BOARD OF SCHOOL TRUSTEES
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 67 (OKANAGAN SKAHA)
REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2002 AT 7:30 P.M.
SCHOOL BOARD OFFICE
MINUTES
IN ATTENDANCE
C. Denesiuk, Chair
D. E. Jamieson, Trustee
K. Lindstrom, Trustee
L. Little, Trustee
G. Manning, Trustee
D. Shunter, Trustee
L. Van Alphen, Trustee
G. Doi, 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
J. Guy, Vice Principal, Princess Margaret Secondary School
J. Olfert, Principal, Skaha Lake Middle School
1.
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Denesiuk welcomed students, district staff, representatives of the media, and newly
elected trustees, Linda Van Alphen and Ginny Manning.
1.1
Adoption of Agenda
MOTION: Little/Lindstrom that the agenda and addendum be adopted.
CARRIED
1.2
Approval of Minutes
MOTION: Manning/Jamieson that the minutes of the regular meeting held on November
4, 2002 and the inaugural meeting held on December 2, 2002 be approved.
CARRIED
1.3
Report from Closed Meeting
The secretary-treasurer reported on the closed regular meeting held on November 4,
2002:
1.
2.
3.
4.
received correspondence related to personnel matters;
confirmed teaching and CUPE staff changes;
received information related to staffing;
approved a personnel matter; (Declaring a possible conflict of interest, Trustee Little
left the room for this agenda item.)
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5.
6.
7.
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received reports from the buildings, grounds, safety, and transportation committee
and the discipline committee;
received information and approved a recommendation related to the district website;
received information regarding student suspensions.
2.
BUSINESS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MINUTES
3.
PRESENTATIONS
3.1
Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – December 9, 2002
Youth Leadership Award
Mr. Bill Barisoff, M.L.A. and Minister of Provincial Revenue, presented a Youth Leadership
Award for the Interior Region to Shannon Lisitza and Andrea Lecomte, students at
Princess Margaret Secondary School. Shannon and Andrea are the leaders of the peer
counselling team at the school and have developed an anti-bullying, anti-violence
campaign to enhance community safety and prevent bullying, violence and crime.
Chairman Denesiuk extended congratulations to Shannon and Andrea and thanked Mr.
Barisoff for attending the meeting to make the presentations.
3.2
Penticton Secondary School
Rob Gunning, the coach of the school’s “AAA” volleyball team, accompanied by students
Owen McLean and Kyle Westgate, attended the meeting and displayed the banner and
trophy won by the team during the provincial championships held in Kelowna. Trustees
extended congratulations to Mr. Gunning and the entire team on winning the provincials.
3.3
Penticton Secondary School
Short films produced by Penticton Secondary School media arts classes were entered into
the Canadian International Annual Film and Video Festival. Nine videos and short films
created by Pen High’s PHAME Productions won a total of 13 awards or commendations,
including Best Editing, Best Youth Entry, Best Youth Music Video, and Second Best Music
Video for “Similitude”. Teacher Russ Stasiuk presented an eight-minute video which
depicted clips from each of the entries.
Congratulations was extended to both teachers, Mr. Stasiuk and Megan Rutherford, and
all students involved with the productions.
4.
CORRESPONDENCE
4.1
Letter from City of Penticton
A letter of appreciation from Mayor Pearce for help over the years of his mayorship.
4.2
Letter from Ministry of Attorney General
A letter from the Ministry of Attorney General, Office for Children and Youth, enclosing a
document that summarizes a report called “Educational Attainment of Children in Care”.
The report is available in the trustee reading file.
4.3
Copy of Letter from Deputy Provincial Health Officer
A copy of a letter from the Deputy Provincial Health Officer appointing Dr. Bill Moorehead
as the school medical officer for this school district, effective November 3, 2002.
4.4
Copy of Letter to Minister of Health Services
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 42 (Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows) to the
Minister of Health Services regarding the need for that school district to obtain a license
under the Community Care Facility Act.
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – December 9, 2002
4.5
Copy of Letter to Minister of Education
A copy of a letter forwarded by the British Columbia School Trustees Association
regarding the “Special Advisor’s Report concerning School District No. 74 (Gold Trail)”
and offering comments and suggestions for consideration.
