YORK REGION DISTRICT BOARD BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION MAY 27, 1999

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 27, 1999 with Chair B. Crothers presiding and the following members present; Trustees Barker, Benn-Ireland, Cawston, Hunter, Lionti, Middleton, Nightingale, Plamondon and Shore.

Also in attendance: Student Trustee Designate S. Shahjahan.

Regrets: Trustees V. Hackson, G. Unitas and Student Trustee J. Franklin.

On behalf of trustees and staff, the Board Chair extended a special and warm welcome to Trustee Hunter, who had been absent due to illness for a brief period. He also introduced and welcomed Vicki Bismilla who had recently accepted the position of Superintendent of with the York Region District School Board.

INVOCATION

Trustee H. Shore delivered the Invocation.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

(*)1. Moved by S. Plamondon, seconded by P. Hunter:

That the agenda be approved as written.

- Carried - BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 2 MAY 27, 1999

APPLAUSE!

At this time, Director of Education B. Hogarth honoured the following for their outstanding achievements and contributions to education.

The Circle of Life

Sixty students at Thornhill have been making quite a name for themselves this year. Known as the Circle of Friends, the group of Grade 9 to OAC students, volunteers its spare time daily to support Thornhill’s students with disabilities in their academic studies and to enhance their life in the community.

The Circle of Friends have facilitated the developmentally disabled students involvement in school dances, gym classes, choir, art, vocal music and fashion shows. In return, students with disabilities have raised their peers’ awareness of social, emotional and academic issues.

During April and May, Circle members shared their successful practices and personal stories at other boards and at Action Research Conferences throughout York Region and Waterloo. The students have hosted an Abilities Awareness Workshop for York Region students, are creating an informative video to assist schools in forming a Circle of Friends program, are developing a web page, and have designed a logo.

Representing the Circle of Friends this evening are Rebecca Fishman, Talya Sokol, Julia Todkill, Colin Brasz, Fareed Champsi, Samantha Machtlinger, Kenny Freeman, Rahaleh Sarbizha, Stephanie Siegel, Marci Lugawicz, and Erica Herman. Also on hand to support these extraordinary students are Steve Bewcyzk, Principal of Thornhill Secondary School, Thornhill staff David Feinstein, Head of Special Education, teacher Lindy Zaretsky, Child and Youth Worker Glenn Hoben, and Educational Assistant Debbie DePinto, as well as Coordinator of Research and Evaluation Services Doug Hamilton, CEC - West Student Services Coordinator Carole Cullen, and Principal on Assignment Linda Balaishis.

The Board thanks you one and all for your valuable contributions, your vision, and your ability to influence other students and teachers by your humanitarian efforts.

Volunteer Fever Continues

The Heart and Stroke Foundation of is thrilled to have Aurora Senior Public School teacher Phil Horsman as its coordinator of the Jump Rope for Heart program in York Region schools. For the past 15 years, Phil has successfully overseen various programs and activities that have generated over $4 million in donations. BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 3 MAY 27, 1999

Heart and Stroke Foundation Area Manager Nicky Rauzon-Wright says, "Phil has definitely raised the benchmark for all volunteers. He sets a wonderful example and I would be so fortunate to have him continue with us for another 15 years."

Thank you Phil. We applaud your commitment and, without hesitation, we can say that your heart is in the right place.

Supporting Phil this evening are Aurora Senior Public School Principal and Vice-Principal Diane Fassel and Jean Beard along with Heart and Stroke Foundation Area Manager Nicky Rauzon-Wright, who also has something to present to Phil.

A Cultural Celebration

Markham District High School Grade 12 student Charlene Schafer was recently awarded the prestigious 1999 DaimlerChrysler Award of Excellence. The program, sponsored by DaimlerChrysler and the Goethe-Institut, was conceived to foster mutual understanding and friendship between young people in North America and Germany and to promote a greater interest in the German language and culture.

