A meeting of the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board was held this

REPORT NO. 8, COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
DATE: 17 February 2015
A meeting of the Committee of the Whole was held this evening in the Board
Room, 133 Greenbank Road, Ottawa, Ontario, commencing at 7:30 p.m. with Trustee
Christine Boothby in the chair and the following trustees also in attendance: Donna
Blackburn, Erica Braunovan, Chris Ellis, Mark Fisher, Dr. Anita Olsen Harper, Theresa
Kavanagh, Shawn Menard, Keith Penny, Sandra Schwartz, Lynn Scott and Shirley
Seward.
STUDENT TRUSTEE: Jerry Yao.
STAFF: Director of Education, Jennifer Adams; Associate Director, Norah
Marsh; Chief Financial Officer, Mike Carson; Superintendent of Human Resources,
Janice McCoy; Superintendent of Curriculum, Pino Buffone; Superintendent of Learning
Support Services, Olga Grigoriev; Superintendents of Instruction, Peter Gamwell,
Stephen Sliwa and Nadia Towaij; Executive Officer, Corporate Services, Michele
Giroux; Principal, Munster Elementary School, Rebecca Shields; Manager of Facilities,
Peter Wright; Manager of Planning, Karyn Carty Ostafichuk; Manager of
Communications and Information Services, Diane Pernari-Hergert; Manager of Board
Services, Monica Ceschia; System Vice Principal of Learning Support Services,
Christine Kessler; Manager of Learning Support Services, Stacey Kay; Supervisor of
Psychology, Tim Hogan; Learning Support Consultant – Gifted, Jenny Dewan; Planner,
David Suriano; Communications Coordinator, Sharlene Hunter; Audio Visual Specialist,
John MacKinnon; and Board/Committee Coordinator, Sue Baker.
NON-VOTING REPRESENTATIVES: Tracy Gierman-Neufeld, Ottawa-Carleton
Assembly of School Councils (OCASC); Dorothy Baker, Ottawa-Carleton Elementary
Operations Committee; Jane Reeb, Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario
(ETFO); and Curtis Bulatovich, Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC).
1.
Call to Order
Trustee Boothby called the public meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. and welcomed
everyone to the meeting. She noted that 27 delegations have registered to speak and,
in order to provide an opportunity for everyone to be heard, she requested that those
who registered in advance of the meeting limit their presentation to three minutes.
Report 8, Committee of the Whole
(Public)
-1-
17 February 2015
2.
Approval of Agenda
Moved by Trustee Seward,
THAT the agenda be approved.
An amendment moved by Trustee Seward,
THAT item 6b, Report 15-005, Munster Elementary School EFI Study –
Staff Recommendations, be moved to become item 6a.
- Carried –
Moved by Trustee Seward,
THAT the agenda be approved, as amended.
- Carried –
3.
Briefing from the Chair
Trustee Seward advised that trustees would find on their desks a memo from the
Ottawa Student Transportation Authority General Manager, Vicky Kyriaco, regarding the
consultation on the proposed policy and procedure to deliver transportation services for
students who are in a joint custody situation. As noted, an online survey has been
created for principals, staff and the school community. The proposed policy and
procedure, Frequently Asked Questions, and information pertaining to the survey are
available on OSTA’s website.
Trustee Seward advised that she appeared last week as a delegation to the City
of Ottawa’s Heritage Sub-Committee with respect to an application for a heritage
designation for part of Broadview Public School. Trustee Braunovan and Director
Adams were also in attendance. The Heritage Sub-Committee determined that part of
Broadview Public School should be designated as heritage and the recommendation
will be presented to the Planning Committee and then to City Council. Trustee Seward
noted that she would delegate again at the Planning Committee.
Trustee Seward noted that she, along with Director Adams, provided welcoming
remarks at the OCETF Professional Development activity last week. Her remarks to the
approximately 1,800 teachers in attendance included an expression of the Board’s
appreciation for the work of its teachers.
With respect to OSTA’s consultation on variable transportation, Trustee Ellis
advised that OSTA wishes to limit variable transportation to students who are in a joint
custody arrangement and who have two homes. He advised that anyone wishing to
expand the scope of the policy to include other arrangements, for example, single
parents who wish to have their children dropped off at a different address for child care
reasons, should provide their comments to OSTA.
Report 8, Committee of the Whole
(Public)
-2-
17 February 2015
4.
