Achievement and wellbeing. Catholic education. Public meeting. To order.
So today the opening prayer will be sung. By st.
Gerald. For more to eleven.
We're just waiting for the it.
Here we go.
Noodles. All day favorite.
Don't say I fault. Great health and a continued healing.
We pray for our loved ones. We pray for your
kindness and mercy. We pray for your guidance and protection.
Amen. In the name of the Father, to the Son
and of the Holy Spirit. Thank you, St. Gerald. That
was very nice. Trustee Kennedy, would you like to say
something? Yes. Just thank the students of St. Gerald for
that prayer. It's very nice to have students pray with
us as we start our meeting, so thank you. St.
John the Evangelist will be reading the land. Acknowledgment, ward
ten.
The land that we walk on belongs to the creator,
does not go out to humanity, but rather humanity in
the heart of the earth. Being joined by all of
the beach, a principle reflected in the dangerous, wonderful covenant.
Taking only what we need to preserve our earth for
future generations, leaving some for others as a sign of
respect and caring while keeping it clean by. Revitalizing the
land to stay in generations to come. Also, our catholic
district school board property are situated on the traditional territories
of the amish nabi. The whole day national city and
we're not people. We recognize that the land covered by
Treaty 13 is held by the Mrs. Pagas of the
credit First Nation. We also listened to the echoes of
their prayers to the creator. And respect the gilly of
mother earth while striving to learn and draw wisdom from
First nations anywhere in mates and traditions.
Thank you very much. St. John the Evangelist. That was
very nice. Trustee de Georgia, would you like to say
something. Thank you to the students of St. John the
evangelist. It's nice and refreshing, as opposed to the usual
land acknowledgement. It's nice to see the students get involved
and just a small note of facilities. There's some work
that has to be done in that schoolyard. Thank you.
O Canada will be sung by Darcy McGee word night.
All night. Our home and. To.
Major love. And all of us come and.
Show us free. From more and wild. We set on
our for me. Glory, us and me.
All can. Only stand on our. We stand on our.
Thank you very much for the students. Of.
Great rendition of Bo Canada. As a former student of
Darcy McGee. Thank you very much. Roll call and apologies.
Frank domico is here. Trustee kennedy. Present. Trustee Crawford.
Present. Trustee de Domenico. Present. Trustee de Grande. Here.
Trustee de Georgio. Here. Student trustee Ruben Desela.
Present. Trustee Lapretti. President. Trustee Levinsky present.
Trustee Martino present. Trustee Morrison. Regrets. Trustee Ritzo. Present.
Trustee tanawan president Mr. Chair. And student trustee. Joy luck.
Good luck. Okay. Thank you. Approval of the agenda.
Can I get a mover? Trustee Crawford seconded by. Trustee
Kennedy. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'd like to request a
member statement.
Thank you. Trustee Kennedy, and thank you. I'd like to
request two inquiries. And do you need to know what
they're about? Sure. One is about the Canada flag. And
the other is about singing O Canada. Trustee did Domenico.
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I would like to request an
opportunity to give a brief member statement. Trustee Ritzo. I
would like an inquiry. Nature of the inquiry is St.
No Twendingale. Trustee Libretti. I have
a member statement. Anyone online have any member statements or
inquiries? No. All right.
Okay, I'll do a member statement as well. Reports from
private session.
Thanks, Mr. Chair. Yes. In private this evening we approved
a candidate. For membership. In the two slgbtq plus advisory
committee. And we also approved. The following students. To
receive to be the recipients. Of the Sister Yvonne Hunter
Young Women in Leadership award. 2025. The students are grade
eight award goes to Libya Gabrielle Mater Danadi from St.
James Catholic school. Grade twelve award. Goes to. Ashian. Uday
joy. Gold. Good luck. Father, henry carr.
Are there any declarations of interest? Sorry. I need to
move on a second, okay? Moved by trustee Ritzo, seconded
by trustee Crawford. Any objections? Need a record of all,
okay? Everyone start voting, please.
We have nine so far to fold it. Don't forget
the online ones, okay? All right. So.
Online. How do you vote? Trustee del Grande. Favor. He's
got to click his button. Got it. Okay. Student trustees.
How do you vote? In favor. In favor.
Okay. Stop voting. Okay. So
that carries. Declarations of interest. No declarations of interest, okay?
Approval and signing of the minutes of the meeting held.
January 9. 2025. Moved by Trustee Kennedy, seconded by trustee
Tanawan. Anyone opposed?
Now we move on to delegations. There's none. Member statements.
Okay. Trustee Crawford. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I would like to. Extend birthday. Best wishes to trustee
Angela Kennedy, whose birthday was yesterday, and trustee Teresa Lebinsky
whose birthday is today? And the knights promised to sing.
Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday,
dear. Angela, teresa and gary. Happy birthday. To you.
Trustee Tannewan. Has had a recent birthday, too. My apologies.
Last year. Now we have.
Trustee the Domenico. Thank you, Mr. Chair. In my statement,
I just like to announce that the fifth annual 2025
War II emerging young artist competition is almost ready to
close submissions. We've had over 250 submissions already, and with
24 hours. Plus to go. It's going to be very
exciting. I want to thank the staff support. As always,
our trustee service officers and the superintendents involved. This is
a competition I initiated during Covid. We accept paintings, drawings,
dance, singing, performing instruments. Digital arts, crafts, literature, of course.
And it's a chance for students to express their artistic
side and we will have an awards night thanks to
our friends at Michael Power, St. Joseph principal Clough and
others. And, of course, Superintendent Wallow and Superintendent Bria. We
will have on April 2, a wonderful awards night with
fabulous pri. Prizes, treats and exhibitions of professional art also.
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Trustee Lipretti. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
A few weeks ago, a student at St. Augustine lost
everything in a horrible home fire. At this time, I
would like to thank the Toronto Malboroughs, the Von Rangers,
the Duffield. Devils hockey families for routing together to help
this family recover and get back on their feet. Little
D is a total stud on the ice, and it
was completely overwhelming to see how the hockey families were
able to make sure that he made the playoffs the
next day, the day after the fire. Special thanks to
Principal Harris, Superintendent Campbell, and a very special thank you
to Kevin Hodgkinson. Mom and son are very grateful. And
in complete awe of how our TcDSB community always comes
together when someone is down. We always bring them back
up. Thank you. Thank you for that. Now we are
on to our presentations. The first presentation, twelve a from.
I had a statement, but trustee Crawford took it. I
withdraw my statement. Twelve a. The Angel foundation for learning.
Annual report. John Wuyek, executive director of the Angel foundation
for Learning. Reference item 18 C.
Of the. Course. Okay. Thank
you. Thanks for. Thank you. Chair
Demiko. It is a pleasure to be here with all
of you this evening. It is fitting that the Angel
foundation for Learning has the opportunity to provide a presentation,
an update during. Lent. As you know, this is a
time when the faithful are asked to focus their efforts.
Thoughts and meditation on a number of areas, one of
which is alms giving, echoed by Christ in our command.
Love thy neighbor. This is truly what the Angel foundation
is about, and it is certainly the part of the
mission. And vision of the Toronto Catholic District School Board.
To demonstrate love of neighbor within the school community and
to call students through Gospel values and Ontario Catholic graduate
expectations. To indeed love thy neighbor. Good evening, everyone. I
am John Weac, executive director of the Angel foundation for
Learning. Joining me tonight is the chair of the Angel
foundation for learning, Don Walker. Good evening, all. Once again,
I'm very proud to join you this evening as the
chair of the AFL. Board. When John and I last
updated you, we centered the conversation around the motivation to
care as animated in our four pillars. Student nutrition, the
Guardian Angel Care Fund. Awards, anniversaries and the A team
student leadership. This year we're pleased to provide our update
through four avenues, but this time, and most timely, through
the lens of love, of neighbor. And as you can
see from the visual, the board of directors at the
Angel foundation provide more than a traditional governance role. They
are actively engaged in the AFL because of their lifelong
commitment to support kids and dispel inequity from their truly
diverse experiences. The topic of governance is no stranger than
those assembled here, we are proud of the representation from
various employee groups on our board, and it's the aim
of our board, to expand the diversity. Of experience of
the individuals who guide and collaborate with the executive director
as well as with the other members of the board.
Not only will this broaden the expertise of the group,
but it will potentially strengthen the approach of the foundation
as it grows and adapts to the world of post
Covid charities. This dynamic growth will garner results in fundraising
strategies. Partnership involvement, strategic thinking and capacity building as we
journey as a staff and foundation. To recreate a dynamic
and responsive strategic direction. Over the next few years, we
have come to understand the values and actions that will
help us navigate our plan. In each of our four
pillars, we will seek to inspire, nurture, collaborate and build
equity to remove barriers for students and create equitable opportunities
for them. Our 20 23 24 board of directors are
listed on page 15 of the annual report. That is
part of tonight's committee meeting package. We're very thankful and
appreciative. For their collaboration and service. Our core deliverable from
a comprehensive strategic plan in the context of governance will
be to maintain and grow the breadth of experience, conviction
and confidence of all of our AFL board members who
share the value of love and compassion for our neighbor.
In 1987 when the Angel foundation was originally established with
the name of Metseph Local community. Based aid and care
has been at the heart of the Angel foundation during
that time. The founders of the foundation recognized. In MSSB
schools that there were children and families who struggled daily
to make ends meet during that time. In our school
board history, schools welcomed immigrants from around the world, newcomers
who are victims. To war and oppression as well. There
were families whose personal circumstances led to less food on
the table at home. Today, the reasons are generally of
the same, and happily, so is the response. Our schools
see the face of Jesus. And welcome the newcomer. Welcome.
The downtrodden and welcome the distraught. This is indeed the
gift of our catholic culture and why? In addition to
that, the Angel foundation is there to provide support over
the course of the past year. The need and the
issue of food insecurity. Has not gone away. In fact,
this crisis has continued to grow. In our families, and
TCDSB schools are not immune from the challenging economic times
that are faced by Torontonians, families struggle to stretch their
budgets. Rent continues to be on the rise. Employment opportunities
are fewer and are for shorter terms. Adults in the
household keep multiple jobs. We have seen this time and
time again how a single serious family incident can plunge
such families into crisis. A medical emergency, an abuse of
home life, separation and loss of status, a fire in
the home. Can all have devastating impact on our children
in our schools. Often and sadly. A consistent culprit in
the struggle of our. Families is the rising cost of
groceries. Daily Bread Food bank has reported that one in
ten Trotonians rely on food banks. Three quarters of food
bank clients live at risk of homelessness. Because they spend
73% of their income on rent, clearly to thousands. Of
our families. This is their everyday reality. Coupled with the
rising cost of groceries, many of our students face us
in the classroom with an empty and undernourished tummy. Thankful,
thankfully. 172 of our schools have student nutrition programs. In
January 2025, we expanded the nutrition program to seven more
schools. We do expect the growth to continue. Our midmorning
meal, served daily to 65,000 students. Is by no means.
A complete nutritional break before morning recess, but it is
a relief to many children who are hungry. Feel a
lack of energy and are lethargic. This snack is not
a hodgepodge. Collection of available food, but often includes fresh
vegetables or fruit as well as grains. In the need
for student nutrition programs in our schools is, in fact,
A sad necessity. However, it is one where the majority
of our schools have made it a part. Of their
school culture, and it is an expression of loving one's
neighbor. As we have nothing but deep appreciation and thanks
for our school base volunteers as well as principals. And
other staff who are the ones who know the children.
And responsibly organize, shop and report the logistical details. Naturally.
Once again, it is the vocational care of staff that
makes all of the difference in our schools in addressing
other needs of students, as seen in the report package
on page eight, the Angel foundation continues to provide shortterm
relief for students and families as well through our guardian
angel funds our peggy project. College and University Administration Fund
and our AFL awards anniversaries. This connection that we have
with individual schools and families is not one of happenstance.
