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RENFREW COUNTY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD

MINUTES OF BOARD MEETING HELD ON May 28, 2019

at 4:02 p.m.

Chairperson S. Humphries in the Chair.

TRUSTEES Present:

M. Adam; N. Edge; M. Guenette; B. Morris; D. Shields; S. McCloskey & S. Abbott (StudentTrustees)

TRUSTEES Absent (With Regret):

L. Boland; D. Kaiser

STAFF: P. Buffone; B. McIntyre; J. Poirier; S. Blok; R. Cousineau; J. Barnes; J. Laderoute;S. McIntyre

1. INVOCATION

The invocation was read by Vice-Chairperson B. Morris.

2. MOMENT OF SILENCE

Vice-Chairperson B. Morris asked everyone to remain standing for a moment of silence in memory of twostudents from the Petawawa community who passed away recently.

3. DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Chairperson S. Humphries asked for declarations of conflict. None were forthcoming.

4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

MOVED BY M. GUENETTE seconded by N. Edge that the Renfrew County District School Board approvesthe agenda for today’s meeting.

The motion was CARRIED

5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOVED BY B. MORRIS seconded by D. Shields that the Renfrew County District School Board confirms theminutes of the Board Meeting on April 23, 2019 and the Special Board Meeting on May 14, 2019.

The motion was CARRIED

6. PRESENTATION

Leveled Literacy Intervention: A Classroom Teacher and SERT Perspective

Superintendent R. Cousineau welcomed Hanneke Vandermark, Special Education Consultant, who thenintroduced the school team presenting from Highview PS: Debbie Klatt (SERT), Heather Fleming (Grade 2Teacher), Krista Knuth (Grade 1 Teacher), and Maria Manwell (Vice-Principal). Highview PS has had a gradetwo Leveled Literacy Intervention (LLI) kit for two years. Classroom teachers and SERT collaborate in theuse of the kit and it is used to support their Level 2 students. The school team uses the Empower program forstudents who require more Tier 1 support. The Leveled Literacy Intervention kit helps students who need "alittle extra" and can be used in the classroom or through withdrawal. The team gave a thorough overview ofthis program and explained how it provides more precise student-centered instruction practices in literacy.

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7. BUSINESS ARISING

None to report.

8. CORRESPONDENCE

None to report.

9. REPORTS TO THE BOARD FOR ACTION – SYSTEM

Excursion Request – Renfrew Collegiate Institute

MOVED by M. ADAM, seconded by B. Morris that the Renfrew County District School Board approves theExcursion Request from Renfrew Collegiate Institute to travel to Kenya from March 11-21, 2020.

The motion was CARRIED

10. REPORTS TO THE BOARD FOR ACTION – COMMITTEES

Committee of the Whole

Vice-Chairperson, B. Morris, presented the Open Session Report of Committee of the Whole from today’sOpen Session meeting.

MOVED BY B. MORRIS, seconded by M. Adam that the Renfrew County District School Board adopts theOpen Session Report of the Committee of the Whole meeting.

The motion was CARRIED

Vice-Chairperson, B. Morris, presented the Closed Session Report of Committee of the Whole from today’s Closed Session meeting.

MOVED BY B. MORRIS, seconded by N. Edge that the Renfrew County District School Board receives the Closed Session Report of the Committee of the Whole meeting.

The motion was CARRIED

Program & Student Achievement Committee

Trustee D. Shields, Chairperson of the Program & Student Achievement Committee, presented the Report of the Program & Student Achievement Committee meeting held on May 14, 2019.

MOVED BY D. SHIELDS seconded by M. Guenette that the Renfrew County District School Board receives the Report of the Program & Student Achievement Committee meeting held on May 14, 2019.

The motion was CARRIED

Finance and Resources Committee

Trustee M. Adam presented the Report of the Finance and Resources Committee meeting held on May 14, 2019.

MOVED BY M. ADAM, seconded by N. Edge that the Renfrew County District School Board adopts the Report of the Finance and Resources Committee meeting held on May 14, 2019.

The motion was CARRIED

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Special Education Advisory Committee

Trustee M. Guenette presented the Report of the Special Education Advisory Committee meeting held on May 15, 2019.

MOVED BY M. GUENETTE, seconded by B. Morris that the Renfrew County District School Board receives the Report of the Special Education Advisory Committee meeting held on May 15, 2019.