Briefing from the Director
Direct Adams advised that Middle French Immersion registration runs from 17-23
February 2015. Further information on this program can be found on the District’s
website.
The Education Quality and Accountability Office will be holding a parent forum in
Ottawa on 7 March 2015 at the Southway Hotel. There will be two sessions: the first
will provide information on the province-wide assessment program, and guest speaker,
Dr. Lynda Colgan, will discuss the differences that parents can make in their child’s
mathematics education. Anyone wishing to attend should register by 20 February 2015
at ParentForum@eqao.com.
The next speaker series event, Eating Disorders: Anorexia, Bulimia and Body
Image will be held this Thursday, 19 February 2015, at Sir Robert Borden High School.
A workshop, Coping with Bullying: What we Know and What We Can Do About
It, is scheduled for Wednesday, 25 February 2015 at 6:30 pm at Grant Alternative
School. Dr. Tina Daniels of Carleton University will increase awareness of the bullying
phenomenon and assist in developing strategies to promote positive relationships in
schools.
5.
Delegations
Chair Boothby requested that trustees refrain from asking questions for
clarification so that everyone may have a chance to speak. She also reminded those
delegations who registered in advance of the meeting to limit their comments to three
minutes.
a.
Karen Heney re Munster Elementary School EFI Study (3 minutes)
Karen Heney, a parent of former students of Munster Elementary School
and a community user of the facility, expressed the view that the boundaries
should be adjusted, Early French Immersion (EFI) be implemented, and that the
English program be retained at Munster Elementary School. She suggested that
the working group was flawed and that a thorough study be undertaken to assess
the viability of EFI.
b.
Allison Smith re Munster Elementary School EFI Study (3 minutes)
Allison Smith, a parent of former students at Munster Elementary School,
expressed the view that the lack of an EFI program is not the reason for the
decline in enrolment at the school. She expressed support for the introduction of
EFI at Munster, expansion of the optional catchment area for EFI and English
programs, and that current families be permitted to remain at A. Lorne Cassidy
Elementary School if they wish.
Report 8, Committee of the Whole
(Public)
-3-
17 February 2015
c.
Lisa Craig re Munster Elementary School EFI Study (3 minutes)
Lisa Craig expressed her support for the introduction of an EFI program at
Munster Elementary School, and that an accommodation review be undertaken.
Ms. Craig noted her concern about the capacity of Richmond, A. Lorne Cassidy
and Westwind public schools to accommodate students that would be redirected
from Munster Elementary School. She also noted that an accommodation review
conducted in Kanata South in 2010 is an example of how boundary and program
changes could be made without closing any schools.
d.
Eryn Konkle re Munster Elementary School EFI Study (3 minutes)
Eryn Konkle submitted that the Munster community does not have a
sufficient number of students to support a viable school. She noted that there
are approximately 291 children in the community who have more than six
programming choices, and, in her opinion, a larger school provides a higher
quality education for her children. Ms. Konkle referred to the proposal to phase
in EFI and noted that it is not possible to accurately determine the uptake to
make the program viable.
e.
Elizabeth Moore re Munster Elementary School EFI Study (3 minutes)
Drawing upon her personal experiences, Elizabeth Moore expressed
support for the introduction of Early French Immersion at Munster Elementary
School. She noted that some students may not adapt well to changing schools,
and urged the Board to keep Munster Elementary School open.
f.
Mary Jo re Munster Elementary School EFI Study (3 minutes)
Mary Jo noted her preference to send her children to Munster Elementary
School because of its well-maintained school building and playground facilities.
She also noted that school-run extracurricular activities and many community-run
activities make use of the school and contribute to its appeal. Ms. Jo expressed
support for the introduction of EFI and MFI at Munster Elementary School.
g.
Tammy Gibson re Munster Elementary School EFI Study (3 minutes)
Tammy Gibson expressed support for the introduction of EFI at Munster
Elementary School. She suggested that students who reside in the Richmond
Public School catchment area and who currently attend Westwind Public School
for EFI be redirected to Munster Elementary School for EFI.
Report 8, Committee of the Whole
(Public)
-4-
17 February 2015
h.