More than 200,000 students from the United States and took part in this year’s competition. Charlene has been selected as one of five Canadian students and 45 American students who will participate in a three-week, all-expense paid study tour of Germany and Washington, D.C. Charlene will attend lectures and cultural events, visit famous landmarks and institutions, and spend a week with a host family.

Charlene, who plans to go to the of Toronto to study International Relations, noted in her essay that she is very interested in the way countries relate to each other. She sees this experience as an opportunity to broaden her perspectives, enhance her language capabilities, understand the significance and implications of Germany’s historical events, make new friends and gain a knowledge of her ancestry.

The Board would like to congratulate you Charlene, and wishes Viel Gl ck (Good Luck) on your exciting journey. Here this evening, along with Charlene, is Markham District High School Principal David Freeman.

Academic Excellence Honoured

Recognition of Secondary School OAC student Husam Abdel-Qadir has been rescheduled to the June Board meeting. Husam is currently in Kingston as Ontario’s only representative at the International Science Olympiad. Good luck Husam. BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 4 MAY 27, 1999

Inventing Her Future

Tamanna Koovarjee, an OAC student at Unionville High School, recently claimed first place at the Royal Shad Entrepreneurship National Video Competition. The Shad Valley Program supports and encourages students who are interested in careers in engineering and technology. Students were asked to produce a video highlighting a product of their choice, which was then evaluated at the national level.

Tamanna’s video entry demonstrated a movie theatre food tray that would fit into a theatre seat and allow the moviegoer more seating room and easier accessibility to their treats. Videos were graded on creativity, presentation of the product and idea, promotional and technical aspects, and editing. Tamanna’s video was successful on all counts. And, she not only won the competition, she was the first student at Unionville to use the school’s new computer editing suite.

Congratulations, Tamanna. Joining Tamanna this evening is student advisor Dale Andrews and Unionville High School Vice-Principal Marg Clarke.

Thornlea Team C’est NumØro Un

Congratulations to Anthony Collins, Christina Marshall and Audrey Ngo, members of the Thornlea Secondary School French Team for placing first, second, and fifth respectively at the 26th Annual University of Waterloo French Contest.

Each of the students underwent oral interviews, written dictation, grammar exams and reading comprehension assignments. University of Waterloo coordinators noted that they have never seen such incredible results achieved by students from the same school. To top it off, this is the first year that York Region schools have ever entered the contest.

For claiming first place, Anthony will receive a two-week, all expense paid trip to France. Christina was rewarded with $500 and Audrey received $100.

Modern Languages teacher and coordinator Sharon Brown says, "the students’ outstanding and exceptional performance is demonstrative of their outstanding and exceptional personalities." Et mais oui, we certainly agree, Sharon.

Thornhill Secondary School Principal Helen Fox, and teachers Vivelinda Ribau and Sharon Brown join Anthony, Christina and Audrey this evening.

Creative Coordinator Congratulated

On May 6th, K - OAC Mathematics Consultant Jan Scully was presented with the Ontario Association of Mathematics Educators Don Attridge Award. This award is presented annually to recognize an exceptional and creative secondary school mathematics teacher who enhances the teaching of mathematics in Ontario. BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 5 MAY 27, 1999

The award’s namesake, Don Attridge, was a former math teacher and consultant with the York Region District School Board, and therefore, bringing the award home to York Region makes Jan’s accomplishment even more significant.

During the course of her career, Jan has taught Grades 3 - OAC in four different boards of education. When she joined York Region, Jan quickly became the Head of Mathematics at and then went on as head to open Markville Secondary School. At Markville, Jan successfully initiated destreaming six years before the government’s mandate. The focus at Markville was to enjoy math, which naturally brought success, as the school became one of the top secondary school mathematics departments in Ontario within four short years.

In addition to her in-school contributions, Jan has also been an Ontario Association for Math Educators counsellor for over 12 years, a National Counsellor for Teachers in Mathematics representative, a facilitator of Honours Specialist courses at faculties of education for upcoming math department heads, an associate teacher for students from of Toronto, York and Nipissing, and has authored and written a math series for students in Grades 3 - 9.

