THE YORK REGION BOARD OF EDUCATION
BOARD MEETING - PUBLIC SESSION FEBRUARY 28, 1994
The Board Meeting - Public Session of The York Region Board of Education was held in the Board Room of the Education Centre - Aurora at 8:00 p.m. on Monday, February 28, 1994 with Chair B. Crothers presiding and the following members present; Trustees Barker, Bennett, Bowes, Caine, Dunlop, French, Hackson, Hogg, Irish, Jonsson, Kadis, Krever, Middleton, Nightingale, Pengelly, Sinclair, Stevenson, Wakeling and Wallace.
INVOCATION
Trustee S. Kadis opened the meeting with the Invocation.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
1. Moved by D. Caine, seconded by J. Jonsson:
That the Agenda be approved with the following amendments:
. that Page 115 of the Board Standing Committee Minutes of February 14, 1994 be amended to include Trustee D. Middleton as a volunteer for the Architect Review Committee; . that Item 10(g) include a recommendation regarding the OMERS Type 7 Supplementary Downsizing Agreement reported from the February 14, 1994 Board Standing Committee Meeting (Private Session); . that recommendation #9 on page 69 of the Chairs’ Committee Meeting Minutes be a non-routine item.
- Carried -
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
2. Moved by S. Kadis, seconded by S. Wakeling:
That the minutes of the Board Meeting of January 24, 1994 be approved as written.
- Carried -
STUDENT AND STAFF RECOGNITIONS
Director of Education B. Hogarth introduced Unionville High School teacher Dennis Beck and students Julianne Ricci and Anthony Pezzetti to the Board. He indicated that, under Dennis Beck’s direction, Unionville High School’s Symphonic Wind Ensemble had received a first place mark of 93 in the Senior March Class A and had also won "Best of Class" in the Annual Kiwanis Music Festival for the third consecutive year. In the Class A competition for senior high school bands, Unionville had placed first in their division with a mark of 93 - the highest mark awarded to any instrumental group in this year’s festival. The Ensemble received the "Best of Class" distinction, and had once again qualified for the provincial finals at the Ontario Music Festivals.
The Director also indicated that The York Region Board of Education and Carruthers Shaw and Partners Ltd. had received the Project of Distinction for the Exhibition of School Architecture Award for Milliken Mills High School from Board Minutes - Public Session Page 2 February 28, 1994 the Council of Educational Facility Planners, International. Superintendent Ron McKnight, a member of this Council, presented the award to Board Chair B. Crothers, Milliken Mills High School Vice-Principal Debra Conrad-Knight and Norman Grey-Noble from Carruthers Shaw.
TRIBUTE TO JOHN SIMS
At this time, the Director of Education indicated that The York Region Board of Education was mourning the recent passing of Vice-Principal John Sims of Woodbridge College. The Director indicated that John’s priorities had always been education and his family and that he had played a significant role in the lives of students and colleagues during his career. John will always be remembered for his integrity and compassion. He had been an integral part of the implementation of Woodbridge College’s principles from its inception in 1991. On behalf of the Board, the Director extended sincerest sympathies to John’s family.
ROUTINE REPORTS
3. Moved by P. Bennett, seconded by V. Hackson:
That the Board adopt the following routine reports (*) in accordance with Board procedure.
- Carried -
Note: Routine recommendations are denoted throughout as follows (*)
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Trustee H. Bowes congratulated the Elementary Teachers’ Association on its donation of over 360 certificates and 120 medals awarded to students in the spelling bees recently held in York Region.
Trustee Bowes also indicated that over 215 awards had been won by York Region students at the Kiwanis Music Festival. He congratulated the students and staff involved for their fine efforts.
ONTARIO PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARDS’ ASSOCIATION REPORT
Trustee P. Bennett addressed the Board regarding the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association Board of Directors meeting held on February 4 and 5, 1994. He indicated that the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association was cooperating in administering a provincial curriculum clearinghouse to promote sharing of curriculum resources and materials. Trustee Bennett indicated the Board of Directors had received a draft report on educational restructuring from a trustee at the Peel Board of Education. The material emphasized staff reorganization in particular. In addition, the Board of Directors passed a motion to inform the Ministry of Education and Training about concerns regarding the possible mandatory implementation of Junior Kindergarten by September of 1994. Trustee Bennett also informed trustees that the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association had been instrumental in obtaining federal infrastructure grants through its lobbying efforts.