The motion was CARRIED

11. DIRECTOR’S UPDATE

Director of Education, P. Buffone, presented his monthly Director’s Report. See Appendix “A”

12. STUDENT TRUSTEES’ UPDATE

Student Trustees S. McCloskey and S. Abbott gave their Student Trustees’ Update. Mr. McCloskeyannounced that Mr. Abbott was voted in as the VP of the Public Board Council for OSTA-AECO at their recentAnnual General Meeting. This position was held this past year by Mr. McCloskey. Mr McCloskey receivedthe OSTA-AECO Student Trustee Alumni Leadership award at this same event. For additional update itemssee Appendix “B”

13. CHAIR’S UPDATE

Chairperson S. Humphries gave her monthly update. See Appendix “C”.

14. NEW BUSINESS

None to report.

15. INFORMATION ITEM(S)

Director of Education P. Buffone recognized Superintendent B. McIntyre for his 25 years of service with theRCDSB. Mr. McIntyre’s roles have included teacher, vice-principal, principal, Student Success Leader andSupervisory Officer.

16. ADJOURNMENT

MOVED BY S. HUMPHRIES, seconded by M. Guenette that the Renfrew County District School Boardmeeting of May 28, 2019 be adjourned. Time: 5:21 PM

The motion was CARRIED

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RENFREW COUNTY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

OPEN SESSION REPORT May 28, 2019

TRUSTEES: (Present)

B. Morris (Chair); M. Adam; N. Edge; M. Guenette; S. Humphries; D. Shields; S. McCloskey &S. Abbott (Student Trustees)

TRUSTEES: (Regrets)

L. Boland; D. Kaiser

STAFF: (Present)

P. Buffone; B. McIntyre; J. Poirier; S. Blok; R. Cousineau; J. Barnes; J. Laderoute; S. McIntyre;T. Hoffman (Item #1)

The Committee of the Whole of the Renfrew County District School Board met on May 28, 2019 and discussed the following items in Open Session:

1. 2019-2020 Draft Budget Update;2. Rural & Northern Education Fund – Whitney PS;3. Framework for Learning Update;4. International Education Update;5. OPSBA Update.

The following recommendation was made:

Rural & Northern Education Fund – Whitney PS

THAT the Renfrew County District School Board add Whitney Public School, SFIS #24681, Campus ID10066, BSID #605492 to the list of eligible rural schools for the Rural and Northern Education Fund(RNEF).

I move that the Board adopts this report.

B. MorrisChairperson

ADOPTED - May 28, 2019

_________________________

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RENFREW COUNTY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

CLOSED SESSION REPORT May 28, 2019

TRUSTEES: (Present)

B. Morris (Chair); M. Adam; N. Edge; M. Guenette; S. Humphries; D. Shields; S. McCloskey &S. Abbott (Student Trustees)

TRUSTEES: (Regrets)

L. Boland; D. Kaiser

STAFF: (Present)

P. Buffone; B. McIntyre; J. Poirier; S. Blok; R. Cousineau; J. Barnes; J. Laderoute; S. McIntyre;

The Committee of the Whole of the Renfrew County District School Board met on May 28, 2019 and discussed the following items in Closed Session:

1. OPSBA Update;2. Letter to Minister of Education;3. Autism Update.

There were no recommendations made.

I move that the Board receives this report.

B. MorrisChairperson

ADOPTED - May 28, 2019

_____________________________

PROGRAM & STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT COMMITTEE

Open Session: x

Closed Session:

REPORT TO BOARD

May 14, 2019

PRESENT: Committee Members: S. Humphries, B. Morris, D. Kaiser, L. Boland, M. Adam, M.Guenette, D. Shields, N. Edge, S. McCloskey (Student Trustee),S. Abbott (Student Trustee)

Administration: P. Buffone, R. Cousineau, J. Poirier, B. McIntyre, J. Barnes, J.Laderoute, S. McCafferty

Guests: J. Stadnyk, A Gagan

ABSENT: (With Regrets) S. Blok

The Program and Student Achievement Committee met on Tuesday, May 14, 2019 to discuss the following item:

1. K – 12 Literacy Update2. Update on Transition Working Group

No recommendations were made.

D. Shields

Chairperson

ADOPTED - May 28, 2019

____________________________

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FINANCE AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE

Open Session: X

Closed Session:

REPORT TO BOARD

May 14, 2019

PRESENT: Committee Members: L. Boland (Chair), M. Adam, N. Edge (via video conference),M. Guenette, S. Humphries, D. Kaiser, B. Morris, D. Shields,S. McCloskey and S. Abbott (Student Trustee)

Administration: P. Buffone, J. Barnes, R. Cousineau, B. McIntyre, J. Poirier,J. Laderoute, T. Hoffman, B. Murray

Guests:

ABSENT: (With Regrets) S. Blok, S. McIntyre

The Finance and Resources Committee met on Tuesday, May 14, 2019 to discuss the following item(s):

1. Year to Date Financial Status for 2018-2019;2. Budget 2019-2020 / GSN Highlights;3. Community Planning and Partnerships; and4. Staffing Update.

