THE MINUTES OF THE DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD OF NIAGARA · THE MINUTES OF THE DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD OF...

THE MINUTES OF THEDISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD OF NIAGARA

BOARD ROOM - EDUCATION CENTRE JUNE 12, 20077:00 - 7:30 p.m (Private Session)7:30 - 10:00 p.m. (Public Session)

ATTENDANCE:

Board: Kevin Maves (Chair), Gary Atamanyk, Lora Campbell, Lynn Campbell, DaltonClark, Gregg Dame, Liz Fulford, Marcy Heit, Larry Lemelin, Don Love, BarbaraNess

StudentTrustees: Brock Ceci, Lisa Parker

Regrets:

Officials: Warren Hoshizaki (Director of Education), Paul Collins, Sue Greer, Marilyn Hyatt,Linda Kartasinski, John Lawrence, Barb McArthur, John Stainsby (absent),Ardeth Staz, George Thomas, Peter Doan, Brenda Stokes Verworn, KarenBellamy, Marian Lamb, Kim Yielding

RecordingSecretary: Irene Foster

TechnicalSupport: Linda Gonschior

A. CALL TO ORDER AND NOTING OF MEMBERS ABSENT

Kevin Maves, Chair, called the Regular Meeting of the Board to order at 7:49 p.m.

Chair Maves welcomed newly elected Student Trustees Josh Dayboll and Emilia Ling tothe Board Meeting, as observers, and he welcomed Kim Yielding, newly appointedManager of Communications and Public Relations, to her first Board Meeting.

B. DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST

No conflicts of interest were declared.

Regular Public Meeting - page 2 June 12, 2007

C. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

Moved by Larry LemelinSeconded by Gregg Dame

“That the Board do now enter Committee of the Whole."

CARRIED

Moved by Larry Lemelin

"That the Board do now return to open meeting."

CARRIED

D. SINGING OF "O CANADA"

The Board stood and sang "O Canada" accompanied on tape by students fromWestdale Public School, St. Catharines.

E. OPENING PRAYER OR REFLECTIVE READING

Trustee, Gregg Dame, opened the meeting with a reflective reading.

F. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

Moved by Barb NessSeconded by Lynn Campbell

“That the Agenda be adopted."

CARRIED

G. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

Moved by Don LoveSeconded by Larry Lemelin

“That the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the District School Board of Niagaradated May 22, 2007, be confirmed as submitted."

CARRIED

H. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES


1. Clarification by Trustee Liz Fulford of the motion related to Item N(2) of theMinutes of the Regular Meeting of the District School Board of Niagara datedMay 8, 2007

"That the issue of First Nations representation on the District School Board ofNiagara be deferred for further discussion until prior to the next Municipal Electionsin November 2010."

Moved by Liz FulfordSeconded by Lora Campbell

"That Item N(2) of the Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of the DistrictSchool Board of Niagara dated May 8, 2007, be approved."

CARRIED

I. RATIFICATION OF BUSINESS CONDUCTED IN COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

Moved by Liz FulfordSeconded by Marcy Heit

“That the business transacted in Committee of the Whole be now ratified by theBoard.”

Staff Matters - ElementaryStaff Matters - SecondaryStaff Matters - Support StaffHuman ResourcesNegotiationsLegal/Property Update

CARRIED

J. EDUCATIONAL SHOWCASING OR PRESENTATIONS

1. Megan Green, Senator Gibson Public School

Superintendent, Marilyn Hyatt, introduced Megan Green, Grade 3 student at SenatorGibson Public School. Megan, who has been skipping since senior kindergarten,has successfully competed at the provincial and national levels. Megan competed inthe recent National Jump Rope Championships in British Columbia where she wonthe individual overall trophy and her team won second overall. Megan performed askipping demonstration and impressed the Board with her outstanding ability andskill.

EDUCATIONAL SHOWCASING OR PRESENTATIONS - continued:


Megan Green, Senator Gibson Public School

Chair Maves thanked Megan, on behalf of the Board, for sharing her achievementsand skill with the Board and congratulated her on her success.

2. Historica Fair Awards

Superintendent, Ardeth Staz, stated that annually teachers from across the provincehave an opportunity to encourage and support students in participating in researchprojects at the school level. Some projects are then chosen to go on to publicexhibitions at the regional and provincial level. Elizabeth Freeman-Shaw,Consultant, added that the 4th Annual Regional Historica Fair took place on April26/27, 2007, with 114 students displaying their projects at the Education Centre. The National Historica Fair will take place July 9-16, 2007. The Provincial Fair awardwinners shared their experiences during the Fair held in Ottawa. The Board vieweda slide presentation which highlighted the students' projects and the events of April26/27, 2007.

