Chignecto-Central Regional School Board Regular Meeting

02-03 Minutes

February 13, 2003 The regular monthly meeting of the Chignecto-Central Regional School Board was held on Thursday, February 13, 2003, in the Central Office Boardroom, Truro commencing at 7:00 p.m. Present:

Jim Grue Marilyn Murray John Henderson David Myles Mark Lavers Robert Parker Mary Macaulay Mackie Ross Lawrence MacKinnon Trudy Thompson Ron Marks

In Attendance:

Valerie Gauthier Linda Campbell, Board Secretary Gary Miller David White, Regional Education Officer Terri Mingo-MacNeill Elizabeth Van den Eynden, Board Solicitor Dale Sabean

Absent:

Kaaren Barkhouse, with regrets Cheryl Samson, with regrets Robin Bourque, with regrets Marilyn Thompson, with regrets Bernie Knockwood, with regrets Raymond Tynes, with regrets

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Board Chair Robert Parker who welcomed all in attendance. With February having been designated as African Heritage Month, Mr. Parker noted the importance of celebrating and recognizing the contributions and achievements of people of African descent both during African Heritage Month and throughout the year. He read the following quote attributed to Malcolm X:

“Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.”

APPROVAL OF AGENDA:

It was MOVED by Trudy Thompson, seconded by Marilyn Murray THAT THE AGENDA BE APPROVED AS PRESENTED.

MOTION CARRIED PRESENTATIONS:

Celebrate Canada Committee for Nova Scotia:

Superintendent Gary Miller introduced representatives Ross Hamid and Kathy Langille who were in attendance to share information on the mandate, objectives and activities of the Celebrate Canada Committee for Nova Scotia. They encouraged the Board to promote knowledge and awareness of Canada throughout CCRSB schools and presented the Board with a Certificate of Achievement as well as a Symbols of Canada poster for display. Symbols of Canada kits had previously been delivered to each school within the Region. During a question and answer period several Board members expressed the importance of promoting Canadian citizenship among our youth. Board Chair Robert Parker thanked the representatives for providing detailed information on the Celebrate Canada Committee’s role in fostering our distinctive and unique Canadian identity. Five Islands School Closure Study Committee Report: (Copy on file.)

On behalf of the Committee and its Chair, Clayton Eagles, Dale Sabean, Director of Corporate Services, presented an overview of the information contained in the Five Islands School Closure Study Committee Report. The Committee had reviewed aspects including enrollment patterns and projections, student educational progress, transportation requirements, maintenance/facility requirements, and social development. The Committee focused on the educational and financial consequences of keeping Five Islands Elementary School open. Resulting recommendations to the Board were:

q � that Five Islands Elementary School be closed permanently effective June 30, 2003; and,

q � that busing be provided for the students from Five Islands to either Bass River Elementary/West Colchester Consolidated/Cobequid Educational Centre or to Parrsboro Elementary/Parrsboro Regional High School.

It was MOVED by Lawrence MacKinnon, seconded by Jim Grue TO RECEIVE THE REPORT OF THE FIVE ISLANDS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

CLOSURE STUDY COMMITTEE AS PRESENTED.

Following clarification on a number of questions involving transportation issues, the question was called.

MOTION CARRIED 1 Nay Vote: Mackie Ross

West Pictou Consolidated School Closure Study Committee Report: (Copy on file.)

Dale Sabean, Director of Corporate Services, introduced Vivian Farrell, Chair of the West Pictou Consolidated School Closure Study Committee, who was in attendance to report on the Committee’s findings. Ken Francis, Principal, who had served as a member of the Committee, accompanied Ms. Farrell. The School Closure Study Committee had explored options for possible future use of existing buildings (West Pictou District High, Annex and West Pictou Consolidated) for students currently attending West Pictou Consolidated once grades 9 – 12 West Pictou District High students relocate to the new Pictou West high school in September 2003. Study Committee Chair Vivian Farrell outlined four options, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages and presented a conclusion for each alternative. The Study Committee’s recommendation to the Board was:

q � that West Pictou Consolidated students in grades 4 – 8 be relocated to the current high school facility and that grades P – 3 continue being housed in the West Pictou Consolidated building until such time as the declining enrollment allows full consolidation to one building without compromising program needs.

