Edited by: Kimberly Hopps.
After the playing of O Canada, the meeting kicks off:
Chairperson Piatkowski (Chair) acknowledges that it is Halloween night, and thanks the trustees for taking time to be in the meeting. Chair then asks; with regards to the agenda, do we need to bring up the final in-camera item forward for information? Seeing no response, he decides to move to approve the agenda. Chair thinks Trustees Watson and Herring move and second it when in fact, Watson wants to bring up a point regarding folio five. Chair notes that it will be addressed under consent agenda. Chair asks if still comfortable moving the agenda itself (Moved by Herring, seconded by Weston, Watson opposed).
Trustee Meissner calls to clarify that these are minutes just received. It was clarified by staff that Watson was in order to proceed.
Trustee Watson then states that the minutes read “trustee Watson was called to order for interjection deemed to question the integrity of staff on noting a question is asked and response to be provided at a later time”. She explains that her response was not noted in the minutes, and she reiterates her response. She did not question the integrity of staff, but was asking why an answer that was previously readily available, is no longer available?
The response trustee Watson receives is that since she did not formally request to reevaluate Chair 's decision, only Chair's point of order is required to be recorded in the minutes and not her response.
Watson then attempts to follow up and is interrupted by Chair stating that her question was answered. She continues raising the point that she is constantly interrupted when she is making statements that don't agree with the majority. She states she does not want statements that sound like Chair is casting judgements in the minutes.
Chair asks for motion to accept that part of the minutes (moved by Woodcock/seconded by Weston, Watson opposed)
Next, declarations of pecuniary interest. Watson has a pecuniary interest in regard to the previous in-camera session, noted by Chair. No declarations in the public session.
Under Announcements, Chair mentions regrets from Trustees Ramsey and Whetham.
Under Celebrating Board activities, Trustee Herring mentions the commencement of Glenview Park S.S.
Alana Russel (Chief Communications Officer) presents the Good News Update, which had many highlights including the opening of Oak Creek P.S., Acorn the Squirrel Mascot, Graduation rate increase (4yr Grad 68% to 76.5%, 5yr Grad 81% to 85.9%), and the Student Census, among other highlights. The presentation concludes with playing of the student census video. Trustees Herring and Meissner commend the Comms team and Thank Russel.
There are no delegations and no items for staff follow-up.
Next, Pam Kaur presents a scheduled report on the Inclement Weather procedure. The report highlights the return to pre-pandemic procedures.
Trustee Watson asks a question about the difference between scenarios 1-4 of the procedure. Kaur attempts to answer but misunderstands the question, and Watson clarifies her question as a follow-up. Coordinating Superintendent Gerrard explains there are many factors that constitute the difference and asks that this conversation be taken offline.
Trustee Weston asks for a clarification about access to Chromebooks for students. Kaur responds that this is a challenge since the decision on inclement weather is made on the morning of. Trustee Meissner clarifies that Asynchronous learning is not a requirement and Kaur agrees.
Chair mentions he forgot to make the announcement that Nick Landry is appointed as Temp. Treasurer until Jan 2023, or until the position of Coordinating Superintendent is filled.
Next, discussion on two board reports take place.
Under the first (folio 25 - Trustee self-evaluation), Watson reads report data showing that about a third of the board strongly disagrees that trustees are working on their relationships. She asks if this should be discussed or is it just for presentation purposes. Trustee Miller quickly responds that the data can be read to sound any way based on the intention, and states that a lot of effort was made in this direction and that the data is for the new board to work with. Woodcock agrees and adds that themes from the report have been identified by the committee in folio 30. Trustee Herring concludes that these numbers have been the same for some time and that the board’s effort in this regard has not been successful, hopes the new board will improve.
Student Trustees Soror and Raina make a presentation about the student round table held on October 13th with politician, Laura Mae Lindo. the student trustees make the following four recommendations: 1) Revision of the Civics curriculum, 2) Politics to be brought to students in classrooms, 3) WRDSB social media team to get students more involved in politics, and 4) To create a Student Government system. Trustees Tremble and Woodcock commend the student trustees on their efforts.
Under correspondence, Chair mentions five letters included in folio 32. No questions or comments received.
Finally, under general questions, Trustee Woodcock mentions that student absences are up due to sickness and wonders if the board can get a report. coordinating Super Intendant Gerrard answers that a report will be provided once staff has the data.
There are no future agenda items.
Chair asks for motion to adjourn. (Moved by Herring, seconded by Weston)
Meeting adjourned.
Meeting video
WRDSB Board Meeting summary
Interesting to read the suggestions for more politics in education, brought forth by NDP involvement.
Thank you Ahmed for our efforts in informing and keeping so connected!