This type of care only occurs for two reasons. One,
through the generosity of our donors, And two, the ability
and relational leadership of school and support staff to recognize
those in need in other words, our staff make all
the difference. And it is when we are in relationship
that we care. And it's only when we care that
people will trust us. And only then can people truly
see and want to seek help. It's in its pur.
Purest form. This is love of neighbor. Over the years.
All of you have taken the opportunity to attend and
participate. In an angel foundation fundraising event or fundraiser. Who
can forget the excitement of the approaching 50 50 draw.
Where winners often take home more than $20,000 and the
same $20,000 benefits are dear children who can forget, who's
already looking forward to the NHL hockey pool? Which will
be celebrating at the end of this presentation. Mainly thanks
to those who play, and especially trustee Frank Demiko. Many
more of you I'm sure look forward to our annual
snowball gala in late November where we can share an
evening of camaraderie, celebration and awareness with the hope of
providing a brighter day for our children. These and all
the other events and fundraisers are more than gatherings to
raise money. We know. We gather to do good. We
gather with a focus on our students, and we gather.
So that when we leave, we feel good about ourselves
and we want to do more to help. As executive
director, I am so fortunate to receive the accolades for
our events from our golf tournaments. To our bowling tour.
Springfling. Everyone has a good time, and in every case,
it is. The student presence that steals the show. You
know why they steal the show? They are close to
our hearts. They are at the core. Of our business.
And whatever role we have, Superintendent. Parent, trustee, director or
otherwise. We care. The Angel Foundation's events are not only
fundraisers. We are only too happy to bring like minded
people together to celebrate and to do more for our
children. In the same vein and tradition. This is true
of the business partnerships we have nurtured and grown over
the course of the last year. We are very fortunate
to meet people and organizations who share the same values
as we have. On page seven of the report, we
find a breakdown. Of the nature of corporate donations. I
met recently with the business owner donor who had been
in his contracting business for well over 30 years, and
he wanted to tell me in so much detail how
he came to appreciate the value of doing good and
contributing to a charity like the Angel foundation. He wanted
me to know. About his. Upbringing. He wanted me to
know about how he treats his employees. He shared with
me how his father taught him his work ethic. I
believe that conversation. That conversation is a microcosm of many
of the partnerships we continue to create with those in
the Toronto area. The public believes in our students. They
see themselves in us and in the students we serve.
We have together. An honorable duty to help them get
to their goals. And in this way, the. Principle of
love, of neighbor holds strong because of our recognition of
ourselves. And the good people we meet. The professional and
passionate staff of the Angel foundation might only be seen
as, to borrow a phrase, ministers of fun and charity.
However. Their roles run much deeper as they are in
house service providers who are stewards of a monetary resource
that is fundraised, donated or granted. AFL staff are true
experts who thoughtfully conduit this resource for use in the
service of children, young adults and their families. Listed on
page 15 of the report. I am blessed to work
with emmy iris, yvonne shay, angie tashiana, and sherry. Personally,
they are moms, partners and wives. But at work they
are the caring adult, the beating heart, if you will,
for the Angel foundation. It is very important that as
executive director, you hear. Me state that fundraising, government and
corporate grants. May be the daily breadth of the AFL,
but the staff. Is truly the jam. Call my seven
colleagues critical minerals, if you like. They are the true
and essential resource of this. Charity. Investing in their well
being is just as much of it as a priority.
The leadership and experience in this area of student nutrition
programs. They demonstrate to schools. Model care and best practices.
They allow students to thrive through the morning meal. Staff
engineering and galvanized support for our students through the foundation,
through the many events and fundraising activities, many times staff
model and are ambassadors of the AFL. Constantly drawing out
individual, institutional and corporate benevolence. And for our TCDSB student
leaders. This modeling is intentionally programmed and invested. In through
the ATM initiative focus on youth and young disciples projects.
In collaboration, of course, with the tcdsb office of student
leadership. Thank you, trustees, for receiving Don and I to
proudly report on behalf of the AFL board and staff
on the meaningful and exemplary impacts of the angel that
the angel foundation makes. In support of students. Our students.
Just as organizations like the TCDSB and AFL have missions
and visions, Christ too. Had a mission and vision. At
the heart of this call was the new commandment to
love thy neighbor. We thank the board for sharing that
journey with us and for your continuing generous support. We
look forward to a brighter future for our students in
continued fellowship. Thank you. Just a small video. Thank you
very much for that. And maybe it's not going to
run, so we'll stop it right there, trustee. Demiko.
Okay. That's fine. That's good. Okay. Oh, that's plain.
Thank you, Angel Foundation.
Give me some. Give me.
No, stop.
Is that everything? So can we get a motion? Would
anybody like to speak? Trustee Ritzo to receive I have
some questions. Sure. Seconded by trustee Crawford. Go ahead, trustee
Ritza. Thank you so much for your presentation. As some
of you may know around this horseshoe, and I'm sure
that both of you may know this as well. Student
nutrition. Is. Very close and dear to my heart. Many
of us have worked tirelessly over several decades to get
it to the point that it's at today. So my
question to you is. How many schools did you assist?
In applying. For student nutrition programs in this year. This
year, as we look forward to next year through you,
Mr. Chair, last year, because I think that some of
them have already. You talked about six or seven of
them. Yes, we have seven. New ones. That was 2024.
Yes. Right. Yes. So you. 've already done that. So
you've added six or seven. I understand that share life.
Or the Archdiocese of Toronto has also done about six
or seven catholic charities. Catholic charities. Is funded on a
temporary basis, a one year basis for seven schools. And
those programs, if I could just explain the one. Funded
by Catholic Charities and share life are running one day
a week. And that's only because of the limited funds,
but it does start to establish a bit. Of a
school culture in the school. Schools. And did you apply
to the city of Toronto to fund those seven programs
full time? For next year. Most of those schools are
included as well as some others in terms of expansion.
Yes. Okay, so, as you know, I was unaware of
this. The deadline passed, and whatever we had in, we
had in. And then. I went to a city school
board advisory committee meeting, and the staff. Indicated that. In
the city of Toronto budget, there was an additional $6.5
million allocated to food nutrition and that the deadline had
been extended. How many schools did you assist with funding
going forward for 2025? So in terms of assisting, we
helped. The seven that received the program in January. We
helped them apply. The restriction, if you will. When that
came up very suddenly in November, December. Is that the
only schools that would be considered for that January start
date would have had to have already applied. For acceptance
at the 24 25 school year. And so there were
others that had applied for this school year. Trustee Ritzo
but they would only considered among that group. And of
course, as you know, it's always between ourselves, TDSB and
the two French. Boards, right? I attended a meeting February
25, I believe, was the city school board advisory committee,
where the staff told me that the deadline had been
extended. And that new applications for new schools would. Be
looked at with the criteria, of course, that they needed
to meet. So the gain I'm going to ask that
question. How many schools did you assist in making sure
that their applications were in. Roughly speaking, as we look
forward to next year, there's approximately. Twelve to 14 of
our schools that I know have applied. I can give
you the exact number. Once I check, but around that
number is fair. Okay. Are you also aware. And this
was news to me as well. But $6.5 million. There
was an additional on the 2025? No, the 2024. I
think it was, what, 2.5 million that. Was allocated by
the city, roughly, which funded the six programs, so 6.5
million. Is a lot more, obviously. And what the intention
was was to also provide a lunch program. So my
question is. Have you applied for the lunch programs? For
existing programs to date? Through you, Mr. Chair. The information
I have at this point, Trustee Ritzo, is that movement.
Towards a lunch program. Is not of the priority it
may have once been. I'm not saying it's. No longer
part of the conversation, but that's not my understanding of
where things are at. Right now. Well, I was told
by the staff that 6.5 million were going to be
going in towards. Providing not only a breakfast program but
a lunch program for kids. Perhaps there are going to
be some pilots. But. I'm sorry, that's not my immediate
understanding of it. Okay, so perhaps you could explain to
me. What expectations do you have? As you know, the
federal government. Fund. Is funding a universal nutrition program. What
expectation is it that money will be flowing? From. That.
To the city of Toronto. Thank you for asking that
question. Trustee Reedso the federal money. As you know, with
the federal daycare plan needed to be approved by each
province and each province had their own agreement. And such
an agreement did occur with the province of Ontario as
it pertains to student nutrition programs. The money. Has flowed.
Is that correct? English. But the money has flowed for
this year. And has been transferred. Our shared lease to
the Angel foundation, and we have dispersed. This money is
to be used for. Preexisting programs, not for expansion. So
it's to help in areas of nutrition. To help in
areas of schools that might be meeting some difficulties in
meeting their budgets and. So on. If I understood your
question correctly. To the best of my knowledge. That federal
provincial money will flow again next year, and I'm not
sure at this point just because there's so much going
on. If it'll flow that way. So. It didn't pass
through the city. It passed rate through tfss and then
to us from the province. For expansion to existing programs.
And how much was that? Roughly in my head, about
$860,000 for Angel foundation and its programs. Well, I don't
know. Have I still have time or Maya over? Because
I can't. Tell Mr. Chair. Yes. You're overtime. I'm over.
Okay, so I'm over. I can't. Ask any more questions.
Thank you. Thank you, trustee Ritz. Trustee did the medical
thanks, Mr. Chair. And thank you, both of you, for
coming and bringing the report. I can say as a
former member of the board of angel, along with trustee
Lapretti, trustee deepest quali from another board and, of course,
trustee D. Giorgio and trustee Morrison and others. Have participated,
I think Trustee Demiko. I mentioned trustee Morrison and others
who were on the board. We're always delighted to help.
Out. And trustee Ritzo. Yes. Thank you for correcting me.
I have seen in my ward the effect of angel
on the ground. And it really is astounding. These are
big numbers, lots of schools, but to the individual child,
it is very important. And I want to say also.
I would say the unsung heroes. Here are the principles
in the schools, many of whom take on the role
of taking the food and putting it in the fridge,
organizing the distribution, getting students to help that whole role
on top of their enormous role already in the schools.
So I want to thank them, but please keep. Up
the great work. We're here to support you, and your
events are magnificent. We all enjoy going to them and
pretending we know how to play golf and other things
like that. Anyway. Thank you. Thanks, Mr. Chair. Thank you.
Thank you very much. So that has been moved and
seconded. Is anyone opposed? We don't. Have six no vote.
All right, I'd like to ask for, like, A two
minute recess. If we can take a nice photo with
some of the staff and the trustees. For the Angel
foundation check presentation. Two minutes.
I'm going to call the meeting back.
Mr. Wu yek. Mr. Wuyak, before you leave. The associate
director would like to say something to you. Through you,
Mr. Chair. Thank you for the opportunity to extend a
note of gratitude to both. John and Don and their
teams. For the wonderful presentation and for the impactful work.
Thank you to trustee D. Domenico for appropriately acknowledging the
work of principals and parent volunteers at the schools that
operationalize the programs. It's critical to know from a school
perspective that your work is life giving and that it
plays a pivotal role in enhancing our student engagement and
achievement at our schools. We look forward to continued partnership
and growth. And thank you both very much. Thank you.
It's appropriate to segue from a presentation that speaks to
feeding the body and soul. To the next presentation, which
speaks to feeding the minds of our educators and leaders
with knowledge, particularly in the area of mathematics, it's my
pleasure to introduce. Superintendent of math Curriculum and Innovation, Kimberly
Dixon. To speak to the math achievement action plan, I'm
sure that she will, appropriately, as she always does, recognize
the strong team that is behind her. And. For the
assembly. Please know that math and math achievement remains an
urgent, critical need for our board. Thank you, Mr. Delamora.
Go ahead. Thank you, chair. Good evening, everyone. Thank you.
