Agenda - Rainbow District School Board

Transcription

RAINBOW DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
to be held in the boardroom
on Tuesday, August 30, 2016 at 5:30 p.m.
AGENDA
AND RECOMMENDED MOTIONS
A.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
*Chair
Motion:
That the agenda for the Regular Board meeting of August 30, 2016 be approved.
STUDENT TRUSTEE
Motion:
That Katie Yao (Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School) be appointed Student Trustee
for the school year 2016-2017.
Declaration of Office and Oath of Allegiance.
B. PRELIMINARY DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
*Chair
C.
PRESENTATIONS
*Chair
1.
New Website
2.
Strategic Directions 2016-2020
D.
REPORT FROM THE IN-CAMERA COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
OF THE BOARD
*Director
E.
OLD BUSINESS
*Director
1.
Previous Minutes
*Chair
Motion:
That the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting held on July 5, 2016 be approved.
2.
Tenders/Requests for Proposals
*SBO
Motion:
That the Board award the contract for Water Treatment Services - RFP 2016FAC-05, to ____________.
August 30, 2016 RDSB Agenda
Page 1 of 5
3.
Reports and Recommendations from Board Committees
*Chair
a)
Motion:
That Governance By-Law 13.4.2: Conflict of Interest be amended to read “Any
potential conflict of interest by a member of the board shall be declared in writing
to the Secretary of the Board and/or at a board meeting as per the Municipal
Conflict of Interest Act” be approved.
b)
Notice of Motion:
That the changes as outlined below to Board Governance Policy No. GOV-01
Board Vision, Mission and Values be approved.
BOARD PRIORITIES
Reaching minds.
• Provide authentic and engaging learning opportunities
• Set high expectations and create excitement for learning
• Support students to reach their potential
• Foster 21st century skills and competencies
• Deepen literacy and numeracy skills
Touching hearts.
• Nurture physical, mental, social and emotional well-being
• Forge strong relationships and build resiliency
• Honour diversity and enhance cultural understanding
• Value student, staff, parent/guardian and partner voice
• Celebrate student, staff, school and system success
BOARD EXPECTATIONS
Board Governance By-Laws and Policies, Administrative
Procedures established by the Director of Education and all Board
activities must be consistent with the Board’s vision, mission and
values.
c)
Notice of Motion:
That the changes as outlined below to Board Governance Policy No. GOV-02
Strategic Directions for Rainbow Schools be approved.
2.4
d)
The Board’s multi-year plan, Strategic Directions for Rainbow
Schools, is found at: www.rainbowschools.ca/about-us
Audit Committee
*SBO
2016/2017 Internal Audit/Multi-Year Internal Audit Plans
Page 2 of 5
Motion:
That the 2016/2017 Internal Audit Plan and the Multi-Year Internal Audit Plan be
approved.
F.
NEW BUSINESS
*Chair
1.
Capital and Accommodation Plan – Initial Staff Report
a)
Motion:
That the Board approve a Modified Accommodation Review for the Central
Sudbury planning area in 2016/2017.
b)
Motion:
That the Board approve a Modified Accommodation Review for the Espanola
planning area in 2016/2017.
c)
Motion:
That the Board approve a Modified Accommodation Review for the New
d)
Motion:
That the Board approve a Modified Accommodation Review for the Valley East
e)
Motion:
That the Board approve a Modified Accommodation Review for the Valley North
f)
Motion:
That the Board approve a Modified Accommodation Review for the West
2.
2016-2017 Guide for Students and Parents/Guardians
*Director
3.
2016-2017 Executive Council Portfolios and
Family of Schools
*Director
4.
Current Expenditures Borrowing Resolution
*SBO
Motion:
That the Current Expenditures Borrowing Resolution as attached be deemed to
have been read three times and approved.
5.
Borrowing Bylaw
*SBO
Motion:
That Borrowing Bylaw 2016-01 as attached be deemed to have been read three
times and approved.
Page 3 of 5
6.
OPSBA Fees
*Chair
Motion:
That the 2016/17 membership fees in the Ontario Public School Boards’
Association be approved.
7.
Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA)
2016 Northern Region Meeting and Program
*Chair
Motion:
That the Board approve the attendance of the following trustees at the OPSBA 2016 Northern Region Meeting and Program in Thunder Bay October 14–15, 2016:
8.
Ontario Student Trustee Association (OSTA) Fall General Meeting
*Chair
Motion:
That the board approve the attendance of Student Trustee Katie Yao at the
OSTA Fall General Meeting November 17 to 20, 2016 in Toronto.
9.
Requests for Leave of Absence
Motion:
That
Board meeting.
*Chair
be granted a leave of absence from the August 30, 2016
10.
Director’s Remarks
*Director
11.
Other Items
OPSBA Delegate
Student Trustee
*Chair
12. Trustees’ Remarks/Questions
*Chair
Reminder: Trustees who require detailed information on specific
questions are encouraged to contact the Director prior to the meeting.
13. Chairperson’s Remarks
*Chair
G.
INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS
*Chair
1.
Reports from Officials and Staff
Audit Committee minutes December 15, 2015 (official)
2.
Non-Staff Communications
Letter from Waterloo Region DSB dated June 15, 2016 (1)
Page 4 of 5
Letter from Peel DSB dated June 22, 2016 (1)
Letter from Peel DSB dated June 22, 2016 (2)
H.
FUTURE MEETINGS
*Chair
Student Senate Meeting September 12, 2016 5:00 pm Boardroom
Strategic Planning Committee Meeting Sept 13, 2016 5:00 pm Boardroom
Special Education Advisory Cmttee Sept 14, 2016 12:00 pm Lockerby CS LDAS office
Environmental Education Cmttee Meeting Sept 14, 2016 3:30 pm Boardroom
First Nation Advisory Committee Sept 21, 2016 10:00 am Dokis First Nation
Board Meeting September 27, 2016 5:00 pm Boardroom
Parent Involvement Cmttee AGM Oct 18, 2016 7:00 pm at Sudbury Secondary School
I.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion:
That we do now adjourn at
*Chair
p.m.
Page 5 of 5
MINUTES OF THE
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
held in the Boardroom
on Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at 5:30 p.m.
Present:
Trustees:
Officials:
Others:
D. Dewar (Chair), T. Campbell, B. Clement, G. Fox, J.
Hunda, L. Killens, J. Kosmerly, D. Morrison, G. Santala,
Student Trustee E. Urban
N. Blaseg – Director
D. Bazinet - Superintendent of Business
B. Bourget, L. Dye - Superintendents
N. Charette, H. Thirkill
K. Kozman, Bev Webb, Katie Yao, Colin Pick, Lisa Addison,
Gerald Laforest, Marc Tonelli and members of the public
Chair Dewar requested that cell phones be turned off during the meeting.