Megan Gilchrist, St. Catharines Museum; Lt. Col. Bernard Nehring, Lincoln andWelland Regiment; Major S. Tanner, Royal Niagara Military Institute; Brig. GeneralK. Troughton, Lincoln and Welland Regiment; Kathy Powell, City of Niagara FallsMuseum; Esther Summers; Christel Haeck, Heritage Niagara; and Bob Foley,Heritage Niagara and Haunted Press, assisted with making presentations to theregional and provincial winners of the Historica Fair Awards.

National Fair (Most exceptional project of the Fair)Levi Pauls, Grade 7, Jordan Public SchoolHalifax Explosion

Provincial Fair (Exceptional projects of the Fair)Cain Hassim, Grade 4, Glen Ridge Public SchoolThe Klondike Gold Rush

Dayna Prentice, Grade 5, Parnall Public SchoolFree the Children

Karly Rempel, Grade 8, Glynn A. Green Public SchoolAlgonquin Park

Laurier Lapierre Medal (in recognition of exceptional enthusiasm and dedication tohistory and heritage)Amanda Botts, Grade 4, Parnall Public SchoolStompin' Tom Connors

Teddy Zieba, Grade 5, Meadowvale Public SchoolAvro Arrow

Alex Bizley, Grade 8, Glynn A. Green Public SchoolPier 21


Historica Fair Awards


RBC Aboriginal Heritage Award (in recognition of outstanding achievement incelebrating an aspect of Aboriginal history, heritage, or culture)Daina Sczcepanowski, Grade 8, Gordon Public SchoolBon Echo Pictographs

HBC Award (in recognition of outstanding achievement in demonstrating an aspectof exploration that has influenced the history of Canada)Stephanie Rinaldini, Grade 8, Westdale Public SchoolSamuel de Champlain

CN Veterans Award (in recognition of outstanding achievement in celebration ofveterans' and military stories)Jeff Ruttan, Grade 7, Colonel John Butler Public SchoolThe Snowbirds

Archives of Ontario Award (in recognition of outstanding student achievement for thebest use of original records related to Ontario history)Cole Montgomery, Grade 4, W.E. Brown Public SchoolGordon Harry, Mayor of Wainfleet

Ontario Genealogy Society Award (in recognition of outstanding studentachievement for research that includes the application of genealogical research)Tynan Mayhew, Grade 5, Meadowvale Public SchoolSamuel Lount (my great, great, great, great, great Uncle) and the Upper CanadaRebellion

Friends of Fort George Award (in recognition of outstanding achievement inpresenting a topic on some aspect of the military (and/or social history) history duringthe period of major activity in and around Fort George, 1780-1840)Rachel Wirkkunen, Grade 5, Gordon Public SchoolLaura Secord

Royal Niagara Military Institute Award (in recognition of outstanding achievement inpresenting a topic on some aspect of the military, from Confederation 1867 to theend of World War I 1918)Nick Sneyd, Grade 6, Glen Ridge Public SchoolVimy Ridge

Lincoln & Welland Regiment (in recognition of outstanding achievement inpresenting a topic on some aspect of the military, from the end of World War 1, 1918to the present)Adam Brulé, Grade 4, Gordon Public SchoolWorld War II


Historica Fair Awards


City of Niagara Falls (Lundy's Lane Museum) (in recognition of outstandingachievement in presenting a topic related to the history, heritage and culture ofNiagara Falls)Vanessa Verworn, Grade 8, Westmount Public SchoolWinnifred Stokes Hill

Esther Summers Award of Excellence (in recognition of outstanding achievement inpresenting a topic related to the history, heritage and culture of the Niagara Region)Christina Ismailos, Grade 7, Queen Mary Senior Public SchoolNiagara Apothecary

Black History (in recognition of excellence in a research project on the topic of Blackhistory)Sarah Pemberton, Grade 7, Jordan Public SchoolHarriet Tubman

Heritage Niagara Book Award (in recognition of outstanding achievement at theDSBN Regional Historica Fair)Ryan Zimmerman, Grade 4, Colonel John Butler Public SchoolR. Murray Schafer: Canadian Composer

Jamie Mills, Jacob Hayes, Peter Zhang - Princess Margaret Public SchoolJuno Beach

Serena Thomas, Grade 5, W.E. Brown Public SchoolHamilton's First Pump House

Ben Cobb-Perlmutter, Grade 6, Queen Mary Senior Public SchoolThe Toronto Star

PSI Corporate - History of Sport Award (in recognition of outstanding achievement inpresenting a topic related to the history of sport)Katie Lewis, Grade 6, Glynn A. Green Public SchoolThe History of Women's Hockey

Trustee, Liz Fulford, congratulated and commended the students for their wonderfulprojects and enthusiasm and she noted there is much for the students to learn justfrom researching their topic.

