Peel District School Board

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Board
Feb. 12, 2008

Peel District School Board

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Board, held in the Board Room, the HJA Brown Education Centre, 5650 Hurontario Street, Mississauga, Ontario on Tuesday, February 26, 2008, at 19:50 hours.

Members present:

Janet McDougald, Chair

Valerie Arnold-Judge

Beryl Ford

David Green

Steve Kavanagh

Brad MacDonald

Suzanne Nurse

Don Stephens

Jeff White

Rick Williams

Trustees absent (apologies received):

Ruth Thompson, Vice-Chair

Allison Van Wagner

Student Trustees present:

Ishwinder Bhola, Student Trustee North

Shauvik Shah, Student Trustee South

Administration:

Ian Adamson, Superintendent, Alternative Programs

Christine Beal, Controller, Finance Support Services

Marty Fowler, Director, Human Resources Support Services

Penny Gingell, Superintendent of Education

Jim Grieve, Director of Education

Lynn Hiebert, Superintendent, Staff Development and Student Support Services

Susan Hiraishi, Superintendent of Education

Paul Jones, Superintendent of Education

Leo Kazlovskis, Superintendent of Education

Debra Krutila, Superintendent, Special Education Support Services

Wayne McNally, Associate Director, Operational Support Services

Dianne Miles, Superintendent of Education

Scott Moreash, Superintendent of Education

Judith Nyman, Associate Director, Instructional Support Services

Tony Pontes, Superintendent of Education

Pat Rossall, Superintendent of Education

Elizabeth Sinclair-Artwell, Superintendent of Education

Jim Smith, Controller, Corporate Support Services

Marion Smith, Executive Assistant

Shirley-Ann Teal, Superintendent of Education

Pam Tomasevic, Superintendent of Education

Laura Williams, Chief Information Officer

Randy Wright, Controller, Planning and Accommodation Support Services

Shanaz Fancy, Board Reporter

1. Open Session

Chair McDougald apologized for the late start of the meeting. The Open Session commenced with the singing of O’Canada, led by the Centennial Senior Public School Choir.

2. Approval of Agenda

The following changes were made to the agenda:

Item 7.3 Letter from the Ontario Public Schools Boards' Association in response to the Chair's correspondence re 2008-2009 Grants for Student Needs (added)

Item 9.1 Response to the Petition re the proposed boundary for Brameast #1 Secondary School (circulated)

Item 10.1(a) Administrative Report on the Special Education Advisory Committee's recommendation regarding the development of a policy for students receiving Assistive Technology Equipment (circulated)

Item 12.2 OPSBA Fast Report: Volume 20, No. 6 (added)

Resolution No.08-124 moved by Steve Kavanagh

seconded by Beryl Ford

Resolved, that the agenda be approved, as amended.

.............. carried

(2/3rds' majority)

3. Special Presentation: Centennial Senior Public School Choir in celebration of Black History Month

Director of Education, Jim Grieve, highlighted that the Centennial Senior Public School Choir had performed the previous week at the Board's Black History Month events. He advised that this year, the Board has hosted two events for elementary students and there will be an event for secondary students the next day. Communication material sent to schools to expand the dialogue about black heritage and for a deeper understanding of racism were outlined by Jim Grieve. He recognized the efforts of school staff and students to celebrate diversity and commemorate the legacy of Black Canadians.

Jim Grieve introduced the Centennial Senior Public School Choir, who performed Lift Every Voice and Sing, and Siyahamba, a South African freedom song. Chair McDougald thanked the Centennial Senior Public School Choir for their performance this evening.

