Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Separate School Division No. 22

Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Separate School Division No. 22
Regular Board Meeting Agenda
Friday November 20, 2015
Division Office, Moose Jaw
Meeting Time: 5:30 PM
Supper: 6:30 PM
Time
Agenda Item
Opening Prayer (Joann Blazieko)
5:30
1.
Adoption of Agenda *
2.
Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meeting(s) *
2.1 Regular Board Meeting Dated October 19, 2015
5:35
3.
Delegations & Special Presentation
4.
Closed Session
2 Items
5.
5:45
Information Items
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
Theodore Case
SSBA Highlights
SCSBA AGM Final Budget
Meet and Greet with Prairie South Tuesday, November 24, 2015
SSBA Calendar of Events
6. Staff Reports
6:00
6.1 Director’s Report
6.2 Chief Financial Officer Reports
I.
Annual Audited 2014-2015 Financial Statements
II.
2014-2015 Audit Report
7. Decision Items *
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
Annual Audited 2014-2015 Financial Statements
Review 2014-2015 Audit Report
2014-2015 Board Annual Report for Submission to the Ministry
Teacher Resignations for the Purpose of Retirement
8. Trustee Reports
1
8.1 Board Chair
8.2 Board Committees:
 Audit Committee Report
8.3 Trustees
 Friday, November 13, 2015 Meeting with Moose Jaw MLAs: Greg Lawrence,
Moose Jaw Wakamow and Warren Michelson, Moose Jaw North
9. Correspondence
10. Reminders
10.1 November Dates

Saturday, November 21, 2015

Final Director and Board Performance Review – Moose Jaw: 8:30 AM3:30 PM

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

PSS Joint Board Gathering @ 5:30 PM

Location TBD

Thursday, November 26, 2015

Polytechnic Business and Industry Dinner

Attending: Joann, Mary Jane, Debbie, Patricia, Geri

Heritage Inn – Reception @ 5:30, must be seated by 6:00 PM
10.2 December Dates

Monday, December 14, 2015

Prep Meeting – Moose Jaw @ 2:30 PM

Board Meeting – Moose Jaw @ 3:00 PM

Christmas Dinner 
Thursday, December 17, 2015

Division Office Christmas Luncheon @ 12:00 Noon

Christmas Events

Sunday, December 6, 2015 @ 7:00 PM

Vanier Prairie Christmas

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Sacred Heart Christmas Concert @ Mae Wilson - 7:00 PM

St. Margaret Christmas Concert @ Hillcrest – 6:30 PM

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

St. Agnes Christmas Concert @ Mae Wilson – 7:00 PM

Wednesday, December 10, 2015

St. Mary Christmas Concert @ Mae Wilson - 6:30 PM

Monday, December 14, 2015

St. Michael Christmas Mass @ St. Joseph Church – 6:00 PM

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

All Saints Catholic Christmas Concert Grades 6-8

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Christ the King Christmas Concert @ 7:00 PM

