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Blog
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Wednesday, 10 March 2010 08:09 |
| TDSB Regular Meeting Agenda - Mar 10, 2010 |
You can also follow the meeting via Twitter and Facebook updates Trustee Matlow will provide for your information
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Click here to watch the Board meeting live via internet
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Wednesday, 10 March 2010 06:03 |
Dear friends,
I'd love to see you this Saturday at our MP, Carolyn Bennett's St. Patrick's Day gathering! Please come by and join us for a green beer if you're in the neighbourhood :)
Best,
Josh
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Monday, 08 March 2010 15:09 |
Dear St. Paul's parents and residents,
Due to the email (along with previous correspondences) I sent to the TDSB below, I received the attached information for your review. Please let me know if you are able to understand each of the line items. While I appreciate the fact that Board staff have now agreed to share details of our operating budget with us, I believe public budgets should be clear, transparent, and understandable to the average taxpayer. I respectfully submit that the TDSB should strive to ensure that its budget is a very clear plan and receipt for the public purse, and for the service to our students and communities we are entrusted to provide.
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Thursday, 04 March 2010 16:49 |
Dear parents and residents,
FYI- Below is a motion I have submitted for the upcoming TDSB meeting to support responsible spending. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any comments or questions.
Sincerely,
Josh
Josh Matlow
Trustee for St. Paul’s
Toronto District School Board
Be it resolved:
That the Board reconsider its decision of February 3, 2010, approving the Professional Development event that is part of Director’s Initiatives Budget, to permit consideration of the following:
That the Board’s decision concerning the Professional Development event planned for September 1st, 2010 at the Air Canada Centre, along with its budget of $345, 000, not be approved.
-My hope is that the Director will submit a revised professional development plan, along with a more reasonable budget, that could receive support
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Wednesday, 03 March 2010 13:02 |
Good Afternoon ARC Members,
Thank you all for your perseverance, your endurance and your genuine commitment to the schools and programs in this ARC.
The following are the agreements that the Davisville-Yonge ARC made at the meeting last night:
1. Four school sites will remain within the ARC (no closures)
2. There will be no boundary change
3. A middle school model will be maintained
4. Capacity will be added to Maurice Cody
5. No programs will be moved out of the ARC schools
6. There will be support in the English stream at Davisville and at Eglinton
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Thursday, 25 February 2010 00:00 |
Dear Director Spence,
I’m writing to request that you consider making a public statement, on behalf of the TDSB, “that TDSB takes a clear stand that "Israeli apartheid week" has no place in Toronto's public schools & in a civil & just society” and that we will be vigilant in ensuring that activities related to Israeli Apartheid Week will not be allowed on TDSB property or by board employees.
I believe my request would be supported by our equity policy.
Sincerely,
Josh Matlow
Trustee for St. Paul’s
Toronto District School Board
http:// www.joshmatlow.ca
http:// www.facebook.com/joshmatlow
http://www.twitter.com/JoshMatlow
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Monday, 22 February 2010 10:53 |
For your information, please click the attachment to read today's agenda.
-I also plan to raise the question about what the TDSB can do to support schools that may see their enrollment and staff allocation adversely impacted by the very fact that they’re involved in an ARC. Please note the new focus on capital investment commitments.
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Sunday, 14 February 2010 15:25 |
To: School Council Chairs, Ward Representatives, Parents, Student Councils, Principals, Vice Principals, Staff & residents
(Please copy and circulate in your community)
Trustee Josh Matlow Welcomes you to
The St. Paul’s Ward Forum
Thursday, Feb. 18th, 2010
6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Host School: Hillcrest P.S.
Thanks to Principal Nancy Lerner
44 Hilton Ave. 416-393-9700
2 blocks south of St. Clair W. on the east side of Bathurst
There is parking on the streets north and east of the school
MEETING IN THE LIBRARY ROOM
6:30 Introductions and Welcome from Chair Maria Ketsetos
6:40 Trustee Josh Matlow – Update on community issues and school board agenda items
7:00 ~ Update from Superintendent Michael Smith
7:15 ~ Open forum, Q & A
8:00 ~ Meeting adjourned
St. Paul’s,Schools: Arlington, Brown, Cedarvale, Cottingham, Davisville/MTSD, Deer Park, Eglinton, Spectrum, Forest Hill, Hillcrest, Hodgson, Humewood, JR Wilcox Maurice Cody, McMurrich, Oriole Park, West Preparatory, Winona, Forest Hill C.I., North Toronto C.I., Northern S.S.
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Sunday, 14 February 2010 08:12 |
Dear parents and residents,
In a political year, reasonable discussions too often become fodder for those who are seeking "wedge issues". I believe we must focus on facts and evidence-based discussions about our community. Below is a copy of questions asked of the TDSB by parents at Davisville Public School and the answers provided, for your information. I am aware that there are individuals who have been spreading rumours and misinformation to residents and parents. However, I hope that the information shared below will contribute to a thoughtful and honest conversation. To be clear, there is no plan to close Davisville Junior Public School and I am confident that I have taken proactive steps to ensure that the interests of both our parent and local residential communities will be protected. Most importantly, our students' needs must always come first.