Tab Lamoureux re Munster Elementary School EFI Study (3 minutes)
Tab Lamoureux, a parent of students residing in the Munster catchment
area and attending A. Lorne Cassidy Elementary School, expressed the opinion
that parents would refuse to move their children to Munster Elementary School if
EFI is introduced. He also submitted that the proposal provided on 13 February
does not provide evidence that enrolment would be adequate to ensure the
school is viable.
i.
Susan Dever re Munster Elementary School EFI Study (3 minutes)
Dr. Minh Do, speaking on behalf of Susan Dever, requested that students
from Munster who are currently attending A. Lorne Cassidy Elementary School
for EFI be permitted to remain at A. Lorne Cassidy and that this option be
available to their younger siblings. Dr. Do expressed the view that there is
insufficient enrolment to ensure that the school would be viable.
j.
Michele Visser re Munster Elementary School EFI Study (3 minutes)
Michele Visser expressed concern that a fifth option was included in the
agenda package for this meeting without having been reviewed by the working
group. She noted the quality education being received by her children who are
currently enrolled at A. Lorne Cassidy Elementary School and expressed her
support for recommendation D in the staff report.
k.
Dev Jude re Munster Elementary School EFI Study (3 minutes)
Dev Jude expressed concern that a fifth option was included in the
agenda package for the meeting without having been reviewed by the working
group. She noted that there has been no consultation with respect to the new
option areas that would affect Westwind and Richmond public schools and that
the proposal does not address the current English student population. She
expressed her support for recommendation D in the staff report.
l.
Lisa Naphtali re Criteria for Gifted Program (3 minutes)
Lisa Naphtali expressed concerns about the requirement to exhaust tiered
interventions prior to consideration for entry into a congregated gifted program.
She queried specific training that would be provided to teachers of gifted learners
in the regular classroom, the process that would be used to identify children for a
specialized class, and whether there are additional resources planned for
assessments to reduce the disparity among exceptional learners.
Chair Boothby advised that Ms. Naphtali’s questions may be addressed
during discussion of the criteria sheets later in the meeting.
Report 8, Committee of the Whole
(Public)
-5-
17 February 2015
m.
Marc Comeau re Criteria for Gifted Program (3 minutes)
Marc Comeau, speaking on behalf of the Association for Bright Children
(ABC) Ottawa, expressed the opinion that the changes to the specialized gifted
program criteria substantially alter the nature of the program. He noted that tier 2
and 3 interventions are staff- and resource-intensive and place great demands
on school-based staff. He also noted that the criteria may not be interpreted in a
similar manner across the District. He requested that the new criteria not be
implemented until appropriate consultation has taken place.
n.
William Mayda re Munster Elementary School EFI Study (2 minutes)
William Mayda, noting the requirement for the Board to make difficult
decisions, expressed the opinion that the OCDSB has been engaged in an
accommodation review for over a year and has analyzed four options put forward
by the working group in an informed, responsible, fair and open process. He
encouraged the Board to support the recommendations from the working group
with integrity and without undue influence.
o.
Nicole Laing re Munster Elementary School EFI Study (2 minutes)
Nicole Laing noted that areas A, B and C have experienced declining
enrolment and area D was a last-minute addition to the process. She expressed
the view that a majority of parents do not intend to send their children to Munster
Elementary School and a “wait and see” approach would be unsuccessful. Ms.
Laing requested that students who are attending A. Lorne Cassidy Elementary
School be permitted to remain there, and that Option D be adopted.
p.
Todd Stiles re Munster Elementary School EFI Study (2 minutes)
Todd Stiles noted that valid concerns have been expressed on both sides
and requested that a full ARC be undertaken. He noted that there are 49
building lots currently for sale in the area. Noting that Munster Elementary
School is wheelchair accessible, he queried accessibility at Richmond Public
School. Mr. Stiles asked trustees to consider the importance of the school to the
Munster community and to vote with their hearts. He thanked Trustee Scott for
her efforts.
q.
Trish Irwin-Kitt re Criteria for Gifted Program (2 minutes)
Trish Irwin-Kitt, parent of three students in the gifted program, submitted
that the new criteria for the gifted program would make it difficult for parents and
students residing outside of the Board’s jurisdiction to access the program. She
noted that there are a number of families who come to the OCDSB for the gifted
program and, if they are unable to navigate the application process, would go
elsewhere.
Report 8, Committee of the Whole
(Public)
-6-
17 February 2015
r.