Chair Dewar said, “Before I call the meeting to order I would ask that you rise with me
for a moment of silence. Our thoughts are with the victims and families of the attack at
the Orlando nightclub, as they attempt to cope with the sad and senseless tragedy that
occurred on June 12, 2016”
(Moment of Silence)
“Thank you.”
A.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion: 16-R85, J.Hunda/D.Morrison
That the agenda for the Regular Board meeting of July 5, 2016 be approved.
– Carried
B. PRELIMINARY DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
Trustee Campbell and Trustee Santala declared a conflict regarding item D,
REPORT FROM THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING OF THE
BOARD. Trustee Santala declared a conflict as his wife is an employee of the
Board. Trustee Campbell declared a conflict, as his wife is a member of OSSTF.
C. PRESENTATIONS
1.
St. John’s Ambulance Life-saving Award presented by Colin Pick
Lisa Addison, a teacher at Manitoulin Secondary School, was presented with a
plaque and pin from St. John’s Ambulance in recognition of her assistance with
an incident in December 2014.
2.
Learning Disabilities Association of Sudbury Teacher of the Year Award
presented by Liz Brett-Dickie
RDSB Minutes July 5, 2016
Page 1 of 9
This award will be presented at a future meeting.
3.
Union Gas Rebate presented by Gerald Laforest
Gerald Laforest (Commercial/Institutional Markets Account Manager, Sales,
Marketing & Energy Conservation, Ontario Northeast Districts) and Marc Tonelli
(Union Gas utility service manager for Sudbury West) presented a cheque for
$80,500 that represented an accumulation of rebates over the last 5 years.
RDSB obtained these rebates due to the Board’s energy initiatives.
D.
OF THE BOARD
Motion: 16-R86, B.Clement/D.Morrison
That the recommendations from the Labour Relations Committee meeting of
July 5, 2016 be approved. – Carried
E.
OLD BUSINESS
1.
Previous Minutes
a)
Motion: 16-R87, J.Kosmerly/G.Santala
That the minutes of the Special Board Meeting - Budget held on May 24, 2016 be
approved. – Carried
b)
Motion: 16-R88, J.Hunda/J.Kosmerly
That the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting held on May 25, 2016 be
2.
Tenders/Requests for Proposals
a)
Motion: 16-R89, D.Morrison/T.Campbell
That the Board award the contract for moving services – tender #2016-22 to
TMB Office Installation & Moving Inc. for $161,606.25. – Carried
3.
Reports and Recommendations from Board Committees
a)
Governance By-Law 10: In-Camera (closed) Meetings
Motion: 16-R90, D.Morrison/J.Kosmerly
That Governance By-Law 10.2 "With the exception of the Executive Secretary
or designate, any and all recording and/or notetaking of in-camera meetings is
expressly prohibited" be approved. Trustee Killens requested a poll vote.
Tyler Campbell: In-Favour
Bob Clement: In Favour
Doreen Dewar: In Favour
Judy Hunda: In Favour
Grace Fox: Opposed
Larry Killens: Opposed
Judy Kosmerly: In Favour
Dena Morrison: In Favour
Gord Santala: In Favour
Student Trustee Urban – In Favour
- Carried
Page 2 of 9
b)
Governance By-Law 13: Conflict of Interest
Notice of Motion: 16-R91, D.Morrison
That Governance By-Law 13.4.2: Conflict of Interest be amended to read “Any
potential conflict of interest by a member of the board shall be declared in writing
to the Secretary of the Board and/or at a board meeting as per the Municipal
Conflict of Interest Act” be approved. – Carried
Trustee Morrison noted that items 3c and 3d require revisions to the Governance
By-Law and suggested they should be referred back to the Strategic Planning
Committee for further consideration.
That items 3c and 3d on the agenda be referred back to the Strategic Planning
Committee. - Carried
c)
Governance By-Law 14: Electronic Meetings
Notice of Motion:
That Governance By-Law 14: Electronic Meetings be amended as follows:
“14.8 Board members who participate in In-Camera meetings of the Board
and/or in-camera meetings of committees of the Board shall maintain
rules of confidentiality and are subject to Governance By-Law 10.2 and
Board Policy No. GOV-05 Code of Conduct: Board Members” be
approved. (see Motion 16-R92)
d)
Notice of Motion:
That Governance By-Law 14: Electronic Meetings be amended as follows:
“14.9 Board members who participate in in-camera meetings by electronic
means, must participate from a room which is closed to any other
person so that no other person can hear that member or other
members of the Board” be approved. (see Motion 16-R92)
e)
2016/17 Budget
That the Rainbow District School Board 2016/17 budget be approved.
- Carried unanimously
F.
NEW BUSINESS
1.
OPSBA First Nation Trustees Council Planning and Networking Meeting
Motion: 16-R94, J.Hunda/B.Clement
That the Board approve the attendance of Trustee Fox at the OPSBA First
Nation Trustees Council Planning and Networking Meeting in Toronto on August
23-24, 2016. - Carried
Page 3 of 9
2.
Requests for Leave of Absence NIL
3.
Director’s Remarks
Director Blaseg invited Chair Dewar to say a few words about outgoing Student
Trustee Ethan Urban. Chair Dewar thanked Ethan for sharing his insights and
for being an articulate spokesperson for students on local and provincial levels.
Ethan was presented with a token of appreciation. Trustees and staff wished him
best wishes in his post-secondary education and future endeavors.
Chair Dewar acknowledged in-coming student trustee Katie Yao from the
audience.
Director Blaseg reviewed the Strategic Directions 2016-2020 document in draft
form. As a result, Board Governance Policy No. Gov-01: Vision, Mission and
Values and Board Governance Policy No. GOV-02: Strategic Directions for
Rainbow District School Board require amendments that will be brought to the
July 11, 2016 Strategic Planning Committee meeting followed by the August 30
Board meeting as a Notice of Motion.
We continue to update administrative procedures on our website and have
ensured old operational procedures and policies have been removed. We will
continue to refresh procedures over the summer.
Two Administrative Procedures will replace the old O.P.2.25: Respectful Working
and Learning Environments.
The procedures are:
1. Respectful Working and Learning Environment: Employees
2. Respectful Working and Learning Environment: Non- Employee’s
A new Administrative Procedure “Trespass” will also be added.
