School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
Monday, March 9, 2015, 6:30 P.M.
SCHOOL BOARD OFFICE
425 Jermyn Avenue
MEMBERS PRESENT
Linda Van Alphen, Chair
Bill Bidlake, Trustee
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
Pam Butters, Director of Instruction
Daniel Francisco, Director of Information Technology
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
2015-103
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
That the agenda with the addition of 6.4 be adopted.
CARRIED
3.
PRESENTATIONS BY SCHOOLS AND/OR STUDENTS
3.1.
Act of Kindness
A student from Summerland Middle School, Jack Edwards, wrote a letter to the
Vancouver Canucks for a contest to skate with the Canucks in a pre-game:
"I have loved the Canucks all my life and they are my favorite team. When I watch
the Canucks and the kids who get to skate with them I think that's so cool and they
are so lucky. I just made $10 working at my grandparents' house so anybody up for
coffee "nudge nudge wink wink". Also my friend Brett Cerrutti just got out of BC
Children's Hospital with some sort of rare disease so if you could pick him instead of
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Minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 9, 2015
me that would be so awesome and probably make him feel really really, really
happy! Thank you and go Canucks go!!!”
The superintendent introduced a video clip of Jack's request being granted by the
Canucks and his surprise gift to Brett. It was noted that random acts of kindness such as
this have a huge impact on reducing bullying.
3.2.
Early Literacy Programs in School District 67
Kirsten Odian, Early Learning and Literacy Helping Teacher, provided an overview of
three early learning literacy initiatives implemented by the district, including the
Kindergarten Screener, Early Literacy Intervention Program, and Leveled Literacy
Intervention. These initiatives are designed to provide intervention and reading strategies
at an early age providing a strong base for future literacy success.
Following a number of trustee questions, Ms. Odian was thanked for her presentation
and for the assistance she provides for students and educators.
4.
RECEIVING OF DELEGATIONS AND GUESTS
4.1.
Mental Wellness Initiative
Rotary Club of Penticton representative Brian Hughes presented an overview of a twoyear joint initiative being undertaken with the school district to improve mental health
wellness in the community. The program involves several approaches including role
model presentations to students; youth leadership and peer mentoring; educating parents
on the importance of support at home; community resources; and networking agencies.
Mr. Hughes advised the Rotary Club of Penticton is moving initiatives forward following
the kick-off on February 17 at Cleland Theatre. Mr. Hughes requested the results of the
McCreary Report 2013 Adolescent Healthy Survey created specifically for SD67 as these
results would be an invaluable guide to the goals and direction needed as well as
providing a baseline benchmark against any progress.
Following discussion, appreciation was extended to Mr. Hughes and the Rotary Club for
initiating this project.
2015-104
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
That the results and information from the McCreary Report be released
to the public for use with this initiative.
CARRIED
5.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
2015-105
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
That the minutes of the regular meeting held on February 2, 2015 be approved.
CARRIED
6.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
6.1.
Report on Family Life
Trustees requested at the December 8, 2014 Board of Education meeting that the report
on family life from last year be reviewed and updated with any current information and be
brought forward to the March board meeting. Director of Instruction MacIntyre reviewed
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Minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 9, 2015
the questions asked in the report and noted that the biggest change in the way sexual
health is presented is the use of outside resources for some groups. The program for
elementary students has been delivered by classroom teachers in the majority of cases
while middle school teachers and counsellors with some outside agencies deliver the
program to middle school students. Outside agencies are mainly used for delivery to
secondary students.
6.2.
Meeting with City of Penticton Mayor and Council
As a follow-up to the January 26th meeting with City of Penticton mayor and council, it
was suggested that the chair be authorized to set up "coffee" meetings with the mayor
and senior staff.
2015-106
6.3.
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
That the Chair of the Board of Education be authorized to set up regular
"coffee" meetings with the City of Penticton mayor and senior staff.
CARRIED
2015-16 School Calendar
Assistant Superintendent Burgoyne provided a summary of all feedback received to date
related to the proposed calendar noting that CUPE wanted a guarantee of no loss of
wages for their members for closure of school during the Winter Games days and pro-d
days. They also requested that pro-d be done during the week prior to Labour Day.
Principals and vice principals supported having professional development days attached
to a weekend (preferably on Fridays) rather than scattered throughout the week and
preferred that the School Improvement Day take place in the week before school begins.
The survey results suggested that pro-d days be held on Mondays or Fridays; some
parents requested pro-d days prior to Labour Day; some suggested classes begin on
September 1; and some requested that schools not be closed for the Winter Games. The
OSTU feedback was presented at an earlier meeting; however, it was noted that their
collective agreement provides that school begins on the Tuesday following Labour Day
and goes to the last Friday in June and that teachers have already agreed to extend the
calendar to June 30. Approximately 50 responses were received and included in the
report circulated with the agenda package.
2015-107
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
That the 2015-16 draft school calendar be amended to:
1. All non-instructional days occur on Mondays or Fridays, with the
exception of Thursday, February 25, 2016;
2. February 25 and February 26 be designated as professional
development days rather than school closure days;
3. The school improvement day be scheduled during the day, on a
Monday or Friday, in September 2015.
CARRIED
Trustees Bidlake, Clarke and Johnson requested that their negative votes be recorded.
6.4.
Policy No. 335 – Student Transportation
At the last Board of Education meeting, Policy No. 335 – Student Transportation was
approved in principle for circulation to partner groups for any suggestions for changes.
The secretary-treasurer reported that to date, no suggestions have been received to
modify this policy and the policy is therefore recommended for adoption.
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
2015-108
7.
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 9, 2015
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
That Policy No. 335 – Student Transportation be approved by the Board
of Education.
CARRIED
REPORT FROM CLOSED MEETINGS
Chair Van Alphen reviewed the following items which were discussed at the closed meeting held
on February 2, 2015:


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8.
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Reviewed correspondence;
Received an update on director of instruction and vice principal replacements;
Received a staffing report for both teaching and CUPE staff;
Approved a lease agreement; and
Received a report from a BCPSEA annual general meeting.
CORRESPONDENCE
8.1.
Correspondence Requiring Action
a.
2015-02-25 Haven Hill Care Centre
A letter from Haven Hill Care Centre requesting access to one of the school
district's buildings to which to relocate residents in the event it becomes
necessary to evacuate their facility
Secretary-treasurer Roller Routley added that follow-up discussions advised any
evacuations would likely be no more than 48 hours.
2015-109
8.2.
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
That staff be directed to work with the Haven Hill Care Centre to
find a suitable school district building to be used for the
relocation of residents should it become necessary to evacuate
their facility.
CARRIED
Correspondence to the Board of Education
a.
2015-02-03 Letter from BCSTA
A letter from Teresa Rezansoff, President, BCSTA, highlighting the benefits and
resources available to BCSTA member boards
b.
2015-02-04 Letter from Ministry of Transportation
A letter from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure in response to the
Board's letter requesting the Ministry install crosswalks and accompanying signs
at Naramata, Kaleden, and West Bench Elementary schools
c.
2015-02-18 Letter from BCSTA President
A letter from BCSTA President Teresa Rezansoff regarding the new provincial
budget announcement
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
8.3.
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Minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 9, 2015
Correspondence Copied to the Board of Education
a.
2015-02-02 SD44 (North Vancouver) to Minister of Finance
Letter to Minister of Finance acknowledging the Select Standing Committee on
Finance and Government Services' First Report on the Budget 2015
Consultations and requesting the Ministry of Finance accept and implement the
Report Recommendations 24, 25, 27, 28, and 40 regarding public education
b.
2015-02-11 SD5 (Southeast Kootenay) to BCSTA
Letter to BCSTA President Teresa Rezansoff regarding the co-governance
memorandum of understanding between the BCSTA and Ministry of Education
c.
2015-02-11 SD5 (Southeast Kootenay) to BCSTA
Letter to BCSTA President Teresa Rezansoff requesting that advocacy letters be
copied to the government opposition
d.
2015-02-11 SD5 (Southeast Kootenay) to Ministers of Finance and
Education
Letter to Ministers of Finance and Education regarding investment in capital
funding for school building infrastructure upgrades and replacement
e.
2015-02-11 SD5 (Southeast Kootenay) to Minister of Finance
Letter to Minister of Finance requesting a response to previous letter and update
on Recommendations 24 to 40 from the Report on the Budget 2014
Consultations from the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government
Services
f.
2015-02-13 SD73 (Kamloops/Thompson) to Minister of Education
Letter to Minister of Education expressing concern related to changes to the
2008 Education Guarantee policy which will withdraw the opportunity for
graduated adults to take tuition-free upgrading courses
g.
2015-02-16 SD20 (Kootenay-Columbia) to Ministers of Finance and
Education
Letter to Ministers of Finance and Education requesting that government lift the
compensation freeze and fund an appropriate level of compensation for the
education sector's exempt/management staff
h.
2015-02-16 SD20 (Kootenay-Columbia) to Minister of Education
Letter to Minister of Education requesting that the Ministry revisit their decision
and leave 20% of the savings from the teachers' strike with boards
i.
2015-02-20 SD44 (North Vancouver) to Ministers of Education and Finance
Letter to Ministers of Education and Finance as well as BCPSEA Public
Administrator requesting that the compensation freeze be removed for
management and exempt staff and that sufficient provincial funding be provided
to school districts to enable a change in compensation for exempt staff
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
8.4.
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Minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 9, 2015
j.
2015-02-23 SD61 (Greater Victoria) to Ministers of Education and Finance
Letter to Ministers of Education and Finance requesting the withdrawal of the
excluded and exempt staff compensation freeze and that the increases be
funded by the provincial government as they have funded other employee groups
k.
2015-02-23 SD42 (Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows)
Letter to Minister of Education regarding funding for adult graduated students
l.
2015-02-25 SD42 (Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows) to Minister of Education
Letter to Minister of Education regarding the 2015-16 budget
m.
2015-03-03 SD23 (Central Okanagan) to Minister of Education
Letter to Minister of Education regarding funding changes for upgrading courses
for graduated adults
n.
2015-02-27 Letter from Penny and Stewart McLeod
Letter from parents Penny and Stewart McLeod regarding the location of the
fourth French immersion division
o.
2015-02-27 Letter from Jenny Albrechtson
Letter from parent Jenny Albrechtson regarding the placement of the fourth
division of French immersion
p.
2015-03-03 Letter from Irma and Brian McCoy
A letter from parents Irma and Brian McCoy encouraging a fourth division of
French immersion at KVR Middle School
Correspondence on Behalf of the Board of Education
a.
2015-01-19 Letter to Real Canadian Superstore
A thank you letter for donations of both school supplies and Halloween items to
benefit students
b.
2015-02-03 Letter to Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen
Letter to RDOS providing information on the public budget meeting
c.
2015-02-03 Letter to Penticton and Wine Country Chamber of Commerce
Letter to the Penticton and Wine Country Chamber of Commerce providing
information on the budget meeting
d.
2015-02-03 Letter to Summerland Council
Letter to Summerland Mayor and Council regarding the public budget meeting
e.
2015-02-03 Letter to Summerland Chamber
Letter to Summerland Chamber of Economic Development & Tourism providing
information on the public budget meeting
f.
2015-02-03 Letter to Penticton Council
Letter to Penticton Mayor and Council providing information on the public budget
meeting to be held on April 20
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
9.
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Minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 9, 2015
g.
2015-02-03 Letter to CUPE
Letter to CUPE regarding the 2015-16 budget development process and dates
h.
2015-02-03 Letter to DPCA
Letter to DPAC Chair regarding the 2015-16 budget development process and
dates
i.
2015-02-03 Letter to OSTU
Letter to OSTU regarding the 2015-16 budget development process and dates
j.
2015-02-03 Letter to OSPVPA
Letter to principals and vice principals regarding the 2015-16 budget
development process and dates
k.
2015-02-03 Letter to all PAC Chairs
Letter to all PAC chairs regarding the 2015-16 budget development process and
dates
l.
2015-03-02 Letter to Summerland Council
Letter to the District of Summerland requesting a meeting with the mayor and
council
m.
2015-03-03 Letter to Penticton Mayor
Letter to City of Penticton mayor regarding appointments to the Mayor's
Taskforce for Affordable Communities
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
9.1.
Business Committee
Trustee Bidlake reported on the business committee meeting held on February 24, 2015
with the following action items (see minutes on the district website):
a.
Budget Process and Dates – Requested Change
The district parent advisory council requested that their meeting be moved to
Thursday, April 23.
2015-110
b.
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
That the new dates for the 2015-16 budget process be approved
by the Board of Education.
CARRIED
Policy No. 150 – Trustee Financial Matters
2015-111
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
That Policy No. 150 – Trustee Financial Matters be approved.
CARRIED
2015-112
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
That a travel policy for employees be developed.
CARRIED
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
9.2.
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Minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 9, 2015
Education Committee
Trustee Johnson reported on the education committee visitation to West Bench
Elementary School on February 3, 2015 noting it was a delightful place for students to
learn and it was good to see teachers and CUPE staff working together.
The topics covered at the February 24 meeting were Career Programs, YES Project, the
Gifted Program, and the 2015-16 Draft School Calendar (see minutes on the district
website).
10.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

Okanagan Valley Concert Band Festival
On March 3 & 4, 22 middle and secondary school concert bands from throughout the
Pacific Northwest performed at the Cleland Theatre. Global News Okanagan did a story
on the event, which was viewed at the meeting.

February 20 , Professional Development Activities
th
February 20 was a district-wide professional development day. Numerous activities
took place, some of which were coordinated by district staff, including:
th

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Approaches to Behavior Change
Building Engaged Writers and Readers
Fostering Resiliency with Indigenous Children and Families
Creating Wellness Communities within the School Setting
All events were well attended and the informational brochure was circulated for trustees
to review.

Enhanced Transition Reporting for K to 12
The Students Transitions Project links data about students in the BC public postsecondary education system with information from their years in kindergarten to Grade
12. The data comes from the personal education number, which is assigned to each
student entering the BC education system. This information is used to track student
transitions from grade 12 graduation into post-secondary education, student mobility
between post-secondary institutions, and completion of programs at the post-secondary
institutions. The Student Transitions Project Committee is looking at how some of the
data they have access to can be used by school districts to generate evidence/reports
that provides useful, meaningful data for school districts. This district is one of three
districts providing feedback to the committee and Ministry of Education as to what sort of
data would be useful.

Ministry Presentation: Update on K to 12 Curriculum and Competencies and the
Graduation Years
th
On May 20 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., Jan Unwin and Maureen Dockendorf from the
Ministry of Education will provide an update on two provincial initiatives: the revised K to
12 Curriculum and Competencies and the Graduation Years. The district will be inviting
trustees, educators and PAC’s to attend the event.
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)

11.
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 9, 2015
Skills Training Access Support for School-Aged Secondary Students
At the last education committee meeting, David Kalaski provided an overview of the
various career programs offered in the district. Since that meeting, the district has
received confirmation from the Ministry of Education that the district has received a grant
in the amount of $5,000 to support local solutions to improving access opportunities for
students living in areas that do not have a post-secondary institution or sufficient local
support to pursue their career interests. The superintendent acknowledged the work of
Mr. Kalaski in applying for the grant and securing the funds for the program.
REPORT OF SECRETARY-TREASURER

12.
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AFG Projects Update
The secretary-treasurer provided an update on the annual facilities grant which runs from
April 1 to March 31, the Ministry of Education’s fiscal year. Due to the tender for data
wiring being significantly higher than expected, only three schools were completed (Trout
Creek, Uplands, and Wiltse Elementary Schools); however, the district was able to use
funds from surplus to complete the wiring at Giant's Head Elementary. Funds set aside
for the Parkway field irrigation with effluent water did not occur due to timing so these
funds were used for data wiring at West Bench Elementary.
As well, roofing
replacements and fire alarm upgrades were delayed due to the strike and contractors and
with these savings, Columbia Elementary was data wired. This will allow wireless and
new wireless points to these schools. The board office power upgrade is complete so
that the IT department can be moved to IMC. Phase 1 of the HVAC upgrade has been
completed at Wiltse Elementary, part of which was funded through the Carbon Neutral
Capital Program. Additionally, an HVAC control upgrade was completed at Kaleden
Elementary as well as an upgrade at the offices at Ecole Entre Lacs and upgrading of
classrooms and hallways at Summerland Secondary School. Asbestos was found during
that renovation and was properly removed. Ms. Roller Routley added that $1.24 million
from the $1.4 million budget was used along with $98,000 from a Fortis grant and funds
from the CNCP project.
NEW BUSINESS
12.1.
Summerland Advisory Planning Committee
It has been suggested that the Board of Education withdraw representation on the
Summerland Advisory Planning Committee.
It was noted that there are other ways to receive input from the Board rather than through
this committee.
2015-113
12.2.
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
That the Board of Education withdraw representation on the Summerland
Advisory Planning Committee, effective April 1, 2015.
CARRIED
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.
2015-114
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 9, 2015
That the field trip request for April 23 to 26, 2015 for approximately 50
secondary band and choir students from Penticton Secondary School to
travel to Calgary, Alberta, to perform at various venues and attend a live
performance be approved in principle.
CARRIED
13.
2015-115
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
That the field trip request for May 6 to 9, 2015 for 50 grade 8 band
students from KVR Middle School to travel to Edmonton, Alberta, for a
spring band tour be given final approval.
CARRIED
2015-116
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
That the field trip request for April 18 to 26, 2015 for 36 band students
from Summerland Secondary School to travel to New Brunswick to
perform for several elementary schools and visit a variety of educational
sites be given final approval.
CARRIED
2015-117
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
That the dates in the previous motion for 36 band students from
Summerland Secondary School be changed to travel in April 2015.
CARRIED
REPORTS OF REPRESENTATIVES
13.1.
BCSTA Annual General Meeting
The deadline for receiving nominations for the BCSTA board of directors is March 17,
2015. Nominations are open for the following positions:

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13.2.
President
Vice President
Directors (five to be elected)
BCSTA Provincial Council Meeting
During the presentation of her report, Trustee Clarke advised that the Provincial Council
wants all boards to meet with their MLA's before March 2015 to discuss the required
administrative savings announced by the government. During discussion, trustees
suggested that in recognizing that we have already recently met with MLA's, a letter may
suffice. A report outlining the disposition of motions at the Provincial Council meeting
was circulated with the agenda package.
2015-118
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
That a letter be written to the MLA's and copied to Ministers of Education
and Finance and Premier with historical information from budget cuts
over the last five years and also in view of recent comments regarding
"low-hanging fruit".
CARRIED
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
13.3.
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Minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 9, 2015
BCSTA Thompson Okanagan Branch Meeting
Chair Van Alphen provided information related to the BCSTA Thompson Okanagan
Branch meeting held on February 27 and 28, 2015 in Vernon, which included a tour of a
traditional of pit house and committee meetings attended by Trustees Manning, Planiden,
Johnson, Sheppard, and Van Alphen. The values and mission statement were presented
and will be voted upon at the AGM. Chair Johnson agreed to respond on behalf of the
Board to the question posed by the BCSTA Education Committee:
"If adult education funding cutbacks are affecting your district, tell us how it is
affecting your district, who in your school district is affected, and what kind of
advocacy action you are seeking?"
The deadline for feedback is May 1, 2015.
Additionally, trustees were reminded to complete the attached "Trustee Report from
Conference" form for the branch meeting.
13.4.
14.
Trustee Comments
Trustee Johnson commented on the Schools without Borders program highlighted by
School District No. 22 (Vernon) during the Branch meeting. Trustee Bidlake thanked all
those involved with the district science fair, band concerts, Physics Olympics, sports
teams, and the recent Beauty and the Beast presentation at Summerland Secondary.
Trustee Manning acknowledged the work being done by Sherry Higson who has been
running the hot lunch program at Queen's Park for over 20 years and is now running an
after school program teaching kids how to cook and take home a meal for their family.
Trustee Sheppard commented on the DARE graduation taking place at KVR. Trustee
Planiden commented on the excellent job done by all involved with the Okanagan
Concert Band Festival recently held in Penticton and mentioned the upcoming jazz band
festival that will be held in Kelowna. Trustee Planiden also mentioned that Dan Nixon, a
student from Summerland Secondary School, was awarded a trip to New York to work at
the United Nations. Chair Van Alphen spoke about judging on science fair projects and
funds raised by McNicoll Park Middle School for Me to We Day.
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 Summerland Middle School for their
artwork currently on display at the school board office.
14.3.
Date of Upcoming Meetings
 March 31, 2015, 3:00 p.m., Business Committee of the Whole, at the School
Board Office
 April 1, 2015, 3:00 p.m., Education Committee of the Whole, at the School Board
Office
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)

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Minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 9, 2015
April 13, 2015, 6:30 p.m., Regular Board of Education Meeting, at the School
Board Office
15.
QUESTION PERIOD
Questions/comments from the audience included questions on the provincial naming policy and
whether or not this district has a similar policy, if a debriefing following the recent letter incident
had been held and any comments from the debriefing, and the outcomes related to the sexual
health curriculum.
16.
ADJOURNMENT
2015-119
MOTION
Duly moved and seconded
That the meeting be adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
CARRIED
________________________________
Linda Van Alphen, Chairperson
___________________________________
Bonnie Roller Routley, Secretary-Treasurer
March 30, 2015
Ref: http://escribe.sd67.bc.ca/Board of Education_Mar9_2015/eSCRIBE Documents/Post-Meeting Minutes - Board of Education_Mar9_2015 - English.docx
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