Thursday, December 17, 2015

All Saints Catholic School Christmas Concert Grades K-5
2
10.3 January Dates

Monday, January 25, 2015

Prep Meeting – Video @ 2:30 PM Board

Meeting – Video @ 3:00 PM
11. Adjournment *
Closing Prayer (Joann Blazieko)
*Requires a Motion
3
Decision Items:
Item 7.1:
Receive Annual Audited 2014-2015 Financial Statements
Presented by:
Catherine Roberts
Background:
Refer to Attachments sent with the Agenda.
Recommendation:
That Holy Trinity Catholic School Division Board receives the Annual
Audited Financial Statements as presented by Virtus Group LLP.
Item 7.2:
Review 2014-2015 Audit Report and Management Letter
Presented by:
Catherine Roberts
Background:
Refer to Attachments sent with the Agenda.
Recommendation:
That Holy Trinity Catholic School Division Board receives the
Audit Report as presented by Virtus Group LLP.
Item 7.3:
Board Annual Report for Submission to the Ministry
Presented by:
Geri Hall
Background:
The Annual Report is required by the Ministry of Education for tabling in
the legislature.
Recommendation:
That Holy Trinity Catholic School Board approves the 2014-2015 Annual
Board Report as presented pending minor changes after format review is
received from the Ministries of Education and Finance.
Item 7.4:
Teacher Resignations for the Purpose of Retirement
Presented by:
Dave DePape
Background:
Recommendation:
That the Board accepts the resignation of _____________for the purpose
of retirement, with regret.
4
Item 2.1
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF
HOLY TRINITY ROMAN CATHOLIC SEPARATE SCHOOL DIVISION NO. 22
Held at the Division Office – Moose Jaw
On October 19, 2015 at 3:00 pm.
________________________________________________________________________
ATTENDANCE
Mary Jane BENESH (Vice Chair)
Joann BLAZIEKO (Chairperson)
Helene CHENARD
Lucy GEHL
Patricia GOTTSELIG
Debbie OLESEN
Joan SCHWINGHAMER
Geri HALL, Director of Education
Dave DePAPE, Superintendent of Human Resources
Ward STRUEBY, Superintendent of Learning
Catherine ROBERTS, Chief Financial Officer
Doug SEARS, Supervisor of Facilities
_______________________________________________________________________
Opening
The meeting was called to order by Trustee BLAZIEKO and opened with a prayer led by Trustee BENESH.
Approval of the Agenda
22-2016 CARRIED
It was moved by Trustee GEHL that the agenda be adopted as circulated.
Approval of the Previous Minutes
23-2016 CARRIED
It was moved by Trustee SCHWINGHAMER that the minutes of the September 21, 2015 Regular Meeting of
the Board be adopted as circulated.
Special Presentation
Maureen Jickling provided a presentation about Moose Jaw Local Improvement.
Closed Session
24-2016 CARRIED
It was moved by Trustee OLESEN that the Board adjourns to closed session.
Rise and Report
25-2016 CARRIED
It was moved by Trustee GEHL that the Board reconvenes from closed session.
Alteration of Swift Current Electoral Boundaries
26-2016 CARRIED
It was moved by Trustee BENESH that the Board make a request to the Minister of Education for approval
to alter the school division Swift Current electoral conditions from two sub-division representation to two
elected at large members from the city.
5
5 Year Capital Plan
27-2016 CARRIED
It was moved by Trustee OLESEN that the Board approve the five year capital plan as presented.
Number of Board Members
28-2016 CARRIED
It was moved by Trustee GEHL that the Board make request of the Minister to reduce the number of trustees
elected to govern the division by one Moose Jaw member effective as of the 2016 Saskatchewan School
Boards election.
Trustee Chenard requested a recorded vote: 4 “For”; 3 “Against”, those being Trustees Chenard, Blazieko and
Schwinghamer. The motion carried.
Amendment to Contract
29-2016 CARRIED
It was moved by Trustee GOTTSELIG That the Board approve the extension of the roofing contract to
include the repair of St. Michael School, section 6.
Adjourn
30-2016 CARRIED
It was moved by Trustee CHENARD that the meeting stand adjourned, the time being 7:57 p.m.
________________________________
CHAIRPERSON
________________________________
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
6
Item 5.1
Saskatchewan Catholic School Boards Association
News Release
For immediate release – November 9, 2015
Parents’ right to choose children's education challenged in Saskatchewan court
With the start of the Theodore litigation today in Yorkton, Catholic Education in Saskatchewan is about to
undergo a major court challenge.
In 2005, York School Division (now Good Spirit School Division #204) filed a legal complaint against what is now
Christ the Teacher Roman Catholic School Division #212 and the Government of Saskatchewan over the
decision of Catholic rate payers in the Theodore area to move to create a separate school after their public
school was shut down.
The Saskatchewan Catholic School Boards Association (SCSBA) is upholding the following principles as this court
case begins:
 Catholic school divisions recognize parents are the first teachers of their children and support the
concept of parents having a choice to have their children educated in a Catholic atmosphere—whether
the students or parents are Catholic or not.