Julie McEvoy re Munster Elementary School EFI Study (2 minutes)
Julie McEvoy, a resident of Munster with one child attending A. Lorne
Cassidy Elementary School, expressed the hope that her younger child would
also attend A. Lorne Cassidy Elementary School. She advised that she did not
want to have her children attending different schools and was prepared to switch
school districts if they could not stay together. Ms. McEvoy also advised that she
has no intention of sending her children to Munster Elementary School and, if EFI
is introduced at Munster, she requested that younger siblings be given the option
of attending A. Lorne Cassidy Elementary School.
s.
Mike Pot re Munster Elementary School EFI Study (2 minutes)
Mike Pot indicated his support for Option D in the staff report. He
expressed the view that at least 20 children are required to make a program
viable and, as the Munster area is maturing, there is little likelihood that
enrolment growth would occur. Mr. Pot suggested that combining grades in an
EFI classroom would pose serious problems as each grade has different time
requirements. He also submitted that Munster Elementary School would not
reach the 65 percent utilization rate required by the Ministry and, as a result, the
Board would not receive funding for new schools.
t.
Donna Owen re Criteria for Gifted Program (2 minutes)
Donna Owen expressed the view that changes to specialized gifted
criteria sheets would change the focus in the gifted program from congregated
classes to tiered intervention. She submitted that large numbers of gifted
students would remain in the regular classroom without adequate support and
that the gifted program would shrink. Ms. Owen queried the time students would
have to remain in each level of tiered intervention before moving to the next level,
and whether budget implications have been considered. Ms. Owen requested
that changes to the criteria be halted pending completion of a consultation
process.
u.
Shannon Morrow re Munster Elementary School EFI Study (2 minutes)
Shannon Morrow, Co chair of the Munster school council, expressed her
disappointment with the staff recommendation. She submitted that, based on
enrolment projections, EFI is not viable at Munster unless boundaries are
adjusted and both English and EFI programs were offered. Ms. Morrow noted
that Munster Elementary School provides sports, clubs and field trip activities for
students and is the hub of the community. She urged the Board to offer EFI at
Munster and expressed her confidence that enrolment would grow.
Report 8, Committee of the Whole
(Public)
-7-
17 February 2015
v.
Chris Potts re Munster Elementary School EFI Study (2 minutes)
Chris Potts, parent of two children at Munster Elementary School,
expressed the opinion that the declining enrolment at Munster is not related to
the lack of an EFI program. He requested that EFI be phased in with optional
attendance areas, maintain the English program, and that current EFI students
and their siblings be grandfathered. He urged trustees to keep Munster
Elementary School open.
w.
Sandhya Rao re Criteria for Gifted Program (2 minutes)
Sandhya Rao requested that the existing criteria for the gifted program be
maintained pending additional consultation. She submitted that the revised
criteria would have unforeseen impacts as a result of changing from objective to
subjective criteria which could pave the way for inequity. Ms. Rao noted that
parents are required to bear the burden of providing evidence of eligibility and not
all parents have the time or ability to meet the criteria.
x.
Cindy Evers re Munster Elementary School EFI Study (2 minutes)
Cindy Evers expressed the view that the uncertainty around enrolment
projections and uptake of a new EFI program at Munster Elementary School
poses a risk to the sustainability of an EFI program. She noted that she was
unwilling to take such a risk with her children’s education when a viable program
is in place at A. Lorne Cassidy Elementary School. Ms. Evers noted that she
was adamant about keeping her children together at A. Lorne Cassidy and would
switch school districts if they could not attend the same school.
y.
Kelly Moniot re Munster Elementary School EFI Study (2 minutes)
Kelly Moniot advised that her two children have been attending A. Lorne
Cassidy Elementary School for EFI for the past five years. She noted that they
are very happy there and she does not wish to change schools. Ms. Moniot
requested that all children and their siblings be permitted to remain at A. Lorne
Cassidy Elementary School.
z.
Tanya Hein re Munster Elementary School EFI Study (2 minutes)
Tanya Hein, Co-chair of the A. Lorne Cassidy school council and member
of the working group, advised that she believed implementation of EFI at Munster
Elementary School would be a foregone conclusion. Upon examination of the
enrolment projections, she now considers EFI to be unsustainable at Munster
and supports Option D in the staff recommendation. With respect to Trustee
Scott’s proposal to phase in EFI, adjust boundaries, and retain the English
program, Ms. Hein expressed concern about the enrolment projections and the
lack of public consultation.