4. Special Presentation: David Brown, Chair, Mississauga Traffic Safety Council

Chair of the Mississauga Traffic Safety Council, David Brown, presented the 2006‑2007 report on the school-related activities of the Mississauga Traffic Safety Council. He outlined that there are 204 crossing guards for 152 crossings, 52 site inspections were completed from September 2006 to June 2007, 21 site plans were reviewed for new and renovated schools, and that 132 Mississauga schools are participating in the Kiss & Ride program. David Brown highlighted the role of the Mississauga Traffic Safety Council in ensuring the safety and well‑being of children. He reported on the Crossing Guard Appreciation Day and the Kiss & Ride Volunteer Awards to Elmcrest Public School and Thorn Lodge Public School. David Brown spoke of the winner of the Dr. Arthur Wood Award, Carol Stretton. Information was provided by David Brown on the Walk to School Day in October 2008, and a School Walking Routes Pilot Project. He noted that although the amount of snow present is a challenge, the Mississauga Traffic Safety Council would like the Board to review its snow clearing and removal operations. He explained that blocked driveway lanes and parking spots reduce the effectiveness of the Kiss & Ride program.

Trustee Jeff White was thanked for his participation, being elected to the Mississauga Traffic Safety Council in November 2006 to represent the Peel DSB, and David Brown expressed appreciation for the Board's continued support. He also thanked Planning and Accommodation Support Services, and Facilities and Transportation Support Services staff for their assistance, and he commended school staff and volunteers.

On behalf of the Board, Chair McDougald thanked David Brown for the update report, as well as for the work that he and the Mississauga Traffic Safety Council do. Trustee White also thanked David Brown and his dedicated team of volunteers, noting the invaluable service provided to ensure the safety of students.

5. Conflict of Interest

Trustee Stephens declared a conflict of interest with regard to Item 10.3 – Recommendations of the Instructional Programs / Curriculum Committee, which include the recommendation that a partnership be established between the Peel District School Board and the Mississauga Garden Council. He advised that he has been a volunteer with the Mississauga Garden Council for a number of years, and he confirmed that there is no personal financial benefit. Trustee Stephens did not participate in the debate.

6. Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Board, February 12, 2008

Resolution No. 08-125 moved by Steve Kavanagh

seconded by Suzanne Nurse

Resolved, that the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Board, held February 12, 2008, be approved.

.............. carried

7. Written Questions

There were no written questions.

8. Notices of Motion / Petitions

There were no notices of motion or petitions.

9. Special Section for Approval

1. Retirements

Resolution No. 08-126 moved by Beryl Ford

seconded by Rick Williams

Resolved, that the following retirements, be approved:

Donna Allworth, Teacher, effective March 31, 2008

Elizabeth Bunkiewicz, Teacher, effective March 31, 2008

Sonia Chopra, Teacher, effective June 30, 2008

Shirley Dawn, Teacher, effective June 30, 2008

Lucie Dion, Teacher, effective June 30, 2008

Michael Goldner, Teacher, effective June 30, 2008

Catharine Heaton, Teacher, effective June 30, 2008

Phyllis Hendriks, Principal, effective June 30, 2008

Dianne Kelly, Teacher, effective June 30, 2008

Susan Kitchener, Teacher, effective June 30, 2008

Rosina Laughlin, Teacher, effective June 30, 2008

Carmen MacKay, Teacher, effective June 30, 2008

Mary Rae Main, Teacher, effective June 30, 2008

John Poisson, Teacher, effective June 30, 2008

Shelagh Schell, Teacher, effective February 25, 2008

Robert Tkach, Teacher, effective February 29, 2008

Lynne Wiber, Teacher, effective June 30, 2008

.............. carried

10. Special Section for Receipt

Resolution No. 08-127 moved by Beryl Ford

seconded by Don Stephens

Resolved, that the following items be received:

1. Letter from the Minister of Education regarding the 2008-2009 Grants for Student Needs (GSN)

2. Letter from the Federal Minister of Finance in reply to the Chair's letter requesting an amendment to the Excise Tax Act to rebate 100% of the GST payable by school boards across Canada

3. Letter from the Ontario Public Schools Boards' Association in response to the Chair's correspondence regarding 2008-2009 Grants for Student Needs

……………………

Referring to Item 10.2, a trustee commented that the letter from the Federal Minister of Finance does not address the Board's letter requesting an amendment to the Excise Tax Act to rebate 100% of the GST payable by school boards across Canada.