Accepting all students willing to learn from a Catholic perspective is consistent with the moral values
we embrace as a faith community and that we instil in the children we teach. Catholic schools are
welcoming and inclusive places, and thus should be able to admit Catholics and non-Catholics alike, no
matter where people are on their personal faith journey. To welcome those seeking Catholic
education, but who are not members of our faith, is consistent with the mission of the Church and
makes Catholic education more authentic.

The challenge by the public school division of the right of Catholic separate schools to admit nonCatholic students threatens the choice of parents, limiting the education options of non-Catholic
parents for their children. This challenge is a later addition to the court claim and is contrary to the
current legislation in this province.
 We interpret the Saskatchewan Act in a way that requires funding to Catholic separate schools be
comparable to that provided to public schools. Fair and equitable funding includes all students,
regardless of their faith.
For more information, contact:
Ken Loehndorf, Executive Director
Saskatchewan Catholic School Boards Association
306-441-0541 | [email protected]
7
Item 5.1
Novemberl,2015
Dear Partners in Catholic Education"
Catholic Education in Saskatchewan is about to undergo a major court challenge with litigation starting
on November 9,2015 in Yorkton. The Saskatchewan Catholic School Boards Association (SCSBA)
has created a one page document to help our partners understand the essence of the upcoming court
case. This document is intended to provide basic information about the history of the Theodore
litigation and some of the fundamental principles that Catholic School Divisions believe in.
If you have any questions
at (306) 445-7729.
please feel free to contact Mr. Ken Loehndorf, Executive Director, SCSBA
We ask you to please keep the wonderful gift of Catholic Education in your prayers as we enter into
these challenging times.
God Bless,
?*[*qdF
Paula Scott
President, SCSBA
8
Item 5.1
Theodore Litigation History and Overview
Historical Background Prior To 2005 Statement of Claim:
• The Public Boards, and historically primarily the urban Public Boards, have been
concerned about the growth of the non-Roman Catholic student population in separate
schools.
• Public boards have expressed the opinion that the mandate of Catholic education in
Saskatchewan is or ought to be limited to the education of Catholic students, exclusively,
and as a result are in disagreement with any broader mandate of Catholic education to
reflect an inclusiveness that extends beyond the Catholic community.
• Public boards perceive this broader mandate as resulting in the separate school systems in
the Province developing into a parallel general school system – in competition to the
public school system and competing for provincial public funding.
• Early in the litigation of the Theodore situation, government officials had expressed the
view that the suit was not principally an attack on Catholic education or the Catholic
community but was really “all about the money”. The apparent view of the Public
Boards being that since the bulk of provincial funding was predicated on per student
grants that either a dis-entitlement to the grants or a reduction in students in separate
school systems would result in increased public school funding.
• Public boards sought to pursue political solutions through lobbying and separate private
negotiations with little success. A prime example of which being the letter they received
from the Honourable Pat Atkinson, then Minister of Education, in 1998, outlining her
Government's strong support for the status quo and the current interpretations of the law
held both by Justice and separate school boards.
• The closure of the Theodore Public School by York School Division in 2003, and the
prompt establishment of a separate school were perceived by the Public Boards as an
abuse of Catholic denominational education rights both under the Constitution and The
Education Act, 1995. The belief being that the establishment of the separate school was
motivated not by a desire for a Catholic education for Catholic students in the community
but rather as a device to circumvent the school closure.
•
Given this perception was shared by many observers including in government; the
perception was that it was advantageous for the Public Boards to take advantage of this
fact circumstance to commence the Theodore action.
Theodore Court Case History:
• July 2, 2003 Theodore RCSSD #138 was established by a Minister's Order.
• March 23, 2005 Original Statement of Claim was issued for Theodore Case.
9
• The original primary complaint was that per pupil school grants being paid to Catholic
School Divisions for non-Catholic students was discriminatory under the Charter of
