MINUTES OF THE OPEN MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 79 (COWICHAN VALLEY) HELD ON WEDNESDAY APRIL 16, 2008, AT 6:30 P.M. IN THE BOARD ROOM PRESENT: Chair, Trustee B. Simmons Trustees A. Andersen, B. de Groot, E. Haythornthwaite, W. Rowbottom, K. Sandhu, J. Thomas, M. J. Wilson D. Boudreault, Superintendent P. Turin, Secretary-Treasurer Recorder: J. Grant, Executive Assistant D. Gunderson Dominique Roelants, Malaspina Faculty Association
REGRETS: GUEST:
The meeting was called to order at 6:33 p.m. by the Chair, Trustee Simmons ADOPTION OF AGENDA: Additions: 6.2 9.1a 9.3 08-197 Stanley Gordon/Clode Centre Sites Recommendations from Management-Finance Committee Communications Committee Moved by Trustee Wilson, seconded by de Groot, “That the agenda be adopted as amended.” CARRIED unanimously. ADOPTION OF MINUTES: 08-198 Moved by Trustee Rowbottom, seconded by Trustee Andersen, “That the minutes of the Open Meeting of the Board of Education held on April 2, 2008, and the minutes of the Special Open Meeting of the Board of Education held on April 7, 2008, be approved.” CARRIED unanimously. PETITIONS/DELEGATIONS: Malaspina Faculty Association Mr. Dominique Roelants made a presentation regarding funding for post secondary education. He said that the impact of the government cuts has been a $3.2 million deficit that Malaspina University-College now faces. Attrition and 16 layoff notices have contributed to reducing the deficit but three of the layoffs were in the computer science areas and the impact will be that some programs will disappear. He is hopeful that something can be done to turn it around and that the District can be of help if it approves a resolution to support Malaspina. Anything less than fully enrolled classes are at risk. Discussion followed.
-208-199 CONSIDER MOTION – MALASPINA FACULTY ASSOCIATION Moved by Trustee Haythornthwaite, seconded by Trustee Andersen, “That the Board of Education considers the motion proposed by Mr. Dominique Roelants at this meeting.” CARRIED unanimously. During further discussion, Mr. Roelants addressed a number of questions from trustees. 08-200 LETTER TO MINISTER OF ADVANCED EDUCATION Moved by Trustee Sandhu, seconded by Trustee de Groot, “That the Board of School District 79 writes the Minister of Advanced Education and express its concern over the proposed cuts to operating grants for post secondary institutions and the impacts that those cuts will have on affordability and access for students from this community – and on the ability of Malaspina University-College to continue serving our community.” CARRIED unanimously. REPORT - CLOSED MEETINGS OF APRIL 2 and APRIL 7, 2008 The Secretary-Treasurer reported that at the Closed meeting of April 2, 2008, the Board discussed legal, personnel and property matters. The Board also received a report on the International Education th program and discussed the format for the April 9 Special Open Board meeting. At the Special Closed meeting of April 7, 2008, the Board discussed property matters and considered a request from the Ministry’s Special Advisor. OLD BUSINESS: International Education Program – Update The Superintendent reported with an update that meetings had been held regarding enrolment for the 2008-09 school year, and with staff to review Dr. Player’s report. He indicated they are now building enrolment estimates for the coming year given that the recruitment season is basically over and that an action plan is being drafted based on Dr. Player’s report. Stanley Gordon/Clode Centre Sites – Update The Secretary-Treasurer and Director of Operations reported on the review of the Stanley Gordon and Clode Centre sites. Costs to upgrade the Clode Centre are estimated at $38,000, while costs to make the Stanley Gordon library area useable are estimated at $91,700. Discussion followed and a motion was proposed as follows: Moved by Trustee Sandhu, seconded by Trustee Rowbottom, “That due to the high cost to renovate Stanley Gordon, the Clode Centre continues to house the Alternate Education program and the Board of Education approves the use of $38,000 of AFG funds to upgrade the site for September, 2008. Trustee Haythornthwaite moved that the motion be split but received no second to her motion. Trustee Wilson proposed an amendment to the main motion.
