CHIGNECTO-CENTRAL REGIONAL SCHOOL BOARD REGULAR MEETING 11-11 MINUTES OCTOBER 12, 2011 The regular monthly meeting of the Chignecto-Central Regional School Board was held on Wednesday,, at A. G. Baillie Memorial Elementary School, 477 Victoria Avenue Ext., New Glasgow, commencing at 7:10 p.m. PRESENT: Gordon Anderson Kaaren Barkhouse Angela Dwyer-James Vivian Farrell Jim Grue Keith MacKenzie Ron Marks Wendy Matheson-Withrow Marilyn Murray IN ATTENDANCE: Gary Clarke Valerie Gauthier Allison McGrath Scott Milner David Myles Margie Nicholson Andrea Paul Shirley Robinson-Levering Mackie Ross Jamie Stevens Marilyn Thompson Trudy Thompson Carolyn Pierce Herb Steeves Linda Campbell, Board Secretary Sarah MacIntosh, Legal Counsel Board Chair Trudy Thompson called the meeting to order and welcomed those in attendance. She thanked Principal Gary Esling and the school staff for providing meeting accommodations and refreshments. Chair Thompson also acknowledged the presence of Lynn MacLean, Celtic Family of Schools Supervisor. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: It was MOVED by Marilyn Thompson, seconded by Jamie Stevens THAT THE AGENDA BE APPROVED AS CIRCULATED. 1
STUDENT PRESENTATION A. G. BAILLIE MEMORIAL SCHOOL CHOIR: The Board was privileged to hear two songs performed by members of the A. G. Baillie Memorial School choir. Under the direction of the music teacher Jane Miller, with assistance from teacher Pat Duggan, the group of elementary students delighted those in attendance with their renditions of My Heart Soars, written by Chief Dan George, and Someone Like Me, composed by Donna Rhodenizer. Chair Trudy Thompson thanked the students for sharing their musical talent with the Board. Member Jamie Stevens, who represents the New Glasgow area, presented the choir with a token of appreciation on the Board s behalf. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: It was MOVED by Mackie Ross, seconded by Angela Dwyer-James THAT THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING HELD ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2011 BE APPROVED. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES: There was no business arising from the minutes of the previous meeting. CORRESPONDENCE: The Board Secretary reported that a letter dated September 29, 2011 was received from the Honourable Ramona Jennex, Minister of Education, pertaining to amendments that the Department of Education will propose to Section 52A of the Education Act during the fall sitting of the legislature. The proposed amendments would limit the forms of censure that can be appealed to the Minister to those which are relatively more serious. Members would no longer have the option of appealing to the Minister in cases of censure through public reprimand, but would retain this right in the three other forms of censure. Members would have the right to appeal a public reprimand through judicial review through the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia. This change is intended to ensure an appropriate use of resources and support school board authority to address matters of school board governance. Chair Trudy Thompson suggested that any concerns pertaining to the proposed changes could be sent to the Board Secretary. Board Members were provided with a copy of the letter. COMMITTEE REPORTS: COMMITTEE-OF-THE-WHOLE: There was no written report from the Committee-of-the-Whole meeting, as the meeting had taken place immediately prior to the regular Board meeting. 2
EDUCATION SERVICES: Jamie Stevens, Committee Chair, presented a report from the September 20, 2011 meeting of the Education Services Committee. CCRSB Instructional Framework: Scott Milner, Director of Education Services, distributed the CCRSB Instructional Framework poster to committee members. He explained the rationale behind the components that make up the framework and how it aligns with our learning community practices. Mr. Milner provided a presentation on the Instructional Framework to the full Board during the preceding Committee-of-the-Whole meeting. Achievement Gap Initiative (AGI): Education Services staff presented information on the Achievement Gap Initiative/Tripod Project. They distributed two documents, gave background information on AGI, and explained how CCRSB became involved with the Tripod student survey. Results of the survey have been received. Once the results have been studied, supports will be put in place, similar to the Supporting Learners Initiative. Schools with best practices will be used as models to help bring