For hearing our presentation today. Our goal is to share
progress in three areas. Student achievement, student progress and their
attitudes towards math and teacher and administration, confidence in leading
the math program. And finally, I will acknowledge the strategies
that schools report have been the most effective in supporting
their growth. So, in the area of achievement, schools were
asked to monitor student achievement within the first semester. And
identify whether the students they were tracking moved to the
next level. So, for example, level two to level three
within a level. So two minus to two plus or
not yet moved. In elementary, more than 50% of students
in priority schools moved to the next level. And more
students in priority schools move to the next level. While
more students in non priority schools moved within levels. So
what I'm describing is movement. Positive movement across the system
and a closing of the gap between priority schools and
non priority schools. At secondary level, there were more students
in nonpriety schools likely to achieve their grade. Nine credit.
So this continues to remain an area of growth and
focus for the team. So in addition to the work
that we do throughout the year, we're exploring how we
can support a pathway through coned in the summer. For
those students who are unsuccessful in obta. Obtaining that credit
during the school year. With respect to student attitudes towards
math, all students across the system had the opportunity to
participate in a survey on their attitude towards math in
the fall and again in January. Students were to indicate
their agreement. Yes or no to the statement? I am
good at math. Grade three student attitudes were stable across
the two surveys. About 66% of students agree that they
are good at math. In grade six, we see that
decline. Student attitude was lower than in grade three at
around 50%. And declined in priority schools across the two
surveys while remaining stable in non priority schools. Grade nine
student attitudes were similar to grade six, so about 50%
in priority schools and 60% in non priority schools, agreeing
that they are good at math and remain stable across
the two surveys. This fall and in January. When it
comes to staff confidence, there were a variety of central
professional development opportunities available to staff and at the end
of these professional development sessions, they were asked to complete
exit surveys. Teachers were asked if their confidence in implementing
high impact instructional practices, those hip strategies. Had increased after
the professional development session, and we're very pleased. That they
reported. 78% of the teachers reported that their confidence had
increased. In the priority schools, and 82% of staff from
non priority schools who attended reported their confidence had increased.
Last year. We had an intense focus on teachers and
students, of course, but we heard from our administrators that
only 50% of them felt confident leading the math program.
So we intentionally wrapped around administrators this year. In response
to that, we provided support to administrators through targeted sessions
at their principal meetings and co leading professional development sessions
with their local staff through our math hub model. And
this year we're very pleased to say that 83. Percent
of elementary administrators and 78% of secondary administrators reported feeling
confident in their knowledge to locate curriculum content and resources
to support their teachers in their school. Finally, the feedback
from the field about the mass supports they find most
valuable across elementary and secondary in both priority and nonpriority
schools are the following. Time for their school based team
to analyze local school data. Which the map team make
themselves available to participate and support. Job embedded support from
the math team, such as math hubs and the work
that the facilitators do in the classrooms every day. And
consistent implementation and use of recommended resources. These are a
lot of numbers and a lot of words, and they
say that a picture is worth 1000 words, so I'm
very pleased. To present to you a math sizzle reel.
Check in the oven. What's the second beer after rolling?
There's, like, no opinion in math. They're all just facts.
That's why. I like it. You can't have a different
instance. Everybody thinks this is exactly nothing. Everybody's like, hobbies
can all like. It's like puzzle pieces.
That's it. Thank you very much for that. Wonderful presentation.
Move by trustee the Domenico seconded by trustee Kennedy.
Trustee to the medical. Yeah. Thanks, chair. Thank you. Superintendent
Dixon. I must say, I've not seen too many supers
come. And all of the employees. Show up on their
free time just to support you. So I'm not sure
what they thought was going to happen. We're very happy
and excited with what's going on here. You're clearly inspiring
your team, and that's wonderful. I do want to ask
you. About something that. You and I were speaking about?
Off camera, off messaging here earlier. The connection with math
and music. My background, being in music all my life.
I know the connection. I know the connection about rhythm.
You also spoke, and I'm going to tie it to
your phrase. Getting students. Either excited about math. There was
something you said a few times about them feeling that
they're. Interested in it, they feel confident in it. You've
taken surveys asking them, and we see the confidence rate
drop. Is that correct? In grade six. From the beginning
of the year to mid year, it does drop, not
significantly, but statistically significantly. So there's a small drop. Okay.
I saw what you were doing with the indigenous beads.
That's fabulous. Is there any way to integrate music into
the math program? Because, once again, music is all math.
It's all patterns. It's all different rhythmic structures. Is there
something they could do? Because that would get them. Kids
love music. Is there any way to put that together
for them? So appreciate the comments about the team certainly
know that. I don't make them come. They do enjoy
coming. None of them said they were pressured. Well, one
did. And I have to give credit to a managing
Davidson and Michelle Mello, who took the initiative. To gather
the pictures. There they go from across the system to
display in the sizzle reel. This evening. While they're great
at math, they have other talents and skills, as you
can see. My team knows that I always say the
work happens at the intersection, and so we have partnered.
Very closely with the indigenous department to engage in mathematics
in a different way. In an indigenous way. We were
working very closely with the special service department. What you
saw was a clip of a student who might have
otherwise been withdrawn from the class for that patterning beading
activity, but instead. The math facilitator worked with the school
staff to engage the blind and low vision itinerant teacher
to prepare the template so that that student could participate
in the class. We believe that the math class can
be opened up. That if we use a universal design
for learning, I look over to my colleague superintendent me,
and. We make math accessible for all students. With low
floor and high ceiling questions where all students can enter.
That all students can be successful in mathematics. I recently
have taken on the visual and dramatic arts and the
music portfolios and the resource teacher Robert Longo is very
exciting, excited because he too sees the connection with math.
And again. It's just about students seeing math across their
day. At school and when they go home and recognizing
it and being able. So, yeah. Certainly fractions. In those
rhythms. In reading music. There's ways that we're going to
explore ways that they've already started exploring, but we will
explore more now that we're a cohesive department. Representing steam.
Fantastic. Congratulations to you and your team. Thanks, Mr. Chair.
Trustee Ritzo. Yeah, I'm just going to follow up on
that. This could be, like, probably old news. Or no
longer valid anymore, but it was my understanding that if.
Children participated in music, like learning the piano. They would
actually be better. At mash. Is there any factual evidence
of that? Through the chair. I won't throw this question
to trustee D. Domenico, and I'll give it a go
myself. Look at him. Really? Because it develops a different
part of the brain. Right? It activates a different part
of. The brain that enhances the students learning. So, yes,
there definitely is a connection. So why aren't we promoting?
More music. For instance. At kindergarten. That would, in fact,
assist kids in learning math in later years. Well through
the chair. That's what we're going to start to endeavor
to do. I'm flabbergasted that. It hasn't taken place.
I really expected you to say you're doing it. Through
the chair trustee just received the portfolio, so. I will
look into it with the team. Perhaps they have been
engaged in it, but certainly I hear your commentary, and
I agree, and that will be a direction we go
forward with. Thank you. Very much and thank you for
the presentation. Any other speakers on this online? None. Thank
you very much for the wonderful presentation. And we got
to figure out the source of funding for getting some
music equipment. Now we're at
twelve c. I see my fellow brother knights are here
to do a presentation. Executive.
This is the trustee, Crawford. Trustee, Ward twelve. Superintendent Campbell
executive superintendent. Field services. Wallow, superintendent of education. And superintendent
Malik, vice principal. Sorry. Moved by trustee Crawford. Thank you,
Mr. Chair. Seconded by Trustee Lebinsky. Go ahead. Dear colleagues,
tonight we are recognizing the outstanding service of the Knights
of Columbus. Demonstrating our appreciation and gratitude to the knights
who have spent numerous hours delivering new, warm winter coats.
To TCDSV schools for our students who needed them the
most for the past several winters. Tonight, we have invited
these knights to our board. To thank you in person
for your generous gift of thousands of coats and hundreds
of hours of your time delivering them to our schools.
These nights are from three councils, one initobico, one in
Scarborough and one in central. Toronto, all of which have
been very active in the coats for Kids program. Tonight
we celebrate the growing partnership between the Knights and the
Toronto Catholic district school board. The Knights of Columbus worldwide
started the Coats for Kids program. In 2009 and since
then have given warm winter coats to over a million
children. The Knights are a Roman Catholic fraternal men's organization
founded by the now Blessed Father Michael J. McGiveney in
1882 in New Haven, Connecticut, with the mission of helping
widows and orphans. Today, the order has grown to be.
How strong? Worldwide. 2 million. Throughout the world. Several years
ago, my late husband and former trustee, Paul Crawford, a
Knight himself, planted the seeds of growing this partnership through
discussions with director brown. In October of 2023. Three knights
met with director and Dr. Brown. Sorry, met with the
director and Dr. Brown connected them. With superintendents Kakamo and
Peterson for the 2023 2024 rollout of coats. And other
family programs such as the Keep Christ and Christmas poster
contest and the basketball free. Throw for the 2024 to
2025 school year. Executive Superintendent Campbell and Superintendent Wallow assisted
the Knights with providing timely information of the schools who
would benefit the most. In this presentation this evening, we
will have further remarks from a few staff members. We
will view a video. Produced by. Vice principal Stanley Malik
featuring the Knights we are honoring tonight. And after that,
the knights will receive a certificate and a token of
appreciation. And hopefully we'll be able to get a group
photo. So please, over to you, Dr. Brown. Thank you,
Trustee Crawford. I appreciate two our nights, the opportunity to
say a few words of appreciation. My father was a
night. I'm very connected to the work that you do
in parishes. And communities throughout. Ontario and certainly here in
the city of Toronto. As chair trustee, Crawford said. This
came to me through Paul Crawford, and he wanted to
meet with me to talk a little bit about this
program and the passion for supporting students and recognizing that
if we can do these small things in ways that
make an impact, it's something that can grow. And so
I was happy to be a part of making the
connections. Here to grow that program because we see the
impact it's making in our schools. A lot of students
come to us from all over the world. And that
first winter is difficult. And a lot of families, a
lot of families struggle for different ways and the pride
of being able to put on a new coat, especially
as it comes to the winter season makes a huge
impact. And that happens because of the work of the
night. This is just one example of the work that
you do on a daily basis to support in our
communities, and it's something for us in the Catholic. Community
we're tremendously proud of, and we're grateful to you. So
we're happy to be able to recognize you in this
very small way for the enormous work that you do.
So thank you so much on behalf of the Toronto
Catholic School board.
Executive superintendent Shauna Campbell. Thank you to the chair, trustee
Crawford. I'm so honored to be able to just say
a couple words on behalf of the dedicated staff at
our schools. The administrators who work with your teams and
our social workers. Who also contribute some of the information,
helping us. To navigate which families might best benefit from
your generosity. Coats for kids. For those of us who
are so blessed to work in the schools, I have
had the opportunity. And this year, two times. On visits
at schools. I got to get a hug from a
child showing off their new coat. And even at one
of the schools. A mom was picking up two of
her children who had been gifted coats and she said,
please. Thank you, everyone. And I'm just humbled to be
able to. Be present to see the generous and the
warmth and the joy they bring to the students and
the families. Thank you. And whatever branch. Initiates the projects
and activities. I've seen it. In the schools for many
years, whether it's Christmas parties, the free throw coats for
kids. We just are very grateful for what you're bringing
to our families. Thank you. Superintendent wallow. Mr. Muscott is
here with us this evening, and he is the grand.
Knight for tobacco in the St. John Bosco Council 14327.
On behalf of the many schools. That you faithfully serve
across north of tobacco. Take this opportunity to. Extend our
deepest gratitude for your tremendous leadership as grand knight and
serving and leading in the community. We know that you
have a direct connection with all the schools that you
work in and your leadership is commendable. Over this past
year, I've witnessed firsthand the impacts of your outstanding. Work.