An acceptance of this recommendation would result in one or more buildings no longer being required for instruction, the Study Committee offered the following suggestions:

q � that the Annex be demolished – thereby creating additional recreational space for students.

q � that, in the fall of 2003, the Board initiate a Facility Use Committee mandated to review alternatives for future use of the West Pictou Consolidated building, to include public consultation, and subsequent recommendation to the Board.

It was MOVED by Lawrence MacKinnon, seconded by Marilyn Murray TO RECEIVE THE REPORT OF THE WEST PICTOU CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL CLOSURE STUDY COMMITTEE AS PRESENTED.

In response to a request it was indicated that the year the buildings were constructed will be provided. The question was called.

MOTION CARRIED

Robert Parker thanked Mrs. Farrell for attending the meeting and for the informative presentation. Victoria Middle School Closure Study Committee Report: (Copy on File)

With the Victoria Middle School Closure Study Chair, David Hayman, unable to attend the meeting, Board Member Ron Marks, who had served on the School Closure Committee presented a brief overview of the report. The Committee’s mandate was to examine the existing school facilities in the Town of Westville; develop a recommendation to make the best educational use of the buildings and, concurrently ensure the most economical expenditure of operational funds. Following a detailed exploration of three options the Committee unanimously agreed to recommend the following option for Board approval:

q � that, effective September 2003, Grades 6 and 7 students from Victoria Middle School be transferred to Westville High School to create Westville Middle School for Grades 6, 7 and 8 and that renovations be completed in a timely manner.

Mr. Marks referred to a note included in the report and indicated the Department of Education suggested the Town of Westville had paid for the school just prior to the formation of the Pictou District School Board in 1982. Once verified and declared surplus the facility would revert to the town.

It was MOVED by Lawrence MacKinnon, seconded by John Henderson TO RECEIVE THE REPORT OF THE VICTORIA MIDDLE SCHOOL CLOSURE STUDY COMMITTEE AS PRESENTED.

It was noted that the year Westville High School was built would be made available. With the question called.

MOTION CARRIED

Following receipt of all three School Closure Study Reports, Mr. Parker expressed appreciation to all Committee members for the many hours spent reviewing the subject matter in preparation for the reports. He reminded Board members that the Board would be receiving presentations from members of the public regarding each of the School Closure Study Reports received this evening at its March 19th meeting. A decision on each report will follow at the April public session.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

It was MOVED by Lawrence MacKinnon, seconded by David Myles THAT THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD MEETING HELD ON JANUARY 15, 2003 BE APPROVED AS PRESENTED.

MOTION CARRIED

BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES:

Dale Sabean, in response to a question, indicated no announcement has been received concerning the Board’s capital construction list. Policy #FS-01 – Purchasing and Procurement:

At the January 15th regular Board meeting, Ron Marks had served notice that he would move or cause to be moved a motion to adopt revised Policy #FS-01: Procurement and Purchasing at the February regular meeting of the Board. However, Mr. Marks indicated he would not raise the motion this evening as the Finance Services Committee was seeking additional input on the policy. CORRESPONDENCE:

The Board Secretary reported on items of correspondence received. Department of Education:

A letter addressed to the Superintendent was received from the Deputy Minister of Education indicating that, upon further review, it has been determined that the completion dates for the Amherst and Cumberland County elementary schools have been reinstated as September 2004. Federation of Nova Scotia Naturalists:

Correspondence dated January 22nd, 2003 was received from the Federation of Nova Scotia Naturalists encouraging the Board to support a “native species first” practice in landscaping school grounds. This request has been referred to Corporate Services for consideration. COMMITTEE REPORTS: COMMITTEE-OF-THE-WHOLE:

Vice-Chair Trudy Thompson reported on a Committee-of-the-Whole meeting held on February 5th, 2003 and its continuation on February 6th, 2003. Presentation:

Lawrence Ryan, Coordinator of Planning and Leadership, was welcomed to the meeting by Vice-Chair Trudy Thompson. Mr. Ryan introduced School Advisory Council Chairs, representative of each Family of Schools, who were in attendance to share information concerning the history and structure of his/her council; to report on successful initiatives; and to provide an update on council activities. The School Advisory Council Chairs included Dr. Ellen McLean, Dr. W. A. MacLeod School; Paul Calder, Amherst Regional High School; Dale Kehler, Douglas Street Elementary; and Janet Savary, Riverside Education Centre. They were accompanied by Principals Clyde Fraser, Steve Blum, Gail Smith and Chris Murray. During the question and answer period which followed, there was general agreement that communication between the School Councils and the Board has improved. The Chairs expressed their optimism for the upcoming SAC Professional Development Workshop on April 26th. Vice-Chair Trudy Thompson thanked the group for their informative presentation and expressed the Board’s commitment to an enhanced relationship between the Councils and the Board. Highlights from Standing Committees: Education Services:

In the absence of Marilyn Thompson, Mark Lavers, Committee Vice-Chair, indicated that the Minutes from the Education Services Committee meeting held on January 16, 2003 had been circulated for information. He indicated a draft Child Poverty statement will be recommended to the Board for acceptance through a notice of motion at the next regular Board meeting. Doug Benedict, Director of Education Services, reported on a new initiative which resulted from the Youth Homelessness Project. Currently underway, this initiative aims to raise awareness of the risk factors leading to youth homelessness in Northern Nova Scotia. The information and awareness campaign will use a variety of items to link youth with information on the risk factors that lead to absolute and relative homelessness, and on the help available across the Region for those at risk. A media release has been distributed and two interviews have been aired on CBC Radio as a result. The project is being funded in the amount of $106,000. by Human Resources Development Canada. Corporate Services:

Committee Chair, Dr. Lawrence MacKinnon, reported on the Corporate Services Committee meeting held on January 29, 2003, on which Minutes had been provided. He highlighted the following items: § � Railing Height Update – the Director of Corporate Services

advised the Committee that although not all railings meet current building codes, the buildings were constructed in accordance with the code of the day. Notwithstanding changes in code, the Board has requested the Property Services Division to review

all railings and establish criteria which will determine areas needing modification. § � Draft Policies – copies of draft policies, Employment Equity and

Volunteers in Schools, were circulated for review and input. Finance Services:

Committee Chair Ron Marks reported on a meeting held on January 29, 2003. He reported on the various items contained in the Finance Services Committee minutes including: § � Policy Review – FS-04: Financial Records – School Related Organization

– notice of motion to be served at an upcoming regular Board meeting following the receipt of additional feedback from school organizations;

§ � Projections; § � Board Members Technology – subsequent to an update presented by Board

Chair, Robert Parker and ensuing discussion, there was agreement to refer this matter to the Finance Services Committee for further review;

§ � Budget Calendar – copies were circulated for information; § � Pension; § � Board Evaluation Committee Representative; and § � International Student Program – Renovations. Discussion / Information / Decision Items: A document compiling the “results” from the Strategic Planning Session on January 18th was circulated for information. Due to time constraints, there was agreement to address items Board Evaluation and Strategic Planning through the Board Chair/Vice-Chair report at the next regular Board meeting. In-Camera Personnel Issue: Based on Committee-of-the-Whole discussion held during an in-camera session regarding a personnel issue:

It was MOVED by Trudy Thompson, seconded by Mary Macaulay THAT THE BOARD APPROVE DISCIPLINARY ACTION, AS RECOMMENDED BY SENIOR MANAGEMENT, WITH RESPECT TO THE EMPLOYEE IN QUESTION.