Report 8, Committee of the Whole
(Public)
-8-
17 February 2015
aa.
Stephanie Grant re Munster Elementary School EFI Study (2 minutes)
Stephanie Grant expressed her appreciation for the environment at A.
Lorne Cassidy Elementary School and requested that families be permitted to
continue to attend the school.
Trustee Boothby thanked all delegations for their presentations and invited
them to remain for the discussion of this item later.
* * Following a break at 9:05 pm the meeting was called to order at 9:17 pm * * *
6.
Matters for Action:
a.
Report 15-005, Munster Elementary School EFI Study – Staff
Recommendations
Your Committee had before it Report 15-005 providing information related
to the viability of a new Early French Immersion (EFI) program at Munster
Elementary School and seeking approval of recommendations regarding the
accommodation of students in September 2015.
Chief Financial Officer Carson acknowledged that this process is one of
the most difficult for trustees, staff and parents to undertake. He thanked the
members of the public who took the time to email trustees and staff, make
presentations, and attend the last two meetings. He also thanked staff for their
efforts in providing the information.
Manager Carty Ostafichuk thanked staff and community members for their
participation and advised that staff did not anticipate this outcome when it
commenced the EFI study. She noted that, following an examination of
enrolment projections and various boundary options, it was evident that an Early
French Immersion (EFI) program would not be viable. The cost to keep the
school open for community use is estimated to be approximately $100,000 per
year.
Manager Carty Ostafichuk advised that when this study began, it was not
possible to complete an accommodation review (ARC) involving changes to a
number of schools prior to the commencement of school in September 2015;
therefore, a scoped study on the viability of introducing EFI to increase enrolment
at Munster was undertaken.
Manager Carty Ostafichuk drew attention to Memo 15-022 in the agenda
package with respect to Trustee Scott’s proposed introduction of a new Early
French Immersion (EFI) program in a phased manner with optional attendance
areas. The memo’s attachments illustrate the historical OCDSB enrolment and,
Report 8, Committee of the Whole
(Public)
-9-
17 February 2015
in working with the District’s demographers, a total pool of school-aged children,
be they OCDSB or not, in catchment areas. She noted that staff continues to
have ongoing concerns about enrolment numbers from which to draw upon in the
core boundary area.
Manager Carty Ostafichuk noted that staff does not foresee significant
new enrolment growth in the immediate future. Because the only growth noted in
this area comes from the Richmond option area, staff continues to recommend
Option D as outlined in the staff report.
Trustee Scott advised that the Munster school council held a public
meeting one year ago to address declining enrolment at the school. Many
participants suggested introducing EFI to boost enrolment. She noted that
turnover in the neighbourhood is low and little change is anticipated over the next
15 years. Despite concerns about low enrolment, the Board approved a study
and consultation plan with respect to the introduction of EFI in September 2015.
The working group met with staff during the fall of 2014 to provide input on
options and a public meeting was held in December 2014. Trustee Scott noted
that the projections and analyses indicate that an EFI program would not be
sustainable over the next few years. In addition, staff has identified the
challenges they would have in providing a high quality program to a small cohort.
Trustee Scott advised that she would move the staff recommendation with
changes to Part A and Part B, as follows.
Moved by Trustee Scott,
A.
THAT all current Munster Elementary School students
(attending the school in during the 2014-2015 school year)
be given a one-time option to attend either A. Lorne Cassidy
Elementary School or Richmond Public School for the
regular English program in September 2015;
B.
THAT all the younger siblings (born in 2014 or earlier) of
all current Munster Elementary School students (who would
be enrolled in JK for the 2015-2016 school year) be given a
one-time option to attend either A. Lorne Cassidy
Elementary School or Richmond Public School for the
regular English program in September 2015;
C.
THAT revised English and Middle French Immersion
program attendance boundaries for A. Lorne Cassidy
Elementary School, Richmond Public School, and Goulbourn
Middle School as shown in Appendix C of Report 15-005,
effective for September 2015, be approved; and
Report 8, Committee of the Whole
(Public)
- 10 -
17 February 2015
D.
THAT current Munster Elementary School grade 5 students
(attending the school in 2014-2015) residing north of
Fallowfield Road be given a one-time option to choose to
attend Goulbourn Middle School in September 2015.
Trustee Kavanagh assumed the Chair when Trustee Boothby wished to
speak.