Thank you, Jan, for your commitment to the field of mathematics. Superintendent of Curriculum and Instructional Services Sharon Craigen also joins to say bravo.

The Mighty Pen

The York Region Literary Awards has welcomed submissions from York Region District School Board secondary students for the past four years. The award, which was originally created at Thornlea S.S. in 1995, is designed to promote creative writing. Thornlea students and staff continue to coordinate the annual event, and this year’s organizers are Grade 11 students Erin Kwolek, Christina Marshall, and Sachin Raina, assisted by teacher supervisor Susan Crabtree.

All entries were forwarded to York Region English teachers for evaluation and semi-finalists were then selected. The young authors of this year’s winning submissions are:

Intermediate Division (Grades 9 & 10) First Place Shashi Bhat Richmond Hill H.S., Grade 10 Second Place David Read Markham D.H.S., Grade 10 Third Place Alexander Lee Markham D.H.S., Grade 9

Senior Division (Grades 11, 12, OAC) First Place Matthew Kirshenblatt Thornhill S.S., Grade 11 Second Place Matt MacLennan King City S.S., OAC Third Place Zachary Spagat Thornhill S.S., Grade 11

Now joining you, Mr. Chair, are the event coordinators, who will assist in handing out the York Region Literary Awards. BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 6 MAY 27, 1999

In the Intermediate Division, first place winner Shashi Bhat is unable to attend, as she is involved in a dance performance. Second place winner David Read and third place winner Alexander Lee, both from Markham District High School, are here along with their Principal David Freeman.

In the Senior Division, first place winner Matthew Kirshenblatt and third place winner Zachary Spagat of Thornhill Secondary School are here with their Principal Steve Bewcyk. Second place winner is Matt MacLennan from King City Secondary School.

York Region’s Scout Troup

A group of 40 system representatives have recently demonstrated their considerable commitment to our students, to the future of our Board and public education. Better known as the Direction ’99 Scouting Team, this enthusiastic group of leaders are representative of our many stakeholders.

Comprised of teachers, administrators, support staff, students, parents, and members of the business community, the scouts have recently undergone extensive trend analysis, facilitation skills and team building activities so that they are prepared to gather information that leads to new system directions.

The Board would like to acknowledge these individuals for their commitment and assistance in laying the groundwork for future direction and communication within the system.

From the Administration Scouting Group, we applaud student Mike Beckley of Unionville High School, Jinny Burgess, Thornlea Secondary School, Deborah Cook, Information Services, Kyle Kofsky, Woodbridge , and Claire Rooney, CEC - West. Thornlea Secondary School Principal Helen Fox is here to support Jinny Burgess and Unionville High School Vice-Principal is here to join Mike Beckley.

From the Business Scouting Group, we thank Superintendent of Schools Diane Finlay, Gerri-Lee Godkin of Woodbridge College, Public Affairs Officer Brian Jamieson, Manager of Learning Resources Bruce Richard, Harvey Starkman of Markville Secondary School, and Kevin Steinberg from Huron Heights Secondary School.

Our appreciation goes to the members of the Community Services Scouting Group, which includes Debbie Carson from Ross Doan Public School, Ruth Howard of Aurora Senior Public School, Brian McLean, Administrative Assistant to the Director, Newmarket High School’s Gary Patterson, Jane Spek from Stonehaven Public School, and Linda Wainberg of Woodbridge College. Supporting Debbie Carson this evening is Ross Doan Vice-Principal Bev Long. Aurora Senior Public School Principal and Vice-Principal Diane Fassel and Jean Beard also join Ruth Howard, and Stonehaven Principal Bruce Shaw joins Jane Spek. BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 7 MAY 27, 1999

Thank you to the members of the Governance Scouting Group, which includes Jamie Campbell of Staff Development, John Companion from CUPE 1196, Race Relations representative Ahmed Motiar, Veronique O’Malley of Beverley Acres Public School, Superintendent of Schools Lyn Sharratt, Rosedale Heights Public School’s Sally Loates and parent Robyn Ryman, and Bayview Hill Elementary School’s Brian Stone. Superintendent Sharratt is unable to be here this evening as she is attending a Future Aces Scholarship ceremony, which we will hear more about in June.

