School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
BOARD OF EDUCATION
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
Monday, December 8, 2014, 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, Chair
Julie Planiden, Trustee
Barb Sheppard, Trustee
ALSO PRESENT
Wendy Hyer, Superintendent of Schools
Bonnie Roller Routley, Secretary-Treasurer
Dave Burgoyne, Assistant Superintendent
Pam Butters, Director of Instruction
Daniel Francisco, Director of Information Technology
Doug Gorcak, Director of Facilities
Don MacIntyre, Director of Instruction
Maureen Maywood, Director of Finance
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
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MOTION
Johnson/Planiden
That the agenda be adopted.
CARRIED
3.
PRESENTATIONS BY SCHOOLS AND/OR STUDENTS
3.1.
Schools on Board – An ArcticNet Outreach Program
Vice Principal Jennifer Wingham informed trustees that students from across Canada
were invited to participate in a unique opportunity, investigating Arctic climate change
with international scientists in real-time scientific studies on board the CCGS Amundsen.
Jaxon Stel, a Grade 12 student from Penticton Secondary, was the successful student
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of Regular Meeting of December 8, 2014
from this district, and one of 12 students from across Canada, in being selected to
partake in the two-week expedition. Jaxon shared the highlights of his "life" on board a
research vessel and provided an overview of what he learned about climate change.
Jaxon will present at the science fair in March and is available to present at other classes
as requested.
Following a number of questions, Jaxon was thanked for his presentation and for the
scientific work and questions he posed during the expedition.
4.
RECEIVING OF DELEGATIONS AND GUESTS
5.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
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MOTION
Clarke/Manning
That the minutes of the regular meeting held on November 10, 2014 be
approved.
CARRIED
6.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
7.
REPORT FROM CLOSED MEETINGS
Chair Van Alphen reviewed the following items which were discussed at the closed meeting held
on November 10, 2014:
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8.
Received correspondence and directed that a letter be sent to teaching staff;
Received a report on teaching, excluded, and support staff changes;
Received information on a personnel matter;
Received information and approved clerical time on a one-time basis;
Received a report from the BCPSEA Symposium;
Received a report from the Okanagan Labour Relations Council;
Discussed the draft memorandum of understanding between BCSTA and the Ministry of
Education; and
Discussed a personnel contract.
CORRESPONDENCE
8.1.
Correspondence Requiring Action
a.
2014-12-08 Letter from a Parent
A letter from a parent, Jo Ann Parliament, requesting that the Board consider
initiating a policy stating that players within middle and secondary schools in
School District No. 67 must use change rooms to change into and out of their
uniforms and that no changing of uniforms is to be allowed in public areas
whether they are at home or during away games.
Following discussion on the advantage of creating a separate policy; the
responsibilities of parents; this is already covered in the district’s code of conduct
policy; and the possibility of discussing this topic with principals, the subsequent
motion was made.
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8.2.
8.3.
8.4.
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Minutes of Regular Meeting of December 8, 2014
MOTION
Sheppard/Planiden
That the Board of Education requests that the superintendent
ask coaches to remind students to change in and out of clothing
in the changerooms.
CARRIED
Correspondence to the Board of Education
a.
2014-12-08 BCTF Brief to Select Standing Committee on Finance and
Government Services
Enclosing the BCTF brief
b.
2014-12-08 City of Penticton Official Community Plan
Public Hearing for Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw 2014-48, seeking
input
Correspondence Copied to the Board of Education
a.
2014-11-13 SD68 (Nanaimo Ladysmith) to Ministers of Education and
Finance
Regarding the Teacher Education Fund
b.
2014-11-17 SD91 (Nechako Lakes) to Ministers of Education and Finance
Regarding management and excluded staff compensation freeze
c.
2014-11-17 SD20 (Kootenay-Columbia) to Minister of Education
Regarding the Ministry of Education reclaiming all strike savings from September
2014
d.
2014-11-06 SD70 (Alberni) to Minister of Finance
Regarding findings and recommendations of the Select Standing Committee on
Finance and Government Services
e.
2014-11-06 SD47 (Powell River) Open Letter to the Community
Regarding BC Ferries agreement to extend its free student fare program to
include children and youth travelling to the Lower Mainland while students in
SD47 are charged half price
f.
