BOARD OF SCHOOL TRUSTEES
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 67 (OKANAGAN SKAHA)
REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, MAY 13, 2002, AT 7:30 P.M.
SCHOOL BOARD OFFICE
MINUTES
IN ATTENDANCE
C. Denesiuk, Chair
L. Courtney, Trustee
D. E. Jamieson, Trustee
C. Lewis, Trustee
K. Lindstrom, Trustee
L. Little, Trustee
D. Shunter, Trustee
V. Berg, Superintendent of Schools
F. Regehr, Secretary-Treasurer
D. Stigant, Assistant Superintendent
G. Schafer, Director of Instruction
J. Walbergs, Director of Instruction
J. Hickling, Director of Maintenance
D. Adey, Executive Secretary
WELCOME
Chairman Denesiuk welcomed students, district staff, guests, and representatives of the
media.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOTION:
Little/Shunter that the agenda be adopted.
CARRIED
PRESENTATIONS BY SCHOOLS AND/OR STUDENTS
Summerland Middle School Video
The superintendent of schools reported that during the time of the Winter Olympics at Salt
Lake City, students at Summerland Middle School created and participated in their own
version of the Winter Olympic Games. CHBC TV evening news featured a two-minute news
clip showing the athletes in their opening ceremonies and participating in various sports. This
video was shown at the meeting.
Aboriginal Education Student and Staff Recognition
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Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – May 13, 2002
In his introduction of the Aboriginal Education Program, Assistant Superintendent Dave
Stigant reported the program includes support worker and teacher support for aboriginal
learners in the district. A wide range of services are provided including counseling, learning
support, language and culture instruction, tutorial services, early literacy intervention, and
cultural enrichment opportunities.
Mr. Stigant added that on April 11, 2002, Skaha Lake Middle School organized and hosted a
Pow Wow for aboriginal students in the school and district. The Pow Wow included
drumming and dancers from the Okanagan region. Support worker Christine Jack assumed
primary responsibility for organizing the event. Three students, Esha Randhawa, Melissa
Kruger, and Jalisa Kruger representing the 85 students who participated in the Pow Wow,
and Principal John Olfert attended the board meeting and shared a Shaw Cable video and
other details about the event.
Following a number of questions, trustees extended congratulations to the students on their
success of the Pow Wow and for their presentation at the meeting.
Ms. Kathie Pierre of the Aboriginal Education Program at Penticton Secondary School
reported that on May 16, 2002, Penticton Secondary School will host a conference day
organized for aboriginal secondary students in the Okanagan Skaha School District as well
as Vernon, Okanagan Similkameen, and Nicola-Similkameen. Presentations will be made on
a variety of topics important to aboriginal secondary students including: workshops on
personal health and well-being sexual health, suicide prevention, substance abuse
prevention, diet health and eating disorders, aboriginal traditional games, street racing, and a
wide variety of hands-on cultural activities for the afternoon. The Penticton Indian Band will
provide lunch and other assistance, and a parent workshop will also form part of this rich
offering to the students. Ms. Pierre reviewed workshops and workshop leaders and advised
approximately 120 to 150 students will attend the youth conference.
Appreciation was extended to Ms. Pierre for her presentation and leadership in organizing the
conference.
During the week of May 20, three aboriginal students from Penticton Secondary School,
Carlene George, Jordan Nelson, and Tyler Kruger, will travel to Montreal for the May 24
Business Development Bank sponsored national entrepreneurship competition. This is the
second year that a Pen High team of aboriginal students has qualified for this competition.
Jordan and Tyler attended the meeting with teacher David Perry and introduced their
business plan for an on-reserve nightclub. It was noted that the video portion of the business
plan was produced for these students by two students from the Film 12 class in cooperation
with the Element Night Club.
Following a number of questions, trustees extended appreciation for the presentation and
wished the students well in their presentation in Montreal.
