YORK REGION DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION FEBRUARY 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 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, Thursday, January 28, 2010 with Chair D. Giangrande presiding and the following members present; Trustees A. DeBartolo, L. Carruthers, S. Geller, J. Hertz, P. Luchowski, N. Shan (via audio conference), and M. Van Beek
Also in attendance: Student Trustees K. Amin and M. Bun
Regrets: Trustee B. Crothers, N. Elgie, G. Kerr, and E. Richardson.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
(*)1. Moved by J. Hertz, seconded by L. Carruthers:
That the agenda be approved as written.
- Carried -
RISE AND REPORT – FEBRUARY 25, 2010 BOARD MEETING – PRIVATE SESSION
(*)2. Moved by A. DeBartolo, seconded by P. Luchowski:
1) That the York Region District School Board approve the recommendations in the February 3, 2010 Joint Board Consortium Committee Meeting Minutes.
2) That the York Region District School Board approve the recommendations in the February 16, 2010 Chair’s Committee Meeting Minutes.
3) That the York Region District School Board approve the recommendations in the Human Resource Services staff report.
4) That the York Region District School Board receive the Suspension Reports for information.
5) That the York Region District School Board receive the Student Discipline and 20 Day Suspension Report for information.
- Carried -
BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 2 FEBRUARY 25, 2010
STUDENT TRUSTEE REPORT
At this time, Student M. Bun made the following remarks:
“Madame Chair, Mr. Director, Trustees, Staff, Ladies and Gentlemen:
I have two important pieces of good news to bring to the table tonight in regard to the York Region Presidents’ Council and the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association.
I often find myself mentioning York Region Presidents’ Council in my student trustee report, and this month is no different. Among usual business like planning our annual leadership conference, this February we have also had the amazing opportunity to create a partnership with the Presidents’ Council of our sister board. Olivia Suppa, the York Catholic District School Board student trustee, has become a good friend of mine since we met at an Ontario Student Trustees’ Association conference. A quick phone call put the idea in motion and soon we were excited to be joined at a meeting by the York Secondary Catholic Presidents’ Council. Along with all the spirit, energy, and dynamism of students in attendance, we were able to share ideas and establish a sense of collaboration between the two groups. In the fashion of most motivated young leaders, we came up with the idea of planning a collaborative benefit concert in order to raise funds for Haiti, featuring Glee clubs from across the two school boards. This is a project we are all looking forward to as an opportunity to mobilize the power of youth and contribute to the relief fund that will ease the impact of disaster in the region.
Last weekend I was in Ottawa with 40 other student trustees from across Ontario to take part in the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association-L’Association des Eleves Conseillers et Conseilleres de l’Ontario (OSTA-AECO) Board Council Conference. This conference splits the membership into student trustees from the public and catholic boards in order to discuss and plan a specific board council initiative. As part of the English Public Board Council (EPBC), our main initiative was “public pride” to display the diversity of public school students throughout Ontario. Once narrowed down, we set a goal of expanding and encouraging Gay-Straight Alliances and positive spaces in all public high schools in Ontario. As EPBC we strive to promote inclusiveness and celebrate the unique make-up of an English public school board, celebrating our diversity and encouraging equitable treatment of all our friends and peers of all sexual orientations. This is a matter that sits close to our hearts at EPBC and we are very excited to launch a video campaign to address the issue.
In addition, we also had the honour of hearing an address from Ontario’s former Lieutenant-Governor, James K. Bartleman, who spoke about his experiences with Native youth. It was an exceptionally inspirational speech, one that was seen by all of EPBC as a call to action. I was personally moved by his description of the paradoxical state of Aboriginal education and approached the English Public Board Council president, Hartford Murdoch, to propose a campaign for Native literacy to aid the students of Ontario’s indigenous communities. These are communities from whom we have so much to learn, and at the same time we must ensure that Aboriginal students are comfortable and have the opportunity to reach their full potential within the public BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 3 FEBRUARY 25, 2010 school system. Board Council members have all expressed an emphatic interest so I am confident that we will move ahead with this initiative. The two campaigns combined will create a respect and inclusivity of students regardless of their sexual orientation or their heritage. This is something I’m really proud to be a part of, and something I think our board can really benefit from.
Thank you.”
Chair Giangrande expressed appreciation for Maria’s participation and interest in supporting her colleagues.
Director Thurston responded to Student Trustee Bun’s report, indicating that the York Region District School Board has various programs in the schools that provide support to Gay-Straight Alliance, and asked Superintendent S. List to provide a brief report.