Your initiatives have not only provided the support needed, but
have also fostered a spirit of unity. And services that
continue to aspire us all. I was amazed by your
ability to organize and lead a highly successful free throw
competition. That several of the schools in Atoba co participated
in. Incredible quotes for kids program and an amazing turkey
giveaway at Christmas. The nights of Columbus is renowned for
its principles of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism. Values that
you and all of your colleagues with us this evening
and across the city of Toronto. Champion through their efforts.
Thank you for your exceptional leadership and countless contributions to
each of you. With us this evening and all the
other members across the city. Thank you. Thank you very
much, staff, for your remarks of gratitude. We now look
forward to seeing the video. That Stanley Malik has put
together with these nights, so please roll. Good evening. My
name is Henry Miller. I'm also a proud member of
the nights of Columbus. And it's my joy and honor
and a privilege to welcome you tonight to this meeting.
I'm speaking from the council chambers of Toronto council 1388.
And my name is Brian Green. I am the Deputy
Grand Knight of Council 1388 of the Knights of Columbus
in Toronto. Coach for kids, which has been. In operation
for some dozen years now or more is a really
good program for Canada. When you think that we have
cold winters and we've been able to partner. Us really,
in the years that it started at council 1388 to
involve more and more organizations. And get more and more
coats to needy kids. We worked with the Toronto Catholic
District School board. Because through teachers, through vice principals, principals
that may be members of the council or no members
of the council. So for the Toronto Catholic School board,
we provided between seven and 800. New. Winter coats to
a variety of schools all over Toratok. We drove those
coats and boxes to a number of schools. I think
we traveled close to 1200. Do that all over the
city. Hello. My name is Mark. Libinsky. I'm the Grand
Knight of Toronto Council of 1388. The oldest council in
the city of Toronto. Just a couple of years ago,
I joined the Knights of Columbus. It was because of
the relationship. Of my wife and another trustee that was
developed, and her husband kept on encouraging me to join.
The knights. It was because of that connection that I
made with Paul propper that I joined. The Knights and
the first year. I saw Paul as the grand knight
delivery close to St. Joseph. It really touched me. The
next year I became the grand knight. Unfortunately, we lost
Paul, but his legacy. As the Grand Knight had his
energy in these programs such as. Quotes for kids, AP
for women supporting the missions of Canada, all these other
charities. I'm so proud of to be a part of
now as part of Toronto council 1388. As a former
student at St. Joseph at school, it was a pleasure
and an honor and also it was very emotional as
being part of. The. Kids program tonight to Columbus to
deliver coats to the Ukraine refugees. I know myself when
I would deliver the coats there. To the school. The
principal was a very appreciative. School trustee Teresa Levinsky. My
wife was also very appreciated that my council was able
to do this delivery to these refugees that were very
appreciative of having a brand new coke. With a label
on it and the Grand Knight of St. John Bosco
Council, 14327 nights. Of Columbus at St. Bennett's parish. In
total. There's many programs we've been running and successfully this
year, things we haven't. Done a year have been brought
back. One of the programs we started and brought back
this. Year is a free throw contest. It's run all
over the city through many councils, all over the city
of Toronto, but specifically in area one. We rounded up
the schools in here. We approached the principals, we approached
the staff to run the programs some good. And those
who couldn't. We ran it for them on Saturdays this
year. We were lucky. That through my superior, my state
deputy. We actually got the coach donated here. We're looking
at doing more in the community, seeing what the needs
are at the separate schools or the different schools and
hopefully donating more jackets. It comes at a cost to
us, but that's what we do. We do raise funds.
For the community. We want to help the community where
we can. This is a need that we've seen, especially
at some of the schools that have less fortunate students.
And something we want to come back stronger with in
the 2025 2026 year. Good morning. My name is Jaim.
Jaime cut for kids. This is a wonderful. Program from
the Nitro Columbus, which over the years has reached about
1 million. Coats globally. Ontario, we have about 100,000 coats
being distributed every year, and this year. The year 2024.
Ms. Carboro we had about. 1200. Colts ministry with it.
That has been a great growth over the years. When
we started with about 24 coats. That's two boxes of
twelve coats each. On november at the mcgregor community center.
And the chair of the board, Nancy Krafter, was kind
enough for thin, so we were able to witness many
families coming to collect codes for the kids. So thank
you very much for joining. Us this evening. It's been
a great pleasure to offer you just a glimpse. Of
all the things that we knights of Columbus do. We
serve children and families, people of all kinds. And it
is a great joy to be a knight. And we
hope that this great relationship between our Toronto Catholic district
school board. And the knights will continue long after this
125th anniversary of the night in ONTario. And on to
the 200th anniversary and beyond. Thank you very much. Star
Nights and the producer, Stanley Malik. Very nice. Thank you.
So if I could please be joined by Trustee Crawford.
1 second there's a couple of other speakers, and then
we can do that. Is that okay? Hold the certificates,
okay? Trustee levinsky. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'd like to
extend my heartfelt gratitude. To the ownite of Columbus for
the extraordinary contributions to our communities and for coming to
our school board tonight. The codes for Kids program is
remarkable. Providing approximately 200 students in atomic collection Parkdale High
park with warm coats over the last two years. I
was deeply touched by the efforts of our former trustee,
Paul Crawford. Justine Nancy Crawford's husband. And Brian Green, who
delivered codes for the first time to St. Joseph at
school after the war. Began. Their dedication didn't stop there.
They also provided codes to St. Vincent Depal School community.
And many, many other schools. One parent who witnessed this
special delivery was overjoyed. To learn she could get a
bright new code for her child. These codes, valued at
probably $100 each, are more than just clothing. They're a
symbol. Of hope and support. My sincerest thanks to the
Knights of Columbus for your unwavering commitment to making a
difference in the lives of our neighbors. I also would
like to express my gratitude to council 1388 for the
exceptionally warm welcome to the patriarch. Chef Chuk, the head
of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, who commemorated the third
anniversary of the brutal war in Ukraine alongside Canadians and
ukrainian Canadians in Toronto. I had the honor of sharing
a meal with him personally and witnessed firsthand. The profound
impact of your good work. Also, I'd like to take
this opportunity to thank our former trustee, Pal Crawford, for
encouraging my husband, Michael Lebinsky, to join council 1388, where
he now serves as grand Knight. We are thrilled that
Frank Cardinal Leo has also recently joined council 1388. So,
Mark, I am very proud of you and your fellow
knights. Thank you all nights for making a real difference
in our community. And thank you all for coming here
today. By the way, that was a nice t shirt,
Mark. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
First off, I'd like to congratulate. Knights of Columbus on
its way 125th year. I am a part of council
11525 St. Joseph Parish, one of the oldest. I'm not
sure if it's the oldest, but. It's been there for
a while. I would highlight. Some of the things. That
was not in the video. So the nights not only
do that, they have other special projects. For instance, I
want to mention. Especially. One of our schools. Divine infant.
They were able to transform, I think. That's Jaime's area.
Transform the atrium. Into a chapel, and that's church grade
arts, diocese approved altar. And they put all the. 14
stations there, so I've never seen those. But that's just
one of the many things. That. The Knights are doing,
and we all know that the knights, along with the
CWL, are the right hand and left hand of the
church and it's great to see. That go into the
schools as well in terms of the home school parish
that we talk about. So very much. Appreciated and also,
of course, the millions of codes which we were recipients
of. Brian. It's very. Enthusiastic about delivering them. And thank
you. Thank you so much for all your efforts. That
benefits some of our refugee schools. We call them especially
saint. Lamont and also Saint Renego pill. So thank you,
Mr. Chair. And again, thank you very. Much. Congratulations.
Thanks, Mr. Chair. I want to thank the Knights very
much. You made a big impact in my award at
the basketball competition. Was very, very popular. I noticed that
the nights that were there. Were in that event were
retired teachers who were giving of their time, principles, vice
principals, And the students really loved it. I was delighted
to donate a plaque and the medals that for the
event and. The schools were proud to be part of
it. So thank you, knights, for what you've done. Thank
you, Mr. Chair. Trustee Crawford oh, sorry. Trustee Martino. Thank
you, Mr. Chair. Yeah. I, too, wanted to thank the
knights for the great work. Up in. It's overco. World
War I. Guess a lot of people involved. Gave away
about 1000 turkeys. Up at a couple of our high
schools and. Into three, I think three of our elementaries,
and it was a great opportunity to meet a lot
of families that came to pick them up. And the
distribution went. It was a wonderful distribution. Everybody pitched in
and it was a great, great event, so I have
to thank you for participating in that. So again, thanks
for your input, your help, your contributions. Trustee Crawford.
Certificate time. Okay, now, Mr. Chair. Okay. Director Brown and
chair D. Domenico.
Token of Margaret. Appreciate. Steven
budget.
Thank you very much. Thank you. Steven, can we get
a. Tito Fernandez here. Wait for. Oh, we're going to
do one at a time. Okay, awesome.
You'll take it for him. Thank you. Brian green. I
know brian.
Thank you. Thank you, Brian. Jamie. Jaime. Jaime.
Beautiful, mighty stretch. Mark lebinsky. Thank you so much. Thank
you.
Thank you. Excellent. Henry Miller.
Okay. Adam muskat.
Congratulations. Michael muskat.
Are you malting? Yes. Thank you.
Ross eturno.
Casey smith. And jack turner.
Thank you. Very much. Thank you. Thank you.
Wonderful.
Frank. I took a picture of him.
You'll indulge me. A thank you to all the staff
who helped put this together and we haven't mentioned yet.
Jennifer Gianone and Maria Alvarez Fritz, thank you very much.
So thank you, everyone. We're going to call a five
minute break. And trustee Crawford, if you want to get
everybody outside to take a group photo. So I'll see
you all in a few minutes.
Okay. Welcome back, everybody. Sylvia, are we good to go?
Welcome back, everybody. We're going to do quorum. Trustee Demiko
is here. Trustee Crawford no. Trustee did a menico. No.
Where the heck is everybody? Trustee de Grande. Here. Trustee
de Georgio. Present trustee Tanawan president. Trustee
Martino. Present the trustee, Lapretti.
Trustee Ritzo. Okay. And I see the other trustees coming
in.
Trustee. The Domenico are coming to the table. Now. We
are on consent and review. I have you.
Walking slowly. So the first thing is 18. A monthly
procurements and approval recommendation. Anybody want to hold it. Are
we doing? Review consent. Yes. Okay. I want to hold
it. 18 b. Summary of projects for utilization of proceeds
dispositions. 18. C. The Angel foundation for Learning Annual report.
18 d. Advisory committee report back to board information. Advisory
board. Advisory committee report back to board information. I thought
Gary was going to hold that. Advisory committee report back.
And I'm holding the next one, too. Annual report on
the accessibility standards. Okay.
And we have. Inquiries. Trustee Kennedy has two inquiries. Trustee
Ritzo has one inquiry. Annual 21 a annual calendar reports
and policy metrics. And 21 b monthly pending list. No
holds. Do we have a motion or adjournment? Okay. So
can I get. Someone to move. Trustee Tanawan. Seconded by
Trustee Ritzo. Thank you. Okay.
Moving. All items not held be approved. Now we're going
to vote. Yes. No one. Okay, start voting.
Seven total. Eight, nine. Trustee del Grande, how do you
vote? Yes. In favor. Do we have to put his
button? Can you hear me? We got you. Thank you.
In favor. All right, that carries. All right, so now
we are on. 18, a trustee Ritzo. Thank you. Did
you want to speak? Yes. Okay. Sorry. The student trustees.
Were to vote. How are you in favor? Sorry about
that. Student trustees are both in favor. Trustee Ritzo. Yeah.
Thank you very much. I'm wondering through you, Mr. Chair,
if I could get. I don't know what. Hpe means.
Mr director. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Through you to cio
damat. Hp aruba. Thank you, Associate Director Boyce. Through the
chair. And to trust the read. Zoe hpe aruba. Is
the brand name of network appliances. What does it do?
