February 13, 2009
Facilitator Affirms DSBN Accommodation Review Process
In her final report submitted to the Ministry of Education, provincial facilitator Joan Green concluded that the District School Board of Niagara properly followed its board approved accommodation review guidelines during the recent accommodation review of schools in Niagara on the Lake.
In October, Ms. Green was appointed by Education Minister Kathleen Wynne to conduct an administrative review of the DSBN’s accommodation review process. Ms. Green’s appointment was the result of an appeal made by a resident of Niagara on the Lake and member of the Accommodation Review Committee (ARC). As part of the review, Ms. Green consulted with the ARC, board staff and community members who participated in the original Accommodation Review.
In her report, Ms. Green supported:
• The Board’s decision to review NDSS along with the other schools in its planning area, rather than with other secondary schools. By reviewing NDSS along with the other schools in its planning area, Ms. Green felt that “the Board was genuinely trying to explore other options.”
• The membership of the ARC committee; in her report, Ms. Green stated that the “required participation and representation from the municipality and local business community were satisfied.” The NOTL Accommodation Review Committee included six educators employed by the Board and nine members who were not employed by the Board who lived in the community.
• The voting process used by the ARC; Ms. Green’s report concluded that “the voting process appears to have followed lengthy discussion and the provision of relevant and requested information.”
“We feel this report confirms that the Board’s accommodation review process was conducted in a fair, transparent and inclusive manner,” said Kevin Maves, Chair of the Board. “We are very appreciative of the time, efforts and expertise of both the community members and board staff who participated in the accommodation review process.”
The report contained some constructive suggestions to the Ministry of Education. Ms. Green suggests they consider developing a set of “guiding principles” that could be made available to school boards provincially to share with future members of Accommodation Review Committees. She says the principles could clarify the ARC mandate and membership, as well as the final decision making process.
“We are pleased to receive this report that contains several practical and constructive suggestions to improve the accommodation review process for school boards across the province,” said Warren Hoshizaki, DSBN Director of Education.
In conclusion, Ms. Green stated that she is “confident that the Board will continue to work with the community to ensure that the needs of all the students of the District are met and that they experience rich learning environments.”
“Through our School Planning Committee, we are committed to engaging the town and community of Niagara on the Lake to support NDSS,” said Hoshizaki. “Under Superintendent John Stainsby’s leadership, the committee is moving forward with a number of innovative programming and promotional initiatives to support the needs of NDSS students.”
Click here to view Joan Green's complete report.