June 28, 2016, the Ministry of Education announced new funding to support
students with Autism. The report reads:
“To support the needs of these students, all school boards will receive a base
amount of $61,632, and a per pupil amount based on average daily enrolment
in each of the next two school years (2016-17 and 2017-18). School boards
will also be eligible for additional funding at a per pupil amount of $9,750, to
address the increased demand for Connections for Students transition teams.
To receive this additional funding, school boards must report the number of
students who begin Connections for Students following May 1, 2016. More
information will follow on the details around reporting the number of students
in Connections for Students. “
The Ministry has provided us with new capital dollars. School Condition Index for
2015-16 is $10,158,880 (formerly $5.3M) and for 2016-17 $11,027,532.
For Renewal (incremental amounts) for 2015-16 $395,074 and for 2016-17
$376,792.
Page 4 of 9
Some of these funds have been earmarked for Health and Safety at the following
schools for the installation of security cameras:
Lo-Ellen Park SS
Manitoulin SS
Alexander PS
Algonquin Road Public School
Grand-total
$25,903
$21,141
$17,320
$16,557
$80,921
The Director shared two documents with trustees:
1.
Building The Workforce of Tomorrow
The Premiers Highly Skilled Workforce Expert Panel titled: Building The
Workforce of Tomorrow was released this month. Eight recommendations
involving education were presented. Trustees were encouraged to refer to the
summary provided by the Ministry of Education. A second summary sheet
provided shows the recommendations as they relate to education.
2.
Instant Messaging and Personal Email Accounts: Meeting Your
Access and Privacy Obligations document was released by the Information
and Privacy Commission of Ontario in June 2016. As a result, we are modifying
our Technology and Information administrative procedure in order to be
compliant. We will be releasing this new procedure shortly. Please note these
obligations reflect much stronger language relating to care and control of board
owned devices. As well boards must ensure that Board information or Board
business being conducted is used by sanctioned programs so that any and all
Board business can be archived and retrieved.
Director Blaseg reported that all of the framed 2015-2016 artwork displayed
around the board office has been returned to schools and given back to students.
New art submitted by schools will be selected, framed and tagged; approximately
40 pieces will be hung throughout the Board office during the 2016-2017 school
year.
Director Blaseg reminded that the board office shutdown will begin on Monday,
July 18 and the board office will reopen on Tuesday, August 2, 2016.
Itinerary
May 25
Meeting with Directors (4 Boards)
OSSTF meeting
Board Awards ceremony
May 26 Strong Districts Conference– presentation, Niagara Falls
May 30
Exec Council meeting
Agenda Setting meeting
OSSTF meeting
Page 5 of 9
May 31
Ombudsman conference call
Science North
June 1
Trustee Santala Meeting
Retirement Dinner
June 2/3
CODE, Toronto
June 6
Graduation at Mishko-deh-Wendam
Graduation at Lockerby Composite Secondary School
June 7
Strategic Planning Committee meeting
June 8
Graduation at Confederation Secondary School
June 9
Entrepreneur Fair at R.L. Beattie Public School
Graduation at N’Swakamok
June 9/10/11 OPSBA, Ottawa
June 13
June 14
Graduation at Jean Hanson Public School
June 15
Agenda Setting meeting
Graduation at Chelmsford Valley District Composite School
June 16
Challenge Meet – Laurentian University
Co-Op Luncheon, Espanola High School
Graduation at Lasalle Secondary School
June 17
Trustee Hunda, Meeting
June 20
ETFO meeting
June 21
School Visits
Markstay Public School
Monetville Public School
Northeastern Elementary Public School
Copper Cliff Public School
Alexander Public School
June 22
School Visits
Queen Elizabeth II Public School
Page 6 of 9
Cecil Facer Secondary School
RDSB Blood Donor Clinic
4.
June 23
School Visit
Jean Hanson Public School
Audit Committee meeting
Graduation at Chelmsford Public School
June 24
OSSTF meeting
Graduation at C.C. McLean Public School
June 27
Graduation at Markstay Public School
June 28
OSSTF meeting at Sudbury Secondary School
Graduation at Monetville Public School
June 29
Sudbury Health Unit meeting – Poverty/Supports
Privacy & Information Commission teleconference
Graduation at C.R. Judd Public School
June 30
Ministry/ School Board joint news conference at Lockerby
Composite School
July 4
July 5
Labour Relations Committee meeting
Board meeting
Other Items
OPSBA Delegate – Trustee Clement read aloud a letter he received from
OPSBA president Michael Barrett dated June 9, 2016 thanking RDSB for our
support over the years of his presidency.
Student Trustee – Student Trustee Urban reported that there are still a few
spots to be filled for the 2016-2017 Student Senate. He referenced the incoming student trustee, Katie Yao, who was in the audience. He thanked
superintendents and trustees for their help.
5.
Trustees’ Remarks/Questions
Trustee Morrison commented on the many wonderful graduation ceremonies that
she had the privilege of attending, noting that there were 90 graduates out of
Barrydowne College this year. She thanked fellow trustees for approving this
very successful program as she felt many of these students might not have
graduated without the programs available at Barrydowne College.
Page 7 of 9
Trustee Hunda thanked staff for the hard work done every day in Rainbow
Schools. Trustee Hunda spoke about the commitment of our Student Senators
and the great work that they do.
6. Chairperson’s Remarks
The 2015 / 2016 school year is now, as the song says, “history”.
Rainbow District School Board is an extremely compliant Board. We are
determined to not only follow Ministry guidelines and goals but in many cases we
have chosen to raise the bar higher.
Meanwhile, declining enrolment and funding challenges are the basis that will
serve to force us to make the most difficult decisions in many years. These
difficult decisions are the dark side so we need to bask briefly in the sunshine of
success.
As trustees, we are so fortunate to have been blessed with the opportunity to
watch hundreds of proud graduates cross the stage to pick up their Grade 12
Diplomas. We have been blessed to able to share in the pride of their families.
We have been blessed to have the opportunity to publically acknowledge the
countless hours that our many staff members have devoted to the success of our
students.
Most Important, we are blessed to have the opportunity to be part of the amazing
metamorphosis from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12.
So, in spite of the difficult challenges ahead, Rainbow Board will remain focused
on student well-being and student success.
Have a safe and rejuvenating summer.
G.
H.
INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS
1.
Reports from Officials and Staff
First Nation Advisory Committee minutes February 11, 2016 (official)
Equity and Inclusive Education minutes March 10, 2016 (official)
Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) minutes May 4, 2016 (official)
2.
