Committee of the Whole: November 21, 2023
The Committee of the Whole Meeting for the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board took place on November 21, 2023, with me as chair. Staff brought forward two reports with two recommendations and a Trustee brought forward a notice of motion for discussion.
A Notice of Motion on a Needs-Based Budget was brought forward for action. A needs-based budget is a data-informed approach to developing a budget in anticipation of receiving the Grants for Students Needs which incorporates commitments made by the District and the organization’s needs. Due to a lengthy discussion a motion of deferral to the Committee of the Whole meeting scheduled for December 5, 2023, was brought forward during the discussion. I voted in favour of the motion of deferral.
Report 23-083, Education Development Charges Policy Statement Efficiencies in Taking Land for School Sites, was brought forward for discussion. This report outlines the recent legislative initiatives respecting efficiencies in taking land for school sites within a new 2024 Education Development Charges By-Law. Two public meetings are scheduled in January 2024 to present, discuss, and receive feedback regarding the Education Development Charges. Once the public meetings are conducted, we expect the report to come back to the Committee of the Whole for an update.
Report 23-085, 2019 to 2023 Strategic Plan Final Measurement Report was brought forward for discussion. This report provides an overview of key accomplishments, evidence of impact and opportunities for growth under the previous Strategic Plan. I asked one question of staff and brought forward one comment during the discussion (timestamp: 2:27):
Is this going to be the model, especially the metrics and tracking we will be using for the next Strategic Plan?
Answer: There will be some differences in the next Strategic Plan. Slightly different approach next round. More detailed reports will be brought forward and will look further backwards.As we look forward and look at the next strategic plan, quantifying what we are measuring is super important and creates transparency with the public. I understand we do not want to showcase if we are underachieving or if we have not hit our marks but I also want to celebrate the successes of the District. So for example, when we say that we have reduced wait times for Autism Spectrum Disorders ASD team referrals how much is that reduced? Is it a significant amount, or is it one minute? As we move into the next Strategic Plan reporting I will be asking more specific metric measurements such as this example.
Response: Some of these specific metrics have been linked and reported on in different reports. We are going to strike a balance between how deep the metric reporting is for the Strategic Plan and how to present the metrics.
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 Committee of the Whole on November 21, 2023
Agenda for the Committee of the Whole on November 21, 2023
Notice of Motion, Needs-Based Budget
Report 23-083, Education Development Charges Policy Statement – Efficiencies in Taking Land for School Sites
Report No. 23-085, 2019-2023 Strategic Plan Final Measurement Report
