THE YORK REGION BOARD OF EDUCATION
BOARD MEETING - PUBLIC SESSION SEPTEMBER 27, 1993
The Board Meeting - Public Session of The York Region Board of Education was held in the Board Room of the Education Centre - Aurora at 8:20 p.m. on Monday, September 27, 1993 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 N. Dunlop opened the meeting with the invocation.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
1. Moved by D. Caine, seconded by R. Wallace:
That the Agenda be approved with the changes announced by the Board Chair.
- Carried -
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
2. Moved by P. Bennett, seconded by J. Jonsson:
That the Minutes of the Board Meeting - Public Session, of August 30, 1993 be approved as written.
ROUTINE REPORTS
3. Moved by K. Barker, seconded by B. Hogg:
That the following routine reports be adopted in accordance with Board procedure.
CHAIRS’ COMMITTEE REPORT #9, SEPTEMBER 20, 1993
1) Trustee Conference Registration
That the Board approve the following requests for Trustee conference registration.
Trustee Conference, Date and Location Expenditure Approval Policy #120.0
L. Pengelly The Canadian Institute Clause 2(a) Violence in Schools Toronto, November 17 & 18, 1993 Board Minutes - Public Session Page 2 September 27, 1993
2) Selection Committee - Superintendent of Employee Services
That the following trustees be appointed to the Selection Committee for the Superintendent of Employee Services; B. Crothers, N. Dunlop and H. Krever.
3) Committee to Review Board Structure and Reporting Process
That the following trustees be appointed to the Committee to Review the Board Structure and Reporting Process; B. Crothers, N. Dunlop, J. Jonsson, L. Pengelly and S. Wakeling.
4) Correspondence - Society of Public Insurance Administrators of Ontario
That The York Region Board of Education support the correspondence from the Society of Public Insurance Administrators of Ontario objecting to insurance premium taxes as a result of the 1993 Ontario Budget.
5) Request for Funding - Ontario Public School Boards’ Association
That the request from the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association for funding to assist with the social contract process be deferred to the October Chairs’ Committee meeting, pending the receipt of further information.
6) Race Relations Advisory Committee
That the composition of the Race Relations Advisory Committee be amended to include two additional student representatives, effective immediately.
STAFF RELATIONS COMMITTEE REPORT #9, SEPTEMBER 7, 1993
1) Formation of a Sub-Committee To Examine the Employee Suggestion Program
That a sub-committee of Staff Relations be formed to investigate the motion regarding an Employee Suggestion Program and that the sub-committee report back to the November 1, 1993 Staff Relations Committee meeting with parameters and guidelines.
2) Appointment of Chair, Employee Suggestion Program Sub-Committee
That Director of Employee Relations, C. Nemni, be appointed as Chair of the Employee Suggestion Program Sub-Committee.
BUDGET COMMITTEE REPORT #1, SEPTEMBER 8, 1993
1) Budget Committee Meetings
That the Budget Committee hold a total of four meetings outside the Education Centre in the Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western locations Board Minutes - Public Session Page 3 September 27, 1993
of the Region, with suggestions being: Newmarket High School, Deer Park Public School, Thornhill Secondary School and any other suggestions being sent to Christine Lewis.
2) Budget Sub-Committee
That the Budget Committee strike a staff/trustee sub-committee composed of not more than eight (8) members (four staff and four trustees). These members understand they must attend all meetings. Other Trustees of the Board may also attend the meetings as monitors. This sub-committee will identify significant budgetary issues and strategies for consideration by the Budget Committee and Negotiation Teams.
SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT #9, SEPTEMBER 9, 1993
1) Motion Re Special Education Advisory Committee Meeting Times
That the Special Education Advisory Committee meetings be held from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. and that a motion be put forth to extend the meetings beyond 10:00 p.m., if necessary.
2) Province-Wide Testing
That the Special Education Advisory Committee recommends to The York Region Board of Education that accommodations for exceptional pupils be made during province-wide testing in all areas to be carried out later this year.
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE REPORT #5, SEPTEMBER 13, 1993
1) Greater Toronto Area
Harvey Nightingale suggested that the Board plan a seminar with the Greater Toronto Area to discuss land use intensification.
2) Report From Breakfast Meeting
Bill Crothers and Bill Hogarth met with the CAO’s from municipalities in the Region and discussed various educational issues surrounding the quality of education, the cost of education, the amalgamation of the Separate Board with ours, and the Vision 2010 paper. It was decided that a task group would be struck to examine the strategies for dealing with these issues in cooperation with one another. Frank Bobesich, Bill Hogarth and Eldred King will put the framework together for this task group.
