Chignecto-Central Regional School Board Regular Meeting

04-03 Minutes

March 19, 2003 The regular monthly meeting of the Chignecto-Central Regional School Board was held on Wednesday, March 19, 2003, in the Central Office Boardroom, Truro commencing at 7:00 p.m. Present:

Kaaren Barkhouse Ron Marks Robin Bourque David Myles Jim Grue Robert Parker John Henderson Mackie Ross Bernie Knockwood Cheryl Samson Mary Macaulay Marilyn Thompson Lawrence MacKinnon Trudy Thompson

In Attendance:

Doug Benedict Linda Campbell, Board Secretary Valerie Gauthier David White, Regional Education Officer Terri Mingo-MacNeill Bruce MacIntosh, Board Solicitor Dale Sabean

Absent:

Mark Lavers, with regrets Marilyn Murray, with regrets Raymond Tynes, with regrets

Board Chair Robert Parker called the meeting to order and welcomed members of the public, media representatives, administrators and Board members to the meeting. He noted the importance of being mindful that students are very much aware of the potential for armed conflict in the Middle East and may need support from the adults in their lives in dealing with their fears. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:

It was MOVED by Mary Macaulay, seconded by Ron Marks THAT THE AGENDA BE APPROVED AS PRESENTED.

MOTION CARRIED PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS:

Robert Parker, Board Chair, indicated the Board had scheduled time to receive presentations from members of the public regarding the recommendations presented in three separate school closure study final reports i.e. Five Islands Elementary, West Pictou Consolidated and Victoria Middle School. As no requests to present had been received, the Board Chair called for presentations from those members of the public in attendance. None came forward. Mr. Parker reminded Board Members that a vote on the recommendation(s) of the individual reports would be held at the April 9, 2003 public session. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

It was MOVED by Jim Grue, seconded by David Myles THAT THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD MEETING HELD ON FEBRUARY 13, 2003 BE APPROVED AS PRESENTED.

MOTION CARRIED

It was MOVED by Marilyn Thompson, seconded by Mary Macaulay THAT THE MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL BOARD MEETING HELD ON FEBRUARY 20, 2003 BE APPROVED AS PRESENTED.

MOTION CARRIED BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES: Motion to Approve – Child Poverty Statement:

At the February 13th regular Board meeting, Mark Lavers, Education Services Committee Vice-Chair, had served notice that he would move or cause to be moved a motion to adopt the Statement on Child Poverty at the March regular meeting of the Board. However, Education Services Committee Chair Marilyn Thompson indicated the motion would not be raised this evening as the Education Services Committee was seeking additional input on the policy. She advised the motion would be brought forward at a future meeting.

CORRESPONDENCE:

The Board Secretary reported on items of correspondence received.

Minister of Education: A letter dated February 18, 2003 was received from the Minister of Education, acknowledging receipt of correspondence from the Board with regard to the difficulties faced by school boards in recruiting and retaining teachers in specialty areas.

Mr. MacIsaac indicated while the Department of Education is working to implement the new regulations in a fair and equitable manner, it is faced with the complex matter of balancing the high standards of Nova Scotia teacher education programs with the different standards in other provinces. He further stated that department staff are preparing a comprehensive report for his office and that the information provided by the Board will be considered in the context of that review.

MLA Re Busing Concern: Correspondence dated February 24, 2003 was received from Brooke Taylor, MLA outlining concerns regarding a recent incident on a school bus.

The Board Secretary indicated that the Director of Corporate Services had responded to this letter.

Dale Sabean, Director of Corporate Services, provided an update on the incident in question. He clarified that under the Motor Vehicle Carrier Act, a driver has the authority to dismiss from his/her bus, at any given time, a student who is unruly, disobedient, defiant or otherwise endangers the safe transportation of the passengers.

CONFERENCE REPORT:

CSBA 2003 ATLANTIC CONFERENCE:

Board Member Mary Macaulay reported on her attendance at the Canadian School Boards Association Atlantic 2003 Conference held in Halifax on January 30th, 31st and February 1st. This year’s conference theme was Effective School Board Leadership: How Can I Make a Difference? Ms. Macaulay shared information from a number of the sessions she attended focusing on areas that had been of particular interest to her. She referred to an initiative presented by the Regional Economic Development and Schools (REDAS) – designed to assist youth in rural and remote parts of Newfoundland in becoming aware of career opportunities in their region. The project provides professional development for teachers who cooperate with local economic development agencies in developing courses specific to potential careers. Following a suggestion from Mary Macaulay there was agreement to refer the topic to the Education Services Committee for further exploration.

