School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
Monday, September 14, 2015, 6:30 P.M.
SCHOOL BOARD OFFICE
425 Jermyn Avenue
MEMBERS PRESENT
Linda Van Alphen, Chair
Ginny Manning, Vice Chair
Bill Bidlake, Trustee
Shelley Clarke, Trustee
Bruce Johnson, Trustee
Julie Planiden, Trustee
Barb Sheppard, Trustee
ALSO PRESENT
Wendy Hyer, Superintendent of Schools
Bonnie Roller Routley, Secretary-Treasurer
Dave Burgoyne, Assistant Superintendent
Daniel Francisco, Director of Information Technology
Doug Gorcak, Director of Facilities
Don MacIntyre, Director of Instruction
Todd Manual, Director of Instruction
Daphne Adey, Executive Assistant
_____________________________________________________________________
1.
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Van Alphen called the meeting to order and acknowledged that we were on the territory of
the Okanagan First People. Ms. Van Alphen also acknowledged the new framed poster hanging
in the board room which is entitled “Role of the Trustee” and which resulted from trustee work
over the summer with a trained facilitator, Gaila Erickson, from BCSTA. So far, the Board has
worked on strengthening the board’s purpose and will continue working with Ms. Erickson later in
the month.
2.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
2015-173
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
That the agenda be adopted.
CARRIED
3.
PRESENTATIONS BY SCHOOLS AND/OR STUDENTS
3.1
Summer School 2015
Andrea DeVito, principal of the 2015 Middle/Secondary Summer School Program, and
Kristen Odian, principal of the 2015 Elementary Summer School Program, presented
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of Regular Meeting of September 14, 2015
their summer school reports to the Board.
Forty-three students attended the
middle/secondary school, each completing 40 hours of instruction. All courses offered
were remedial and included: Math 6, 7, 8, 9; Math 10 Foundations; Math 10
Apprenticeship and Workplace; Reading and Writing Connection 7; English 9; English 10;
and Social Studies 9. New this year was a partnership with Distributed Learning via
Moodle which allowed the secondary math teacher to differentiate and support all
students with the specific course and specific units with which they had struggled during
the school year. Four teachers were hired for the program which was held at Penticton
Secondary School. Recommendations included:


Continue with the DL approach for the secondary math classes; and
Continue having secondary math teachers identify specific units for remediation
so students are making best use of their time and getting the extra instruction
where they most need it.
Ninety students attended the elementary summer school with 77 of the students being in
primary grades. Students were identified by their teachers as needing remedial support
with six courses being offered, four for reading and two for math. Students were divided
according to their reading level and teachers focused on teaching developmentallyappropriate strategies and skills. Two primary and one intermediate math course,
Magnificent Math, focused on consolidating basic math skills through games and handson activities. New this year was the creation of a summer school website which offered
general information for staff, suggestions for day plans, reporting guidelines, guided
reading materials and resources and math links. Recommendations for 2016 include:



Ensure that as student registrations are processed, they are grouped according
to student levels so classes can be easily adjusted;
Keep the location at Parkway Elementary; and
Continue the Bridging the Reading Gap book program.
Appreciation was extended to Ms. DeVito and Ms. Odian for their time and efforts during
the summer school program.
4.
RECEIVING OF DELEGATIONS AND GUESTS
5.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
2015-174
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
That the minutes of the regular meeting held on June 8, 2015 be approved.
CARRIED
6.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
7.
REPORT FROM CLOSED MEETINGS
Chair Van Alphen reviewed the following items were discussed at the previous closed meetings:
Closed Meeting held on June 8, 2015:


Reviewed correspondence;
Received information related to student expenses;
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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


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Minutes of Regular Meeting of September 14, 2015
Received information related to a principal resignation;
Reviewed the staff report for teaching and CUPE staff;
Received information related to a BCPSEA meeting; and
Received information related to the Okanagan Labour Relations Council.
