Minutes - November 19, 2012 - Greater Essex County District School

Transcription

MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING OF THE GREATER ESSEX COUNTY DISTRICT SCHOOL
BOARD HELD ON MONDAY, 2012-11-19 IN THE BOARD ROOM, 451 PARK STREET WEST, WINDSOR,
ONTARIO.
PRESENT:
TRUSTEES:
H. Bailey (Chairperson)
J. Burgess
S. Harding-Smith
T. Kilpatrick
K. McKinley
D. Taves
L. Gretzky
C. Howe-Buckler
C. Lovell
G. Simko-Hatfield
STUDENT TRUSTEES:
S. Chappus
K. Wang – regrets
ADMINISTRATION:
W. Kennedy (Director of Education)
P. Allen
J. Howitt
L. McLaughlin
D. Fister
T. Lyons
S. Pyke
RECORDER: M. LeBoeuf
A.
CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Bailey called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
B.
ATTENDANCE
Chairperson Bailey noted that all Trustees were present.
C.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
C.1 Approval of Agenda
Moved by Trustee Lovell
Seconded by Trustee Burgess
THAT THE AGENDA BE APPROVED AS PRESENTED.
The vote was called and it
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
D.
DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
DECLARATION: Trustee Simko-Hatfield declared conflict of interest for agenda item G.1 and
G.2, pursuant to the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, 1990. Trustee Simko-Hatfield noted that
based on recent legal advice she finds it necessary to declare a conflict of interest based on the
fact that she has a relative employed by the board and any decision on these matters could
influence the immediate or future employment status of that relative.
E.
DELEGATIONS
E.1 Fabio Costante, Community Member
See attached presentation.
•
Trustee Harding-Smith questioned Mr. Costante’s willingness to assist the school board
knowing that there is no funding available. Mr. Costante noted that he would try anything
at this point. He noted that it is a time for creativity.
E.2 Terrance Kennedy, Community Member
Mr. Kennedy stated his displeasure with the board.
E.3 Abdul Cisman, Community Member
MINUTES of the Public Board Meeting
Monday, November 19, 2012
•
•
Page 2 of 9
Knowing the current situations of boards in the province and the lack of funding for new
buildings and aging infrastructure Trustee Harding-Smith questioned Mr. Cisman to see if
he had any solutions to help the board get through this difficult time. Mr. Cisman stated
that the board needs to make extra efforts to utilize the space in the building with different
purposes.
Trustee Burgess noted that a few years ago the board had a ribbon cutting ceremony for a
new Benson school predicated on the most current information we had, which included a
large Somolian population. Between the ribbon cutting and plans to start the school a
large part of the Somolian community left the city and moved out west. Trustee Burgess
requested an update with respect to the Somolian community. Mr. Cisman noted that
often times the people who move away are adults, families tend to say back.
He noted
that in the past few years there have been 50-60 families that have moved into the
community.
E.4 Mike El Mosri, Community Member
Mr. El Mosri indicated that he is the owner of Pizza Plus. He has been an established business in
the area since 2001. He noted that Forster is the only school on the west end.
There are a
number of people in the community that cannot afford to buy a bus ticket.
By closing Forster
most of the area will be empty.
Old Sandwich Towne should be built up.
He noted that the
community will help lobby the government and the city for money. Many lower income families
live in the area. The families love the school. We beg you to make a good decision to keep the
school open.
E.5 Shukri Abdulle, Student Prime Minister, Forster
•
•
•
•
Miss Abdulle was questioned if she felt multiculturalism and diversity only existed at
Forster.
Miss Abdulle noted that she felt that there is an excess amount of diversity at
Forster due the large ESL program. Most students come from a variety of countries. We
know we are not something that is completely different, but we recognize that we are
unique.
Miss Abdulle was questioned as to why she felt the students would not attend Century.
She noted that Assumption is closer to where the students live. It is more convenient.
Miss Abdulle was questioned whether she had spoken to the Century Prime Minister.
Miss Abdulle indicated that she had a brief conversation with the Prime Minister. She
noted that coping with change is difficult. Forster is a tight knit community.
It was questioned if Forster students have had an opportunity to visit Century. Miss
Abdulle noted that there has been no opportunity provided.
E.6 Patrick Roberts, Gordon McGregor, Parent
Did not attend.
F.
SPEAKER’S LIST – Forster PARC
F.1 Edy Haddad
Mr. Haddad spoke to the attached report.
F.2 Dr. Hanaka
Dr. Hanaka noted that he has been a dentist in Sandwich Towne since 1976. This community
has overcome the truck traffic taking over and Mackenzie Hall almost being destroyed. Brock
School is a model for partnerships in the west end. Sandwich Towne needs a new school.
