reconvened meeting of the emsb parents …...feb 07, 2019 · david benoit presented a draft...

PC Minutes February 2019 Page: 1

Meeting #03 2018-2019

While the members waited for quorum to be achieved, 2 members are on their way, Livia Nassivera presented the members the budget building process.

Quorum was achieved at 7:20 pm.

RECONVENED MEETING OF THE EMSB PARENTS COMMITTEE HELD IN THE LAURENCE PATTERSON ROOM OF THE EMSB, 6000 FIELDING AVE., MONTREAL

ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2019 AT 7:00 P.M.

EMSB PARENTS COMMITTEE DELEGATES / ALTERNATES

FOR A LIST OF MEMBERS PRESENT SEE NEXT PAGE In order to convene the February meeting the January meeting must be adjourned seeing that quorum was lost at the end of the last meeting. 15. ADJOURNMENT (1 MIN)

It moved by David Benoit, seconded by Pietro Mercuri and resolved to adjourn the January 10th meeting. Vote: 18-0-9 (L. Reindler and M. Mughal not present) Motion Carried

Joseph Bondi Chair Caroline Phaneuf Brigida Sellato Vice-Chair Consultant/Secretary


Meeting #04 2018-2019

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE EMSB PARENTS COMMITTEE HELD IN THE LAURENCE PATTERSON ROOM OF THE EMSB, 6000 FIELDING AVE., MONTREAL

ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2019 AT 7:00 P.M.

EMSB PARENTS COMMITTEE DELEGATES / ALTERNATES ACSES Mubeenah Mughal Michelangelo Pietro Mercuri Cedarcrest Raymond Ayas Nesbitt Glen Jensen Coronation Alt. Jerlyne Ronzales Our Lady of Pompei Alt Anthony Cristofaro Dante Joseph Varga Parkdale Caleigh Saucier Edinburgh Caroline Phaneuf Pierre de Coubertin Johnny Petrecca General Vanier Jason Trudeau Pierre E. Trudeau Marie-Hélène Bédard Gerald McShane Joe Rossi Royal Vale Alt Andrea Batsis Hampstead Katherine Korakakis St. Dorothy Milan Cardone John F. Kennedy Johnny Leoci St. Gabriel David Benoit John Paul I Mickey Lemme St. Monica Peter Papastratis LINKS Samantha Dudok Vincent Massey Mario Pietrangelo Leonardo da Vinci Tony Speranza Westmount Park Sophie Antippa Lester B. Pearson Alt. Franco Mazzariello Westmount Antonio Crespo Marymount Andrew Ross Willingdon Lucas Reindler Merton Michael Gonshor

REGRETS/ABSENT Bancroft Dean Stamler Laurenhill Barry Rolbin Carlyle Sabrina Pagano Laurier Macdonald Sophie Di Vito Coronation Ravi Singh Chevvan Lester B. Pearson Benny Berneti Dalkeith No delegate Mackay Caroline Elias Dunrae Gardens Joseph Bondi MIND Stefanie Novick East Hill Adrienne Taylor Our Lady of Pompei Arthur Fabio Gallucci Edward Murphy Stacey Birmingham Philip E. Layton Roynette MacIntyre Elizabeth Ballantyne Maria Orjuela Rosemount Costa Carrara FACE Alyssa Kuzmarov Roslyn Catherine Forbes Gardenview Walter Ninzatti Royal Vale Mark Ellenbogen Honore Mercier Joseph Di Liello Royal West Norm Gharibian John Caboto Richard O’Doherty Sinclair Laird Amanda Liste John Grant Sabrina Lawrence

ALSO PRESENT: EMSB John Pevec, Regional Director, East Brigida Sellato, Communications Consultant

GUESTS Joe Ortona, Vice Chairman, EMSB Livia Nassivera, Director, Financial Services

ALSO PRESENT: OTHER PARENT MEMBERS George Varelas, Parent Gardenview


1. OPENING REMARKS

The Vice-Chair, Caroline Phaneuf welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order at 7:20 pm. The vice-chair asked that everyone stay on topic and they would try to make better time in order to get through the whole agenda. She also asked that everyone get one question to start and then following the speakers list a member can ask another question in order to give everyone a chance to speak.

2. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA FOR FEBRUARY 7TH It was moved by Pietro Mercuri, seconded by Sophie Antippa that the agenda be accepted with the following modifications; 7.1 Table the item delegate not present 7.3 Consultation: Renewal of Article 240 Status for Royal Vale, Royal West and Vincent Massey 7.4 Registration Week at Elementary Schools 7.5 Update on Meeting with Regard to Wearing of Religious Symbols Vote: 27-0-0 (L. Reindler and M. Mughal not present) Motion Carried

7:29 pm L. Reindler arrived 3. FIRST QUESTION PERIOD

George Varelas thanked the members for adding registration to the agenda as there are concerns with parents lining up overnight at various schools. He also asked a question with regard to the legal fees paid for the Chairman of the Board. John Pevec replied to his concern that the best venue for this question is the Council meeting.

4. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON JANUARY 10, 2019 It was moved by Raymond Ayas, seconded by Caleigh Saucier that the minutes be accepted as presented. Vote: 20-0-8 (M. Mughal not present) Motion Carried

5. PRESENTATIONS: 5.1 BUDGET BUILDING PROCESS 2019-2020- L. NASSIVERA, DIRECTOR, FINANCIAL SERVICES

Livia Nassivera presented the members with the changes to the budget building process and answered quested by the members present. 5.1.2 CONSULTATION RESPONSE (DUE FEBRUARY 22) Guiding Principles: I. Agree II. Agree III. Agree IV. Reword to: When evaluating capital expenditures, priority shall be given to projects that significantly reduce operating expenses. V. Agree VI. Agree VII. Agree VIII. Agree IX. Agree X. Agree XI. Agree It was moved by Tony Speranza seconded by Jason Trudeau and unanimously resolved that the recommended Guiding Principles be accepted. Vote: 28-0-0 (M. Mughal not present) Motion Carried

Budget Priorities 1- Increase the current staffing ratios, for professionals (Psychologists, Speech & Language

Pathologists, Guidance Counselors) resource teachers, , A&T and behavioral technicians taking into consideration services to all students from advanced learners to special need students and tailoring services according to individual school needs.

2- Increase the funding for literacy and numeracy in all cycles prioritizing on early intervention.


3- Invest and improve in the development of programs to promote physical and mental health in children with a focus on prevention initiatives in early childhood and early adolescence.

4- Invest and improve in new and ever-changing technologies in all schools. To be maintained and

supported by an increase in technicians. Curb waiting time in accessing assistive technology tools

5- Improve the physical learning environment for students by; - Increase funding for security, health and safety - Increase funding for building maintenance, capability improvements and upgrading projects - Increase funding for snow and ice removal in common areas - Increase funding for necessary space to accommodate for overcrowding - Increase the funding and accelerate the pace for building adaptations in order to ensure

accessibility to all levels and facilities for students and staff with physical disabilities 6- Increase the budget and the professional development to special initiatives that schools deliver in

order to implement and maintain them as proficiently as possible. Including but not limited to; STEAM, IB, Sport Etude, Advanced Placement, Success for All, PELO

7- Increase the per capita allocation on an equitable basis. 8- Create a specific budget for the ongoing marketing of all high schools for student retention after

grade 6 to increase enrolment starting in grade 4. 9- Ensure food programs are maintained throughout the year without compromise to nutritional

guidelines. It was moved by Tony Speranza seconded by Katherine Korakakis and resolved that the recommended Budget Priorities be accepted. Vote: 28-0-0 (M. Mughal not present) Motion Carried

6. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

6.1 SCHOOL FEES – SURVEY- P. MERCURI Pietro Mercuri advised the members that it might be easier for the PC to come up with a point of view that can be expressed publicly by categorizing the items and services that are offered regarding school fees. If you've already filled out the government survey, the last page is dedicated to asking for three or four guiding principles that could be verbalized. The EMSBPC's position should be in the same format that is several principles that would shed light on what we think is acceptable. To make it easier, the PC can express those principles in light of several categories of item or service for which parents have paid in the past. example: a) Supplies (pens, pencils, copy books, art supplies, etc...) b) Course related items (Printed workbooks, photocopies, lab coats, earphones, musical instruments, technology, etc...) c) School Program related items (IBO fees, Sports Study fees, Art & Music concentration fees, admission test fees, etc...) d) School Activities (can be broken down into activities that enhance the learning outcome like museum field trips and guest speakers, or "fun activities" like carnivals, school dances, ped day outings)

Motion to strike a sub-committee to determine school fee guidelines: Whereas the topic of school fees has come up at various Parent Committees (Regional and Central); Whereas there was a recent public consultation launched by the MEES to obtain feedback from the public; Whereas the EMSBPC wishes to communicate to the MEES guidelines that reflect what our parent stakeholders feel is acceptable in terms of school fees; Whereas having a round table discussion to determine these guidelines would occupy much time during a regular meeting;


Whereas a sub-committee could convene to draft a document that would serve a base for discussion at a subsequent regular EMSBPC meeting; It was moved by Pietro Mercuri and seconded by David Benoit to strike a sub-committee to draft a “guiding principles” document with reference to school fees. Vote: 27-0-1 (M. Mughal not present) Motion Carried Volunteers to the sub-committee: Pietro Mercuri, Katherine Korakakis, David Benoit, Raymond Ayas

7. NEW BUSINESS 7.1 FRENCH PROGRAMS- A. KUZMAROV The delegate that brought this topic asked to table the item as they were not able to attend the meeting.