Non-Staff Communications
Letter to MP Paul Lefebvre, MP Carol Hughes and MP Marc Serré
dated June 1, 2016
Letter from OPSBA dated June 8, 2016
Letter to Minister Mitzie Hunter dated June 15, 2016
FUTURE MEETINGS
Strategic Planning Committee Monday, July 11, 2016 5:00 pm Boardroom
Board Tuesday, August 30, 2016 5:00 pm Boardroom
Strategic Planning Committee September 13, 2016 5:00 pm Boardroom
Page 8 of 9
Chair Dewar reminded trustees that the Board needed to reconvene to complete
the in camera agenda. She initialy called for a mover and seconder to adjourn the
meeting. However, with clarification from Director Blaseg and approval of the
trustees, the motion was withdrawn.
Chair Dewar recessed the meeting at 7:12 p.m. for the completion of the incamera meeting.
At the call of the chair, the open meeting re-convened at 8:16 p.m
OF THE BOARD
Motion: 16-R95, D.Morrison/B.Clement
That motion 16-W35 be approved. – Carried.
Motion: 16-R96, B.Clement/J.Kosmerly
That motion 15-W18 be approved. – Carried.
I.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: 16-R97, G.Santala/T.Campbell
That we now adjourn at 8:18 p.m. – Carried.
Page 9 of 9
Board Vision, Mission, and Values
Board Policy No. GOV-01
__________________________________________________________________
BOARD POLICY No. GOV-01
Adopted
Last Revised
Review Date
Board Motion
March 25, 2014
14-R37
VISION, MISSION, AND VALUES
1.
RATIONALE
This governance policy has been developed to identify the Board’s vision, to
describe the role the Board sees itself fulfilling, and to state the values that the
communities of Rainbow District School Board can expect of the Board. This policy
also sets out Board priorities for the district.
This policy is a public statement of the intent and governing principles of the Board.
2.
POLICY
2.1
Rainbow District School Board’s purpose is to exemplify and promote the following
vision, mission and values:
VISION
We are leaders in learning, inspiring success for all students by reaching minds and
touching hearts.
MISSION
We bring learning to life, enabling students to fulfill their aspirations.
VALUES
§
§
§
§
§
§
§
§
§
§
Honesty
Respect
Empathy
Responsibility
Integrity
Courtesy
Resilience
Acceptance
Courage
Co-operation
______________________________________________________________________
Page 1 of 2
Board Vision, Mission, and Values
__________________________________________________________________
2.2
Rainbow District School Board has two priorities that guide the work of the Board:
BOARD PRIORITIES
Reaching minds.
• Provide authentic and engaging learning opportunities
• Set high expectations and create excitement for learning
• Support students to reach their potential
• Foster 21st century skills and competencies
• Deepen literacy and numeracy skills
Touching hearts.
• Nurture physical, mental, social and emotional well-being
• Forge strong relationships and build resiliency
• Honour diversity and enhance cultural understanding
• Value student, staff, parent/guardian and partner voice
• Celebrate student, staff, school and system success
2.3
Rainbow District School Board’s logo message appears on Board publications:
Reaching minds. Touching hearts.
3.
BOARD EXPECTATIONS
Board Governance By-Laws and Policies, Administrative Procedures established by
the Director of Education and all Board activities must be consistent with the Board’s
vision, mission and values.
REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
Legal:
Education Act, S. 169.1 Duties and Powers of Boards
Board:
Board Governance Policies
Administrative Procedures
July 16, 2016
______________________________________________________________________
Page 2 of 2
Strategic Directions for Rainbow Schools
__________________________________________________________________
BOARD POLICY No. GOV-02
Adopted
Last Revised
Review Date
Board Motion
March 25, 2014
14-R37
STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS FOR
1.
RATIONALE
This governance policy has been developed to reflect the commitment of Rainbow
District School Board to continuous improvement, and to make a public statement of
the intent and governing principles of the Board. This policy has also been
established to fulfill the Board’s duties and powers under the Education Act to
develop a multi-year plan aimed at achieving the Board’s goals.
2.
POLICY
2.1
As required by legislation, Rainbow District School Board will develop and have in
place a multi-year plan for three or more school years. This strategic plan shall
support the Board’s vision, mission and values and shall:
• promote student achievement and well-being;
• promote a positive school climate that is inclusive and accepting of all
students;
• promote the prevention of bullying;
• deliver effective and appropriate education programs to all Rainbow students;
and
• ensure effective stewardship of the Board’s resources.
2.2
The multi-year plan will be used in a variety of ways, including the following:
• to provide direction to the Board of trustees and administration when making
decisions;
• to provide direction that informs the allocation of Board resources; and
• to motivate the staff by giving purpose to day-to-day responsibilities.
2.3
The multi-year plan will be reviewed annually with the Director of Education, and
will govern Board directions.
2.4
The Board’s multi-year plan, Strategic Directions for Rainbow Schools, is found at:
www.rainbowschools.ca/about-us
REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
Legal: Education Act, S. 169.1 Duties and Powers of Boards
Board: Board Governance Policies
Administrative Procedures
July 11, 2016
______________________________________________________________________
Page 1 of 1
Rainbow District School Board
Multi-Year Internal Audit Plan
As at June 2016
2015/2016
Audit
Information
Technology and
Communication
(Based on Risk
Assessment)
IT
Critical operation
No prior IT audit
Instruction and
Schools: Risk
Assessment update
Report pending
Deferred
Budget Planning,
Development and
Control
Business
High risk score
High budget impact
High profile process
Special Education
Audit
Custodial Services
Records Management
Area
Rationale
Facilities
Moderate Inherent
Risk
High Reputational
Impact
IT
Moderate Inherent
Risk
High Reputational
Impact
Area
Rationale
Result
Notes
Follow Up-As
management action
plans are due
Instruction and Schools
To determine next 5
year plan
2016/2017
Audit
Area
Rationale
Result
Notes
Mid risk
High profile process
Follow Up-As
management action
plans are due
2017/2018
Result
Notes
Follow Up-As
management action
plans are due
2018/2019
Audit
Area
Rationale
Instruction and
Schools: Risk
Assessment update
To determine next 5
year plan
Attendance
Management
Facility Requirement
Forecasting and Capital
Planning
Facilities
High risk
Critical planning
process
(Based on Risk
Assessment)
To be assessed
Follow Up-As
management action
plans are due
Information
Technology and
Communication
(Based on Risk
Assessment)
IT
To be assessed
Manage Facility
Operations
Follow Up-As
management action
plans are due
Human Resources
High risk score
High impact on cost
and service delivery
Follow Up-As
management action
plans are due
Result
Notes
2019/2020
Audit
Area
Rationale
Result
Notes
2020/2021
Audit
Area
Rationale
Result
Notes
Facilities
Moderate Financial
Moderate Reputational
BORROWING RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE BORROWING OF MONEY TO MEET CURRENT
EXPENDITURES OF THE RAINBOW DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD (THE “Board”)
A.