5. Moved by H. Sinclair, seconded by H. Bowes:
That the verbal report regarding recent developments at the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association by Trustee P. Bennett be received. Board Minutes - Public Session Page 4 February 28, 1994
CHAIRS’ COMMITTEE MINUTES, FEBRUARY 21, 1994
6. Moved by P. Bennett, seconded by V. Hackson:
1) Construction Projects Review
That the Board receive the staff report Construction Projects Review. (*)
2) Library Board Appointments
That The York Region Board of Education recommend the appointment of Judy Belcher to the Town of East Gwillimbury to fill the vacancy on the East Gwillimbury Library Board created by the resignation of Wendy Donaldson and that The York Region Board of Education recommend the appointment of Professor Lena Shaw to the Town of Richmond Hill to fill the vacancy on the Richmond Hill Library Board created by the resignation of Lynn May. (*)
3) Trustee Conference Registration
That the Board approve the following requests for Trustee Conference Registration. (*)
Trustee Conference, Date and Location Expenditure Approval Policy #120.0
D. Middleton The Learning Partnership Clause 2(a) P. Bennett Breakthrough and Beyond ’94 Toronto, April 16, 1994
H. Bowes Canadian School Boards’ Clause 2(a) D. Caine Association, St. John’s, N. Dunlop Newfoundland, July 6-9/94 R. Wallace
4) Special Education Advisory Committee Nomination
That Margaret Goldwasser’s nomination as representative to the Special Education Advisory Committee be approved. (*)
5) Northern Ontario Database of Educational Services Project
That The York Region Board of Education forward a communication to the Ministry of Education and Training review team in support of the Northern Ontario Database of Educational Services Project (NODES) and that this Board request the Ministry to consider extending NODES service to the remainder of the Province of Ontario and that the Ministry be requested to outline the benefits of the program to Boards of Education not currently participating in the project. (*)
6) Supervised Alternative Learning for Excused Pupils Committee Appointment
That The York Region Board of Education appoint Ms. Susan Torlone to the Supervised Alternative Learning for Excused Pupils Committee as a community Board Minutes - Public Session Page 5 February 28, 1994
representative for the term expiring December 31, 1994. (*)
7) Committee Meeting Schedule
That the committee meeting schedule for June, 1994 be amended as follows to allow trustees to attend student graduation ceremonies on Monday, June 27, 1994. (*)
PREVIOUS PROPOSED
June 13 - Policy 5:00 p.m. June 13 - Chairs’ 5:00 p.m. - Board Standing 7:00 p.m. - Board Standing 7:00 p.m.
June 20 - Chairs’ 5:00 p.m. June 20 - Board Meeting 8:00 p.m. - Board Standing 7:00 p.m.
June 27 - Board Meeting 8:00 p.m. June 13 - Policy Committee Meeting to be rescheduled.
7. Moved by K. Barker, seconded by P. Bennett:
Student Discipline Committee
That The York Region Board of Education appoint Trustees Barker, Caine, Crothers, Middleton, Pengelly and Wakeling to the Student Discipline Committee as recommended by the Board Structure and Reporting Process Committee at its meeting on February 15, 1994.
- Carried -
8. Moved by D. Middleton, seconded by H. Nightingale:
That Trustee H. Sinclair be appointed to the Student Discipline Committee.