It provides wifi. We have wifi appliances. We have access.
That's fine. I just didn't understand what it meant because.
We have health and physical education, and it confused me.
With also hpe. Could you tell me? On number two,
purchase of school administration staff computer services. What is this
for? It's 1.2 million, as I understand it. And it's
only for one year. Absolutely. Through the chair, so. This
is. The lease for the devices that are being used.
By school administration, principals, vice principals, secretaries and librarians. So
the lease is coming up, and we are procuring. These
new devices for them. So the next one confuses me
as well, which. Is to buy back the lease or.
To basically lease. The buyout. Of leased monitors and desktops
for a cost of half a million. So I'm just
asking the question. Why are we not just buying them?
It sounds like 1.2 million is a lot of money.
How many does that buy? And how many does that
lease? Mr chair. So through you,
Mr. Chair. And to trustee Ritzo. So the 1.2 approximately
gives us. About. 1200. Devices. The reason that we are
buying back the peripherals is that the peripherals are something
that we can use in a longer term for the
longer time. For example, the keyboards, the monitors, the desktops.
They can be used for a longer time. And the
residual value is actually makes sense for us from the
financial point of view. But I don't know what the
financial point of view is. If. We're leasing 1200 and
we're buying 1200. What's the difference in cost? The difference
in the cost is that. Financially, it's better for us
to buy rather than lease, because when you lease at
the lease time. You have to actually return all of
the devices back. Exactly what we are doing, right? Now.
As opposed to? If we buy them, we can extend
the life of the devices and we can basically stretch
the value of this spending. So we're not leasing them
anymore. We are not leasing them anymore. We are getting
rid of the existing lease, and we are buying. All
right. And could you explain. Why some of these companies.
Are not canadian. Owned and operated. As you described earlier
today in a briefing session, absolutely. So when it comes
to procurement, whenever possible. Whenever possible. We use canadian. Companies
as the vendor. But when it comes to devices, Specifically
hardware devices. Sometimes it's really hard to find a canadian
source, so that's why we're using. American source. But these
are the american companies that have presence in Canada. They
employ canadian employees as well. So whenever possible, we do
that again. All of that with the framework of the
supply chain and procurement directives that. Is set within their
ministry. Thank you so much. And can I also ask
why we have so many procurements? For HVAC systems on
this list and why they weren't done altogether. Is there
some kind of advantage? Mr. Chair to staff, please, because.
I don't understand it. And I don't understand why some
of them are so. Much more. And so much less.
Like there is no consistent figure. Like some of them
will do. Like three schools, others will do. Only one
for almost the same amount of money. Yeah, through the
chair. I'm going to turn it over to Superintendent Zomisa.
I'll quickly say. They're staggered that way because we want
to make sure that the contractor, we don't. Want to
give one contractor too much work, so we want to
make sure we have different contractors on the projects and
then superintendent. Can speak to, even though they're all HVAC
projects, the scope of the work at those schools are
completely different. But superintendents will be such. Go ahead.
I can never say her name. Thank you. Associate director
voice through the chair to trustee Ritzo. The scopes are
different for all of these projects. Some are boilers, some
include air handling units. Some include other types of equipment.
So because the scopes are different, the design is a
little bit different. Some designs take longer. To complete. Some
of them started earlier than others, so. They're on different
paths as far as the schedule goes, and we try
to tender them. As quickly as possible. Okay. Thank you.
Perhaps. Through you, Mr. Chair, you can. Explain also why
some of these companies. Are not canadian. Through the chair
to trustee ritzo. I just did a quick search on
some of them. The contractors, you mean? These contractors were
all pre qualified through the board's pre qualification process a
number of years. Ago, and we have a two year
program. As far as I know. They are canadian. If
you provided me with a list, I would do some
more research, and then. They have local branches. If. They
are considered. An american company, potentially, but the ones that
I'm aware of, that we work with, actually. Are located
here and have offices in Canada. No. That's great to
hear. That's. Great to hear. I just did two of
them. And I'll show you afterwards. Yeah, I'd be interested
in seeing who they are. Yeah. Okay, great. Mr. Chair.
There are no other questions. I'll be prepared to move.
The staff recommendation. Which. Is. For a minute and I'll
get it. That the board of trustees approve all procurement
activities. And awards. Listed in appendix A.
Seconded by Trustee Tanawan. Go ahead. Thank you,
Mr. Chair. This is number seven, t 37 25. CCtv
upgrades at seven schools, so roughly. Seven. About 60,000.
Right for each goal. I learned. For nonprofit corporations. The
federal government has given. These grants. Up to? I don't
know, 30, 40,000. And our church has been a recipient
of it through you, Mr. Chair, I just want to
know. If we are qualified to get those grants. For
these schools. On cctv security and all that. Mr chair.
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Through you to trustee Tattooan. So
we do access grants where possible. I'm not aware of
the specific grant you're talking about, but if you forward
that to us, I'm sure. We've already looked into it.
But if there's something we missed, I do know. In
prior years, we've used grants to help. With some prior
CCTV and security and access for it system, so we
do access grants regularly. Where we can, but I don't
know the particular grant you're speaking to, so. If you
forward that to us, we can take a look at
it. We'll do, Mr. Chair. Thank you, director. Thank you.
And no other questions online. Done, okay? All those in
favor? Sorry. Go ahead. In favor? Did you want to
speak? No. Okay. Oh, you wanted to just vote. Okay,
sorry. You're in favor? Yes, in favor. Sorry about. That.
Trustee Damiko is in favor. Sorry. We're not doing it
that way anymore. Start voting. We're voting now. Yeah. Trustee
del Grande. How do you vote? I'm sorry. In favor.
Is in favor. Trustee Lebinsky, are you online?
How do you vote, Trustee Lebinsky?
Ted, we got the brandy. That carries.
Now we are on. 18 b trustee ritzo. Yes. I'm
wondering if you could ask staff for a report summary.
Can we get ten minutes on the clock, please? Doesn't
start your questions. Ten minutes. Only for questions.
Have five minutes. Five. Okay. Through the chair to the
assembly. Happy to provide a brief summary on this report
as you're. Aware. At our last board meeting, the board
of trustees asked staff to go away. And bring forth
some recommendations with respect to utilizing our proceeds of disposition
for projects that would benefit our school communities and our
students. As such, this report outlines a number of projects
which staff believe. Would be beneficial and. A good use
of the proceeds of disposition dollars that we have to
help support. Capital and renewal projects. The report outlines three
main areas of projects. To the board of trustees for
us for them to consider. One is gymnasium. Gymnasium additions.
These are all four of these projects are projects that
had previously received approval for use of proceeds. Of disposition
by the province. However, we require additional dollars to complete
the projects. In the gymnasium, so. Staff feel very comfortable
with recommending these projects and asking for the ability to
ask for an additional exemption from the ministry to utilize
dollars to complete those projects. The second bucket of projects
would be ventilation projects. We spoke previously. I've spoken previously.
At numerous meetings around the desire to improve ventilation at
a number of our schools. We spoke previously I believe
it was trustee Ritzo and I were aligned and on
the same page, the stars aligned that day, and we
spoke about. A pilot program in a number of our
schools to implement ventilation, and as such, we are recommending
some schools to pilot the implementation of mechanical ventilation. We
have some schools that don't. Even have mechanical ventilation and
as such that would be a good use of pod
money. Staff have looked at schools that. Have high enrollment,
three stories. And utilize some criteria there to allow, sorry.
To allow us to implement those projects. The third bucket
of projects. Third and fourth our air conditioned projects. This
board of trustees has already approved a direction on air
conditioning. And in our new capital projects, our new capital
construction projects. Adding that on as it's not something that
we get funded for in the benchmark. From the ministry.
So one of the recommendations speaks to continuing with that.
At a number of future builds. The other recommendation speaks
to this board of trustees asked staff to go back
and take a look at a particular school, St. Gregory
school. There was a delegation where. They purported that their
school, when built, was built with air conditioning in mind,
but it didn't. Get built because of value. Engineering staff
went out on site, confirmed that they are prepped. That.
It seems that it was probably removed from value engineering.
So they are far along the way. The cost is
minimal, relatively speaking. To add that to a school, and
as such, we are recommending that it would be an
efficient and a good use of our dollars. And proceeds
of disposition to allow them. To add air conditioning to
that school again, it is a highly populated school and
they are ready. To receive the appropriate mechanical. Upgrades that
would be necessary to do that, that. 's a short.
We have provided a table in terms of estimated cost.
Again, these are all estimates in terms of where we
have our best thoughts and best estimates as of today.
And that would utilize the number that's in the report
of the proceeds of disposition current. Balance. Happy to answer
any questions. Thank you. And I'd really appreciate it if
someone could. If you have other speakers, I don't want
to manipulate the time, so if you could share that
with me, that would. Be good. So the first question
I have is why? Didn't you recommend any childcare centers?
Through the chair to trustee Ritzo. We deliberated about childcare
centers. We took into account some of the deliberation that's
occurred around this horseshoe from the board of trustees, and
we tended to agree with the original sentiment. That was
had at this board of trustees, whereas childcare wouldn't be
inappropriate, that should be something that's funded from the provincial
government. They had made that commitment previously, taken that commitment
away from us, unfortunately. Utilizing our proceeds of distribution dollars
for that against some of the other initiatives that are
listed in the report staff just felt that it was
a better use of the limited funds we had to
do those projects, and it would go further in terms
of the efficiency of those dollars. Thank you. That's a
valid reason. I totally accept that. May I ask? Did
you do any evaluation on how much it would cost?
To do the gyms. And. Some component of a childcare
center. So. Let's say. Not. Three classrooms. But one classroom,
or did we do any evaluation? Of how much it
would cost to do the gym, plus a childcare center.
In a gym edition. Yeah, through the chair, too. Trustee
Ritzo we did not, and only because the child care.
When we liaised with the city of Toronto last year,
the child care they defined the childcare need across the
city. So when they say they need five classrooms or
I think most of them are. Three minimum. There might
be a couple. Two they've defined. The need. And so
for us. To arbitrarily say that. Okay, we can get
by with one classroom plus a gym. Wouldn't be within
our purview, our expertise, and so in order to be
equitable and again. And in comparing it to the other
needs in the report, we focus mainly once we decided
that childcare wasn't a road that staff would recommend. We
focus mainly on just the gymnasiums. Okay. But didn't the
provincial government arbitrarily decide that they were only going to
give us 25% for childcare centers. Isn't that arbitrary too?
Through the chair to trustee Ritzo. You're voting me to
stray into some areas. That aren't my areas of expertise.
So I would just say confirm that the 25% was
what the province did offer us. Okay. So what would
be the difference? Of the amount of money. That we
would be requesting for approved projects. That the ministry has
already said. Here's your money. You can spend it. How
much more money are we talking about? For the additional
money. For the approved projects. Sorry if I wasn't clear.
Through the chair. So, just a point of clarification, are
you asking just for the I. Guess that would be
just the gymnasiums. Or you're asking for all the projects
that. We're recommending in the report. What did we get
ministry approval for and what would be the dollar difference
that you would be? Requesting for additional money. I'm using
your words. You said that you needed to ask the
government for additional money. For approved projects. Those are your
exact words? Yeah. So through the chair. So if I
understand the question correctly. We already have about 22 million
in approved use of Pod. So this report is asking
for a total of 32 million. Approximately 32 million. So
you're asking for 10 million more? No, we're asking for
32 million on top of the 22 that's already approved.
Now I'm confused. Could you please explain it to me?
Yeah, through the chair. I'm going to go try to
go through this line by line so it might make
it a little bit easier because the first one is
the complex one. So in the ventilation projects, we need
12.4. We don't have any approval from. The Ministry for
any of these ventilators. Okay, but that's not what I'm.
Asking about now. Then we have. In the air conditioning
again. We don't have approval for those. So then the
gymnasiums. I just got to pull up another chart somewhere.
