School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
Monday, January 11, 2016, 6:30 P.M.
SCHOOL BOARD OFFICE
425 Jermyn Avenue
MEMBERS PRESENT
Linda Van Alphen, Chair
Bill Bidlake, Vice Chair
Shelley Clarke, Trustee
Bruce Johnson, Trustee
Ginny Manning, 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.
2.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
2016-239
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
That the agenda be adopted.
CARRIED
3.
PRESENTATIONS BY SCHOOLS AND/OR STUDENTS
3.1
International Student Program
Jeff Guy, the administrator of the International Student Program, provided an update on
the program, noting there were 114 international students (58 FTE) who during the past
year stayed anywhere from two weeks to a full year. These students came from 10
countries and are enrolled in each middle and secondary school in the district. Mr. Guy
also noted the program brought in close to $1.5 million to the district and provides a great
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of January 11, 2016
service to SD67 students by introducing them to these international students and
cultures. Current students attending are from Germany, China, Japan, Korea, Mexico,
Columbia, Spain, Brazil, Austria, and Vietnam. Mr. Guy acknowledged that one of the
biggest challenges faced with the program is getting quality homestays for the students.
The program is continuing to grow with a goal of 75 FTE students for the coming year
and a move from fewer short-term programs to more long-term programs.
4.
RECEIVING OF DELEGATIONS AND GUESTS
5.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
2016-240
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
That the minutes of the inaugural and regular meetings held on December 14,
2015 be approved.
CARRIED
6.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
7.
REPORT FROM CLOSED MEETINGS
Chair Van Alphen reviewed the following items which were discussed at the regular closed
meeting held on December 14, 2015 and the special closed meetings held on December 14 and
16, 2015:
December 14, 2015
 Received information related to BCPSEA;
 Received information related to an acting principal appointment;
 Received a staffing report for teaching and CUPE staff;
 Approved an item related to property; and
 Received information related to a meeting with City of Penticton staff.
December 14 and 16, 2015
 Received information and approved a legal matter.
January 5, 2016
 Discussed the long range facilities review and approved that Option I be brought forward
for public consultation.
8.
CORRESPONDENCE
8.1
Correspondence Requiring Action
a.
2016-01-07 Letter from Okanagan Skaha Teachers' Union
A letter from the Okanagan Skaha Teachers' Union requesting that the Okanagan
Skaha Board join the Saanich Board of Education in lobbying the Ministry of
Education to commit funding which enables all teachers paid attendance for all
non-instructional days
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
2016-241
b.
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Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of January 11, 2016
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
That the Board of Education write a letter of support for the
Saanich Board’s quest in lobbying the Ministry of Education to
commit to funding which enables all teachers paid attendance for
all non-instructional days.
CARRIED
2016-01-07 Community For Kids
A letter from the Community for Kids Summerland requesting a school district
appointment to the Community for Kids Community Table in Summerland
2016-242
8.2
Correspondence to the Board of Education
8.3
Correspondence Copied to the Board of Education
a.
8.4
As per correspondence listing dated January 11, 2016
Correspondence on Behalf of the Board of Education
a.
9.
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
That the Board of Education appoint a trustee as a representative
appointment to the Community for Kids Success by Six
Summerland and that this appointment be added to the policy for
representative appointments.
CARRIED
As per correspondence listing dated January 11, 2016
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
9.1
Business Committee
Trustee Bidlake reported on the business committee meeting held on January 5, 2016 at
which a listing of cheque and ePAYMENTS was reviewed and a request by the Penticton
Secondary School Scholarship and Bursary Foundation for clerical time was referred to
the business committee meeting on February 23. A review of the Educational Resources
Acquisition Consortium (ERAC) showed the district had saved 58% on software and
licenses purchased through the consortium. The committee reviewed an annual video
surveillance report and was advised that the mileage rate for employee travel
reimbursement had gone down by one cent per kilometer, effective January 1, 2016. The
following action items were on the agenda (complete minutes are available on the district
website):
a.
Policy No. 290 – Freedom of Information Protection of Privacy
2016-243
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
That the Board of Education approve Policy No. 290 – Freedom of
Information and Protection of Privacy.
CARRIED
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
b.