……………………

Resolution No. 08-127 ............. carried

11. Delegation of Randy Ugolini re Alton Public School

Chair of the Alton Public School Council, Randy Ugolini, delegated the Board on behalf of the school council, Alton Taxpayers Parents Teachers Association and the Alton Village Association to request the Peel District School Board to allocate funds in the upcoming budget for the construction of additional classrooms and to co‑fund a gymnasium in partnership with the Town of Caledon. He indicated that, in order to appreciate the nature of the delegation's request, it was important to understand the history of the Alton Public School.

Using a PowerPoint presentation, Randy Ugolini outlined that the Alton Public School is the oldest operating school in Peel DSB, and that it has been educating children continuously since 1837. The current school building is the third and was built in 1874, as the previous two buildings were destroyed by fire. Randy Ugolini highlighted the enrollment and history of the Alton Public School. There are presently 152 students, and with Alton growing, the school is growing along with it. He provided further information on the importance of the school as a focal point for community life and its long history of community involvement, noting that the school is essential to the community and the community is essential to the school.

Randy Ugolini explained the challenges faced by the Alton Public School on a daily basis. He outlined the lack of classroom space, gymnasium, space to accommodate school assemblies or special events, and limited accessibility. He commented that healthy learning opportunities are very limited. The Alton Public School has a unique curriculum around Performing Arts, and Randy Ugolini reported that the school produces impressive theatrical productions, in spite of having neither a stage nor a space for rehearsals. He advised that for the last two years, the school has been paying rental fees for the theatrical productions at the Erin Theatre, plus the cost of busing the children.

The future growth in Alton was alluded to by the delegation and the proposed growth projects mentioned. Randy Ugolini stated that he is proud of the Alton Public School and its unique character and history, and he advised that as the school is not designated as a historical building, it can be added onto. Randy Ugolini commented that although the Board has competing demands for funding, it is committed to supporting its goals and key strategies. He suggested that the Alton Public School can be supported by innovative cost‑sharing partnerships with other levels of government and by community contributions. Randy Ugolini highlighted that specifically, there could be swapping of property with the Town of Caledon, co‑funding partnerships with the Town of Caledon, and capitalizing on Alton's enthusiastic community support.

Randy Ugolini concluded his presentation with an invitation to the trustees to see the school and the potential that exists, and he requested the Board's approval for inclusion of capital funds for the addition of classrooms and a gym at Alton Public School.

Questions of clarification were responded to by Randy Ugolini on whether the Town of Caledon would be amenable to a land swap. Trustee Arnold‑Judge reported on a communication from the Town of Caledon re a possible land swap.

Chair McDougald thanked Randy Ugolini for his presentation, and she confirmed that an administrative response to the delegation would be provided at the next Regular Meeting of the Board on March 25, 2008.

12. Delegation of Elinor Sztybel re Proposed Boundary for Brameast #1 Secondary School

Elinor Sztybel read from a prepared statement, a copy of which was circulated prior to the meeting. She explained that her family moved into the Brampton subdivision of the Estates of Valleycreek in late 2005, and that she had confirmed the location of the new elementary and secondary schools with the Board prior to purchasing their home. The delegation advised that in the Fall of 2007, she had confirmed with the Board again where the secondary school for east Brampton would be built. She expressed her surprise about a letter to the Brameast community from the Board, outlining the proposed boundary for the new Brameast #1 Secondary School, as it would exclude students in her subdivision. The students would be designated to attend Chinguacousy Secondary School. Elinor Sztybel stated that this situation is unacceptable to the residents in the subdivision, and that they feel that the children are entitled to attend a secondary school in their Brameast community within their Ward.

The delegation commented that the 2007‑2008 Annual Planning Document showed the subdivision of the Estates of Valleycreek and the new Brameast #1 Secondary School within the Brameast boundary, but Board administration indicated at the community meeting and in the final boundary recommendation that enrollment would be balanced between Chinguacousy Secondary School and Brameast #1 Secondary School. Elinor Sztybel noted that the community did not understand this reasoning as Chinguacousy Secondary School was only to be used as a holding school for Brameast until a Brameast secondary school was built. Referring to the community information meeting held on January 28, 2008, Elinor Sztybel outlined her community's suggestion that a second secondary school be built, which was supported by a regional councilor and a city councilor from the City of Brampton. She spoke of the projected enrollment for Brameast, and she questioned the Board's projection numbers for Brameast's future development.