Trustee, Lynn Campbell, indicated she had the opportunity to act as a judge atColonel John Butler Public School and she was very impressed with the quality ofthe projects.

Chair, Kevin Maves, congratulated all the participants and winners, on behalf of theBoard, and thanked all the sponsor organizations and supporters for their continuedinvolvement.


3. Becky Puddicombe, Westlane Secondary School


Chair, Kevin Maves, announced that Becky was not able to attend due to a priorcommitment. Chair Maves commended Becky, a Grade 12 student from WestlaneSecondary School, for her efforts in promoting Niagara Falls as one of the SevenWonders of Canada in the CBC's recent contest. She did a wonderful jobhighlighting all the benefits of the Falls and acting as an ambassador for the City. Niagara Falls came in second in the popular vote. In recognition of her successfulpromotion of Niagara Falls as one of the Seven Wonders of Canada, Becky will bepresented with a Certificate of Appreciation at her school.

K. DELEGATIONS

None Requested

L. BOARD RECESS

No Board recess was called.

M. OLD BUSINESS

1. REPORT OF THE TRUSTEE STUDENT COUNCIL

Moved by Lora CampbellSeconded by Marcy Heit

“That the report of the Trustee Student Council dated May 23, 2007, be received."

CARRIED

Student Trustee, Lisa Parker, provided a verbal summary of the report noting that themembers developed priorities, ideas, and topics for next year’s meetings in the areas ofpresentations, school operation topics, and major issues of focus. The annual StudentTrustee retreat will take place October 3, 2007, at Woodend. Student Trustee, BrockCeci, reported that he, Student Trustee Parker, Josh Dayboll, and Emilia Ling attendedthe recent OSTA Annual General Meeting in Toronto. Representatives from theMinistry of Education addressed the Student Trustees and the conference providedinformative training and transition workshops for newly elected Student Trustees. Student Trustee Ceci added that Josh Dayboll and Emilia Ling will sit on the PolicyCommittee of the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association and Josh Dayboll was electedas the Golden Horseshoe representative.

2. REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE

Moved by Dalton ClarkSeconded by Lora Campbell


"That the report of the Finance Committee dated May 24, 2007, be received.”

CARRIED

Trustee, Dalt Clark, thanked Trustee, Lora Campbell, and all the members for their workon the committee.

3. REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE

Moved by Dalton ClarkSeconded by Gary Atamanyk

"That the report of the Finance Committee dated June 5, 2007, be received and therecommendation adopted.”

2007-2008 Budget

"That the 2007-2008 Budget Revenue and Expenditure, in the amount of$344,640,100, be approved and the estimate forms be submitted to the Ministry ofEducation."

CARRIED

Trustee, Dalt Clark, provided a verbal summary of the report noting that the budget isdeveloped over the whole year and decisions made throughout the year are reflected asthe budget comes forward. Bringing a balanced budget forward was a challengingprocess and it reflects some compromises needed to address the impact of decliningenrolment and the under funding of Special Education. The budget continues to supportmany initiatives that enhance student achievement such as reduction in class size,student success teachers, implementation of full day/every day kindergarten, intensivesupport programs, centrally employed teams of wraparound staff to provide an additionallevel of support for needy students, the establishment of a Welcome Centre fornewcomer students, special equipment for students requiring technological assistance,and funding to serve the needs of Aboriginal students. Trustee Clark stated that it ishoped ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Education regarding the under funding ofSpecial Education will result in additional monies for the Board that can be targeted forother strategies and initiatives that will have a positive impact on student learning.

In response to Trustee, Liz Fulford’s, question why the debt charges are higher this year,Trustee Clark responded that the Ministry of Education is funding some of the Board’sdebt charges. Former practice was for the Board to pay for certain expenditures out ofreserves, but now the government funds our debt load and requires us to borrow themoney. Superintendent Lawrence added that this year’s increase in debt charges isalso due to interest on government funding for Good Places to Learn projects which arefunded as the projects are completed.

OLD BUSINESS - continued:

REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE

Chair Maves thanked Superintendent Lawrence and his department, and everyone whoplayed a role in bringing forward a balanced budget that supports programs andinitiatives for the benefit of students.


4. REPORT OF THE EDUCATION PROGRAM AND PLANNING COMMITTEE

Moved by Marcy HeitSeconded by Gregg Dame

"That the report of the Education Program and Planning Committee dated June 5, 2007, be received and the recommendations adopted.”

Report on Past Approved Research Proposals

"That the Report on Past Approved Research Proposals be received by theEducation Program and Planning Committee."

Education Research Committee

"That the Education Program and Planning Committee approve the researchproposal recommendations outlined in the report of the Education ResearchCommittee."

