BOARD OF SCHOOL TRUSTEES
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 67 (OKANAGAN SKAHA)
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, APRIL 14, 2003, 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
R. Shongrunden, Assistant Secretary-Treasurer
G. Schafer, Director of Instruction
J. Hickling, Director of Maintenance
D. Adey, Executive Secretary
T. Grady, Vice Principal, Penticton Secondary School
R. Holowaty, Vice Principal, Summerland Adult Learning Centre
1.0
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Denesiuk welcomed students, parents, district staff, guests and representatives of the
media. Prior to the meeting, Ms. Denesiuk acknowledged the loss of a teacher, Rob Tucker, at
Carmi Elementary and extended deepest sympathy to the family and friends.
2.0
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOTION: Little/Shunter that the agenda and addendum be adopted.
CARRIED
3.0
PRESENTATIONS BY SCHOOLS AND/OR STUDENTS
3.1
Penticton Secondary School
Peter Corcoran, Principal, announced that BC School Sports had selected Penticton
Secondary School as one of two recipients of the 2002-03 BC School Sports Outstanding
School Award. The description of the award reads: “For those special schools whose
commitment to improving the lives of their students and staff through athletics, intramurals,
leadership and public service contributes significantly to the welfare of school athletics in
their community and throughout BC.” The presentation will be made on May 10.
Trustees extended congratulations to staff and students at the school for receiving this
prestigious award.
3.2
Penticton Secondary School
Students Lara Berg, Colleen George, and Amanda Friesen of Penticton Secondary School
provided details of a conference being organized by the Tourism 12 class for grade 9
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Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – April 14, 2003
students. The conference will be held on May 6 at the Penticton Trade & Convention Centre
and will cover topics such as drug awareness, youth and law, prostitution, prevention of
AIDS, and suicide prevention. Up to 450 students from Penticton Secondary and McNicoll
Park Junior Secondary are expected to participate in the one-day conference.
3.3
Okanagan Children’s Festival
Bob Pope and Gord Osland provided information regarding the Okanagan International
Children’s Festival to be held in Penticton on Friday, May 23, 2003. A video portrayed the
types of activities and entertainment available at the festival.
3.4
Aquila Networks Canada
Perry Feser, Energy Efficiency Advisor, Aquila Networks Canada, made a short presentation
to the Board related to energy initiatives in the district which included upgrades to lighting,
mechanical systems, an energy efficiency design at Princess Margaret Secondary, and
improved windows at Summerland Secondary School.
The district has received
approximately $25,000 in energy efficiency rebates from Aquila in addition to a $5,000
donation towards the early literacy intervention. Mr. Feser presented the school district with
the “Environmental Excellence Award 2002” in recognition of outstanding contribution to the
environment and a sustainable economy of British Columbia through accomplishments in
energy efficiency.
4.0
RECEIVING OF DELEGATIONS AND GUESTS
5.0
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
MOTION: Little/Lindstrom that the minutes of the regular meeting held on March 10, 2003 be
approved.
CARRIED
6.0
REPORT FROM CLOSED MEETING
The secretary-treasurer reported on the closed regular meeting held on March 10, 2003:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
7.0
received correspondence related to students and personnel matters;
received a report from the finance and management committee; (Declaring a possible conflict
of interest, Trustees Little and Denesiuk left the committee meeting for two items on the
agenda.)
approved personnel matters;
received a report from the committee of the whole;
received reports from the discipline committee and aboriginal education advisory committee;
approved a request for an easement through school district property;
confirmed teaching and CUPE staff changes and accepted a letter of resignation;
approved a teacher leave request;
received information related to student suspensions;
received a report from an Okanagan Labour Relations Council meeting.
CORRESPONDENCE
7.1
Letter from British Columbia School Trustees Association
A letter from British Columbia School Trustees Association regarding the creation of a
protocol of recognition to guide the relations between the provincial government and school
boards.
7.2
Letter from British Columbia Teachers’ Federation
A letter from British Columbia Teachers’ Federation enclosing a copy of the brief to the
Minister of Advanced Education entitled “A New Model for Industry Training in British
Columbia”. The brief is available in the trustee reading file.
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Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – April 14, 2003
7.3
Letter from Ministry of Children and Family Development
A letter from Gordon Hogg, Minister of Children and Family Development, announcing
details of CommunityLink (Learning Includes Nutrition and Knowledge).
7.4
Letter from Citizen
A letter from Marilyn Kirkpatrick of Penticton regarding the 2003-04 budget and providing two
suggestions for revenue generation.
