School District No. 44 (North Vancouver)

Transcription

1 School District No. 44 (North Vancouver) Minutes of the Public Meeting of the Board of Education, School District No. 44 (North Vancouver) held in the Mountain View Room of the at 2121 Lonsdale Avenue in North Vancouver, British Columbia, on Tuesday,. PRESENT: F. Stratton, Chairperson B. Forward, Vice Chairperson L. Bayne C. Gerlach M. McGraw C. Sacré S. Skinner A.1. Call to Order Chair Stratton called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm and welcomed those in attendance, including Gabriella Rivera and Marc Caruth, District Student Leadership Council representatives. A.2. Approval of Agenda Moved by B. Forward that the agenda, as recommended in the Administrative Memorandum, be adopted. Seconded by C. Sacré A.3. Public Comment Period The ten-minute comment period is intended to be restricted to items on the evening s Board Agenda. The Chair requested that those wishing to speak should sign on the Public Comment Sign-Up Sheet and that each individual would be limited to two minutes. Dan Storms, President of the North Vancouver Teachers Association spoke on the item regarding expansion of the International Baccaulaureate Primary Years Programme. Mr. Storms requested that Trustees postpone the decision to expand the programme until broader consultation with teachers took place. A.4. Approval of Minutes Moved by S. Skinner that the minutes of the public meeting of September 18, 2012 be approved as circulated. Seconded by C. Sacré B.1. NVSD 2012/2013 Five-Year Capital Plan - Confirmation Superintendent of Schools and Acting Secretary Treasurer John Lewis reported that the Five- Year Capital Plan for North Vancouver School District has been submitted to the Ministry of Education. It is substantially the same plan that was previously submitted in draft to the Board at its September 18, 2012 public meeting as well as presented at the September 25 th Finance and Facilities Standing Committee meeting. Ian Abercrombie, Director of Facilities and Planning, was invited to the table and in response to Trustees questions, provided clarification on the rebuild cost of Argyle Secondary that is based on a unit rate per area, with more detailed costing taking place if the project moves forward; the specific costing on the seismic upgrade of Argyle Secondary still needs to be identified including soft costs such as temporary accommodation; the Argyle Hastings Creek Riparian Corridor land dedication to the District of North Vancouver would have no effect on future development of the

2 Public Board Meeting Minutes Approved Page 2 B.1. NVSD 2012/2013 Five-Year Capital Plan Confirmation (continued) school site; that with regards to the Seismic Mitigation Program, the Ministry has been providing bulletins; and that North Vancouver School District is using consultants to assist with the costing. Moved by S. Skinner that the Board confirm the Five-Year Capital Plan as submitted to the Ministry of Education on October 16, Seconded by M. McGraw B.2. School Community Connections 2012 Grant Application John Lewis, Superintendent of Schools and Acting Secretary Treasurer, introduced this agenda item noting that the School Community Connections (SCC) Program was created through a onetime Ministry of Education grant, jointly managed by the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) and the BC School Trustees Association (BCSTA), to provide access to services in partnership with local governments and other community agencies. Superintendent Lewis highlighted key aspects of the joint application with the City of North Vancouver to refurbish the tennis courts at Ridgeway Elementary School. This multi-sport refurbishment will also allow for hockey and basketball to be played on the courts. Total project funding is $67,500 with the City of North Vancouver providing funds of $55,000 and the balance of $12,500 through the grant application. It was further clarified that prior to the development of the application, discussion has taken place with sports groups as well as Ridgeway School and Ridgeway Parent Advisory Council. Moved by B. Forward that the Board approve the funding application attached to Schedule B.2. of the Administrative Memorandum of the Public Board Agenda for funding of the School Community Connections Program supporting projects in North Vancouver School District for both student and community use and benefit. Seconded by C. Gerlach B.3. Artists for Kids Trust Annual Report Superintendent John Lewis, Chair of the Trust s Management Committee, introduced this agenda item and invited to the table, Yolande Martinello, Director of the Artists for Kids Trust and District Administrator of Fine Arts. Noting that roughly 5,000 individuals enjoyed AfK programs during the past year, Ms. Martinello touched on some 2011/12 highlights including the annual summer camp at Outdoor School with artists George Littlechild, Marcus Bowcott and Judson Beaumont; installation of the Robert Davidson sculpture on the grounds of the, and launch of the gallery site including the successful Family Day and official opening on October 13 th of the Gordon Smith Gallery of Canadian Art. Then directing the Board s attention to the financial reports, Ms. Martinello noted that the move to the 2121 Lonsdale location has provided many new opportunities but also some financial challenges specifically in relation to operating costs, given the expansion of operating hours as well as the move from a 10 month operation to 12 months. It was reported that the Directors of the Gordon and Marion Smith Foundation had passed a motion that week to provide $50,000 to the Amess Trust Fund for the Artists for Kids. In closing, Ms. Martinello touched on the development activities for and thanked the Board and Executive for their support. Ms. Martinello responded to Trustees questions regarding the new gallery site and the potential for increased print sales; the partnership with West Vancouver School District where WVSD teachers receive support from their Board to participate in AfK programs as well as a payroll deduction plan for print purchase; the continuing involvement of the Royal Academy of Architects and clarification regarding participation by private schools from the Lower Mainland.

