MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC MEETING OF THE GREATER ESSEX COUNTY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD HELD ON TUESDAY, 2016-02-16 IN THE BOARD ROOM, 451 PARK STREET WEST, WINDSOR, ONTARIO.

PRESENT: TRUSTEES: C. Buckler (Chairperson) R. Le Clair (Vice-Chairperson) J. Burgess A. Halberstadt T. Kilpatrick C. Lovell K. McKinley J. Sartori G. Simko-Hatfield (arrived at 7:41) D. Taves STUDENT TRUSTEES: A. Jain C. Pena Vallecillo ADMINISTRATION: E. Kelly (Director of Education) P. Antaya T. Awender D. Fister C. Howitt J. Howitt V. Houston L. McLaughlin S. Pyke RECORDER: M. LeBoeuf A. CALL TO ORDER

Chairperson Buckler called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m. B. ATTENDANCE Chairperson Buckler noted that Trustee Simko-Hatfield would be arriving late. C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA C.1 Approval of Agenda Moved by Trustee Lovell Seconded by Trustee Taves THAT THE AGENDA AND ADDENDUM BE APPROVED AS PRESENTED. The vote was called and it CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. D. CONVENE TO PRIVATE SESSION

Moved by Trustee Burgess Seconded by Trustee Halberstadt TO MOVE INTO PRIVATE

The vote was called and it CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Special Order of the Day The Director read a heartfelt tribute to Lowell Gallagher, former secondary teacher from Leamington District Secondary School.

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E. DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST

DECLARATION: Trustee Buckler declared conflict of interest for agenda items F.1 pursuant to the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, 1990. Trustee Buckler disclosed her interest in the matter and stated that her daughter is a member of OSSTF/ESS and did not vote on that item.

F. ACTIONS OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE PRIVATE SESSION Moved by Trustee Kilpatrick Seconded by Trustee Burgess

F.1 That agenda item F.1 Personnel from the February 16th, 2016 Private Session meeting be approved.

Moved by trustee Taves Seconded by trustee McKinley F.2 That agenda item F. 2 Security from the February 16th, 2016 Private Session

meeting be approved. The vote was called and it CARRIED

G. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Moved by Trustee Lovell Seconded by Trustee Sartori

G .1 THAT THE MINUTES OF January 19, 2016 PUBLIC BOARD MEETING BE

APPROVED AS PRESENTED. The vote was called and it CARRIED. H. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES Nil. I. PRESENTATIONS I.1 Student of the Month

The February Student of the Month is Waseem Boudali, a Grade 12 student at Vincent Massey Secondary School. Waseem’s fellow student council members have noticed that Waseem is behind the scenes of many of Massey’s events. He was the voice of the immensely successful Multicultural Dinner held in November. As head of Massey’s World Issues Club, Waseem was in charge of the school’s annual can drive that brought in more than 10,000 cans in two weeks. Waseem was also one of the chief organizers of Massey’s invitational debate tournament in December. Despite his busy schedule, Waseem manages to balance his extracurricular responsibilities while maintaining high marks in Massey’s enriched academic program. Congratulations Waseem on being selected by Student Senate as the February Student of the Month.

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I.2 Operational Plan – Superintendent J. Howitt See attached presentation.

It was questioned if all students would be able to access the iPads that are available at school. Superintendent J. Howitt noted that iPads are available for all students to use.

I.3 Operational Plan – Superintendent V. Houston See attached presentation. Trustee Simko-Hatfield arrived.

It was questioned if students would still be writing the paper pencil test instead of on line. Superintendent Houston noted that the online test was a pilot with grade 9 students. After administering the pilot it was difficult to compile data and the marking so it has been put on hold. Students will always do a paper pencil test with an option to complete on line.

It was questioned how many international students we would have to register to cover our costs. The Director noted that we have minimal secretarial costs and no additional costs from a staffing perspective. Superintendent Lynd noted that the tuition we receive is a little more than we would receive in grants from the Ministry.

It was questioned if the hockey programs we offer are similar to the coterminous board’s program. Superintendent Houston noted that the program is similar. The program is licenced through Hockey Canada and students do receive credits. In addition to the program at Belle River DHS we also offer the program at Leamington and Sandwich Secondary.

It was questioned how the international students select the school they will attend. Superintendent Houston noted that home stay is not available at Massey because it is a closed boundary school. We work directly with the agents to determine what the students are looking for with respect to their educational interests.

I.4 Sale of Forster – Superintendent C. Lynd See attached. J. DELEGATIONS

Chief Daniel Miskokomon Chief Miskokomon noted that he is from Bkejwanong First Nation, also known as Walpole

Island. It encompasses six islands that have been occupied by the Ojibwe, Potawatomi and Ottawa peoples for thousands of years. These Nations also represent the Council of the Three Fires, which is a political and cultural confederacy. Walpole Island has never been set apart as a reserve, giving it the distinction of being unceeded territory. He noted that it is important to get the youth involved. He noted that he supports the motions before the board, however consultation is important.

