YORK REGION DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD EQUITY AND INCLUSIVITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE. MINUTES, MEETING #4 June 8, 2017

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1 YORK REGION DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD EQUITY AND INCLUSIVITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES, MEETING #4 The Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee (EIAC) met at 7:08 p.m. in the Board Room of the Education Centre, Aurora on Thursday,, with Board Chair L. Carruthers presiding and the following members present: Community members: Representatives of Community Organizations: Trustee members: Staff members: Also in attendance: Regrets: Absent: K. Carbis, G. Diplas, A. Haq and L. Singh M. Bowe, A. Mason and J. Peacock Trustee L. Carruthers and Student Trustee C. Zhou Director of Education K. Wallace, Associate Director of Education L. Johnstone, Coordinating Superintendent of Education, Equity and Community Services C. Roach and Principal of Inclusive Schools P. Woods Administrative Assistant J. Richardson Community Members K. Hacohen and A.J. Luo, EIAC Chair N. Yaqubian, Representative of Community Organizations, K. Addison, J. Chu, J. Tsoi and R. Veerappan, Performance Plus Teacher V. Leone, Secondary Principal R. Li, FNMI Curriculum Advisor A. McConnell and Student Trustee M. Ismail Community Member J. Hastings, W. Malik, Elementary Principal D. Lawrence-Prince and York Region President s Council President P. Kashtelyan CALL TO ORDER Board Chair L. Carruthers called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. It was noted that the election of an EIAC Chair will be postponed until the next regularly scheduled EIAC meeting.

2 EIAC MINUTES PAGE 2 APPROVAL OF AGENDA It was noted that the sub-committee referenced as systemic racism should be classism. (*)1. Moved by G. Diplas, seconded by M. Bowe: That the agenda be approved as amended. DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST Board Chair L. Carruthers asked any trustee who has a direct personal interest or direct or indirect pecuniary interest in any matter being discussed during the meeting to state their conflict and the nature thereof. No conflicts were declared by the trustee at this time. APPROVAL OF MINUTES (*)2. Moved by K. Carbis, seconded by L. Singh: That the minutes of the March 9, 2017 Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee be received for information. Chair of the Board L. Carruthers introduced Interim Director K. Wallace to the Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee. PRESENTATION Minister s Direction 13 to the York Region District School Board Associate Director of Education L. Johnstone reminded the committee about information shared at the Joint Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee (EIAC) and Parent, Family and Community Engagement Advisory Committee (PEAC) meeting on May 9, 2017 regarding the 22 directives from the Minister of Education. Committee members were asked to provide feedback on all of the directions, with specific focus on Direction 13 which is directly related to the work of the advisory committees. A policy and practice is to be created which supports the development of inclusive and respective relationships between the Board and advisory committees to facilitate meaningful input into Board matters. It was noted that the feedback collected at the Joint EIAC/PEAC meeting has been used to inform the Leadership Framework as required by Ministry Direction 14.

3 EIAC MINUTES PAGE 3 Existing Board policies and by-laws and other supporting documents related to the advisory committee have been scanned. Opportunities to ensure consistency and alignment among the three advisory committees will be explored. A focus group, composed of members from all three advisory committees, is being established to support the review of existing documents and recommend changes that reinforce the importance of engagement. (*)3. Moved by G. Diplas, seconded by J. Peacock: That K. Carbis, L. Singh and M. Bowe be appointed to represent the Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee in a focus group that will provide input into the development of a policy and practice that supports the development of inclusive and respectful relationships between the Board and advisory committees to facilitate meaningful input into Board matters in accordance with Direction 13 from the Minister of Education to the York Region District School Board. Note: Community Organization Representative A. Mason entered the meeting at 7:16 p.m. BUSINESS ARISING Committee members were invited to provide further input into the recommendations suggested by the committee at the March 9, 2017 EIAC meeting. Draft terms of reference for the four sub-committees on Classism, Anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and Anti-Black Racism were discussed. The importance of ensuring quorum was raised. Principal Woods stated that at the September 14, 2017 EIAC meeting, staff will provide and overview of the work currently being done as a school district within the four subcommittee areas. This information will help to inform the sub-committees work and priorities. With regard to the sub-committees, members discussed: finalization of the Terms of Reference; membership composition; the selection process and timelines; term; the definition of community member; involvement of student trustees; accountability;

4 EIAC MINUTES PAGE 4 communication between the sub-committees, EIAC and the Board; community outreach and consultation; operationalizing the sub-committees; progress reporting; awareness of the role of EIAC in the community; sub-committees chairs; annual reporting; anti-oppression training; and meeting protocol and rules of order. Committee members; requested the EIAC Annual Report be transparent, clear and easy to understand and include both positive initiatives the Board is working on as well as items that require further consideration, consultation and work, thanked the Board Chair and the Director for listening to the committee and community, and were asked to submit their interest in serving on the sub-committees by Thursday, June 22, STUDENT REPORT The Student Report was included in the agenda package. STAFF REPORT Principal of Inclusive Schools and Student Services P. Woods highlighted information contained in the Staff Report which was included in the agenda package. BOARD REPORT The Board Report was included in the agenda package. POLICY UPDATES Committee members were reminded to review and provide feedback on policies on which the Board is currently seeking feedback, specifically; the new Human Rights policy and procedure, the Director of Education Selection policy and procedure, and the Director of Education Performance Review policy and procedure.

5 EIAC MINUTES PAGE 5 FUTURE PRESENTATIONS Committee members were reminded to speak to Principal Woods or submit the proposed template for EIAC presentation request form to P. Woods or J. Richardson. This information will be used to inform future presentations to the committee. Chair of the Board L. Carruthers reminded EIAC members about the PRIDE parade taking place on June 17, 2107 in Newmarket. She noted that the Board Office is investigating the possibility of installing a second mast so that flags can be raised to acknowledge various celebrations such as Pride Month. Chair Carruthers thanked committee members for their positive comments regarding the direction of EIAC and acknowledged the hard work and dedication of all staff who are working hard to meet the Minister s requirements while maintaining the day-to-day operations of the system. It was noted that June 21, 2017 is National Aboriginal Day in Canada. In recognition, the Board will honour indigenous cultures at the June 20, 2017 Board meeting. Interim Director of Education K. Wallace shared her experiences visiting area schools. ADJOURNMENT (*)4. Moved by L. Singh, seconded by J. Peacock: The Equity and Inclusivity Engagement Advisory Committee meeting adjourned at 8:56 p.m.