Forster is a victim of constructive eviction. It all comes down to partnerships. We need a
specialized school that would serve the needs of all students. The community is asking for one
more year to see what can be done.
•
Trustee Harding-Smith questioned if Dr. Hanaka had a solution that might help keep Forster
open. Dr. Hanaka noted that there has to be partnerships, perhaps a community or senior
centre. Build a school that is designed to prepare students to fill specialized jobs. If you
Page 3 of 9
build it they will come. The community’s biggest fear is that it will become another Grace
Hospital.
F.3 Jeff Wilkinson
F.4 Ali Nagri
F.5 Nehal Aman
G.
NEW BUSINESS
G.1 Program and Accommodation Review for Forster Family of Schools and Century
Secondary School
Moved by Trustee Harding-Smith
Seconded by Trustee McKinley
Trustee Harding-Smith noted that at the request of the Sandwich Community and all other stake
holders that she moved
TO DEFER THE MOTION G.1 FOR ONE YEAR, WITH THE INTENT TO ENABLE A
PARNTERSHIP WITH THE SANDWICH COMMUNITY, OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES, AND
THE GECDSB: TO FIND AND IMPLEMENT SOLUTIONS OTHER THAN THE CLOSURE OF
FORSTER COLLEGIATE AND TO ASSIST WITH THE COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN IN
THE REVITALIZATION OF SANDWICH COMMUNITY.
Discussion:
• Trustee Burgess noted that the Forster Family of Schools have been monitored for the past 12
years. Trustees as a collective board made the decision a year ago to embark on a PARC
process. We had community meetings, PARC meetings and additional community meetings.
What would a deferral do that we have not already done? We have heard from the
community. We have been provided a great deal of information. There is a year and half
before the actual closure.
• Trustee Harding-Smith noted that the community is asking for assistance to help with the
revitalization of the school. With community improvement grants that are now secure, it will
bring in more residents and increase enrolment, not just at Forster but at other schools.
• Trustee Burgess questioned administration how a delay in the decision would impact the PARC.
The Director noted that we have a deficit budget. By delaying this decision it would delay any
opportunities we have to address the budget. If we were able to address our situation with
alternate funding the Ministry might not provide operational money to keep the school running
and they still require us to eliminate empty spaces. Superintendent Lyons noted that there
would be a number of challenges. Transition time would be very short. Any renovations that
would be required to accommodate the merged population would be delayed. Superintendent
Allen noted that a decision has to be made so we can proceed with capital grants.
• Trustee Kilpatrick questioned who would evaluate the partnerships and how.
Years ago we
had two schools that Trustees voted to keep open, Bellewood and Forster. These schools
were told that unless something was done to increase enrolment they would have to close.
Bellewood flourished. Forster was given the same challenge. The board was told back then
that the community could turn it around. We were told the school needed partnerships. We
moved ESL students from all over the city to Forster. We put a health center and a daycare
into the school. We did all that we could with the community leaders. We made it
compulsory for all grade 9’s from the feeder schools to attend Forster. We have a declining
enrolment that is getting worse. It is an old building with no money to repair. Harrow and
Kingsville are asking for K-12 schools. The Ministry has just given us money for Leamington
DSS, Essex DHS and Benson/Taylor rebuilds. The government is approximately $14 billion in
•
•
Page 4 of 9
debt. Forster is a great school, has great students, staff and a great history but it is an old
building.
Trustee Gretzky questioned how a deferral would impact the PARC process. Superintendent
Lyons noted that trustees have met the requirements of the PARC tonight. We would struggle
submitting any future capital plans.
Trustee Harding-Smith expressed her opinion that nobody took the time to do any upkeep and
maintenance to the building. The board has done a great job with the maintenance at
Walkerville. A school where a majority of the enrolment comes from outside of the boundary.
The board also did a great job at John Campbell using money from a heritage grant. Out of
respect for the students at Century, you have put on the table a move whereby they would be
attending their home school. These are students that cannot speak up for themselves.
Where is the board going to get the money to support those students in their home schools?
Superintendent McLaughlin noted that adaptive basic students would remain at Century.
Students who take locally developed courses would attend their home school. These
students would be provided a transition plan. We currently have 254 students at Century
taking locally developed courses. Two years ago we had 468 students. We are seeing a
steady decline. Staff will be reallocated to other schools, which would not require additional
funding. Parents are choosing to send their child to their community school. Al Cook noted
that there are different pots of money. We receive $6 million to distribute across the system.