During discussion, and in response to queries, the following points were
noted:











If the recommendation is not approved, Munster would continue to
operate the English program with low enrolment;
A full accommodation review (ARC) would require preliminary work by
staff and approval by the Board;
An ARC would require the involvement of many elementary schools,
and possibly secondary schools, in the surrounding area;
CFO Carson advised that when this process began a year ago, there
were 85-90 students at Munster Elementary School. During the course
of the review, enrolment dropped to 58 students and it is projected to
drop further which could lead to an emergency situation in September
2015 if enrolment falls to 30 students;
Under the proposed amended recommendation, children born in 2015
or later would not have an option to attend either A. Lorne Cassidy or
Richmond public schools;
Trustees Schwartz, Ellis, Menard, Boothby and Seward expressed the
view that due process (i.e., an ARC) was not followed in this case and
that it may set a precedent for closing other schools in the District that
are experiencing low enrolment;
Trustee Menard drew attention to a similar situation involving
Canterbury and Hillcrest high schools that was rejected by the Board
because it lacked the proper process;
Trustee Blackburn expressed support for the recommendation and
noted the difficulty of providing a high quality program in a school with
very low enrolment;
Citing the examples of the growth in the women’s labour force and
enrolment projections for Devonshire Public School, Trustee Seward
submitted that demographic projections can be misleading and there is
potential for growth in the future;
Trustee Olsen Harper, speaking against the recommendation,
expressed the view that the school is a community hub and disrupting
students is not good for their learning;
If enrolment is lower than predicted and emergency measures need to
be taken, Trustee Scott noted the difficulties that would be
encountered in terms of notifying parents and helping students
transition if a decision to close the school was not made until June or
September;
Report 8, Committee of the Whole
(Public)
- 11 -
17 February 2015







Trustee Fisher expressed concern that the scope and timelines for the
EFI feasibility study were not revised to include an ARC when it
became apparent that enrolment was continuing to decline and school
closure may be a possibility;
Manager Carty Ostafichuk advised that it is difficult to predict the
outcome of an ARC. She reiterated that there was insufficient time to
complete an ARC prior to September 2015 and the focus of the scoped
EFI study was to find a solution for the approximately 50 Munster
students in the English program in September 2015 and to bridge the
gap to a bigger study;
Director Adams noted that if a decision is not made at this time, there
may be a requirement to revisit the situation in June if enrolment
continues to decline, or again in September if students must be
relocated because enrolment is too low to operate the school;
Trustee Kavanagh, noting the domino effect when considering
changes to programs and boundaries for other schools, expressed her
desire to follow the correct process for consultation;
Trustee Seward requested that educational resources be added to
ensure an excellent program for small classes at Munster Elementary
School. Director Adams advised that this request would have
significant budget implications for all schools with low enrolment and
should be part of the Board’s budget deliberations;
Trustee Blackburn noted that the addition of extra support in one area
would require a reduction in another area; and
Trustee Scott reminded trustees that if the school does not have
students for a couple of years, it does not mean that it could not be
viable again in the future. She noted the importance of providing a
stable environment for students and bridging the time until an ARC
could be completed.
During wrap up, Trustee Scott acknowledged that the process was
problematic and the outcome of the EFI feasibility study was unexpected. She
expressed the hope that Munster Elementary School would be operational in the
future following a comprehensive ARC. Trustee Scott expressed her concern
about the divisive approaches taken by some people who have indicated they
wish for the school to remain open; however, they don’t intend to send their
children there. She noted the need to find ways to heal the divisions for the sake
of the students and that a transition plan would need to focus on the future. She
reminded trustees that they were elected to support student achievement and
well-being and effective stewardship of resources. She urged the committee to
give priority to the best interest of students who are currently at Munster
Elementary School.
Moved by Trustee Scott,
A.
THAT all current Munster Elementary School students
(attending the school in 2014-2015) be given a one-time
Report 8, Committee of the Whole
(Public)
- 12 -
17 February 2015
option to attend either A. Lorne Cassidy Elementary School
or Richmond Public School for the regular English program
in September 2015;
B.
THAT the younger siblings (born in 2014 or earlier) of all
current Munster Elementary School students be given a onetime option to attend either A. Lorne Cassidy Elementary
School or Richmond Public School for the regular English
program;
C.
