Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Board
June 28, 2001
Peel District School Board
Minutes of a Regular Meeting of the Peel District School Board, held in the Board Room, the H. J. A. Brown Education Centre, 5650 Hurontario Street, Mississauga, Ontario on Tuesday, June 28, 2001 at 19:00 hours.
Members present:
Janet McDougald, Chair
Ruth Thompson, Vice-Chair
Valerie Arnold-Judge
Randy Barnett
Beryl Ford
Dian Gray
Steve Kavanagh
Warren Kennedy
Sue McFadden
Sandy Ransom
Don Stephens
Rick Williams
Student Trustees:
Gord McGuire, Student Trustee North
Natasha Mytnowych, Student Trustee South
Administration:
Ian Adamson, Superintendent of Special Education Program Services
Harold Brathwaite, Director of Education
Hal Brooks, Superintendent of Schools
Marty Fowler, Director of Human Resources - Negotiations & Support Staff Services
Teresa González, Superintendent of Program Services
Leo Kazlovskis, Superintendent of Schools
Dave Leeder, Associate Director - Educational Services
Wayne McNally, Controller of Operations Services
Debra Mitchell, Superintendent of Human Resources - Teaching Staff Services
David Pedwell, Superintendent of School Services and Staff Development
Tony Pontes, Superintendent of Schools
Jim Smith, Controller, Information Technology Services
Marion Smith, Executive Assistant
Harinder Takhar, Associate Director - Corporate Services
Dave Thomas, Superintendent of Schools
Chuck Waterman, Superintendent of Schools
Brian Woodland, Manager of Communication Services
Randy Wright, Controller, Planning and Accommodation
Lesley Elliott, Board Reporter
1. Open Session
The Open Session commenced with the singing of O'Canada.
2. Approval of Agenda
The following additions were made to the agenda:
Item 7.3(c) Copy of a letter to Rob Samson, MPP, from Hawthorn Public School re proposed tax credits for private schools
Item 7.6 Ministry of Education News Release: Ontario expands province-wide testing
Item 7.7 Letter from the Chair and the Director to students, parents and guardians re timetable delays
Item 10.5 Peel District School Board Policy #12: Disposal of Surplus Equipment and Portables
Item 10.6 Peel District School Board Policy #33: School Openings
Item 10.7 Peel District School Board Policy #45: Consolidation of School Accommodation
Item 10.8 Peel District School Board Policy #64: Creative Learning Choices
Item 10.9 Springdale West Secondary School Architect Selection
Item 11.3 Youth Education Unit/Peel Regional Police - Update
Item 11.4 Revised July Board Meeting Date (oral)
Item 12.3 OPSBA Fast Report: Vol. 13, No. 18
Item 12.4 Long-Term Contracts Require Long-Term Commitment
The following items were circulated:
Item 3.4 Minutes of the Supplementary Meeting of the Board (Budget), June 20, 2001
Item 7.1 Addendum to "Good News"
Item 7.3(b) Copy of a letter to the Premier of Ontario from the District School Board of Niagara re the proposed tax credits for private schools
Item 8.2 Background information to Delegation: Rob Wierdsma re Mississauga South Chapter of Canadian Parents for French
Item 10.4 Recommendations of Trustee Review Committee
Resolution No. 01-193 moved by Ruth Thompson
seconded by Sandy Ransom
Resolved, that the agenda be approved, as amended.
............. carried
(2/3 majority)
3. Special Presentation: Staff Partnership Award Recipients 2001
Director of Partnership Development, Mark Brickell announced the 19 Peel DSB winners of the Staff Partnership Award 2001, who, he noted were nominated by their peers and were selected by the Board's Partnership Committee. The award recognizes the leadership and persistence that the individuals have demonstrated in the creation of effective learning partnerships to meet the needs of students. Mark Brickell provided brief background information about each award recipient's contribution this past year in developing business, industry and community partnerships involving Peel students. Initiatives included: community outreach program; school café; research in early childhood development, advanced technology; flexography; recreational activities and leadership development; multi-media technology; counseling and mentoring program; co-op construction program and forklift operator course; consignment store; video technology; chefs in training.
