1 Chignecto-Central Regional School Board Board Meeting MINUTES February 10, 2016 CCRSB Truro, 60 Lorne Street, Truro, NS, B2N 3K3 - 7:00 pm In Attendance: Gary Adams Debbie Buott-Matheson Valerie Gauthier Leanne Marchand – Admin Assistant - Board Allison McGrath Julie MacPhee – Legal Counsel Scott Milner Jim Gunn – Dept. of Education & ECD Herb Steeves Absent: Gordon Anderson – with regrets Andrea Paul – with regrets Denise Bell – Dept. of Education & ECD – with regrets Board Chair Trudy Thompson called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm and welcomed those in attendance. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: It was MOVED by Anne Beaver, seconded by Jim Grue THAT THE AGENDA BE APPROVED AS CIRCULATED. MOTION CARRIED Members Present: Kaaren Barkhouse Wendy Matheson-Withrow Anne Beaver Marilyn Murray Adam Davies David Myles Vivian Farrell Margie Nicholson Jim Grue Mackie Ross Keith MacKenzie Glenda Talbot-Richards Susan MacQuarrie Trudy Thompson Ron Marks Board Approved: March 9, 2016
In Attendance: Gary Adams Debbie Buott-Matheson Valerie Gauthier Leanne Marchand – Admin Assistant - Board Allison McGrath Julie MacPhee – Legal Counsel Scott Milner Jim Gunn – Dept. of Education & ECD Herb Steeves
Absent: Gordon Anderson – with regrets Andrea Paul – with regrets Denise Bell – Dept. of Education & ECD – with regrets
Board Chair Trudy Thompson called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm and welcomed those in
attendance.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
It was MOVED by Anne Beaver, seconded by Jim Grue
THAT THE AGENDA BE APPROVED AS CIRCULATED.
MOTION CARRIED
Members Present: Kaaren Barkhouse Wendy Matheson-Withrow Anne Beaver Marilyn Murray Adam Davies David Myles Vivian Farrell Margie Nicholson Jim Grue Mackie Ross Keith MacKenzie Glenda Talbot-Richards Susan MacQuarrie Trudy Thompson Ron Marks
Board Approved:
March 9, 2016
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PRESENTATION: AFRICAN HERITAGE MONTH
In celebration of African Heritage Month, Jocelyn Dorrington, Coordinator African-Nova Scotian Cultural
Services, gave a presentation on this year’s theme, Legacy of Commitment, focusing on the No. 2
Construction Battalion, which was the only Canadian battalion composed of black soldiers to serve in
World War I. She was joined by Grade 4 student Mehki Paris from Ecole Acadienne de Truro, and Sebastian
Barrington, a Grade 6 student at Truro Junior High, who both presented on Notable People of African
Ancestry.
Ms. Dorrington invited the governing board and staff members to the 100th anniversary celebration of
the No. 2 Construction Battalion, taking place July 9, 2016 in Pictou. Chair Thompson thanked Ms.
Dorrington and the students for their informative presentations.
PRESENTATION: STUDENT SUCCESS PLANNING – SHUBENACADIE DISTRICT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Sharlene Whelan, Principal of Shubenacadie District Elementary School presented an overview of the
Student Success Planning Process for her school. The school goals were to achieve a 5% increase in the
number of students meeting specific outcomes in mathematics, as well as reading comprehension. The
school succeeded in achieving their mathematics goal, and are working towards achievement of their
literacy goal.
PRESENTATION: ACHIEVEMENT GAP SUPPORT INITIATIVE
Ms. Whelan also spoke to the governing board about her school’s participation in the Achievement Gap
Support Initiative. This initiative provides extra literacy and mathematics support to identified students
at Shubenacadie District Elementary, as well as four other schools in CCRSB. Chair Thompson thanked
Ms. Whelan for her presentation, and invited her to return in the future to share results of the
Achievement Gap Support Initiative.
PRESENTATION: MAKERTECH 2016
Scott Milner, Director of Educational Services introduced Don Hill, Youth Pathways Consultant, and
Louise Haycocks, Technology Learning Consultant, organizers of CCRSB’s first MakerTech Conference
scheduled for February 22. Over 100 Grade 8 students, educators and school board staff will gather at
the Debert Hospitality Centre for a day of innovation, collaboration and creativity. During the day each
team will be presented with a problem, and encouraged to find a solution based on what they have
learned and using the materials provided. Each team will then share their solutions with the other
participants.