3) Trustee Response Regarding Governance to the Royal Commission on Learning
Harvey Nightingale, Paul Bennett, Karen Barker, Bill Crothers and Bill Hogarth will assist in putting together this response for the Commission on Board Minutes - Public Session Page 4 September 27, 1993
Learning. It was decided that this report will be submitted with the report from Supervisory Officers’ Council which will deal with learning and curriculum. This meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, September 22 at 5:00 p.m.
PROGRAM POLICY AND PROGRAM MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT #9, SEPTEMBER 13, 1993
1) Continuing Education Recommendations
1. That Continuing Education staff proceed with systematic implementation of the following recommendations during the school year 1993-1994.
Summer School
a) Discontinue offering reinforcement courses at the OAC level in order that courses at this level be re-taken to ensure completion of the entire course of study.
b) Monitor those secondary students who enrol in summer courses to determine special curriculum needs.
Night School
a) Define the term "special curriculum needs" and develop criteria to assist principals in making recommendations for night school courses.
b) Appoint a committee to develop the aforementioned criteria, considering the following:
i) If a course is available in a regular day program, principals should not be recommending admission to a night school course;
ii) Principals should be more involved in the in-school process for considering admission to night school courses;
iii) Monitor those students taking night school courses to determine special curriculum needs.
Other recommendations
a) Require students to provide their own textbooks as of September, 1993.
b) Continue to work co-operatively with the York Region Roman Catholic Separate School Board staff to avoid duplication of programs in specific areas such as Woodbridge and Markham.
c) Continue to work co-operatively with local municipalities to avoid duplication of recreational programs. Board Minutes - Public Session Page 5 September 27, 1993
d) Continue to consolidate courses into specific centres for 1) credit courses and; 2) interest centres for more efficient administration and supervision.
2. That staff be authorized to bring forward for the September 1994 Board Meeting, a progress report concerning these recommendations.
2) Extended Student Travel
Huron Heights Secondary School - Extended Student Travel
That The York Region Board of Education grant approval for Andrew Slonetsky, Major Head of Music at Huron Heights Secondary School, to conduct an extended student travel trip for Grade 10-OAC students from Huron Heights Secondary School to Nice, Barcelona and Paris from March 9 to March 23, 1994.
King City Secondary School - Extended Student Travel (Florida)
That The York Region Board of Education grant approval for Michael S. Harris, teacher at King City Secondary School, to conduct an extended student travel trip for grade 12-OAC students from King City Secondary School to Florida during the period March 30 - April 6, 1994.
King City Secondary School - Extended Student Travel (New York City)
That The York Region Board of Education grant approval for Mr. Larry Lubin, Drama Teacher at King City Secondary School, to conduct an extended student travel trip for students from King City Secondary School to New York City, New York during the period March 30 - April 4, 1994.
Markham District High School - Extended Student Travel
That The York Region Board of Education grant approval for William Thomas, a teacher at Markham District High School, to conduct an extended student travel trip for Grade 10-OAC students from Markham District High School to London and Paris during the period of March 9 to 19, 1994.
Woodbridge College and Richmond Hill High School - Extended Student Travel
That The York Region Board of Education grant approval for Mr. Dan Linton, teacher at Woodbridge College and Mr. Rob Pozdrowski, teacher at Richmond Hill High School, to conduct an extended student travel trip for grade 11-OAC students from Woodbridge College and Richmond Hill High School during the period March 11 to 20, 1994.
FINANCE FACILITIES AND ORGANIZATION COMMITTEE REPORT #9, SEPTEMBER 20, 1993
1) Signs on Vacant School Sites Board Minutes - Public Session Page 6 September 27, 1993
(a) That The York Region Board of Education erect signs on vacant school sites based upon recommendations by local trustees and staff.
(b) That staff be requested to initiate discussions with the Region of York aimed at securing the insertion of a vacant school site clause on title.
2) Proposed Plan of Subdivision 19T-93014, Town of Aurora and Newmarket
(a) That a new public school site not be required within the proposed plan of subdivision 19T-93014, Town of Aurora and Town of Newmarket.
(b) That the York Regional Council and the Planning Directors for the Town of Aurora and Town of Newmarket be advised of this action.
3) Proposed Plan of Subdivision 19T-93015, Town of East Gwillimbury
(a) That a new public school site not be required within the proposed plan of subdivision 19T-93015, Town of East Gwillimbury.