Closed Meeting held on September 4, 2015:


8.
Received an updated facility review; and
Reviewed a personnel item.
CORRESPONDENCE
8.1
Correspondence Requiring Action
a.
2015-07-08 BCSTA Participation in Learning Forward 2016
Information from BCSTA regarding the Learning Forward 2016 conference to be
held on Saturday, December 3, to Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at the
Vancouver Convention Centre; all school districts have been requested to
consider adopting Monday, December 5, 2016, as a professional day for all staff
in order to facilitate staff attendance at this major conference
2015-175
b.
2015-08-17 Safe Stop Coordinator
A letter from Cindy Dettling, Safe Stop Coordinator, requesting the Board to write
letters in support of having the fine and/or points increased for drivers who drive
through the flashing red lights of a school bus
2015-176
8.2
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
That the request from BCSTA to consider adopting Monday,
December 5, 2016, as a professional day in order that all staff
can participate in the Learning Forward 2016 conference being
held from Saturday, December 3, to Wednesday, December 7,
2016 be considered during consultation with OSTU regarding the
2016-17 school calendar.
CARRIED
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
That the Board of Education write a letter to government officials
in support of having the fine and/or points increased for drivers
who drive through the flashing red lights of a school bus.
CARRIED
Correspondence to the Board of Education
a.
As per correspondence listing dated September 14, 2015
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
8.3
As per correspondence listing dated September 14, 2015
Correspondence on Behalf of the Board of Education
a.
9.
Minutes of Regular Meeting of September 14, 2015
Correspondence Copied to the Board of Education
a.
8.4
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As per correspondence listing dated September 14, 2015
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
9.1
Business Committee
Chair Van Alphen reported on the business committee meeting held on September 1,
2015 at which the following three items were reviewed: Cheque and ePAYMENT
Listings, Routine Capital Program, and Traffic Calming Updates. The following action
items were on the agenda (complete minutes are available on the district website):
a.
2014-15 Financial Statements
Chair Van Alphen reported that the presentation from the auditor indicated the
district is in a financially sound position with good checks and balances in place
and which are consistent with good accounting practices. Appreciation was
extended to Director of Finance Maywood and Accountant Patti Ponech who put
together the statements and worked with the auditors.
2015-177
b.
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
That the financial statements for the year ending June 30, 2015
be received as presented by the auditors of BDO Canada LLP
and submitted to the Ministry of Education.
CARRIED
Traffic Calming Updates
Appreciation was extended to the City of Penticton for the efforts and traffic
calming initiatives undertaken by the City over the summer at Carmi, Parkway,
Uplands, and Wiltse Elementary Schools.
2015-178
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
That the Board of Education write a letter to the City of Penticton
thanking them for keeping our students safe.
CARRIED
c.
Policy No. 540 – Employee Travel
2015-179
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
That Policy No. 540 – Employee Travel be approved as
amended.
CARRIED
d.
Policy No. 290 – Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy
The secretary-treasurer advised this new policy came from a request from CUPE
and is intended to cover both students and staff because the protection of privacy
for students is no longer covered under the School Act.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
2015-180
e.
9.2
10.
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Minutes of Regular Meeting of September 14, 2015
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
That draft Policy No. 290 – Freedom of Information and
Protection of Privacy be approved in principle and forwarded to
partner groups until October 31 for any suggestions for changes.
CARRIED
Policy No. 725 – Video Surveillance
2015-181
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
That Policy No. 725 – Video Surveillance be approved in
principle and forwarded to partner groups until October 31 for
any suggestions for changes.
CARRIED
Education Committee
Trustee Johnson reported on the education committee meeting held on September 2,
2015 noting there was one presentation on My Education BC. The following action items
were on the agenda (complete minutes are posted on the district website):
a.
School Improvement Plans
2015-182
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
That the Board of Education approve the School Improvement
Plan for every school in the school district.
CARRIED
b.