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The seven activities include coding, sparkfun inventor electronics, wearable technology, robotics, makey
makey, stop motion and green screening. Not only do the organizers hope to encourage creativity and
problem solving among the students, but they also want to empower the teacher-participants with
knowledge they can take back to their schools. Chair Thompson thanked Mr. Hill and Ms. Haycocks for
their informative presentation.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Adam Davies noted that the word “administrative” on page 11 should read “administration” matter.
It was MOVED by Vivian Farrell, seconded by Marilyn Murray
THAT THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING HELD ON January 15, 2016 BE
APPROVED AS AMMENDED.
MOTION CARRIED
BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES:
There was no business arising from the minutes.
CORRESPONDENCE:
2017-18 Capital List
Included in the board package is correspondence received from Karen Casey, Minister of Education and
Early Childhood Development (dated January 28, 2016) requesting a capital list of requirements for
2017-18.
It was MOVED by Keith MacKenzie, seconded by Wendy Matheson-Withrow
THAT THE GOVERNING BOARD REQUEST A TWO WEEK EXTENSION ON THE DEADLINE FOR THE
2017-18 LIST OF CAPITAL SUBMISSIONS.
MOTION CARRIED
Call for Resolutions
A letter was received from the Nova Scotia School Boards Association, requesting resolutions from
CCRSB for the 2016 Annual General Meeting. Boards are invited to submit two resolutions, by deadline
on April 7, 2016. Chair Thompson requested that all standing committees discuss resolutions at their
next meeting, and bring forward any suggested resolutions to the March 2nd Committee-of-the-Whole
meeting.
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Call for NSSBA Board of Directors
A second letter was received from the Nova Scotia School Boards Association, requesting a member to
serve on their Board of Directors for the 2016-17 term. Current representative Mackie Ross respectfully
declined to serve another term. Board Member Susan MacQuarrie said she would be willing to serve as
the board’s representative on the NSSBA. Board Member MacQuarrie was confirmed as CCRSB’s
representative to the NSSBA. Board Member Adam Davies will serve as Alternate.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Committee-Of-The-Whole:
Board Member Keith MacKenzie presented the Committee-of-the-Whole report, on behalf of Vice-Chair
Gordon Anderson.
Allan Kennedy, Principal, and Tammy Fox, Vice-Principal, presented an overview of the Student Success
Planning process for Redcliff Middle School. The school focused on two goals: increasing the number of
students meeting expectations in reading, as well as math by 2%. Both goals were achieved. The reading
results actually surpassed their goal, and increased by 8% in two years. They will continue to encourage
Team Time among teachers, which they feel has positively impacted their results. The governing board is
interested in sharing Redcliff’s success story with other schools.
Gary Adams, Superintendent, presented recommended changes to Policy and Procedures #B-06 – Board
Policy Development. The policy outlines responsibilities and the process to be followed when developing,
adopting, reviewing or rescinding policies of the governing board. It was noted that changes in policy
would be brought to the governing board, and an up-to-date Policy and Procedures Manual will always
be available at the Superintendent’s Office. Board members agreed that the recommended policy changes
be brought to the next Regular Public Board Meeting.
Scott Milner, Director of Education Services, reviewed work done by the governing board in December to
review feedback received at the School Advisory Council consultations in October 2015, and Student
Forum feedback from May 2015. He then led governing board members through the completion of the
exercise begun in December. Members once again broke into groups to discuss their recommended
immediate next steps, and well as future next steps in their relationships with SAC’s and students. After
creating a list of the most commonly defined priorities, board members voted for those priorities for
which they most strongly agreed. The results will be collated and presented at the next Regular Public
Board Meeting.
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It was MOVED by Keith MacKenzie, seconded by Jim Grue
THAT THE GOVERNING BOARD ACCEPT THE RECOMMENDED CHANGES TO POLICY AND
PROCEDURES B-#06: BOARD POLICY DEVELOPMENT.