On behalf of the Board Director Brathwaite and Chair McDougald presented recipients with their awards and congratulated them on their significant accomplishments.
4. Special Presentation: From UNICEF in Recognition of the Peel District School Board's Support for Children Around the World
Manager of Communication Services, Brian Woodland reported that UNICEF has been overwhelmed by the generous contributions of staff, students and parents in Peel in the recent past. He read from a letter written by a young India Earthquake survivor whose school materials that were lost in the disaster were replaced with funds donated to UNICEF's Education Program. Brian Woodland noted that over $90,000. was raised by the Peel DSB in the Helping Hands campaign.
Brian Woodland then presented Chair McDougald and Director Brathwaite with a Champions for Children Award which, he noted, he had accepted on the Board's behalf at a recent luncheon hosted by UNICEF in recognition of individuals and organizations that make a significant difference to children around the world.
Chair McDougald commended Peel DSB staff, students and members of the community for their outstanding contribution to the success of the Helping Hands campaign. She noted that students should know how important their fundraising efforts were to those children in need and she suggested that copies of the above-mentioned letter be distributed to teachers and shared with students in the classroom.
5. Special Presentation: Michael Dzis and Barbara O'Neil, Peel District School Board's Representatives on the Mississauga Library Board
Background information relating to the presentation was provided to Board Members prior to the meeting.
Mississauga Library Board representatives, Michael Dzis and Barbara O'Neil provided an update on the Library system's 2001 objectives and latest accomplishments.
The Library Board's plans this year include: the creation of further partnerships in education, including joint ventures with both school boards; the extension of the Project Contact program, renovations to a number of existing libraries and opening of some new branches; staff training in the use of the EPI-Pen; Peanut-Free Zones at all locations.
Copies of a book about the history of the City of Mississauga entitled, "Where the River Speaks", which the Library system recently published and issued to schools in Mississauga, were presented to trustees. Michael Dzis expressed appreciation to Associate Director Leeder for his advice and guidance on education and leadership issues over the past few years and wished him well in his upcoming retirement. He then presented Associate Director Leeder with some books about the City and also with a Mississauga Library system Gold Card.
Chair McDougald thanked Michael Dzis and Barbara O'Neil for their presentation and expressed appreciation for the Mississauga Library Board's continuing work on behalf of Peel students.
6. Declaration of Conflict of Interest
There were no conflicts of interest declared.
7. Minutes of the Supplementary Meeting of the Board, June 5, 2001
Minutes of the Physical Planning and Building Committee Meeting, June 5, 2001
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Board, June 12, 2001
Minutes of the Supplementary Meeting of the Board (Budget), June 20, 2001
Resolution No. 01-194 moved by Ruth Thompson
seconded by Beryl Ford
Resolved:
a) That, the Minutes of the Supplementary Meeting of the Board, June 5, 2001, be approved;
b) That, the Minutes of the Physical Planning and Building Committee Meeting, June 5, 2001, be received;
c) That, the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Board, June 12, 2001, be approved;
d) That, the Minutes of the Supplementary Meeting of the Board (Budget), June 20, 2001, be approved.
....................
Arising from the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Board June 12th, the administration provided clarification in response to questions about payment of translation services, in connection with Policy # 61 School Councils, as appended to the Minutes.
....................
Resolution No. 01-194 .............. carried
8. Written Questions
There were no written questions.
9. Notices of Motion / Petitions
There were no notices of motion or petitions.
10. Special Section for Approval
1. Retirements
Resolution No. 01-195 moved by Sandy Ransom
seconded by Valerie Arnold-Judge
Resolved, that the following retirements, be approved:
Rosemary Brooks, Teacher, effective June 30, 2001
Michael Carson, Teacher, effective June 30, 2001
Mary Colletti-Boucher, Teacher, effective October 31, 2001
Gary Crocker, Locksmith, effective November 3, 2001
Beth Cunningham, Secretary, effective August 27, 2001
John Greeniaus, Supervisor, effective June 30, 2001
Irene Harrison, Teacher, effective July 31, 2001
Robert McRoberts, Teacher, effective September 30, 2001
Yvonne Murray, Secretary, effective September 1, 2001
Jane Rovinelli, Teacher, effective October 31, 2001
John Rowan, Teacher, effective October 31, 2001
Mary Anne Smith, Secretary, effective September 24, 2001
.............. carried
11. Special Section for Receipt
Resolution No. 01-196 moved by Sue McFadden
seconded by Rick Williams
Resolved, that the following items, be received:
1. Good News!
2. Letter to the Chair and Director from Canadian Parents for French (Ontario) acknowledging Peel DSB's support for the 17th annual French public speaking contest
3. Copies of letters to the Premier of Ontario/Minister of Education regarding the proposed tax credit for private schools received from:
· Halton District School Board
· District School Board of Niagara
4. Copy of a letter to the Minister of Education from the Avon Maitland District School Board regarding the Ministry's funding formula
5. Copy of a letter to the Minister of Education from the District School Board of Niagara regarding funding for textbooks
6. Copy of a letter to Rob Sampson, MPP, from Hawthorn Public School re proposed tax credits for private schools
7. Ministry of Education News Release: Ontario expands province-wide testing
8. Letter from the Chair and the Director to students, parents and guardians re timetable delays
.............. carried
12. Delegation: Justin Nobel on behalf of the Peel Student Presidents' Council
A copy of the delegation's brief was not provided to the Board.
Peel DSB student Justin Nobel provided background information about the recently formed Peel Student Presidents' Council which currently represents 20 schools in Peel. He indicated that the goals and objectives of the organization reflect the principles of the Peel DSB, in particular its commitment to enriching the educational experiences of students and its philosophy towards life-long learning.
Justin Nobel highlighted some of the initiatives that the PSPC has developed since it was founded eight months ago, including "Genesis 2001", its student leadership conference in which over 100 students participated. On behalf of the PSPC, Justin Nobel expressed appreciation to the Board for its guidance and support in making this four-day event a success.
In his closing remarks, Justin Nobel spoke about his university plans, stating that the Peel DSB was the best place in the world to learn.
Chair McDougald thanked the delegation for his positive comments about the quality of education in the Peel DSB, which, she noted, speak to the value of the public education system.
13. Delegation: Rob Wierdsma re the Newly Established Chapter of Canadian Parents for French in Mississauga South
The delegation read from a prepared brief, copies of which were distributed to Board Members.
Rob Wierdsma provided background information about the Canadian Parents for French organization. He explained that its mission is to be a national network of volunteers who value French as an integral part of Canadian society who promote French second language opportunities for young Canadians. The organization's main objective is to improve French learning opportunities for children both in school and outside the classroom. Rob Wierdsma then outlined some events that the newly formed Mississauga South chapter of Canadian Parents for French has organized to achieve that objective. It was noted that the Mississauga South chapter currently represents parents of three French Immersion schools but plans to expand representation to include both families of French Immersion schools in the near future.
The delegation indicated that the CPF - Mississauga South would like to establish ongoing communication and to be included in any discussions with the Peel DSB regarding Peel's French Immersion or Core French programs.
Board Chair McDougald thanked Rob Wierdsma for his delegation and informed him that he will receive a written response.
14. Delegation: Mark and Michelle Reid re Flexible Boundaries for French Immersion Kindergarten
The delegation provided copies of their brief to the Board.
Mark and Michelle Reid requested that the Board allow their son to attend Kindergarten in the Burnhamthorpe Public School French Immersion program. They explained that they are strong supporters of French Immersion and that two of their other children are already in French Immersion at Burnhamthorpe Public School. However, in accordance with the Peel DSB's policy, their son would have to attend a two-year English Kindergarten program at Nahani Way Public School and then be relocated to Burnhamthorpe for Grade 1. Mark and Michelle Reid expressed concern about the "no flexible boundary" policy, suggesting that it would be disruptive to the whole family if their son were separated from his siblings. Concerns about busing were also outlined by the delegation.
Mark and Michelle Reid responded to some questions from trustees. The administration provided clarification to the delegation regarding the reason for the Board's "no flexible boundary" policy for French Immersion students.
Board Chair McDougald thanked Mark and Michelle Reid for communicating their concerns and indicated that a written response will be provided.