In accordance with Subsection 243(1) of the Education Act (R.S.O. 1990) (the “Act”), the Board
considers it necessary to borrow the amount of up to Seven Million Dollars ($7,000,000) to meet,
until current revenue is received, the current expenditures of the Board for the period commencing
on September 1, 2016 and ending on August 31, 2017 (the “Period”).
B.
Pursuant to Subsection 243(3) of the Act, the total amount borrowed pursuant to this Resolution
together with the total of any similar borrowings and any accrued interest on those borrowings is
not to exceed the unreceived balance of the estimated revenues of the Board for the Period.
C.
The total amount previously borrowed by the Board pursuant to Section 243 that has not been
repaid is $0.
D.
The amount borrowed for current expenditures is within the Board’s Debt and Financial
Obligation Limit as established by the Ministry of Education from time to time.
RESOLVED THAT:
1. The Chair or Vice Chair and the Treasurer are authorized on behalf of the Board to borrow from time
to time by way of promissory note, or overdraft, or bankers’ acceptance from Canadian Imperial Bank
of Commerce (“CIBC”) or from any other approved lender authorized for borrowing purposes in
accordance with Section 243 of the Act a sum or sums not exceeding in the aggregate Seven Million
Dollars ($7,000,000) to meet, until current revenue is collected, the current expenditures of the Board
for the Period (including the amounts required for the purposes mentioned in Subsection 243(1) and
243(2) of the Act), and to give to CIBC or to any other approved lender promissory notes or bankers’
acceptances, as the case may be, sealed with the corporate seal of the Board and signed by any two of
the Chair or Vice Chair and the Treasurer for the sums borrowed plus interest at a rate to be agreed
upon from time to time with CIBC or any other approved lender;
2. The interest charged on all sums borrowed pursuant to this Resolution plus any related charges, is not
to exceed the interest that would be payable at the prime lending rate of the chartered banks listed in
Schedule 1 of the Bank Act (Canada) on the date of borrowing;
3. The Treasurer or Deputy Treasurer is authorized and directed to apply in payment of all sums
borrowed plus interest, all of the moneys collected or received in respect of the current revenues of the
Board;
4. The Treasurer or Deputy Treasurer is authorized and directed to deliver to CIBC or any other approved
lender from time to time upon request a statement showing (a) the total amount of unpaid previous
borrowings of the Board for current expenditures together with debt charges, if any, and (b) the
uncollected balance of the estimated revenues for the current year or, where the estimates have not
been adopted, the estimated revenues of the previous year less any current revenue already collected.
We hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and complete copy of a Resolution of the Board in the
Province of Ontario, duly passed at a meeting of the Board and that this Resolution is in force and effect.
DATED this 30th day of August, 2016.
Chair
Secretary
BY-LAW NUMBER: 2016-01
A BY-LAW authorizing the Rainbow District School Board (the “Board”) to borrow money pursuant to the
provisions of section 247 of the Education Act (the “Act”) for the raising of funds to finance certain
permanent improvements as more particularly described in this By-Law.
WHEREAS:
A. The Board has authorized the permanent improvements under the:
Capital Priorities Program and Full Day Kindergarten Capital Allocation (Consolidation of
A.B. Ellis Public School into Espanola High School) - $614,300 and
School Condition Improvement Funding Program - $18,538,000
B. The Board wishes to apply to the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (“CIBC”) for a short term
capital loan through the purchase of Bankers Acceptance for the purpose of financing the
permanent improvements;
C. The total cost of the projects is within the Board’s Debt and Financial Obligation Limit as
established by the Ministry of Education.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED as follows:
1. The Treasurer and the Deputy Treasurer of the Board are authorized on behalf of the Board to borrow
$19,152,300 for permanent improvements in accordance with the Act, plus interest at a rate to be agreed
upon from time to time with the CIBC and consistent with the short term borrowing direction provided
by the Ministry of Education.
2. The Treasurer and the Deputy Treasurer are authorized for and on behalf of the Board to execute and
deliver all such other documents and to do such other acts and things as may be necessary to give full
effect to this By-Law.
We hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and complete copy of a By-Law of the Rainbow District
School Board in the Province of Ontario, duly passed a meeting of the Board and that this By-Law is in full
and effect.
Dated this 30th day of August, 2016
_________________________
Chair
_________________________
Secretary
Ontario Public School Boards’ Association
439 University Avenue, 18th Floor
Toronto, ON M5G 1Y8
Tel: (416) 340-2540
Fax: (416) 340-7571
[email protected]
www.opsba.org
Michael Barrett
President
Gail Anderson
Executive Director
June 8, 2016
TO:
CC:
Doreen Dewar, Board Chair and Norm Blaseg, Director of Education
Dennis Bazinet, Superintendent of Business
The success of the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) is strengthened by the commitment of our
members to publicly funded education. We appreciate this opportunity to share with you the benefits of OPSBA
membership and show highlights of our success this past year.
We invest our expertise and energy in ways that we know will have positive impacts on a wide variety of student needs
across the province. Our voices are always rooted in our five priorities:
•
•
•
•
•
The Whole Child and Student Well-Being
New Generation Education
Trustees – Building Leadership Capacity
Education Funding
Labour Relations
Throughout the past year, we have seen success on a number of our key action items, which include:
•
An unprecedented Labour Relations role for the association as OPSBA successfully concluded and ratified seven
central collective agreements for the first time as designated employer bargaining agent under the School
Boards Collective Bargaining Act (SBCBA). Agreements were reached with CUPE, ETFO Teachers, ETFO
Education Workers, the Education Workers’ Alliance of Ontario, the Ontario Council of Education Workers,
OSSTF Teachers and OSSTF Education Workers. Since January 2016, OPSBA has also been involved in a
comprehensive consultation process to review the SBCBA.
•
The provincial government’s legislative agenda has engaged OPSBA in a wide range of advocacy work, including
responses to Bill 181, the Municipal Elections Modernization Act, Bill 113, Police Record Checks Reform Act, and
amendments to Regulation 444/98 (Disposition of Surplus Real Property).
•
OPSBA was the founding member of the Ontario Coalition for Children and Youth Mental Health. The
Coalition’s profile continues to grow and its ability to provide timely expert advice on issues is well-recognized.
In April 2016, the Coalition held a successful fourth Summit on Children and Youth Mental Health in Toronto,
attracting more than 700 attendees. The next Summit will be held on April 12 and 13, 2018.