Every school receives minor capital dollars. When systems start to fail we have to redirect the
money based on priorities. We have had a priority over the last few years to upgrade science
labs in the secondary panel.
The vote was taken and it was
DEFEATED.
Moved by Trustee Kilpatrick
Seconded by Trustee Gretzky
1.
THAT FORSTER SECONDARY SCHOOL BE CLOSED EFFECTIVE JUNE 2014
AND DECLARED SURPLUS TO THE BOARD’S NEEDS. FORSTER STUDENTS
WILL BE TRANSITIONED TO CENTURY SECONDARY SCHOOL BEGINNING
SEPTEMBER 2014. BOUNDARIES TO BE ADJUSTED TO RECEIVE FORSTER
STUDENTS AT CENTURY.
2.
STUDENTS CURRENTLY ATTENDING CENTURY AT THE TIME OF THE
TRANSITION WILL BE ALLOWED TO REMAIN AT CENTURY OR ATTEND
THEIR COMMUNITY SECONDARY SCHOOL.
3.
THAT A FORSTER/CENTURY IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE BE FORMED
TO FACILITATE THE TRANSITION.
4.
THAT SENIOR ADMINISTRATION CONTINUE TO LOOK FOR A SOLUTION
FOR A PERMANENT FRENCH IMMERSION SITE, FOR TRANSITIONED
BELLEWOOD STUDENTS AS WELL AS FRENCH IMMERSION STUDENTS
LOCATED IN CENTRAL AND WEST WINDSOR, IN ACCORDANCE WITH
BOARD DIRECTION FROM THE SOUTH WINDSOR PARC.
Discussion:
• Trustee Kilpatrick noted that he would like students at Forster and Century to have an
opportunity for dialogue. Superintendent Lyons noted that the school superintendent will
meet with each school and bring representatives together. It was noted that there is some
misinformation about what is being proposed. Century will have an academic component.
Students will have access to programs that they currently do not have. Student enrolment
will drive the programming in the school. The Director noted that he spoke with Dr.
Wildeman as well as Brian Masse. Dr. Wildeman has guaranteed and reassured us that the
partnership with the University would continue and flourish.
•
•
Page 5 of 9
Trustee McKinley requested that the recommendations be split for voting.
Trustee Taves confirmed that the current Forster boundary would be the new boundary for
Century.
Moved by Trustee Burgess
Seconded by Trustee Lovell
THAT THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE BE ADDED TO RECOMMENDATION #1.
FULL ACADEMIC PROGRAMMING WILL BE OFFERED WHERE THERE IS DEMAND.
CARRIED.
OPPOSED: Harding-Smith, McKinley and Howe-Buckler
Discussion:
• What do we do as a school board regarding maintenance of closed properties? Superintendent
Allen noted that we sell properties that we no longer need. Al Cook noted that we maintain the
lighting, continue to cut the grass and remove the snow. We do minimize the cost of utilities and
we do have security.
Chairperson Bailey read the amended motion.
1. THAT FORSTER SECONDARY SCHOOL BE CLOSED EFFECTIVE JUNE 2014 AND
DECLARED SURPLUS TO THE BOARD’S NEEDS. FORSTER STUDENTS WILL BE
TRANSITIONED TO CENTURY SECONDARY SCHOOL BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 2014.
BOUNDARIES TO BE ADJUSTED TO RECEIVE FORSTER STUDENTS AT CENTURY.
FULL ACADEMIC PROGRAMMING WILL BE OFFERED WHERE THERE IS A DEMAND.
The vote was taken and it
CARRIED.
OPPOSED: Harding-Smith and McKinley
Moved by Trustee Burges
Seconded by Trustee Lovell
THAT THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE BE ADDED TO THE END OF RECOMMENDATION #2
, WITH APPROPRIATE STAFFING AND PROGRAMMING SUPPORTS FOR IDENTIFIED
STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS.
Discussion:
• Trustee Burgess noted that she has moved this amendment to formalize the programming supports
recognizing that we have two district populations.
• Concern was expressed that it implies there is money attached to the amendment.
• Superintendent McLaughlin noted her concern with the word ‘appropriate’. Supports are put in
place based on a student’s IEP.
• Trustee Burgess noted that home schools do not have the same level of support. Century has a
concentration of dedicated staff that are specialists in their area. The amendment is a way of
formalizing that we will have students in their community schools with ‘appropriate’ supports.
• Trustee Kilpatrick noted that trustees are getting into an operational item.
Moved by Trustee Kilpatrick
Call the question.
CARRIED.
