board Meetings are, before they make a final decision as to whether they would like to run for the position. Husein and I have taken on some new initiatives to ensure we attain a maximum turnout for the elections next month. As per Husein’s request, he will talk about the initiatives we have taken which will surely achieve a maximum turnout.
Thanks, Abbas.
Perhaps the most important lesson that I have learned during my term as a student trustee thus far, is that the best way to affect change, in any group, is to get involved. By being involved, students are able to harness their energy and enthusiasm to speak out about issues that affect not only themselves but those around them as well. These effects hardly take place in a vacuum, but instead resonate for years to come. On that note, I am pleased to announce that the elections for the positions of the Student Trustees for the 2006-2007 year will be held on April 19, 2006. This event will take place at a meeting of the York Region Presidents’ Council and will kick-start the next chapter of student representation for the York Region District School Board. Having taken upon the role for several months now, Abbas and I have a strong understanding of the importance and responsibility that come along with the job. We therefore feel that it is very important to make this opportunity available to all students who would be interested in fulfilling the crucial role as the link between the students and the Board. In keeping with our goal of strong communication with the York Region students, we have been working on marketing strategies to promote the position.
First, we sent a letter to each of the secondary school principals, requesting their assistance in selecting students who they feel would serve as effective student trustees. By using judgement of school administrators, we feel that we will receive strong, motivated candidates who have already made a difference in their respective schools. Further, we have made a poster with information regarding the upcoming elections, as
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well as our contact information. They will be posted in every secondary school and therefore, will be available to all interested York Region students. As well, we have written a short bulletin about the elections for school representatives to read on their daily announcements. We would like to thank the kind people in Trustee Services for sending these files to the York Region secondary schools. With promotional objectives like these ones, Abbas and I are anticipating a strong response at the elections and look forward to welcoming the next two new student trustees and preparing them for the road they have ahead of them. Through mentorship and teamwork, we intend to make the transition as smooth as possible and facilitate success together.
Thanks Husein. Early this month, Husein and I had the opportunity to attend a conference for the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association in Ottawa. Being on the executive, I had the opportunity to plan, execute and host this conference and decided to invite our very own Director of Education as a speaker for the conference. Mr. Hogarth’s speech to the student trustees was loved by everyone as the feedback we got in regards to his presentation was nothing short of superlative. We also had the opportunity to hear various speakers from the leaders in diversity, the Vice-President of Carleton University and several others. Over the weekend we spent in Ottawa, we got the chance to network with other student trustees across the province and share our concerns over various common issues we face across the province. Whilst at the conference we learned that the Minister has introduced legislation, which if passed will help by empowering student trustees. It was a pleasure to see that the minister took into consideration the recommendation put forth by us, the student trustees and decided to implement all but two of them.
Last year Dan, Husein and I had the opportunity to go the Vaughan City Council to help lobby the creation of a youth councillor on the Vaughan City Council. It was a pleasure to see that on March 20th the Vaughan City Council appointed the first ever youth- councillor. Mark Frisoli was appointed as member of the Vaughan City Council. Husein and I will be working with Mark to ensure that the students of this region are heard at the municipal level. He will be conducting the ‘Youth Needs Assessment’ where he will be in constant contact with youth leaders from across the region to ensure that the needs of the youth are met.
Throughout this month, we have received several communications from various schools expressing concern in regards to the prices at their respective cafeterias. The concern, which has been raised to both Husein and myself, is that the cafeteria prices for the same item are not uniform across the region. Husein and I have taken preliminary steps in doing some research in regards to the issue. We have found that for some items there is a significant difference in terms of pricing and are not sure why this is so. In the next month, we will be taking further steps to finding out why there is a difference in price across the schools and if we feel necessary, we may take further steps. By our next Board report in April, we will have hopefully sorted this out and will present to you our solution, if necessary.