Chris Riley, Bkejwanong Council Member Mr. Riley noted that he is the Aboriginal Liaison for the Lambton Kent District School

Board. He spoke to the traditional territory and noted that he was here to support. We are all Nishnawbe but consultation needs to be done because there is more than one territory.

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Questions of clarification:

It was questioned if what is being proposed is the same as what is being used in the Lambton Kent schools. Mr. Riley noted that it is not, but it does fall in line. He noted that the four First Nations communities in the district meet to consult with each other regarding issues. It is an ongoing relationship.

It was questioned if it would be better to have a broader approach around the acknowledgement. Mr. Riley noted that we are on track. Nishnawbe is inclusive of all tribes but he suggested that as an FNMI community consultation with other First Nation communities would be a good idea to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Kim and Brad John re Notice of Motion Trustee Burgess Ms. John noted that Mr. John is from the Niagara First Nations and he is a member of Traditional Council, as well as the GECDSB Indigenous Parent Committee. She noted that the first time they were advised of the Notices of Motion was on February 4th. She acknowledged the work that has been done to date. She noted concern with the lack of consultation that was done prior to these notices of motion coming forward. She noted that there is lots of advice given on the Ministry of Education’s website with respect to consultation. There may be instances when an individual comes forward and only speaks for a select group. She noted that Boards may find it challenging to understand the politics of FNMI. We feel as IPC committee members that this was not brought forward in a timely fashion to determine how this should look. We support the nature of motions but we feel it should be deferred for further consultation. There was no time to bring this forward to traditional council for their input. Any opening or indigenous protocol need to address all children – it needs to be inclusive. It was questioned if Nishnawbe is inclusive of all First Nation children in this area. Ms.

John responded that it is not.

Katrina Elchami re Notice of Motion Trustee Sartori See attached presentation. K. SPEAKER’S LIST Mike Cardinal

Mr. Cardinal noted that he is the chair of the “Our West End Neighbourhood Renewal” community group. Spoke to the fact that the trust the community in Sandwich Towne had has been violated.

Jan Peters

Ms. Peters noted that she was speaking on behalf of Chief Hillier. She noted that traditional territories is something all First Nations cherish. Many overlap because our people wandered all over Canada and the United States. Caldwell First Nations settled in Point Pelee and Pelee Island area. Essex County up to Long Pointe is our traditional territory.

Beth Cook

Ms. Cook noted through her work on the IPC there is a need for the Indigenous Parent Committee to be a recognized committee of the board. She noted that the draft IPC bylaws includes trustee representation.

Patrick Mullen Mr. Mullin is a resident of Sandwich Towne. He spoke to the sale of Forster.

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Melanie Paul Tanovich See attached. Rebecca Robinson Spoke to the closure of Harrow Tim Smeltzer Spoke to the closure of Harrow Bill Caixeiro See attached. Sherry Bondy See attached. Chairperson Buckler moved to timed items.

N. TRUSTEE QUESTION PERIOD

Trustee Burgess requested clarification on the date for A Day in the Life. Superintendent C. Howitt noted that it will be held on April 5th.

O. NOTICES OF MOTION

Trustee Simko-Hatfield noted that she would move, or caused to be moved at the next public board meeting:

THAT ALL TRUSTEE APPOINTMENTS OR ELECTIONS TO OUR VARIOUS COMMITTEES, POSITIONS AS DETERMINED THROUGH THE ORG MEETING AND THE STRIKING COMMITTEE BE LIMITED TO 2 YEARS.

Trustee Simko-Hatfield noted that she would move, or caused to be moved at the next public board meeting:

TO DEMONSTRATE INCLUSIVENESS RATHER THAN SUPPORTING CONTINUED SEPARATION AND TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE FACT THAT TRUSTEES SERVE THE NEEDS OF A REGIONAL BOARD, ALL REFERENCES TO CITY/COUNTY TRUSTEE BE REMOVED AS AN ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR A TRUSTEE TO SIT AS A MEMBER, REPRESENTATIVE, ALTERNATE OR ANY OTHER POSITION WITHIN OUR BOARD COMMITTEES, APPOINTMENTS OR ANY OTHER ORGANIZATION AS SET OUT IN OUR BY-LAWS, BOARD POLICIES OR ANY OTHER REFERENCE THAT INCLUDES THIS ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA.

P. ANNOUNCEMENTS

Trustee McKinley noted that Kindergarten registration has started. Open houses will be held tomorrow evening. Chairperson Buckler noted that the Secondary Social Justice Forum will be held Wednesday and the Elementary Social Justice Forum will be held on Thursday.

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L. NEW BUSINESS

L.1 School Year Calendar

Moved by Trustee Simko-Hatfield Seconded by Trustee Sartori THAT THE GREATER ESSEX COUNTY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD APPROVE THE SCHOOL YEAR CALENDARS FOR 2016-2017 AS SUBMITTED BY THE SCHOOLS UNDER ITS JURISDICTION.

The vote was called and it CARRIED.