4.6
Copy of Letter to Minister of Education
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 84 (Vancouver Island West) to the
Minister of Education expressing no confidence in the provincial government and the
Minister of Education regarding the insufficient funding in the public school system.
4.7
Copy of Letter to Minister of Education
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 5 (Southeast Kootenay) to the Minster
of Education regarding the Task Force on Safety in Schools and the cost of a $20.00 fee
per criminal record check.
4.8
Copy of Letter to Minister of Energy and Mines
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 63 (Saanich) to the Minister of Energy
and Mines regarding the potential impact to schools when considering deregulation or any
other policy changes to the provision of electricity.
MOTION:
5.
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Shunter/Little that the correspondence be received and forwarded to the
appropriate committees.
CARRIED
DISTRICT REPORTS
5.1
VISION
5.1.1
District Goals
a. Literacy
Director of Instruction John Walbergs reported the literacy workgroup has
formulated a draft goal and is in the process of refining initial objectives which
focus on early and late literacy intervention for struggling readers.
A
subcommittee is working on making recommendations about measurement tools
so that progress may be tracked. The emphasis is on finding the best of available
tools rather than on re-inventing the wheel.
b. Numeracy
Director of Instruction Garth Schafer reported that the numeracy workgroup
discussion topics at this time are:
creation of a communication system,
professional development, cross district grade level content consistency,
acquisition/development of grade level resources, and creation of a district math
committee. The workgroup has identified as an objective “the establishment of
three subcommittees to create instructional and assessment materials for grade 3,
5, and 8.”
c.
Social Responsibility
Assistant Superintendent Dave Stigant highlighted the work of the social
responsibility workgroup which has met six times, is considering a draft goal, and
is looking at a wide range of objectives that have come to the table including three
events in the district – restorative justice, effective behaviour support, and assets
for youth.
All three workgroups will provide updates on the three goals at the February 19
partner group meeting.
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Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – December 9, 2002
d. Graduation Review Response to the Ministry
In response to proposed changes to the graduation requirements announced by
the Ministry of Education, Assistant Superintendent Stigant reviewed a summary
of the recommendations to be forwarded to the Ministry following a consultation
process that has involved students, teachers, parents, administrators, and the
Board. The report reflects a number of the proposed changes are desirable
refinements of the graduation program, a number of proposed changes are not
sufficiently detailed to be evaluated, and a few of the proposed changes are
unacceptable.
MOTION:
5.1.2
Education Committee
Trustee Shunter reported on the education committee meeting held on December 4,
2002:
i.
5.2
Little/Shunter that the report be received and forwarded to the
Ministry of Education.
CARRIED
Graduation Requirements
Assistant Superintendent Dave Stigant briefed the committee on a draft district
response to the proposed changes to the graduation requirements. The report
will be presented to the Board for approval at the December 9 board meeting.
STRUCTURE
5.2.1
Committee and Representative Appointments
Chairman Denesiuk presented committee and representative appointments and
trustee/school liaison appointments to November 2003.
MOTION:
5.2.2
Lindstrom/Van Alphen that the committee, representative, and school
liaison appointments to November 30, 2003 be confirmed.
CARRIED
Finance and Management
a. Committee Report
Trustee Little reported on items covered at the finance and management
committee meeting held on December 4, 2002:
i.
2003-04 BC/Germany Exchange Program
The Ministry of Education has removed funding support for an exchange
program with Germany that has previously occurred. Following discussion,
MOTION:
5.2.3
Little/Jamieson that funding support in the amount of $575 be
approved for the exchange.
CARRIED
Buildings, Grounds, Safety and Transportation
a. Committee Report
Trustee Jamieson reported on the buildings, grounds, safety and transportation
committee meeting held on December 4, 2002:
i.
Princess Margaret Secondary School
The committee was provided with a letter from Principal Bruce Johnson which
recommended the weight room at Princess Margaret Secondary School be
named the “A.J. Eathorne Fitness Room”. A.J. Eathorne is a former student
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Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – December 9, 2002
at Princess Margaret Secondary who has been a motivational role model as
well as providing financial support to the school. Following discussion,
MOTION:
Jamieson/Shunter that the Board of School Trustees supports the
naming of the weight room at Princess Margaret Secondary as
the “A.J. Eathorne Fitness Room”.