3 Public Board Meeting Minutes Approved Page 3 B.3. Artists for Kids Trust Annual Report (continued) Moved by C. Sacré that the Board receive the Artists for Kids Trust s Annual Report, as attached to this Administrative Memorandum of. Seconded by S. Skinner B.4. Expansion of Primary Years - International Baccalaureate Programme Superintendent of Schools John Lewis introduced this agenda item by noting that the School District, as part of its 10-Year Strategic Plan and 3-Year ( ) Operating Plan, has identified the need for expansion of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme. Following a working group review of all three programs presently in the School District, it was determined there is capacity to grow in both the Middle Years and Diploma Programmes, but the Primary Years Programme (PYP) located at Capilano Elementary School is at capacity as it has been for several years. The working group reviewed the site criteria and identified Queen Mary Elementary as a suitable site to locate a second PYP. Superintendent Lewis noted that Assistant Superintendent Mark Jefferson presented this recommendation to the Towards the Future of Schools Standing Committee, as well as to the Queen Mary staff and the Queen Mary Parent Advisory Council. Invited to the table, Mark Jefferson, Assistant Superintendent, presented the Executive Committee recommendations to locate a second PYP at Queen Mary Elementary. Mr. Jefferson noted that there were 21 kindergarten students outside of the Capilano catchement area that wanted PYP but could not get in; as well, 22 brand new registrants moved into the Capilano area specifically for the IB Programme. It was clarified that the curriculum is a BC curriculum with instructional methodologies based on the IB Programme. In response to Trustees questions, including concern over timing and consultation, Mr. Jefferson noted that a decision to site the programme is the first consideration, then consultation with staff; that within the collective agreement there is opportunity for teachers to move if they do not wish to work in an IB school; identified the composition of the working group; verified that there has been attrition in the Queen Mary enrolment figures since the move to Cloverley during the capital project; and reported there were approximately 40 parents in attendance at the Queen Mary PAC meeting. Mr. Jefferson further clarified that there would be opportunity to provide training for First Nations educational staff if a PYP programme did go ahead at Queen Mary. Mr. Bill Reid, Principal at Queen Mary Elementary, was in the audience and was questioned by the Chair about consultation with staff at the school. Mr. Reid reported that the possible site selection has been a topic of conversation for the last six weeks; and though there were initial concerns about the speed of the process, staff was on the most part positive and enthusiastic. As well, Mr. Reid noted that the Queen Mary community is very enthused to have this opportunity; and recognize that, though the initial site selection timeline is tight, it is a three-year implementation process, which will include consultation and collaboration. Moved by B. Forward that the Board of Education defer until the December 11, 2012 public Board meeting, the consideration of the recommended motion to approve Queen Mary Elementary as the school location for the expansion of the Primary Years International Baccalaureate Programme, beginning in the 2013/14 school year. Seconded by S. Skinner Defeated Moved by L. Bayne that the Board of Education approve Queen Mary Elementary as the school location for the expansion of the Primary Years International Baccalaureate Programme, beginning in the 2013/14 school year, and that communications with parents and staff be continued to ensure a smooth transition and implementation process. Seconded by C. Gerlach