Policy No. 203 – Student Fees
2015-183
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
That Policy No. 203 – Student Fees be approved in principle and
forwarded to partner groups for any suggestions for changes.
CARRIED
c.
Policy No. 310 – District Code of Conduct
2015-184
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
That Policy No. 310 – District Code of Conduct be approved in
principle and forwarded to partner groups for any suggestions for
changes.
CARRIED
d.
Policy No. 250 – School Planning Councils
2015-185
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
That Policy No. 250 – School Planning Councils be deleted.
CARRIED
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
10.1
Curriculum and Assessment Update
The superintendent reviewed the four documents received from the Ministry of Education
which were sent to district staff, parents, and teachers regarding the implementation of a
three-year plan to refresh Kindergarten to Grade 12 (K-12) curriculum and accompanying
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of Regular Meeting of September 14, 2015
reporting and assessment practices in public and independent schools throughout the
province. The Ministry is building on one of the world’s most successful school systems,
with student performance currently making BC one of the top three education systems in
the world. However, the world is changing and it is essential that all students are
prepared for success in whatever life path they choose. To achieve this, all subject areas
from K-12 have been updated by BC teachers. Additional information is posted on the
district website at www.sd67.bc.ca as well as a link for feedback.
11.
10.2
Conference Board of Canada Report (2014)
The superintendent presented slides which show how Canada performs in education and
skills compared to other countries and provinces. The peer countries were chosen based
on three criteria: standard of living, population size, and geographic size (to exclude citystates). A total of 23 indicators were used to assess provincial performance in the
education and skills category. Canada performed well at the national level on reading,
math, and science tests. At the provincial level, however, significant differences emerge.
Some provinces managed to earn high grades such as Alberta and BC, with all “A”s or
“B”s. Trustees requested that the link to additional information be provided.
10.3
School Opening
The superintendent reported the district had a very successful school start-up this year.
Some additional staffing was added related to increased enrolment in some schools.
10.4
Professional Learning Opportunities in SD67 – 2015-16
For information only, the superintendent acknowledged that district staff and the OSTU
professional development committee had worked collaboratively to provide a wide array
of professional development activities. Ms. Hyer also acknowledged the helping
teachers, teacher leaders and principals/vice principals who will facilitate these sessions.
REPORT OF SECRETARY-TREASURER
11.1
Summer Maintenance and Technology Projects
Director of Facilities Doug Gorcak reported that over the summer 3700 hours were used
cleaning schools in preparation for the new school year. The data wiring was completed
at Parkway and Queen’s Park Elementary schools. This three-year project to complete
all schools with data wiring was finished in 15 months. The geothermal project at Wiltse
Elementary was completed and should soon be ready for heating the school. Work was
completed on an irrigation upgrade at Parkway to tie into the effluent water distribution to
those fields in conjunction with Skaha Lake Middle School and Princess Margaret
Secondary. Five classrooms were finished at Summerland Middle School and the weight
room was moved from the portable to inside the school. Finally, fire alarm upgrades
were started at Parkway, Columbia, and Trout Creek Elementary School and some
repainting was finished at KVR Middle School along with finishing the floor.
Director of Information Technology Francisco reported the phase 2 wireless upgrade was
completed allowing students and staff to connect to a new network. As well, a major
upgrade was completed to more than 3,000 desktops throughout the district. The
district’s three technicians reimaged all computers finishing on Sunday evening. They
are now in the process of upgrading laptops which will allow staff to do personalization on
their devices and publish to the SD67 cloud.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of Regular Meeting of September 14, 2015
Mr. Gorcak, Mr. Francisco and their staff were thanked for the tremendous amount of
work completed over the summer.
12.
NEW BUSINESS
12.1
Field Trips
The director of instruction reviewed two field trip requests, one of which had been
approved pursuant to district policy.