7.5
Copy of Letter to the Premier
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 41 (Burnaby) to the Minister of Education
regarding the Ministry of Education’s plans to release the 2003-04 preliminary funding with a
new “notional” allocation of school funding.
7.6
Copy of Letter to Minister of Education
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 41 (Burnaby) to Premier Campbell
expressing concerns about the funding shortfall in the education sector and its impact on
students.
7.7
Copy of Letter to Minister of Citizenship and Immigration
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 40 (New Westminster) to the Minister of
Citizenship and Immigration regarding new regulations to the Immigration and Refugee
Procedures.
7.8
Copy of Letter to Minister of Education
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 42 (Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows) to the
Minister of Education regarding the manner in which the Ministry chose to make the
announcement of the one-time special purpose grant.
7.9
Copy of Letter to Minister of Education
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 39 (Vancouver) to the Minister of
Education regarding the composition of school planning councils.
7.10
Copy of Letter to Minister of Education
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 54 (Bulkley Valley) to the Minister of
Education urging that the $35 million allocated for the implementation of GAAP be
distributed on a per pupil basis so school districts that have set up the appropriate accruals
are not penalized.
7.11
Copy of Letter to Minister of Education
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) to the Minister of
Education requesting that a portion of the 2003-04 provincial holdback monies be used to
bring equity in the district operating grant as opposed to merely an increase in the student
based allocation by FTE.
7.12
Letter from District of Summerland
A letter from Mayor Tom Johnston, District of Summerland, thanking the Board for their
attendance and input at the April 7th meeting with Summerland Council.
7.13
Letter form CUPE Local 523
A letter from CUPE Local 523 regarding budget proposals.
MOTION:
Shunter/Van Alphen that the correspondence be received and referred to
appropriate committees.
CARRIED
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8.0
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Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – April 14, 2003
REPORT OF COMMITTEES
8.1
Finance and Management Committee
Trustee Little reported the Board had considered feedback and suggestions regarding the
2003-04 budget from the public budget meeting held on March 13, 2003, the meeting with
parent advisory councils and school planning councils on April 2, and the finance and
management committee meeting held on April 7, 2003 as well as meetings with employee
groups. Based on this feedback and suggestions, changes intended to minimize the impact
on students were made to the budget framework presented at the March 13th meeting.
The secretary-treasurer summarized details of the estimated shortfall of $1,557,000,
reviewed options to balance the 2003-04 budget, and explained the options for use of the
2002-03 one-time grant provided by the Ministry of Education.
a.
2003-04 Budget Review
Trustee Little noted the committee had previously established April 14th as the date
to consider budget adoption. Based on the changes the budget will lead to and to
provide for a further time for consideration,
MOTION:
Little/Jamieson that the plan to balance the 2003-04 budget be received
and that a special meeting of the board be called for April 28, 2003 to
consider the adoption of the budget.
CARRIED
b.
2005-06 Funding Changes
At the committee meeting, the secretary-treasurer distributed and reviewed
provincial education funding changes approved for 2005-06. Funding for School
District No. 67 is expected to be improved from the changes which will recognize
some energy costs and improve some base support funding for districts in our
population range. Some funding will be removed from our rural school funding and
a possible funding level for old schools such as Penticton Secondary School was not
approved. It was noted that Mr. Regehr had served on the provincial education
funding committee.
c.
Letter from CUPE regarding Closure of Schools
The committee reviewed a letter from CUPE Sub Local 523 which recommended the
school district adopt a policy that could allow, if a school is not fiscally feasible to
keep open, to close. The committee was advised a draft school closure policy is
being prepared and will be brought to a policy committee meeting.
d.
Secondary School Transition to Industry Training
Assistant Superintendent Dave Stigant reviewed a pilot project to support our
students and industry partners offering a career support initiative. The committee
agreed to support this new program.
Trustee Little extended appreciation to the secretary-treasurer, superintendent and other
district staff for their efforts in preparing the budget document.
MOTION:
8.2
Little/Shunter that the report of the finance and management committee be
received.
CARRIED
Buildings, Grounds, Safety and Transportation Committee
Trustee Jamieson reported on the buildings, grounds, safety and transportation committee
meeting held on April 9, 2003:
a.
Penticton Secondary Audit
The facility audit conducted by the Ministry of Education has rated the Penticton
Secondary School facility at a level which recognizes an upgrade or replacement
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Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – April 14, 2003
should be considered. This ranking considered components such as structural,
roofing, mechanical and electrical components of the individual buildings comprising
the school. The capital funding announcements for the next three years for B.C.
school districts are expected within the next two months.
b.