L.2 School Consolidation Capital Priorities and New Construction of Child Care

Moved by Trustee Kilpatrick Seconded by Trustee Halberstadt

THAT THE BOARD APPROVE THE SUBMISSION OF THE SCHOOL CONSOLIDATION CAPITAL PROJECTS FOR THE 2015/16 YEAR. It was questioned how much money the province will be allocating to new

projects. Superintendent Lynd noted that she would confirm the amount and report back.

The vote was called and it CARRIED. L.3 Capital Projects Costs (as of August 31, 2015) and Debenturing of Capital Projects

through the Ontario Financing Authority

Moved by Trustee Taves Seconded by Trustee Le Clair

THAT THE BOARD APPROVE THE ATTACHED SCHEDULE OF NEW PUPIL

PLACES ELIGIBLE PROJECTS TOTALING $931,794 AND APPROVE THESE AMOUNTS TO BE LONG-TERM FINANCED.

THAT THE BOARD APPROVE THE ATTACHED SCHEDULE OF CONSOLIDATED

CAPITAL ELIGIBLE PROJECTS TOTALING $19,205,573 AND APPROVE THESE AMOUNTS TO BE LONG-TERM FINANCED.

The vote was called and it CARRIED. L.4 Long Term Financing of Capital Projects By-law #29 (February 2016)

Moved by Trustee Taves Seconded by Trustee Le Clair

THAT THE BOARD ENACT A BY-LAW #29 (FEBRUARY 2016) PURSUANT TO A LOAN AGREEMENT UNDER SECTION 7 OF ONTARIO REGULATION 41/10

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AUTHORIZING THE ENTRY BY THE BOARD INTO THE LONG TERM BORROWING (25 YEARS) OF TWENTY MILLION ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY SEVEN THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED AND SIXTY SEVEN DOLLARS ($20,137,367) FOR ELIGIBLE PROJECTS BY WAY OF A LOAN FROM THE ONTARIO FINANCING AUTHORITY AND ALL OTHER DOCUMENTATION AS ATTACHED.

The vote was called and it CARRIED. L.5 Notice of Motion – Trustee Sartori

Moved by Trustee Sartori Seconded by Trustee McKinley

THAT THE BOARD HOLD A PUBLIC INFORMATION SESSION IN SANDWICH TOWNE REGARDING THE SALE OF FORSTER. As the mover of the motion, Trustee Sartori noted that it is important to recognize

and live up to our responsibilities to our community. Many of the residents in the west end were surprised by the sale of Forster. The intent of the motion is to hold a public meeting to build public confidence. She noted that it should be a board sanctioned meeting because it was a decision of the board.

It was noted that trustees made a hard decision based on all of the facts and information provided. We acted with ethical stewardship. We mitigated litigation and we received fair market value for the property. We did ask the tough questions. We cannot control the fate of a property once it is sold. We followed the necessary protocols. There is no additional information that would be shared.

Concern was expressed that there is not enough information on what the meeting would look like.

The vote was called and it DEFEATED. Support: McKinley, Lovell, Burgess, Halberstadt, Sartori Opposed: Taves, Le Clair, Buckler, Simko-Hatfield, Kilpatrick, Student Trustee Pena Vallecillo (Non binding) L.6 Notice of Motion – Trustee Burgess

Moved by Trustee Burgess Seconded by Trustee Sartori

THAT THE GECDSB ADOPT THE PRACTICE TO FORMALLY ACKNOWLEDGE THE INDIGENOUS LANDS ON WHICH WE CONDUCT OUR BUSINESS AT THE CALL TO ORDER OF OUR PUBLIC MEETINGS. AN ACCEPTABLE EXAMPLE OF THIS WOULD BE, BUT NOT LIMITED TO: “THE GREATER ESSEX COUNTY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD ACKNOWLEDGES THAT WE ARE ON THE TRADITIONAL LANDS OF THE THREE FIRES CONFEDERACY – A COUNCIL OF THE OJIBWE, ODAWA & POTAWATOMI PEOPLES.” As the mover of the motion, Trustee Burgess noted that the most important words

in the motion are “but not limited to”. She noted that she had done lots of consultation and this has been her work for many years. Acknowledging traditional lands is not the same as acknowledging the many nations who live and

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reside in this area now. Ancestral lands are different. She noted that all of the lands are Nishnawbe lands. She noted that this is not about excluding anyone, it is about recognizing the traditional ancestral lands. Trustee Burgess noted that she had respectful dialogue among chiefs, elders and community members.

Moved by Trustee Kilpatrick Seconded by Trustee Le Clair THAT THE MOTION BE DEFERRED. Trustee Kilpatrick noted that based on the request from the delegations and

individuals who have emailed and made phone calls to trustees requesting more consultation, the motion needs to be deferred.

Trustee Burgess noted that this has been deferred for years. There is no impediment to supporting this motion.

The vote was called on the deferral and it CARRIED.

Moved by Trustee Sartori Seconded by Trustee Le Clair

THAT THE MEETING CONTINUE BEYOND 11:00 P.M.

There was not unanimous consent to continue the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 11:00 p.m. Q. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business before the Board, Chairperson Buckler adjourned the meeting at 11:00 p.m.

C. BUCKLER CHAIRPERSON OF THE BOARD

E. KELLY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION