UPDATE: The Board of Trustees debated this matter on the evening of September 11, 2023. For the motion determining a breach of the Code of Conduct took place, a vote of 8 trustees in favour was required. The motion was defeated with 7 in favour, 0 opposed, and 4 abstained. The matter is now concluded.
The OCDSB Board of Trustees is holding a Special Meeting on Monday, September 11, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.
The purpose of the meeting is to consider a complaint made under the Code of Conduct. The complaint, filed by Trustee Donna Dickson, advances concern that Trustee Kaplan-Myrth breached the Code of Conduct, specifically sections 3.17 and 3.18. The complaint stems from a series of text messages sent before and during the Special Board Meeting of 29 November, 2022.
Efforts to mediate this matter were unsuccessful and the formal review policy was initiated. An independent third party investigator was retained to review the facts and prepare a report.
The Board must consider the report of the investigator and must determine whether there or not there has been a breach of the Code. In cases where it has been decided that the Code has been breached, the Board must also decide whether to determine sanctions. The nature of possible sanctions is established in section 218.3 (3) the Education Act.
This is the first formal complaint under the Code of Conduct that has been considered during the current term of the Board of Trustees. All trustees are entitled to attend the meeting. As prescribed by the Education Act, a trustee who is alleged to have breached the Board’s Code of Conduct cannot vote on the decision about whether the Code has been breached or whether sanctions are made. Decisions require a 2/3 majority vote.
The public meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. and it will be available to the public through the livestream. Limited seating for in-person attendance is available.
The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board is committed to ensuring the safety of all participants and appropriate security measures have been put in place. The OCDSB recognizes the human rights of all persons and stands against acts of hate, oppression, aggression, violence, or threatening behaviour.
Learn more about Code of Conduct for Ontario School Board Trustees
https://modules.ontarioschooltrustees.org/Modules/17-Code-of-conduct.aspx