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When I was at the OSTA conference in March the theme was dedicated to “Taking Action in the Education Revolution”. However, the united message I got from all the speakers was the concept of not giving up. It was the realization that we need to persevere, this was furthermore established when I read the quote from Mahatma Ghandi in which he says, “You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty. Although Ghandi’s context was quite different, the message remains the same. Even if we encounter difficulties (the drops), it is the perseverance, which will keep us going, it is the perseverance, which will allow us to identify ourselves as a successful, and accomplished Board. We, by far are one of the Boards, which is the most recognized in the province for its diversity, its development and its structure. In the recent taskforce for calculus, it was an honour to see that the ONLY student trustee on this taskforce comes from our Board. We truly are a Board of innovation and leadership and without a doubt are a successful Board. We have not given up in the past and I am sure we will attain nothing short of success in the future, so long as we continue to strive and persevere.
Thank you.”
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Trustees shared information about the following school events.
• Alexander Mackenzie High School’s first place finish in the First Waterloo Regional Robotics competition held recently.
• Mount Albert Public School primary division theatre production entitled “The Three Little Pigs”.
• Richmond Hill High School’s first place finish in the Central Region Mock Trial Competition with Student Trustee Husein Panju representing Richmond Hill High School’s Defence Team.
Director’s Update
The Director reminded trustees that Student Trustee Husein Panju had been invited to sit on the Minister’s Curriculum Council Task Force studying the secondary school mathematics curriculum. A position paper from the Board’s secondary mathematics heads and curriculum staff has also been forwarded to the committee for consideration. Student Trustee Panju thanked the Board for the opportunity to participate on the task force.
Director Hogarth, Chair of the Human Services Planning Coalition, also informed trustees about the new Children’s Treatment Network of Simcoe York, a not-for-profit service delivery model for children with multiple disabilities in Simcoe County and York Region.
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He invited Superintendent of Education L. Moreau to provide additional background information and expressed sincere appreciation for all her hard work in this area.
Superintendent Moreau indicated the Children’s Treatment Network is unique to the province and is built on the strengths of existing service providers, including health care, recreational, educational, social and community resources. The model is a revolutionary system that provides a single point of contact and a single plan of care for children and youth from birth to age 19 who have special physical, developmental, and communication needs. She explained the network model is an entirely new approach that is based on service providers from different agencies and organizations collaborating and taking a team approach to each child’s rehabilitation and habitation needs. The ultimate goal of the Children’s Treatment Network is to expand available services in the community and to link all regional resources to create a comprehensive rehabilitation system that is easily accessed. The Network will co-ordinate services from many agencies throughout all stages of a child’s development. Trustees were told this model is a giant step forward in providing services for children and families.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
(*)3. Moved by L. Carruthers, seconded by M. Van Beek:
That the Minutes of the February 23, 2006 Board Meeting be approved as written.
- Carried -
ROUTINE RECOMMENDATIONS
(*)4. Moved by S. Plamondon, seconded by N. Elgie:
That the Board adopt the following routine recommendations (*) in accordance with Board Procedure.
CHAIR’S COMMITTEE MINUTES, MARCH 30, 2006
1) Construction Projects Review
That the Board receive the staff report Construction Projects Review.
2) Appointment of Representative for Special Education Advisory Committee
That the Board approve the appointment of Cheryl Rennick as representative for the Community Living York South Association, to the Special Education Advisory Committee of the York Region District School Board under Regulation 464/97, regarding additional SEAC members,
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effective March 2006.
3) Appointment of Alternate Representative for Special Education Advisory Committee
That the Board approve the appointment of Don Wilkinson as alternate representative for the Community Living York South Association, to the Special Education Advisory Committee of the York Region District School Board under Regulation 464/97, regarding additional SEAC members, effective March 2006.
4) Trustee Distribution for 2006 Municipal Election
That the York Region District School Board is entitled to 12 trustees for the 2006 Municipal Election.
That the York Region District School Board does not designate a municipality as a low density municipality.
That the trustee distribution for the York Region District School Board be as outlined in Appendix 4 of the report to the Board.
SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES, FEBRUARY 2, 2006
1) Approval of Agenda
That the agenda be approved as written.
2) Approval of Minutes
That the minutes of the February 2, 2006 SEAC meeting be approved as written.
3) Building Equitable Access to Apprenticeship/Learning to 18 Pilot and Workplace Experience Program Presentations
That SEAC receive The Building Equitable Access to Apprenticeship/Learning to 18 Pilot and Workplace Experience Program presentations for information.