CARRIED
ii. Portable Classrooms
For trustee information, it was noted that as a condition for the approval of
construction at Princess Margaret Secondary the Ministry of Education
required the Board to commit to the removal of 11 portable classrooms. The
committee reviewed this commitment and was advised this will be fully
implemented by next summer with the completion of reconfiguration.
b. McNicoll Park Middle School Planning Committee
The secretary-treasurer reported the McNicoll Park Middle School Planning
Committee held their first meeting on December 4, 2002. All partner groups were
represented and discussed issues related to a junior secondary school opening as
a grade 6, 7, and 8 middle school in September 2003. Some classroom space
that requires renovation and a shortage in the counseling and administration
areas were noted. A plan will be developed between now and spring break to
respond to the needs of a middle school. Mr. Regehr noted a multi year plan will
be developed if necessary.
5.2.4
Curriculum, Instruction and Programs
a. Education Committee Report
Trustee Shunter reported on the education committee meeting held on December
4, 2002:
i.
International Education
Superintendent Gary Doi presented an overview of the issues involved in
developing an International Education Program that will meet the needs of the
district in the coming years.
The committee discussed some of the
implications for personnel, programs, marketing and policies. Trustees are
supportive of developing a business plan that meets our current and future
needs.
ii. D.A.R.E.
Director of Instruction Garth Schafer presented the outcome of a survey
question of School District No. 67 schools. Principals were requested to
provide their viewpoint regarding the delivery of the D.A.R.E. Program being
changed from grade 6 to grade 5. The results of the survey support the
continuance of the program delivery at the grade 6 level.
iii. Field Trips – International Travel
Assistant Superintendent Dave Stigant reviewed School District No. 67 policy
regarding international travel. Director of Instruction Garth Schafer presented
information about the planning that has been underway since Spring 2002 for
March 2003 Spring Break trips to Costa Rica and France/Spain. Staff will
present recommendations regarding previously approved trips and current
applications at the December 9 Board meeting.
b. Field Trips
The superintendent of schools reviewed a listing of field trip requests, some of
which had been approved by the superintendent.
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MOTION:
Page 6
Little/Shunter that the following field trip requests be approved:
•
•
•
•
•
MOTION:
Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – December 9, 2002
May 21 to 25, 2003, for grade 10 to 12 band students from
Summerland Secondary School to complete in the national
“Musicfest” competition in Toronto, and that appropriate funding
as per board policy be provided;
November 13 to 15, 2003, for 16 girls field hockey players from
Penticton Secondary School to compete in “AAA” provincial field
hockey championships in Burnaby, and that appropriate funding
as per board policy be provided;
November 26 to 30, 2002, for 16 grade 11 and 12 boys from
Penticton Secondary School to compete in the senior boys’ “AAA”
volleyball provincial championships in Kelowna, and that
appropriate funding as per board policy be provided;
November 1 and 2, 2002, for 17 cross-country running students
from Penticton Secondary School to compete in the provincial
championships in Abbotsford, and that appropriate funding as per
board policy be provided;
November 15 and 16, 2002, for 21 students from Penticton
Secondary School to compete in the provincial swimming
championships in Salmon Arm, and that appropriate funding as
per board policy be provided.
CARRIED
Manning/Van Alphen that the following field trip request be approved
in principle:
•
March 17 to 26, 2003, for 25 students from Penticton Secondary,
Princess Margaret Secondary, McNicoll Park Junior Secondary,
Skaha Lake Middle, and KVR Middle schools to travel on an
educational field trip to Europe involving visits to the museums
and cities of Southern France and Spain.
CARRIED
Chairman Denesiuk noted that field trip requests involving international travel may
be reviewed if travel advisories are issued by the Canadian government.
5.2.5
Administration
a. Enrolment
In reviewing the enrolment report circulated with the agenda package, the
assistant superintendent noted a slight decline of 22 students from the previous
month. There are currently 7,774 students or 7,414.14 FTE.
MOTION:
Little/Lindstrom that the enrolment report as of November 29, 2002 be
received.