•
OPSBA’s First Nation Trustees Council provides a strong voice in advocating for First Nation, Métis and Inuit
Education. The Council has engaged in a range of initiatives this year, with a primary focus on mandatory
components in Ontario’s elementary and secondary curriculum on FNMI histories that includes treaty
education, the history and legacy of residential schools, and the impact of the Indian Act.
•
Our five new and 14 updated Professional Development Modules were available in time for the beginning of
the 2015-16 school year. Inspired by the thoughtfulness and commitment that trustees bring to their
governance work, the modules include: What Makes a Great Board Chair?; First Nation, Métis and Inuit
Education for school board trustees; Code of Conduct for Trustees; Social Media; and Internal Audit
Committees.
1
•
In early May, OPSBA President Michael Barrett spoke to media regarding the importance of autism intervention
programs for children over the age of five after the government announced changes to eligibility for Intensive
Behavioural Intervention (IBI), IBI wait lists and the automatic transition from IBI to Applied Behaviour Analysis
(ABA) at age five. “We’re hoping the government will give careful reconsideration to changes being made,”
President Barrett told the Toronto Star. “It’s never too late to correct a mistake.” He also called on the
government to show “the same courageous leadership” it demonstrated in April when it changed plans to close
provincial schools for deaf students and those with severe learning disabilities.
In addition to the accomplishments noted above, our advocacy for student success and the governance role of school
board trustees has extended well beyond the borders of Ontario. OPSBA responded with strong public support of the
Quebec English School Boards Association in their fight against that province’s Bill 86, which would have amended
Quebec’s Education Act to replace commissioners (trustees) with school councils. This spring, the government
abandoned the legislation. We stand proudly alongside our colleagues in Quebec in defending the role of trustees, the
only democratically elected position solely responsible for providing sound educational opportunities for all students.
More recently, OPSBA has emerged as a key signatory to a Canadian School Boards Association letter to Prime Minister
Justin Trudeau supporting a private member’s bill, Bill C-241 – An Act to amend the Excise Tax Act (school authorities).
This proposed bill would amend the Excise Tax Act so as to increase the goods and services tax rebate rate for school
authorities/boards from 68% to 100%, resulting in millions of dollars in savings for our member boards. We continue to
advocate in support of Bill C-241 through all available channels and are promoting the public petition on our website.
Our programs and services are highly cost effective. The financial benefits of membership far exceed not only the
membership fee itself, but the outcomes that could be achieved by boards acting individually. Our interventions on
copyright tariffs, natural gas rates and electricity rates have continued to create significant savings for all school boards
and cover membership fees many times over. When this is combined with the indirect benefits created by OPSBA
coordination and advocacy identified in this correspondence and our Key Work document, the value of membership
speaks for itself.
Examples of 2015-16 savings realized for:
Savings in Copyright Fees: $30,670
Savings in Energy Costs: $129,500
The 2016-2017 OPSBA membership fee for your board is $37,290.
OPSBA is an issues-driven, problem-solving organization dedicated to serving our members. We represent an influential
force in the shaping of education policy and school board governance. You are invited to review more information about
the valuable services OPSBA offers your board by clicking on the Key Work and Annual Report links at www.opsba.org. We thank you for your membership and participation in OPSBA this coming year.
Best Regards,
Michael Barrett
President
Attachment:
Gail Anderson
Executive Director
Invoice for the 2016-2017 OPSBA fees
2
Ontario Public School Boards' Association
439 University Avenue, 18th Floor
Toronto, ON M5G 1Y8
Tel: (416) 340-2540
Fax: (416) 340-7571
[email protected]
www.opsba.org
Invoice to:
69 Young Street
Sudbury, Ontario
P3E 3G5
Invoice# 030-16/17
Date:
QTY
September 01, 2016
HST #10780 0344 RT 0001
DESCRIPTION
AMOUNT
2016-2017 Membership Fee
September 01, 2016 to August 31, 2017
* Final Billing
$37,290.00
Please make cheque payable to:
Subtotal
Ontario Public School Boards' Association
HST @ 13%
Terms of Payment : Due upon receipt
Total
Copy 1 - Customer
Copy 2 - Accounting
$37,290.00
$4,847.70
$42,137.70
Copy 3 - File
MINUTES OF THE
AUDIT COMMITTEE MEETING
held in the Boardroom
on Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at 3:30 p.m.
Present:
Trustees:
External Audit
Committee Members:
Absent:
1.
T. Campbell, J. Hunda, D. Morrison
F. Cinotti
A. Lukezic
Officials:
N. Blaseg – Director
D. Cayen-Arnold – Superintendent of Business
K. Kozman – Manager of Finance
Other:
D. D’Angelo – Lead Audit Engagement Partner – KPMG
Y. de la Morandiere – Financial Analyst
D. Bazinet – Special Projects Administrator
Approval of Agenda
Motion: J.Hunda/D.Morrison
That the agenda for the Audit Committee meeting of December 15, 2015 be approved. –
Carried
2.
Preliminary Declarations of Pecuniary Interest – NIL
3.
Previous Minutes
Motion: J.Hunda/F.Cinotti
That the minutes of the Audit Committee meeting held on September 15, 2015 be
4.
2014/2015 Financial Statements
Motion: J.Hunda/F.Cinotti
That the 2014/2015 Financial Statements be recommended to the Board for approval. –
Carried
5.
2014/2015 Audit Committee Reports
Motion: D.Morrison/F.Cinotti
That the 2014/2015 Audit Committee Reports be approved. – Carried
6.
Future Meetings
Call of the Chair
7.
Adjournment
Motion: D.Morrison/F.Cinotti
That we now adjourn at 4:17 p.m. – Carried
Waterloo Region
District School Board
Junc 15. U1n
Ontario I ederation of School \thletlL \stciation (01 S \A)
(date. Suite .10-4
loruisto, 0\ \ISC 37
ttdntion:l%DonnaHos4 aLjsecutiuDircct{n
Dear M hun aid
14r: 0FS.1n’ I r nsft’r PaiIc’
Rccfltl the I
haines \allc l)i sir let ehita I
Board a id hr. Blu ‘a rter I )isttir.t clir>ol 13 )Jl (I
prosided corrcpondencr. ir.questin ‘h t (mt irro dLlatloil of School \thlr.tic \ssociatu Ii
(01
SA 5) undertake a rr.s ren of the ralnfLr Polier nhir.h deals Ph tl’a tran 1e of trident
athletes hetn ceo schat ‘B.
the Board \leetin ni \ljr 0, .1trIo, I
he \\ aler1o Rniion I)Btrict Schoul iiuard
the 11db ns inc motion in supp ti t tf a r \ len ‘1
the I rainier Pot IC\
\t
pprurLd
That the 4’aterloo Region Di.strict School Board direct the Chairperson to send
a letter in support of a review of the Ontario Federation of School Ithletic
/1 ssociations (OFSS I/I) Transfer Polict’.
