Attendance: H. Solomon, C. Berger, S. Di Donato , J. Killingbeck

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT

DECEMBER 2006

Attendance: H. Solomon, C. Berger, S. Di Donato , J. Killingbeck,

A. Levine, M. Sherman, M. Tabachnick,

L. Vero (via telephone), S. Williams-Rae

Administration:L. Alves, C. Heffernan, D. Krajcar, R.T. Mills,R. Poliquin

Other:E. Bender, F. di Bello, D. Flook, B. Freeston, A. Jardim, R. Murphy, D. Rae, P. Whitham

Regrets:

The Executive Committeeapproved the Director General’s expenses, commissioners’ expenses of $1012.13 and professional fees of $1,676,591.73.The Consultation Grid, the Policy Grid and the list of possible future consultations were presented. A resolution from the STMC, requesting the replacement of funds lost due to the planned collection of school taxes in two installments instead of one was supported. It is expected that this new collection system will cost $800,000 to implement and will cost an additional $2,000,000 in lost interest. Since these funds have traditionally been allocated to the needs of our most disadvantaged students the change represents a serious problem that needs to be addressed.

The final draft of the Annual Report was received and recommended to Council. The distribution list and a printing schedule were accepted. The Executive Committee extended its thanks to Jim Hendry for another wonderfully creative effort and to the editing committee (Sylvia Di Donato and Sue Williams-Rae) for their hard work reviewing the text.

The Director General presented his suggested procedure for the disposition of surplus computers. The Clearpoint brickwork and some problems with some school financial reports were discussed. A QESBA advertising initiative was supported and a letter from the Town of Hudson about school taxes was received. A resolution in support of the Riverdale High School Community Learning Centre project was recommended.

The Internal Auditor presented daycare school and centre financial reports and November revised budgets.The documentation for the budget consultation was presented. It is expected that the annual budget consultation will be launched in January. The school fees sub-committee reported that they need more time and a resolution to delay the final decision was suggested.

The Director of Finance answered some questions about our payroll systems in follow up to the external auditors’ management letter. It was agreed to purchase one LDAQ conference participation membership. The Director General expressed his ongoing concern about the missing $600,000 that MELS removed from our operating grants for the current year.

Reports were received on the International Students Program, disbursements, departmental expenses, land sales, and commissioners travel expenses. The Town of Pointe-Claire suggested that SeigniorySchool be given to the town for community use. A servitude at Forest Hill Senior, for use as a bicycle path, was recommended.

A very exciting proposal to expand our International Students Program with the establishment of a residential program, expanded English Second Language programs, French Second Language programs and tutoring was accepted in principle. The administration will now proceed to expand on the ideas, costs and benefits of the program.

Respectfully Submitted

Howard Solomon

Chairman