Committee of the Whole: February 7, 2023
The Committee of the Whole Meeting for the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board took place on February 7, 2023. Staff brought forward four reports with one recommendation for discussion.
I voted in favour of the School Year Calendar: Key Dates. This report outlines the recommended 2023-2024 elementary and secondary school year calendars for the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. The 2023 to 2024 calendar will be largely like previous years. The report was passed at the Committee of the Whole Meeting and will now be brought to the Board Meeting on February 28, 2023, for the final vote.
Staff sought input on draft revisions on Policy P.029.SCO Field Trips, Excursions, Educational Tours, and Student Exchanges. The proposed policy revision includes a statement regarding the duty to accommodate all students and eliminate barriers. I asked staff the following (timestamp 53:00:00):
Have you had any feedback about removing the consultation with School Councils?
No, we have not heard any feedback about removing the consultation. We could bring forward the change to the Parent Involvement Council.
Do you have any plans in place to consult on field trips on a school-by-school basis?
All field trips have requirements of parent and student meetings for those interested. All trips are voluntary.
Staff provided an update on the specialized program class referral and placement process for the 2022-2023 school year and represents an important source of data to inform planning and decision-making regarding support and services for students with complex special needs.
Staff brought forward the latest iteration of the strategic plan environmental scan. The school board is in the process of developing a new strategic plan for 2023 to 2027. The goal is to create a meaningful plan for OCDSB students, families, staff, and community members. There are multiple ways to share your priorities with both me and the school board for what you want to see in your strategic plan. More information can be found on the webpage here.
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, if you would like to hear the full answers from staff please watch the recording of the meeting here. 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 February 7, 2023
Agenda for the Committee of the Whole on February 7, 2023
Report on School Year Calendar: Key Dates
Report on Field Trips Tier 2 Policy Revisions
Report on Specialized Program Class Referral Information 2022-2023
Environmental Scan for the 2023 to 2027 OCDSB Strategic Plan.
Website for the 2023 to 2027 Strategic Plan Planning Process
News release on the consultation opportunities for input into the Strategic Plan.