15. Whitehorn Public School Tender / Borrowing Resolution
Resolution No. 01-197 moved by Steve Kavanagh
seconded by Warren Kennedy
Resolved, that the tender, in the amount of $6,234,890. for the construction of Whitehorn Public School, be awarded to Aquicon Construction Co. Ltd.
............. carried
Resolution No. 01-198 moved by Sue McFadden
seconded by Rick Williams
Resolved, that a resolution enacting the Borrowing By-law, as follows, be approved:
That, whereas the Peel District School Board (hereinafter called the "Board") deems it necessary to undertake the following project, namely the construction of the Whitehorn Public School, at an estimated cost of $7,159,600. and in accordance with Ministry of Education Approval No. (N/A) and under the authority of the Education Act, R.S.O. 1980, c. 129, s. 171(6);
That, the foregoing project be financed by current funding, reserve funds or the sale of debentures.
That, as temporary advances pending permanent financing, the Board agrees and the Chair and Treasurer are hereby authorized to borrow by way of promissory notes under the corporate seal of the Board, such sums as may be required to meet expenditures incurred for the purposes of such project with interest at such rate as may be agreed upon and to sign and deliver such note or notes on behalf of the Board.
Enacted this 28th day of June, 2001
Janet McDougald Harold Brathwaite
Chair Secretary
.............. carried
16. Recommendations of the Trustee Review Committee
Trustee Thompson, Chair of the Trustee Review Committee, briefly reviewed the recommendations of the Committee. .
Resolution No. 01-199 moved by Sandy Ransom
seconded by Ruth Thompson
Resolved, that:
a) effective December 1, 2001, the Board's standing and legislated committees be scheduled to meet on the following dates and times:
Physical Planning and Building Committee
1st Tuesday of each month during the school year - 7.30 p.m.
Special Education Advisory Committee
3rd Tuesday of each month during the school year - 7.30 p.m.
Instructional Programs/Curriculum Committee
3rd Wednesday of each month during the school year - 7.30 p.m.
b) that, the regular meeting dates and times be incorporated into the Committees' Terms of Reference.
.............. carried
17. Policy #12: Disposal of Surplus Equipment and Portable Buildings
Resolution No. 01-200 moved by Warren Kennedy
seconded by Randy Barnett
Resolved, that Policy #12 - Disposal of Surplus Equipment and Portable Buildings, as revised, be approved (APPENDIX I).
.............. carried
18. Policy #33: School Openings
Resolution No. 01-201 moved by Sue McFadden
seconded by Don Stephens
Resolved, that Policy #33 - School Openings, as revised, be approved (APPENDIX II).
.............. carried
19. Policy #45: Consolidation of School Accommodation
Resolution No. 01-202 moved by Steve Kavanagh
seconded by Ruth Thompson
Resolved, that Policy #45 - Consolidation of School Accommodation, as revised, be approved (APPENDIX III).
.............. carried
20. Policy #64: Creative Learning Choices
Resolution No. 01-203 moved by Warren Kennedy
seconded by Valerie Arnold-Judge
Resolved, that Policy #64 - Creative Learning Choices, be approved (APPENDIX IV).
.............. carried
21. Springdale West Secondary School: Architect Selection
Resolution No. 01-204 moved by Steve Kavanagh
seconded by Dian Gray
Resolved, that the firm Carruthers Shaw and Partners Ltd. be awarded the repeat secondary school design for the Springdale West Secondary School Project.
.............. carried
22. Update: Peel Readiness Centres
A brief update regarding the status of funding for the Peel DSB's 14 readiness centres was provided by Associate Director Leeder. It was noted that the Early Learning Grant will not be available to support these facilities for 2001 - 2002, therefore alternative funding is required. One possible source of funding is the Early Years Challenge Fund, although this money would not be available immediately. In the meantime, plans involving seven potential readiness centre sites, the opening of which will be contingent upon the availability and timing of this funding, have been developed.
Resolution No. 01-205 moved by Sandy Ransom
seconded by Sue McFadden
Resolved, that the Update re Peel Readiness Centres, be received.
.............. carried
23. Expanded Influenza Immunization Program
A report was presented indicating that, this year, free flu shots were made available by Peel Health to all secondary school students and staff during the school day, and to elementary students and the community at after-hours clinics.