THAT revised English and Middle French Immersion
program attendance boundaries for A. Lorne Cassidy
Elementary School, Richmond Public School, and Goulbourn
Middle School as shown in Appendix C of Report 15-005,
effective for September 2015, be approved; and
D.
THAT current Munster Elementary School grade 5 students
(attending the school in 2014-2015) residing north of
Fallowfield Road be given a one-time option to choose to
attend Goulbourn Middle School in September 2015.
- Defeated –
b.
Report 15-028, School Year Calendar: Key Dates
Your Committee had before it Report 15-028 seeking approval of the
2015-2016 school year calendar for the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board.
Superintendent Towaij advised that, as required in the District’s procedure
PR.526.SCO, an ad hoc consultation committee composed of representatives
from the unions, school councils, school principals and operational departments
was convened. Additional consultation was undertaken with the coterminous
school boards to ensure alignment of calendars for school bus transportation
purposes. Superintendent Towaij noted that 194 instructional days are required
by the Ministry and the key dates selected are outlined in the staff report.
Trustee Blackburn noted that the Ministry requires that school boards
approve the school year calendar annually.
Moved by Trustee Blackburn,
THAT the school year calendar be submitted to the Ministry of
Education as the official 2015-2016 school year calendar for the
Ottawa-Carleton District School Board’s elementary and secondary
schools.
Report 8, Committee of the Whole
(Public)
- 13 -
17 February 2015
During discussion, and in response to queries, the following points were
noted:










The school year calendar is fully aligned with the Ottawa Catholic
School Board and no additional transportation costs would be incurred;
The 2015-2016 school year requires a start date of one day prior to the
Labour Day weekend in order to meet the requirement for 194
instructional days;
The school year calendar committee is recommending that Thursday,
3 September 2015, be a Professional Activity Day for all staff;
Teaching staff would not be required to work on Friday, 4 September
2015;
Friday, 4 September 2015 would be used for additional professional
activities for some support staff who are paid to work on that day;
The first day of school would be Tuesday, 8 September 2015;
There is no requirement in the collective agreements for teaching staff
to be in the school for five days prior to the start of school;
Clifford Bowey and Crystal Bay schools are aligned with the
elementary school calendar;
Adult High School is aligned with the secondary school calendar
because it grants secondary school credits; and
The first day back to school after the Christmas holiday vacation break
would be Monday, 4 January 2016.
Moved by Trustee Blackburn,
THAT the school year calendar be submitted to the Ministry of
Education as the official 2015-2016 school year calendar for
the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board’s elementary and
secondary schools. (Attached as Appendix A)
- Carried * * * The 10:30 pm vote obtained the required 2/3 majority to continue the meeting * * *
7.
Reports from Statutory Committees:
a.
Report 2, Special Education Advisory Committee, 21 January 2015
Moved by Trustee Ellis,
THAT the Special Education Advisory Committee Report 2,
dated 21 January 2015, be received.
- Carried -
Report 8, Committee of the Whole
(Public)
- 14 -
17 February 2015
8.
Matters for Discussion:
a.
Report 15-029, Specialized Programs Criteria Sheet Update (Revised)
Your Committee had before it Report 15-029 providing information
regarding the annual update and revision to criteria sheets for referral to
specialized programs. The report also represents feedback received from the
Special Education Advisory Committee.
Director Adams advised that staff brought forward proposed revisions to
criteria sheets in response to requests from the previous Board to ensure equity
of access to high quality programs, including special education programs. She
thanked the Special Education Advisory Committee, associations, parents and
trustees for their input. She noted that the changes to the criteria sheets do not
affect program delivery models, and any proposed changes to programs would
require a program review and approval by the Board. The proposed changes to
the criteria were discussed and approved by the Director’s Executive Council.
Superintendent Grigoriev advised that revised criteria provide consistency
and alignment, based on equity of access for all learners. The criteria provide an
opportunity to reinforce and support the needs of learners regardless of whether
they meet the criteria for specialized classes. In addition to assessment data, the
criteria values parental input, flexibility and responsiveness to a range of
supports. Superintendent Grigoriev noted that Learning Support Services (LSS)
staff recognize that there have been different interpretations of the criteria sheets
and has reached out to the community to clarify the intent and improve the
wording. Staff recognizes that the document is intended for internal use and has
undertaken to provide a parent guide for each criteria sheet. Superintendent
Grigoriev noted that recent assessment data provides information on the
strengths and needs of learners. She noted that assessment tools are evolving
and LSS professional staff are bound to use best practices, including tiered
interventions. There are no time requirements for remaining in each level.