success to other schools. Draft Policy Revision #ES-G-04: A draft revision to Policy #ES-G-04, Assessment, Evaluation and Reporting of Student Learning was distributed to committee members. Mr. Milner reported that principals would receive professional development on the guidelines associated with the policy at the Regional Leadership meeting in October. Final drafts of these documents will be available in the near future. Early Development Instrument: Mr. Milner advised that the results of the Early Development Instrument (EDI) administered in May 2011 have been received. When these results have been examined, they will be shared with individual schools and stakeholders. Mr. Milner explained the importance of the data in relation to a child s readiness for school. The results will help schools and supporting agencies work with families and communities to improve children s development so that they have the best possible start to their education. Plans are in place to continue EDI within CCRSB in 2012. It was MOVED by Jamie Stevens, seconded by Mackie Ross THAT THE EDUCATION SERVICES COMMITTEE REPORT FROM THE MEETING HELD ON SEPTEMBER 20, 2011 BE RECEIVED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES. 3
During discussion on the report, Mr. Milner addressed questions for clarification, following which the vote on the motion was called. FINANCIAL SERVICES: Committee Chair Ron Marks reported on two items from the September 28, 2011 meeting of the Financial Services Committee. Financial Statements to August 31, 2011: The committee reviewed the Financial Statements to August 31, 2011 in detail. Employee Self-Serve (ESS) System: Based on Financial Services Committee recommendation, It was MOVED by Ron Marks, seconded by Wendy Matheson-Withrow THAT BOARD MEMBERS ADOPT THE USE OF THE EMPLOYEE SELF-SERVE SYSTEM, WHEREBY THEY WILL NO LONGER RECEIVE PAPER PAY STUBS; HOWEVER, THE PAY STUB INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE TO VIEW ONLINE. Responding to a question posed by Member Jim Grue, Valerie Gauthier, Director of Financial Services, clarified that pay advice particulars can be printed and that past advices dating back to January 2007 are accessible. It was MOVED by Ron Marks, seconded by Mackie Ross THAT THE FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE REPORT FROM THE MEETING HELD ON SEPTEMBER 28, 2011 BE RECEIVED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES. HUMAN RESOURCES SERVICES: Committee Chair Marilyn Murray reported on one item from the Human Resources Services Committee meeting held on September 20, 2011. Non-Union Economic Increase: The committee reviewed communication from the Treasury Board indicating that non-union employees were eligible for a 1% economic increase, effective April 1, 2011. However, because of the Board authorizing a 2.9% economic increase in 2009, CCRSB non-union employees are only eligible to receive 0.1%. This will align our employee group with economic increases received by other non-union employees throughout the province. 4
Additionally, the Province has given approval allowing a 65%/35% cost sharing for benefits for CCRSB non-union employees, aligning this group with the Board s NSGEU and CUPE employees. As a result of previous Board direction, the above changes are being actioned by staff. During discussion, it was noted that unionized employees had received economic increases of 2.9% for 2009, as well as 1% for 2010, and 1% for 2011. It was MOVED by Marilyn Murray, seconded by Kaaren Barkhouse THAT THE BOARD RECEIVE THE HUMAN RESOURCES SERVICES COMMITTEE REPORT FROM THE MEETING HELD ON SEPTEMBER 20, 2011 FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES. OPERATIONAL SERVICES: Committee Chair Gordon Anderson provided a report from the Operational Services Committee meeting held on September 28, 2011. The Operational Services Committee agreed to request that Student Transportation Division staff provide them with a report in the spring of 2012, listing all instances of courtesy transportation services provided throughout the CCRSB school system. At this point during the meeting, Mr. Anderson called on Board Member Marilyn Thompson to introduce the following motion. Based on discussion at the Operational Services Committee meeting and during the preceding Committee-of-the-Whole meeting, It was MOVED by Marilyn Thompson, seconded by Gordon Anderson THAT THE BOARD CHAIR WRITE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, ON THE BOARD'S BEHALF, REQUESTING THAT JUNCTION ROAD ELEMENTARY AND WEST END MEMORIAL SCHOOLS BE CONSIDERED FOR ONE NEW SCHOOL RATHER THAN THE APPROVED ADDITIONS AND ALTERATIONS PROJECT, AND THAT THE TIME FRAME FOR ITS COMPLETION BE SIMILAR TO THAT OF THE PLANNED RENOVATIONS. It was MOVED by Gordon Anderson, seconded by Keith MacKenzie THAT THE BOARD RECEIVE THE OPERATIONAL SERVICES COMMITTEE REPORT FROM THE MEETING HELD ON SEPTEMBER 28, 2011 FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES. 5