Recognition of Student Success
The superintendent of schools extended congratulations to the following students/groups for
these outstanding examples of success:
•
KVR Middle School had over 150 students from the grade 7 and grade 8 concert
bands perform at the Okanagan Valley Concert Band festival during Arts and Science
in Harmony. Special congratulations go to the grade 7 band that, for their
outstanding performance for a young group, received an invitation to perform at
MusicFest Canada.
•
The KVR Grade 8 Jazz Band won a gold medal at the Kelowna Jazz Festival. This
band, under the direction of Dave Brunelle, has 45 students enrolled.
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Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – May 13, 2002
•
Skaha Lake Middle School and Fine Arts:
• Junior Jazz Band qualified for Nationals in Calgary (2002) at the Penticton
Festival in March
• Senior Jazz Band qualified for Nationals in Calgary (2002) at the Kelowna
Festival in April
•
Congratulations to Summerland Middle School on the participation and success of
their students at the Regional Science Fair in Kelowna. Special kudos to Katherine
Crossley on being selected to attend the Canada Wide Science Fair in Saskatoon,
Saskatchewan.
•
Julia Lane, a Summerland Secondary student, and five other individuals from the
South Okanagan will be attending the National Science Fair in Saskatoon from May
11-19. This will be her fourth time at the Nationals.
•
Laura and Sarah Wardlaw of Skaha Lake Middle School were selected to represent
our region at the National Canada Wide Science Fair in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
from May 11th to May 19th, 2002.
•
In addition to its graduates, the Summerland Adult Learning Centre (ALC) staff
salutes the work of a particular student, Tim Barmettler. Tim enrolled at the ALC
near the end of March 2001. He had previously graduated in 1997, but needed to
upgrade his marks and complete other courses for university entrance. During the
past 13 months (including summer), Tim attended the ALC full time and completed
eight courses: English 12, Principles of Math 11, Principles of Math 12, Chemistry 11,
Chemistry 12, Physics 11, Physics 12, Biology 11, and Biology 12. Tim also wrote
the government exams for the five grade 12 courses and his scores on the
government exams were: English 12, 86%; Physics 12, 78%; and Biology 12, 87%;
he awaits the scores for Math and Chemistry as these were written during the April
exam session. Tim has applied to a number of universities in Ontario and currently
has acceptance to McMaster in their Human Sciences program; he is waiting to hear
back from others.
•
Lily Bradshaw, a grade five student at Trout Creek, had her poem receive Honorable
Mention in a province-wide Haiku poetry contest.
•
Penticton Secondary School is fortunate to have three students who have been
accepted into the finals of the Business Development Bank competition on May 24 in
Montreal. They are Carlene George, Jordan Nelson and Tyler Kruger, all Grade 12.
Their business proposal is for an on-reserve Night Club called "TRIBALISTIK". They
have met with the owners of the Element Night Club to find out more about the
business and filmed their video inside the club with the help of two students from the
Film 12 class. They successfully completed six modules of their business plan, which
covered everything from finances to philosophy.
This has been the second year in a row that members of the First Nations Futures
class from Pen-High have competed in this competition and been eligible to travel to
the National Gathering. We are very proud of these students and their efforts to
complete this project!
•
Erin Carlson, a Summerland Middle School Grade 8 English student, won first prize
in a writing contest sponsored by the Penticton Multicultural Society. Erin’s essay
was on discrimination and is titled, “Maybe Next Year”.
•
Former Summerland Secondary student Kristi Richards was selected, one of only
five women, for the 2002 Canadian World Cup Freestyle Team.
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Page 4
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – May 13, 2002
•
Janaye Garward, a Grade 5 student at Carmi, placed third in the S.O.A.R. Poetry
(against Racism) project.
•
Alyshia Olsen, a Grade 5 student at Queen's Park, wrote a poem and entered it in
the multi-culture contest and to her delight won first prize. This included $100.00 in
cash, a $30.00 gift certificate for the Electronics Boutique, a $15.00 gift certificate for
the Bum Wrap and a couple of books from Okanagan Books.
