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Board moves swiftly to hire EAs, SEAC seeks members by Tim Whitnell Metroland West Media Group 27 | Thursday, November 13, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com The Halton District School Board has scrambled to add more educational assistants (EAs) to its roster, hiring them before receiving official approval from the board of trustees, the need was urgent, says the board's top administrator. Education Director David Eaule said at Wednesday's board meeting, he authorized the addition of 7.5 fulltimeequivalent (FTE) EAs and two student supervisors. The EAs were needed immediately, he said. The board then waived the rules to deal immediately with the issue and voted to approve the hiring. "When it is brought to my attention there are students who can't attend school without an EA, it's my obligation" to address such a situation immediately, Euale told trustees. "EAs are essential for more than just health and safety," noted outgoing Burlington trustee Dianna Bower. Lucy Veerman, superintendent of business and treasurer, said the additional staff will cost about $300,000 during the 2014-15 school year. It will be added to the current year budget, she said. Superintendent of Education Gord Truffen told trustees administrative staff is trying to maintain a robust EA roster. "That's a struggle for us right now. The list is not as full as we'd like it to be," he said. The board now has 744 EAs. The ratio of EAs to all students at the board is one EA for every 82.57 pupils. The ratio has come down in recent years although it hasn't changed much from 2009-10 when the EA-to-student ratio was at 83.27. EAs work at schools supporting students with special needs, those with English Language Learner (ELL) needs and for the food school programs in four high schools. Board staff says there has been increasing system pressures in recent years resulting in the need for more EAs. Reasons include a growing student population -- like more needy pupils with the completed implementation of full-day kindergarten -- within the board that exceeds the growth rate of EAs, and more students with complex academic and medical needs. · · · and development of special education programs and services. Thirty people, including alternates, serve on SEAC. There are two categories of SEAC membership. Members can belong to a local association or organization of parents that operates within Halton and is affiliated with a provincial association/organization dedicated to the well-being or interests of exceptional children. SEAC also has membersat-large (three maximum). They must be a Canadian citizen 18 years or older, a Halton resident and a public school board tax supporter. Board employees are not eligible for appointment. To be considered for appointment to SEAC submit a resume to Rebecca Bardin, SEAC/ Student Services Assistant, via email at bardinr@hdsb.ca by Friday, Nov. 28. CONCRETE SEAC seeks new members Halton District School Board's Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) is seeking new members. Under Ontario's Education Act, every school board must have a Special Education Advisory Committee that advises the board of trustees and offers assistance to parents/ guardians whose children may require additional support in school. The committee makes recommendations to the board concerning the establishment MELANOMA Tuesday,November18th,2014 Patient Education Session Juravinski Cancer Centre, 4th Floor LectureTheatre 699 Concession Street, Hamilton Registration: 6:00 p.m. Session: 6:30 p.m. www.melanomanetwork.ca or call Diane @ 905.901.5121 ext. 102 Registration is free! EXPOSED AGGREGATE (Pebble) · DRIVEWAYS · STEPS · FRENCH CURBS · WALKWAYS · PATIOS · GARAGE FLOORS uality At Its Best! Call Fernando REGISTER TODAY! 905-844-5518 1-888-944-5518 www.concretetrimmings.com FREE ESTIMATES A Ch ild 's Holi d ay Wish List om r f y d d a D p o t S 1. g yelling and hittin e. tim e h t ll a y m m o M This coming holiday season, not every child will wish for the same things. November is Woman Abuse Prevention Month. One out of every four women will be abused at some point in her life. Halton Women's Place needs your help to close the door on abuse. s e is u r b e r o m 2. No or tears. 3. Help my family feel safe again. Halton Women's Place In November, wear your purple scarf. Purchase yours at Halton Women's Place. For more information, please call 905-332-1200 ext.221 or visit www.haltonwomensplace.com Crisis Line: 905-878-8970 or 905-332-7892