Public Board Meeting - October 11, 2011

This is my first attempt to do a live blog from the public board meeting. The comments below are my understanding what was discussed. Feel free to ask for clarification about what was discussed if I'm not clear.

Meeting started & 7:00 pm

Superintendent Lewis reported on the Organization of Classes.

Consultations re Bill 33 have concluded at the elementary schools. Consultations at the high school level take place all year long.

Impacts of Ministry Funding levels - limited flexibility due to legislative requirements. Add back budget has provide limited relief to the impact of Budget Directions.

Superintendent Lewis went through the high schools and showed the schools that were over 30 and the rational. These will be posted on the MoE website once approved by the BoD.

Argyle 77 classes over 30 (last year 92)

Carson Graham 113 classes over 30 (last year 110)

Handsworth 54 classes over 30 (last year 70)

Seycove 30 classes over 30 (last year 64)

Sutherland 9 classes over 30 (last year 50)

Windsor 52 classes over 30 (last year 51)

Trustee Bouman asked question regarding a math teacher having 6 classes over 30 students...How does this teacher reach every student.

Trustee Buchanan asked about advocacy to the ministry about more flexibility with class size

Trustee Stratton asked about how many teachers would it take to bring class size down....about 5 to the elementary schools and 15 teachers to the secondary schools if budget premitted.

Organization of Classes Report - The report is in compliance with the School Act Requirements.

Class Organization Fund - The district should receive about 3%. About $900,000 in the first year to offset Bill 27/28. This is outside of the negotiations.

Report approved.

Recap on the Towards the Future for Schools Standing Committee from October 4.

Recap on Education and Programs Standing Committee from this afternoon at 4.

- Career Education & Development Advisory Committee Report presented - 4 goals.

- Discussion on School Calendar for 2012/2013. The Executive will let us know by Friday if the district will move forward with the 30 day public consultation.

Oct 25 - Public Board Meeting - Board Office

Nov 1 - Finance & Facilities Standing Committee 7:00 pm - LMCC

Nov 15 - Public Board Meeting 7:00 - Board Office

Nov 22 - Education & Programs Standing Committee 7:00 pm - LMCC

Dec 6 - Public Board Meeting (Inaugural) - 7:00 pm - LMCC

Meeting adjourned - 8:30 pm