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT: Superintendent Gary Clarke presented highlights from his report to the Board including information on Mi kmaq History Month, 2011-12 Student Enrollment Data, the 2011 Fall SAC Conference Series, Leadership Assignments, the 2010-11 Superintendent s Annual Report, and the 2011-12 School Year Coping With a $3.8 Million Reduction. He advised that the Superintendent s Annual Report to Parents, Guardians and Community would be released in the near future. Mr. Clarke encouraged members to read his report in detail. The document is available on the Board s website under the section devoted to the Superintendent s Office at www.ccrsb.ca. Superintendent Clarke also provided a summary of his involvement in meetings and activities over the past month. These included participation in an Academic Awards Ceremony, professional development events, SAC Conferences, Principals meetings, Education Partners meetings, Accreditation Workshop, school visits and the recent community meetings. He provided members with a copy of the presentation delivered during the CCRSB community meetings and expressed his disappointment in the low attendance of community members. Mr. Clarke reported on several of the committees on which he serves, including the NSELC Board of Directors, the InSchool Management Steering Committee, the Northern Child and Youth Steering Committee, the Leaders Advisory Committee, the NSTU Provincial Negotiations Committee, as well as the Education Consultative Forum. BOARD CHAIR / VICE-CHAIR REPORT: Board Chair Trudy Thompson reported that she had attended a meeting of the Leaders Advisory Committee (LAC) at the NSSBA office on September 23, 2011. Topics of discussion included a review of the impact of last year s funding reductions and the need to develop a communication strategy to help ensure that funding for education becomes a priority for the government as well as for all Nova Scotians. She encouraged her fellow members to submit their suggestions, which she will bring forward at the November LAC meeting. Chair Thompson thanked Superintendent Clarke and the Directors for attending the CCRSB community meetings to present information on how the Board addressed last year s funding shortfall, CCRSB programs and initiatives, student achievement, and our commitment to our strategic plan. She expressed that although the turnout was low, those who participated believed the meetings were informative and worthwhile. Ms. Thompson advised that she participated in a meeting on October 11 for Lavinia Parrish- Zwicker, Chair of the Annapolis Valley Regional School Board, on the NSSBA Memorandum of Understanding Meeting with the Minister. She provided an update on discussion topics including Utilization of Surplus Funds, Reporting of Restricted School Funds, a Review of the 6
Grade 9 PSP, the Expected Date of 2012-2013 Funding Allocation Announcement, FOIPOP Protocol, and the School Closure Process. Also on October 6, School Board Chairs and Superintendents met with Department of Education officials regarding potential revisions to the Hogg Formula. Chair Thompson reported that the Department of Education had indicated a willingness to meet with boards individually or in groups to receive input on the proposed changes. Following brief discussion, during which the majority indicated a preference for meeting separately with the Department of Education representatives, November 2, 2011, was suggested for the session. Ms. Thompson indicated that copies of the Department of Education s October 6 presentation entitled School Boards Hogg Formula Revisions would be provided to members for information and review. Chair Thompson referred to a letter from the Minister of Education regarding their back-toschool newsletter, Kids and Leaning First. The correspondence suggested the Board could distribute the newsletter however it felt appropriate, including sending a copy home with students. Members were provided with a copy of the newsletter. During discussion, several Board Members expressed disappointment, indicating that the content was somewhat misleading. By