.
Ihe Waterloo Region I )istrict School l3oard is requcstine that. hr receipt of this motion. 01 S:\:\
undeitakc a rcs iexs of the I ranstdr Polic’r anti to include thc input from school hoards. parents
and students in the res iess,
Si necrel’a
Kathleen \\oodcock
(‘hairpersun
cc:
Ontario School Board ChaiN
Ontario School Board Directors of Lducation
Wateioo Reçon
ON
2
,
i
i-
Dstrct School Board
‘
jimt 15, 2U1t
lionourable Mityie Hunter
Ministry ot Education
2210 Floor, Mowat 131ok
000
Bay Street
‘1 oronto, Ontario M7A 1L2
Dear Minister Hunter:
At the Miy 30, 2016, Board Met t iv ot th W ACIIuO hr
1 I oath S rustc s
1 i Di N let SLhOO
b
0 nanirnousl\ ipproved suppar tilIg th tO]l1)\ ing iii tie a o to. Il re
mm nth d by the
Thai ie Valler I )istrn I LuOI Bve
‘Ihat the Board of Trustee
sA tl’e It in’.
e Lu’u itw
the Ontario Curriculum in JI’ u. (coo 8; a id
That a letter be 5ent to all school nnrrds n
support this request; and
the
add Coding to
fiavinre cvking them to
That a letter be sent to the r,oturm Pi fic School Board Association
requesting their support and uch’ocaeyjhr ibis change to the curriculum
At the Waterloo Region District School loaid, v e Support providing our students
with the required skills and knowledge to prepare them for employment in the
competitive field of tech no logy.
Many jurisdictions have dreadv added coding to theii run iculuni and we request
that our students he provided with the same opportunity.
Sincerely,
Kathleen Woodcock
Chairperson of the Board
cc:
OPSBA
Ontario School Board Chairs
Waterloo Region
Dstnct Schao BO2Ht]
51 rdt Avenue Kitchencr ON N2C 2P5
tu 515 u
7 (TU it 510 5/0 °Uci
ww vrd N
2U 2016
jIHO•
Honourdble Michae Coteao
Minister of Children and Youth Serii e
41
Floor
56 Wehesley Street West
Toronto, ON M5S 253
Den r M mister Cotea u;
At the Junt 20 2016, o
1
mrnittee of th Wh’ I’ M
applu eJ mpportino tho folloun nutmr
me oF th We
F
in Di 0 itt School Board 1rutees
Wh,ea th Ministry of Child ci anc’ (ou! S-ni e pa
o ‘i
C
ig
ippor fo student
with Aut:sm while ‘hey ore n school; anr:
trin to iinroje Or’051i10;15 fw children
moviria from commun’ty cuitism services to school rind trc9sitions v’1i2
n”ool; osd improvina
outcomes for students thro ig5 o’laiorrtii
d aug er se. ‘cc dcl very ama ig 0005ff
protides and educators!
herefo e Be it Resolved that the Water oo Reaior Distri t School Board di cc
th Chairperso i
LO write a letter to the Ministers of Child and Youth
Services ad Education, requesting
meaningful, reciprocal round table discussions with parents of children with autism,
Including
those removed from 181 Waitlists SEAC auds n epresentatives, a id c lucotors
concerning thc
new Autism Advisory Conmittee of parenls n ul ofesionob and the devciopmerit
of the new
cob raced Early Intensive Behaviour intervention/Aophed Behaviour Analysis services
for
students with autism in schools; and
That the Ministers of Child and Youth Services and Education also develop an on-line
survey that
will provide parents and educators with an opportunity to provide info”rnation
around the
development and implementation of the new enhanced ElBI/ABA in schools; and that
a copy of
the letter be sent to all school Boards in Ontario,
Th Trustees of the Waterloo Region District School Board encourage the Province
to engage in
meaningful dialogue and to seek input from parents with regard to the reuent proposed
changes to
Autism Services.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Respectfully,
/
-
,‘e
-(
/
/
Kathleen Woodcock, Chairperson
Waterloo Region District School Board
cc:
Water’oo Region
DSilCt Scflool
B)il’ I
1
51 Ardcit A’jr’nue K!tchener ON N2( ‘f S
1 s 10 5,0 °})‘ ,vv.,: wrdso
0o3 (F
Honourable Mitre Hurte
Minister of Educdtion
22 d Floor, Mowat Block
900 Bay Street
Toronto, ON MI/s 1 L2
Dear Ministr Huntr r
/cc the June 20, 2016, Crm:irte f the W
ipp oved supporur° th F) ifl mm ion
(/cir,c
Whereas she Mnictry Chilcirrn
5 end Vv’ch
o
Autism while r”r ‘‘e ir sch”o’ ci e6 a pu
commu i y vu,is i s
‘e to s no a I
students threogh colsoSorutive a n.
educators,”
fh
‘$-at’rloc Rçuorr Dt1ct Sh’ [Y’aci Tru t’ec
Sc’riic
vii “improvin sooports for scudents wi’h
ao ig to inipve trail idons for thiidr”n r ovine from
rors: ion vith,n school oni ir iorovhq c u 0 n fo
ied 5PrVc c’Ci”i5 mor
nJ
0
TI’ erefore Be i Re air’ d that hp IA/c Fe lao Regia ‘Distn Sc iool Board d ect tie C. o rpersor
F
write a letter to the iv1,nisers of Chilo ore YouFh Services and Education, requesting meaningful.
reciprocal round table discussions with parents of children vifrh autism, Including those removed
from 181 WOItIIStSL SEAC autism rpresentat’ves and educators concerning the new Autisri Advisory
Committee of parents and projessionals non the development of the rw enhanced Early Intensive
Behaviour hntervention/AppCed Be,’ee,”rr ,‘T’is’ijsis serrdces f”ir studenrs with autism in schools;
and
That the Ministers of Child and Youth Services and Education also develop an on4ine survey that
will provide parents and educators with an opportunity to provide information around the
development and implementation oj the new enhanced EIBI/ABA in schools; and that a copy of the
letter be sent to all school Boards in Ontario.