8:35 pm M. Mughal arrived 7.2 CONSULTATION: ANNEX FOR EDINBURGH/WILLINGDON/MERTON David Benoit presented a draft resolution for the members; WHEREAS The EMSB Council adopted Resolution #19-01-16-3.2 approving, for the purpose of consultation, the amended proposal made by the Long Range Planning Committee for the former St. Ignatius building, to be used as an annex of another school; WHEREAS The EMSB Council adopted Resolution #18-10-24-10.2 approving, for the purpose of consultation, the proposal made by the Long Range Planning Committee for the former St. Ignatius building to be used for a new Francais Plus School; WHEREAS The EMSB Council adopted Resolution #18-10-24-10.1 approving, for the purpose of consultation, the proposal made by the Long Range Planning Committee to temporarily relocate the population of Westmount Park Elementary school, citing that: “Parents would be able to have all of their children at one site versus having juniors in one building and seniors in another which would complicate parent pick-up and daycare. This would facilitate daycare and drop-off and pick-up.” further citing that: “Siblings would travel on the same school bus. Older siblings would still look after younger ones.” WHEREAS A great number of students currently attending Edinburgh, Merton, and Willingdon schools live within the following distance of the St. Ignatius building confirming it as a reasonable option for the parents of those students; WHEREAS Enrollment of a reasonable subset the aforementioned student population in a new school established in the former St. Ignatius building could provide significant relief to overcrowding at Edinburgh, Merton, and Willingdon schools; WHEREAS The EMSB hopes to attract enrollment at a new school from new students in addition to those already enrolled in EMSB schools; WHEREAS The EMSB Parent Committee (EMSBPC) was consulted and provided written feedback to the board, and presented its recommendation regarding #18-10-24-10.2 at a public hearing on Wednesday, January 9, 2019, to the Council of Commissioners; WHEREAS The EMSBPC believes that these recommendations are still the best option for students, parents, and the board; IT WAS MOVED by David Benoit, seconded by Jason Trudeau that the EMSPC rejects the proposal from the Long Range Planning Committee set forth in Resolution #19-01-16-3.2 as it does not respect the tenet of keeping school populations at one site whenever possible; IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that the EMSBPC re-asserts its recommendations communicated in its response to #18-10-24-10.2 - that the board move forward with, and accelerate, the initial plan to open a new Francais Plus School in the former St. Ignatius building;


IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that the ESMBPC recommends that the board closely evaluate the effect on enrollment at the aforementioned schools over a period of 5 years after the new school is opened, at which time transportation boundaries should be rationalized. Vote: 9-9-11 Tie Vote The vice-chair abstained from casting the tie vote as she is in conflict due to she represents Edinburgh School. She called another vote. Before the vote the members asked some questions to clarify some concerns. Second vote: Vote: 6-12-11 Motion Defeated Pietro Mercuri brought forth a motion to strike a writing committee to answer the brief.

Motion to create a writing committee for the St. Ignatius Annex consultation

Whereas at the last special council meeting where the purpose of the St. Ignatius building was discussed, a new consultation was launched; Whereas the EMSBPC should submit a brief that is reflective of the needs of the entire network of EMSB schools; Whereas three elementary schools in the West End (Edinburgh, Merton and Willingdon) are affected by this consultation; Whereas it is recommended that there be six members on the writing committee, three of which must be delegates that do not belong to the affected school communities; It is moved by Pietro Mercuri and seconded by Lucas Reindler that a writing committee be struck to work on the aforementioned consultation. An amendment was put forth by Andrew Ross, seconded by David Benoit that the brief be sent out for discussion and vote by email by February 15, 2019. Vote on Amendment 28-0-1 Motion Carried Vote on original motion with the amendment; Vote: 27-1-1 Motion Carried The members asked if the schools being consulted could share their briefs as well. Volunteers to the sub-committee: Three delegates from affected schools: Lucas Reindler, Caroline Phaneuf and Michael Gonshor Three other delegates; Pietro Mercuri, Caleigh Saucier, Glen Jensen 7.3 CONSULTATION: RENEWAL OF ARTICLE 240 STATUS FOR ROYAL VALE, ROYAL WEST AND VINCENT MASSEY WHEREAS the Governing Board of ROYAL VALE SCHOOL, ROYAL WEST ACADEMY, AND VINCENT MASSEY COLLEGIATE have affirmed their request for the maintenance and support of its Specific Project Status; WHEREAS pertinent documentation has been prepared by the school concerned and reviewed by The EMSBPC; BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the EMSBPC, moved by Mario Pietrangelo, seconded by Tony Speranza and resolved that the Article 240 status be renewed as presented for Royal Vale, Royal West and Vincent Massey. Vote: 24-1-1 (L. Reindler, K. Korakakis and A. Ross not present) Motion Carried 7.4 REGISTRATION WEEK AT ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS Concerns were raised with regard to having parents camp out for registration. Concerns were for the parents that are low income, single parents and parents with handicap. The members asked if there was another way to look at registration. A resolution was brought forth;