McNicoll Park Renovation
The committee was advised of the maintenance program required this summer for a
number of projects including the McNicoll Park multipurpose room, front entry, and
metal/woodshop renovations, Columbia HVAC and Summerland Adult Learning
Centre. The McNicoll Park multipurpose room is a large project for the district and
considering total project requirements over the next few months is recommended to
go to tender. Following discussion,
MOTION:
Jamieson/Van Alphen that the project at McNicoll Park Middle School to
renovate two classrooms and hallway into a multipurpose room
complete with food serving area be approved to go to tender.
CARRIED
c.
Request for Pesticide Presentation
The committee was advised that over the past two years, the horticulture program
and pesticide use has been supported by CropHealth Advising and Research. The
professional consulting provided by this company assisted the district with its
integrated pest management program and has also assisted to minimize the use of
pesticides in the district. Based on a recent inquiry regarding the district’s practices,
the committee recommended efforts be made to inform the media of the integrated
pest management program in the district. Given the school district uses the same
consultant as the city and has similar practices for integrated pest management, the
committee suggested we attempt to coordinate this communication with the city. Mr.
Hickling also advised that within the next two weeks dormant oil will be used on
some shrubs in the district.
d.
Energy Review
Director of Maintenance John Hickling reviewed how an examination of district
facilities will be undertaken to assist in developing a program for future energy
efficiency initiatives. Mr. Hickling advised both the federal government and Aquila
Networks Canada will provide grants to assist the district complete this review at a
cost of approximately $40,000.
e.
Lending Practices for School District Equipment
The committee was advised of frequent requests received by the district to lend
equipment and resources for community functions. Normal practice is to direct
these requests to rental agencies or other organizations. Due to the cost of labour
to assist with equipment lending and wear and tear on equipment, the school district
limits such use.
f.
School Security
The committee was advised the district is reviewing security practices for employees
accessing school buildings on weekends and holidays. The current practice results
in employee time to provide access to buildings and a review will consider a more
simplified system that supports building security.
g.
Federal Energy Efficiency Advisory Group
The committee was advised John Hickling has represented BC school districts on a
national energy efficiency group for three years. This appointment will be ending
June 30, 2003.
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h.
9.0
Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – April 14, 2003
School Adventure Playgrounds
The director of maintenance reviewed maintenance work being undertaken on
school playground equipment. Some equipment may be removed as part of this
work.
MOTION:
8.3
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Jamieson/Little that the report of the buildings, grounds, safety and
transportation committee be received.
CARRIED
Policy Committee
It was noted the policy committee will meet on May 14, 2003 regarding a school closure
policy.
REPORT OF SECRETARY-TREASURER
9.1
Financial Report
The secretary-treasurer reviewed the financial report to March 31, 2003 provided in the
agenda package, which indicated expenses close to the budget. Mr. Regehr added it
appears the district is headed towards a balanced budget.
MOTION:
Little/Manning that the financial report be received.
CARRIED
10.0
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
10.1
District Goals
a. Literacy
Director of Instruction Walbergs was not available to provide an update on the literacy
workgroup. Information will be provided for the May board meeting.
b. Numeracy
Director of Instruction Schafer provided an update on the numeracy workgroup which is
now focused to create an environment and opportunities for students to enhance their
learning. The assessment tool for grade 3, 5 and 8 teachers is nearly complete and it is
planned for teachers to review this assessment tool. The results from this district-wide
testing can be used as baseline data for the district to identify performance targets and
measure its progress.
c. Social Responsibility
Assistant Superintendent Stigant reported the social responsibility workgroup continued
to receive reports from committee members regarding the evaluation of resource
materials, had sponsored two district-wide workshops, and received a student
presentation on social responsibility.
10.2
Enrolment
The assistant superintendent reported on enrolment as of March 31, 2003, which shows a
net decrease of three students. There are currently 7,742 students in the district or 7,364.9
FTE.
10.3
Field Trips
The superintendent of schools reviewed a listing of field trip requests, some of which had
been approved by the superintendent.