We applaud the members of the Parents Scouting Group, including Camille Logan of Randall Public School, Isabel Schnapp from Huron Heights Secondary School, Diane Schurman of Devins Drive Public School and Nisar Sheraly from Milliken Mills High School. Also joining Camille Logan this evening is Randall Public School Vice-Principal Marnie Collier.

From the Students Scouting Group, we thank student Asim Alam of Dr. John M. Denison Secondary School, Aurora Heights’ Steve Baber, Thornhill High School student Aly Champsi, Kim Gordon of Business Services, and Holland Landing Public School’s Brenda Hunt. Aly Champsi is unable to attend however, his brother Fareed, who we have met earlier, is here on his behalf.

And finally, from the Teachers Scouting Group, we appreciate the support of community representative Linda Bernofsky, Stephen Bloom from Vaughan Secondary School, Jeff Stickney of Thornlea Secondary School and Jan Watson from . Vaughan Principal Dennis Connor and Vice-Principal Vilma Cornelius also join Stephen Bloom and Thornlea Principal Helen Fox joins Jeff Stickney.

NOTE: Trustee P. Hunter withdrew from the meeting at 8:40 p.m.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

(*)3. Moved by K. Barker, seconded by H. Nightingale:

That the Minutes of the April 29, 1999 Board Meeting be approved as written.

- Carried -

ROUTINE RECOMMENDATIONS

(*)4. Moved by S. Plamondon, seconded by R. Cawston:

That the Board adopt the following routine recommendations (*) in accordance with Board Procedure. BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 8 MAY 27, 1999

CHAIRS’ COMMITTEE MINUTES, MEETING #5, MAY 17, 1999

1) Construction Projects Review

That the Board receive the staff report Construction Projects Review.

SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES, MAY 6, 1999

1) Approval of Agenda

That the agenda be approved as amended by switching the order of the Student Support Centre Survey and Multi-Year presentations.

2) Approval of Minutes

That the minutes of the March 30, 1999 meeting were approved as written.

3) Presentation on Student Support Centre Surveys

That the presentation on Student Support Centre Surveys be received for information.

4) Special Education Plans, Programs and Services, 1999 (Multi-Year Plan)

That the Special Education Advisory Committee approve the Special Education Plans, Programs and Services, 1999, as amended, and that the Board submit the aforementioned Plan to the Ministry of Education and Training with the signatures of the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Special Education Advisory Committee and with the letters of objection appended.

5) Report from the Board

That the Report from the Board be received.

6) Report Re Global Concerns

That the report on Global Concerns be received.

7) Communications Sub-Committee Report

That the Communications Sub-Committee Report be received. BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 9 MAY 27, 1999

POLICY AND BY-LAW COMMITTEE MINUTES, MEETING #5, MAY 10, 1999

1) Approval of Agenda

That the agenda be approved as written.

2) Receipt of Minutes

That the Minutes of Meeting #4, April 12, 1999 be received for information.

3) Education Development Charges - Proposed New Policies

That, in accordance with Policy #285.0, The Writing of Policies, new Policies #470.0, Alternative Arrangements for School Facilities and #475.0, School Sites - Operating Budget Surplus, be forwarded to the May 27, 1999 Board Meeting for final approval, as amended

And that Policy #462.0, Student Accommodation, be amended as follows and forwarded to the May 27, 1999 Board Meeting for final approval.

Delete the sections that read as follows:

3.4 acquire land for accommodation purposes through forward buying, options, purchase, lease, lease buy-back, donations, and site exchange.

7.2.1 acquire school sites utilizing a variety of acquisition strategies, including forward buying, options, purchase, lease, lease buy-back, site exchange and joint venture partnerships.

4) Policy #155.0, Payment of Accounts

That, in accordance with Policy #285.0, The Writing of Policies, revised Policy #155.0, Payment of Accounts, be circulated to the system for comment.

