Committee of the Whole: April 4, 2023
The Committee of the Whole Meeting for the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board took place on April 4, 2023. Staff brought forward four reports with two recommendations and a Trustee brought forward a motion.
Report 23-025, Policy Review Update brought two options to facilitate the modernization of the school board’s policy review process. Option one was an Ad Hoc Committee which would be an as-needed meeting consisting of appointed trustees to review and provide policy input. Option two was a Committee of the Whole Policy meeting which would be a regular, permanent Standing Committee of all trustees and non-voting members to review and provide input on policies.
During the discussion of the report, a trustee moved a recommendation that the School Board establish the Committee of the Whole policy model as set out as option 2 in Report 23-025. I voted in favour of the recommendation that the board establish the Committee of the Whole policy model. Policies are the backbone of the School Board and govern how we educate our communities. In my opinion, this review warrants a standing meeting so that all School Board Trustees and the non-voting committee of the whole members can have a healthy discussion about the policies. The recommendation that the School Board establish the Committee of the Whole policy model as option 2 in Report 23-025 did not pass.
Staff recommended option one, that the School Board establish an Ad Hoc Policy Review Committee. During the discussion, two amendments were brought forward for discussion.
A trustee moved an amendment to include non-voting representatives from the Indigenous Education Council, the Advisory Committee on Equity, the Parent Involvement Council, the Special Education Advisory Committee, and the Ottawa Carleton Assembly School Councils. During the discussion, a trustee moved a sub-amendment to remove the Parent Involvement Council and the Ottawa Carleton Assembly of School Councils. This was not considered a friendly sub-amendment. I voted in favour of this sub-amendment. During the discussion, the mandate of the Parent Involvement Council and the Ottawa Carleton Assembly of School Councils was discussed, and I believed they were outside of the scope of the Ad Hoc Policy Review Committee. The sub-amendment did not pass.
I voted in favour of the amendment to include non-voting representatives from the Indigenous Education Council, the Advisory Committee on Equity, the Parent Involvement Council, the Special Education Advisory Committee, and the Ottawa Carleton Assembly School Councils. I believe it is instrumental in our policy decision-making to include members with diverse perspectives to ensure our policies are inclusive and serve our school community. The amendment passed.
A trustee moved an amendment that all members of the Board be entitled to attend meetings of the Ad Hoc Policy Review Committee, to receive all materials circulated to the committee, and to participate in debate, including the making of motions and voting. This amendment was considered friendly and was carried out during the discussion.
I voted in favour of the recommendation that the board establish an Ad Hoc Policy Review Committee with the inclusion of the two amendments above. The motion passed.
I voted in favour of the recommendation on that the revisions to policy P.019.GOV Special Education Advisory Committee, attached as Appendix A to Report 23-027, be approved. The revision moves that the composition of the Special Education Advisory Committee be amended to include members who represent the interests of Indigenous students with special education needs. I believe it is important to have representation for the Indigenous community, where possible, to help our Indigenous students and bring their unique voices to the table. The motion passed.
I voted in favour of the motion that the Board of Trustees adopt changes to Policy P.113.GOV Student Senate as outlined in Appendix A and the student senate revisits the changes to P.113.GOV Student Senate between September 2023 and June 2024, with the intent to make a recommendation on the changes. The Student Senate promotes students' voices and encourages students to consider opportunities for student governance. This group of student leaders brought forward amendments to the policy to include and promote opportunities for students particularly in grade 9 and grade to consider opportunities for longer student leadership opportunities. The work of these students to be more inclusive and amend their governing policies brings me a lot of hope for our leaders of tomorrow. The motion passed.
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. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me using my contact form here.
Key links
Video for the Committee of the Whole on April 4, 2023
Agenda for the Committee of the Whole on April 4, 2023
Report 23-025, Policy Review Update
Report 23-027, Approval of Revisions to Policy P.019.GOV Special Education Advisory Committee
Notice of Motion, Re: Amendments to Policy P.113.GOV Student Senate
Report 23-018, Review of Policy P.073.GOV Board Member Code of Conduct
Report 23-029, Strategic Planning Presentation: Consultation Report