Board Members David Myles, Trudy Thompson and Robert Parker also provided brief comments and indicated that the conference had been very informative.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

COMMITTEE-OF-THE-WHOLE:

Vice-Chair Trudy Thompson reported on a Committee-of-the-Whole meeting held on March 5th, 2003. Presentations:

Nova Scotia School Boards Association: The Board welcomed Mary Jess MacDonald, President of Nova Scotia School Boards Association who presented information on the operation of the association with regard to its mandate, services/benefits provided, and governance. Ms. MacDonald was accompanied by Karen Tavenor, NSSBA Finance Office Coordinator, who highlighted items contained in a number of handouts including the association’s priorities, goals and objectives as well as information on a communications strategy action plan. Strategic Planning Update: Superintendent Gary Miller welcomed Lawrence Ryan and Frank MacCormick, Facilitators, who were in attendance to provide the Board with an update on the Strategic Planning process. Lawrence Ryan reminded the Board of the list of critical issues identified through the data collection process. He also reviewed the Board’s amended Mission Statement, one revised and two new Belief Statements as follows:

Mission Statement (Revised)

The Chignecto-Central Regional School Board is a diverse, progressive, student-centered learning community. We are committed to developing creative, confident and responsible global citizens who take pride in their local community, culture and heritage. We will inspire our learning community by enriching the quality of educational opportunities in a safe and supportive learning environment with high expectations for all. Belief Statements (Revised)

We believe: Ø � Public education must be a team effort.

Ø � Students must be encouraged to develop their own individual potential.

Ø � In the importance of elected school boards as an institution in public education.

Frank MacCormick presented a number of goals identified by participants at the January 18, 2003 Strategic Planning Session, following which Board Members and Senior Management established the following goals for the new Strategic Plan:

1. To successfully implement high quality and relevant programs and instructional practices to meet the broad range of student needs and

2. To increase the effectiveness of staff recruitment to address all program needs and to ensure the diversity of our employees reflects the

needs and to ensure the diversity of our employees reflects the composition of our communities.

3. To maximize the allocation of financial resources to CCRSB classrooms and enhance the provision of effective and efficient administrative support structures.

4. To increase accountability and build leadership capacity throughout the Chignecto-Central school system.

Mr. Ryan indicated strategy teams, comprised of staff and community representatives, will be established to develop strategies designed to implement the four goals.

Subsequent to agreement and on recommendation of the Committee-of-the-Whole:

It was MOVED by Trudy Thompson, seconded by Mary Macaulay THAT THE BOARD APPROVE THE REVISED MISSION STATEMENT, THE REVISED BELIEF STATEMENTS AND ESTABLISH FOUR PRIMARY GOALS FOR THE NEW STRATEGIC PLAN, AS PRESENTED.

MOTION CARRIED

Technology Integration: Dr. Larry Elchuck, Assistant Director of Education Services, provided the Board with an informative presentation on Technology Integration which detailed six guiding principles as well as two options for improving the ratio of computer distribution in schools throughout the Chignecto-Central school system. This proposal provides a strategy that will move the Board toward realizing the Department of Education’s goal of one computer for every five students, in each school, by the year 2005.

Subsequent to extensive discussion it was noted that a recommendation regarding Technology Integration would come forward through the Education Services Committee Report later this evening.

It was MOVED by Trudy Thompson, seconded by Lawrence MacKinnon TO ADOPT THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE-OF-THE-WHOLE.

MOTION CARRIED

EDUCATION SERVICES: Committee Chair Marilyn Thompson, provided a report on an Education Services Committee meeting held on February 27, 2003. Technology Proposals:

On recommendation of the Education Services Committee,

It was MOVED by Marilyn Thompson, seconded by Trudy Thompson THAT THE BOARD ACCEPT THE GUIDING PRINCIPLES AND OPTION 2, AS PRESENTED BY LARRY ELCHUCK, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION SERVICES, FOR IMPROVING THE RATIO OF COMPUTERS, IN ALL SCHOOLS ACROSS THE REGION, TO ONE COMPUTER FOR EVERY FIVE STUDENTS BY THE YEAR 2005.

MOTION CARRIED Semestering:

The Committee recommended that a letter be sent from the Board Chair to the Minister of Education stating the Board’s view that decisions regarding semestering should be made by individual Boards. Badger, Newfoundland – Fundraising:

The Committee agreed that decisions regarding participating in any activities with respect to fundraising for the residents of Badger, Newfoundland, as a result of the flooding in that community, should be left with individual schools. Terms of Reference:

The Committee recommended that the Board accept the Terms of Reference for the Education Services Committee. (Copy attached to the Education Services Committee Report.)

It was MOVED by Marilyn Thompson, seconded by Trudy Thompson THAT THE BOARD ACCEPT THE EDUCATION SERVICES

COMMITTEE REPORT ON A MEETING HELD ON FEBRUARY 27, 2003, AS PROVIDED.

