BOARD OF SCHOOL TRUSTEES
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 67 (OKANAGAN SKAHA)
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2003, AT 7:30 P.M.
SCHOOL BOARD OFFICE
MINUTES
IN ATTENDANCE
D. E. Jamieson, Vice Chair
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. Walbergs, Director of Instruction
J. Hickling, Director of Maintenance
D. Adey, Executive Secretary
1.0
CALL TO ORDER
Vice Chairman Jamieson welcomed students, parents, district staff, guests and representatives of
the media.
2.0
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOTION: Little/Van Alphen that the agenda and addendum be adopted.
CARRIED
3.0
PRESENTATIONS BY SCHOOLS AND/OR STUDENTS
3.1
Canada-Wide Science Fair Awards
School District No. 67 students participated in the Canada-Wide Science Fair held May
11 to 18, 2003 in Calgary, Alberta, at the University of Calgary. The students stayed in
dorms, enjoyed a week of science fair activities including two days of judging and tours to
the Royal Tyrrell Museum, Calgary Zoo, or Banff, formal banquets, and social activities
with young scientists from across Canada. School district participants were Ryan Idzes,
Alysson Pickett, Robert Weckel, and Taryn Foreman. All are grade 7 students and were
regional science fair winners, which entitled them to participate at the Canada-Wide
Science Fair. It was noted that Ryan received a gold medal for his project “Recyclables
Compete To Keep Heat”, along with a $1,500 cash prize and a $2,000 entrance
scholarship to the University of Western Ontario. Ryan, Taryn, and Alysson provided
information regarding their experience at this event. Shirlene Peters, Regional Chair, and
Ken Ireson, Vice Chair, explained their volunteer roles in Youth Science Fairs at the
regional and national levels.
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Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – June 9, 2003
On behalf of the Board, Vice Chairman Jamieson extended congratulations and
appreciation to students and staff as well as the many volunteers who have helped make
the science fairs the success they have been.
4.0
3.2
National Debating Tournament
Michael Beckett, a student at McNicoll Park Junior Secondary School, recently
participated in the national debating tournament in Saskatoon. Michael presented his
winning speech at the board meeting. He was accompanied by his teacher, Ms. Penny
Philpotts, who provided an overview of Michael’s participation in debating competitions.
3.3
Poetry Contest Winner
Jeremy Mowat, a grade 9 student at McNicoll Park Junior Secondary School, recently
won two poetry contests. Jeremy presented his poetry at the meeting, entitled “Sleep”
and “God’s Greatest Angel”.
3.4
Organic Farmer Project
Summerland Secondary School received a $10,000 federal grant to produce a CD to help
educate farmers in the use of technology. Rochelle Eisen (Project Coordinator) and
teacher Saundra Priester explained and demonstrated the completed CD made by
Summerland Secondary Work Experience students. They also highlighted the many
student achievements gained through this project, funded by Human Resources
Development Canada.
RECEIVING OF DELEGATIONS AND GUESTS
4.1
5.0
Community Recognition
The Board of School Trustees recognized and thanked several service organizations and
individuals for their contributions to the school district:
•
Mr. Archie Reynolds and Ms. Pat Hurd, representing the Kiwanis Club of
Penticton, for contributions to the Arts and Science in Harmony, the senior
reading program, and purchase of laptop computers as well as the reading
enhancement program and Books for Breakfast program at Carmi and Queen’s
Park Elementary schools.
•
Mr. Len Breault and Ms. Jan Salmond, representing the Kiwanis Club of
Summerland, for contributions to the School Service Program, Read to Me
Program, and Breakfast Program through Volunteers at Trout Creek and Giant’s
Head Elementary schools.
•
Mr. John Hickling, representing the Penticton Okanagan Rotary Club, for their
donations towards the One to One Reading Program at West Bench, Wiltse, and
Uplands Elementary schools.
•
Ms. Myrtle Pohlmann, President, and Ms. Ethel Broccolo, Secretary, Python
Sisters, for their club’s donation of four sound field systems.
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
MOTION:
Little/Manning that the minutes of the regular meeting held on May 12, 2003 be
approved.
CARRIED
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6.0
Page 3
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – June 9, 2003
REPORT FROM CLOSED MEETING
The secretary-treasurer reported on the closed regular meeting held on May 12, 2003:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
7.0
received a report from the discipline committee;
approved teaching and CUPE staff changes;
received a follow-up report on the 2003-04 budget;
received information related to the long service recognition/retirement dinner;
confirmed principal and vice principal appointments;
approved requests for a deferred salary leave plan;
received information related to personnel;
received information related to student suspensions.