The gymnasiums is where we're asking for most of the
additional dollars. And I'm going to maybe ask for some
help here. Superintendent, is a little me slich. If you
have that number. At the ready. If you can. Oh,
there we go. 17.5 is the additional dollars we're asking
there. And what? Did they originally approve? 8.4.
1.59.9. Through the chair. So on the gymnasium projects, the
St. Margaret Father Sarah, St. Bernard and St. Kevin. It's
approximately 10 million. Approximately 10 million. Already approved. Bottom line,
what should we get for the money that we have?
Yeah. Is that what you're suggesting? Is what? Yeah, that's
what I really want to know. My apologies. I didn't
hear what trustee del Grande interjected. What can we get
for the money that we have? Right, so through the
chair, that's. What this report is recommending. So for the
money that we have, A current in the table in
the report, we have a current balance of. 32.859 we
are asking to utilize 32.74 seven. So all of these
projects would pretty much maximize the available room in our
pod to utilize to complete the projects in the report.
But let's move on what we have. Through the chair
again. Sorry, trustee del Grande. I didn't catch a can.
Let's move with what we have each time, the longer
we delay. The farther we are from getting our goal
of. Talking. Ten minutes of talking. Questions. No, he's just
saying, can we move on with what we have? Through
the chair to the assembly. So just to be totally
clear, so we need additional, we have to go back
to the ministry to ask for additional dollars. So even
though the gymnasium projects have been approved. They're approved at
an amount that we don't have the sufficient amount of
dollars. To complete those projects. So we need to go
back. Trustee del Grande is asking. Right. So we have
to go back. This report is asking for permission for
us to go back to the ministry. And ask for
additional dollars. How much money? Can we do with the
money we have? We cannot do anything with the money
that we have. We have to ask. For the capital.
For the capital projects. Sorry if we have $20 million
of our own money that's available. What can we do
with the $20 million? You may have to go ask
for. More later on the other stuff. But what can
we get today for the $20 million going? Forward. Through
the chair to the board of trustees, so. You can't
think of the money as a lump bucket sum of
money. The approvals. Come on a per project approval basis.
So we have a certain amount of proof that St.
Father Sarah. Certain amount improved at St. Bernard, a certain
amount of St. Kevin. We cannot complete those projects. With
the money that we have approved, so you can't think
of it as a lump. Sum. Of money. It's a
per project specific approval. Yes, but if we have proceeds
of disposition. We can ask the government to have us
use those proceeds of disposition. To complete those projects. Through
the chair to the trustee, Logan. That's what the purpose
of this report is, that's what we're asking. If you
read the recommendations. We are asking the government to get
dollars to complete the. All right, so let's move the
recommendations. I make an agreement. Thank you. What are you
doing? Okay. Trustee did the medical point of order, Mr.
Chair. State your point. My
point, Mr. Chairman? Are you running the meeting and are
you allowing people to speak. I mean, Trustee Riesel had
the floor. She was speaking. As trustee. Del Grande always
says he hates to be interrupted, but that's exactly what
he's been doing. Point of order, trustee Ritzo said. If
anybody else, I'm taking up a lot of time. If
anybody else wants to say something, it still has to
go through the chair. It still has to go through
the chair and approved by the chair. Okay, thank you.
Trustee did the medical. You have to push her button
again. Thanks, Mr. Chair. I want to thank the staff
for this report, the detail to it. It's a fantastic
opportunity to take projects that have individually been approved but
do not have sufficient funds. We can now take the
funds that we have that are board's money, and we
can use them to complete three gymnasiums of which we're
not going to get ever funded. We can. Complete three
mechanically ventilated schools, St. Benedicts and Cecilia St. Lawrence. We
can add air. Conditioning to St. Gregory at a low
cost because it's already pretty much all there, so. I'm
not sure if I'm able to, Mr. Chair, but I
would like to. Move the staff recommendation and put this
on the floor. And let's get this. Let's. Get these.
Projects done, Mr. Chair. So it's seconded by. Trustee Ritzo
moved. Trustee Reed. So did you move it? Okay. Trustee
did the Manico. Moved it. Seconded by Trustee Kennedy. Any
speakers? Trustee. Yes. Thank you.
Let's move on to the renewal component of it. So
could you explain to me why. For example, in St.
Gregory's case, it's like $500,000. The community.
Was completely right. It was already done. Why didn't we
use renewal money? And what it's like to do it
already? Like this was approved more than a year ago
in the middle of, like, a heat wave. Yeah, through
the chair to trustee retail. Why does it have to
go through pod? It should come. Out of renewal through
the chair to trustee retail. So two things. You asked
two questions. So if you allow me to answer? I
will. Thank you. I just have to get that one
out. Yes. So we are asking the board for the
approval in some of the cases. We're asking. For the.
Board's approval to request an exemption from the ministry because
we need it in other cases. We're asking for just
the approval to use the utilization of Pod because we
may not so, to your point. In St. Gregory specific
case, we couldn't just go ahead because we had to
wait for there to be. A HVAC project at the
school if we were going to use renewal for that
school, because then it would classify as a new capital
project, which we needed exemptions. So in that case, We
actually coincidentally have an HVAC project at St. Gregory's that
we're going. To try to bundle and we're going to
see. So whatever is remaining, we'll fund through pod. But
we just are coming to the board to say, give
the approval to ask. To use Pod because that's what
this board has asked staff to do. Through various bylaws.
So in some cases we will utilize renewal funding where
possible, but we have to take a look at that,
and we just wanted to make sure that we just
get the approvals up front so we don't have to
come back and forth and we can expedite some of
these projects. My confusion is if.
The ministry already approved the projects. I don't want us
going back there and saying, They can say no. To,
I don't know, St. Cecilia or whatever. I can't remember
some of the. Ones on this list. What is it?
St. Lawrence, st. Benedict and st. Cecilia. I guess, as
an example. No, but those weren't the approved projects, right?
Through the charitary trustee, Rito. They weren't the approved prior.
Okay, let's. Use St. Margaret. Yes, Margaret. To get an
example. So, unfortunately, the way that it's working, that it
works right now. Just like as an ATP process. If
you don't have sufficient money, you have to go. Back
to ask for more money and ask for. And so
in this case, not only do we have to ask
for money, but we have to ask for another exemption
to get the additional dollars. It's just the way it
is, so. There is a situation. Just to be very
clear, we're asking for permission to ask the ministry to
use these dollars, the ministry could come back and say,
No, that we can't use the dollars for these purposes.
Again, we think these are very valid projects. They're projects
we've spoken about for years. There's projects that we've spoken
about on a staff to staff level projects that these
board of trustees have spoken about publicly. So we're not
here just frivolously spending money. These are. Projects that regardless
of the financial situation we're in, regardless. Of some of
the other variables, we would recommend that we use these
projects. That's why the thoughtfulness. My final stuff is I
hope that when we submit these proposals, And I hope
that we do. We say we didn't get any capital
monies for two years? We didn't. Get. Any. Childcare centers.
We didn't get any X, Y and Z. These projects
were already. Approved. We just need an additional amount of
money to complete them because the cost of living and
inflation has killed us. Like, I need you to make
sure that the government, it's not just like here's. A
little business plan. And. Starting from scratch, especially with the
new minister of education. Yeah, through the chair to trustee
Ritzo. Having known me for four years, I hope that
you can attest to the fact that it will not
be clothed in niceties and flowers. When we make that
discussion to the ministry, we have already. Talked about some
of the things that you've just alluded to about capital
priorities and childcare. That is a discussion that, and that
we had to pay $500,000. For the study. For the.
Yes. So those discussions happen very earnestly and very frankly.
And both Superintendent Lo Misa and Superintendent Liberto joined me
on those calls with the ministry. And they can attest
that I do not mince words on those obviously collegial
obviously professional, but we do make that point. So you
can rest assured we will make that point. And advocate
for our students, because at the end of the day,
that's what we're advocating for is for our students to
have better facilities, better condition. Conditions in the classrooms that
they're in. And no child care, but thank you. That's
disappointing. Thank you. Trustee del Grande. No, I just want
to vote. Thank you. Okay. Trustee, the Giorgio. Thank you.
Through the chair. I just want to sort of Echo
trustee de Dilmanico's sentiment. This is sort of making the
best out of what I believe was worst case scenario
when the province didn't. Fulfill their commitment. So it's not
the greatest outcome, but it is a reasonable outcome. These
school communities have been waiting for a long time. It's
nice to see us find a way to at least
accomplish. I'll call. It 50% of what they deserve or
were promised and just following up on what trustee Ritzo
said. St. Margaret, Father Sarah, St. Kevin and definitely St.
Bernard. In my ward I can speak to what I'll
call an emotional roller coaster. It was for these parents
who've been waiting. For anywhere from eight to ten years.
And approval, atps, consultants in their faces, drawings thrown up
in front of the screen. And it's really not nice.
And it's not our staff, it's really the ministry. That
put them through that. But. What I'm trying to get
at is the communication strategy we use. I just want
some input from our comms team or central staff here
today. About this gets approved, potentially. But then there's a
lag, obviously, in terms of whether or not the ministry
grants us approval to use these pods. But at what
point will parents receive communication. And what will that communication
look like? And I think, again, following up on what
trustee Ritzo said a summary from inception all the way.
To where we are today would be something very thoughtful
for these communities, because I'm the trustee. And even I
have to dig through my outlook to even figure out
what transpired when and what got approved when and what
happened here or what went wrong there. So that's all
I'd like to share. Yeah. If you want to provide
some comments briefly. Thank you. Yeah. Through the chair to
trustee Georgia I appreciate your comments. And you're right. Some
of these histories predate a lot of the people in
this room, and we have to dig and find it
out. So as much as possible. We've tried to do
that, and we will do that, I would say to
you. We would communicate with the school communities once we
have the approval. I'm not big on giving. On getting
people's hopes up and expectations again, I want to reiterate
to this. Board of trustees that we do still have
to get the provincial approval from this. Right. So it's
not just because it's approved here tonight. We can move
forward. We've got to go and request it. But at
that point, should we be successful, and there's no reason
to think that we shouldn't. In the sense of that
these projects are valid, not in the sense of why
we may or may not get approved. We would communicate
definitely to all communities affected because it is good news
if we're able to proceed with these projects. Am I
the last speaker? You want to be the last speaker?
I would please. Just one more seat. Yeah, just. Sorry.
No problem. Just through the chair to staff. How long
do we anticipate feedback from the ministry, we'll take on
this ballpark. Yeah, through the chair.
To trustee de Georgio. So we'll work on that. Strategies
like. I'll give an example for the air conditioning projects
at the new capital schools. Once this board of trustees
approved. We sent a letter to the ministry asking for
those, because some of them were time sensitive, obviously, and
we let them mill that. So we'll figure out what
the best strategy is probably we would just get pre
approval or in advance and say we are going to
use. We'd like to request to utilize it Utili. Utilize
our proceeds of disposition, and if they affirm that, then
we can do some of the other pieces behind the
scenes, so I can't put a sense on the timeline
as I think trustee Rito alluded to, there is a
new minister in the Minister of Ministry of Education. So
they've probably got a brief and get everybody up to
speed, so. I wouldn't hazard to put a guess on
it, but we'll try to expedite. Things on our end
so that we get it in as soon as possible.
And then, sorry, through the chair. One final question. I
almost hesitate to ask it, but I'll. Ask it anyways.
In the event this goes through. In the event the
ministry approves. The pods for the specific purpose. What happens
to the child cares. Yeah, through the chair to trustee
to Giorgio. So we haven't recommended the completion of childcare.
Projects. As you can see by the chart, it would
deplete our pod dollars. So. The childcare would be at
the behest of if the ministry maybe reversed their decisions.