CARRIED
b. Independent Schools’ Enrolment
For information only, a listing of student enrolment in independent schools located
within the boundaries of this school district was reviewed. There are currently 446
students enrolled in these independent schools.
c.
School Planning Councils
The superintendent provided information on the progress of the School Planning
Councils (SPC), draft interim SPC policy, and the SPC training sessions
scheduled for January 27 and 28, 2003. It was noted the working copy of the
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Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – December 9, 2002
draft policy was developed by the district steering committee for school planning
councils.
5.2.6
Policy Committee
Trustees Lindstrom noted that in accordance with the school district’s Policy No. 110,
Policy No. 340 – Graduation Functions was approved at the October 7, 2002 school
board meeting for the 30-day circulation period. As no suggestions for revisions to
this policy have been received, it is recommended that this policy be approved.
MOTION:
5.3
Lindstrom/Van Alphen that Policy No. 340 – Graduation Functions be
approved as circulated.
CARRIED
ACCOUNTABILITY
5.3.1
Committee of the Whole Meeting
Chairman Denesiuk advised a committee of the whole meeting will be held on
Tuesday, December 17, 2002, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., to review the information provided in
the agenda package regarding the Superintendent’s Goals:
#1 – Improve Student Achievement
#2 – Enhance Communication and Access
5.3.2
Finance and Management Committee
Trustee Little reported on items covered at the finance and management committee
meeting held on December 4, 2002:
i.
February 2003 Data Collection
Mr. Stigant advised that the Ministry has implemented a new data collection
schedule for students which will start with a report as of February 14, 2003. The
district is not aware of what benefit this information will offer but is aware of the
substantial employee time required to collect the information.
Following
discussion,
MOTION:
5.3.3
Little/Jamieson that a letter be sent to the Ministry of Education
requesting clarification and advising of the extra cost for data
collection.
CARRIED
Financial Report
The secretary-treasurer reviewed the financial report to November 30, 2002 provided
in the agenda package noting a number of adjustments need to be made. Mr. Regehr
added the funding recalculation for the 2002-03 school year is expected any day.
MOTION:
Little/Van Alphen that the financial report be received.
CARRIED
5.4
ADVOCACY
5.4.1
BCSTA Trustees Academy
Trustees Lindstrom, Manning, Shunter, Van Alphen and Denesiuk provided
information regarding their attendance at the BCSTA Trustees Academy, entitled
“School Board Leadership to Improve Student Achievement”, held December 5 to 8,
2002 in Vancouver. Topics and workshops included practical advice, school planning
councils, aboriginal education, budget development, legal issues, and addresses by
the Minister of Education and president of the BCSTA. Information regarding the
conference will be placed in the trustee reading file.
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – December 9, 2002
5.4.2
Student Successes
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha) extended congratulations to students and
groups for their outstanding examples of success listed on the recognition sheet
included with the agenda package.
5.4.3
Recognition of Student Artwork
Congratulations was extended to the following students from Carmi Elementary
School for their artwork currently on display at the school board office:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
6.
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Maddie Willson
Storm Weckel
Heather Cochrane
Nolyn Heuser
Ryan Sutcliffe
Samantha McAdams
Brittany Black
Elissa Fordyce
Kindergarten
Grade 1
Grade 3
Grade 3
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
Grade 5
5.4.4
Flu Shots
Superintendent Doi reported a total of 242 employees had received a flu shot and that
236 employees had donated their $5 deposit to the food bank. A video clip of the
related news item aired on CHBC TV was presented.
5.4.4
Trustee Comments
Trustees provided general comments related to district activities. It was noted that a
former trustee and teacher at Penticton Secondary School, Odetta Keating, had
passed away. Trustees requested that condolences be sent to the family.
RECEIPT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
MOTION:
Little/Lindstrom that the committee reports be received.
CARRIED
7.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION:
Manning/Little that the meeting be adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
CARRIED
CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
•
Next School Board Meeting
January 13, 2003
____________________
Chairperson
____________________
Secretary-Treasurer
Ref: G:\DA\2002-2003\00100 - 00999 Admin\00300-05 Minutes Open\021209 OP.doc
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