CORRESPONDENCE
7.1
Letter from Auditor General of British Columbia
A letter from the Auditor General of British Columbia outlining provisions in the new
Auditor General Act that will affect future appointments of auditors for government
organizations and trust funds.
7.2
Letter from British Columbia Civil Liberties Association
A letter from the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association enclosing a policy paper on
the use of video surveillance on school grounds. The policy paper is available in the
trustee reading file.
7.3
Letter from the Minister of Education
A letter from the Minister of Education announcing capital spending for the next three
years including the allocation of funds for replacement or rejuvenation of PSS.
7.4
Thank You Card
A number of thank you cards from retirees are available in the trustee reading file.
7.5
Copy of Letter to Minister of Skills Development and Labour
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 70 (Alberni) to the Minister of Skills
Development and Labour expressing dismay at amendments proposed to laws
prohibiting child labour in British Columbia.
7.6
Copy of Letter to Minister of Children and Family Development
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 34 (Abbotsford) to the Minister of
Children and Family Development regarding changes to the Child Family and Community
Services Act with respect to the duty to report.
7.7
Copy of Letter to the Minister of Education
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 43 (Coquitlam) to the Minister of
Education regarding their district’s budget.
7.8
Copy of Letter to the Minister of Education
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 39 (Vancouver) to the Minister of
Education regarding outcomes reached during their district’s 2003-04 budget consultation
process.
7.9
Copy of Letter to the Premier
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 39 (Vancouver) to Premier Campbell
regarding the provincial government’s commitment to seismically upgrade school
facilities.
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Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – June 9, 2003
7.10
Copy of Letter to the Minister of Education
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 39 (Vancouver) to the Minister of
Education commending the Ministry for its efforts in improving the education funding
allocation formulas for school districts by establishing a Technical Review Committee to
provide advice and recommendations to the Ministry for consideration.
7.11
Copy of Letter to School District No. 39 (Vancouver)
A copy of a letter forwarded by the Vancouver Elementary School Teachers’ Association
to School District No. 39 (Vancouver) clarifying their position on non participation in
school planning councils.
MOTION:
8.0
Page 4
Shunter/Lindstrom that the correspondence be received and forwarded to
appropriate committees.
CARRIED
REPORT OF COMMITTEES
8.1
Education Committee
Trustee Shunter reported on the education committee visitation to McNicoll Park Junior
Secondary School on May 13, 2003 which included a tour of the school, plans for
renovations to change the school from a junior secondary to a middle school, and a
luncheon with the staff.
Trustee Shunter provided information from the education committee meeting held on
June 5, 2003:
a.
School Progress Reports
Committee members were provided with a summary of each School Progress
Report (19 schools, Home Learners, and Summerland Adult Learning Centre) as
well as an outline of the purpose for and process of the School Planning Council
and the School Progress Report. Representatives from Summerland Secondary,
Skaha Lake Middle, and Parkway Elementary schools made presentations to the
Board.
b.
Recommendation of Approval of School Progress Reports
The committee was provided with background information on the schools’ and
district’s efforts to improve achievement for all students. It was indicated that the
various structures, supports and initiatives that have been undertaken this year
seemed to be helpful and supportive. Evidence of this was documented in a
survey that was completed by the school administrators on May 20, 2003.
MOTION:
c.
Shunter/Manning that the 2002-03 School Progress Reports be
approved and a letter of acknowledgement and thanks be sent to each
school planning council.
CARRIED
School District Logo
The committee reviewed some of the final designs for the new district logo and was
pleased with the progress. The committee advised that further input from staff be
received prior to approving a final design in June.
MOTION:
Shunter/Lindstrom that the minutes of the education committee be
received.
CARRIED
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8.2
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – June 9, 2003
Finance and Management Committee
Trustee Little reported on the finance and management committee meeting held on June
4, 2003:
a.
Trustee Remuneration – Policy No. 150
Under Policy No. 150, the secretary-treasurer provided and reviewed a summary of
trustee stipends in B.C. school districts. Following discussion, trustees did not
recommend any change to current practice.
b.
Penticton Secondary School – Keeping You Informed
The committee reviewed and discussed a draft document regarding the Penticton
Secondary School capital funding announcement. The committee supported the
documents be prepared as questions and answers and further supported
clarification regarding the review and options to be considered before any changes
would be approved.
MOTION:
8.3
Page 5
Little/Van Alphen that the minutes 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 May 28, 2003:
a.