4) Special Education Plan
That on behalf of SEAC L. Moreau and L. Ziraldo will comprise and prepare the budget material to present to the Board.
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5) Report from the Board
That SEAC receive the Report from the Board for information.
6) Special Education Report
That SEAC receive the Special Education Report for information.
7) Communications Sub-Committee Update
That SEAC receive the Communications Sub-Committee Report for information.
POLICY AND BY-LAW COMMITTEE MINUTES, MARCH 7, 2006
1) Approval of Agenda
That the agenda be approved as written.
2) Receipt of Minutes
That the minutes of the January 12, 2006 Policy Committee meeting be received for information.
3) Policy and Procedure #240.0, Respectful Workplace and Learning Environment
That in accordance with Board Policy #285.0, The Writing of Policies, Policy #240.0, Respectful Workplace and Learning Environment (Working Document), be forwarded to the March 30, 2006 Board Meeting for final approval.
4) Policy and Procedure #676.0, School Fundraising
That in accordance with Board Policy #285.0, The Writing of Policies, Policy #676.0, School Fundraising (Working Document), be forwarded to the March 30, 2006 Board Meeting for final approval.
5) Policy #530.0, Staff Members Who Are Candidates for or Elected to Public Office
That in accordance with Board Policy #285.0, The Writing of Policies, Policy #530.0, Staff Members Who Are Candidates for or Elected to Public Office, be circulated to the system for comment, as amended, and that these
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comments be reviewed at the June 5, 2006 Policy and By-Law Committee meeting.
6) Policy and Procedure #445.0, Naming of New Schools
That a sub-committee made up of two staff members and three trustees (Trustees D. Giangrande, S. Plamondon and J. Hertz) be formed to compile the input from the policy review discussion and that a revised draft of Policy and Procedure #445.0, Naming of New Schools, be presented to the Policy and By-Law Committee within 30 days.
BOARD STANDING COMMITTEE MINUTES, MARCH 7, 2006
1) Approval of Agenda
That the agenda be approved as written.
2) Elementary School Boundary Changes
That York Region District School Board recommends:
1. That the Unnamed Oak Ridges West #4 boundary be created from the Oak Ridges PS/Windham Ridge PS boundary for September 2006, as outlined in the staff report.
That the Oak Ridges PS/Windham Ridge PS boundary will be revised to match these changes.
2. That the Unnamed Oak Ridges East ES #2 and Unnamed Oak Ridges East #3 ES boundaries be created from the Lake Wilcox PS boundary for September 2006, as outlined in the staff report.
That the Lake Wilcox PS boundary will be revised to match these changes.
3. That the Unnamed Greensborough #2 ES French Immersion boundary be created from the Franklin Street PS French Immersion boundary for September 2006, as outlined in the staff report.
That the Buttonville PS French Immersion, Franklin Street PS French Immersion and Milliken Mills PS French Immersion boundaries be revised to match these changes.
4. That staff be directed to implement these boundaries.
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3) Naming of a New Secondary School, Vaughan Community
That the York Region District School Board approve the name “Stephen Lewis Secondary School” for the unnamed secondary school located on Autumn Hill Boulevard in Vaughan, subject to receiving the written consent of Stephen Lewis.
4) Naming of a New Elementary School, Richmond Hill Community
That the York Region District School Board approve the name “MacLeod’s Landing Public School” for the unnamed public school located on Silver Maple Road in the Town of Richmond Hill.
5) Naming of a New Elementary School, Richmond Hill Community
That the York Region District School Board approve the name “Moraine Hills Public School” for the unnamed public school located on Rolling Hills Road in the Town of Richmond Hill.
6) Naming of a New Elementary School, Markham Community
That the York Region District School Board approve the name “Legacy Public School” for the unnamed public school located on Russell Jarvis Drive in the Town of Markham.
7) Naming of a New Elementary School, Markham Community
That the York Region District School Board approve the name “Mount Joy Public School” for the unnamed public school located on Williamson Road in the Town of Markham.