Rights and Freedoms even though the Public school divisions were paid the same per
student school grant for all students attending those divisions including Catholic students.
• The claim also challenged the legal status of the St. Theodore Catholic School Division,
because a certain percentage of the students were non Catholic.
• They are claiming that these grants to separate school Boards to the extent they relate to
non-Catholic students are contrary to the Constitution, because it breaches the Charter of
Rights, by discriminating against the Public school divisions.
• Public boards say the existence, size and shape of the separate school system impacts the
ability of public boards to access funds and to deliver and manage services.
• They say that Theodore is one example of those impacts.
• Public Section feels that the Theodore Case is about protecting the mandate of Public
boards.
• May 16, 2012 court hearing to deal with proposed changes from the plaintiff and the
“standing question” from the SCSBA.
• With the changes, the Public Section has amended the pleadings to expand the issues
further to request a determination of other constitutional rights of the separate schools
minority faith school divisions in Saskatchewan. These changes broaden the scope of the
case considerably.
• This matter will likely get to trial in 2015.
• Because the standing issue was left to be decided by the trial judge, we are required to
defend the whole constitutional case. This will necessitate a much more comprehensive
preparation from a historical perspective for our lawyers, including contracting expert
witnesses.
Brief Summary of Their Case:
• Providing funding to separate school divisions for non-Catholic students offend rights of
equality and religious freedom under the Charter and the Government is not entitled to
fund the education of non-Catholic students in separate schools.
• Christ the Teacher and Theodore have no Constitutional right to accept the admission of,
or to offer educational services to, non-Catholic children.
• Theodore is not a separate school under the Constitution as a result of the majority
attendance at such school being non-Catholic students or such non-Catholic students
comprising a significant number of attendees at such school.
10
• They do have standing to ask the ancillary constitutional questions such as the extent of
the rights of Catholic separate schools to admit or offer educational services to nonCatholic students.
Brief Summary of Our Case and Defences:
• A declaration that the Saskatchewan Act, et al requires that Catholic separate schools be
funded on a basis comparable to that provided public schools, and as such allows for and
requires the funding of all students attending Catholic schools including non-Catholic
students.
• Catholic separate schools are entitled to fair and equitable funding to enable them to
provide the same quality of education as public schools.
• That the current funding provided by the Province is not subject to charter challenge as
an exercise by the Province of its plenary powers.
• The current and past funding mechanisms even if subject to Charter scrutiny does not
violate the Charter or is justified under the Charter.
• That the Public Section have no standing to raise and cannot raise the ancillary
constitutional questions such as the extent of the rights of Catholic separate schools to
admit or offer educational services to non-Catholic students since these rights are those of
the minority faith constituency and additionally are not relevant to the challenges the
primary subject matter of the proceedings.
• If the ancillary constitutional questions require determination, Catholic separate school
divisions have the right to determine to and the extent to which they may desire to admit
or offer educational services to non-Catholic students both on a faith premises basis and
as a response to operating a viable education program in light of the current funding
mechanisms.
Theodorehistory2013short_1doc
11
Item 5.1
Theodore Court Case History and Background
•
In 2005, York School Division (now Good Spirit School Division #204 (GSSD)) filed a legal complaint
against what is now Christ the Teacher Roman Catholic School Division #212 (CTRCSD) and the
Government of Saskatchewan.
•
The complaint alleges that the creation of the new school division after the closure of Theodore Public
School did not meet the criteria of being a separate school—serving Catholics who are the minority
religion in the region. They allege it was created merely as a means to prevent the school from closing
and children being bussed to a nearby town, and they are challenging the legal status of the division.
•
Their argument is that per student grants paid to a Catholic school division for non-Catholic students is