MOTION CARRIED There was agreement to adjourn and continue in-camera discussion on this matter on February 6, 2003. As a result of in-camera discussion on February 6th, and agreement by the Committee-of-the-

Whole:

It was MOVED by Trudy Thompson, seconded by Mary Macaulay THAT THE BOARD APPROVE FURTHER DISCIPLINARY ACTION WITH RESPECT TO THE EMPLOYEE IN QUESTION.

MOTION CARRIED It was agreed to schedule an additional special in-camera meeting for Thursday, February 20th in respect to the personnel issue referenced above.

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

MOTION CARRIED EDUCATION SERVICES: In the absence of Marilyn Thompson, Mark Lavers, Committee Vice-Chair, provided a report on an Education Services Committee meeting held on January 16, 2003. Professional Development Proposal: North Nova Educational Centre & Northumberland Regional High School

Janette Sears, English Program Consultant, presented the Professional Development Proposal for teachers entering the new North Nova Educational Centre and the Northumberland Regional High School. [Copy attached to the Education Services Report] The Committee approved the proposal as follows: one shut down day this school year, and four shut down days in September 2003 for all staff members. Any additional teacher “pull out” time would be limited to small groups such as administrators. School Trip Requests

Approval was granted for students from the Cobequid Educational Centre to participate in a student exchange with students from Kanazawa, Japan from March 7-19, 2003. Teacher Certification

Information was provided concerning a French immersion teacher who recently moved back to Nova Scotia after teaching in another part of Canada for approximately 20 years, and the fact that this teacher received what is called “bridging certification” upon her return to Nova Scotia. This resulted in her being paid less than her peers, with the same license, who have been teaching in Nova Scotia since graduation. The Committee approved a recommendation that the Board Chair write a letter to the Minister of Education requesting that the regulations covering teacher certification be updated to encourage teachers to return to Nova Scotia by not penalizing them through the certification process.

Child Poverty Statement

By way of his report, Committee Vice-Chair Mark Lavers served notice that he would move or cause to be moved a motion to adopt the Statement on Child Poverty. [Copy attached to the Education Services Report] Board Evaluation Committee

Mark Lavers was appointed to represent Education Services on the Board Evaluation Committee. It was MOVED by Mark Lavers, seconded by Marilyn Murray THAT THE BOARD ACCEPT THE EDUCATION SERVICES

COMMITTEE REPORT ON A MEETING HELD ON JANUARY 16, 2003, AS PROVIDED.

During discussion on the report concerns were raised with respect to the Teacher Certification issue. Regional Education Officer Dave White indicated he would seek clarification on the matter and provide a report at the next meeting. Note: As follow-up to the meeting, Mr. White provided an explanation on Bridging Teacher’s Certification in a memo to Gary Miller and Doug Benedict. A copy of document dated February 14, 2003 was shared with Board members in the March 5th Committee-of-the-Whole Board package.

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

MOTION CARRIED CORPORATE SERVICES: Dr. Lawrence MacKinnon, Committee Chair, provided a report on a meeting held on January 29, 2003. Early Retirement Incentive Plan

Mr. Sabean reviewed with the Committee four (4) additional requests received for the Early Retirement Incentive Plan. The Committee moved to accept the four (4) requests for one year only. CUPE Layoff – 2003 (Custodians)

CUPE Local 3890 has selected the option of a two-week layoff for custodians during the summer of 2003. If this layoff period is not implemented, it will impact the budget by approximately $200,000. Subject to budget deliberations, the Committee agreed to proceed with a two-week layoff period during the summer of 2003 for 12-month custodians. School Name Recommendation – Brookfield Elementary School

The Corporate Services Committee received a letter from Catherine MacIntosh, Principal of Brookfield Memorial on behalf of the SAC outlining a request for Board approval for a school name change. Based on this correspondence and on recommendation of the Corporate Services Committee,

It was MOVED by Lawrence MacKinnon, seconded by Marilyn Murray THAT THE BOARD APPROVE A RECOMMENDATION AS PROPOSED BY THE SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL, TO CHANGE THE NAME OF THE BROOKFIELD MEMORIAL SCHOOL TO BROOKFIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, EFFECTIVE UPON THE RELOCATION TO THE CURRENT BROOKFIELD JUNIOR HIGH BUILDING.