MOTION CARRIED
It was MOVED by Keith MacKenzie, seconded by Anne Beaver
THAT THE COMMITTEE-OF-THE-WHOLE REPORT FROM THE MEETING HELD ON February 3,
2016 BE RECEIVED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES.
MOTION CARRIED
Education Services:
Vivian Farrell, Chair of the Education Services Committee, presented the report from the February 3rd
meeting. Three items have been brought forward:
Achievement Gap Support Update Director Milner spoke about the Achievement Gap Support Initiative currently underway at Truro Elementary School, Truro Junior High School, Riverside Educational Entre, New Glasgow Academy and Shubenacadie Elementary School for self-identified First Nations and African Nova Scotian students. Director Milner provided a progress report to the Committee-of-the-Whole on February 3, 2016. Discussion followed regarding literacy levels, versus grade levels, as well as levels in mathematics. Director Milner said that more information about how students in reading levels one and two are progressing will be brought forward. Responding to a concern raised regarding the changes in the new mathematics curriculum, Director Milner stated that a presentation regarding the mathematics curriculum is scheduled for the Education Services Committee meeting on March 1. School Closure Report Update As discussed at the Regular Public Board Meeting on January 13, 2016, Director Milner has distributed a template and is formally collecting information from principals of receiving schools to prepare a report of the students’ educational and social progress, and adjustment to their new schools as a result of the permanent closures of Maitland District, River John Consolidated and Wentworth Elementary schools. The information will be collated and presented for review at the Education Services Committee meeting scheduled for March 1, 2016.
It was MOVED by Vivian Farrell, seconded by Jim Grue
THAT THE EDUCATION SERVICES REPORT FROM THE MEETING HELD ON February 3, 2016, BE
RECEIVED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES.
MOTION CARRIED
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Financial Services:
Ron Marks, Chair of the Financial Services Committee, presented the Committee’s report from the
January 27th meeting.
Financial Statements to December 31, 2015 and Forecast
The Committee reviewed the Financial Statements for the period ended December 31, 2015 and Forecast to
March 31, 2016.
There is an additional $200,000 positive variance due to the price variance in heating fuel. The committee agreed that senior management prioritize the spending of the additional $200,000. 2014-15 Budget Calendar The committee reviewed the 2016-17 Budget Calendar. Chair Marks asked members to take note of the following
dates: April 25th and 27th are planned to be Special Budget meetings with the full Board invited to be in attendance.
This is contingent on the receipt of the funding profile sheets from the Province.
It was MOVED by Ron Marks, seconded by Mackie Ross
THAT THE FINANCIAL SERVICES REPORT FROM THE MEETING HELD ON January 27, 2016, BE
RECEIVED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES.
MOTION CARRIED
Human Resources Services:
Anne Beaver, Chair of the Human Resources Committee, presented the Committee report from the
meeting of January 26th. Five items were brought forward:
Personnel Performance Policy Review
Allison McGrath, Director of Human Resources, provided the Committee with an updated draft of the former Personnel Performance Policy, now titled Staff Performance and Growth Policy for the Committee’s review. The Committee provided recommended changes to the Director of Human Resources and indicated that once the redraft is completed the Director should proceed to get input from stakeholders.
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Terms of Reference The Director provided the Committee with an updated draft of the Human Resources Committee Terms of Reference for review. The Committee provided recommended changes and indicated that after the changes are completed, the Human Resources Committee Terms of Reference is ready to be presented to the Committee-of-the-Whole at a future meeting. Early Retirement Incentive Program (ERIP) The Director of Human Resources and the Director of Education Services carefully reviewed each ERIP application received. The details of that process were reviewed with the Committee. The Committee considered each application and decided that each of the three applications should be declined. The Committee decided that unless there is a budget pressure associated with ERIP, it will come through the Committee to the full board for information purposes only. NSGEU Bargaining Update
The Collective Agreement between CCRSB and NSGEU Local 71 expired on June 30, 2015. The Director of
Human Resources Services advised the Committee that NSGEU has indicated that they wish to begin
bargaining. Prep dates have been set aside for the Bargaining Team in February and the exchange date is
set for February 25th.
Update on NSTU Local Collective Agreement
Director McGrath advised the Committee that the Local agreement between NSTU and CCRSB was signed
on Tuesday, February 9th.
Discussion followed.
It was MOVED by Anne Beaver, seconded by Adam Davies
THAT THE FINANCIAL SERVICES REPORT FROM THE MEETING HELD ON January 21, 2016, BE
RECEIVED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES.
MOTION CARRIED
Operational Services:
Adam Davies, Chair of the Operational Services Committee, presented the Committee report from
January 21st. One item was brought forward.
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Policy Review
The Operational Services Committee agreed to recommend that Policy OS-PS-01 Environment: Carpets
be revoked.
It was MOVED by Adam Davies, seconded by Jim Grue
TO ACCEPT THE OPERATIONAL SERVICES COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION THAT
POLICY OS-PS-01 ENVIRONMENT: CARPETS BE REVOKED.