2014-11-05 SD43 (Coquitlam) to Ministers of Education and Finance
Regarding management and exempt staff compensation
g.
2014-10-27 SD5 (Southeast Kootenay) to Minister of Finance
Requesting a progress update on Recommendations 24 to 40 from the Report on
the Budget 2014 Consultations from the Select Standing Committee on Finance
and Government Services
Correspondence on Behalf of the Board
a.
2014-11-18 to Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
A letter requesting crosswalk installations at SD67 rural schools
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
b.
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Minutes of Regular Meeting of December 8, 2014
2014-11-14 to Minister of Education
A letter requesting permission to underspend targeted aboriginal funding for the
2013-14 fiscal year
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MOTION
Clarke/Manning
That the correspondence be received.
CARRIED
9.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
10.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
10.1.
Superintendent's Report of Achievement
The superintendent advised that the School Act requires the superintendent to prepare a
public report to the Board of Education on the progress of improving student achievement
from the previous school year. The report is intended to ensure transparency and
accountability for each school district in terms of its responsibility for improving student
achievement. It was noted that some of the information is based on data for June 2013
as some data was not collated this past June due to the job action.
Superintendent Hyer reported that Grade 3 district reading results are 19% higher than
the baseline level established in 2009 and the percentage of students who are fully
meeting or exceeding expectations in reading has improved each year over the past five
years. Trend data indicates that the majority of Grade 8 students (92%) are meeting
expectations on the Reading Performance Standards Rubric, the percentage of students
who are minimally meeting expectations has declined from 57% to 32%, and the
percentage of students meeting or exceeding expectations has steadily improved from
32% to 60%. As well, the Grade 4 and 7 FSA writing results indicate a positive trend in
the percentage of students meeting or exceeding in writing and that these results are
above the provincial averages. Ms. Hyer added that there are still too many students
who are minimally meeting or not meeting expectations. Given that current research
indicates that student achievement in reading by the end of Grade 3 is the best predictor
of later academic success, continuing to focus on and provide intervention in reading to
improve results is important.
With respect to the six-year completion rates, the completion rates for all female, male,
aboriginal, and special needs populations are consistently at or above the provincial
averages and the completion rate for aboriginal learners has continued to improve over
the past five years. It was noted that while the six-year completion rates are above the
provincial average, there are still 16% of SD67 students not graduating with a Dogwood
Certificate.
Ms. Hyer reviewed the district's efforts at identifying students who are at risk of not
completing their programs, the work towards implementing a school-wide Response to
Intervention framework to provide support and/or service to students and families, and
the efforts over the past three years to explore ways to infuse the existing curriculum with
aboriginal perspective and enhance all students' knowledge of the traditional culture and
lands. The report also highlights Early Learning, work with the Literacy Now South
Okanagan-Similkameen, and the expectation that schools and the Ministry of Children
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Minutes of Regular Meeting of December 8, 2014
and Family Development officials identify all children in care and focus on their
achievement. As well, the report highlights the initiatives that support the attainment of
the district goals, participation in other Ministry initiatives including skills training, ERASE
Bullying training, Social and Emotional Learning and educational transformation. Ms.
Hyer added the Board of Education, district staff, helping teachers, teacher leaders and
support staff have put forth a tremendous amount of energy to improve the life chances
of students and acknowledged the staff, parents, and Board for their collective
commitment to enhancing student achievement in SD67. The complete report is
available on the district website.
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MOTION
Clarke/Bidlake
That the Superintendent's Report of Student Achievement be approved
by the Board of Education.
CARRIED
10.2.
Enrolment
The superintendent of schools reported that enrolment as of November 30 shows 5,873
student, a slight decline from October.
10.3.
Field Trips
The director of instruction reviewed the listing of field trip requests included in the agenda
package, one of which had been approved pursuant to district policy.
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MOTION
Manning/Planiden
That the field trip request for February 5 to 11, 2015, for 44 French
Immersion students from KVR Middle and Summerland Middle to travel
to Quebec City for the annual winter carnival be given final approval.
CARRIED
10.4.
Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2015
Superintendent Hyer advised that Summerland Secondary has been selected randomly
as one of 95 schools in BC to represent Canada in the Programme for International
Student Assessment 2015. Canada has participated in PISA since it began in 2000.