MOTION CARRIED Representative for Board Evaluation Committee

Mackie Ross agreed to serve as the Corporate Services Committee representative on the Board Evaluation Committee. Foods in Schools Committee

Mary Macaulay agreed to serve as representative on the Foods in Schools Committee. Early Hire Update

To date Wayne MacGillivary has visited Acadia, St. Francis Xavier and Mount St. Vincent job fairs, and has reported that overall the job fairs have been a great success. The Committee approved a recommendation for a $2,000. advance to encourage graduating students to accept employment with the Board, with the advance to be subtracted from their pay over the remainder of the year. Amherst Elementary School

The new Amherst Elementary School will be built at the site of the old Amherst Regional High School. On recommendation of the Corporate Services Committee,

It was MOVED by Lawrence MacKinnon, seconded by David Myles THAT THE BOARD ADVISE THE AMHERST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STEERING COMMITTEE AND THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION THAT THE BOARD WILL RELOCATE OPP AND THE ADULT HIGH SCHOOL IN ORDER TO FACILITATE PLANNING OF THE NEW SCHOOL AND TO HAVE THE OLD AMHERST HIGH SCHOOL ENTIRELY DEMOLISHED.

MOTION CARRIED

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

MOTION CARRIED FINANCE SERVICES: Committee Chair Ron Marks provided a report on a Finance Services Committee meeting held on January 29, 2003. Policy Review: Policy FS-04 - Financial Records - School Related Organizations

By way of his report, Committee Chair Ron Marks served notice that he would move or cause to be moved a motion to adopt Policy FS-04 – Financial Records – School Related Organizations Policy, at the April regular meeting of the Board. [Copy attached to the Finance Services Report.] Board Members Technology

There was a motion to recommend to the Board at the next Committee-of-the-Whole meeting the Recommended Board Members Technology.

Note: Subsequent to in-depth discussion at the Committee-of-the-Whole meeting on February 5th there was an agreement to refer the Recommended Board Member Technology back to the Finance Services Committee for further review.

Budget Calendar – 2003-04

The Committee approved a proposed budget calendar for 2003-04, a copy of which was attached the Finance Services Committee report. Non-Teaching Pension Update

On recommendation of the Finance Services Committee, It was MOVED by Ron Marks, seconded by David Myles THAT THE BOARD APPROVE A RECOMMENDATION TO CONTINUE SERVICES WITH DOUG TAYLOR, WELTON BEAUCHAMP ATLANTIC INC. TO A MAXIMUM OF AN ADDITIONAL $10,000.

MOTION CARRIED International Student Program - Renovations

Following an in-depth review of the International Student Program revenue and on recommendation of the Finance Services Committee,

It was MOVED by Ron Marks, seconded by Jim Grue THAT THE BOARD APPROVE SUSPENSION OF THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT PROGRAM RENOVATIONS UNTIL NEXT BUDGET YEAR.

MOTION CARRIED

It was MOVED by Ron Marks, seconded by John Henderson THAT THE BOARD RECEIVE THE FINANCE SERVICES COMMITTEE REPORT, AS PRESENTED.

MOTION CARRIED

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT:

Superintendent Gary Miller highlighted items from his administrative report including Strategic Planning and Communications Advisory Committee. Mr. Miller addressed a question regarding the possibility of establishing a Board “slogan” following which there was agreement with a suggestion to explore this matter through the Communications Advisory Committee.