The following recommendation was made.

1. Community Planning and Partnerships

THAT the Renfrew County District School Board approve the sites of AJ Charbonneau PS, ArnpriorDistrict HS, Mackenzie Community School, Killaloe PS, Palmer Rapids PS, Eganville District PS,Opeongo HS, Champlain Discovery PS, Fellowes HS, Pine View PS, Admaston PS and RenfrewCollegiate Institute be included for consideration for community partnerships.

L. BolandChairperson

ADOPTED - May 28, 2019

______________________________

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SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Open Session: x

Closed Session:

REPORT TO BOARD

May 15, 2019

PRESENT: Committee Members: B. Morris, M. Guenette C. Smith, T. Williams, L. Hunt

Administration: J. Poirier, B. Smith, T. Robinson, H. van der Mark, C. Barber, S. Smith, A. MacDougall-Popke A. Hilts

Guests:

ABSENT: (With Regrets) L. Cobb, R. Bernard, D. Root

The Special Education Advisory Committee met on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 and discussed the following items:

1. PD sessions2. Special Education Annual Plan3. SEAC Recruitment4. IPRC process

No recommendations were made.

C. SmithChairperson

ADOPTED - May 28, 2019

_____________________________

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Page 1 of 2

Board Meeting Director’s Update - Pino Buffone

28 May 2019

Acknowledgement of Students, Staff and School Communities

The month of May 2019 has been a very vibrant one for our District as our students, staff and school communities engaged in a number of exciting activities, events and initiatives, including:

● Education Week 2019... During the week of May 6th-10th, schools across the countycelebrated the themes of children’s mental health and 50th anniversary of publiceducation...there were presentations on site regarding increased awareness of positive mentalhealth and services available for students and staff in need of support in this important areacoordinated through our Mental Health Lead, Lisa Lariviere, and strategies shared to relievestress for students, as well as the creation of time capsules and historical displays in ourschools to celebrate our past while looking forward in an enthusiastic way to the future(including a visit to the one-room schoolhouse for students at Admaston Public School);

● Diplôme d’études en langue française (DELF)…Over the period of May 6th-14th, over onehundred of our secondary students in Grade 12 in FSL courses across all sites took part in thelanguage proficiency assessment - certifying the competency of candidates from outside ofFrance in the French language - with most of our students challenged the B1 level...we lookforward to hearing about the progress of our students in these assessments in the Fall of 2019;and,

● Spring Business & Leadership Conference...On Thursday 23 May 2019, secondary studentstook part in a one-day conference highlighting entrepreneurialism in the workforce at aconference held at Algonquin College-Pembroke Campus...and coordinated by AC-Pembroke,Junior Achievement (JA) Canada and the RCDSB...it was a terrific day of learning for studentsin business courses and industry partners alike!

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Page 2 of 2

Update to Principals and Vice-Principal Assignments

The following principal and vice-principal appointments and/or transfers are confirmed for the upcoming school year:

● Angela McGregor-Stewart is appointed as Vice-Principal of Special Services;● Jennifer Schooley is transferred to Fellowes High School as Vice-Principal;● Steven Bauernschmitt is appointed as Vice-Principal (secondary) at Valour JK-12 School;● Shelley Gagne is appointed as System Principal of Program Services (Elementary);● Tracey Robinson is appointed as Principal of Champlain Discovery Public School;● Veletia Richards is transferred to Highview Public School as Principal; and,● Ann Gagan is transferred to Renfrew Collegiate Institute as Principal.

There are vacancies for the position of Vice-Principal at the following sites: Cobden Public School (new position), Eganville & District Public School, Herman Street Public School, Opeongo High School and Valour JK-12 School (two positions at the elementary level).

Community Consultations - FSL & PIC - Spring 2019

As stated in the public announcements regarding FSL expansion in ‘RCDSB Programs-Elementary’ in the Fall of 2018, the following consultation sessions have been confirmed:

● Deep River Family of Schools - Thursday 13 June 2019 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at MackenzieCommunity School; and,

● Madawaska Family of Schools - Monday 10 June 2019 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at MadawaskaValley District High School.

In addition, the following two Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) sessions have been rescheduled from the Winter of 2019:

● Madawaska Family of Schools - Thursday 30 May 2019 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at MadawaskaValley District High School; AND,

● Opeongo Family of Schools - Monday 27 May 2019 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Opeongo HighSchool.