April 16, 2008 Open Board Meeting Minutes
-308-201 AMEND MAIN MOTION Moved by Trustee Wilson, seconded by Trustee Thomas, “That the main motion be amended by removing “due to the high cost to renovate Stanley Gordon.” CARRIED, Trustee Haythornthwaite opposed. 08-202 CLODE CENTRE - APPROVE USE OF AFG FUNDS TO UPGRADE Moved by Trustee Sandhu, seconded by Trustee Rowbottom, “That the Clode Centre continues to house the Alternate Education program and the Board of Education approves the use of $38,000 of AFG funds to upgrade the site for September, 2008.” CARRIED unanimously. SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS: PERSONNEL: Retirements The Superintendent presented three retirement notices for consideration. 08-203 RETIREMENT – CINDY HARVEY Moved by Trustee Andersen, seconded by Trustee de Groot, “That the Board accepts the notice of retirement from Cindy Harvey effective June 30, 2008 with regret.” CARRIED unanimously. 08-204 RETIREMENT – SUSAN RUDOLPH Moved by Trustee Andersen, seconded by Trustee Rowbottom, “That the Board accepts the notice of retirement from Susan Rudolph effective June 30, 2008 with regret.” CARRIED unanimously. 08-205 RETIREMENT – MICHAEL STEELE Moved by Trustee Andersen, seconded by Trustee de Groot, “That the Board accepts the notice of retirement from Michael Steele effective June 30, 2008 with regret.” CARRIED unanimously. FOR BOARD INFORMATION: Nil
April 16, 2008 Open Board Meeting Minutes
-4FOR BOARD ACTION: Mid-Month Report on Changes to Organization of Classes The Superintendent reported on changes to the Organization of Classes in School District No. 79 Cowichan Valley. Discussion followed. 08-206 ORGANIZATION OF CLASSES REPORT FOR MARCH, 2008 Moved by Trustee Rowbottom, seconded by Trustee de Groot, “That the Board of Education accepts the March, 2008 changes to the Organization of Classes in School District No. 79 Cowichan Valley.” CARRIED. Trustees Andersen and Haythornthwaite opposed Student Travel The Superintendent presented field trip travel requests for the Board’s consideration. 08-207 STUDENT FIELD TRIP REQUESTS Moved by Trustee de Groot, seconded by Trustee Sandhu, “That the Board of Education grants approval to the following student trip requests: REQUESTS FOR APPROVAL IN PRINCIPLE 1. Nil REQUESTS FOR FINAL APPROVAL 1. Alexander Elementary School grade 6 field trip to Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre from May 6 to 8, 2008. 2. Crofton Elementary School grades 4-7 field trip to Camp Qwanoes in Crofton on May 20, 2008. 3. CVOLC camping trip and whale watching in the Clayquot Sound area from June 3 to 5, 2008. 4. Discovery Elementary School grade 5 camping trip to Camp Thunderbird in Sooke from June 4 to 6, 2008. 5. CVOLC indoor rock climbing activity in Nanaimo on June 17, 2008. 6. CVOLC river safety course on Cowichan River on June 18, 2008. 7. Somenos Rural Traditional School field trip to Camp Quanoes in Crofton on May 1, 2008.” CARRIED unanimously. SECRETARY-TREASURER: PERSONNEL: Retirement The Secretary-Treasurer presented a retirement notice for consideration.
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08-208
RETIREMENT – SUSAN WOOD Moved by Trustee de Groot, seconded by Trustee Rowbottom, “That the Board of Education accepts the notice of retirement of Susan Wood effective July 31, 2008 with regret.” CARRIED unanimously.
FOR BOARD INFORMATION: Capital Projects – Update Mr. David Milne, Project Manager, provided the Board with an update on various capital projects including the replacement Crofton Elementary school, Lake Cowichan Secondary, Drinkwater Elementary, Khowhemun Elementary and the Alexander/Quamichan/School Community Connections project. FOR BOARD ACTION: Nil COMMITTEES: Management-Finance Committee The Secretary-Treasurer presented recommendations arising from the March12, 2008 meeting. 08-209 CHEQUE REGISTER – ACCOUNTS PAYABLE Moved by Trustee Rowbottom, seconded by Trustee de Groot, “That the Cheque Register – Accounts Payable from March 13, 2008 to April 3, 2008 be approved.” CARRIED unanimously. 08-210 MINUTES – MANAGEMENT-FINANCE MEETING APRIL 7, 2008 Moved by Trustee Thomas, seconded by Trustee Rowbottom, “That the minutes from the Special Open Management-Finance Committee meeting of April 7, 2008 be approved.” CARRIED unanimously. 08-211 MINUTES – MANAGEMENT-FINANCE MEETING APRIL 12, 2008 Moved by Trustee de Groot, seconded by Trustee Thomas, “That the minutes from the Regular Open Management-Finance Committee meeting of April 9, 2008 be approved.” CARRIED unanimously. 08-212 CHANGE TO 2008-2009 BUDGET MEETING DATES Moved by Trustee Sandhu, seconded by Trustee Rowbottom, “That the Board of Education cancels the Special Open Management-Finance Committee meeting set for April 22, 2008 and reschedules it for April 30, 2008.”
April 16, 2008 Open Board Meeting Minutes
-6CARRIED unanimously.