CHAIR/VICE CHAIR REPORT:

Board Chair Robert Parker indicated copies of the Chair/Vice Chair Report had been circulated prior to the meeting. (Copy on file.) He chose not to read the report in detail but presented highlights on several items including African Heritage Month, Strategic Planning, Communications Advisory Committee, and NSSBA Communications Strategies. Mr. Parker indicated that the Board Evaluation Committee held its initial meeting on Wednesday, February 5th to schedule meeting dates and to discuss objectives and parameters. Other school boards will be contacted to see if they have completed similar evaluations. He also stated that Lavinia Parrish-Zwicker, Annapolis Valley Regional School Board member, had agreed to serve in the capacity of committee advisor. Board members will be requested to provide input and will be kept informed on the process. The Committee anticipates providing a report to the Board at the May public meeting. Mr. Parker reminded Board members that report(s) on the CSBA Atlantic Conference will be presented at the March public meeting of the Board. 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 – December 2002 and January 2003 ü � Minutes – Board of Directors Special Meeting – January 29th, 2003

ü � Memo re School Board Member Recognition Award

Following an indication of intent,

It was MOVED by Ron Marks, seconded by Lawrence MacKinnon THAT THE BOARD CHAIR, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE VICE-CHAIR,

SUBMIT A NOMINATION TO BE CONSIDERED FOR RECEIPT OF THE NSSBA SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER RECOGNITION AWARD.

MOTION CARRIED NEW BUSINESS: FULL-YEAR STUDY LEAVE RECIPIENTS:

Dale Sabean, Director of Corporate Services, reviewed the names of four candidates recommended for full-year study leaves following which, It was MOVED by Marilyn Murray, seconded by Jim Grue THAT THE BOARD APPROVE THE RECOMMENDED FULL-YEAR STUDY

LEAVES FOR THE 2003-04 SCHOOL YEAR FOR THE FOLLOWING TEACHERS:

§ � OMER BOURGEOIS, SPRINGHILL JR./SR. HIGH § � WAYNE GARDEN, HANTS EAST RURAL HIGH § � PAULA MCKENZIE, ELMSDALE ELEMENTARY § � DAVID PILMER, HANTS EAST RURAL HIGH

MOTION CARRIED NOTICES OF MOTION:

Two notices of motion had been presented earlier in the evening, one through the Education Services Committee Report and one, to be brought forward in April, through the Finance Services Committee Report. PUBLIC QUESTION PERIOD:

There were no questions raised by the public. IN-CAMERA SESSION (8:25 P.M.):

It was MOVED by Trudy Thompson, seconded by Lawrence MacKinnon

THAT THE MEETING MOVE TO AN IN-CAMERA SESSION TO DISCUSS

A PERSONNEL ISSUE. MOTION CARRIED

It was MOVED by Marilyn Murray, seconded by Mark Lavers

THAT THE MEETING RECONVENE IN PUBLIC SESSION. MOTION CARRIED

REPORT FROM IN-CAMERA SESSION: Based on in-camera discussion,

It was MOVED by Ron Marks, seconded by Jim Grue

THAT THE BOARD APPROVE RECOMMENDED DISCIPLINARY ACTION, WITH REGARD TO THE EMPLOYEE IN QUESTION.

MOTION CARRIED Note: Board Member Lawrence MacKinnon, having declared a possible conflict of interest,

absented himself from the meeting. DATE OF NEXT MEETING: The next regular meeting of the Board is scheduled for March 19, 2003 and will be held in the Board Room at 60 Lorne Street, Truro beginning at 7:00 p.m. ADJOURNMENT: On motion of Marilyn Murray and Mark Lavers, the meeting adjourned at 11:05 p.m. March 19, 2003 Robert Parker, Board Chair Date March 19, 2003 Linda Campbell, Board Secretary Date