Canadian Cancer Society
In response to a letter received at the May 12, 2003 board meeting which
requested the school district reduce the use of pesticides, the secretary-treasurer
confirmed for the committee the procedures used over the past few years to
substantially reduce pesticide use. Following discussion, the committee agreed a
letter be sent to the Canadian Cancer Society responding to their request.
b.
Tender for McNicoll Park Middle School
Committee members were advised that DBC Construction had submitted the low
tender for the multipurpose room at McNicoll Park Middle School. Work is starting
immediately. In addition, the design of the front entry is near completion and will
be started along with the conversion of one shop to a drama room when school is
out.
c.
Penticton Secondary School Capital Funding
The secretary-treasurer recommended to the committee a number of processes
that should be considered to assist with the project planning including: an
appropriate goal for the start of construction as May 2005; a technical
review/feasibility study as an initial requirement to confirm issues such as options
for locating the new construction as well as ability and issues to retain one or more
existing buildings and fund renovation costs and ongoing maintenance; formation
of a committee to consider options for the facilities/future use/financial issues;
selection of an architect; and selection of a design committee.
d.
Options for Summerland Bussing
The assistant secretary-treasurer reviewed the process used to plan for revised
bus routes in Summerland for September 2003. The planning has included a
review of existing bus routes, identifying expected student population and riders on
the bus routes, and considering options. The committee was advised the current
transportation provides for nearly 50% of all students to be riders, that most riders
are on a courtesy ride basis, and that the practice of having frequent bus stops
requires extra bus time.
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Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – June 9, 2003
Mr. Shongrunden advised a plan to reduce from six to five buses is nearly prepared
and will result in: an attempt to maintain existing routes; consolidation of some pick
up points; reduced service to Faulder and Garnet Valley to one bus; and some
students having longer wait times and some students having shorter wait times.
The committee supported the plan and requested that school open times be
reviewed to consider if student wait time might be reduced.
MOTION:
8.4
Little/Van Alphen that the report of the buildings, grounds, safety and
transportation committee be received.
CARRIED
Policy Committee
Trustee Lindstrom provided information on the policy committee meeting held on May 14,
2003:
a.
Policy No. 750 – School Closure
Committee members reviewed a draft Policy No. 750 which provides a format to
allow the district to consider the closure of a school. The draft policy includes a
consultation process, information to be reviewed, timelines, and procedures for
the final decision. The committee undertook a detailed review of the draft.
Following discussion,
MOTION:
9.0
Lindstrom/Little that the draft Policy No. 750 – School Closure be
received by the Board of School Trustees for circulation to partner
groups for any suggestions for changes.
CARRIED
REPORT OF SECRETARY-TREASURER
9.1
McNicoll Park Middle School
The director of maintenance reported on progress for the multipurpose room renovations
at McNicoll Park Middle School, displayed the scaled model of the new entry, and
advised the front entry renovations are expected to be finished before school opening in
September. Mr. Hickling added meetings have been held with some of the staff
regarding changes to the drama room, change rooms, and prep rooms.
9.2
Princess Margaret Secondary School
The secretary-treasurer reported an official opening of Princess Margaret Secondary
School was held on June 3, 2003 which included presentations from dignitaries Mayor
David Perry, MLA Bill Barisoff, and MP Stockwell Day as well as student presentations.
Appreciation was extended to students and staff for organizing the event.
9.3
Financial Report
The secretary-treasurer reviewed the financial report to June 5, 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. Trustees were also advised
some changes are required by the Ministry of Education related to future financial
statements. These changes are expected to result in the inclusion of school accounts in
the district’s statements plus new procedures for recognizing buildings and equipment.
9.4
Penticton Secondary School Capital Project
The secretary-treasurer reported on the Ministry of Education’s announcement of funding
for replacement and/or renovations to Penticton Secondary School, circulated a
“Keeping You Informed” document, and advised the district will begin with a consulting
process for the technical review of the project.
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9.5
Page 7
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – June 9, 2003
Technology
Further to information provided at a past meeting regarding technology, the school
district’s use of innovative software was featured in a media release by Softricity Inc. Mr.
Shongrunden reviewed two news items featured in IT Business and Computer World
which acknowledged the efforts of school district staff, in particular, Danny Francisco, in
identifying capabilities of the software not known to the company.
Trustees requested that recognition be given to Danny Francisco and other technicians
for their contributions in the area of technology.
9.6
9.7
2003-04 Capital Project Bylaw
The secretary-treasurer reported that a school board resolution is required to adopt
Capital Project Bylaw No. 1-2004 in the amount of $223,000 for Project No. 114563 for
the purchase of two school buses.