(b) That the York Regional Council and the Town Planner for the Town of East Gwillimbury be advised of this action.
4) Proposed Plan of Subdivision 19T-93016, Town of East Gwillimbury
1. That the Commissioner of Planning for The Regional Municipality of York be advised of the following conditions of draft plan approval (specific wording) to be imposed upon the subject draft plan of subdivision 19T-93016 relative to The York Region Board of Education:
(a) That prior to final approval, the owner shall have made an Agreement satisfactory to The York Region Board of Education for the transfer of one public elementary school site as shown on Appendix B in the staff report. Block I shall contain not less than 3 hectares.
(b) That the owners shall agree in the Subdivision Agreement in wording satisfactory to The York Region Board of Education:
(i) to grade the public school site to conform to the overall grade plan of the subdivision and in doing so to replace any topsoil disturbed in the grading process and at the same time sod/seed the same lands;
(ii) to construct a galvanized chain link fence, 1.8 metres in height, along all boundaries of the school property, including road frontage(s);
(iii) to construct the fences prior to the issuance of building permits for Phase 1 of the subdivision; Board Minutes - Public Session Page 7 September 27, 1993
(iv) to erect and maintain a sign on the public school site at such time as the relevant access roads are constructed, indicating that the date has not been set for the construction of the school; and
(v) to provide the foregoing at no cost to the Board.
(c) That the owners shall submit to The York Region Board of Education, at no cost to the Board, a report from a qualified consultant concerning:
(i) the suitability of Block I for construction purposes, relating to soil bearing factors, surface drainage, topography, and environmental contaminants; and
(ii) the availability and capacity of natural gas, electrical, water, storm sewer, and sanitary sewer services.
(d) That the owners shall agree in the Subdivision Agreement, in wording acceptable to The York Region Board of Education, that the services referred to in Condition c(ii) shall be installed to the mid-point to the frontage of the public school site and positioned as designated by the Board, at no cost to the Board.
(e) That the Town of East Gwillimbury shall submit to The York Region Board of Education a certificate concerning:
(i) the availability of a satisfactory water supply; and
(ii) an acceptable method of sewage disposal
(f) That prior to final approval, the owner shall submit to The York Region Board of Education for review and approval, a copy of the final engineering plans as approved by the Town of East Gwillimbury, which indicate the storm drainage system and the overall grading plans for the complete subdivision area.
(g) Prior to final approval, the local hydro authority shall have confirmed in writing to the Board that adequate electrical capacity will be supplied to the school site frontage by the developer at no cost to the Board.
(h) Prior to final approval, the developer shall agree to provide suitable access from Block I to the adjacent park, to the satisfaction of the Board.
(i) That The York Region Board of Education shall advise that conditions (a) to (h) inclusive have been met to its Board Minutes - Public Session Page 8 September 27, 1993
satisfaction. The clearance letter shall include a brief statement detailing how each condition has been satisfied or carried out.
2. That the Town of East Gwillimbury and The Regional Municipality of York be advised that unless permission for new school construction is given by the Ministry of Education, there can be no guarantee that public school accommodation will be provided within the subject development notwithstanding the designation of public school sites within the subject area.
5) Proposed Plan of Condominium 19CDM-93005, Town of Richmond Hill
(a) That a new public school site not be required within the proposed plan of condominium 19CDM-93005, Town of Richmond Hill.
(b) That the Town of Richmond Hill and The Regional Municipality of York be advised that The York Region Board of Education does not have permanent accommodation for any additional pupils in the current attendance area. The Board, by law, must provide education to any qualified pupils within its jurisdiction. Therefore, any new pupils may be bused to other schools or accommodated in portables.
(c) That the York Regional Council and the Commissioner of Planning for the Town of Richmond Hill be advised of this action.
Note: The following two amendments were recommended for the Proposed Plans of Subdivision.
1) Page 3(a) of the agenda, 19CDM-93005, Town of Richmond Hill, that the second paragraph read as follows:
"Staff is of the opinion that the pupils generated by the proposed development will add to the overcrowding at Sixteenth Avenue Public School and Roselawn Public School."
2) Page 3(n) of the agenda, 19CDM-93005, Town of Richmond Hill, that the following clause in paragraph 2, "Therefore, any new pupils may be bused to other schools or accommodated in portables", be worded to reflect the restriction by municipalities in placing additional portables on school sites.