This is the sixth cycle of PISA survey, which will be conducted from April 20 to May 29,
2015, and will have science as a primary assessment domain.
10.5.
Al Appleton Award-Winner Grant Mansiere
For information only, trustees were informed that a Grade 8 Summerland Secondary
School student, Grant Mansiere, won this year's Al Appleton award for his contribution to
occupational health and safety, according to the article in WorkSafe, December 2014
issue. In addition, his study earned him a series of awards, including the Actuarial
Foundation of Canada honours prize, the Award for Excellence in Astronomy, along with
the top junior excellence prize at the national science fair and first place at regional and
local fairs.
10.6.
School Concerts
Appreciation was extended to staff for their efforts in preparing students for a wide variety
of school concerts. The list is available on the district website.
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
10.7.
11.
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Minutes of Regular Meeting of December 8, 2014
Class Size Report
Assistant Superintendent Burgoyne reviewed details on the school class size report
noting that although the average class size in kindergarten is below the provincial
average for the past 10 years, it is higher than in previous years. The average class size
in grades 1 to 3 increased this year although it is below the provincial average. The
intermediate average class size is below the provincial average and the grades 8 to 12
are close to the provincial average. Mr. Burgoyne noted there are 14 classes greater
than 30, there are 2,000 less students in the district than 15 years ago, and the district
will continue to decline before leveling off in secondary grades.
REPORT OF SECRETARY-TREASURER
11.1.
Trustee Elections
To complete the final obligation regarding the trustee election, the secretary-treasurer
reviewed the trustee election results, normally reviewed prior to the swearing in
ceremonies. Ms. Roller Routley advised that Trustee Manning was acclaimed in the rural
area and Trustees Planiden and Van Alphen were acclaimed in the Summerland area. In
the Penticton area, the results were as follows: Trustee Bidlake, 4,224 votes; Trustee
Johnson, 4,072; Trustee Sheppard, 3,870; and Trustee Clarke, 3,381.
11.2.
Policy No. 120 – Board of Education Committees and Liaisons
Secretary-Treasurer Roller Routley advised that at the last Board of Education meeting,
Policy No. 120 – Board of Education Committees and Liaison was approved in principle
and circulated to partner groups for any suggestions for changes. To date, no
suggestions have been received to modify this policy and the policy is therefore
recommended for adoption.
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11.3.
Policy No. 310 – District Code of Conduct
At the last Board of Education meeting, Policy No. 310 – District Code of Conduct was
approved in principle and circulated to partner groups for any suggestions for changes.
To date, no suggestions have been received to modify this policy and the policy is
therefore recommended for adoption.
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11.4.
MOTION
Clarke/Manning
That the Policy 120 – Board of Education Committees and Liaisons be
approved by the Board of Education.
CARRIED
MOTION
Planiden/Manning
That Policy No. 310 – District Code of Conduct be approved by the
Board of Education.
CARRIED
Policy No. 325 – Managing a Student with Medical Alert/Anaphylaxis
At the last Board of Education meeting, Policy No. 325 – Managing a Student with
Medical Alert/Anaphylaxis was approved in principle and circulated to partner groups for
any suggestions for changes. Ms. Roller Routley advised that to date, no suggestions
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Minutes of Regular Meeting of December 8, 2014
have been received to modify this policy and the policy is therefore recommended for
adoption.
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MOTION
Johnson/Clarke
That Policy No. 325 – Managing a Student with
Alert/Anaphylaxis be approved by the Board of Education.
Medical
CARRIED
11.5.
Banking Resolution
A resolution related to signing authority as contained in the Bank of Montreal Certificate
and Authorization form circulated with the agenda package was requested. SecretaryTreasurer Roller Routley reviewed that under the revised Policy No. 600, the official
signing officers of the Board shall be the chair, superintendent, and secretary-treasurer
with banking and financial documents requiring two signatures. Electronic signatures for
the chair and secretary-treasurer are used and if over a certain amount, are
countersigned and checked by another person. A listing of cheques written will be
provided in the future. In response to a trustee question, rates offered to the district were
offered to parent advisory councils and this was communicated to PACs.
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12.
NEW BUSINESS
12.1.
Local Elections
Trustees suggested that letters of congratulations be sent to mayors, councils, and
RDOS directors on their recent election.
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12.2.