Or if they decided. To. That's what I'm trying to
get. I know it's sort of uncharted. Waters, but. Does
the actual file live on or is it terminated? Is
there a file at the ministry specifically? On that childcare
project. So through the chair to trustee to Georgia. So
the ministry has informed us that. They're canceling this childcare
project. So I'm not privy to whether in imaginations, but
would assume that they've closed the file on that. Having
said that, we have done some work, and so if
it was to be revived, we wouldn't be starting. From
ground zero. Yeah, that's where I'm going with this. If
there's any way for. I guess you're saying internally we
just keep the files and in the event. That things
change, we make an adjustment. Okay. Thank you. Trustee did
the medical. I'm the last speaker. Mr. Chair. Thank you
very much. I understand the frustration around this room. I'm
frustrated too with things. However, I think this is a
very positive step forward. If this board approves these projects,
we are going to affect thousands of students in a
very positive way. Gym's air conditioning pilot projects. In a
whole variety of awards. So I'm going to look at
the optimistic part. We're going to do our part. I
know our staff. I know Mr. Boyce and others are
very firm with the ministry. I've had those discussions with
them and they will make the case. That in some
cases it's simply a top up, and others it is
to deal with. The needs of the community. So ice
chop up. So I say congratulations to. The staff and
I asked the trustees to support this motion and make
the lives of our students. Across many different wards, improved.
We've talked about this for a long time, for months.
And months here. Tonight we get to say yes. We
go forward with it. And I'm asking. For that support
of the motion. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you. So
it's been moved and seconded. We're going to take the
vote. Or did you want to speak Angel? Student.
Trustee. Good luck. In favor. Student trustee Desilvera in favor.
Online trustee de Grande. In favor? Trustee Levinsky in favor.
And over here voting. Is on.
We should have eleven now, right? Lebinsky. Somebody get Lebinsky.
Eleven. Okay. Stop voting.
Well, that passes. All right. Now we are on 18
c, the Angel foundation for Learning annual report, which we
all saw the presentation earlier. Moved by Trustee de Domanico,
seconded by trustee Martino. Anyone want to speak to that?
No. Okay, let's take the vote.
Trustee. Good luck. In favor? Student trustee de Silvera in
favor. Online. Trustee del Grande. Just received here.
Trustee Lebinsky in favor. And the trustees. The lights are
on to vote. He didn't respond.
Trustee Lebinsky was in favor. I know. We have to
hit. It.
Seven. One, two and. Again. Frank Faber. You're in favor,
okay. One person is opposed. One person was opposed. 910
eleven. We're still missing one. Oh, the Georgia left. Theresa
is in favor. Yeah. Mike's in favor. So Kevin's not
here. Idol left, so that's. Nine. She left. That's nine.
Yeah, we have nine. Stop voting. Good. All right.
So that carries. 18 d advisory committee report back to
board information. Pages 41 to 48. Moved by trustee Ritzo.
I want to ask your question. Okay. And I'd like.
Status. I was very confused about it. Could someone explain
to me how. What?
Say it again. If you would like. So from what
I could see, there was emotion that was adopted by
this. Board on February. The 15th, 2024. That said, the
existing advisory committee should independently and regularly report to the
board so that trustees can develop policies needed to address
all forms of system. Equity issues. So we dealt with
this at bylaw, we dealt with this at governance. So
I am a little bit confused. By the final statement
that says absolutely nothing. So could someone tell me how
that makes some sense? Okay. Through you, Mr. Chair to
Superintendent Fernandez. Do you, Mr. Chair to trustee Reitzo, the
reports intended to take the advice from each advisory committee
and just provide to the board areas where advisory committees
are feeling more needs to be done, so I'm sorry.
I'm not sure I missed something. If it wasn't clear
enough. There, that was. The intent of it just to
take each advisory committee's request and present them to the
board as to where they feel next steps need to
happen. And when will that occur? That's in the appendix.
In the appendix. Sorry. Through you, Mr. Chair, through trustee
retail. That's in the appendix. Okay. You had me worry,
trustee Reid, so I thought it was way off base
there. Okay. I quit. Me too. Sorry. I understand now.
I was like, what is this? All right, I apologize.
I don't like that writing. On tables and stuff, okay?
Mr. Chair. Thank you very much. I'll move her seat.
Move by trustee Ritzo, seconded by trustee Kennedy. I get
it now. Thank you. We'll get to the boat. Student
trustee, the silvera in favor. Student trustee. Good luck. In
favor. Online trustee del Grande. In favor. Trustee Lebinsky. In
favor if somebody can get their buttons. And rest of
the trustees can. Display.
Five. Who's missing? Did you? Sorry. Prank. Seven, eight. One
more. Did the game finish? We only have eight. It's
not on time. Okay, we have our nine. Is this
a game? Yeah. Nine. We were winning for two, okay?
That carries. They weren't playing in Toronto. They're in New
York now. We're on 18. E annual report on the
accessibility standards. If we can get a brief on that.
Hello. Good evening, everyone, and thank you for the opportunity
to present a very high level summary of this. Aoda
achievement report. But before I do so, I'd like to
introduce Angela Toko. Who is here with us this evening.
Angelo is a teacher at Dante Alleghari, and he is
a member of the working group. And Angelo self identifies
as deaf and hard of hearing, and Angelo relies on
speech to text as his preference to communicate. So thank
you, Angelo, for being here. So TCDSB has passed all
ministry audits this year in the area of transportation training.
And communication as prescribed by the Ministry of accessibility. And
seniors, we have received eleven accommodation requests and we have
fulfilled eleven accommodation requests. 51 buildings and facilities have been
upgraded to meet accessibility standards, and the number of website
visits has been steadily maintained. The number of students involved
in awareness campaigns to understand. The Aoda change attitudinal barriers
has increased and. The numbers. We continue to receive requests
for ambassador speakers. We continue to train our leaders and
staff. And have launched two issues of AODA accessibility and
highlights for our school leaders. I'm very proud of everyone's
work. The ability to learn about the removal of barriers
and inclusion for all, and the awareness that accessibility is
about the entire catholic community that involves actively removing visible
and invisible barriers to accessibility. Thank you. Thank you very
much for that. Trustee Ritzo. Thank you. I find it
very interesting. That. In all of the lists that were
as provided. I don't know if it's got an appendix
on it. Whatever. Aoda action plan 24, 25.
I find it unbelievable, actually. That none of the schools
of which I have 24. Have any accessibility for me
to enter the buildings. I'm wondering. How we couldn't even
hit one. Through, Mr. Chair. Superintendent Chapel. Happy to give
a list through you, Mr. Chair, but I would be.
Happy to provide some kind of list. Do I have
to say? Please accommodate me. So build. An entranceway so
I can get into St. Rayfields. Or St. Martha's. Three
of Mr. Chair two. Associate director voice yeah. Thank you.
Through the chair to trustee Ritzo. The short answer to
your question is. We are doing that. We are currently
assessing all of our buildings to see where particularly. We
can implement ramps. And larger doorways. Not all of our
facilities can do that. Superintendent's low methulous team is actually
currently in that work. It's really good work. I've seen
a couple of drafts. But we have to figure out
where we can and where we can. Some of its
grading issues some of it is building structural issues. But
where we can, that is our plan is to actually
install ramps and increase doorways at all of our building.
Buildings where we can. But I can't sit here and
tell you that in your ward. All of the or
in your schools, and this is across the system, but.
We are working on that. It's not an endeavor. It's
not a faint endeavor. It does take a lot. Of
planning, and it does take a lot of, we've got
to go out to every site, take a look at
grading, take a look at doorways. We are working on
that. That's the short answer to it. We are working
on that. You attended a meeting with MPP Kurzner, the
solicitor general. And I and the staff at St. Ray
Fields, I can't get into the building. I can't go
to the bathroom. I can't get to the second floor.
Anywhere. Anyhow, people literally had to lift my scooter up
in order for me to get into that building. Like,
what do I have to do? Where is it that
I have to sign with blood? Get me into that
school. Yeah, through the Jarrett Trustee, Rizal. I was there
100%. And very appreciative of that. But as I said,
It's not a matter of wanting to do it or
not wanting to do it at certain St. Raphaels is
a great example of a school built in 1950, maybe
40 something. Where it's a tight sight in terms of
accessibility. So even to put some sites you could put
an extension to put an elevator. Some sites you can
put ramps, but there has to be a certain incline
and decline, so it's not a matter of wanting to
trustee Ritzo it's a matter of. Not. Unfortunately, our building,
some of our building stock is really, really just. Not.
It doesn't present itself an easy challenge to do it,
which is why we're. Doing the work to see where
can we and where we can't. I do not. Disagree
with anything you're saying. You and I have had this
conversation. It is something we have to do. But it's
something we have to do. We have to be diligent.
About it. And we have to understand where we can
and where we can so there's, no disagreement, but please
don't mistake that. For lack of wanting to do it.
We want to make sure that our buildings where we
can make them more accessible for our students. As staff,
trustees, everybody that goes into the building. No, I totally
get it. And when I think of me, I don't
really think of. I think of me, obviously, but I
don't think. Of me. I think of students who are
disabled. I think of staff that have some accommodations, right?
It's not about me. So I worry. I worry that
when I look. And I have a huge. Ward with
24 schools. So a year from last year to now,
Zero. And we're supposed to be. Compliant compliance by
2025. What year are we in? Somebody help me out.
So through the chair to trustee retail. So I'm going
to two parts of your question. Again. I'll answer in
two parts. Okay? And you know what? Some of it,
it's. Just my frustration. Yes, I appreciate it. And thank
you for that, saying that, and I appreciate that. For
the whole board of trustees, not just trustee Ritzo. I
do want to. Commend, first of all, Superintendent Chafali. Her
and I actually go out to sites. I think she
said it in her presentation that we got eleven accommodation
request. We did eleven accommodations. Last year, so work is
getting done across the board. Her and I were at
sites where we had and. I don't want to identify.
To make particular student identifiable. But I remember one of
our site visits. We were walking through a building and
there was a kid. Was really severely impaired and couldn't
mobile. They couldn't move around. And Superintendent Felley and I,
with the principal walked around, we said, oh, your stairs
here. If we put a ramp here, this child can
get to their classroom, can get to the washroom. We
can redesign and we. Interacted that right away. Like, we
take this very seriously because, to your point, it's. Not
about us as adults. It's about students. It's about being
able to have a great experience in those schools. So
I just wanted to say that we take it seriously.
It's not just lip service in this boardroom. I myself
go out there with Superintendent Chavelli and we take a
look. And she has a wonderful relationship with supernatural superintendents.
Old mislead where we just do things. I don't have
to be there to get them done, but I just
wanted to. Say that in terms of the commitment, the
last part of. Your frustrations. I hear them. I can
assure you we are working hard on this. This is.
Not something that's a bottom of the file cabinet for
us. We are moving, but as Superintendent Chavelli said, there's
a lot of great work that we do. Do we
are a large board, so it may seem that the
work we do is a drop in the bucket, but
we're doing a ton of work to make sure that
our school. Schools provide that environment are accessible. So just
wanted to say that, but I appreciate your frustration and
we are going to get there if we continue to
work together. All right. No other speakers. Moved by trustee
Reid, so seconded by trustee Kennedy. All those in favor?
Student trustee. Good luck. In favor? Student trustee de Silvera
in favor. Online trustee de Grande.
Trustee Lebinsky in favor. All right? And now. We start
the vote? Everybody can vote. Trustee Lebinsky is in favor.
If somebody can get that.
Shoulders play. We can show it. We have nine. That
carries. Now we have. Final. Inquiries.
Trustee Kennedy. Go ahead. Thank you, Mr. Chair. So, my
first inquiry. Is with respect to policy SSO two, that's
the opening and closing exercises policy with specific question. On
whether the schools are following the policy. And the students
are, in fact singing O Canada acapella. Without that recording.
Hopefully the recordings are in the garbage. Or the recycling.