•
Members of the Princess Margaret Aboriginal Education class, their EA Jod Dee
Dagneau and their Principal Mr. Johnson attended a special ceremony at the
Penticton Indian Band site. The “Canoe Blessing” ceremony was the kick off of an
exciting heritage project involving the creation of three full sized canoes from huge
cottonwood trees. Maggie First Nations students will be involved in this six-week
project.
•
Columbia Elementary students competed in the Grade 6 Canadian Math League. Of
st
the 496 schools that participated across Canada, Columbia came in 21 and placed
th
rd
th
4 in BC and student Brad DeShane placed 23 in Canada and 4 in BC. Well done,
Brad!
Recognition of Student Art Work
Congratulations was extended to the following students from KVR Middle School for their
artwork currently on display at the school board office:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Sierra Stephens
Huong Le
Eecen Faasse-Visser
Caitlin Pierzchalski
Kelsey McIntosh
Amy Pearson
Grade 7
Grade 7
Grade 7
Grade 7
Grade 7
Grade 7
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
MOTION:
Courtney/Little that the minutes of the regular meeting held on April 8, 2002 and
the special meeting held on April 24, 2002 be approved.
CARRIED
REPORT FROM CLOSED MEETING
The secretary-treasurer reported on the closed regular meeting held on April 8, 2002:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
received correspondence regarding teacher bargaining and the BCPSEA budget;
confirmed teaching, CUPE and excluded staff changes;
received information regarding the Okanagan Labour Relations Council;
received information regarding a City of Penticton project;
discussed a proposed meeting with MLA Bill Barisoff;
received information regarding a personnel matter;
received information regarding teacher staffing projections for September 2002;
received teacher reports;
approved the French Immersion program for September 2002;
received information regarding student suspensions;
received information regarding the provincial treaty referendum;
received a report from the discipline committee;
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Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – May 13, 2002
13. approved changes to management contracts.
CORRESPONDENCE
Letter from Ministry of Education
A letter from the Ministry of Education clarifying expectations regarding the delivery of
educational programs to students with special needs.
Letter from BCSTA
A letter from Gordon Comeau, President, BCSTA, expressing appreciation for contributions
to the Select Standing Committee on Education.
Copy of Letter to Minister of Education
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 72 (Campbell River) to the Minister of
Education requesting restoration of funding by the province sufficient to maintain essential
services in a number of areas.
Copy of Letter to Minister of Education
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 41 (Burnaby) to the Minister of Education
urging the Minister to consider a provincial initiative to assist staff affected by budget
reductions with an early retirement assistance plan.
Copy of Letter to Minister of Finance
A copy of a letter forwarded by the Quesnel School District to the Minister of Finance
suggesting the government fully fund the teachers’ increase in the per student funding
allocations.
Copy of Letter to Minister of State for Deregulation
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 43 (Coquitlam) to the Minister of State for
Deregulation requesting the Minister review the Freedom of Information Act and regulations
and its impact on school districts.
Copy of Letter to Minister of Education
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 53 (Okanagan Similkameen) to the
Minister of Education urging the government to fully fund the second and third year increases
in the legislated teacher contract.
MOTION:
Shunter/Lindstrom that the correspondence be received and referred to the
appropriate committees.
CARRIED
REPORT OF SECRETARY-TREASURER
Princess Margaret Secondary School Update
Director of Maintenance John Hickling reported the exterior of the building is nearing
completion, the cladding has been installed on gym walls, the curtain wall and windows are
complete, and half of the millwork has arrived on site. Approximately 20% of the interior
painting and nearly 75% of mechanical equipment and electrical is completed and the
exterior sidewalks are started. Trustees commented on their recent tour and the overall
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structure of the building.
opening.
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Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – May 13, 2002
The project appears to be on schedule for the October 2002
Financial Report
The secretary-treasurer reviewed the financial report to April 30, 2002 provided in the agenda
package and noted some transfers will need to be made between accounts in preparation for
year end. Mr. Regehr indicated the district is working towards a balanced budget for the
2001-02 fiscal year.