- Carried -
9. Moved by H. Krever, seconded by S. Kadis:
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
That on the recommendation of the Race Relations Advisory Committee, The York Region Board of Education publicly acknowledge March 21, 1994 as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
- Carried -
Trustee H. Krever drew attention to the acknowledgement of March 21, 1994 as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. He indicated that the day was an important one and expressed the hope that recent positive developments in South Africa would stand as a symbol of hope for all people and races throughout the world. Board Minutes - Public Session Page 6 February 28, 1994
BUDGET COMMITTEE MINUTES, FEBRUARY 2, 1994
10. Moved by P. Bennett, seconded by V. Hackson:
1) Approval of Agenda
That the agenda be approved with the addition of David and Sheryl Rubenstein under Delegations. (*)
2) Approval of Minutes
That the minutes of Meeting #6, January 19, 1994 be approved as written. (*)
3) Annual Board Membership Fees
That a similar report be produced, by staff, showing the membership fees for the Chambers of Commerce, Boards of Trade and Ontario Academic Curriculum Development Association. (*)
That the Budget Committee recommend to the Board that The York Region Board of Education join the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association for 1994 and that the other memberships be deferred until the costs are identified. (*)
4) Crossing Guard Presentation
That the crossing guard presentation be received. (*)
5) Ontario Secondary School Students’ Association
That The York Region Board of Education help with the funding of the Ontario Secondary School Students’ Association conferences by providing $2,000.00. (*)
6) Partners in Education - Bayview Hill Public School
That the delegation be received and the material and content be referred to the Property Management Committee. (*)
SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES, FEBRUARY 3, 1994
11. Moved by P. Bennett, seconded by V. Hackson:
1) Election of Chair
That Trustee J. Jonsson be nominated as Chair of the Special Education Advisory Committee for 1994. (*)
2) Election of Vice-Chair
That L. Ziraldo be nominated as Vice-Chair of the Special Education Advisory Committee for 1994. (*) Board Minutes - Public Session Page 7 February 28, 1994
3) Close Nominations
That nominations for Vice-Chair of the Special Education Advisory Committee be closed. (*)
4) Amend Agenda
That the agenda be approved, as amended, to include discussion on the Academic Integration for Gifted Pupils. (*)
5) Approval of Minutes
That the Minutes of Meeting #11, November 4, 1993 be approved as written. (*)
6) Peer Tutoring Presentation
That the presentation on Peer Tutoring by Curriculum Consultant Penny Thacker be received. (*)
7) Special Education Advisory Committee’s Objectives
That the information on SEAC’s Goals and Objectives be received. (*)
8) Receive Reports
. That the Report from the Board be received. . That the Special Education Report be received . That the Association Reports be received. (*)
- Carried -
12. Moved by J. Jonsson, seconded by D. Middleton:
That the Special Education Advisory Committee recommend to the Board that alternative representatives be allowed to attend and vote in the absence of the appointed Committee member.
- Carried -
Trustee J. Jonsson explained the Special Education Advisory Committee was recommending the appointment of alternative representatives with voting privileges to ensure some consistency on the Committee. He indicated this was a common practice with Special Education Advisory Committees throughout the province.
STAFF RELATIONS COMMITTEE MINUTES, FEBRUARY 7, 1994
13. Moved by P. Bennett, seconded by V. Hackson:
Staff Relations Committee Mandate
That the Staff Relations Committee not be disbanded and that the Committee review its mandate and establish terms of reference. (*)
- Carried - Board Minutes - Public Session Page 8 February 28, 1994
FRENCH LANGUAGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES, FEBRUARY 8, 1994
14. Moved by P. Bennett, seconded by V. Hackson:
1) Amend Agenda
That the agenda be approved, as amended, to include discussion on the following items:
. Report from the Liaison Committee; . "Annuaire Des Ressources Francophones Du Grand Toronto" Publication; and . New Membership for FLAC (*)
2) French Language Advisory Committee Publication
That the French Language Advisory Committee recommends that The York Region Board of Education’s name and address be included in the "Annuaire Des Ressources Francophones Du Grand Toronto" publication for 1994 at a cost of $100.00. (*)
3) Study re Regional French-Language Public School Board
That the French Language Advisory Committee request that The York Region Board of Education support the Committee’s participation in a study to establish a Regional French-Language Public School Board. The study will include the following participants: Peel Board of Education; Durham County Board of Education; Halton County Board of Education; Metropolitan Toronto French-Language School Council; Metropolitan Toronto School Board and The York Region Board of Education. (*)
4) Transportation Department Report
That the Transportation Department be requested to provide a report for the March 8, 1994 French Language Advisory Committee meeting on the cost of transportation services for students located in King, Newmarket and Keswick areas to attend the French First Language school, La Source, located in Barrie. (*)