Boundary Change Proposal (May 29, 2007) - Martha Cullimore and Prince Philip PublicSchool Areas, Niagara Falls

"That the Education Program and Planning Committee approve therecommendations that the portion of the Martha Cullimore and Prince Philip P.S.boundary districts located north of Bridge Street between the Hydro Canal andVictoria Street be transferred to the Valley Way P.S. district for new registrantseffective June 30, 2007. (Zone A, excluding frontage on Victoria Street).

and

That the portion of the Martha Cullimore and Prince Philip P.S. boundary districtslocated north of Bridge Street between Victoria Street and the Niagara River betransferred to the Simcoe Street district for new registrants effective June 30,2007. (Zone B, including frontage on Victoria Street).

and

That the portion of the Simcoe Street P.S. boundary district bounded by BridgeStreet, 5th Avenue, Morrison Street, and 2nd Avenue be transferred to the ValleyWay P.S. district for new registrants effective June 30, 2007. (Zone C, excludingfrontage on 2nd Avenue)."

CARRIED

OLD BUSINESS - continued:

REPORT OF THE EDUCATION PROGRAM AND PLANNING COMMITTEE

Trustee, Marcy Heit, provided a verbal summary of the report as follows:• Superintendent, Linda Kartasinski, presented an update on the Niagara-on-the-Lake

accommodation review. Future meeting dates were confirmed and this informationhas been posted on the Board's external website and published in local newspapers.

• Paula MacKinnon presented a report on research proposals approved between


September 2005 and December 2006. Updates will be brought forward once ortwice a year next year to show the value of the projects.

• The committee has recommended three further research proposals for approval, andone proposal is being recommended for deferral pending further information.

• Superintendent, Ardeth Staz; Principal, Tom Reynolds; and Ann McLaughlin,LRT/Coach, gave an informative presentation on literacy coaches. Improvement instudent success has been seen already and enthusiasm for the initiative is evident. Trustee Heit noted that release time for staff to share best practices is important.

• Information was presented on the Board’s instructional materials list and database. Currently there are no Ministry of Education guidelines for reviewing instructionalmaterial, however, a process will be developed by staff in the Fall. In the interim areview has taken place to ensure appropriate books / resources are in the classroomwithin the budget.

• Bob Crawford, Manager of Planning and Transportation, presented information onproposed boundary changes. The changes will be grandfathered so there will be nodisruption for existing families.

Trustee, Gary Atamanyk, suggested that the statement in the report on the school basedliteracy coaches, “coaching is a form of professional development and that the key toeffective coaching is asking the right questions, not having all the answers,” be amendedso that the wording “not having all the answers” reads “while providing availableinformation in a collegial manner.” Trustee Atamanyk added that he was pleased to seethat Ann McLaughlin provided coaching support to staff by sharing information anddemonstrating effective literacy practices. Trustee Atamanyk would like to see thosefunctions included in the description of a literacy coach.

Trustee, Liz Fulford, indicated she was pleased with the upgrades to the instructionalmaterials database which will provide teachers with great information and keep themmuch more informed.

N. QUESTIONS ASKED OF AND BY BOARD MEMBERS

1. Trustee, Gregg Dame, referenced the 2007 Ontario First Nation, Métis, and InuitEducation Policy Framework and requested a report on the programs and policies inplace within our Board that support this Ministry policy. He also requested that theBoard report on the feasibility of implementing the establishment of an AboriginalEducation Advisory Committee that will support and enhance these existingprograms and policies.

Director, Warren Hoshizaki, thanked Trustee Dame for raising the issue andindicated that he had an opportunity to participate in the development of theframework and he also sat on an Advisory Board that recently distributed $1.4

QUESTIONS ASKED OF AND BY BOARD MEMBERS - continued:

million to Boards around the province, including the District School Board of Niagara,to implement the framework. Additional funding will be allocated to support theframework. Director Hoshizaki reported that he recently met with representativesfrom the Fort Erie Native Centre and steps are being taken to meet with all FirstNation and Métis organizations that represent students in the Niagara Region, and toidentify the number of students in our area that these organizations can support. Steps are also being taken to contract an individual of Aboriginal heritage to ensurethe Board takes the appropriate steps in implementing the Ministry policy. A full


report will be brought forward in the Fall.

Superintendent, Ardeth Staz, added that part of the initiative is for schools toconsider offering courses in Native language or Native studies. She reported thatenough interest has been expressed by students at Fort Erie Secondary School tooffer one section and a staff member has confirmed interest in teaching the course.

2. Trustee, Gary Atamanyk, raised the issue of establishing an Ad Hoc Committee toconduct the Director's annual evaluation and he expressed interest in sitting on thecommittee. It was suggested that Trustee Atamanyk bring the matter forward at thenext Board meeting in Committee of the Whole.