8) Naming of a New Elementary School, Town of Newmarket
That the York Region District School Board approve the name “Terry Fox Public School” for the unnamed public school located on Sawmill Valley Drive in the Town of Newmarket, subject to receiving the written consent from a representative of the family of Terry Fox.
9) Elementary and Secondary Staffing: Generation, Allocation and Class Size Report 2005-2006
That the York Region District School Board receive the Elementary and Secondary Staffing Generation, Allocation and Class Size Report for information.
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10) Professional Training Days Report 2006-2007
That the York Region District School Board receive the Professional Training Days Report for information.
11) Approval of Required Learning Media
That the York Region District School Board recommends that the required learning media listed in the Board Report be approved for use in all schools at the specified division in accordance with the York Region District School Board’s Selection Procedures for Learning Resources: A Guide to Equity, 2003.
12) Report of Cash Disbursements, January 2006
1. That Cash Disbursements for January 2006 for all expenditures, except item #84, in the sum of $14,862,102.81 be approved.
2. That Cash Disbursements for January 2006 for item #84, in the sum of $56,082,714.51 be approved.
PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION 19TM-02015, TOWN OF MARKHAM
1. That the York Region District School Board will not require a public school site within Proposed Development Application 19TM-02015, Town of Markham.
2. That the Director of Planning for the Town of Markham be advised of this action.
PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION 19TM-06004, TOWN OF MARKHAM
1. That the York Region District School Board will require a partial public elementary school site within Proposed Development Application 19TM- 06004, Town of Markham
2. That the Director of Planning for the Town of Markham be advised of this action.
RENEWAL INFORMATION TO SYSTEM
That the York Region District School Board receive the report on System Renewal Information – Project Status for information.
- Carried -
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BOARD STANDING COMMITTEE MINUTES – MARCH 7, 2006 - COMMUNITY USE OF SCHOOL FIELDS
The Director clarified that the portfolio for the community use of board fields has been repositioned to the Ministry of Education. This has caused staff to reconsider the recommendations made at the March 7th Board Standing Committee meeting. He invited Associate Manager of Education, Community and Leasing Services M. Marchand to speak to the issue.
M. Marchand indicated the Ministry is requesting a delay in order to work through outstanding issues with the Board. However, certain actions must be taken now in order to allow the community to use the fields for youth sports over the spring and summer months. In order to facilitate this, staff are recommending that the fees be amended as follows.
Elementary Field – Children’s Program – from $8.25 to $5.00 per hour Secondary Field – Children’s Program – from $9.25 to $6.00 per hour
It was emphasized that the community will be informed that if the Ministry does not support these rates, the fees payable to the Board for field use will have to be raised accordingly.
In response to a trustee inquiry, M. Marchand and the Director indicated the proposal is a compromise position, attempting to balance community needs with fiscal responsibility. The Director indicated staff is unwilling to remove any classroom support budget allocation to fund the community use of fields initiative.
Note: Trustee A. DeBartolo withdrew from the meeting at 9:25 p.m.
(*)5. Moved by G. Unitas, seconded by M. Van Beek:
The York Region District School Board recommends:
1. that fields not required by the municipality be available to be booked by individual user groups; and
2. that the fees for use of fields by individual user groups be established as outlined in Table 2; and
3. that the York Region District School Board approve permit fees for field use as follows:
Elementary Fields for Children’s Programs $ 8.25 per hour Secondary Fields for Children’s Program $ 9.25 per hour Elementary Fields for Adult Programs $ 9.50 per hour Secondary Fields for Adult Programs $ 10.75 per hour
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4. that one additional Clerical 3 position be approved to support Community Use.
Moved in amendment by S. Plamondon, seconded by D. Giangrande:
That the Board’s permit fees for field use for children’s programs be revised as follows, on the condition that the community be informed that the fees may be revisited following consultation with Ministry representatives regarding possible funding under the community use of schools grant.