Superintendent of School Services and Staff Development, David Pedwell reported that Peel Health has now expanded its influenza immunization program to include Grades 6, 7 and 8 students and school staff during the first school visit for the Hepatitis B campaign. However, owing to the limited number of nursing staff, this service will not be offered to Grade 6 students attending K-6 schools. After-hours clinics will be set up at 13 secondary schools.
Superintendent Pedwell provided clarification in response to questions about parental consent for these vaccinations and about transportation to the after-hours clinics.
Resolution No. 01-206 moved by Dian Gray
seconded by Don Stephens
Resolved, that the report re Expanded Influenza Immunization Program, be received.
.............. carried
24. Peel Regional Police Youth Education Unit - Update
Superintendent Pedwell provided a brief update on the activities of the Peel Regional Police Youth Education Unit that has been working in Peel elementary schools since January 2001. He confirmed that the Board's internet safety program for Grades 3 to 8 has now been delivered to 140 schools, and that Youth Education Officers will provide support to staff and students at the Grades 7 and 8 summer school sites.
A Board Member acknowledged Superintendent Pedwell for his excellent work with the Peel Regional Police's Youth Education Unit.
Resolution No. 01-207 moved by Beryl Ford
seconded by Ruth Thompson
Resolved, that the update re Peel Regional Police Youth Education Unit, be received.
.............. carried
25. Revised July Board Meeting Date
A recommendation to schedule one summer Board Meeting on August 28th, with July 24th to be held as a tentative date in the event that two summer meetings are required, was approved at the April 10, 2001 Regular Meeting of the Board.
Board Chair McDougald explained why the July meeting has been rescheduled to July 31st. She noted that, in view of recent legislation, a report on secondary school staffing will be included on the July 31st Board Meeting agenda. If possible, this meeting will be conducted electronically.
Resolution No. 01-208 moved by Rick Williams
seconded by Dian Gray
Resolved, that the oral report re revised July Board meeting date, be received.
.............. carried
26. Reports from Ontario Public School Boards' Association
Resolution No. 01-209 moved by Beryl Ford
seconded by Sue McFadden
Resolved, that the following reports, be received:
1. Fast Reports: Vol. 13, No. 16
2. Fast Reports: Vol. 13, No. 17
3. Fast Reports: Vol. 13, No. 18
.............. carried
27. Reports from Trustee Representatives on Councils/Associations
Trustee Williams announced that, at Morning Star Middle School's recent graduation ceremony, Superintendent of Schools, Dave Thomas was honoured by school council members in the Malton family of schools for his commitment to parental participation in education. Trustee Williams also congratulated and expressed appreciation to Superintendent Thomas for the positive impact he has had on students, parents and school staff in the Malton community.
Trustee Ford, the Peel DSB representative on the Brampton Traffic Safety Council, advised that there has not been a lot of response from schools to date with respect to their participation in this year's Walk to School Day on October 2nd. She indicated that maps and other information will be sent out to schools over the summer, and she asked superintendents to speak to principals in September to encourage schools to become involved. Trustee Ford also noted that costs will be covered by the Region of Peel and that Peel Regional Police Youth Education Officers will be present.
28. Question Period
Several Board Members commented on the positive atmosphere and the level of enthusiasm shown by teachers, staff and students at the graduation ceremonies that they attended recently.
Natasha Mytnowych and Gord McGuire thanked Board Members and the administration for the opportunity to represent and express the opinions of their fellow Peel students this past year as student trustees for the Peel DSB.
Trustee Barnett noted that he would have preferred more time to consider the Peel DSB policies that were presented for approval at this meeting.
Board Chair McDougald reported that she had written to MPPs Margaret Marland and Rob Samson to express the Board's concerns about the Government's proposal to issue tax credits to parents whose children attend private schools, and that she had asked them to respond before the legislation was passed. She expressed disappointment that no response has been received to date, other than an acknowledgement from MPP Margaret Marland.
29. Public Question Period
There were no public questions.