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Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of January 11, 2016
Policy No. 750 – School Closure
Discussion on this draft policy was tabled to next meeting.
9.2
Education Committee
Trustee Johnson reported on the education committee meeting held on January 6, 2016
which included presentations on Maker Spaces and the 2015 Dream Lift Trip. The
following policy was also discussed (complete minutes are available on the district
website):
a.
Policy No. 340 – Graduation Functions – Secondary Schools
2016-244
10.
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
That Policy No. 340 – Graduation Functions – Secondary Schools
be approved in principle and forwarded to partner groups until
February 12, 2016 for any suggestions for changes.
CARRIED
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
10.1
December Events
During the month of December, Ms. Hyer and district staff attended a number of
Christmas concerts and winter events. These festivities were entertaining and well done.
Ms. Hyer recognized the outstanding work that SD67 staff did in organizing these events
and thanked them for their efforts.
11.
REPORT OF SECRETARY-TREASURER
11.1
Long Range Facilities Review
The secretary-treasurer advised that an additional Option I had been added to the
options to be considered by the Board of Education. Option I would see the
reconfiguration of Summerland area schools with grades K-3 at Giant’s Head
Elementary, grades 4-7 at Summerland Middle School, and grades 8-12 at Summerland
Secondary School. Trout Creek Elementary would close. A Public Consultation/Possible
School Closure meeting will be held at Trout Creek Elementary on January 12, 2016, at
7:00 p.m.
12.
NEW BUSINESS
12.1
Field Trips
The superintendent reviewed the listing of field trip requests included in the agenda
package, some of which had been approved pursuant to district policy. She also
reviewed a legal opinion that covered some of the risk management points or strategies
that should be considered when deciding whether or not a board should approve such
trips in light of recent terrorist events where some groups are perceived to be targeting
citizens of western countries. During a review of the guidelines to be considered, it was
noted that schools will be asked to hold one additional meeting with parents to review the
safety precautions associated with the trips.
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
12.2
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Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of January 11, 2016
2016-245
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
That the field trip request for March 12 to 23, 2016 for 50 grade 9 to 12
students from Penticton Secondary and Princess Margaret Secondary to
travel to Berlin, Prague, Krakow, Budapest, and Vienna via flight from
Vancouver to Germany and bus transportation for guide tours to
introduce students to European culture, history and way of life be given
final approval.
CARRIED
2016-246
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
That the field trip request for 50 grade 6 to 8 students from KVR and
Summerland Middle schools to travel to Quebec City from February 3 to
9, 2016 via flight and then tour bus transportation for a cultural
experience for students to become excited about Quebec's history, to
practice their French in a real setting, and to participate in the Quebec
Winter Carnival be given final approval.
CARRIED
Committee and Representative Appointments
Chair Van Alphen presented committee and representative appointments as well as
trustee school liaisons for the period January 2016 to January 2017. It was noted that
DPAC hold their meetings on the fourth Wednesday of every month and trustees will
attend these meetings on a rotational basis.
12.3
2016-17 and 2017-18 Draft School Calendars
The superintendent advised that in accordance with the School Calendar Regulation, the
Board of Education is required to make the proposed calendar publicly available for
feedback from its stakeholders at least one month before the date the school calendar is
to be submitted to the Minister, which is March 31. Assistant Superintendent Burgoyne
reviewed both draft calendars noting that summer pro-d had been moved into the
calendar and spread out during the year. It was noted that these calendars have no
changes to bell schedules. The proposed calendars meet the minimum instructional
hours required by the Ministry of Education.
2016-247
12.4
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
That the Board of Education make publicly available the proposed 201617 and 2017-18 draft calendars from January 12 to March 1, 2016 so
that parents and partner groups have the opportunity to provide
comments to the Board with respect to the proposed DRAFT prior to the
March 7, 2016 public Board of Education meeting.
CARRIED
BC Integrated Youth Services Initiative
Superintendent Hyer advised that over the Christmas break, the provincial government
announced the BC Integrated Youth Services Initiative, which is looking to support a lead
agency in an initiative that provides a variety of services to youth in one location. Ms.