Page 6 of 9
Chairperson Bailey called the question on the amendment
The vote was and called and it was
DEFEATED.
Chairperson Bailey read the original motion
2. STUDENTS CURRENTLY ATTENDING CENTURY AT THE TIME OF THE TRANSITION
WILL BE ALLOWED TO REMAIN AT CENTURY OR ATTEND THEIR COMMUNITY
SECONDARY SCHOOL.
CARRIED.
Discussion:
• Trustee Burgess noted that over the years the PARC process has changed. She requested that
an implementation piece be added as part of the process. Superintendent Lyons noted that he
would be concerned with predisposing that a decision for change would be made. It is still the
decision of the PARC committee to decide if there is a change. He expressed concern with having
the conversation during the process. It was noted that it is part of the Regulation.
• Trustee Harding-Smith question how members of the transition committee would be selected.
Superintendent Lyons noted that there is representation from each of the schools. Students,
school council chairs, teaching staff and community members would make up the committee. We
have had great success in the past. Trustee Harding-Smith wanted to ensure that everyone who
wants to provide input will be engaged. It was suggested that someone from the University be
included to ensure that the programs continue.
Chairperson Bailey read the original motion:
3. THAT A FORSTER/CENTURY IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE BE FORMED TO
FACILITATE THE TRANSITION.
CARRIED.
Discussion:
• Trustee Harding-Smith noted that it would be her desire that administration look into the rich history
of Old Sandwich Town and its connection to the French heritage of this great nation.
• Trustee Burgess noted that she did not want to loose site of the PARC committee’s work and would
like the recommendation for a permanent French Immersion site located in central and west
Windsor addressed in the Director’s Annual Accommodation Report. Superintendent Lyons noted
that it would appear in the Director’s Annual Accommodation Report, as well, Trustees approve
capital plans on an annual basis.
• Trustee Harding-Smith requested that it be noted that as we look at monitoring enrolment at
Marlborough and exploring accommodation alternatives it would be done in conjunction with the
community and that administration has agreed to this.
Chairperson Bailey read the original motion:
4. THAT SENIOR ADMINISTRATION CONTINUE TO LOOK FOR A SOLUTION FOR A
PERMANENT FRENCH IMMERSION SITE, FOR TRANSITIONED BELLEWOOD
STUDENTS AS WELL AS FRENCH IMMERSION STUDENTS LOCATED IN CENTRAL
AND WEST WINDSOR, IN ACCORDANCE WITH BOARD DIRECTION FROM THE
SOUTH WINDSOR PARC.
CARRIED.
OPPOSED: Harding-Smith
Page 7 of 9
The Director thanked the members of the community, Superintendent Lyons, Lynne Hornby, Facility Services
staff and the PARC Committee.
The Director emphasized that we value the community, heritage and
cultural diversity and the sense of family at Forster. The Province of Ontario has an infrastructure problem, if
not addressed soon we will continue to have to make tough decisions. Ministry funding does not help our
cause. We will continue to have the conversations with our local community partners.
Chairperson Bailey thanked the PARC committee for their countless hours.
Trustee Harding-Smith thanked the Trustees for the meticulous attention to detail. This has been a heart
breaker.
F.
SPEAKER’S LIST – Herman PARC
F.6 Kerry Ippolito
•
G.2
It was questioned what the boundary is for Ford City. Ms. Ippolito noted that it depends on
the agency. Ford City’s boundary is Riverside Drive to Tecumseh Road to St. Luke to Alexis
or Seminol.
F.7
Karlene Nielsen
F.8
Derek DeMonte
Program and Accommodation Review for Herman Family of Schools
Moved by Trustee Gretzky
Seconded by Trustee Taves
1.
THAT EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 2013, THE WESTERN BOUNDARY FOR
PERCY P. McCALLUM IS ADJUSTED. ALL STUDENTS LIVING WEST OF
WALKER ROAD WILL BE TRANSITIONED TO THE GILES CAMPUS FRENCH
IMMERSION PUBLIC SCHOOL. STUDENTS LIVING ON WALKER ROAD
(BOTH SIDES) WILL TRANSITION TO GILES CAMPUS FRENCH IMMERSION
PUBLIC SCHOOL.
2.
THAT EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 2013, THE EASTERN BOUNDARY FOR
MAXWELL PUBLIC SCHOOL IS ADJUSTED. ALL STUDENTS LIVING EAST
OF PILLETTE ROAD WILL BE TRANSITIONED TO CORONATION PUBLIC
SCHOOL. STUDENTS LIVING ON PILLETTE ROAD (BOTH SIDES) REMAIN
AT MAXWELL SCHOOL.