4 Public Board Meeting Minutes Approved Page 4 C.1. Organization of Classes Report 2012/2013 John Lewis, Superintendent of Schools, introduced this item and provided a brief background to the Ministry Organization of Classes report previously submitted in October of each year. With the recent introduction of the Education Improvement Act (Bill 22) in the spring of 2012, there have been significant changes to the School Act (Section 76), including new legislation regarding Class Size and Compensation and the Learning Improvement Fund. Although no longer required by legislation, Superintendent Lewis noted that the reporting of changes experienced from year to year provide important information for the Board. Superintendent Lewis then walked through the detailed presentation, which identified class sizes at each level. It was noted that the change in legislation has resulted in more flexibility in allocating school-based staff. An additional benefit has been the add-back of approximately $1m in the School District s operating budget. The presentation will be available on the School District s website. Responding to Trustees questions, Superintendent Lewis clarified that there have been K/1 split classes in previous years; that the maximum class size is a challenge in French Immersion Kindergarten; the improvement of class size maximums at the secondary level; and that class size compensation (approximately equated at $310/student/over a year) could be in dollars, time or resources for the classroom; and this compensation is triggered by a teacher completed request form. C.2. Learning Improvement Fund 2012/13 Spending Plan Superintendent of Schools John Lewis introduced this agenda item by referring to the Education Improvement Act (Bill), which saw the implementation of a new provincial Learning Improvement Fund of $195M over a three-year period to help school districts and teachers address complex classroom composition issues. School districts will be able to use the funds to: hire additional teachers and special education assistants, provide additional teaching time and support professional development and training for teachers. In accordance with the Learning Improvement Fund Regulation (BC Reg. 53/12) and section of the School Act, John Lewis, Superintendent of Schools, provided the Board with a report on the allocation of the Learning Improvement Fund to be submitted to the Ministry of Education for final approval, prior to October 31, Superintendent Lewis advised that through consultation between the President of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 389 and himself, agreement was reached to provide additional paid hours (average of 19 hours) to approximately 335 special education support staff to a total of $205,017. Superintendent Lewis then provided the background of the school-based consultation that took place in May and June, which also saw the North Vancouver Teachers Association (NVTA) consult with its membership to identify priority needs at the classroom level. A tentative ( early ) spending plan was then developed to identify needed resources for the start of the school year and additional resources were allocated to schools in June for school opening in September. It was reported that further consultation took place in September to review and consider any changes that may have impacted classroom needs and whether the additional resources already received were adequate to address the needs. Through this consultation, additional staffing resource requirements were identified in the final spending plan and will be allocated to the schools in October. Superintendent Lewis advised that, although considerable support was expressed for the additional resources identified for schools and the process of implementation, both in June and the fall, the NVTA President did not provide agreement to either the early spending plan or the final tentative spending plan.

5 Public Board Meeting Minutes Approved Page 5 C.2. Learning Improvement Fund 2012/13 Spending Plan Referring to the Learning Improvement Fund Spending Plan, included in the agenda package, Superintendent Lewis noted that there were some last minute revisions required prior to submission. Once submitted, a copy of the plan will be provided to the Trustees. In response to Trustees questions, Superintendent Lewis advised: that though the legislation allows a school district to hold up to 30% of the Learning Improvement Fund in reserve, North Vancouver School District did not create a reserve but utilized the resources available; though there was strong support by NVTA, the implementation of Bill 22 was troubling to teachers; there has not been any direction yet from the Ministry with regards to reporting out to determine the plan s efficacy; and that terminology regarding Special Education assistants in the document reflects the positions identified in our Collective Agreement, which have not been updated to use the term Education Assistants. C.3. McCreary Centre Society 2013 BC Adolescent Health Survey In introducing this item, Superintendent Lewis stated that the McCreary Study Adolescent Health Survey (AHS) has become almost a staple in the educational community back to Conducted by the McCreary Centre Society, a non-government, non-profit organization, this survey provides the most comprehensive picture of the physical and emotional health of BC youth committed to research and education on youth health, including risk and protective factors. Government, schools, health professionals, and community organizations use the results of this survey to assist in the planning and evaluation of services, policies and programs for youth. By participating in the AHS, school districts ensure that local concerns are included in the provincial planning process. The Superintendent elaborated that in 2008, over 28,000 BC students participated in this study, which is voluntary, anonymous, and confidential. The respondents, from Grades 7 to 12, are randomly selected through Statistics Canada and the procedure is outlined in the Board schedule. Superintendent Lewis advised that District Staff had reviewed the study and strongly supported participation. Chair Stratton reported that, as a follow up to a recent Trustee seminar, she did contact other school districts and noted that West Vancouver School District is following the same approach. C.4. Ministry of Education Graduation Requirements Dialogue Session John Lewis, Superintendent of Schools, advised that North Vancouver School District would be hosting a Graduation Requirements Dialogue Session on Monday, November 19, This group discussion session is part of the Ministry s province-wide efforts to invite community input with respect to the development of future graduation requirements. Assistant Superintendent Pius Ryan provided a brief overview of the planned session to be held from 4:00 6:00 pm on the 5 th floor of the. Dr. Ryan noted that invitations have been extended to Trustees, School District partner groups as well as other stakeholder groups including First Nations. C.5. Priority Educational Needs Follow Up From Presidents Council Meeting Superintendent of Schools John Lewis introduced this item and noted that it was brought forward from the Board s public meeting of June 19, 2012 and addressed at the Presidents Council dinner meeting of September 24, This meeting provided an opportunity for initial discussion of the priority educational needs that could potentially be addressed through increased revenues arising from land management strategies including facilities rentals, short and long term leases, and surplus land sales. Partner groups attending this meeting were invited to provide written submissions by October 5, 2012 on behalf of their organization. Submissions were received by the North Vancouver Teachers Association (NVTA), the North Vancouver Administrators Association (NoVA) and the North Vancouver Parent Advisory Council (NVPAC).