Hyer advised that she is a member of the Youth Engagement Strategy (YES)
Collaborative Partners Table, the Penticton and District Community Resources Society
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of January 11, 2016
will be the lead agency, and they have requested a letter of support from the Board for a
grant application.
2016-248
13.
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
That the Board of Education write a letter in support of the application for
the BC Integrated Youth Services Initiative grant.
CARRIED
REPORTS OF REPRESENTATIVES
13.1
BCSTA Provincial Council Meeting
In preparation for the BCSTA Provincial Council Meeting to be held on February 19 and
20, 2016, trustees have been requested to discuss issues which will be discussed at the
Provincial Council meeting, in particular the following:
Audits and Their Implications for Boards of Education
Key Questions
1.
What do you believe are the most significant and/or most important findings of
recent audit reports in the K-12 sector (including the OAG audits of Board
Governance and Aboriginal education, the Ernest and Young audit of SD39, the
recent Ministry of Finance Administrative Efficiency Reviews, and the regular
Ministry of Education Compliance Enrolment Audits)?
2.
Does your board have concerns about the current spectrum of audits and
reviews being applied to school districts? If yes, what are your concerns?
3.
What do you believe will be the short and long term implications of the current
audits for school districts?
4.
What actions are your board likely to take as the result of the audits?
5.
What further information, processes or discussions regarding these audits would
be of use to your board?
Trustees agreed to discuss the questions following the business committee meeting on
January 26.
Additionally, it was noted that the deadline for motions to be presented at the Provincial
Council Meeting is January 19, 2016.
13.2
BCPSEA Meetings
Trustee Manning brought forward three resolutions to be discussed at the BCPSEA
meeting to be held on January 29, 2016:
Ordinary Resolution 0-1: That the BC Public School Employers' Association members
direct the BCPSEA Public Administrator to write a letter to the Minister of Finance
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of January 11, 2016
requesting that the association be released from the direction of the Public Administrator
and that the Trustee Directors be reinstated to the BCPSEA Board of Directors.
Ordinary Resolution 0-2: That the BC Public School Employers' Association members
direct the BCPSEA Public Administrator to write a letter to the Minister of Education
requesting that costs incurred by boards of education from the Economic Stability
Dividend be fully funded for the duration of the Provincial Framework Agreement.
Ordinary Resolution 0-3: That the BC Public School Employers' Association members
direct the Public Administrator to write a letter to the Minister of Education requesting that
the Ministry respect local board autonomy and ensure that board of education
implementation of the Attendance Support and Wellness Initiative project will be on a
voluntary basis.
Following discussion, by general consensus, trustees supported Resolution 0-1; made
suggestions for a possible amendment for Resolution 0-2; and based on current
understanding that the program is mandatory, Resolution 0-3 may need some language
reworked as support for this wellness initiative project might be a threat to the Joint Early
Intervention Services.
13.3
Trustee Comments
Trustees provided comments related to their various district activities.
14.
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
Recognition of Student Artwork
Congratulations were extended to the students from Parkway Elementary School for their
artwork currently on display at the school board office.
14.3
Dates of Next Meetings



14.4
January 12, 2016, 7:00 p.m., Public Consultation/Possible School Closure
meeting at Trout Creek Elementary
January 20, 2016, 6:30 p.m., Special Board of Education Meeting, at IMC
February 1, 2016, 6:30 p.m., Regular Board of Education Meeting, at School
Board Office
Financial Disclosure Forms
Trustees were reminded that they are to file the annual Statement of Disclosure form
between the 1st and 15th of January of each year in which they hold office.
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
15.
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Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of January 11, 2016
QUESTION PERIOD
Questions/comments from the audience included:


16.
Appreciation from OSTU President Leslea Woodward, for considering and supporting her
request for teachers to get funded for professional development days; and
Clarification on Option I from Sawyer Klassen, Penticton Western News.
ADJOURNMENT
2016-249
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
CARRIED
_____________________________________
Linda Van Alphen, Chair
_______________________________________
Bonnie Roller Routley, Secretary-Treasurer
January 20, 2016
Ref: http://escribe.sd67.bc.ca/Board of Education_Jan11_2016/eSCRIBE Documents/Post-Meeting Minutes - Board of Education_Jan11_2016 - English.docx
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