Further comments from the delegation included: suggestion to build a second secondary school for Brameast; the significant distance and cost to transport students to Chinguacousy Secondary School; students will be deprived of a sense of stability and community when they are separated from friends in middle school; students may not be able to participate in extra‑curricular activities due to the distance involved for parents to pick them up. She stated that her two children have been housed in portables since they moved into the area in 2005, and that they have no lockers and no direct access to washrooms. Further comments were made by the delegation on the overcrowding at Calderstone Middle School and Chinguacousy Secondary School, dissatisfaction with the accommodation being provided to the children in Brameast, and property taxes.

In concluding her presentation, Elinor Sztybel requested the trustees to reconsider the boundary recommendation for the Brameast #1 Secondary School so that the children in her community can attend the school when it opens in 2010.

Chair McDougald advised that the Board has concerns about some of the assumptions as they were incorrect. A trustee commented on information in the delegation's presentation, and he also clarified that school boards do not receive funding on the basis of property taxes paid. Another trustee also disagreed with some of the statements made by the delegation, and she suggested that the administration should address them.

It was noted by Chair McDougald that the new school boundary for Brameast #1 Secondary School and boundary change for Chinguacousy Secondary School is on the agenda later in the meeting (Item 22 of these Minutes). She confirmed that an administrative response to the delegation would be provided at the next Regular Meeting of the Board on March 25, 2008.

13. Response to Petition re Proposed Boundary for Brameast #1 Secondary School

Resolution No. 08-128 moved by Suzanne Nurse

seconded by Steve Kavanagh

Resolved, that the response to the petition of 200 parents from the Estates of Valleycreek in Brampton re the proposed boundary for the new Brameast #1 Secondary School, scheduled to open in September 2010 (Regular Meeting of the Board, February 12, 2008), be received.

.............. carried

14. Administrative Background Report regarding the Special Education Advisory Committee's Recommendation re the Development of a Policy for Students Receiving Assistive Technology Equipment

At the Board meeting of January 22, 2008, the Special Education Advisory Committee's recommendation regarding the development of a policy for students receiving assistive technology equipment was referred to the administration. The report prepared by the administration provides background information on the Ministry's expectations, and the Ministry guidelines which suggest that boards develop their own protocols / policy on issues such as use of equipment in a student's home. Also included in the administrative report is information on the Special Equipment Amount (SEA) funding provided by the Ministry of Education, insurance and liability issues, arrangements for access to computer software, and examples of eligible SEA equipment. It was noted that boards are required to pay an $800 per pupil deductible for each claim in addition to paying for low‑cost items that are less than $800 per student. The administration recommends in its report that due to the cost, sensitivity, and nature of assistive technology equipment, Board owned SEA equipment remain available to the students at school, and should not be authorized for home use.

Resolution No. 08-129 moved by Brad MacDonald

seconded by Don Stephens

Resolved, that the Administrative Background Report regarding the Special Education Advisory Committee's Recommendation re the Development of a Policy for Students Receiving Assistive Technology Equipment, be received.

………………………

A trustee expressed his disappointment that a policy for students to borrow equipment for home use could not be developed. Another trustee noted that the Special Education department is over-Budget, and that lost and damaged equipment could impede a student's access to the curriculum.

………………………

Resolution No. 08-129 ............. carried

15. Referral of Resolution – Recommendation of the Special Education Advisory Committee re Policy for Students Receiving Assistive Technology Equipment

Resolution No. 08-130 moved by Brad MacDonald

seconded by Beryl Ford

Resolved, that the Board now deal with Resolution No. 08-52 which was referred to the administration at the January 22, 2008 Regular Meeting of the Board.

.............. carried

Resolution No. 08-52 moved by Brad MacDonald

seconded by Beryl Ford

Resolved, that the following recommendation of the Special Education Advisory Committee meeting, held January 15, 2008, be approved:

1. Policy for Students Receiving Assistive Technology Equipment

Whereas, students who receive equipment such as laptop computers funded through SEA, but have no access to the same equipment at home, are not able to do homework or projects outside school premises. This significantly disadvantages students who do not have the financial resources to purchase duplicate equipment and resources, and students (including those with learning disabilities) who cannot access equipment for home use through the Assistive Devices Program. School boards have a duty under Human Rights legislation to eliminate such barriers to accessible education.