During discussion on the report, clarification was provided on several Education Services related issues. Doug Benedict, Director of Education Services, confirmed that approval had been granted to South Colchester High, Brookfield, to hold early examinations and early graduation. Permission had been given in order to facilitate the demolition of the present high school in readiness for the opening of the new school in September 2003. Mr. Benedict reported that a message had been sent to Principals providing details on how to respond to student concerns relating to recent hostilities in the Middle East. Terri Mingo-MacNeill, Communications Officer, provided information on a new link available on the Board website where parents seeking input about how they should deal with their child’s inquiries about war can get advice. She also circulated a copy of a media release addressing the topic.

Concerns were raised related to the Board’s liability surrounding approved school trips scheduled to take place during a time when there is a strong possibility of war in Iraq. On the advice of the Board Solicitor,

Time: 7:50 p.m. It was MOVED by Ron Marks, seconded by Cheryl Samson THAT THE MEETING MOVE TO AN IN-CAMERA SESSION TO RECEIVE A LEGAL INTERPRETATION REGARDING THE ISSUE.

MOTION CARRIED

Time: 8:20 p.m. It was MOVED by Marilyn Murray, seconded by Mark Lavers

THAT THE MEETING RECONVENE IN PUBLIC SESSION. MOTION CARRIED

Vice-Chair Trudy Thompson provided a report from the in-camera session indicating there had been consensus to re-send correspondence to parents of students involved in trips advising of the insurance implications. It was also agreed to include a precautionary letter, to be based on in-camera discussion, advising the ultimate decision on whether to continue participation in previously approved travel plans would remain the responsibility of participating students, parents and guardians.

The vote was called on the motion to accept the Education Services Report.

MOTION CARRIED

CORPORATE SERVICES: Dr. Lawrence MacKinnon, Committee Chair, provided a report on a meeting held on February 26, 2003. Critical Mass Promotions

A letter was received from Bruce MacIntosh, Board solicitor, outlining several concerns with respect to the contract proposed by Critical Mass Promotions. As a result of these concerns, the Committee agreed that the proposed contract was not suitable and therefore will not support Critical Mass Promotions in our schools. Dale Sabean clarified that subsequent to the Corporate Services Committee meeting additional discussions between Critical Mass representatives and the Board Solicitor have resulted in the concerns being resolved. The topic will be addressed again at a future Committee meeting. Timing of Grade 6 Move to New Truro Junior High

Alice Street, Douglas Street, St. Mary’s, Princess Margaret Rose and Willow Street Schools SACs have all had meetings to discuss the transition of grade six students to the New Truro Junior High School. Based on the results of the meetings, the committee agreed with the staff recommendation to transfer the Grade 6 students to the New Truro Junior High in September 2004.

In response to a question from Mary Macaulay, Dale Sabean advised the contract to build Truro Junior High is yet to be awarded. Dave White, Regional Education Officer, indicated he would consult with Department of Education personnel on the status of awarding the contract. Note: Board Member Ron Marks declared a possible conflict of interest, indicating he had offered some recommendations to the mechanical consulting engineer related to water treatment for the new Truro Junior High School. Hay Report

The committee accepted the recommendations of the Hay Report establishing salary ranges for Non-Union Employees. The implementation of the report was referred to Finance Services Committee as part of budget deliberations. Substitute Teacher Initiative

The Substitute Teacher Initiative outlines procedures for a Principal to follow in the event a substitute cannot be found for their school. The committee accepted the staff recommendation to approve, on a trial basis, the travel allowance for substitutes who have to travel in excess of 120 km per day (round trip) from their residence to a school for substitution purposes. In response to a request for clarification from Board Member Cheryl Samson, Dale Sabean advised the trial period would take place from March until June 2003, with the expenditure processed through the allocation for Substitute Teachers. He stated it is anticipated this initiative will help alleviate some of the problems faced by Principals in acquiring substitute teachers. School Cancellation Due to Wind-chill

Some parents have expressed their concern about schools remaining open during extreme cold temperatures. The committee discussed several options and agreed that the Board does provide due diligence with respect to cold weather and that it remains up to parents as to whether or not to send their children to school when the weather is extremely cold.

It was MOVED by Lawrence MacKinnon, seconded by Cheryl Samson THAT THE BOARD ADOPT THE CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE REPORT TO THE BOARD.

Considerable discussion ensued related to the Hay Report following which there was agreement to refer the report to the Finance Services Committee for review and recommendation to the Board. In light of lengthy discussion surrounding the approval of the Corporate Services Committee Report to the Board,

It was MOVED by Ron Marks, seconded by Lawrence MacKinnon THAT THE MOTION TO ADOPT THE CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE REPORT TO THE BOARD BE AMENDED TO INCLUDE THE WORDING “FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY”.