majority agreement, members opted not to send copies of the Department of Education newsletter home with students. Vice-Chair Keith MacKenzie reported favourably on his attendance of the SAC Conference held at Cobequid Educational Centre. COMMUNICATIONS REPORT: Carolyn Pierce, Communications Manager, highlighted information on news items and media releases since the June 8, 2011 Board meeting. She provided a summary of communication activities and website updates. Ms. Pierce spoke positively on her attendance at the Canadian Association of Communicators in Education Conference held in Halifax from October 1 4, 2011. The conference theme focused on Innovation. She shared information from keynote speeches delivered by Jesse Hirsh, an Internet strategist, researcher and broadcaster; and Candy Palmater, an educator, comedian and television personality. Of particular interest to Ms. Pierce was a presentation featuring Logan MacGillivray, a 13 year-old student, who embarked on a mission in 2008 to send educational supplies and materials to Africa after viewing images of the hardships faced by children embroiled in civil war. He also produced a video documentary chronicling this experience, which he described during his presentation. Board Member Jamie Stevens, commented favourably on his attendance at the conference. He mentioned the importance of being aware of cultural differences in all aspects of communications, a message conveyed by keynote speaker Candy Palmater. He also spoke 7
about Bring Your MLA to School, a rewarding and worthwhile initiative that had taken place in New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Superintendent Gary Clarke reported that there are tentative plans to initiate this project in Nova Scotia. NSSBA REPORT: Gordon Anderson, CCRSB s representative on the Nova Scotia School Boards Association s Board of Directors, reported that the board met in September to prioritize the resolutions adopted at the association s annual general meeting in May. Mr. Anderson highlighted the top three selections. A copy of all resolutions approved at the AGM and submitted to the Minister of Education was e-mailed to Board Members on September 30. Mr. Anderson: reminded his fellow members that the Atlantic School Boards Association Conference is taking place on November 17 19, 2011 in Gander, Newfoundland. indicated that a copy of the impact of funding reductions relevant to all school boards across Nova Scotia is on file with the Board Secretary. advised that school boards are encouraged to action meetings with local MLAs. reported that a communications manager has been hired. Akiko Lovett will begin her position with the NSSBA on October 17. noted that only 30% of the provincial population has anyone in the school system, which constitutes a challenge in communicating effectively with the other 70% of the public regarding the requirements of a strong education system. During discussion, Board Member David Myles stressed the value in including grandparents as a concerned group who have an interest in educational issues that impact students. Board Member Ron Marks advised that a meeting has been scheduled with the Premier and the Minister of Education on October 17, 2011 pertaining to the Province s prospective participation in the Vision for the 21 st Century process. Board Member Jamie Stevens, who represents the NSSBA on the Minister of Education s Task Force on Cyberbulling, announced that an open meeting will be held on October 21, 2011 at the Citadel High School, Halifax. He noted that members would receive an invitation in the near future. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION REGIONAL REPORT: Dr. Alan Lowe was not in attendance and did not provide a report. NEW BUSINESS: No new business was raised. 8
NOTICE OF MOTION: No notices of motion were presented. PUBLIC QUESTION PERIOD: There were no questions from the public. IN-CAMERA SESSION: It was MOVED by Keith MacKenzie, seconded by Marilyn Murray THAT THE MEETING MOVE TO AN IN-CAMERA SESSION REGARDING PERSONNEL AND LEGAL MATTERS. It was MOVED by Keith MacKenzie, seconded by Wendy Matheson-Withrow THAT THE MEETING RECONVENE IN PUBLIC SESSION. DATE OF NEXT MEETING: The organizational meeting of the Board is scheduled for November 9, 2011 and will be held in the Central Office Board Room at 60 Lorne Street, Truro beginning at 7:00 p.m. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m. on motion by Jamie Stevens. Meeting Date: Trudy Thompson, Board Chair Approved: December 14, 2011 Linda Campbell, Board Secretary 9