OCDSB TRUSTEE REPORT
BY LYNN GRAHAM, TRUSTEE, ZONE 9 (CAPITAL AND BRUYERE_STRATHCONA WARDS), OTTAWA_CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
ROBOTICS AT GLEBE CI
he Glebe Collegiate Robotics team has received many honours this school year. In Canada-wide competition for high achievement in many categories, the team won the President's Cup. The school has also won an award from the Royal Bank for a partnership project with Mitel. Congratulations to all.
2000-2001 BUDGET
Trustees are in the midst of budget deliberations. Decisions by the end of March allow the staffing process for September to begin on time. March 9, the Minister of Education announced an increase in funding for Ontario school boards for the 2000-2001 school year.
While this announcement augments the base funding for the OCDSB, it does not change the dollars available for the coming school year. The mitigation or top-up funds allotted to the OCDSB are simply reduced by an equal amount.
We continue to look at reductions totalling $18.2 million for the 2000-2001 school year and there will be further cuts in 2001-2002. I am committed to preserving Special Education and English as a Second Language programs as well as maintaining some capital reserves for school renovations. Thanks to local school councils as well as many individuals for making their concerns known.
SCHOOL CLOSURES
A new school closure process will encompass all elementary schools inside the Greenbelt. In order to achieve 90% utilization of pupil places, approximately six to twelve schools (depending on size) will be closed. No schools have yet been named but trustees are to make final decisions by October 2000 for implementation by September 2001. I am pleased the board has rejected the province's unrealistic guideline of 100% utilization, but I am disappointed in the timelines and consultation process which includes the summer months.
Recently, the province announced that Education Development Charges, intended for purchase of school sites, can be used for construction of new schools. This is good news, as it should allow the OCDSB to begin construction of two schools outside the Greenbelt; however, the solution is temporary as the EDCs will not allow for construction of all the schools needed. Provincial grants for new pupil places are only available to boards that have closed enough schools to be at 100% capacity.
CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAMS - SUMMER, 2000
Secondary Summer School allows students to obtain course credits outside of the regular school year. Make-up courses provide an alternative to repeating failed courses in the next school year. Reach Ahead courses are for students who are fast-tracking or who wish to take a subject that was unavailable during the school year.
Grade 8 Remedial Summer School is offered in mathematics and language arts to graduating Grade 8 students who demonstrate the need for extra help in these subjects. Principals recommend students for this program. Participation is optional and the choice does not affect a student's placement in Grade 9.
Information on these programs will be available in May and June. Check the OCDSB web site at www.ocdsb.edu.on.ca/continuweb/home.htm or call Continuing Education at 239-2620. School principals and Guidance counsellors will also be able to answer questions on these programs. There are no fees, but some courses have a textbook deposit fee which is refunded at the end of the course.
2000-2001 SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR
This calendar has been submitted to the Ministry for final approval.