BOARD OF SCHOOL TRUSTEES
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 67 (OKANAGAN SKAHA)
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
HELD MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2003, AT 7:30 P.M.
SCHOOL BOARD OFFICE
MINUTES
IN ATTENDANCE
C. Denesiuk, Chair
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
G. Schafer, Director of Instruction
J. Hickling, Director of Maintenance
D. Adey, Executive Secretary
P. Butters, Vice Principal, Wiltse Elementary
K. Jones, Principal, Queen’s Park Elementary
1.0
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Denesiuk welcomed district staff, guests, and representatives of the media.
2.0
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOTION: Little/Shunter that the agenda be approved as amended.
CARRIED
3.0
PRESENTATIONS BY SCHOOLS AND/OR STUDENTS
3.1
Summer Professional Development
Esther Skrypiczajko, Chair, Professional Development Committee, provided an overview
of activities held during the summer professional days and Janice Reiswig, a member of
the committee, reviewed follow-up workshops related to the district’s instructional
capacity initiative. The professional development committee is in year three of a five-year
plan.
Chairman Denesiuk extended appreciation to the committee for their presentation and for
their efforts in enhancing professional development activities.
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
3.2
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Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – September 8, 2003
Summer School 2003
Summer school teachers Linda King and Ann Delorme highlighted the success of the
“Remedial Reading – Primary” program offered during summer school and how it
relates to the district’s goal of literacy. Sandy Hodson reviewed “Kids in the Kitchen”, a
new program offered this year.
Katie Hicks, Principal, 2003 Summer School Program, presented a report on the 2003
summer school program. The summer school provided 225 students with an opportunity
to experience success in a variety of curricular subjects through remediation, skills
practice and review, and to allow for enrichment in other co-curricular areas. Ms. Hicks
extended appreciation to teachers and staff who were part of the summer school
program.
Following a number of questions, appreciation was extended for the presentations and
for working with students during the summer.
3.3
The Black Box (August 2003): How can we improve the achievement of all
students?
“The Black Box” is an eight-minute video designed to engage parents and staff in a
discussion about the school’s and/or district’s efforts to improve achievement for all
students. Mr. Russ Stasiuk, Penticton Secondary School media teacher and producer of
the video, was on hand for the presentation. The video is available in all SD67 schools
and will be shown to all school staffs and parents in the fall.
“The Black Box” (August 2003) is the first of a series. Each year, a new video will be
produced to highlight the plans, progress, and results. It is anticipated more people and
students will be involved in future videos which will continue the story along the theme of
“The Black Box”.
4.0
RECEIVING OF DELEGATIONS AND GUESTS
5.0
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
MOTION: Van Alphen/Lindstrom that the minutes of the special meeting held on July 7, 2003
be approved.
CARRIED
6.0
REPORT FROM CLOSED MEETING
The secretary-treasurer reported on the closed special meetings held on July 7 and August 26,
2003:
•
Special meeting of July 7, 2003:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
received correspondence regarding a personnel matter;
approved teaching, excluded and CUPE staff changes;
approved support for an application by the City of Penticton;
approved a contractual item;
approved a resolution related to bussette usage;
received a report on technology;
reviewed information related to possible surplus funds;
received information related to a further personnel matter;
received information related to arbitrations;
approved a proposal related to CommunityLink to be submitted to the Ministry of
Children and Family Development;
11. reviewed information related to international education;
12. received information related to student suspensions.
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
•
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Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – September 8, 2003
Special Meeting held on August 26, 2003:
1. reviewed and approved the proposed plan for opening a school in an area on
evacuation alert.
7.0
CORRESPONDENCE
7.1
Letter from Minister of Education
A letter from the Minister of Education regarding a second enrollment count for 2003-04.
7.2
Letter from Minister of Education
A letter from the Minister of Education regarding the roles of school boards, School
Planning Councils and the Ministry of Education in meeting the requirements for
improved public and community understanding of how spending decisions are linked to
achievement outcomes for students.
7.3
Letter from Auditor General of British Columbia
A letter from the Auditor General of British Columbia outlining ways the Auditor General
intends to gather information for the Select Standing Committee on Public Accounts and
seeking input to the planned approach.
7.4
Letter from Okanagan Skaha Teachers’ Union
A letter from the Okanagan Skaha Teachers’ Union regarding changes to the College of
Teachers and requesting the Board consider writing the Minister of Education regarding
the changes.
7.5
Copy of Letter to Minister of Skills Development and Labour
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 41 (Burnaby) to the Minister of Skills
Development and Labour regarding proposed changes to the Employment Standards
Act.
7.6
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 regarding the implementation of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
(GAAP).
7.7
Copy of Letter to Minister of Education
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 39 (Vancouver) to the Minister of
Education requesting information pertaining to the funding formula changes effective for
2005-06.
MOTION:
8.0
Shunter/Lindstrom that the correspondence be received and referred to
appropriate committees.
CARRIED
REPORT OF COMMITTEES
8.1
Finance and Management Committee
Trustee Little reported on the finance and management committee meeting held on
September 3, 2003:
a. Second Enrolment Count
The committee was advised a mid year enrolment count will be made in February
and that the changes in aboriginal student enrolment will be used to recalculate
aboriginal funding. The Ministry of Education has advised this change will not be fully
implemented until the 2004-05 school year.
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Page 4
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – September 8, 2003
b. DPAC Request for Funding
The committee reviewed the removal of identified funding to school districts for
district parent advisory councils and the new funding from the Gaming Commission
the district’s DPAC can now obtain. Although school district funding is no longer
identified for PAC support, the committee spoke in favour of maintaining some
support. Following discussion,
MOTION:
Little/Jamieson that funding in the amount of $1,500 be approved to
support the School District No. 67 district parent advisory council.