So I'm just wondering if staff could answer that question.
Through you, Mr. Chair. Absolutely appreciate the pro canadian sentiment
and pride. I know we had a conversation with regards
to it. I think it's critically important at this time.
This is just verified with Superintendent Farrell as well about
the availability of canadian flags and making sure that they're
being flown. They're all expected to be flown. And if
there is a requirement for replacement schools can access and
purchase them as required. With regards to the singing of
the national anthem. I would say that it's always best
efforts and it's an expectation. I will personally remind principals
at next week's k to twelve principal meeting about the
importance of the policy and the expectation. Encourage them to
have students come down to the office and sing and
like any good principle, they'll have contingencies in play. Just
in case those kids don't show up, and they may
rely on either the principal singing and assisting. I've been
in schools where my colleagues around this horseshoe have not
only sang the national anthem, but sang the school's song.
To my amazement, so I don't have their skill, but
I'll reiterate. The importance of it at the k to
twelve meeting next week with all 200 principals present. Thank
you. What do you think the percentages of. Students.
Singing and not. Or of schools having their students sing.
I know we had Covid intervene here, so it's understandable
because we had two. Or three years where we weren't
supposed to sing. Yeah. No, through Mr. Chair, I think.
I could get some anecdotal feedback. Most definitely. I would
confidently say that it's. The high majority of our schools
where the kids are singing in class. That was the
impetus for bringing these videos to the student achievement meeting
to showcase the schools. It's not very difficult for us
to find willing participants, and that's kind of a snapshot
of what happens in the school on a daily basis,
so I'm quite confident the percentage of schools where students
and staff and principal are singing the national anthem. Okay,
so. The second part to my inquiry is with respect
to. When we have events. So it's a policy question.
I know the policy. Students singing is the opening and
closing. Exercises. But we have other policies that talk about.
School blessings and anniversaries and events at schools, and they
have a singer or student. Singing O Canada. It would
be really nice if whoever they have singing would stop
after a few bars and let everyone sing. So can
someone advise if I can put that in a policy?
I mean, it was great at that Edmonton game. I
don't know if anybody saw that. Where the Canadians. Or
the people. Were actually singing Acapella and the singer. Let
them do it. The leader let them do it. And
right now, what we need as passionate Canadians and the
way you get passionate is by singing o Canada. Through
you, Mr. Chair. I think that the key message and
the key takeaway is your last. Line about the importance
of patriotism and reiterating our passion for it, I might
stop. Short of dictating how and when people should stop
singing and encourage certain points. But I think that that
enthusiasm and. The importance of it is something we can
absolutely reiterate with our principles. We would absolutely reiterate with
our principles, make sure that they're aware of and they
are, but we're happy to say it to them again.
Yeah, with the fashion that you have a good chance
to jump on that bandwagon with everyone else with respect
to Canadian. Patriotism. Let's jump on there. And I hope
that at every graduation we're going to sing. The graduates
sing here. The graduate singing. I mean, it's really awful
to see our students not sing at their own graduation.
I think that your passionate enthusiasm is something that we'd
be happy to share. And know that. It would be
received well. Trustee Kennedy. I put it all in one.
You put it on one. All right. So on that.
With online trustee Lebinsky. How do you vote? Schneider.
Student trustee good luck. In favor? Student trustee de Silvera.
In favor. Did I not hit that? Okay, the rest
of the trustees can vote. There's eight of us. Do
we need a mover? In a second. Mr. Chair. Excuse
me. What are we voting for? Trustee Kennedy. 's
patriotism. O Canada and the flag. Just receiving the inquiry.
We're receiving an inquiry. That was an inquiry. Yes. Okay.
Thank you. I am in favor. Okay. Thank you. Has
everybody voted? What the heck?
Sprint over there.
That carries. Final inquiry from. Trustee Ritzo. Thank
you. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I cannot tell you how
frustrated the parent community is at St. Antoinell. Their building
is going up. Registration happened recently. And parents started again,
like you said, that the school was going to be
built by September 2025. And I never say anything like
that. Because I know better. Anytime I get a date.
I go. Remember, construction takes a lot longer. Just think
of when you're renovating something. In your home. If they
say they're going to finish it in a month, it
may not take a month. I try to sort of
not exceed anybody's expectations. But. I do want to get
a realistic. Absolutely. Finished date. No guarantees, but a finished
date for San Antoine. Daniel with the bookshelves in with
the cubby holes in with, like, I don't want them
to come in to a half. Empty building and then
look for the volleyball polls like I don't want them
to do. That. So could someone tell me when the
school will be completed? We have six months left for
September. Thank you for the inquiry, trustee Ritzo, and. I
do appreciate your comments to begin with because one of
the things that I've worked with the team on here,
which has been the traditional practice, is. Through no fault
of anyone's, but I do believe we have given dates
too early to school communities in terms of when they're
going to be moving in, to your point, construction takes
a while. There's some various other things that happened prior
to we get a shovel in the ground. Moving forward.
So we are being more cautious with. The date. Once
we get a shovel in the ground, it's a little
bit easier for us to tell what? The data things
can still come up. But having said all of that
preamble, I did meet with the capital staff two weeks
ago, right before March break. Got an update on every
project. We are still tracking. I've met with the contractor.
Having met with. God on site and seeing what's happening.
We are still tracking for September 2025 for St. Antoine
Danielle it is tight. It is one of our tighter
projects in terms of completion as you notice in some
cases, I'm looking at trustee Kennedy there some cases. We
do track for a date, and then we come and
we say, this one's going. To be too tight. It's
going to be too rush. We would prefer a January.
Date to move in, just so it's a little bit
more complete with what we did. At her school recently,
so if that happens, we will communicate that as soon
as possible. But part of my dilemma, to be quite
frank, and I'll say this publicly. I need to be
able to keep the pressure on the contractors. So if
I give you a date publicly. Let's further out. This
is a public meeting. People can give, word can get
back. We are trying to change the culture with the
people who work with us, and we've got some really
good people. But it is construction, and there are some
people who are in multiple projects and do more. So
we are trying to change the culture with our people
who do our work for us. As close to signing
in blood as possible. When you give us a date,
we need you to. Deliver on that date. And if
you don't, there better be a good reason, because moving
forward. Your relationship with our board is in jeopardy. I
say that just so that the board of trustees understands
these are serious conversations that we're having because I don't
like school communities. I don't like children being out of
their schools and relocated four or five, six years. We
want to get that down as close to two as
possible. So I apologize for the long winded answer. But
I will say to you, we are tracking Superintendent Zoe
Mislech myself. I've got that update. We are tracking September
2025. It is very close on that project, but I
do not want to tell you right now. Oh. Let's
extend it. I want to keep that pressure going. I
want those kids in the school. They've been off site
for a while. Let's get them in a new school
community, but we'll continue to provide those updates. Trustee retail
but we are tracking for September. Do we have anything
in our contract? I'm just piggybacking now. But do we
have anything in our contract that says. This is the
date. You do this and this and you will complete
buy. Yeah, through the chair. To trustee Ritzo. Because if
you provide penalties, you have to provide incentives. And the
way that we have in terms of ministry funding. Give
them incentives. So what we do have, though, is. We
pre qualify our vendors that give them the ability to
bid on a project. So we have done this. Where
somebody hasn't met the deadline, and we restricted them from
bidding on a subsequent project. That is the stick, so
to speak, that we have, because. If it's a high
school, that's a $60 million project. Your firm can bid
on. If it's an elementary school, that's a 2030, $40
million project. So I'm having those conversations with the principals
and presidents of those companies for them to understand. I
need you to deliver it because. This isn't. In my
old world, it's not a recreation center where people can
go to other recreation. Centers and swim or skate or
whatever. Your house renovation where you can use the upstairs
bathroom or downstairs bathroom. This is a school, kids. Are
in different communities. They're being bust sometimes. Half an hour,
45 minutes. I need you. To deliver. So we are
using the next. Sometimes with Toronto traffic? Yes, more like
an hour. So we are using the mechanisms we have
available. But it's not a penalty. But I think the
penalty in the future of not being able to because
we have a lot of work that we do here
and we hope to continue. To have a lot of
work, and we do have a lot of projects in
the pipeline. If you're not delivering. And if it's your
fault sometimes. We have to be reasonable. You could find
something on site that nobody anticipated that you couldn't. But
for the most part, Myself and the work that was
superintendent Lumisa is to say, we need this done on
time on schedule. Thank you very much. That's it. That's
it. Thank you very much for that. That was. The
final. Okay. So, all those in favor?
Anyone. Would need a motion for that. I'll oversee. Moved
by trustee Kennedy, seconded by. Trustee Crawford for the inquiry.
All those in favor? Trustee. Student trustee good luck. In
favor. Student trustee Silvera. In favor. Online trustee Lebinsky. In
favor. Bill Grande is not there. Let's see. Okay, now.
Who didn't vote. We're missing one still. Who's missing?
There's Marcus. Marcus. All right, stop voting. That passes.
Now, can I get a motion to bring that into
regular board? Trustee Kennedy, seconded by trustee Tanawan. All those
in favor? Online trustee Lebinsky. Student
trustee. Good luck. In favor. Student trustee de
Silvera in favor. In favor, Mr. Chair? Sorry, I couldn't.
Thank you. Thank you, Trustee Lebensky. Trustees can start voting.
Okay. We have eight. Voting. That. Carries. All
right, so now we're in board. Trustee did Domenico. Thank
you, Mr. Chair. You've moved all matters to the board.
So now we'll take a vote. To accept all matters,
and then I'll kick it back to you. Yes. So
we're going to approve all matters in private. In public.
And I will take a vote. I'm going to move
by. Trustee Kennedy, seconded by trustee Martino. I'm going to
take a verbal vote because I don't have the okay.
Technology here. Trustee Crawford. No, you can vote. You can
vote. Yeah, it's okay. I'm doing it. I'm going to
go old school. Trustee Crawford in favor. Trustee Tannel. And
how do you vote? Trustee Tanamo is in favor. Trustee
Demiko, how do you vote in favor? Trustee Kennedy, how
do you vote in favor? Thank you very much. Trustee
ritzo, how do you vote? Trustee Ritzo is in favor.
Trustee Martino how do you vote? Di Domenico is in
favor. Student trustee. Ruben. My favorite sandwich. Trustee Joy
goal. Good luck. In favor online trustee Lebinsky, how do
you vote? In favor and we are in favor, and
I would like to move it back to chair. Demiko
moved by trustee Kennedy, seconded by Trustee Crawford. We got
to take another vote. Let's see. Crawford, how do you
vote? In favor. Trustee Tannewan, how do you vote in
favor? Trustee Demiko, how do you vote. Trust. In favor.
Trustee kennedy, in favor. Trustee ritzo. In favor. Looking very
irish tonight, trustee Reedso very nice. I'm telling you, Martino,
your day late dollar short. Okay, do the medical in
favor. Martino is in favor. Soon. Trustee joy gold. Good
luck, is in favor. Trustee Levinsky, how do you vote
from St. Pat? Patrick's state trustee. Levinsky, how do you
vote? Your mic is off in favor. Thank you very
much. Mr. Chair. Mr. Trustee Damiko, I don't see Trustee
del Grendale next slide. Back to you, trustee Demiko. Thank
you. Now. We're going to have a closing prayer. I
will say it. Closing prayer. Our father. Father, son, holy
spirit. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy
name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done. On earth
as it is in heaven. Give us this day our
daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive
those who trespass against us and lead us not into
temptation. But deliver us from evil. Amen. Can I get
a motion for adjournments? Moved by trustee Tanawan,
seconded by. Trustee Crawford. We have to vote on it.
Push your button. She's in favor, trustee. Donna one's in
favor. Mark is over.
I didn't think you're going to get past the first
half hour. Yeah. I got the email. Yeah.
I was going to leave you my phone. If you
answer on my phone.