O. NEW BUSINESS

1. Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA)

Trustee, Don Love, provided a verbal report with the following highlights:• information on future meeting dates are available on OPSBA's website at

www.opsba.org and include the Board of Directors' meetings in Toronto onSeptember 28/29, 2007; November 30/December 1, 2007; February29/March 1, 2008; and April 25/26, 2008; Central West meeting in Hamiltonon October 27, 2007; Public Education Symposium January 24-26, 2008;NSBA Conference in Orlando March 29-31, 2008; CSBA Conference inRegina July 3-5, 2008

• OPSBA Award winners were recognized; Trustee Love will provide theDirector's Office with eligibility criteria for student, teacher, and Trusteerecipients

• the Annual Report of OPSBA 2006-2007 is available for Trustees in theTrustees' lounge

• the Ministry of Education's publication, Combined Grades Strategies toReach a Range of Learners in Kindergarten to Grade 6, is available in theTrustees' lounge and on the Ministry's website at www.edu.gov.on.ca

• school Boards will be requested to respond to OPSBA's report on CoreFrench in Ontario Schools

• OPSBA's Policy Development Work Team recommends that OPSBAproposes amendments to the Municipal Elections Act to include a restrictionfrom changing school support for electoral purposes between September 1and the date of the election in a municipal election year

NEW BUSINESS - continued:

Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA)

• OPSBA passed a resolution that OPSBA affirm that it does not wish toadvocate for the merging of the four publicly funded systems at this time andthat it reaffirms its position that it opposes extending of funding support forany form of private school in Ontario

• Durham DSB will return as a member of OPSBA on June 18th

• elections to the OPSBA Executive took place at the recent Annual GeneralMeeting


Trustee, Larry Lemelin, reported that the Annual General Meeting was a greatconference with lengthy discussion on a number of issues, including the mergingof the four publicly funded systems. Discussion took place on the annual budget,which was deferred from a previous Directors' meeting. Peter Crabtree, a wellrespected lawyer, attended the Annual General Meeting and assisted effectivelyto resolve some difficult issues. Trustee Lemelin commended the closingspeaker, Alvin Law, for delivering an emotional, meaningful, and enlighteningaddress. The June 2008 20th anniversary Annual General Meeting will be held inNiagara and our Board will participate in planning the event.

Attendees at the conference had an opportunity to participate in a number ofworkshops, which included the following:• The Early Years: What We Know; What We Must Do - Dr. Stuart Shanker

provided excellent information on understanding the brain in autism and theimportance of early intervention. Trustee Fulford added that Dr. Shanker,who has replaced Fraser Mustard, stressed the importance of earlyeducation, all day/every day kindergarten, and tapping into the brain to retrainthe basics. It was suggested that consideration be given to inviting Dr.Shanker to address staff and the Trustees at a professional developmentsession. Superintendent, Marilyn Hyatt, reported that Board staff wereinvited by the Ministry of Education to make a presentation recently in Londonto support early intervention, and they did a fabulous job. A report will bemade to the Special Education Advisory Committee and to the Boardthereafter.

• Trustee, Lynn Campbell, provided a written summary of the workshop,Pathways to Student Success, which concluded that it is vital to the future toeducate today's youth for the world of work through programs that ensure allstudents graduate and are employable

Trustee, Marcy Heit, asked why OPSBA made the recommendation not tosupport the merging of the four publicly funded systems. Trustee Love repliedthat our Board supported the recommendation for a unified system, however,OPSBA expressed its desire to work cooperatively with the government. TrusteeLemelin added that discussion on the issue was lengthy and intense.

Trustee Heit asked for details on the cost of the Board's membership in OPSBA.

NEW BUSINESS - continued:

Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA)

Trustee, Gary Atamanyk, asked for reasons why it was proposed that OPSBArecommend amendments to the Municipal Elections Act to include a restrictionfrom changing school support for electoral purposes between September 1 andthe date of the election in a municipal election year. Chair Maves suggested theissue be brought forward at a later date.

Moved by Liz FulfordSeconded by Dalton Clark


"That Trustee, Donald Love, be named the District School Board ofNiagara's Director representative and the voting delegate on the OPSBABoard of Directors, and that Trustee, Larry Lemelin, be named asalternate."

CARRIED

The Director's Office will send confirmation to OPSBA of the Board's motion.

P. INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS

1. Staff Reports

None.

2. Correspondence and Communications

(a) Trustee Correspondence

(i) Correspondence from the City of Niagara Falls dated May 9,2007.

Chair Maves indicated that a response will be sent to the City ofNiagara Falls acknowledging their concerns.

