Board Meeting Highlights

January 8, 2008

• The Board recognized Crossroads School for the Teachers Learning Together Action Research Initiative. The project was undertaken in conjunction with ETFO (Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario and a support team from Lakehead University. The basis for this project will be to gauge the impact of the strategic use of specific oral language strategies from Grades 1 to 8 on the development of oral language within the student body.
• Kathy Smeeth provided a presentation on Student Success in Mathematics. The presentation provided an overview of the Professional Resources and Instruction for Mathematics Educators (PRIME).
• Superintendent of Business, Laura Mills and Accountant, Meghan Haehn presented the Rainy River District School Board 2006-2007 Financial Statements. The Board ended the August 31, 2007 year in a positive position. The Board approved the Financial Statements as presented.
• The Board awarded the RFP for Employee Family Assistance Program to Behavioural Science Centre for three years starting January 1, 2008 with an option to extend for an additional two years.
• The Board approved withdrawal of $27,600 from classroom reserves for use in the Student Success Programming.
• Chair, Dan Belluz, provided an update from the Special Education Advisory Committee meeting held on December 19, 2007.
• Trustee, Glenda Belluz provided an update form the Policy Committee meeting held on December 20, 2007. The Board approved the resolutions for the policies presented.
• Vice Chair, Judy Eluik, provided an update from the Ontario Public School Boards' Association (OPSBA). Highlights included the upcoming OPSBA Public Education Symposium in Toronto, which will be held at the end of January.
• Student Trustee Meredith Ivall provided an update on activities taking place at the high schools.
• Director of Education Jack McMaster reported that December international assessments showed marked improvement for the Rainy River District School Board students in literacy, numeracy, and science. The Ministry has financially supported the J.W. Walker project. The Director of Education gave a commendation to Superintendent of Business, Laura Mills. Approval was received for the Robert Moore School planning project. The Director of Education has written a memo to Huffman ARC Committee members regarding the consultation process. Whole communities attended school Christmas concerts to celebrate our youth.
• Human Resources Administrator, Diane Ross, provided an update on the January 2008 Personnel Report.
• Manager of Plant Operations, Raymond Roy, provided an update from the Occupational Health & Safety Committee meeting held on December 13, 2007.