Superintendent List introduced K. Bray, a Guidance Counsellor at Emily Carr Secondary School, who is the coordinator of the Gay-Straight Alliance Advisors, as well as E. Truong, a student at Emily Carr Secondary School who was responsible for the formation of that school’s Gay-Straight Alliance. S. List stated that more than two-thirds of the Board’s secondary schools have a gay-straight alliance, and advisors encourage and support leadership opportunities that develop and promote inclusivity in the schools.
ONTARIO PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARDS’ ASSOCIATION (OPSBA) REPORT
Chair Giangrande advised that a verbal report had been provided previously to trustees.
APPLAUSE
Director of Education K. Thurston made the following remarks.
Lincoln M. Alexander Award Recipient
“Would Elizabeth Truong please come forward.
Elizabeth is a recent graduate of Emily Carr Secondary School. While she was a student at Emily Carr, Elizabeth’s name was put forward as a candidate for the Lincoln M. Alexander Award.
Since 1993, this award has recognized young people who have demonstrated exemplary leadership in eliminating racial discrimination. Only two awards are presented each year to full-time secondary or post-secondary students. Elizabeth was chosen to be one of this year’s recipients – congratulations Elizabeth!
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Elizabeth founded her school’s Gay Straight Alliance to educate her peers on issues of race, gender, sexual orientation and bullying. Under her leadership, her school organized the Day of Silence, Wear Pink Day and Pride Week, to promote diversity and inclusiveness. She also promoted the heritage and culture of people in the Vaughan community during Human Rights Week and Asian Heritage Month.
Elizabeth’s accomplishments demonstrate leadership in eliminating discrimination of many types among our students. She is most worthy of this recognition.
Joining Elizabeth tonight is Kevin Bray, Elizabeth’s guidance counsellor who supported her during her years at Emily Carr.
Westmount Entrepreneurs’ Donation
Would David Coates please come forward.
You may recall that last month we had a group of investment students attend “Applause!” - including a group from Westmount Collegiate Institute – who had won a stock market competition. These students were students of David Coates. Not only does David have his students use their money smarts for their own glory, he has them put their skills to use for the greater good as well.
Thirty Westmount students who enrolled in David’s entrepreneurship course last semester were required to operate the school store. The store sells goods such as school clothing, school supplies and accessories.
He also required his students to create a product that meets the needs of aging baby boomers, create a new product and ad campaign for a select franchise operation, as well as develop a product that meets the needs of the Millennium Babies. On the final evaluation, David challenged teams to create a business that sold an innovative product which targeted the student population at Westmount Collegiate.
Over the ten weeks of this assignment, David’s class generated $1,900 in profits. These profits were combined with the profits from the students’ business ventures. Under David’s tutelage, the students donated over $48,000 to the Canadian Cancer Society.
David motivates and engages his students in their studies which has benefitted the larger community. Well done David.
Joining David tonight is Simon Schreiber, Principal at Westmount Collegiate Institute.
BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 5 FEBRUARY 25, 2010
North Star
Would George Anderson please come forward.
George teaches at Baythorn Public School and he was nominated by five of his colleagues – Elaine Ricketts, Rochelle Bowmile, Sharon McCartin, Kiran Mann, and Linda Katz.
Here is an excerpt from their nominations:
“George is a valuable member of our staff here at Baythorn. Having taught for numerous years, George has the knowledge and experience to support his colleagues in a number of areas and he does so in a willing and patient manner. George generously donates his time, preparation periods and resources to support his colleagues whenever he sees the need. He does not wait until he is asked; he sees the need and is prepared with a solution. George also is the reason for the positive morale among the staff; especially the upper floor. Despite the challenges that may face the division, George always remains positive; optimistic and mindful of the needs of the students as our ultimate goal.
George always has a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone; teachers, students and parents. He is particularly supportive of all teachers he works with and is always willing to assist everyone in any way he can. He fills in on duty assignments for others, shares materials and ideas and uses his wonderful sense of humour. George uses his true caring personality to make every working day, a day worth working. His presence makes our environment one of inclusiveness, laughter and respect.”
Congratulations George. George is joined by his nominators and principal Brian Stone.”
Chair Giangrande congratulated the winners as well as their teachers and administrators and thanked them for their contributions to the board.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
(*)3. Moved by M. Van Beek, seconded by A. DeBartolo:
That the Minutes of the January 28, 2010 Board Meeting be approved as written. - Carried -
BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 6 FEBRUARY 25, 2010
ROUTINE RECOMMENDATIONS
(*)4. Moved by L. Carruthers, seconded by P. Luchowski:
That the Board adopt the following routine recommendations (*) in accordance with Board Procedure.