5) Policy #320.0, Homework

That, in accordance with Policy #285.0, The Writing of Policies, revised Policy #320.0, Homework, be forwarded to the May 27, 1999 Board Meeting, for final approval, as amended. BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 10 MAY 27, 1999

6) Policy #415.0, Disposal of Surplus Furniture and Equipment

That, in accordance with Policy #285.0, The Writing of Policies, revised Policy #415.0, Disposal of Surplus Furniture and Equipment, be forwarded to the May 27, 1999 Board Meeting for final approval, as amended.

7) Policy #122.0, Conferences and Workshops - Employee Attendance and Reimbursement

That, in accordance with Policy #285.0, The Writing of Policies, revised Policy #122.0, Conferences and Workshops - Employee Attendance and Reimbursement, be circulated to the system for comment, as amended.

8) Draft Policy Re Electronic Participation in Board Meetings

That a revised Electronic Participation in Board Meetings policy be presented at the June 7, 1999 Policy and By-Law Committee meeting for further discussion.

BOARD STANDING COMMITTEE MINUTES, MAY 10, 1999

1) Approval of Agenda

That the agenda be approved as written.

2) The Access Program (Alternative Classroom and Counselling for Expelled and Suspended Students)

That the York Region District School Board establish the ACCESS Program for expelled students in September, 1999, at the Staff Development Centre, with satellite locations in Markham and Sutton, to enable students to continue working towards completing an Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

That staff prepare a report on the first year of operation of the ACCESS Program (Alternative Classroom and Counselling for Expelled and Suspended Students) to the Board in September, 2000.

3) Report of Cash Disbursements - April, 1999

That Cash Disbursements for April, 1999 for all expenditures, except item #48, in the sum of $7,122,704.69 be approved.

That Cash Disbursements for April 1999 for item #48 in the sum of $45,984,486.07 be approved. BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 11 MAY 27, 1999

4) Core French Resource Selection Report

That the Board receive the report on Core French Resource Selection.

5) Special Education Plans, Programs and Services, 1999 (Multi-Year Plan)

That the Board approve the Special Education Plans, Programs and Services, 1999, as amended, and forward it to the Ministry of Education and Training with the objections by the Special Education Advisory Committee appended.

NAMING OF A NEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - COON’S ROAD, OAK RIDGES, RICHMOND HILL

That the Board approve the retention of the name of the current school community, Oak Ridges Public School, for the new replacement elementary school facility on Coon’s Road in Richmond Hill.

BUDGET COMMITTEE MINUTES, MEETING #3, MAY 17, 1999

1) Approval of Agenda

That the agenda be approved.

2) Approval of Minutes

That the minutes of meeting #2, April 19, 1999 be approved as written.

PROPOSED PLAN OF SUBDIVISION 19TM-99002, BERCZY VILLAGE SECONDARY PLAN, TOWN OF MARKHAM

That a partial public elementary school site will be required within the area of Proposed Plan of Subdivision 19TM-99002, Town of Markham. Draft plan conditions pertaining to Plan of Subdivision 19TM-99002 are contained in Section F of the staff report.

That the Commissioner, Development Services for the Town of Markham be advised of this action.

PROPOSED PLAN OF SUBDIVISION 19T-99002A, TOWN OF AURORA

That a public school site will not be required within the area of Proposed Plan of Subdivision 19T-99002A, Town of Aurora. BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 12 MAY 27, 1999

That the Director of Planning for the Town of Aurora be advised of this action.

- Carried -

STUDENT TRUSTEE REPORT

On behalf of Student Trustee J. Franklin, Student Trustee Designate S. Shahjahan addressed the Board at this time with the following remarks.

"Thank you Mr. Chair. Good evening Mr. Chair, Mr. Director, Fellow Trustees, Staff, Ladies, and Gentlemen. The report tonight will be read by myself, as Jessica sends her apologies for not being in attendance.

As the end to the school year quickly approaches, York Region students are becoming busier than ever. The York Region Presidents’ Council is set to hold their elections in early June for the new cabinet of 2000. They are already planning for next year’s leadership conference, which is looking to be even better then the rest.