Be it resolved, that:

As recommended by the SEAC members of the Learning Disabilities Association of North Peel and Mississauga, the Peel District School Board develop a policy for students who receive assistive technology equipment through SEA funding, regarding the use of such equipment outside of school premises.

The policy development should consider making provisions:

For students who are not eligible to access equipment for home use through the Assistive Devices Program of the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care.

To allow students to take home equipment they need to work on school assignments, as long as arrangements are made for insurance coverage for loss or damage."

………………………

Comments made included: the administration's commitment to Special Education students; Special Education department's being over‑Budget; Board's fiduciary responsibility for equipment; parents can be asked to cover costs; need for a policy to allow students to take home equipment; the Board's sensitivity towards Special Education students, but some other students could also justify the need to take equipment home.

………………………

Resolution No. 08-52 ............. defeated

16. Recommendations of the Instructional Programs / Curriculum Committee, February 20, 2008

At a meeting of the Instructional Programs/Curriculum Committee, held February 20, 2008, the following recommendations resulted:

Resolution No. 08-131 moved by Rick Williams

seconded by Suzanne Nurse

1. Proclamation re Black History Month and the 200th Anniversary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade

Whereas, February is Black History Month, and

Whereas, 2007 marked the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the Slave Trade Act by the British Parliament, and

Whereas, the Board has as one of its key goals to provide equity of access and opportunity for students and staff, to learn, work and develop in an environment that is encouraging, respectful and inclusive, and

Whereas, racism continues to be one of the "isms" that interferes with an encouraging, respectful and inclusive environment, and

Whereas, the Board fosters conditions where students can talk freely and openly about power and oppression, and

Whereas, the Board proactively creates environments where parents are heard, have a role and are respected as partners in the education of their children, and

Whereas, the Board empowers students to develop leadership skills in dismantling racism.

Therefore, be it resolved that in commemoration of the 200th Anniversary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act and in recognition of Black History Month, the Peel District School Board affirms its commitment to continued leadership in confronting racism in all its forms and ensuring equitable and inclusive learning and working environments. (Appendix II, as attached to the Minutes).

2. Field Centres and Riverwood Partnership

That, a partnership be established between the Peel District School Board and the Mississauga Garden Council beginning in the 2008‑2009 school year for a two year pilot period with an annual fee of $59,250 (two year total of $118,500), subject to budget approval (Appendix III, as attached to the Minutes).

3. Climate for Learning and Working

That, to support the work required in the Climate for Learning and Working, four additional field office resource teacher positions be approved, effective September 2008, subject to budget approval (Appendix I, as attached to the Minutes).

4. Reports / Information Received

The Committee received the following reports / information: Celebrating Faith and Culture Backgrounder – February 2008; Black History Month Celebrations; Transformational Practices Grade 7-12 / The Brampton Centennial Family Story; Full-Day Learning for 4 and 5 Year Old Children; Safe Schools Symposium – March 27-28, 2008; 2008-2009 Teacher Learning and Leadership Program; Provincial Symposium for Student Success Leaders – February 27-29, 2008; Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Request for Applications 2008-2009; Healthy Schools Recognition Program; Grade 8 to 9 Transition Planning Initiative Evaluation Report; Junior Division Materials for Comprehension and Thinking Skills for English Language Schools.

………………..

In response to a trustee's inquiry on how the Proclamation re Black History Month and the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade is being implemented at the schools, Director Grieve mentioned the communication package for each school. Another trustee recognized the Board's commitment to diversity, and ensuring inclusive learning and working environments towards addressing The Future We Want.

………………..