(b) Trustee Communication

(i) Report of the Trustee Ad Hoc Committee: Governance and By-Laws

Moved by Barb NessSeconded by Liz Fulford

"That the Minutes of the Ad Hoc Committee on Governance andBy-Laws dated April 2, 2007, and the Minutes of the Ad HocCommittee on Governance and By-Laws dated April 23, 2007, bereceived."

CARRIEDINFORMATION AND PROPOSALS - continued:

Trustee Communication

Report of the Trustee Ad Hoc Committee: Governance and By-Laws

Following discussion, Student Trustee, Lisa Parker, requested arecorded non binding vote on the motion. Chair Maves asked thequestion, all in favour, and by a show of hands the Trustees' votecarried unanimously. Student Trustees, Brock Ceci and Lisa Parker,voted in favour of the motion.

Trustee, Barb Ness, provided a brief verbal report noting the Minutes


are reflective of discussions that took place on a number ofhousekeeping matters such as start time and frequency of Boardmeetings, and on more substantive issues such as committeeselection, and new provisions for Student Trustees.

Following Trustee Ness' verbal report, Trustees agreed to proceedwith questions on the Minutes with further discussion to take place onthe recommended amendments to the By-Laws at the June 26, 2007,Board meeting.

Trustee Ness confirmed for Trustee, Marcy Heit, that based on thesuccess of the trial governance model, the number of Board memberson Standing Committees is being recommended for approval.

Trustee, Marcy Heit, raised the questions whether adding TrusteeInformation Sessions to the order of business for regular meetings ofthe Board created an expectation to schedule information sessions,and the frequency. Trustee Heit felt the sessions are very informative,but often the sessions are full and provide little time to ask questions. Trustee Ness replied there was no discussion on frequency orexpectation, but rather including the item in the order of businessprovides for the opportunity to schedule information sessions thatmeet the needs and interests of the Trustees. Brenda StokesVerworn added that there is no provision in our By-Laws requiring theBoard to hold Trustee Information Sessions and the recommendeditem is included in the By-Laws to address the Trustees' formerrequest to record the Trustee Information Sessions in the Boardminutes.

Trustees Atamanyk, Fulford, Lynn Campbell, and Chair Maves felt thesessions are a valuable source of information and they are intendedto reduce the length of committee meetings.

INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS - continued:

Trustee Communication

Report of the Trustee Ad Hoc Committee: Governance and By-LawsTrustee, Dalt Clark, raised a concern about the recommendedamendment to Rules of Order R-7, requiring that a copy of anymaterials to be presented by a delegation be submitted to theSecretary on Wednesday prior to the Board meeting the delegationwishes to attend. Trustee Clark stated that based on the issue andthe material provided to Trustees in advance of the Board meeting,Trustees may be inclined to form an opinion prior to the presentation. He felt that the current practice of not receiving material oncontentious issues prior to the Board meeting is far better and he


cautioned against receiving information in advance.

Trustee, Lora Campbell, stated that receiving written submissions isnot intended to create a debate but to provide Trustees with advancenotice of contentious issues.

Trustee, Liz Fulford, confirmed for Trustee Heit that norecommendation is being made with respect to a public question period.

(ii) Notice of Recommended Motion for Amendments to the By-Lawsof the District School Board of Niagara

In accordance with By-Law Q-2, Trustee, Barb Ness, served noticethat the following recommended motion will be made at the nextRegular Meeting of the Board scheduled for June 26, 2007.

NOTICE OF RECOMMENDED MOTION:Take notice that in accordance with By-Law Q-2, it is recommended that the followingamendments be made to the By-Laws of the District School Board of Niagara at the nextRegular Meeting of the Board scheduled for June 26, 2007, with such amendments to takeeffect June 30, 2007.

PREAMBLE

The following organizational and governing By-Laws of the District School Board ofNiagara shall be observed for the order and dispatch of its business.

Signing Officers of the Board

B-3 The Board shall by resolution appoint by name the Chairperson of the Board or theVice-Chairperson of the Board, and the Treasurer as cheque signing officers of theBoard. In the Treasurer’s absence, the Treasurer may designate an appropriatebusiness official to be a cheque signing officer of the Board. For the purpose ofpaying the accounts, the Board authorizes the use of automatic chequesigning equipment bearing the signature of the Chairperson and Treasurer ofthe Board.


NOTICE OF RECOMMENDED MOTION

Election of Chairperson (Nominations)

F-6.1 (ii) Nominations shall be submitted to the Secretary of the Board from December1st until 12:00 noon on the day of the Organization Meeting and may besubmitted only by members of the Board.

Organization Meeting of the Board

F-1 The order of business for the Organization Meeting is to elect the Chairperson andVice-Chairperson of the Board and in an election year for Trustees to makecommittee selections by Trustees submitting their committee preferences to


the Director’s Office, preferably by electronic submission.