MOTION CARRIED
It was MOVED by Adam Davies, seconded by Keith MacKenzie
THAT THE OPERATIONAL SERVICES REPORT FROM THE MEETING HELD ON January 21, 2016,
BE RECEIVED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES.
MOTION CARRIED
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT:
Superintendent Gary Adams provided his February Report to the governing board. He is pleased to
report that he was able to visit 10 schools in the past month. These visits have given him the
opportunity to meet the staff and students, and witness first-hand the learning taking place in the
classrooms.
Superintendent Adams recently had the honour of joining the First Nations Interagency Meeting at
Sipekne'katik. He appreciated the welcome of Chief Rufus Copage and the perspectives expressed
regarding the Achievement Gap Support Initiative.
Along with CCRSB staff, Superintendent Adams attended the launch of African Heritage Month, at the
Truro Town Hall on February 1st.
CCRSB has held two of the Long Range Outlook community meetings, and is planning two more sessions
next week.
Superintendent Adams directed the attention of the board to his February Report and highlighted a
number of key items:
African Heritage Month celebrations in CCRSB
What’s in Your Backpack? – Focus on Race
Makerspace at West Pictou Consolidated School
Student Success Planning: Oxford Regional Education Centre
Late French Immersion and Integrated French – Deadlines for Registration
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A promotional video entitled Bonjour – Welcome to Optional French Programs at CCRSB was viewed,
promoting French Immersion. Following the video, Member Wendy Matheson-Withrow requested that
registration numbers for next year’s French Immersion programs be brought forward to the next
Education Services Committee meeting, if available.
Superintendent Adams concluded by bringing to the board’s attention two opportunities to recognize
teaching staff, including the Education Week nominations, and the Excellence in Teaching Awards.
Deadlines for nominations are approaching quickly. Debbie Buott-Matheson, Allison McGrath and other
senior staff are looking at opportunities to recognize non-teaching staff as well.
BOARD CHAIR / VICE-CHAIR REPORT:
Chair Thompson discussed the possibility of re-scheduling the professional development session
to March 19th. She polled the members for availability and found that some were unable to attend.
Superintendent Adams will check with the guest speaker for other potential days, and then circulate
that information to determine the preferred date.
Chair Thompson thanked those board members who have attended the two Long Range Outlook
community meetings.
June 2-4, 2016 is the Annual General Meeting for the Nova Scotia School Boards Association. All Board
members are eligible to go, and can e-mail Angela Porter, who will be making the booking
arrangements. This year’s AGM is taking place at the Old Orchard Inn in Wolfville.
NSSBA REPORT:
There was no report.
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT REGIONAL REPORT:
Chair Thompson directed members to Denise Bell’s report included in their package.
Improvements in Classroom Highlights Year One of Action Plan on Education
Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Karen Casey provided the first annual report on Nova Scotia's Action Plan for Education on February 4.
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Improvements in year one of the action plan include a streamlined grade Primary to 3 curriculum with a greater emphasis on math and literacy, the early introduction of coding to help today's students become more career ready, a greater focus on financial literacy, homework standards and more support for young children.
Strategies in math, literacy and coding will provide a framework for a lifetime of learning.
Teachers will receive the support, time and structure to allow them to focus on student learning and student achievement. Action is underway to address classroom complexities including smaller class sizes.
The department will also work with teachers, school boards and universities to develop for the first time, teaching standards to promote consistent high-quality teaching in classrooms across the province.
Led by classroom teachers, the entire curriculum is being reviewed. Grades Primary to 3 have been completed and the focus is now on grades 4 to 6. The remaining grades will be streamlined over the next few years.
As part of building a modern education system, there is also a greater emphasis on helping students to be career ready. The new strategies will involve a series of targeted initiatives to help students succeed.
The following initiatives will be introduced in 2016:
a new career education framework that will include all students from grades 4 to 12
a Business Education Council
workplace training for graduating students
more class caps to reduce class sizes
more Reading Recovery Support
new policies for student attendance and student assessment to support student success across the province.
A list of accomplished goals and action initiatives still in progress is available at http://ednet.ns.ca.
Nova Scotia Assessments Results for Students with Aboriginal Heritage and Students of African Descent
Disaggregated results from provincial assessments for students with Aboriginal Heritage and students of African Descent are now available under “Disaggregated Results” at https://plans.ednet.ns.ca/disaggregated-results. Information is provided for:
• Reading in Grade 3 • Mathematics in Grade 4 • Reading in Grade 6 • Mathematics in Grade 6 • Reading in Grade 8 • Mathematics in Grade 8
