On September 18 we had our first Elementary Concerns Committee meeting of the year. ETT was represented by Emily, Jonathan, Julius and me. I attended as President and ETT co-chair. Our working agenda included reorganization/surplus placements, the Staples program and school supplies, balanced day, school budgets, DD curriculum and classes over the caps.
I opened by setting out how I intend to approach ECC: ETT will bring clear questions, document the Board’s responses, identify who is responsible for anything they need to “take back,” and follow unresolved issues at subsequent meetings.
Here are the key responses and follow-ups from today:
- Class sizes: We raised the kindergarten class at Stanley PS that had reached 41 students. The Board said temporary resources had been provided while reorganization is underway. Near the end of the meeting, Mark checked Stanley specifically and told us that a DEC had been added and students had been redistributed between the kindergarten classes. He stated directly that there are no longer 41 students in that class. We will verify this with the school.
- Reorganization/surplus: We asked whether members placed extremely far from home could be reconsidered when vacancies arise through reorganization and whether mutually agreeable swaps could occur. The Board’s initial response was that it will “follow the contract.” Abe clarified that compassionate circumstances can be reviewed case by case, including bona fide medical and childcare issues, but that distance or preference alone does not result in reassignment.
- Staples/$750: The Board emphasized that the $750 program is provincially mandated and restricted to Staples. For delayed orders or urgent classroom needs, teachers were directed to speak with their principal. The Board said principals can contact procurement/logistics where necessary.
- Non-homeroom teachers: We pressed the Board on how Spec Ed, rotary and other teachers without the $750 card obtain supplies. The Board confirmed that staff can request supplies through MyCart where their school is live on the system, subject to principal approval and the school budget. The Board acknowledged that some schools are still transitioning to MyCart and agreed to send ETT the communication/FAQ explaining the process.
- Basic consumables: There was not a clear answer about responsibility for items such as toilet paper and paper towels. Diana indicated her understanding was that these generally fall through caretaking/FDL processes. The Board will confirm.
- Balanced day: The Board indicated approximately 13–14 elementary schools are operating a balanced day. Diana committed to return with information about how instructional minutes are calculated for part-time teachers. When we asked for the written guidance provided to principals, the Board declined to provide it.
- DD curriculum: We raised serious concerns about potentially outdated and inappropriate material being used in DD programs, including a resource identified as Functional Assessment and Curriculum for Teaching Students with Disabilities, Fourth Edition. Diana agreed to investigate whether teachers have been directed to use this resource. The Board also committed to having someone who can speak directly to DD/Special Education concerns at a future meeting.
- Staffing information: I asked what projected and actual staffing information ETT will receive and how frequently, given the specific language in L-D.8.3. Abe’s response was that information requests would be considered on a case-by-case basis. I do not consider that question resolved, so we will return to it.
One thing I found useful was insisting on answers and follow-ups in real time. On both Stanley and MyCart, the Board actually looked up information during the meeting and provided additional answers before we adjourned. I think we should continue that approach while being strategic about what we take outside the room.
Going forward, the ECC team will also work on a more coordinated approach to preparing the agenda and sharing speaking roles.
Nigel Barriffe (he/him)
ETT President