Resolution No. 08-131 .............. carried

17. Notice of Motion: Trustee Nurse re Establishing an Environmental Policy Committee

At the Regular Meeting of the Board, held February 12, 2008, Trustee Nurse delivered a notice of motion re establishing an Environmental Policy Committee. Trustee Nurse reported that several schools had contacted her regarding recycling, and she referred to an email from a teacher at Heart Lake Secondary School, requesting that a Board‑wide recycling program be implemented. She highlighted information contained in the email regarding the amount of garbage created by the Board and the low percentage being diverted to recycling. A trustee suggested that the development of a policy should go beyond recycling, and a friendly amendment was made to the motion to include the words “and other environmental issues, as appropriate”. If the motion is approved, the appointment of three trustees and one student trustee will be made at the next meeting of the Board on March 25, 2008.

Resolution No. 08-132 moved by Suzanne Nurse

seconded by Beryl Ford

Whereas environmental issues are increasingly important to staff and to students, and

Whereas recycling practices are currently inconsistent from school to school, and

Whereas the Peel District School Board, as one of the largest school boards in the province and one of the largest employers in the Region of Peel creates a significant amount of waste,

Be it resolved, that the Board establish an Environmental Policy Committee, comprising three trustees, one student trustee and appropriate administrative support, to develop a policy on recycling and other environmental issues, as appropriate.

Be it also resolved, that the mandate of the Environmental Policy Committee include a review of other aspects of the Board’s operations to determine where it may be possible to implement environmentally-friendly changes to current practices.

.............. carried

18. School Year Calendar (2008-2009) - Roberta Bondar Public School

District school boards are required to submit to the Ministry of Education on or before May 1 of each year the school year calendar to be followed in the next school year in accordance with the Education Act. If a board wishes to adopt an alternate school year calendar, the proposed school year calendar has to be submitted to the Board on or before March 1 of the preceding school year. A trustee inquired about an update report on the balanced school year calendar, and Chair McDougald indicated that a report will be presented at a future Instructional Programs / Curriculum Committee meeting.

Resolution No. 08-133 moved by Steve Kavanagh

seconded by Don Stephens

Resolved, that the proposed school year calendar for Roberta Bondar Public School for 2008‑2009, be approved (APPENDIX I).

.............. carried

19. Peel District School Board Policy #45 – Consolidation of School Accommodation

As required by the Ministry of Education, the Consolidation of Schools Policy Review Committee completed its analysis of the Board’s Policy #45 and the supporting Operating Procedure, and presented the revised policy for Board approval on March 27, 2007. Minor changes for clarification have been made to Policy #45 and the operating procedure since that time.

Resolution No. 08-134 moved by Don Stephens

seconded by Brad MacDonald

Resolved, that the revised Peel District School Board Policy #45 – Consolidation of School Accommodation, be approved (APPENDIX II).

.............. carried

20. Robert J. Lee Public School Addition – Report on Tender and Borrowing By-law

Resolution No. 08-135 moved by Suzanne Nurse

seconded by Rick Williams

Resolved, that the tender in the amount of $1,084,956, including GST, for the construction of Robert J. Lee Public School Addition, be awarded to Trinox Corporation (APPENDIX III).

.............. carried

Resolution No. 08-136 moved by Suzanne Nurse

seconded by Rick Williams

Resolved, that a resolution enacting the Borrowing By-law, as follows, be approved:

Whereas the Peel District School Board (hereinafter called the Board) deems it necessary to undertake the following project, namely the construction of the Robert J. Lee Public School Addition, at an estimated cost of $1,421,000 and

Whereas the Board has directed the Treasurer of the Board to calculate updated debt and financial obligations and liability limits pursuant to and in accordance with Ontario Regulation 472/98 and the Treasurer has reported to the Board that the estimated annual amount payable in respect of the foregoing project will not cause the Board to exceed its updated limits and that therefore the approval of the Minister of Education is not required before authorizing the foregoing project.

Now therefore be it resolved and be enacted as a by-law of the Board that:

1. The foregoing project be authorized and approved and be financed by current funding, reserve funds, borrowing for an initial term of more than one year from a bank, trust company or credit union, the sale of debentures, or any one or more of the foregoing.

2. In addition to the foregoing methods of financing the said project, the Board agrees and the Chair or the Vice-Chair and the 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 as temporary advances pending receipt of current revenue, with interest at such rate as may be agreed upon and to sign and deliver such note or notes on behalf of the Board.