Scrutineers

F-5 The Secretary shall name two scrutineers appointed for the election of theChairperson and Vice-Chairperson. At the request of a Trustee, the Board mayby majority vote, also approve the appointment of a disinterested party toserve as a third scrutineer for the election of Chairperson and/or Vice-Chairperson.”

Inaugural Meeting of the Board

J -1 The Inaugural Meeting of the Board for each year shall be held on the first RegularBoard Meeting in December (following the Organization Meeting) at the hour of 7:00p.m. for Committee of the Whole, and 7:30 p.m. for the Regular Board Meeting,public session, unless otherwise determined by Board motion.

Regular Board Meetings

G - 1 The regular meetings of the Board shall be held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month between September and June, save and except for the months ofMarch and December when there will only be one Regular Board Meeting. Should any such Tuesday fall on a statutory or civic holiday, the Board shall meeton the evening of the following day at the same hour, or as otherwise decided by theBoard. Committee of the Whole shall commence at 7:00 p.m. and the RegularBoard Meeting, public session, shall commence at 7:30 p.m.

G - 3 In the event of weather conditions which, in the judgement of the Chairperson,preclude the regular meeting of the Board, the meeting will be held on the nextfollowing Tuesday, with Committee of the Whole commencing at 7:00 p.m. and theRegular Board Meeting, public session, commencing at 7:30 p.m.

G - 4 During the summer months of July and August, there shall be no Regular BoardMeetings held, unless otherwise determined by Board motion.



G - 10 The order of business for regular meetings of the Board shall be: A. Call to Order and Noting of Members AbsentB. Declaration of Conflict of InterestC. Motion to Move to Committee of the Whole (Private Session) Motion to Return to Open Board (Public Meeting)D. Singing of O CanadaE. Opening Prayer or Reflective ReadingF. Adoption of AgendaG. Approval of Board MinutesH. Business Arising from the MinutesI. Ratification of Business Conducted in Committee of the Whole


J. Educational Showcasing or PresentationsK. DelegationsL. Board Recess (Optional)M. Old Business N. Questions Asked of and by Board Members O. New Business P. Information and Proposals:

1. Trustee Information Sessions2. Staff Reports3. Correspondence & Communications4. Trustee Communications

Q. Future Meetings R. Adjournment

Standing and Statutory Committees

L - 1 Trustees are elected to a four (4) year term of office on the Board. At the startof the term and approximately two (2) years into the term of office there will beopportunities to change Trustee membership on Standing and StatutoryCommittees, save and except for the Special Education Advisory Committee(SEAC) which requires a four (4) year term commitment.

(a) At the Organization Meeting in an election year the Trustees will submittheir committee preferences to the Director’s Office and, thereafter, theDirector, Chair and Vice-Chair of the Board will meet to consider thepreferences submitted and then to assign Trustees to serve on Standingand Statutory Committees. The selection of Committee Chairs will occur inaccordance with By-Laws O-23 and O-24.

(b) Nineteen (19) months after the newly elected Trustees take office, theTrustees shall again submit their committee preferences to the Director’sOffice by the first Board Meeting in June and, thereafter, the Director, Chairand Vice-Chair of the Board will meet to consider the preferencessubmitted and then to assign the Trustees to serve on Standing andStatutory Committees effective September 1st of that same year. Theselection of Committee Chair will occur in accordance with By-Laws O-23and O-24.



L - 6 There shall be the following committees of the Board with each Board memberrequired to sit on two (2) Standing or Statutory Committees.

• Policy Advisory Committee 4 Board Members• Program and Planning Committee 5 Board Members• Finance Committee 4 Board Members• Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) 2 Board Members• Supervised Alternative Learning for 1 Board Member

Excused Pupils Committee (SALEP)• School Council Liaison Committee 2 Board MembersC Student Trustee Senate 2 Board Members plus 2


Student Trustees• Ad Hoc Negotiations Committee 2 Trustees for each contract• Ad Hoc Properties Disposal Committee 2 Trustees (Chair of Program

and Planning Committee, andChair of Finance Committee,or designate)

Other Ad Hoc Committees will be established as required.

L - 7 The committee responsibilities of the incoming Chairperson shall be assumedby the outgoing Chairperson.

Education Foundation of Niagara (EFN)

L - 8 The Education Foundation of Niagara (EFN) is a separate incorporatedcharitable organization and not a committee of the Board. Four (4) Trusteeswill be asked to serve as Directors on the EFN Board of Directors with theunderstanding such service is over and above a Trustee’s obligation forinvolvement in Board committee work.

