Board Meeting: September 24, 2024
The Board meeting for the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board took place on September 24, 2024. Staff brought forward 4 reports with 4 recommendations for discussion.
Coming out of the Ad Hoc Policy Review Meeting, I voted in favour of the recommendations in Report 24-099, Recession of Board Policy P.048.GOV Board Guiding Principles which brought forward the recession of Board Policy P.048.GOV Board Guiding Principles. The proposed rescission is consistent with the Board’s policy review and development process and supports a commitment to effective governance since this policy content is redundant and directly mirrors the language set forth in Policy P.012.GOV Board Governance. The recommendations were carried in the consent agenda.
Coming out of the Ad Hoc Policy Review Meeting, I voted in favour of the recommendations as amended in Report 24-104, Revisions to Policy 0.018.GOV Electronic Meetings of the Board and Committees which brought forward changes due to Ontario Regulation 436.97. The Ministry of Education made amendments to the regulation to “promote and enhance accountability, transparency, and fairness by adding new exceptions to the in-person presence requirement that applies to Trustees.” Although I strongly disagree with the creation of this regulation from the provincial government, we are required as a school board to update Policy 0.018.GOV Electronic Meetings of the Board and Committees.
During the discussion, I voted in favour of an amendment to add four definitions to the Revisions to Policy 0.018.GOV Electronic Meetings of the Board and Committees:
“Disability means a) any degree of physical disability, infirmity, malformation or disfigurement that is caused by bodily injury, birth defect or illness and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, a brain injury, any degree of paralysis, amputation, lack of physical coordination, blindness or visual impediment, deafness or hearing impediment, muteness or speech impediment, or physical reliance on a guide dog or other animal or on a wheelchair or other remedial appliance or device; b) a condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability; c) a learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language; d) a mental disorder; or e) an injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997. The definition includes disabilities of different severity, visible as well as non-visible disabilities, and disabilities the effects of which may come and go.
Weather conditions refers to a variety of inclement weather occurrences and similar uncontrollable events, including extreme high or low temperatures, lightning, hail, heavy rain, flooding, tornado/hurricane warnings, blizzards, ice storms, and any weather or could create unsafe road conditions or significant driving delays.
Health-related issues means physical or mental conditions, illnesses, or symptoms that may impair an individual's ability to attend or participate in meetings, or that could pose a risk to the health and safety of others.
Family responsibilities mean essential duties such as providing care, supervision, or emotional support to family members in situations involving illness, education, childcare, or other necessary family-related activities, including activities necessary to provide financially for family.”
The amendments were carried. The recommendations as amended were carried.
Please note, that the opinions expressed here are entirely my own and do not reflect an official position of the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board or the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board of Trustees. Please note answers from staff are paraphrased, the recording can be found here if you would like to watch the entire meeting. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me using my contact form here.
Key links
Video for the Board Meeting on September 24, 2024
Agenda for the Board Meeting on September 24, 2024
Report 24-099, Recession of Board Policy P.048.GOV Board Guiding Principles
Report 24-104, Revisions to Policy 0.018.GOV Electronic Meetings of the Board and Committees
Appendix B: Revised Policy
Appendix C: Ontario Regulation 436.97