Many secondary schools in York Region have been organizing great activities which boost their school spirit and provide a fun, learning experience for all students involved. Richmond Hill High had a successful fashion show production on May 8th and 9th, which was supported by the community and students. Woodbridge College had their second annual CafØ Oasis on May 27th, which is an Arts night that is open for students to come and demonstrate their talents in singing, dancing and poetry. Of course, May is prom month for most York Region secondary schools. OAC’s and grade twelve students look forward to a night filled with fun and memories. Many schools have already had successful proms and the rest look forward to theirs in early June.

Another conference, organized by four York Region students, is ready to go for this weekend. WOW ’99, is a women in empowerment conference, open to female York Region students from grades nine to OAC. This is the first conference of this kind in our region and it is looking to be great. The conference will be held at Markville Secondary School on May 29th and 30th. Issues which will be discussed include women’s rights, discrimination, sexual harassment and women in the work force. Many guest speakers will be in attendance and workshops will be provided throughout the day. This conference looks to be a very special one.

STAC, the Student Trustee Advisory Committee, is set to meet next week to collaborate on the student trustee public forum. The forum would be held in early June and all students would be invited to come and listen as well as speak about their needs and wants for the future. The forum would hopefully provide some answers and directions for students who are interested about their school and education. The next STACT issue is due out for the third week of June. This issue will have a special crime prevention section in relation to STAC’s "Securing our Students" campaign. BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 13 MAY 27, 1999

Finally, an important event which over a thousand students participated in last week was the "Walk Against Male Violence". On May 20th, each student gathered pledges of over $20.00 and walked from Westmount Collegiate to Thornhill, stating that violence is wrong and has to come to a stop. It was a powerful experience for all who participated and showed that schools can stand together and walk for those who cannot. It is great to see the unity among our schools, and I hope this kind of support from students continues for these important causes in the years to come.

Thank you."

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Chair announced this Board had submitted an application to the Federal Government for a sizeable grant to support our millennium project, "Arts Link".

He also reported to trustees that he had accompanied the Director, Superintendent of Corporate Planning R. Benson and Manager of Planning C. Nanacsik to a Regional Council meeting today to deliver a presentation on capital funding as it relates to growth and the region’s approval process. Similar information was also shared at a growth symposium last week being hosted by the Region of York. Feedback regarding both presentations had been extremely positive.

The Director indicated Board representatives had offered to make a similar presentation to municipal councils and to include local trustees in the process. He expressed the opinion that regional and municipal representatives are gaining an understanding of the importance and complexity of the need to plan efficiently for student growth.

OPENING OF TENDERS FOR PINE GROVE PUBLIC SCHOOL, FOUR-CLASSROOM ADDITION, CITY OF VAUGHAN

(*)5. Moved by J. Lionti, seconded by H. Nightingale:

That the Board accept the tender of W.S. Morgan Construction Ltd., in the amount of $673,009.00 plus G.S.T. for the construction of Pine Grove Public School Four-Classroom Addition, City of Vaughan.

- Carried - BOARD MEETING MINUTES - PUBLIC SESSION PAGE 14 MAY 27, 1999

ADJOURNMENT

(*)6. Moved by R. Cawston, seconded by K. Barker:

That the Board Meeting - Public Session be adjourned at 9:00 a.m.

- Carried - REPORT FROM BOARD MEETING - PRIVATE SESSION, MAY 27, 1999

(*)2. Moved by H. Shore, seconded by H. Nightingale:

1) That the York Region District School Board dismiss for just cause and terminate the teaching contract of Doug Sloan, teacher at Thornlea Secondary School, effective May 27, 1999.

2) That the Board approve the recommendations regarding trustee representation on the Director’s Review Committee.

3) That the Board approve the recommendations regarding property matters as outlined in the staff reports.

4) That the York Region District School Board approve the recommendations in the staff report Principal and Vice-Principal Appointments and Transfers.

5) That the Board approve the recommendation in the Employee Services staff report regarding a teacher resignation.

- Carried -