MOTION:
Courtney/Little that the financial report be received.
CARRIED
Community Foundation of the South Okanagan
For information only, the secretary-treasurer reported the district was advised that an
application for funding for Penticton Secondary School’s “Baby Think It Over Program”
received $2,242 for the purchase of dolls and education materials for implementation of the
program.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Enrolment
In reviewing the enrolment report circulated with the agenda package, the superintendent of
schools noted the report as at April 30, 2002 shows enrolment at 7,520.77 FTE, a decrease
of 33 students from last month. Mr. Berg added that only 300 of the projected 425
kindergarten registrations for September 2002 have been received and encouraged parents
to register their kindergarten age children at their neighborhood school as soon as possible.
MOTION:
Lewis/Jamieson that the enrolment report as of April 30, 2002 be received.
CARRIED
Field Trips
The superintendent of schools reviewed a listing of field trip requests, some of which had
been approved by the superintendent.
MOTION:
Shunter/Lewis that the following field trip requests be approved:
•
•
•
MOTION:
May 15 to 18, 2002, for 65 grade 8 band students from KVR Middle School to
participate in the spring band tour to Edmonton, Alberta;
April 20 to 21, 2002, for 12 grade 11 and 12 students from Penticton
Secondary School to compete in the provincial rugby competitions in
Vancouver, and that appropriate funding as per board policy be provided;
May 15 to 19, 2002, for 54 grade 7 and 8 band students from Skaha Lake
Middle School to participate in a national MusicFest Canada music
competition in Calgary, Alberta, and that appropriate funding as per board
policy be provided.
Lewis/Little that the following field trip request for international travel be
approved:
•
May 29 to June 2, 2002 for 30 geography students from Summerland
Secondary School to travel to Washington State to tour Grand Coulee Dam,
Mount Rainier, and Mount St. Helens.
CARRIED
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Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – May 13, 2002
School Calendar
Mr. Berg reported a board motion is required to approve the 2002-03 school calendar for the
district and reviewed a proposed calendar which has been provided to parents and partner
groups. Mr. Berg added the calendar provides for summer professional development and
that a two-week spring break will occur as a result of teachers’ professional days, normally
taken throughout the school year, being taken in August prior to the beginning of the school
year.
MOTION:
Jamieson/Lindstrom that the 2002-03 school calendar for the district be approved
as circulated.
CARRIED
REPORT OF COMMITTEES
Committee of the Whole
Chairman Denesiuk reported that topics covered at the committee of the whole meeting on
April 24, 2002 with MLA Bill Barisoff included: the 2002-03 preliminary budget, Ministry of
Children and Family Development contracts, changes to the School Act, and changes
occurring in education.
MOTION:
Courtney/Lewis that the report of the committee of the whole be received.
CARRIED
Education Committee
Trustee Little reported that at the education committee meeting held on May 6, 2002, the
committee received information on school planning meetings held with the principals of each
school on April 18, 19 and 24, 2002. These one-hour meetings held at the schools reviewed
the individual school’s progress on meeting district-wide goals and school level goals for the
2001-02 school year. These annual school reports on school goals will be completed in June
and will be put on the district’s web page. The committee received an update regarding the
home learners’ program which has 49 students enrolled to date. It is expected that enrolment
in this district program will be higher for the 2002-03 school year. At the same committee
meeting, the superintendent reported on the schedule for transition meetings and school
tours arranged for Superintendent Designate Gary Doi on May 21 to 23 and June 3 and 4,
2002. The schedule will include meetings with the Board, district staff, administrators, and
partner groups as well as tours and visits to all district schools. The math committee report
for the mathematics program review was presented and indicated extensive input was
received from administrators and classroom teachers.
