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) Page 2 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) Page 3 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 Page 4 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. Page 5 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) Page 6 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) Page 7 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. Page 8 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) Page 9 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”