Tiered interventions have been employed for some time and may be known by
different names. Staff in schools are being trained to administer school-based
tests and provide relevant, up-to-date information. Instructional videos on tiered
support are being developed and instructional coaches are providing support to
learning support teachers.
During discussion of this item, the following points were noted:
 Trustee Schwartz expressed the view that gifted programs should not
be treated in the same manner as programs for other exceptionalities,
and that tiered interventions do not worked for gifted students;
 In response to a number of queries from Trustee Schwartz regarding
criteria for the gifted program, the following information was provided
by staff:
Report 8, Committee of the Whole
(Public)
- 15 -
17 February 2015








o Many gifted students in the OCDSB access tiered supports
effectively;
o Tiered interventions are supported in the Ministry of Education’s
Learning for All (2013) document;
o Psychological assessments are required for entry into the gifted
program;
o The school’s multidisciplinary team can gather available schoolbased information which can help verify the current suitability of
an application which is based on psychological information
which is not current;
o Parents may opt to obtain a private psychological assessment if
they wish;
o Students may be permitted to remain in a congregated
specialized gifted class at the parent’s request;
o Tiered interventions are designed to meet the needs of
individual students and are not considered to be “one size fits
all”. Interventions consider assessment data, parental input,
behaviour issues and academic performance;
Trustee Blackburn expressed the opinion that specialized programs
criteria sheets are operational issues within staff’s purview and do not
require Board approval. She noted her commitment to equity for all
students and one group should not be treated differently from other
groups;
Trustee Scott noted that every child who has been formally identified is
entitled to a specialized program to meet their needs, and that
specialized classes are one forum for delivering specialized programs.
She requested that care be taken to distinguish between specialized
programs and specialized classes in the criteria sheets;
Continued placement in a specialized class is subject to annual review
as part of the IPRC process;
The inclusion of tiered intervention in the criteria for the specialized
gifted program is new for the gifted program and was included to be
consistent with criteria for other exceptionalities;
Up-to-date assessment data is required to develop effective programs
for students in specialized programs;
If parents do not support a school’s recommendation to place their
child in a specialized class, staff would work with the parents to help
them understand the supports that are available to students with high
needs;
Individual Education Plans (IEPs) may include information about
meetings with parents, curriculum modifications, referral
documentation and tiered interventions; and
Students with very high needs, including some students on the autism
spectrum, may be placed in a congregated class if they are unlikely to
respond to tiered interventions.
Report 8, Committee of the Whole
(Public)
- 16 -
17 February 2015
* * * The 11:00 pm vote did not obtain the required unanimous consent to continue the
meeting * * *
9.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 11:00 p.m.
Christine Boothby, Chair,
Committee of the Whole
Report 8, Committee of the Whole
(Public)
- 17 -
17 February 2015
Appendix A to Report 8
Committee of the Whole, 17 February 2015
School Year Calendar 2015-2016 – Key Dates
Elementary School Program Operation
PA Day - Provincial Priorities
03 September 2015
Start of School Year for students
08 September 2015
PA Day - Provincial Priorities
09 October 2015
PA Day - Parent/Teacher Interview
20 November 2015
Christmas Holiday Vacation Break
21 December 2015 to
01 January 2016
PA Day - Report Card Development
22 January 2016
PA Day
12 February 2016
March Break
14 March 2016 to 18 March 2016
PA Day – Report Card Development
10 June 2016
Last Day of School
30 June 2016
Secondary School Program Operation
PA Day - Provincial Priorities
03 September 2015
Start of the School Year for students
08 September 2015
PA Day - Provincial Priorities
9 October 2015
Christmas Holiday Vacation Break
21 December 2015 to
01 January 2016
Final Examinations for Semester One
26 January 2016 to 01 February
2016
Start of Semester Two
02 February 2016
PA Day
12 February 2016
March Break
14 March 2016 to 18 March 2016
Final Examinations for Semester Two
21 June 2016 to 27 June 2016
Last Day of School for students
27 June 2016
PA Day-District Priorities
28 June 2016 to 30 June 2016