Moved by Andrew Ross, seconded by Tony Speranza and resolved to recommend to the Administration of the School Board create a task force to analyse the registration period, including representation from the parents’ committee, to come up with an action plan for the 2019-2020 school year. Vote: 27-0-2 Motion Carried

At 9:42 pm K. Korakakis left

7.5 UPDATE OF MEETING WITH REGARD TO WEARING OF RELIGIOUS SYMBOLS The parent commissioners gave the members an update on the special meeting that took place on Wednesday evening with regard to religious symbols. The Board will come up with a resolution soon to be presented. The representatives from the PC will also bring this to EPCA.

At 9:50 pm L. Reindler left

8. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS 7.1 MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION PLAN There was no report. 7.2 PARENT CONFERENCE There was no report. 7.3 ELEMENTARY NETWORK Elementary School Delegate sub-committee: The first meeting was scheduled for January 17th at Fielding. Only one parent showed up. The reminder was sent out by Brigit exactly seven days prior with date, time and location. As I explained to the PC when I suggested this, the sub-committee can act as a focused advisory group to discuss items that are of importance to elementary school parents. These items could include things like: anxiety in elementary school children, increased use of technology by elementary school children, transition to high school, school fees, overcrowding in schools in some territories of our board...you know things that people normally care about. When you put smart people who are engaged and care about their children's education in a room, sometimes you get really good ideas. And these ideas would be communicated efficiently to the school board for consideration. Committees similar to this worked well in the past and the board listened. For the record, only ONE parent that I know expressed their regrets for not being able to attend. I'd like to discuss this point at our next Executive meeting. 7.2 HIGH SCHOOL NETWORK There was no report.

9. COMMITTEE REPORTS 9.1 PARENT COMMISSIONERS’ REPORT See item 7.5 The next meeting is February 20th. 9.2 TREASURER’S REPORT There is a balance of $15,394.83 9.3 EPCA REPORT Topics discussed are the upcoming harmonization of the school tax off island.

10. BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS 9.1 EDUCATION COMMITTEE There was no meeting. 9.2 EDUCATIONAL POLICIES COMMITTEE There was no meeting. 9.3 FINANCE COMMITTEE There was no meeting. 9.4 ADULT EDUCATION & VOCATIONAL SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE There was no meeting.


9.5 ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES Topics discussed were the budget building process and a presentation from the special education consultants. 9.6 TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE See attached report from J. Leoci.

11. SCHOOL REPORTS (PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR WRITTEN REPORTS) (ANY MEMBER MAY SHARE CONCERNS OR ASK QUESTIONS) Andrew Ross informed the members that the governing board at Marymount has extended an invitation to the governing board at Westmount Park for a tour and a joint assembly and that the community of Westmount Park is welcome at Marymount.

12. CORRESPONDENCE There was no correspondence. 13. SECOND QUESTION PERIOD (8 MIN) There were no questions. 14. DATE OF NEXT MEETING 14.1 REGULAR MEETING

Thursday March 14th at 7:00 pm at John F. Kennedy High School. 14.2 EXECUTIVE MEETING

Monday, February 25th. At 7 pm at Administration Building. 15. VARIA 16. ADJOURNMENT (1 MIN)

It was moved by Mickey Lemme, seconded by Samantha Dudok and resolved to adjourn the meeting at 10:05 pm. Vote: 27-0-0 Motion Carried

Caroline Phaneuf Brigida Sellato Vice Chair Consultant/Secretary

reconvened meeting of the emsb parents …...feb 07, 2019 · david benoit presented a draft...

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