JOINT BOARD CONSORTIUM MINUTES, FEBRUARY 3, 2010
1) Receipt of the Minutes
That the minutes of the February 3, 2010 Joint Board Consortium Meeting be received for information.
SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES, FEBRUARY 4, 2010
1) Approval of Agenda
That the agenda be approved as written.
2) Receipt of Minutes
That the minutes of the February 4, 2010 Special Education Advisory Committee meeting be received for information.
3) 2008-2009 EQAO Assessments: Highlights of Results for York Region District School Board Students with Special Needs
That the Special Education Advisory Committee receive the 2008-2009 EQAO Assessments: Highlights of Results for York Region District School Board Students with Special Needs presentation for information.
4) Special Education Report
That the Special Education Advisory Committee receive the Special Education Report for information.
5) Report from the Board
That the Special Education Advisory Committee receive the Education Report from the Board for information.
6) Communications Sub-Committee Update
That the Special Education Advisory Committee receive the Communications Sub-Committee Report for information. BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 7 FEBRUARY 25, 2010
POLICY AND BY-LAW COMMITTEE MINUTES, FEBRUARY 8, 2010
1) Approval of Agenda
That the agenda be approved as written.
2) Receipt of the Minutes
That the minutes of the February 8, 2010 Policy and By-Law Committee Minutes be received for information.
3) Policy and Procedure #463.0, Student Accommodation Review
That in accordance with Board Policy #285.0, Board Policies and Procedures, Policy and Procedure #463.0, Student Accommodation Review, be forwarded to the February 25, 2010 Board Meeting for final approval.
4) Policy and Procedure #540.0, Health and Safety
That in accordance with Board Policy #285.0, Board Policies and Procedures, Policy and Procedure #540.0, Health and Safety, be forwarded to the February 25, 2010 Board Meeting for final approval.
5) Distribution of Materials by Trustee Candidates During Election Periods
That staff be directed to amend Board Policy #182.0, Distribution of Material from External Sources, to ensure that school newsletters are not distributed by trustees within six months prior to a municipal election campaign.
BOARD STANDING COMMITTEE MEETING, FEBRUARY 8, 2010
1) Approval of Agenda
That the agenda be approved as written.
2) Full-Day Learning Model in York Region
That the York Region District School Board receive the Full-Day Early Learning report for information.
BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 8 FEBRUARY 25, 2010
3) Recruitment, Hiring and Promotion Practices
That the York Region District School Board receive the presentation on Recruitment, Hiring and Promotion Practices for information.
4) Cash Disbursements, November 2009
That the York Region District School Board approve the following recommendations.
1. That Cash Disbursements for November 2009 for all expenditures, except item #61, in the sum of $17,792,507.60 be approved.
2. That Cash Disbursements for November 2009 for item #61, in the sum of $65,127,513.74 be approved.
5) Cash Disbursements, December 2009
That the York Region District School Board approve the following recommendations.
1. That Cash Disbursements for December 2009 for all expenditures, except item #53, in the sum of $24,502,049.83 be approved.
2. That Cash Disbursements for October 2009 for item #53, in the sum of $98,079,486.11 be approved.
CHAIR’S COMMITTEE MINUTES, FEBRUARY 16, 2010
1) That the York Region District School Board receive the staff report Construction Projects Review.
Proposed Development Application, OP.09.006/Z.09.037, City of Vaughan
That on the recommendation of the Property Management Committee, the York Region District School Board approve the following recommendations.
1) That the Board will not require a public school site within Proposed Application OP.09.006/Z.09.037, City of Vaughan.
2) That the Commissioner of Planning for the City of Vaughan be advised of this action.
BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 9 FEBRUARY 25, 2010
Sutton Public School – Future Disposition of the Property, Town of Georgina
That on the recommendation of the Property Management Committee, the York Region District School Board approve the following recommendations.
1) That Sutton Public School be declared surplus to the Board’s needs effective June 30, 2010.
2) That the circulation in accordance with Regulation 444/98 of the Education Act commence immediately.
Huron Heights Secondary School – Lands to be Expropriated for Road Widening, Town of Newmarket
That on the recommendation of the Property Management Committee, the York Region District School Board approve the following recommendations.
1) That the York Region District School Board accept the compensation offered by the Region of York for a three-year temporary easement and a purchase of land located on the Davis Drive frontage of Huron Heights Secondary School, as shown on Appendix A.