The report, containing
“recommendations related to in-service, resources, instructional strategies and articulation
and transition”, will be reviewed by the superintendent and district staff and an action plan will
be recommended to the education committee. Trustee Little reported some of the changes
contained in Bill 34 which pertain to choice in schools to become effective for the 2003-04
school year were reviewed as well as a proposal to enter a partnership with the Hockey Skills
Academy. This proposal would involve secondary students entering into a high caliber
hockey skills program during the school year and receiving physical education credit for this
program similar to what is available in other areas of study such as music and dance.
Following discussion,
MOTION:
Little/Lewis that the Board write a letter indicating initial support to continue to
develop a proposal to be considered by the Board.
CARRIED
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MOTION:
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Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – May 13, 2002
Little/Courtney that the report of the education committee be received.
CARRIED
Trustee Lewis reported that at the education committee visitation to Wiltse Elementary
School on May 7, 2002, trustees enjoyed the student artwork and student tour guides,
learned about the early literacy intervention program, and watched an exciting political
debate.
Finance and Management Committee
Trustee Courtney reported on the finance and management committee meeting held on May
8, 2002 at which the committee reviewed a previous discussion with the MLA regarding
letters the school district prepared on funding issues. The committee supported the proposal
that a letter regarding funding issues which was sent in March to the Minister of Education be
forwarded with a cover letter to the Minister of Finance. The committee agreed to respond to
a BCSTA survey recommending the buffer grant funding be eliminated in the 2003-04 budget
and reviewed changes in the School Act which will allow open boundaries between school
districts in 2003-04. The committee was advised the two school districts adjoining School
District No. 67 may recognize this change in 2002-03 and the committee supported the plan
that we do the same. Trustee Courtney added the committee was advised the RCMP will not
provide a school liaison officer for the school district for 2002-03. The committee
recommended the school district contact the City of Penticton and that the City be
encouraged to continue their support for this important service for the Penticton students.
Trustees expressed their concern over the lack of a school liaison officer and indicated the
program is significant and valuable to schools, students, and all community members.
MOTION:
Courtney/Lewis that the report of the finance and management committee be
received.
CARRIED
Buildings, Grounds, Safety and Transportation Committee
Trustee Jamieson reported that at the buildings, grounds, safety and transportation
committee meeting held on May 8, 2002, the committee was advised the low tender for
McNicoll Park Junior Secondary School HVAC project of $813,000 plus GST was within
budget and construction will proceed shortly. The committee reviewed a letter from the
Okanagan School of the Arts recommending the Penticton Secondary School auditorium be
renamed in honor of Mr. George Gay and following discussion of the many contributions Mr.
Gay made to the community, the committee expressed support for this suggestion. A
representative from the OSA will be invited to a future meeting to further discuss this
suggestion. The committee reviewed a proposal of Skaha Lake Middle School to construct a
sculpture for the front of the school and following discussion,
MOTION:
Jamieson/Courtney that the installation of a shark sculpture at the front of Skaha
Lake Middle School be approved.
CARRIED
Trustee Jamieson added additional topics covered at the meeting included construction
guidelines for school/PAC projects and new lights for the Penticton Secondary School sign
which will improve the effectiveness in the current location. The committee was advised
there may be some interest in some commercial use of the sign and will discuss this topic at
a future date.
MOTION:
Jamieson/Little that the report of the buildings, grounds, safety and transportation
committee be received.
CARRIED
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Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – May 13, 2002
REPORT OF REPRESENTATIVES
BCSTA AGM
Trustees reported on their attendance at the annual general meeting of the British Columbia
School Trustees Association held April 25 to 28, 2002 in Vancouver, and commented on
workshops, speakers and seminars held at the AGM. It was noted the school district’s
resolution regarding meeting students’ needs in mathematics was approved.
Trustee Densiuk was congratulated on her election as a director to the BCSTA Board of
Directors.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING
June 10, 2002
Regular Meeting, School Board Office
TRUSTEE COMMENTS
Trustees provided general comments related to district activities.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION:
Courtney/Little that the meeting be adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
____________________
Chairperson
____________________
Secretary-Treasurer
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Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – May 13, 2002
May 15, 2002
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