Dated this 26th day of February, 2008.

Janet McDougald Jim Grieve

Chair Secretary

.............. carried

21. Whitehorn Public School Addition and Renovation - Report on Tender and Borrowing By-law

Resolution No. 08-137 moved by Jeff White

seconded by Valerie Arnold-Judge

Resolved, that the tender in the amount of $1,018,500, including GST, for the construction of Whitehorn Public School Addition and Renovation, be awarded to Jasper Construction Corporation (APPENDIX IV).

.............. carried

Resolution No. 08-138 moved by Jeff White

seconded by Valerie Arnold-Judge

Resolved, that a resolution enacting the Borrowing By-law, as follows, be approved:

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 Addition and Renovation, at an estimated cost of $1,234,000 and

Now therefore be it resolved and be enacted as a by-law of the Board that:

Dated this 26th day of February, 2008.

Janet McDougald Jim Grieve

Chair Secretary

.............. carried

22. New School Boundary for Brameast #1 Secondary School and Boundary Change for Chinguacousy Secondary School

Resolution No. 08-139 moved by Steve Kavanagh

seconded by Valerie Arnold-Judge

Resolved that, the following recommendations be approved:

1) Effective September 2010, the Grades 9-10 boundary for Brameast Secondary School be as follows:

Commencing at the intersection of Castlemore Road and McVean Drive

then East along Castlemore Road to Highway 50

then South along Highway 50 to Highway 407

then West along Highway 407 to Gorewood Drive

then North along Gorewood Drive, Claireville Conservation Road and McVean Drive to the point of commencement.

Brameast Secondary School will open as a Grades 9-10 configuration.

2) Effective September 2010, the Grades 9-12 boundary for Chinguacousy Secondary School be as follows:

Commencing at the intersection of Bovaird Drive East and Bramalea Road

then East along Bovaird Drive East and Castlemore Road to McVean Drive

then South along McVean Drive, Claireville Conservation Road and Gorewood Drive to Highway 407

then West along Highway 407 to Torbram Road

then North along Torbram Road to Queen Street East

then West along Queen Street East to Bramalea Road

then North along Bramalea Road to the point of commencement.

3) The Board approve a 20 classroom addition at Chinguacousy Secondary School to accommodate its long term sustained enrolment. This addition was in the 2007/08 Annual Planning Document (APD) for receipt.

………………………

A trustee suggested that this item be deferred to allow the Board to review the information presented by the delegation earlier in the meeting, and for staff to prepare an administrative report.

………………………

Resolution No. 08-140 moved by Suzanne Nurse

seconded by Beryl Ford

Resolved, that Resolution No. 08-139, be deferred to the March 25, 2008 Regular Meeting of the Board, pending a response from the administration.

.............. carried

Resolution No. 08-139 ………… deferred

23. Financial Statements as at December 31, 2007

Resolution No. 08-141 moved by Jeff White

seconded by Suzanne Nurse

Resolved, that the financial statements as at December 31, 2007, be received.

.............. carried

24. Reports from Ontario Public School Boards’ Association

Resolution No.08-142 moved by Beryl Ford

seconded by David Green

Resolved, that the following reports, be received:

OPSBA Fast Report, Volume 20, No. 5

OPSBA Fast Report, Volume 20, No. 6

.............. carried

25. Reports from Trustee Representatives on Councils / Associations

Trustee Green reported on an OPSBA Education Team Planning session on February 15, 2008, and that one of the highlights had been the presentation to the OPSBA Education Program Work Team of the use of technology within Peel DSB classrooms. Trustee Green advised that the presentation had been well received with queries on how this is achieved. There was also a presentation on the Special Education funding formula by the Ministry of Education. Information regarding the ISA funding was provided.

Student Trustee Shah noted that February 15 was declared National Flag of Canada Day in 1996, and that it marks the day in 1965 when the maple leaf flag was first raised over Parliament Hill in Ottawa. He reported on activities held at Glenforest Secondary School.