6) Report of Cash Disbursements - August 1993
(a) That the Cash Disbursements for August 1993 for all expenditures except item #29 in the sum of $3,022,710.40 be approved. and that the Board receive the following routine information reports: Board Minutes - Public Session Page 9 September 27, 1993
CHAIRS’ COMMITTEE REPORT #9, SEPTEMBER 20, 1993
1) Ontario Parents’ Council
That the Board receive the request for recommendation from a parent regarding appointment to the Ontario Parents’ Council. Parents are encouraged to submit an application for membership on the Council to the Ministry of Education. Requests for recommendation to the Council should be submitted to individual trustees, if required.
2) Academy Style Schools Report
That the report on Academy Style Schools previously scheduled for the September Program Policy and Program Management Committee meeting be scheduled for the November Program Policy and Program Management Committee meeting, pending the compilation of further data.
3) 1994 Board Calendar
That the approval of the Board Calendar for 1994 be delayed, pending the review of the Board Committee structure.
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE REPORT #4, AUGUST 31, 1993
1) Royal Commission on Learning
The purpose of this meeting was to allow supervisory officers and trustees to dialogue with Avis Glaze, a Commissioner on the Royal Commission for Learning.
STAFF RELATIONS COMMITTEE REPORT #9, SEPTEMBER 7, 1993
1) Employee Assistance Program Update
That the Employee Assistance Program Update by Charles Benayon, Program Manager, Warren Shepell Consultants, be received.
BUDGET COMMITTEE REPORT #1, SEPTEMBER 8, 1993
1) 1994 Tentative Budget Process
That the 1994 Tentative Budget Process, as amended, was accepted.
SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE, REPORT #9, SEPTEMBER 9, 1993
1) Communications Sub-Committee Meeting
That the next Communications Sub-Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 5, 1993 beginning at 5:30 p.m. in Room A. Board Minutes - Public Session Page 10 September 27, 1993
2) Receive Reports
(a) That the Report from the Board be received.
(b) That the Special Education Report be received.
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE REPORT #5, SEPTEMBER 13, 1993
1) Response to Sewell Commission Report
This item has been deferred until the next meeting of the Government Relations Committee.
2) Date of Meeting
The next meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, October 13, 1993 at 6:00 p.m. in Room A-1.
PROGRAM POLICY AND PROGRAM MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT #9, SEPTEMBER 13, 1993
1) Transition Years Implementation Update
That the Transition Years Implementation Update by Superintendent of Program - French, Fran McKenna, Thornhill Secondary Student, Orna Hellerman, Parent, Karen Cresswell, Principal of Newmarket High School, Maryann Brazier, Head of English at Newmarket High School, Anthony Dayton, and Consultant, Jim McGugan, be received.
A longitudinal study will be conducted on the impact of Grade 9 de-streaming on students. The areas to be studied will be more data-based and a report will be brought back to the Board in February 1994.
FINANCE, FACILITIES AND ORGANIZATION COMMITTEE REPORT #9, SEPTEMBER 20, 1993
1) Ontario Public School Boards’ Association Report
That the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association Update by Trustee N. Dunlop be received.
2) Budget Report
That the Budget Report to July 31, 1993 be received.
- Carried -
ONTARIO PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARDS’ ASSOCIATION
Vice-Chair N. Dunlop reported to trustees on recent developments with the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association. She reminded trustees that York Region would be hosting the Central/West Regional meeting at the Education Centre - Aurora on November 11, 1993 from 10:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Trustee J. French reported on an Ontario Public School Boards’ Association meeting with the Minister of Education and Training regarding the Ontario Parent Council.
DIRECTOR’S ENTRY PLAN REPORT
At this time, the Director addressed trustees, staff and members of the needs identified for action within the system. Specifically, the recommendations regarding planning, leadership, program, management and communications would all focus on the success of the York Region student. The Director displayed a video presentation which was distributed to schools and all work locations.
RECEIVE REPORT
5. Moved by P. Bennett, seconded by R. Stevenson: Board Minutes - Public Session Page 12 September 27, 1993
That the Board receive and endorse the Director’s Entry Plan Report.
- Carried -
ENROLMENT AND STAFFING REPORT
At this time, the Superintendent of Operations addressed the Board with respect to the Enrolment and Staffing Report.
6. Moved by D. Middleton, seconded by K. Barker:
That the Board receive the report from the Superintendent of Operations regarding Enrolment and Staffing for September 1993.