MOTION
Sheppard/Clarke
That letters of congratulations be sent by the Board of Education to
mayors, councils, and RDOS directors on their recent election.
CARRIED
Meeting with MLA
The superintendent advised that MLA Dan Ashton has requested a meeting with the
newly elected Board of Education. Trustees agreed to a meeting in the new year.
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13.
MOTION
Sheppard/Planiden
That the Board of Education authorize signing authority as contained in
the Bank of Montreal Certificate and Authorization resolution as
attached.
CARRIED
MOTION
Sheppard/Johnson
That the secretary-treasurer be directed to arrange a meeting with MLA
Ashton.
CARRIED
REPORTS OF REPRESENTATIVES
13.1.
BCSTA Trustee Academy
Trustees were reminded to submit reports of their attendance at the BCSTA Trustee
Academy held in Vancouver on December 4 to 6, 2014. Trustees provided comments on
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Minutes of Regular Meeting of December 8, 2014
the academy, including comments on the mentoring program, the large number of new
trustees, interesting workshops, co-governance, and the keynote speaker, the Right
Honourable Joe Clark. It was suggested that the Board should revisit the district’s
mission and values statement and, if wanted, a strategic plan.
13.2.
BCSTA Thompson Okanagan Branch Meeting
Chair Van Alphen provided information related to the BCSTA Thompson Okanagan
Branch meeting held on December 5, 2014 in Vancouver including being introduced to
approximately 65 new trustees in the branch, discussing the financial statements, mission
and value statements, and moving onto a vision statement.
13.3.
Trustee Comments
Trustees provided comments related to district activities including follow-up on the letter
sent to the OSTU, the family life program, and the funding set aside for teachers at the
last meeting as well as comments on the upcoming school concerts and a brief update on
the recent aboriginal education council meeting.
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14.
MOTION
Johnson/Manning
That the Board of Education direct the district staff to review and update
the report on family life from last year with any current information and
bring forward to the March board meeting.
CARRIED
INFORMATION ITEMS
14.1.
BCSTA Provincial Council Meeting
It was noted that the deadline for submitting emergent motions to the February meeting
of the BCSTA Provincial Council is January 16, 2015. The Provincial Council meeting
will be held on February 20/21, 2015 in Vancouver and Trustee Clarke will attend.
14.2.
BCSTA Thompson Okanagan Branch Meeting
The BCSTA Thompson Okanagan Branch meeting will be held on February 27/28, 2015
at the Village Green Hotel in Vernon.
14.3.
BCPSEA New Trustee Orientation
In order to assist new trustees, BCPSEA has organized an orientation session
specifically designed for newly elected trustees on Thursday, January 29, 2015 (the day
prior to the AGM) in Vancouver. Details were provided on the letter circulated with the
agenda package.
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14.4.
MOTION
Clarke/Sheppard
That the following trustees will attend the BCPSEA New Trustee
Orientation: Newly elected trustees who are not in conflict and BCPSEA
reps.
CARRIED
BCPSEA AGM21
The 21st Annual General Meeting of the British Columbia Public School Employers'
Association is scheduled for January 30, 2015 at the Hilton Vancouver Airport Hotel in
Richmond. Details, program information and registration details will follow in the coming
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Minutes of Regular Meeting of December 8, 2014
weeks. The deadline for submitting special and ordinary resolutions for consideration at
the AGM is December 11, 2014 and Trustee Manning will attend.
14.5.
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.
14.6.
Recognition of Student Artwork
Congratulations were extended to the students from Naramata Elementary School for
their artwork currently on display at the school board office.
14.7.
Date of Next Meeting
 January 12, 2015, 6:30 p.m., Regular Board of Education Meeting, School Board
Office
15.
QUESTION PERIOD
Questions/comments from the media were related to home schooling, student and school codes
of conduct, and reaction to one polling station for the entire city of Penticton.
16.
ADJOURNMENT
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MOTION
Clarke/Manning
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
CARRIED
______________________________
Linda Van Alphen, Chairperson
___________________________________
Bonnie Roller Routley, Secretary-Treasurer
December 18, 2014
Ref: http://escribe.sd67.bc.ca/Board of Education_Dec8_2014/eSCRIBE Documents/Post-Meeting Minutes - Board of Education_Dec8_2014 - English.docx
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