2015-186
12.2
2015 Public Sector Executive Compensation Report
The secretary-treasurer advised that every year school districts are required to report on
the compensation philosophy of how the district pays its executive and exempt
employees and list those earning more than $125,000. All school district reports will be
posted on the Public Sector Employers’ Council (PSEC) website along with reports for
other sectors such as municipalities and colleges.
2015-187
12.3
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
That the Board of Education approve in principle the field trip request for
March 12 to 28, 2016 for 20 grades 8 to 12 students from Penticton
Secondary School to fly to Mina and to Cusco, Peru, with ground
transport by bus.
CARRIED
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
That the 2015 Public Sector Executive Compensation Report be
approved by the Board of Education and submitted to BCPSEA.
CARRIED
Procedural Bylaw No. 4 – Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
The following bylaw which names the superintendent of schools as the official head of the
school district for the purposes of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy
Act was requested.
2015-188
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
That, in accordance with Section 68(4) of the School Act, the Board of
Education of School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha) unanimously
agrees to give all three readings of Procedural Bylaw No. 4 – Freedom of
Information and Protection of Privacy Act at this meeting.
CARRIED
2015-189
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
That the "Procedural Bylaw No. 4 – Freedom of Information and
Protection of Privacy Act bylaw of the Board of Education of School
District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha) be read a first time this 14th day of
September, 2015.
CARRIED
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
13.
14.
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Minutes of Regular Meeting of September 14, 2015
2015-190
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
That the "Procedural Bylaw No. 4 – Freedom of Information and
Protection of Privacy Act bylaw of the Board of Education of School
District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha) be read a second time this 14th day of
September, 2015.
CARRIED
2015-191
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
That the "Procedural Bylaw No. 4 – Freedom of Information and
Protection of Privacy Act bylaw of the Board of Education of School
District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha) be read a third time, passed and
adopted this 14th day of September, 2015.
CARRIED
REPORTS OF REPRESENTATIVES
13.1
BCSTA Provincial Council Meeting
The deadline for submitting motions to BCSTA's Provincial Council meeting on October
23/24, 2015 is September 18, 2015. Trustee Clarke will attend the meeting and advised
that if any resolutions come forward, she will share and seek input.
13.2
BCSTA Thompson Okanagan Branch Meeting
The BCSTA Thompson Okanagan Branch meeting will be held on September 25/26,
2015, hosted by SD53 (Okanagan Similkameen). The agenda for the meeting was
circulated with the agenda package.
13.3
BCPSEA Meetings
Trustee Manning provided information on the BCPSEA Employment Practices Liability
Program (EPLP), which allows school districts to access labour and employment legal
services through BCPSEA, began coverage on September 8. An approved listing of
service providers, some of whom this district has already used, was provided to all school
districts. It was noted that Tammy Sowinski, Executive Director, Okanagan Labour
Relations Council, although not on the list, can be used if her services are called upon.
13.4
Trustee Comments
Trustees provided comments related to their various district activities including the
Board’s work in setting a direction for the district and appreciation to the OSTU, CUPE,
principals/vice principals, and all staff for a great start-up.
INFORMATION ITEMS
14.1
Recognition of Student Success
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha) extended congratulations to the students and
groups for outstanding examples of success as shown on the listing circulated with the
agenda package.
14.2
Date of Next Meeting
 October 5, 2015, 6:30 p.m., Regular Board of Education Meeting, at the School
Board Office
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of Regular Meeting of September 14, 2015
15.
QUESTION PERIOD
Questions/comments from the audience included a request for additional information on
Procedural Bylaw No. 4.
16.
ADJOURNMENT
2015-192
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
That the meeting be adjourned.
CARRIED
________________________________
Linda Van Alphen, Chairperson
_____________________________________
Bonnie Roller Routley, Secretary-Treasurer
September 23, 2015
Ref: http://escribe.sd67.bc.ca/Board of Education_Sep14_2015/eSCRIBE Documents/Post-Meeting Minutes - Board of Education_Sep14_2015 - English.docx
“Working Together for Student Success”