MOTION:
Little/Shunter that following first reading of School District No. 67 (Okanagan
Skaha) Capital Project Bylaw No. 1-2004 in the amount of $223,000 for
Project No. 114563, the Board of School Trustees passes the bylaw.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Little/Shunter that following second reading of School District No. 67
(Okanagan Skaha) Capital Project Bylaw No. 1-2004 in the amount of
$223,000 for Project No. 114563, the Board of School Trustees passes the
bylaw.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Little/Shunter that following third reading of School District No. 67 (Okanagan
Skaha) Capital Project Bylaw No. 1-2004 in the amount of $223,000 for
Project No. 114563, the Board of School Trustees passes and adopts the
bylaw.
CARRIED
Board Meeting Dates
The secretary-treasurer reviewed a listing of proposed school board meeting dates for
the 2003-04 school year. Mr. Regehr noted the listing is based on a monthly meeting
being held on the second Monday of each month, with three exceptions.
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Manning that the meeting dates be confirmed as follows:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
September 8, 2003
October 6, 2003
November 3, 2003
December 8, 2003 – inaugural and regular
January 12, 2004
February 9, 2004
March 1, 2004
April 5, 2004
April 5, 2004
May 10, 2004
June 14, 2004
CARRIED
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10.0
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Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – June 9, 2003
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
10.1
District Goals
a. Literacy
Director of Instruction Walbergs indicated that examples of literacy projects were
viewed by nine representatives from our district at an early success workshop in
Kelowna on May 22 and 23 and will be reviewed by the district’s literacy workgroup.
A proposal will be presented to the workgroup when it meets next Thursday. Mr.
Walbergs added the results of a second screening of at-risk readers should be
available by the end of this month.
b. Numeracy
Director of Instruction Schafer provided an update on the numeracy workgroup which
has reviewed and revised numeracy assessment tools for grades 3, 5, and 8.
Students will complete the assessments, an analysis of which will be available to
district staff. Teachers in grades 3, 5, and 8 will be meeting and discussing the
assessments, and grade 8 teachers will meet to look at common marking. The last
numeracy workgroup meeting for this year is scheduled for June 24.
c. Social Responsibility
Assistant Superintendent Stigant reported the social responsibility workgroup has
focused on four areas over the year: supporting the continued effective behaviour
support in our schools, restitution, restorative justice in the schools, and Ministry of
Education satisfaction results.
10.2
Enrolment
The enrolment report as of May 30, 2003 was reviewed which indicates a current
enrolment of 7,663 students in the district or 7,318.02 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:
Little/Shunter that the following field trip request be approved:
•
MOTION:
Little/Manning that the following field trip requests be approved in principle:
•
•
10.4
September 8 to 12, 2003, for 34 grade 11 students from Summerland
Secondary School to participate in a marine biology experience at
Bamfield Marine Station.
CARRIED
September 17 to 21, 2003, for 20 Summerland Secondary students to
travel to Washington State on a hiking tour through Washington,
including Mount Ranier, Dry Falls, and Mount St. Helens; and
October 4 to 8, 2004, for 45 Summerland Secondary School students to
travel to Ashland, Oregon, for the Shakespeare Festival to view plays
and participate in workshops.
CARRIED
Multi Media Project
The superintendent reviewed plans for a new project that focuses on communicating the
district’s progress in improving student achievement. A seven-minute multimedia
presentation will be developed by media students in our schools and can be used on
various occasions to help profile student achievement. This year’s project, The Black
Box 2003, will be developed by the media teacher at Penticton Secondary School.
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11.0
REPORT OF REPRESENTATIVES
12.0
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
13.0
INFORMATION ITEMS
13.1
14.0
15.0
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – June 9, 2003
Date of Next Meeting
The next regular meeting will be held on September 8, 2003, at 7:30 p.m., at the school
board office, or at the call of the chair.
TRUSTEE COMMENTS
14.1
Trustee Comments
Trustees provided general comments related to district activities and acknowledged the
contributions of each employee in the district for their efforts and dedication to their
positions.
14.2
Recognition of Student Success
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha) extended congratulations to the students and
groups for outstanding examples of success listed on the recognition sheet included with
the agenda package.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Manning/Lindstrom that the meeting be adjourned at 9:40 p.m.
CARRIED
16.0
QUESTION PERIOD
____________________
Chairperson
____________________
Secretary-Treasurer
June 17, 2003
Ref: H:\DA\2002-2003\00100 - 00999 Admin\00300-03 Agenda Open\030609 OP.doc
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