30. Adoption of In Committee Report
Resolution No. 01-210 moved by Sue McFadden
seconded by Rick Williams
Resolved, that the Report of the In Committee Session regarding: Minutes of the Supplementary Meeting of the Board (In Committee), June 5, 2001; Minutes of the Physical Planning and Building Committee (In Committee), June 5, 2001; Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Board (In Committee), June 12, 2001; Appointments; Retirements, Resignations; Elementary Vice-Principal Assignments; Response to Trustee Gray's Questions re Secondments; Secondary School - Teacher Instructional Time; Springdale West Secondary School Architect Selection; Streetsville Secondary School / Peel Police Initiative (oral); Network Services for Peel Schools; Britannia Farm Update (oral); and Question Period, be received, and that the recommendations contained therein, be approved.
.............. carried
31. Adjournment
Resolution No. 01-211 moved by Warren Kennedy
seconded by Ruth Thompson
Resolved, that the meeting adjourn (20:30 hours).
.............. carried
.....................................................… Chair ….....................................….......... Secretary
RESOLUTIONS APPROVED IN IN COMMITTEE SESSION - JUNE 28, 2001
Members present:
Janet McDougald, Chair
Ruth Thompson, Vice-Chair
Valerie Arnold-Judge
Randy Barnett
Beryl Ford
Dian Gray
Steve Kavanagh
Warren Kennedy
Sue McFadden
Sandy Ransom
Don Stephens
Rick Williams
1. Approval of the Agenda
That, the agenda be approved, as amended.
2. Minutes of the Supplementary Meeting of the Board (In Committee), June 5, 2001
That, the Minutes of the Supplementary Meeting of the Board (In Committee), held June 5, 2001, be approved.
3. Minutes of the Physical Planning and Building Committee (In Committee), June 5, 2001
That, the Minutes of the Physical Planning and Building Committee (In Committee), held June 5, 2001, be received.
4. Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Board (In Committee), June 12, 2001
That, the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Board (In Committee), held June 12, 2001, be approved.
5. Appointments
That, the appointments of teaching staff to probationary and long term contracts, as attached at Appendix I, be approved.
6. Retirements
That, the report of retirements of staff, be received.
7. Resignations
That, the report of resignations of teaching staff, as attached at Appendix II, be approved.
8. Elementary Vice-Principal Assignments
That, the following elementary vice-principal assignments, effective September 1, 2001, be approved:
Kevin Fisher from .5 Vice-Principal at Springfield Public School and .5 Vice-Principal at Thorn Lodge Public School to Vice-Principal at Springfield Public School
Margaret Boyd from .5 Vice-Principal at Dixie Public School and .5 Vice-Principal at Meadowvale Village Public School to Vice-Principal at Dixie Public School
Deepi Kang-Weisz from .5 Vice-Principal at Dorset Drive Public School and .5 Vice-Principal at Earnscliffe Senior Public School to Vice-Principal at Dorset Drive Public School
9. Response to Trustee Gray's Questions re Secondments
That, the response to Trustee Gray's Questions re Secondments (Regular Meeting of the Board (In Committee), June 12, 2001), be received.
10. Secondary School - Teacher Instructional Time
That, the report re Secondary School - Teacher Instructional Time, be received.
11. Springdale West Secondary School Architect Selection
That, the report re Springdale West Secondary School Architect Selection, be received.
12. Streetsville Secondary School / Peel Police Initiative
That, the oral report re Streetsville Secondary School / Peel Police Initiative, be received.
13. Network Services for Peel Schools
1. That, Enersource Telecom and Hydro One Telecom be jointly selected as the vendors of choice for the provision of high speed network services for the Peel District School Board.
(NOTE: As this is a joint proposal, Board approval will be subject to the additional approval of the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board. )
2. That, the administration be authorized to issue a letter of intent to Enersource Telecom and Hydro One Telecom confirming the award of the proposal, subject to successful negotiation of a contract.
14. Britannia Farm Update
That, the oral update report re Britannia Farm, be received.
Public meetings of the board are held in the board room, HJA Brown Education Centre, 5650 Hurontario Street, Mississauga.
Meetings are open to the public and feature open public question periods, and opportunities to attend as a delegation. For more information, contact Marion Smith, executive assistant, (905)890-1010/1-800-668-1146, ext. 2011 or e-mail: marion.smith@peelsb.com
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