I will continue to share any and all information I recieve from the TDSB with the Davisville School Council and our local residents associations and ensure that, rather than being subject to decisions, they are genuinely an integral part of the decision-making process.
Sincerely,
Josh Matlow
Trustee for St. Paul’s
Response to Davisville ARC
January 26, 2010
Davisville parents would like to thank the TDSB Administration for meeting with parents on January 6, to provide additional information about the proposed redevelopment project at the Davisville site. There are still a number of areas that Davisville parents would like to understand more clearly, and request TDSB’s response in writing to the questions below:
Question
1. The TDSB has committed that it will not proceed with any redevelopment without the agreement of the Davisville Community (parents and residents). Can TDSB provide confirmation in writing of the real “veto power” of the community?
Answer
At the request of Trustee Matlow, the Director gave the Davisville community a clear commitment that no redevelopment project at Davisville will be recommended to the Board without the support of local parents and residents. Staff remain committed to a consultative process with the parents and residents of the Davisville community to explore what’s possible on the Davisville site. We believe that through good design and planning it is possible to satisfy and enhance school and community needs. However, to reiterate, any recommendation to the Board must have the support and consensus of both the school and local residential communities.
Question
2. Can TDSB confirm that “redevelopment” includes the possibility of redevelopment of the site with or without a school on the current site, in this context?
Answer
An ARC can conclude that no school is required on any given TDSB site within its review area and that recommendation would need approval by the Board. However, the fact that a school is being reviewed by an ARC does not mean it will necessarily be considered for closure. The ARC’s recommendation, once approved by the Board, will be a key factor in informing the TDSB, parents and residents about what possibilities would be available for us to consider regarding a redevelopment proposal.
Question
3. Have category C1 (Board Services Agenda Record BD:018A Agenda item 12.1) ARCs been provided with funding guidelines in order to be able to determine which capital upgrades to recommend? (i.e. select from: recreate schools including program upgrades, additions, building renewal, green sustainable measures, information technology and full sever schools.)
Answer
The Planning and Priorities Committee will recommend to the Board at its meeting of February 3, 2010:
that a reinvestment strategy be adopted that would allow the Board to invest in area school upgrades following the accommodation review committee process, and that the Director present a report by February 2010 on a method of determining the quantum of proceeds to be reinvested and including a plan to assess and respond to the capital needs of the schools within the ARCs, including, but not limited to:
(i) Permanent accommodation (classroom additions) for the number of classrooms required for each receiving school;
(ii) Program upgrades to accommodate changing program needs including, but not limited to, science and technology and where required art and music;
(iii) Building upgrades required to refresh schools including, but not limited to, painting, flooring, ceilings and introduction of natural light, where appropriate’
(iv) Wireless technology;
(v) Grounds refreshing, as required;
(vi) Adequate security infrastructure to support the expansion of the full-service school model;
(vii) A funding plan to support the proposed ARC capital plan in light of the Ministry’s requirements for capital.
Question
4. Have there been any ARCs in the past with similar challenges to this one? What were ARC recommendations in those cases and what actions did the board take as a result?
Answer
In 2000 – 2001 the Board approved closures, relocations and consolidations resulting from Accommodation Reviews. Examples of the re-purposed use of closed sites are:
• Child Care Centres
• Private Schools
• Community Centres
• TDSB Continuing Education
• TDSB Alternative Schools and Year Round Alternative School
• Toronto Catholic District School Board Schools
• French Public School Board School
• City of Toronto – Police Services Stations
The 2000-2001 deliberations of Trustees with regards to the Accommodation Reviews are contained in the Boards minutes.
Question
5. Parents have heard of meetings involving the TDSB and outside parties to discuss redevelopment specifically. Can TDSB identify all groups and meetings, including group members and the role of each group in the Board Administration recommendation?
Answer
Outside of the Davisville School Council and local ratepayers associations, TDSB has had no meetings with any other parties to discuss redevelopment on the Davisville site.
Question
6. Given overcrowding in schools in the ARC region, it is likely that this ARC’s recommendations will require capital investment to increase capacity. If redeveloping Davisville does not make financial sense to TDSB, after consulting with developers, how will TDSB fund capital investments required?
Answer
TDSB funds capital investment in its schools from proceeds of property either through sale or lease.
The Ministry also funds some specific capital needs for special programs, for example: barrier free accessibility, energy projects, capital upgrades to accommodate the introduction of the primary class size cap.
Question
7. What public process will TDSB use to consult with the entire Davisville Community in order to obtain their support and input for a redevelopment project on the Davisville school site?
Answer
The TDSB would begin by inviting representatives of the school community and local ratepayers associations to meet and discuss a process that would be fair and reasonable, and one that could be agreed upon by all parties. Ultimately, if an agreement can be reached, the TDSB, Davisville School Council and representatives from local ratepayers associations would sign a Memorandum of Understanding that would reflect an agreement arrived at in good faith. This process would include public meeting (s) with the whole community.