2) That the Region of York advise the Board as to the construction schedule to ensure continued safe pedestrian access to the school.
Markham District High School Replacement – Approved Construction Cost
(*)5. Moved by M. Van Beek, seconded by A. DeBartolo:
That on the recommendation of the Property Management Committee, the York Region District School Board amend motion number five of the October 30, 2008 Board Meeting minutes to reflect the revised amount of $32,748,054.00 for the construction of Markham District High School Replacement Project, Town of Markham, as approved under the Prohibitive to Repair funding allocation.
The revised motion will read as follows:
“That on the recommendation of the Property Management Committee, the York Region District School Board approve the total estimated construction cost, not to exceed $32,748,054.00 for the construction of Markham District High School Replacement, Town of Markham.”
- Carried -
BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 10 FEBRUARY 25, 2010
School Year Calendar/Modified School Year Calendar (Keswick and Sutton High Schools, Markville and Bill Crothers Secondary Schools) 2010-2011
Trustees were provided with an updated version of the calendar and in response to a request for clarification, Superintendent B. Harper indicated that the revision was a change to a professional activity date that was incorrect in the original version.
(*)6. Moved by S. Geller, seconded by P. Luchowski:
1. That the school year shall consist of 194 days with students commencing school Tuesday September 7, 2010. The last school day for secondary students is Tuesday, June 28 and Tuesday, June 29, 2011 for elementary students.
a) That the York Region District School Board give approval for the designation of 188 Instructional Days commencing Tuesday, September 7, 2010 in the School Calendar 2010-2011.
b) That the York Region District School Board give approval for the designation of 6 Professional Activity Days in the School Calendar 2010-2011.
2. That Keswick High School, Sutton District High School, Maple High School and Markville Secondary School operate on a modified version of the above by commencing school one week earlier than other schools on Monday, August 30, 2010 and taking one-week mid-term break commencing Monday, October 25 to Friday, October 29, 2010.
3. That Bill Crothers Secondary School operate on a modified version of the above by commencing school Monday, August 9, 2010 and have September 1-3, October 25-29, April 18-21, as well as individual dates February 18 and May 20 as holidays.
4. That the school holidays be as follows:
Labour Day Monday, September 6, 2010 Thanksgiving Day Monday, October 11, 2010 Christmas Monday, December 20 to Friday, December 31, 2010 Vacation inclusive Family Day Monday, February 21, 2011 Mid-Winter Break Monday, March 14, 2011 to Friday, March 18, 2011 inclusive Good Friday Friday, April 22, 2011 Easter Monday Monday, April 25, 2011 Victoria Day Monday, May 23, 2011
BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 11 FEBRUARY 25, 2010
5. That the Professional Activity Days for the 2010-2011 school year be as Follows:
Secondary (Regular)
1. Thursday, September 2, (In-school PA) 2. Friday, November 12, (In-School & Regional PA) 3. Monday, January 31, (Promotion Meetings) 4. Monday, May 9, (In-school PA) 5. Wednesday, June 29, (Promotion Meetings) 6. Thursday, June 30, (Promotion Meetings)
Secondary (Early Start Schools – Keswick, Markville, Maple, Sutton)
1. Thursday, August 26, (In-school PA) 2. Friday, November 12, (In-School & Regional PA) 3. Monday, January 31, (Promotion Meetings) 4. Monday, May 9, (In-school PA) 5. Wednesday, June 29, (Promotion Meetings) 6. Thursday, June 30, (Promotion Meetings)
Secondary (Bill Crothers SS only)
1. Thursday, August 5 (In-school PA) 2. Friday, November 12, (In-School & Regional PA) 3. Wednesday, January 19, (Promotion Meetings) 4. Monday, May 9, (In-school PA) 5. Tuesday, June 21, (Promotion Meetings) 6. Wednesday, June 22, (Promotion Meetings)
Elementary (Regular)
1. Thursday, September 2, (In-school PA) 2. Friday, November 12, (Interim Report conference) 3. Friday, January 14, (In-school PA) 4. Monday, January 31, (In-school PA) 5. Monday, June 6, (In-school PA) 6. Thursday, June 30, (In-school PA)
- Carried -
BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 12 FEBRUARY 25, 2010
ADJOURNMENT
(*)7. Moved by A. DeBartolo, seconded by S. Geller:
That the Board Meeting be adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
- Carried -
Chair of the Board Director of Education and Secretary-Treasurer