Trustee Stephens reported on the event he attended at Mississauga Civic Centre to mark National Flag of Canada Day. Students from Burnhamthorpe Public School sang the national anthem in French.

Trustee Stephens inquired whether Remembrance Day and National Flag of Canada Day can be added to the Faith Forward Calendar. Chair McDougald indicated that the request will be responded to at a later date.

26. Question Period

There were no questions.

27. Public Question Period

There were no questions.

28. Adoption of the In Committee Report

Resolution No. 08-143 moved by Jeff White

seconded by Rick Williams

Resolved, that the report of the In Committee Session regarding: Student Expulsions (5); Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Board (In Committee – Part B), February 12, 2008; Appointments; Resignations; Retirements; Employee Funded Leave – Elementary Teaching Staff; Employee Funded Leave – Secondary Teaching Staff; Employee Funded Leave – Principals and Vice-Principals; Promotion Process - Elementary Vice-Principal; Results of the Superintendent Selection Process; Principal of Special Programs – Autism Spectrum Disorder; First Student of Canada – Hawkestone Division; Question Period, and Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Board (In Committee – Part A), February 12, 2008, be received, and that the recommendations contained therein, be approved.

.............. carried

29. Adjournment

Resolution No. 08-144 moved by Suzanne Nurse

seconded by Don Stephens

Resolved, that the meeting adjourn (21:40 hours).

.............. carried

.....................................................… Chair .....................................….......... Secretary

RESOLUTIONS APPROVED IN IN COMMITTEE SESSION – FEBRUARY 26, 2008

Members present: (apologies for absence or late arrival marked: *)

Janet McDougald, Chair

Valerie Arnold-Judge

Beryl Ford

David Green

Steve Kavanagh (18:00)*

Brad MacDonald

Suzanne Nurse

Don Stephens(18:00)*

Jeff White (13:40)

Rick Williams (14:10)*

Trustees absent:

Ishwinder Bhola, Student Trustee North

Ruth Thompson, Vice-Chair*

Allison Van Wagner*

Shauvik Shah, Student Trustee South*

PART A

1. Approval of Agenda

That, the agenda be approved.

2. Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Board (In Committee – Part A), February 12, 2008

That, the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Board (In Committee – Part A), held February 12, 2008, be approved.

PART B

1. Approval of Agenda

That, the agenda be approved.

2. Student Expulsions (5)

That, after hearing the submission of the parties, reading the materials submitted to the board, being satisfied that the students named (5) did commit the infraction as alleged, and having considered the application of the mitigating and other factors prescribed by Regulation 472/07, that the students named (5) be expelled from all schools of the Peel District School Board and assigned to the Peel District School Board's Fresh Start program, under the conditions outlined in the reports provided.

3. Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Board (In Committee – Part B), February 12, 2008

That, the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Board (In Committee – Part B), held February 12, 2008, be approved.

4. Appointments

That, the report of appointments of probationary and long term occasional teaching staff (Appendix I), be approved.

5. Resignations

That, the report of resignations of teaching staff (Appendix II), be approved.

6. Retirements

That, the report of retirements of staff, be received.

7. Employee Funded Leave – Elementary Teaching Staff

That, the annual report of employee funded leaves for elementary teaching staff, be approved (Appendix III).

8. Employee Funded Leave – Secondary Teaching Staff

That, the annual report of employee funded leaves for secondary teaching staff, be approved (Appendix IV).

9. Employee Funded Leave – Principals and Vice-Principals

That, the annual report of employee funded leaves for principals and vice-principals, be approved (Appendix V).

10. Promotion Process – Elementary Vice-Principal

That, the report of the promotion process for the position of elementary vice-principal, be approved (Appendix VI).

11. Results of the Superintendent Selection Process

That, the report of the results of the superintendent selection process, be approved (Appendix VII).

12. Principal of Special Programs – Autism Spectrum Disorder

That, the oral report re principal of Special Programs – Autism Spectrum Disorder, be received.

13. Further Business

1. First Student of Canada - Hawkestone Division

That, the oral status update report re First Student of Canada - Hawkestone Division, 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

Subscribe electronically to receive the regular board meeting agendas.