In addition, any potential redevelopment project approved by the Board through a local school and residential community process is then bound by City processes for re-zoning; site plan approval and building permit which involve further consultation with the whole community. Please consult with the City Planning Department for a detailed description of the City process.
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Saturday, 06 February 2010 12:40 |
Dear Chair Davis,
I am writing to you in response to your letter, dated February 5th, 2010, submitting that I “must retract (my) statements publicly and offer a written apology to the Director of Education and (my) colleague Toronto District School Board trustees by 4pm on Monday, February 8th, 2010.”
Your letter expressed disappointment with my response to a Toronto Sun reporter’s question to me regarding the approval of the Director’s Vision of Hope budget, in particular, the approved expenditure of $345, 000 for a one-day conference to be held at the Air Canada Centre; including a $195, 000 budget for commemorative booklets for the conference’s attendees.
I was quoted as saying, “That’s insane! The TDSB has told parents they’re going to have to close schools and cut support staff and shut down youth-at-risk programs because they don’t have enough money. To turn around and go on a drunken spending binge is shameful.”
While I do recognize my comments were strong, and did indeed question the wisdom of the board’s decision, I believe they accurately reflected my thoughts and those of my constituents whom I represent at the Toronto District School Board. My comments were not directed at any one individual member of the board but about the TDSB as a whole.
For example, at Northern Secondary School, the TDSB told parents that it does not have sufficient funds in its budget to continue a successful alternative to suspension program called Stop Gap. This same school lost support staff last year that helped children with special needs. This program, and the special needs support staff, would have cost less than the price of printing commemorative booklets for attendees to the conference approved as part of the Vision of Hope budget. As you know, the Board is also facing a projected deficit budget that may force trustees to consider further cuts to our system this year and the example I gave you regarding Northern Secondary School reflects similar experiences, whether they be a loss of a Vice-Principal, Education Assistant or a delay in facility repairs, of many other school communities across Toronto.
You also cited Bill 177 and its heading, Conduct of Members of School Board, section 218.1 (e) which states that trustees must, “uphold the implementation of any board resolution after it is passed by the board.” And that it further states that a trustee must, “comply with the board’s code of conduct.”
I sincerely believe that by spending tax dollars on items that would not be considered priorities for Toronto’s parents and residents, and while cutting staff and programs that serve students within our schools, the TDSB does itself and our students a disservice. It has recently asked parents, who have schools involved in Accommodation Review Committees, to consider making much-needed sacrifices to support the solvency of our school system and to improve programming at our schools. I believe our board must be consistent in its message. On behalf of my community, and as a taxpayer myself, I frankly feel betrayed by the recent budget decisions the TDSB has made and by the ad hoc way it has made them.
Moreover, our Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms affords every Canadian, elected or not, the right to express his or her opinion as cited in Section 2. (b) Freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication. These are fundamental rights. The TDSB’s Code of Conduct and Ethics defends the right of every board member, “to formulate and express their personal opinion”, and states trustees are committed to, “abiding by the Board’s procedural rules and by majority decisions of the Board while maintaining their right to state their personal opinions.”
I believe that an integral part of my role as a school trustee is to advocate for students, parents and residents. I believe I must support positive initiatives that contribute to our communities and to our students' education while also holding the school board to account for decisions that I believe do not uphold the fore-mentioned pursuit and do not respect the tax dollars we are entrusted with.
With all due respect, I will not accept any unreasonable direction that would deprive me of my Charter rights or obstruct my ability to carry out the work I was elected to do for my constituents.
Sincerely,
Josh Matlow
Trustee for St. Paul’s
Toronto District School Board
http:// www.joshmatlow.ca
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Saturday, 30 January 2010 10:57 |
Toronto District School Board Regular Meeting Agenda- Feb 3, 2010 (Public meeting begins 7pm at the TDSB, 5050 Yonge St.)
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| Agenda |
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| 7. Support for the People of Haiti and Black History Month (Trustees Bolton and Rodrigues) |
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| 14.1 Special Education Advisory Committee, Report No. 11, January 11, 2010 |
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| 14.2 Budget Committee, Report No. 3, January 13, 2010 |
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| 14.3 Budget Committee, Report No. 4, January 27, 2010 |
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| 14.4 Planning and Priorities Committee, Report No. 9, January 11, 2010 |
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| 14.5 Planning and Priorities Committee, Report No. 9, January 25, 2010 |
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| 14.6 Operations and Facilities Management Committee, Report No. 10, January 13, 2010 |
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| 14.7 Human Resources Committee, Report No. 8, January 13, 2010 |
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| 14.8 Health Committee, Report No. 8, January 20, 2010 |
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| 14.9 Program and School Services Committee, Report No. 9, January 20, 2010 |
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| 14.10 Administration, Finance and Accountability Committee, Report No. 11, January 27, 2010 |
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| 15. Communications |
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| 17.1 Accommodation Review Committees: Facilitation Teams, Multi-year Plan and Standing Down ARCs (Trustees Atkinson and Cary-Meagher) |
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| 17.2 Policy on Legal Expenses for Trustee Election Candidates (Trustees Matlow and Tonks) |
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