MOTION CARRIED In response to a concern raised with respect to increased operating costs that could be incurred due to the increased square footage of new schools, Dale Sabean indicated he would provide the Board with a comparison of costs (per square footage) of “older” schools versus schools built within the last three years.

The question was called on the original motion to adopt the Corporate Services Committee Report to the Board.

MOTION CARRIED AS AMENDED

FINANCE SERVICES:

Committee Chair Ron Marks provided a report on a Finance Services Committee meeting held on February 26, 2003.

Hay Report

Gary Miller, Superintendent advised the Committee that the Corporate Services Committee had accepted the Hay Report establishing salary ranges for non-union employees. The Finance Services Committee concurred with this report and agreed to include these items as part of the budget.

Budget

The status quo Budget for 2003-04 was reviewed in detail.

NSSBA Resolutions

On recommendation of the Finance Services Committee:

It was MOVED by Ron Marks, seconded by Jim Grue THAT THE BOARD CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION FOR SUBMISSION TO THE NOVA SCOTIA SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION RESOLUTION COMMITTEE.

WHEREAS THE PROVINCE OF NOVA SCOTIA NEGOTIATES THE PROVINCIAL NOVA SCOTIA TEACHERS UNION CONTRACT.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE PROVINCE OF NOVA SCOTIA SHOULD COVER ALL NEW COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE NOVA SCOTIA TEACHERS UNION CONTRACT.

MOTION CARRIED

Board Member T4 Slips

Board Member T4 slips have been prepared using past practice as recommended by the Board’s solicitors, MacIntosh, MacDonnell and MacDonald. Therefore, there is no mileage on Board members T4’s for 2002.

It was MOVED by Ron Marks, seconded by Jim Grue THAT THE BOARD RECEIVE THE FINANCE SERVICES COMMITTEE REPORT TO THE BOARD FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES.

Board Chair Robert Parker clarified that the Nova Scotia School Boards Association had extended the deadline for the submission of proposed resolutions to April 2nd. This extension would enable further consideration of the item at the Standing Committee level.

The question was called on the motion. MOTION CARRIED

AUDIT COMMITTEE:

On recommendation of the Audit Committee:

It was MOVED by Ron Marks, seconded by Jim Grue THAT THE BOARD AWARD THE AUDIT SERVICES TENDER TO KPMG.

MOTION CARRIED

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT:

In the absence of Superintendent Gary Miller, Acting Superintendent Dale Sabean highlighted items in the administrative report. Mr. Sabean encouraged Board Members to review the report in detail as it contained a variety of information from various Departments and Families.

Board member Mary Macaulay expressed compliments to Terri Mingo-MacNeill for organizing the very successful Student Council Leadership Forum. Ms. Mingo-MacNeill indicated a summary of concerns raised by the student leaders would be made available to Board members in the near future. She also clarified that Board members are encouraged to attend the School Advisory Council Leadership Development Conference to be held in Bible Hill at Agri-Tech Park on April 26, 2003. CHAIR/VICE CHAIR REPORT:

Robert Parker reported on several issues and initiatives which included an update on the Student Council Retreat; School Board Member Recognition Award; Board Evaluation Questionnaire – completed forms to be returned by April 2nd; Special Budget Session; and the Future Role of School Boards in Nova Scotia.

Discussion centered on a proposed letter to be sent to the Minister of Education confirming the Board’s support for the continuation of elected school boards in Nova Scotia. It was agreed to send the correspondence and to provide a rationale for taking this position at the April 11th meeting with the Minister and Deputy Minister of Education.

NOVA SCOTIA SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION:

Board representative to the NSSBA Board of Directors, Ron Marks, noted the following had been circulated for information:

ü � Month in Review – February 2003 ü � Minutes – Board of Directors Meeting – February 27 & 28, 2003

Mr. Marks encouraged Board Members to register for the NSSBA Annual AGM being hosted by Tri-County District School Board at the Mountain Gap Inn in Smith’s Cove, Digby County from June 5 – June 7. During questioning on the Month in Review, a concern was raised with respect to the timeline for Student Assessment Test Results being released to individual schools, following which there was agreement to refer the matter to the Education Services Committee for follow-up.

NEW BUSINESS: There was no new business to bring forward to the meeting.

NOTICES OF MOTION:

There were no notices of motion brought forward.

PUBLIC QUESTION PERIOD:

There were no questions raised by the public.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING: The next regular meeting of the Board is scheduled for April 9, 2003 and will be held in the North River Elementary School, 80 Mountain Lee Road, beginning at 7:00 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT: On motion of Cheryl Samson the meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m.

April 9, 2003 Robert Parker, Board Chair Date April 9, 2003 Linda Campbell, Board Secretary Date