3.
THAT CONDITIONAL UPON MINISTRY APPROVAL OF FUNDING, THE
BOARD APPROVE THE CLOSURE OF PERCY P. McCALLUM PUBLIC
SCHOOL AND THE TRANSITIONING OF STUDENTS TO HERMAN
SECONDARY SCHOOL TO ESTABLISH A JK-12 FACILITY AT THE HERMAN
SITE.
4.
THAT CONDITIONAL UPON MINISTRY APPROVAL OF FUNDING FOR THE
JK-12 FACILITY AT THE HERMAN SITE, THE BOARD APPROVES THE
CLOSURE OF GORDON McGREGOR PUBLIC SCHOOL. STUDENTS WOULD
BE TRANSITIONED TO THE FORMER PERCY P. McCALLUM PUBLIC
SCHOOL.
5.
Page 8 of 9
IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEES FOR IMPACTED SCHOOLS WILL BE
FORMED TO FACILITATE THE TRANSITIONS AS OUTLINED.
Discussion:
• Trustee Kilpatrick questioned why administration did not consider leaving McGregor open and
closing McCallum and Maxwell. Superintendent Lyons noted that McGregor has significant needs
in the building. McCallum is in much better shape and is more accessible.
• Trustee Burgess questioned how long it would take to get Ministry approval of funding.
Superintendent Lyons noted that it is difficult to say. We were unable to submit a business case
until Trustees made a decision.
• Trustee Harding-Smith questioned if we were going to have a further increase in French Immersion
enrolment. Superintendent Lyons noted that he would be conducting a study for the entire board.
• Trustee Gretzky confirmed that the McCallum students transitioning to Giles Campus would become
Giles Campus students.
• Trustee Harding-Smith questioned if McGregor was on the Heritage Registry. Superintendent
Allen noted that it is on the inventory not on the registry. The only school on the registry is John
Campbell.
• Superintendent Lyons noted that if Trustees support recommendation 1, 2 and 5 these
recommendations would be implemented. Recommendation 3 and 4 are contingent on Ministry
funding.
• Trustee Burgess requested that recommendation 1, 2 and 5 be voted on together and
recommendation 3 and 4 be voted on together.
Chairperson Bailey read recommendations 1, 2 and 5
1. THAT EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 2013, THE WESTERN BOUNDARY FOR
PERCY P. McCALLUM IS ADJUSTED. ALL STUDENTS LIVING WEST
OF WALKER ROAD WILL BE TRANSITIONED TO THE GILES CAMPUS
FRENCH IMMERSION PUBLIC SCHOOL. STUDENTS LIVING ON
WALKER ROAD (BOTH SIDES) WILL TRANSITION TO GILES CAMPUS
FRENCH IMMERSION PUBLIC SCHOOL.
2. THAT EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 2013, THE EASTERN BOUNDARY FOR
MAXWELL PUBLIC SCHOOL IS ADJUSTED. ALL STUDENTS LIVING
EAST OF PILLETTE ROAD WILL BE TRANSITIONED TO CORONATION
PUBLIC SCHOOL. STUDENTS LIVING ON PILLETTE ROAD (BOTH
SIDES) REMAIN AT MAXWELL SCHOOL.
5. IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEES FOR IMPACTED SCHOOLS WILL BE
FORMED TO FACILITATE THE TRANSITIONS AS OUTLINED.
CARRIED.
Chairperson Bailey read recommendations 3 and 4
3. THAT CONDITIONAL UPON MINISTRY APPROVAL OF FUNDING, THE
BOARD APPROVE THE CLOSURE OF PERCY P. McCALLUM PUBLIC
SCHOOL AND THE TRANSITIONING OF STUDENTS TO HERMAN
SECONDARY SCHOOL TO ESTABLISH A JK-12 FACILITY AT THE
HERMAN SITE.
Page 9 of 9
4. THAT CONDITIONAL UPON MINISTRY APPROVAL OF FUNDING FOR
THE JK-12 FACILITY AT THE HERMAN SITE, THE BOARD APPROVES
THE CLOSURE OF GORDON McGREGOR PUBLIC SCHOOL.
STUDENTS WOULD BE TRANSITIONED TO THE FORMER PERCY P.
McCALLUM PUBLIC SCHOOL.
P.
CARRIED.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Board, Chairperson Bailey adjourned the meeting at 9: 20
p.m.
H. BAILEY
CHAIRPERSON OF THE BOARD
W. KENNEDY
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

Minutes - November 19, 2012 - Greater Essex County District School

Transcription

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