MOTION:
Shunter/Little that the following field trip requests be approved:
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Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – April 14, 2003
May 8 to 10, 2003, for one grade 9 student from McNicoll Park Junior
Secondary School to compete in a national debating tournament in Regina,
SK, and that appropriate funding as per board policy be provided;
March 7 to 9, 2003, for four students from McNicoll Park Junior Secondary
School to compete in the provincial debating championships in Nanaimo,
BC, and that appropriate funding as per board policy be provided;
February 28 to March 1, 2003, for nine students from Penticton Secondary
School to compete in the provincial wrestling championships in Abbotsford,
BC, and that appropriate funding as per board policy be provided; and
March 3 to 5, 2003, for 13 students from Penticton Secondary School to
compete in BC School Sports provincial ski and snowboard championships
in Invermere, BC, and that appropriate funding as per board policy be
provided.
CARRIED
10.4
Ministry of Children and Family Development
The superintendent of schools reviewed information regarding CommunityLink (Learning
Includes Nutrition and Knowledge), a new approach to supporting vulnerable students in the
school system introduced by the Ministry of Children and Family Development. Although all
details are not yet available, it was noted the funding amount will be increased by
approximately $50,000 for the coming school year.
10.5
School Calendar
At the March 10, 2003 school board meeting, notice was served that a local calendar would
be considered by the Board for adoption by May 31. Mr. Stigant reviewed details of the local
calendar, which was included with the agenda package, and noted this calendar has been
circulated to employee groups pursuant to the school calendar regulation. The proposed
calendar will be circulated to parents through school newsletters and will be considered at
the May board meeting.
10.6
Request for Information
Superintendent Doi reviewed a request received from Deborah Taylor, who is conducting
research as part of the requirements for a degree in leadership, to contact several school
principals in this district to participate in a research project called “Determining the
Relationship between Behaviour and Academic Need”.
MOTION:
Shunter/Van Alphen that approval for the research request be granted.
CARRIED
10.7
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
The superintendent of schools provided an update on SARS and circulated the most recent
media release from the interior health officer. New information will be provided to schools
and parents as necessary.
10.8
Meeting with Deputy Minister of Education
The superintendent of schools provided information regarding the Deputy Minister of
Education’s visit to the school district on April 4, 2003. Topics for the meeting included the
district progress report, student achievement, and communication and access. Chairman
Denesiuk, Secretary-Treasurer Regehr, Assistant Superintendent Stigant, and
Superintendent Doi attended the two-hour meeting.
11.0
REPORT OF REPRESENTATIVES
12.0
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
12.1
Meeting with District of Summerland Council
Chairman Denesiuk reported regarding the meeting held with District of Summerland Council
on April 7, 2003. Topics included drug prevention, student achievement and accountability,
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Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – April 14, 2003
shared services, busing, international education, and use of public facilities. Chairman
Denesiuk added the group recommended a sub committee be formed between Summerland
Council and trustees to review drug prevention strategies and that Chairman Denesiuk and
Trustee Van Alphen will represent the Board on this committee.
13.0
INFORMATION ITEMS
13.1
BCSTA Annual General Meeting
The BCSTA annual general meeting will be held April 24 to 27, 2003 in Kamloops.
13.2
BCSTA Okanagan Branch Meeting
The BCSTA Okanagan Branch will meet during the BCSTA AGM on Saturday morning, April
26, 2003, at 7:20 a.m.
13.3
Date of Next Meeting
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14.0
Special Budget Meeting, School Board Office, 7:00 p.m.
Regular Meeting, School Board Office, 7:30 p.m.
TRUSTEE COMMENTS
14.1
Trustee Comments
Trustees provided general comments related to district activities.
14.2
Recognition of Student Success
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha) extended congratulations to the students and
groups for the outstanding examples of success listed on the recognition sheet included with
the agenda package.
14.3
Recognition of Student Artwork
Congratulations was extended to the following students from Parkway Elementary School for
their artwork currently on display at the school board office:
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15.0
April 28, 2003
May 12, 2003
Brandy Wilson
Mikaela Bain
Carli Yeo
Lindy Warnock
Russell Lee
Daley Kelley
Brandon Morgan
Kristi Nowatschka
Amanit Behniwal
Hannah Guak
Grade 1 (artwork)
Grade 5 (written work)
Grade 1
Grade 2
Grade 2
Grade 2 (artwork)
Grade 2 (written work)
Grade 4
Grade 4
Grade 5
“The Giant”
“The Giant”
“Yikes”
“Blues & Greys”
“Blues & Greys”
“Flat Stanley”
“Flat Stanley”
“Autumn Glory”
“Fall Splendor”
“Wishing for Spring”
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Manning/Shunter that the meeting be adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
CARRIED
16.0
QUESTION PERIOD
____________________
Chairperson
____________________
Secretary-Treasurer
April 30, 2003
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