April 16, 2008 Open Board Meeting Minutes
-708-213 APPROVE DRAFT #2 – 2008-2009 BUDGET Moved by Trustee de Groot, seconded by Trustee Sandhu, “That the Board of Education accepts Draft #2 of the 2008-2009 Budget and directs the Secretary-Treasurer to proceed with Draft #3 of the 2008-2009 Budget.” CARRIED. Trustee Haythornthwaite opposed 08-214 PROCEED WITH DRAFT #3 – 2008-2009 BUDGET Moved by Trustee Sandhu, seconded by Trustee Haythornthwaite, “That the Board of Education directs senior staff to have a second look at partner group submissions in determining the 2008-2‘009 budget.” CARRIED unanimously. Policy Committee Trustee Andersen provided a report on the meeting of April 12, 2008. 08-215 MINUTES – POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING OF MARCH 12, 2008 Moved by Trustee Andersen, seconded by Trustee Thomas, “That the Minutes from the Policy Committee meeting of March 12, 2008 be received.” CARRIED unanimously. Communications Committee Trustee Andersen showed a Career Education insert from the local paper and thanked staff for their work in producing it. SCHEDULE OF UPCOMING COMMITTEE / OTHER MEETINGS MEETING Board Meeting Board Meeting Communications Committee Policy Committee Management-Finance Committee (Budget) Management-Finance Committee (Regular) Hwulmuhw Mustimuhw Advisory Committee Education Committee District Student Advisory Committee District Safe Schools Advisory Committee District Technology Advisory Committee District Parent Advisory Committee DATE/TIME May 7, 6:30 pm May 21, 6:30 pm TBA, 3:30 pm May 14, 9:00 am Apr. 23, 9:00 am May 14, 10:30 am Apr. 23, 9:00 am Apr. 23, 3:30 pm May 7, 9:00 am Apr. 28, 3:30 pm May 29, 9:00 am Apr. 24, 7:00 pm LOCATION Board Room Board Room Board Room Board Room Board Room Board Room Khowhemun Library Board Room Board Room Student Support Services Board Room Tansor Elementary
CORRESPONDENCE: The Board reviewed several pieces of correspondence.
April 16, 2008 Open Board Meeting Minutes
-8Letter from Bev McKeen – Day of Mourning 08-216 DAY OF MOURNING – LETTER FROM BEV MCKEEN Moved by Trustee Rowbottom, seconded by Trustee Haythornthwaite, “That the letter from Bev McKeen be sent to all principals.” CARRIED unanimously. 08-217 BOARD SUPPORT FOR DAY OF MOURNING OBSERVANCE Moved by Trustee Haythornthwaite, seconded by Trustee Andersen, “That the Board of Education sends a spokesperson to express its support for the Day of Mourning observance at the Steelworkers’ Hall on April 28, 2008.” CARRIED unanimously. Letter from Duncan Dynamics Gymnastics Club 08-218 LETTER FROM DUNCAN DYNAMICS GYMNASTICS CLUB Moved by Trustee Rowbottom, seconded by Trustee Sandhu, “That the letter from Duncan Dynamics Gymnastics Club be deferred until after May 15, 2008.” CARRIED unanimously. Letter from Lucille Smith 08-219 LETTER FROM LUCILLE SMITH Moved by Trustee de Groot, seconded by Trustee Rowbottom, “That the letter from Lucille Smith be received and filed.” CARRIED unanimously. Letter from Catholic Civil Rights League 08-220 LETTER FROM CATHOLIC CIVIL RIGHTS LEAGUE Moved by Trustee Rowbottom, seconded by Trustee Andersen, “That the letter from the Catholic Civil Rights League be received and filed.” CARRIED unanimously. Letter from Susan Kennedy, Ministry of Education 08-221 LETTER FROM SUSAN KENNEDY, MINISTRY OF EDUCATION Moved by Trustee de Groot, seconded by Trustee Andersen, “That the letter from Susan Kennedy be received and filed.” CARRIED unanimously.
April 16, 2008 Open Board Meeting Minutes
-9Letter from Eves Provincial Park Board 08-222 LETTER FROM EVES PROVINCIAL PARK BOARD Moved by Trustee Rowbottom, seconded by Trustee de Groot, “That the letter from the Eves Provincial Park Board be received and filed.” CARRIED unanimously. Letter from Alex Haddad The Board Chair indicated that Mr. Haddad was present at the meeting and could provide trustees with more information on his letter if they wished. Discussion followed. 08-223 LETTER FROM ALEX HADDAD Moved by Trustee Haythornthwaite, seconded by Trustee Sandhu, “That the Board agrees to hear from Alex Haddad.” CARRIED unanimously. 08-224 REFER TO BUDGET DISCUSSSIONS/COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE Moved by Trustee de Groot, seconded by Trustee Wilson, “That the request from Alex Haddad be referred to budget discussions first and then to the Communications Committee.” CARRIED unanimously. Letter from National Historica Fair Victoria 2008 08-225 LETTER FROM NATIONAL HISTORICA FAIR VICTORIA 2008 Moved by Trustee Sandhu, seconded by Trustee Rowbottom, “That the letter from National Historica Fair Victoria 2008 be received and filed.” CARRIED unanimously. NEW BUSINESS: Nil QUESTION PERIOD: Questions from the gallery included: costs of portables versus Stanley Gordon site; use of surplus funds; invitation to attend dance performance on April 24 at Grand Opening of Walmart; support of Koksilah school’s culture and programs; multi-cultural policy review; parent and PAC codes of conduct and action th plans to enforce them; effects on community of cancelling April 9 meeting; long term planning for French Immersion program.
April 16, 2008 Open Board Meeting Minutes
- 10 ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Trustee de Groot, seconded by Trustee Rowbottom, “That there being no further business, the meeting be adjourned.” CARRIED unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:26 p.m.
_______________________ Board Chair
_______________________ Secretary-Treasurer
April 16, 2008 Open Board Meeting Minutes