discriminatory against public schools under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Basically, that nonCatholic students should not be able to attend a Catholic school.
•
They are not disputing the validity of accepting per-student funding for Catholic students attending
public schools.
•
Since 2005, GSSD has requested that the court make changes to the complaint, broadening the scope of
the case and adding complaints. Now, in addition to challenging funding, it challenges the constitutional
rights of minority-faith separate school divisions in Saskatchewan.
What Do Catholic school divisions believe?
•
Catholic school divisions recognize parents are the first teachers of their children and support the
concept of parents having a choice to have their children educated in a Catholic atmosphere—whether
the students or parents are Catholic or not. Accepting all students willing to learn from a Catholic
perspective is consistent with the moral values we embrace as a faith community and that we instill in
the children we teach.
•
The challenge by the public school division of the right of Catholic separate schools to admit nonCatholic students threatens the choice of parents, limiting the education options of non-Catholic parents
for their children. This challenge is a later addition to the court claim and is contrary to the current
legislation in this province.
• We interpret the Saskatchewan Act in a way that requires funding to Catholic separate schools be
comparable to that provided to public schools. Fair and equitable funding includes all students,
regardless of their faith.
• Catholic school divisions understand that the current funding provided by the province is within the
constitutional authority of the province and is not subject to Charter challenge.
• Catholic school divisions believe we have the right to decide to admit non-Catholic students and to
determine the extent to which their admission allows us to maintain a truly authentic faith-based
Catholic school system. Our faith is a journey that includes inquiry of non-Catholics and growth of
existing members. This requires inclusion and a welcoming spirit.
Please note:
This case will be going to trial on November 9, 2015 in Yorkton and is scheduled for five weeks. We ask that you
please keep the wonderful gift of publicly-funded Catholic Education in your prayers during this crucial time.
12
Item 5.1
Theodore Court Case Communication Plan
October 2015
Preamble:
Catholic Education in this province is about to undergo a major court challenge with the upcoming
Theodore litigation starting on November 9, 2015 in Yorkton. In January of 2014 the SCSBA prepared
a three page document entitled “Theodore Litigation History and Overview Historical Background
Prior To 2005 Statement of Claim”. This document was intended for use within Catholic School
Divisions and was shared with all Board members and Directors of Education. We have recently
prepared a one page information document that would be appropriate to share with a wide range of
Catholic partners. We are suggesting that each Catholic School Division should distribute this
document to the following partners in Catholic Education:
• Catholic School Divisions' Staff
• School Community Councils
• Parents as part of a school newsletter or a separate document sent home from schools
• Parishes, possibly as a bulletin insert
The SCSBA will distribute this one page information document to the following partners in Catholic
Education:
• Bishops asking them to share the document with Diocesan staff
• Knights of Columbus State Council
• CWL Provincial Council
• Catholic Connections Committee
• SSBA Executive Director and President
On November 1, 2015 the following material will be displayed on our web site:
• Up-dated Theodore Litigation History and Overview (short version)
• Theodore History and Overview (one page)
• Theodore Court Case Press Release (posted when it is sent to the press)
Please note the following:
•
•
•
•
SCSBA will create a press release to be shared with partners and the press at a time determined
by the SCSBA Executive Committee. This press release will be ready to use prior to the court
case so that we are in a position to keep a very tight message.
Mr Tom Fortosky will be the official SCSBA spokesperson and all enquiries from the press
should be directed to him.
If there are questions related to any aspect of this litigation please feel free to contact Ken
Loehndorf, Executive Director SCSBA.
Ken Loehndorf will be providing regular communication up-dates as the court case unfolds.
The court case is scheduled from November 9 to December 11, 2015.
theodorecomplanoct2015
13
Item 5.2
Provincial Executive Meeting Highlights
October 22 & 23, 2015
Jerome Niezgoda
Catholic Constituency
“As your Catholic Constituency
representative on the SSBA
Executive, please feel free to