6 Public Board Meeting Minutes Approved Page 6 C.5. Priority Educational Needs Follow Up From Presidents Council Meeting As Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 389 representatives were unable to attend the Presidents Council Dinner and have indicated interest in providing their perspective, the Executive Committee will invite CUPE to provide a submission in writing by November 15, This invitation will also be extended to the District Student Leadership Council; and partner groups who have already submitted will be provided with a further opportunity to amend their submissions by this date. Superintendent Lewis remarked that following receipt of submissions and amendments, it would be helpful to discuss the identified priorities at a Trustee Seminar. C.6. Tuesday, September 25, 2012 Meeting of the Finance and Facilities Standing Committee Trustee Forward, Chair of the Finance and Facilities Standing Committee, touched on highlights of the meeting which included a review of the Capital Plan timeline and confirmation of priority projects; an update on current capital projects, and a snapshot review of the current Local Capital Fund Assets and Liabilities. Referencing the re-ordering of the capital projects, Trustee Forward noted that the Seymour Heights community should know that the Board is committed to a replacement of the current Seymour Heights Elementary School facility. C.7. Tuesday, October 2, 2012 Meeting of the Towards the Future of Schools Standing Committee Trustee McGraw, Chair of the Towards the Future of Schools Standing Committee, touched on highlights of the meeting which included an update of the 2012/13 student enrolment; overview of the School District s 3-Year Operating Plan; and a presentation and discussion on the potential expansion of the Primary Years International Baccalaureate Program. C.8. Tuesday, October 9, 2012 Meeting of the Education and Programs Standing Committee Trustee Skinner, Chair of the Education and Programs Standing Committee, touched on highlights of the meeting which included an overview on an initiative to assist students that struggle with reading; an overview was provided on Ed Camps and plans to maintain the focus of technology on student learning; and Vision 2021 shared work being done to create greater alignment and coherence of educational supports and services in the building of capacity at school level. Trustee Skinner also drew attention to the IT Education Camp that will take place at Argyle on October 24, It was noted that the start time for the November 20, 2012 meeting of the Education and Programs Standing Committee is 4:00 pm. C.9. Superintendent s Report Superintendent Lewis noted that the following items are included in the Superintendent s Blog ( A statement of apology to Mr. Robin Tomlin Superintendent Lewis met with and provided a sincere and heartfelt apology to Mr. Tomlin. The Superintendent noted that, with the involvement of tremendously dedicated staff, there have been many initiatives underway in the School District over the last decade; but there are always areas to improve upon. Reference was also made to the ERASE initiative that the Ministry has launched as well as their call for proposal for a means to report bullying. Carson Graham Official Opening featuring a brief bio of the secondary school s namesake, Dr. Carson Graham. Recognition of Rob Olson, teacher/counsellor at Carson Graham, who was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal.