Elementary Fields for Children’s Programs $ 5.00 per hour Secondary Fields for Children’s Programs $ 6.00 per hour
- Amendment Carried -
- Main Motion as Amended Carried -
CHILD CARE IN 2007 ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
In response to several trustee inquiries, Superintendent of Corporate Planning R. Benson explained that, although there is a limited and known risk, the Board has positioned itself well to recover the monies required to construction child care spaces over a ten-year period. He indicated the Board is dealing with child care operators who have been in business for a number of years and who have shown fiscal responsibility. Dr. Benson estimated it would cost approximately $500,000 for a facility comprising about 3500 square feet. The repayment is amortized over a ten-year period. Some contingency plans are in place if required. Senior staff are confident that the child care spaces will be required in the future and that it is in the Board’s best interest to build them.
While it was acknowledged that operators may be charging slightly different fees, it is not the Board’s responsibility to manage the delivery and cost of the services being provided in these facilities.
(*)6. Moved by M. Van Beek, seconded by S. Plamondon:
That the York Region District School Board authorize staff to contact the approved Child Care operators to gauge the commitment to establishing child care centres in the 2007 new elementary schools, and to enter into negotiations with our operators with all agreements being subject to the approval of the Property Management Committee and the Board.
- Carried -
BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 18 MARCH 30, 2006
2006 CAPITAL STRATEGY
Superintendent of Corporate Planning R. Benson introduced Manager of Accommodation Planning T. Uyl, who provided an overview of the Board’s capital strategy for the years 2006-2010 inclusive.
He outlined the goals of the capital strategy, as follows.
• to provide pupil places for all students • to minimize the reliance on portable accommodation • to provide permanent accommodation to match community growth • to minimize surplus accommodation • to ensure that the Capital Strategy is financially viable
Trustees were provided with a project summary for both elementary and secondary panels including projects completed since 1999, those facilities currently under construction, and those projects proposed until the year 2010. Manager T. Uyl also reviewed future proposed project lists for the years 2006 to 2010 inclusive.
Trustees did acknowledge that this important item had been reviewed very thoroughly by trustees at previous Property Management Committee meetings. Staff members were commended for utilizing the funding formula to the best advantage of children in the system.
(*)7. Moved by Van Beek, seconded by Giangrande:
1. That the York Region District School Board approve the 2006 Capital Strategy.
2. That staff be directed to proceed with the design of all projects included in the Capital Project List where circumstances warrant such early design.
- Carried -
OTHER BUSINESS
Ministry Funding
Board Chair B. Crothers indicated that some new money is likely forthcoming from the province, but that it is impossible to provide meaningful information to trustees until the grant regulations are released. This is not likely to occur until late April or early May.
BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 19 MARCH 30, 2006
International Co-operative Education Student Program
The Director was asked to provide some background information regarding the co- operative educational program where York Region students live in Equador for a five- month period. He told trustees the students are involved in a very extensive preparatory program prior to their placement. Up to four credits can be earned living with a host family and attending school in Equador. There is a teacher posted there for assistance and many students live in the countryside, contributing to the family or community project in a direct way. He thanked the Board for the continued funding to support this program over the years.
The Board Chair echoed praise for the program, saying that students and the Board both contribute to the cost of the program, which can be quite significant. Students are involved in fundraising initiatives and extensive language and cultural programs prior to their participation in the project. Approximately 15 students have participated annually for the past 20 years.
OPSBA Highlights
The Board Chair indicated a copy of the audited financial statements will be presented at the next OPSBA Board of Directors meeting.
He also highlighted a session with provincial and federal government representatives and various other organizations including school boards and OPSBA representatives, regarding over 920 million dollars in funding to support immigrants new to Canada. It became evident that this is not just an issue in Toronto, but in other parts of the province as well. If managed properly, this funding could assist with the integration of many families settling in York Region, providing assistance with language, education, community and other cultural issues.
Funding for Parental Involvement Policy
Board Chair B. Crothers explained the logistics of the funding being provided by the Ministry of Education to support the parental involvement policy. He also indicated a communication had been sent to the Ministry regarding the proportion of funding applied throughout the province. Further information will be forthcoming.
BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 20 MARCH 30, 2006
ADJOURNMENT
(*)8. Moved by G. Unitas, seconded by N. Elgie:
That the Board Meeting – Public Session be adjourned at 10:15 p.m.
- Carried -
Chair of the Board Director of Education and Secretary-Treasurer