5) AFCSO Annual Conference
That The French Language Advisory Committee recommend to the Board the attendance of Committee representatives Yvan Bourbonnais and Christian Meunier at the AFCSO Annual Conference on April 14, 15, 16 and 17, 1994 in Ottawa and that the Board reimburse the representatives for registration, accommodation and mileage costs. (*)
- Carried - Board Minutes - Public Session Page 9 February 28, 1994
POLICY AND BY-LAW COMMITTEE
15. Moved by P. Bennett, seconded by V. Hackson:
1) Election of Chair
That Trustee B. Hogg be nominated as Chair of the Policy and By-Law Committee for 1994. (*)
2) Close Nominations
That nominations for Chair of the Policy and By-Law Committee be closed. (*)
3) Approval of Minutes
That the Minutes of Meeting #1, January 10, 1994 be approved as written. (*)
4) Board Policy #620.0, Crossing Guards and Student Safety Patrols
That Policy #620.0, Crossing Guards and Student Safety Patrols, be abolished. (*)
5) Policy #145.0, Mileage Allowance to Staff, Trustees and Non-Trustee Members of Statutory Committees
That Policy #145.0, Mileage Allowance to Staff, Trustees and Non-Trustee Members of Statutory Committees, be referred to the Budget Committee for consideration. (*)
- Carried -
BOARD STANDING COMMITTEE MEETING, FEBRUARY 14, 1994
16. Moved by P. Bennett, seconded by V. Hackson:
1) Adolescent Suicide Prevention Program
That the Adolescent Suicide Prevention Program presented by Joanne Darlaston, Suicide Prevention Program Coordinator for the Canadian Mental Health Association be received. (*)
2) Ontario Secondary School Students’ Association Presentation
That the Ontario Secondary School Students’ Association Presentation on the proposed Student Feedback Form be received. (*) Board Minutes - Public Session Page 10 February 28, 1994
3) Student Feedback Form
That discussions be held between students and staff regarding the proposed Student Feedback Form and that a report be brought back to the Board Standing Committee meeting as soon as possible. (*)
4) Architect Review Committee
1. That the following motion be referred to the Property Management Committee.
"That the Board appoint three trustees to serve on the "Architect Review Committee". Staff is to be appointed by the Director."
2. That the Property Management Committee bring forward a report to the Board at the conclusion of the review. (*)
5) Approval of Textbooks
That the textbooks listed on the attachment in the agenda be approved for use in all schools in accordance with sections 3b,p.ix; 5(a) and 5(b), p. xii; and Schedule 5, P. 143; Circular 14, 1993. (*)
6) Conferences and Conventions - Trustees for the Period December 1, 1992 to November 30, 1993
That the report of Conferences and Conventions - Trustees’ Expenses claimed during the period December 1, 1992 to November 30, 1993 be received. (*)
- Carried -
Note: The following motion was reported in Public Session from the Board Standing Committee Meeting, Private Session of February 14, 1994.
17. Moved by N. Dunlop, seconded by K. Barker:
1) Ontario Municipal Employees’ Retirement System Type 7 Supplementary Downsizing Agreement
That The York Region Board of Education submit to OMERS a request to enter into the OMERS Type 7 Supplementary Downsizing Benefit Agreement in order to reduce the number of support staff to aid in budget restraints based on the following:
i) all employees presently age sixty (60) and over or who will turn sixty (60) during the retirement window shall be eligible for the OMERS Type 7 Supplementary Downsizing Benefits; (Present eligible number of employees - 131.) Board Minutes - Public Session Page 11 February 28, 1994
ii) all employees whose age plus qualifying service equals at least 80 during the retirement window shall be eligible for the OMERS Type 7 Supplementary Downsizing Benefit; (Present eligible number of employees - 84, of which 65 are also included in i).)
iii) the retirement window shall be from April 1, 1994 to March 31, 1996;
iv) employees eligible under (i) and (ii) who elect to retire under this agreement must give notice of such intent as follows:
- for retirement in 1994, notice to be given between the dates of April 1, 1994 and May 15, 1994; - for retirement in 1995, notice to be given between the dates of January 1, 1995 and February 15, 1995; - for retirement in 1996, January 1 to March 31, notice to be given between the dates of November 1, 1995 and December 15, 1995;
Note: Because retirements will be accepted on a first-come first-served basis until the funds are fully expended by OMERS, employees wishing to retire should submit their notice as early as possible.
v) retirement gratuity will be calculated up to the date of early retirement and any age eligibility restriction under union contracts for eligibility will be waived for this agreement. The gratuity payment shall be included in costs to establish net savings for Social Contract purposes;
vi) savings from retirements net of replacement hires which occur between April 1, 1994 and March 31, 1995 will be applied to Year 2 of the Social Contract and savings from retirements which occur between April 1, 1995 and March 31, 1996 will be applied to Year 3 of the Social Contract;
vii) within the retirement window established by the School Board the School Board will only participate in the O