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Highlight from the August 27 2013 Board Meeting

MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release
August 28, 2013

GUELPH, Ontario — The regular monthly meeting of the Upper Grand District School Board was held on Wednesday, August 27. The following are highlights from the meeting.

Elementary Principal and Vice Principal Appointments

Due to the appointments of Tracey Lindsay, Superintendent of Program and Gary Slater, Superintendent of Education, the following principal and vice-principal transfers and appointments (elementary) are effective September 1, 2013:

Principal Appointments

Name From To
Kim Kowch Vice-Principal, Rockwood Centennial P.S. Principal, Victoria Terrace P.S.
Tracey Kuchma Vice-Principal, Palmerston P.S. Principal, Maryborough P.S.
Sean Singh Vice-Principal, Princess Elizabeth P.S. Principal, Princess Elizabeth P.S. (Acting)

Principal Transfers

Name From To
Cheryl Van Ooteghem John McCrae P.S. Program
Leslie Newman Westminster Woods P.S. John McCrae P.S.
Heather Broddy June Ave. P.S. Westminster Woods P.S.
Chris Kay Victoria Terrace P.S. June Ave. P.S.
Marni Barrow Laurelwoods E.S. J.D. Hogarth P.S.
Jonathan Walker Maryborough P.S. Laurelwoods E.S.

Vice-Principal Appointments

Name From To
Chris Popofski Teacher, Westminster Woods P.S. Vice-Principal, Rockwood Centennial P.S. (Temporary)
Joanne Gilewski Retired Vice-Principal, Princess Elizabeth P.S. (Acting)
John Hicks Retired Vice-Principal, John Galt P.S.

Memoranda of Understanding Signed by Board

Portions of the Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) between the Ministry of Education and OSSTF (teachers, occasional teachers and support staff), ETFO (teachers and occasional teachers) and CUPE (custodial and maintenance) were appended to the current Collective Agreements between the board and the unions. Each MOU contains sections pertinent to the employee groups. The Ministry of Education is providing the board with approximately $2.29 million to implement the labour framework. The board will provide the Ministry with the appropriate attestations and copies of the board motions in order to obtain the funds.

Objectives and Achievements of the Senior Administration

Trustees were pleased with the report presented by Director of Education, Martha Rogers on the objectives and subsequent achievements over the past school year of the board’s senior administrators. As part of the performance appraisal policy for the eight senior staff members the report highlights the various successful undertakings in areas including:

As well as the noted objectives and achievements, the senior administration was involved in the successful coordination and management of elementary and secondary schools, environmental issues, staff wellness initiatives, and planning activities such as boundary reviews. Trustees praised the leadership of the senior staff in meeting their objectives.

Director’s Annual Report

Director Martha Rogers provided trustees with copies of the 2012 Annual Report, highlighting the activities that occurred in the board’s previous year. Along with messages from the Director and former Chair of the Board, the report provides details on the board’s strategic directions and focuses on events and activities in support of the three main themes: student achievement, energizing staff and public confidence. The report will be posted on the board’s website and copies widely distributed in the system and the community. It was also noted that the board has now entered the social media world through Twitter, @ugdsb.

Director’s Objectives

As part of the performance appraisal process for the system’s Director of Education, the Director’s Annual Objectives for 2013-14 school year were presented to trustees. Linked to the board’s Strategic Plan, the objectives are the basis of the annual Operating Plan for the coming year. The director highlighted the strategic directions, which are due to be reviewed in the coming school year, and the various action plans and action steps that will become the focus for the system in 2013-14. These steps are based on the primary goal of improving student achievement and student learning through programs and services for students and increasing staff capacity. Trustees were told that the Director’s objectives mirror the objectives of the Ministry as education becomes more centralized at the provincial level, but provide for flexibility on the board’s part to provide the best education for students in Upper Grand. The plan also includes the director’s role and objectives in the area of leadership management for the system, including maintaining a visible presence in the system, policy work and overseeing the entry process for the new Superintendents.

Capital Projects and Renewal Program Update

The board was provided with an update on the various building, renovation and renewal projects underway in the schools over the summer months. About 33 projects were underway this summer. Two new schools are scheduled to open: John Galt P.S. (formerly Laurine Avenue P.S., Guelph) and Glenbrook E.S. (Shelburne). A number of year four and five interior renovations and additions are underway to house FDK. Some of the additions will not be open for students as of the first day of school, but students will be accommodated without safety concerns until they are finished. Inspections are underway. Various projects including system upgrades, asbestos removal, lighting replacement and exterior renovations are also taking place. Asphalt repair and replacement has taken place at some schools, and roofing and window replacements at others.

Planning Department Work Program

The Planning Department provided an update on their projects for the coming years. In Centre Wellington, the James McQueen Boundary Review involving J.D. Hogarth P.S. and John Black P.S. will begin the fall of 2013 to deal with enrolment pressure from FDK at James McQueen P.S. and accommodating both French Immersion and Regular Tack students. It is expected to be done by the end of the 2013-14 year. Also beginning this fall is the boundary review for Ponsonby P.S. which will include Elora P.S. and will examine future enrolment pressures at Ponsonby due to the site’s inability to accommodate portables. This fall will also see the commencement of the Boundary Review for the new Rockwood elementary school and includes the boundary for the FI program at Brisbane P.S., as well as boundaries for Eramosa P.S. and Rockwood Centennial P.S.. If numbers warrant, the board will start the FI program in Rockwood in 2014-15 (JK/SK or JK/SK/Grade 1) only. The school for the program, if it is offered, has not yet been selected. Long term planning starting this year includes the review of Education Development Charges in Wellington and Dufferin and an Accommodation review for Kenilworth P.S., expected to be completed by the 2014-15 year. Staff in the department will commence work on a new Long Term Accommodation Plan in the 2014-15 year to update priorities for five, 10 and 15 years into the future.

The next monthly meeting of the board is scheduled for Tuesday September 24, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Board Room at the Guelph office, 500 Victoria Road North. Everyone is welcome to attend. 

For more information: 

Maggie McFadzen, Communications Officer
519-822-4420 ext. 725
[email protected]

Mark Weidmark, Administrative Officer – Communications
519-822-4420 ext. 544
[email protected]

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