L - 9 Committee assignments shall be approved by the Board at either the InauguralMeeting or nineteen (19) months after the election of the new Board in an offelection year at the last Board meeting in June.

Committee of the Whole Board

M - 2 Only Board members, Student Trustees, requested administration officials andinvited guests shall be in attendance at the private sessions of Board meetings andthe private sessions of Board committee meetings. A Student Trustee is notentitled to be present at a meeting that is closed to the public undersubsection 207(2)(b) of the Education Act which states that, A meeting of acommittee of a Board, including a Committee of the Whole Board, may beclosed to the public when the subject matter under consideration involves thedisclosure of intimate, personal or financial information in respect of amember of the Board or committee, an employee or prospective employee ofthe Board or a pupil or his or her parent or guardian.



Board Committees

O - 7 a) All Board members who are not official members of a Standing or StatutoryCommittee, as listed in By-Law L-6, (save and except the Policy AdvisoryCommittee and the Special Education Advisory Committee), may attend all orany committee meetings in the capacity of an observer or to participate indiscussions and, if in attendance, shall not be counted in arriving at quorum, butshall be allowed to vote.

b) Deleted: All Board members who are not official members of anycommittee listed in By-Law L-7 may attend all or any committee meetings inthe capacity of an observer or to participate in discussions, but may not


vote or be counted in arriving at a quorum.

b) Notwithstanding (a) or (b) a Board member assigned to a committee maydesignate an alternate Board member as a replacement voting member in theirabsence in accordance with Board Policy A-2 (Attendance at Board andCommittee Meetings) for the purpose of arriving at a quorum.

O - 9 It is the policy of the Board that meetings of the committees of the Board shall beopen to the public except:

a) Committee of the Whole Board b) Ad Hoc Negotiations Committee c) Program and Planning Committee when it is considering the sale, lease or

acquisition of property d) Other committees as designated from time to time by the Board

RULES OF ORDER

Delegations

R - 7 Such notice and a copy of any materials to be presented by the Delegationto the Board shall be in the hands of the Secretary on or before 12:00 noon ofthe Wednesday prior to the Board meeting which the delegation wishes toattend. Before acceptance is granted, the Secretary shall confer with theChairperson or the Vice-Chairperson to agree on the urgency of the requestand the manner of effecting the necessary arrangements.

R - 8 Unless otherwise determined, delegations will be received by the Board atapproximately 8:00 p.m. Presentations by delegations shall normally be for amaximum of ten minutes. Permission of the Chair of the meeting shall berequired to extend this time period.



Rulings on Points of Order

R -14 The ruling of the Chairperson shall be final, subject only to an appeal to theBoard by a member. The question of whether the Chairperson’s decisionshall be sustained shall then be put by the Secretary, and decided withoutdebate. To over-rule a decision by the Chairperson, it shall be necessary thattwo-thirds of the members present vote in favour thereof.

Demeanour of Board Members

R - 20 A member who is called to order by the Chairperson may explain and appeal tothe Board, which if appealed to, shall decide the point of order, but withoutdebate, and the decision of the Chairperson shall be over-ruled only by a two-


thirds vote of the members present in favour thereof. If there is no appeal, thedecision of the Chairperson shall be final. No member shall reflect upon anyvote of the Board except for the purpose of moving that such vote berescinded. (Note: This sentence was moved from R - 21.)

R - 21 No member shall use offensive words in the Board Office or against the Boardor any member thereof. No member shall use offensive words in Boardproceedings or on Board premises.

R - 23 No person, other than a member of the Board, shall be allowed to address theBoard without permission of the Chairperson.

NEW - ADD TO RULES OF ORDER (R - 61, R - 62, R - 63)

Student Trustees: Motions and Voting

R - 61 A Student Trustee is not a member of the Board and is not entitled toexercise a binding vote on any matter before the Board or any of itscommittees.

R - 62 A Student Trustee is entitled to require that a matter before the Board, orone of its committees on which the Student Trustee sits, be put to arecorded vote and in that case there shall be,

(a) a recorded non-binding vote that includes the Student Trustee’svote; and

(b) a recorded binding vote that does not include the StudentTrustee’s vote.



R - 63 A Student Trustee is not entitled to move a motion, but is entitled tosuggest a motion on any matter at a meeting of the Board, or of one of itscommittees on which the Student Trustee sits, and if no member of theBoard or committee, as the case may be, moves the suggested motion,the record shall show the suggested motion.”

Q. FUTURE MEETINGS

Amended Schedule of Meetings - June 2007.

R. ADJOURNMENT


Moved by Larry LemelinSeconded by Barb Ness

“That this meeting of the District School Board of Niagara be now adjourned.”

CARRIED

The meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m.

KEVIN MAVES WARREN HOSHIZAKIChair Director of Education and Secretary

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