- Carried -
CHAIRS’ COMMITTEE REPORT #9, SEPTEMBER 20, 1993
Construction Projects Review
At this time, Assistant Superintendent of Plant, D. Snelgrove updated Board Members with respect to school construction in York Region.
7. Moved by D. Caine, seconded by R. Wallace:
That the Board receive the staff report Construction Projects Review.
- Carried -
BOARD MEETING DATE
8. Moved by P. Bennett, seconded by H. Krever:
That the October Board Meeting remain scheduled for Monday, October 25, 1993.
Moved in amendment by P. Bennett, seconded by H. Krever:
That the October Board Meeting be rescheduled to Tuesday, October 26, 1993 due to the Federal Election being held on October 25, 1993.
- Amendment Carried -
- Main Motion As Amended Carried -
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE REPORT #5, SEPTEMBER 13, 1993
Possible Community Consultation For Board Response to the Royal Commission On Learning Board Minutes - Public Session Page 13 September 27, 1993
9. Moved by K. Barker, seconded by P. Bennett:
That the consultation process for a Board response to the Royal Commission on Learning was discussed with a recommendation that it be forwarded to the Board for approval and endorsement.
- Carried -
FINANCE, FACILITIES AND ORGANIZATION COMMITTEE, REPORT #9, SEPTEMBER 20, 1993
Cash Disbursements
10. Moved by B. Hogg, seconded by K. Barker:
That Cash Disbursements for August 1993 for item #29 in the sum of $6,710,480.83 be approved.
- Carried -
Note: Trustee N. Dunlop declared a conflict of interest and refrained from the discussion or voting on motion #10.
BUSINESS ARISING FROM FINANCE COMMITTEE MOTION RE SIGNS ON VACANT SCHOOL SITES
11. Moved by H. Nightingale, seconded by R. Stevenson:
That the Board create a Student Accommodation Growth Committee and that the committee be comprised of the Chair and three other trustees and that the committee develop its terms of reference to be presented to the Board for approval.
- Carried -
Note: It was agreed this Committee’s mandate should include an examination of problems associated with declining enrolment as well as accommodation growth.
TRUSTEE MOTION RE CLASS SIZE
12. Moved by H. Bowes, seconded by N. Dunlop:
WHEREAS there are Grade 2 classes with 19 students and Grade 3 classes with 38 students in the same school and
WHEREAS this is caused by a combination of the Social Contract and the Ministry Directive of a cap of 20 students in Grades 1 and 2 Board Minutes - Public Session Page 14 September 27, 1993
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED
That the York Region Board of Education requests the Ministry of Education and Training to allow a Board to pierce the cap in Grades 1 and 2 without loss of grant when the Principal believes it is more educationally sound in the organization of a school.
- Carried -
RISE AND RECONVENE IN PRIVATE SESSION
13. Moved by K. Barker, seconded by R. Stevenson:
That the Board rise and reconvene in Private Session.
- Carried -
Note: The Public Session recessed from 10:00 to 11:00 p.m.
REPORT FROM BOARD MEETING - SECOND PRIVATE SESSION SEPTEMBER 27, 1993
14. Moved by N. Dunlop, seconded by J. Jonsson:
That the Board adopt the following recommendations from the Board Meeting - Second Private Session - September 27, 1993:
1) That the Board ratify the detailed local plans under the Non-Teaching Sectoral Agreement negotiated pursuant to the Social Contract.
- Carried -
ADJOURNMENT
15. Moved by K. Irish, seconded by L. Pengelly:
That the Board Meeting - Private Session, adjourn at 11:05 p.m.
______Board Chair Director of Education and Secretary-Treasurer RISE AND REPORT
4. Moved by N. Dunlop, seconded by J. French: Board Minutes - Public Session Page 11 September 27, 1993
That the Board adopt the following recommendations from the Board Meeting - Private Session of September 27, 1993.
1. That the Board adopt the recommendation in the staff report Leave of Absence.
2. That the Board confirm the action of staff in assigning Probationary Contracts to the teachers listed in the staff report.
3. That the Board adopt the recommendations in the staff reports Mutual Terminations.
4. That the York Region Board of Education accept the resignation of the teacher whose name is listed in the staff report in accordance with Section 6(c) of the Standard Teacher’s Contract; such resignation to be effective August 31, 1993.
5. That the Superintendent of Operations be authorized to increase the current staff complement by up to ten (10) teachers in the elementary panel and up to five (5) teachers in the secondary panel.
6. That Colette Nemni be appointed Superintendent of Employee Services, effective November 2, 1993.
- Carried -