7 Public Board Meeting Minutes Approved Page 7 C.9. Superintendent s Report (continued) The City and School District receive Climate and Energy Action Award At the recent Union of B.C. Municipalities convention in Victoria, the Honourable Terry Lake, Minister of Environment, presented the City and School District with an award honouring a joint initiative with the Lonsdale Energy Corporation (LEC). Neptune Terminals hosts Seycove staff an exciting new professional development initiative underway. World Teachers Day take a moment to pause and reflect on the great teachers who have had a positive influence in your life. Environmental Learning Centre - The North Shore Credit Union Environmental Learning Centre at the North Vancouver Outdoor School is now hosting students for educational programs and adults for conferences, workshops and learning opportunities. Good Stock The Carson Graham Culinary Arts students have already completed a unit on soups and stocks. Revitalization and Renewal a special publication in the North Shore News celebrating twelve major capital projects that represent the dramatic revitalization happening in the North Vancouver School District. C.10. Trustees Reports Trustees submitted their reports on their activities on behalf of the Board as follows: 1. Meetings attended by Trustees included: Public Board meeting Board Planning meeting (Chair and Vice Chair) Trustee Seminars/In Camera meetings North Vancouver City Advisory Planning Commission School Visits/Meetings: Upper Lynn, Ross Road, Lynn Valley, Ross Road, Braemar, Capilano, Carisbrooke, Norgate, Sherwood Park, Montroyal Elementary Schools planning committee meeting Standing Committee meetings: Finance & Facilities, Towards the Future of Schools, Education and Programs Lunch meeting with Education Minister Don McRae Collaboration Committee meeting with the District of North Vancouver Collaboration Sub-Committee meeting with the District of North Vancouver Meeting with Braemar administration and staff Ridgeway Parent Advisory Council (PAC) meeting Selection Committee meeting for Secretary Treasurer NVTA meeting (coffee chat) District Parent Advisory Council meeting 2. Events attended by Trustees included: Official Opening of Carson Graham Secondary School Presidents Council Dinner Family Day Open House including the official opening of Gordon Smith Gallery of Canadian Art and the print launch of a Robert Davidson work Union of BC Municipalities AGM in Victoria for the joint presentation of a Climate and Energy Action Award to City of North Vancouver and the North Vancouver School District City of North Vancouver Council meeting to receive letter and acknowledgement for the Climate Action Award City of North Vancouver Council Meeting Freedom of the City Ceremony and Reception The apology to Mr. Robin Tomlin and press conference held at Argyle Secondary School

8 Public Board Meeting Minutes Approved Page 8 C.10. Trustees Reports (continued) NV Parent Advisory Council workshop Parents as Career Coaches Squamish Nation Welcome Dinner Larson Elementary Controlled Student Release Superintendent Lewis echoed the Chair s thanks to the students and staff of Argyle Secondary, specifically Principal Elizabeth Bell, for their assistance and empathy with regards to Mr. Tomlin. A thank you was also extended to Sutherland Secondary Principal John McGowan and Cynthia Bunbury and her Social Justice class for inviting Mr. Tomlin to speak to them. D. Future Meetings Future public meetings of the Board are confirmed as follows: Tuesday, Nov 6, 2012 at 7:00 pm Tuesday, Nov 20, 2012 at 4:00 pm (please note time change) Tuesday, Nov 27, 2012 at 7:00 pm Tuesday, Dec 11, 2012 at 7:00 pm Tuesday, Jan 15, 2013 at 4:00 pm Tuesday, Jan 22, 2013 at 7:00 pm Finance & Facilities Standing Committee Education & Programs Standing Committee Public Board Meeting Public Board Meeting Towards the Future of Schools Standing Committee Public Board Meeting E. Public Question and Comment Period The Chair called for questions and/or comments from the public noting that in accordance with Board policy, questions relating to personnel, negotiations or litigation must not be dealt with in a public session. Marc Caruth, District Student Leadership Council representative, spoke to the AHS survey as well as the Ministry s announcement regarding anonymous reporting of bullying. David Whitehead, Chair of the NV Parent Advisory Council, spoke to the bullying issue and noted that many parents would be interested in engaging in conversations around bullying; as well as looking at tools and mechanisms to combat bullying. Mr. Whitehead also spoke to the need to develop a longer-term plan in the roll out of the International Baccalaureate Programme throughout the School District.

9 Public Board Meeting Minutes Approved Page 9 F. Adjournment The established agenda being completed, the Chair adjourned the meeting at 9:39 pm. Certified Correct: John Lewis Superintendent of Schools/Acting Secretary Treasurer Franci Stratton Chair, Board of Education Date Date