The Trustees of the Waterloo Region District School Board ecu ourage the Province to engage in
meaningful dialogue and to seek input From parents with regard to the recent proposed changes to
Autism Services.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Respectfully,
‘-
7-,
‘CC
Kathleen Woodcock, Chairperson
Waterloo Region District School Board
cc:
Honourable Michael Coteau, Minister of Children and Youth Services
‘peel School Board
RECEIVED
JUN 292016
5650 hurontario Street
Mississauga, ON, Canada L5R 1C6
905.890.1010 1.800.668.1146
905.8906747
June 22, 2016
The Honourable Mitzie Hunter
Ministry of Education
22 Floor, Mowat Block
900 Bay Street
Toronto, ON M7A I L2
Dear Minister Hunter:
On behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Peel District School Board, I am writing this letter to
bring to your attention the following motion that was passed at our Regular Meeting of the Board
of Trustees on June 15, 2016:
Resolved, that the Board send a letter to the Ministry of Education requesting that they
update the Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum to embed the skill of coding into
instructional programs.
This motion was motivated by the May 24, 2016 letter to the former Minister of Education Liz
Sandals from the Thames Valley District School Board which outlined a recommendation to
include coding as part of the Kindergarten Grade 8 curriculum.
—
jst
Coding is an important skill in the context of 2
Century learning, especially for elementary
students. Like our colleagues in Thames Valley, Trustees in the Peel District School Board
believe that coding is an essential skill that prepares students for citizenship and employment in
a global society. Increasingly, classrooms throughout the Peel District School Board, as well as
in many other jurisdictions in Ontario, nationally and internationally, include the teaching of
coding as one in a series of important skills taught to students, not only in the specific context of
“computer science” but more broadly throughout the various curricular areas.
Peel teachers, in embedding coding as part of the teaching and learning process, capture the
interests of students and integrate this engagement into learning goals and significant skill
development. Embedding coding as part of the larger skill of computational thinking in the
curriculum is one significant way to achieve this. The key in teaching coding/programming is
integration of this computational thinking throughout curricular areas. We believe that coding as
a stand-alone unit or skill does not achieve this desired integration of skill development. Coding
must be seen as supporting other interests and goals.
.12
Trusees
Janet McDougald, Chair
Suzanne Nurse, Vice-Chair
Carrie Andrews
Stan Cameron
Robert Crocker
Nokha Dakroub
150 9001 CERTIFIED
.
David Green
Sue Lawton
Brad MacDonald
Kathy McDonald
Harkirat Singh
Rick Williams
cUSTODIAl. SER’SCES OJID MAINTRUJIACE SERVIcES
Director of Educctlon and Secretery
Tony Pontes
Associate D-uctor.
-structonal Sppcrt Servces
Scott Moreash
A ;soc,ate Jr’ctor,
Operstocal Support Sev ces
Jaspal Gill
FSC
—2-As such, the Peel District School Board recommends that the Ontario Ministry of Education
update curricular documents to include recommendations regarding the skill of coding in the
introductory, overview sections of each of the documents. For example, curricular documents
now contain “Considerations for Program Planning”, and we wou’d recommend that coding be
embedded as one of these considerations.
Student success and well-being remain the unwavering commitment of everyone in the Peel
learning community, and it is our hope that this motion and recommendation, once
implemented, ensures even greater student achievement and preparation for our global society.
3ereIsD
Janet McDougald
Chair of the Board
c.
OPSBA
pe
District
School Board
RECEIVED
JUN 292016
5650 Hurontarlo Street
Mississauga. ON, Canada L5R 1C6
905.890.1010 1.800.668.1146
‘905.890.6747
wWW. r’c’c :.org
June 22, 2016
Bruce Rodrigues, CEO
Education Quality & Accountability Office (EQAO)
2 Carlton Street
Toronto, ON M5B 2M9
Dear Mr. Rodrigues:
On behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Peel District School Board, I am writing this letter to
bring to your attention the following motion that was passed at our Regular Meeting of the Board
on June 15, 2016:
Resolved that the Board write a letter to the EQAO office advocating that they reconsider
their response to the Peel District School Board request to refrain from assigning a ‘zero”
mark to exempted Syrian refugee chlldren’s EQAO testing results as this would be unfair to
students and schools.
As the Chair of the second largest school board in Ontario, a board where student achievement
and well-being remain an unwavering focus for all members of our learning community from
Mississauga to Brampton to Caledon, I am very disappointed in the decision of EQAO regarding
the writing of the current assessments by our refugee students, both from Syria and from other
countries around the world.
The Peel District School Board has welcomed over 500 refugee students from Syria and beyond
since December 2015. As you are aware, some of these students arrive in our region with little
or no English language skills, sometimes so traumatized by war and other atrocities that they
are unable to speak their native language. Many have never attended formal schooling and are
coping with a new country, a new language, a new culture, a new school system an entirely
‘new life. Of course, under these circumstances, Peel District School Board schools are, in
many cases, exempting these students from writing the current assessments, but further to your
telephone conversations with our Director of Education Tony Pontes, I understand that it is the
decision of EQAO that these students will nonetheless receive marks of “zero” on the
assessments, thus affecting the overall scores of the school that they attend.
—
While we appreciate your offer to Director Pontes to ensure that there is a special notation for
schools where refugee students attend in high numbers, I submit that this could potentially have
unintended negative implications for our refugee population who could mistakenly be “blamed”
for the lowering of scores in a particular school.
.12
Truutees
Janet McDougald, Chair
Suzanne Nurse, Vice-Chair
Carrie Andrews
Stan Cameron
Robert Crocker
Nokha Dakroub
David Green
Sue Lawton
Brad MacDonald
Kathy McDonald
Harkirat Singh
Rick Williams
iSO 9001 CERTiFIED. CUSTODLA1. SERVICES AND MAdNTENReJCE SERVICES
Director of Sducaton and Secretary
Tony Pontes
Associate Dircctor,
‘nstructonal Support ervces
Scott Moreash
Asocate Drctor.
Operutional Support Ser”ces
Jaspal Gill
(]
FSC
-2Refugee students from Syria and beyond have become an integral part of the student
population at schools like Thornwood Public School, Brian W. Fleming Public School, Dixie
Public School and T. L. Kennedy Secondary School. Staff in these settings, and indeed in all
Peel schools, are working tirelessly to ensure they feel safe, welcome and successful as they
begin to rebuild their lives in our region. We strongly recommend that EQAO reconsider and
join us in supporting the achievement and well-being of these new Canadians. Rather than
assigning marks of “zero” to them, we respectfully request that their exemption not be included
in the calculation of the overall results for the school.
In Peel, members of the Board join our staff in living our mission statement of inspiring success,
confidence and hope in all students, and on behalf of the Board, I urge you to reconsider your
decision and support our refugee population by not assigning marks of zero for their exemption
on EQAO assessments.
Sincerely,
Jar
Chair
c:
OPSBA
Peel MPP’s

Agenda - Rainbow District School Board

Transcription

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