The final PIC meeting of the year will be held at the RCDSB Board Office on Monday 03 June 2019 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

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Renfrew County District School Board

Student Trustees’ Report for Tuesday, May 28th, 2019

This report includes information with regards to:

● Student Trustee Elections● Student Senate Meeting● OSTA/AECO-AGM

Report Prepared By: Sean McCloskey and Sam Abbott

Student Trustee Elections: On Thursday April 25th, 5 representatives from each school met at the board office for the

Student Trustee election. The winner of the election was Hudson Arbour, after a very close election, that actually went into a second round of voting. Hudson is a student at Mackenzie High School going into Grade 11, and I have no doubt that he will be a valuable member of the board next year.

Student Senate Meeting: On May 9th, Student Senate had the final meeting of this school year, and although there was

not extraordinarily high attendance, the discussion was awesome! We were pleased to have Bev Moore, who has apparently worked in every sector of education come and discuss Spec Ed with us. The discussions surrounding Special Education was incredibly valuable, and I could tell Bev valued the student voice around the table. We also discussed end of year initiatives at various schools such Opeongo’s Spring Fling, RCI’s Relay Day, and Valour’s Olympics.

OSTA-AECO: Verbal Update by Sean.

67 Appendix "B"

Page 1 of 2

Board Meeting Chair’s Update - Susan Humphries

28 May 2019

Meeting with MPP John Yakabuski: It was a pleasure to provide our local MPP with an update about the impacts of increasing class sizes, mandatory e-learning as well as hiring practices on our rural board. We encouraged MPP Yakabuski to speak with Minister Thompson about the importance of the Task Force on Education that she is coordinating and to offer our collaboration on this important work.

RCI Open House: There was much excitement at RCI earlier this month when staff and students hosted a joint Open House for incoming students as well as the Grand Opening of the newly renovated entranceway, administration area and student lounge. Many positive comments were received about both the renovations and the student interactions. I had the opportunity to learn more about the High Interest Pursuits program directly from students who had participated this year- they definitely loved the opportunity to try some new activities! Many thanks to the administration who managed in tight quarters for many months while the renovations were underway- I believe that their new space was worth the wait.

50th anniversary activities: Education week was highlighted across the District at most schools with a variety of activities, displays and presentations being held. As well several 50th Anniversary of the RCDSB events were highlighted including the experience of attending a one room school ( by Admaston Public School students, staff and community members) and the release of “Roots: A History of Public Schools in Renfrew County”. This is an amazing resource that has been compiled by one of our staff, Dawn White. Many thanks to Dawn for capturing our history for future generations! These can be ordered through our website or by calling the Board office. Cost is $20 and all proceeds will go to the Student Support Fund.

68 Appendix "C"

Page 2 of 2

Student trustee elections: This was my first experience attending the student trustee elections and I was very impressed with the quality of the candidates. The day was well attended by all RCDSB Secondary School representatives who had the opportunity to hear from the 4 candidates and then vote for the student that they felt would be their best representative at the RCDSB Board table. Thanks goes to Student Trustees Sean McCloskey and Sam Abbott as well as Communications Manager, Jonathon Laderoute for ensuring that this event went smoothly. Congratulations to Hudson Arbour who will joining us for the next 2 years beginning in August.

Outstanding Student Trustees in Renfrew County: Both of our student trustees were honoured at the recent OSTA-AECO 2019 AGM and Conference. Congratulations to Sam Abbott who was voted as the VP of the Public Board Council (which incidentally has been held for the past year by our own Sean McCloskey). Congratulations to Sean McCloskey for being awarded one of two OSTA-AECO Student Trustee Alumni Leadership Awards. Obviously Renfrew County students are being very well represented at the Provincial level! It is nice to see the provincial recognition of the strong leadership skills that both Sean and Sam are clearly demonstrating.

Our 2nd letter to the Minister of Education: As a Board of Trustees, we felt it was important to follow up our original letter to Minister Thompson with another letter which allowed us to describe our specific issues as well as offer some alternative suggestions for cost saving. We will also be submitting our comments to the Ministry consultation regarding average class sizes and hiring practices. This public consultation is open until May 31st and can be accessed through the Ministry of Education website. We are encouraging all interested parties to take this opportunity to have your voices heard.

Upcoming events:

June will be a very busy month across the District- track meets, sports events, concerts, course reviews, exams and graduations! Good luck to all students and staff as another school year comes to a close.

There will be 2 public information sessions to provide an update on the Community Use of Schools. These will be held on Monday June 10th at Fellowes High School and Tuesday June 11th at Renfrew Collegiate Institute. Both sessions start at 6:00 PM.

And don’t forget the RCDSB Golf Fore Kids tournament on July 3rd- early bird registration is May 31st.

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