contact me if you need any further
information on SSBA activities or
services for your board.”
Ray Morrison joins SSBA Provincial Executive’s Vice-President,
Ronna Pethick, to provide an updated from the Task Force on
student/teacher time and workload intensification
The Provincial Executive of the Saskatchewan School Boards Association met in Regina on October 22 & 23.
The following is a brief summary of the items discussed.
2015 Mosaic Extreme School Makeover Challenge and Walk to Breakfast
The Executive reviewed and discussed the Breakfast for Learning 2015 Activity Report including information
on the 2015 Mosaic Extreme School Makeover Challenge and Walk to Breakfast. As Canada’s first, and one of
its largest, charities focusing on nourishing children, Breakfast for Learning (BFL) helps to support and sustain
school-based breakfast, lunch and snack programs for more than 20 years. Since 2004, the SSBA has been
involved with supporting those efforts. The SSBA and The Mosaic Company, in partnership with Breakfast for
Learning, host the Mosaic Extreme School Makeover Challenge each year to encourage grassroots initiatives
to improve student nutrition. Vincent Massey was honoured as the grand prize winner for 2015.
Strategic Planning for 2016
Members of the SSBA Provincial Executive reviewed and approved the Communications and Advocacy
Strategy for 2016.
1
14
SSBA Policy and Resolution Committee Update
The Executive reviewed and discussed the proposed plan for the bylaw amendment, resolutions and budget
networking groups at the Fall Assembly and received an update on the package for the AGM.
SSBA Audit Committee Update
SSBA Auditors, Valerie Watson and Aubrey Chicoine from Deloitte LLP joined the Executive to present and
discuss the 2015 Audit Service Plan that was prepared for the SSBA Audit Committee.
SSBA HR Committee Update
The executive reviewed and discussed the Executive HR Committee Tasks and Timelines report for 2015 and
the plan going forward for 2016.
Round Table Discussion
In the round table discussions, Executive members discussed specific issues related to their constituencies and
roles. Some of the subjects included in the discussions were: Board Chairs Council terms of reference, update
from the infrastructure committee, the Task Force on teacher/student time and workload intensification,
Aboriginal Council, MEPP and Catholic Section. Highlights from the President and Executive Members’
attendance at recent events were also discussed – including ESSP partners meeting, CSBA meeting,
Saskatchewan Professional Teachers’ Regulatory Board (SPTRB) opening, LEADS modules, and meetings with
CUPE and Provincial Chamber of Commerce.
Delegations
MLAs David Forbes and Trent Wotherspoon (below left) and SHSAA Executive Director, Lyle McKellar (below
right) appeared before the SSBA Executive to share information and discuss issues of concern and interest.
The minutes of the meeting will be posted on the SSBA website after they have been approved and are
available online at: http://saskschoolboards.ca/executive/meeting-minutes/
2
15
Item 5.3
56 $ 250.00
4 $ 125.00
24 $ 25.00
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
14,000.00
500.00
600.00
15,100.00
550.00
15,650.00
(450.00)
(225.79)
(210.00)
(374.79)
(28.94)
(153.00)
(30.00)
(3,824.76)
(2,600.00)
(100.00)
(100.00)
(459.05)
(1,404.71)
(450.00)
(600.00)
(220.00)
(58.80)
(65.82)
(2,125.27)
452.00
414.23
(865.00)
865.00
(479.60)
2,555.70
Paid Conference
125/per. to cover caterers after Caterer deadline
Additional paid banquet
Sponsors
Christ the Redeemer
Vanier Supper
Vanier Bus and Driver
Friday Social - food
Culligan Water
Hall Insurance
Liquor license
Soup n Such
Charlotte's
Printing
Awards Banquet - Winners Tickets
Décor
Speaker Costs
Christ the Redeemer, Knights of Columbus
Sweet Saturday
Table Cloths
K of C cups for bar
bar mix
Liquor(bar and table wine)
Sold
returned
Food banks (288.33 each)
Silent Auction
Rooms for Presenters
SCSBA
16
Item 5.5
2015/2016 SSBA Calendar of Events
Theme: Strong Foundation – Bold Future
Save the dates …
Fall Members’ Council
September 24-25, 2015
Sheraton Cavalier Hotel –
Saskatoon
•
•
•
SSBA Governance Review
Employee Engagement
Life Threatening Conditions Policy Advisory
SSBA Fall Assembly
November 8-10, 2015
Radisson Hotel –
Saskatoon
•
•
•
Premier’s Address
Student Panel
Financial Literacy
Spring Members’ Council
February 4-5, 2016
Hilton Doubletree –
Regina
•
•
•
Teacher Regulatory Body Update
Gender and Sexual Diversity
Dual Credits
Spring Assembly
April 14-15, 2016
Hilton Doubletree –
Regina
•
•
•
•
•
Education Sector Strategic Plan Update
Task Force on Teacher Time Update
Student Panel
Community Engagement Programs
Governance PD – Active Strategic Oversight
Trustee Academy
May 25-27, 2016
TBD –
Cypress Hills
•
•
•
Governance PD – Conflict of Interest
Tour of Fort Walsh
Other Topics TBD
17