CARRIED
c. Tour of School Board Office Basement
The tour was postponed until October 1.
d. Future Meeting Dates
A list of proposed committee meeting dates for the finance and management
committee and the buildings, grounds, safety and transportation committee was
distributed. Based on subsequent feedback, the September 24th meeting will be
combined with the October 1st meeting.
MOTION:
8.2
Little/Manning that the report of the finance and management committee
meeting be received.
CARRIED
Buildings, Grounds, Safety and Transportation Committee
Trustee Jamieson reported on the buildings, grounds, safety and transportation
committee meeting held on September 3, 2003:
a. Penticton Secondary School
The secretary-treasurer reviewed a memo proposing a process and committee
structure for the reconstruction of Penticton Secondary School. The buildings,
grounds, safety and transportation committee indicated support for the proposal and
requested the reconstruction committee include a representative from all the groups
named in the memo.
b. Emergency Use of Facilities
Director of Maintenance John Hickling reviewed the support the school district has
provided to assist the provincial emergency program supporting fire victims. This has
included work with Queen’s Park Elementary and KVR Middle schools plus planning
for other schools to function for emergency support. Some of the shortcomings of
our facilities such as emergency power will be reviewed in the future.
c. Field Irrigation
Mr. Hickling reviewed the water restrictions in Summerland, Naramata, and
Penticton. The district is hand watering trees and following directions for reduced
watering in all areas. It is expected the fields will recover from the lack of water but
additional expenses will be incurred.
d. Wiltse Elementary School
The committee was updated regarding the instability of a slope on a property above
Wiltse Elementary School. The City of Penticton has advised us procedures to
stabilize the area are progressing.
e. 2004-05 Building Program
The five-year capital building program submitted last year identified major projects
required. A new building program submission is only required for new major projects.
New projects for work in excess of $1.5 million have not been identified and therefore
a 2004-05 submission will include the major project submitted last year.
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
MOTION:
9.0
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Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – September 8, 2003
Jamieson/Van Alphen that the report of the buildings, grounds, safety, and
transportation committee be received.
CARRIED
REPORT OF SECRETARY-TREASURER
9.1
Policy No. 750 – School Closure
The secretary-treasurer noted the 30-day circulation period to partner groups was
approved at the June 9, 2003 board meeting for Policy No. 750 – School Closure. No
formal responses were received from partner groups but some minor wording change
has been made for clarification.
MOTION:
Lindstrom/Little that Policy No. 750 – School Closure be approved.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Little/Shunter that a feasibility report be developed to assist with decisions
related to any consideration of schools for closure.
CARRIED
Trustees indicated that this request for a feasibility report is to gather factual information
only as outlined in the policy and does not indicate any decision to close one or more
schools.
10.0
9.2
Financial Statements
The secretary-treasurer reported the financial statements for the year ending June 30,
2003 are required to be completed by the end of September. The financial statements
are in the process of being completed and the auditors will be reviewing the statements
within the week. Mr. Regehr added he is hopeful the statements will be available at the
next finance and management committee meeting.
9.3
Summer Maintenance Projects
The director of maintenance reviewed an extensive listing of summer maintenance and
renovation projects that were completed at the district’s facilities during the summer.
Additionally, the custodial staff was busy with a number of rental groups and extra
cleaning during the summer.
9.4
Planning and Goal Setting Session
Mr. Regehr reported arrangements are being made for a planning and goal setting
session to be held on September 24, 2003, 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the Penticton Lakeside
Resort. Up to four representatives from each partner group have been invited and an
invitation has been extended to a student representative from each secondary school.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
10.1
Student Achievement
a. District Workgroups (Literacy, Numeracy and Social Responsibility)
The superintendent of schools presented information related to the district
workgroups and indicated invitations have been sent to partner groups seeking
committee membership to the workgroups. First meetings for each workgroup will be
held on September 22, 2003, at 3:45 p.m. at the following locations: Literacy at KVR
Middle; Social Responsibility at McNicoll Park Middle; and Numeracy at the school
board office. Helping teachers have been assigned to each of the three goals as
follows: Literacy – Janice Reiswig (0.3 FTE); Numeracy – Vic Keehn (0.2 FTE); and
Numeracy – Deb Donoghue (0.2 FTE). Janice Reiswig and Mr. Doi will co-chair the
literacy workgroup with Vic Keehn and Garth Schafer co-chairing the numeracy
workgroup and Deb Donoghue and Dave Stigant co-chairing the social responsibility
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Page 6
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – September 8, 2003
workgroup. Chairman Denesiuk indicated all trustees wish to continue with their
roles on the respective workgroups.
b. District Progress Report (Accountability Contract)
Superintendent Doi reported the accountability contract is required to be submitted to
the Ministry of Education by October 31st and will be reviewed by the education
committee on October 28th. District workgroups need to confirm their plans and
progress for 2003-04 by October 17th. Mr. Doi added he will continue to meet with
principals to review school plans. School planning councils will meet for a training
session on October 20th for elementary schools and October 21st for middle and
secondary schools. Mr. Doi added an external team, chaired by Mr. Mike McKay, the
superintendent for School District No. 63 (Saanich), will visit the district from
February 8 to 11, 2004.
c. Grade 12 Provincial Exam and Scholarship Results (June 2003)
Assistant Superintendent Stigant reviewed a preliminary report on provincial
examination results for June 2003 which indicated that in eight of 11 subject areas,
the exam results are at or above the provincial level and ten of 11 are within 5%. The
success rate indicates that nine of 11 subjects are at or above the provincial average
and for students passing the courses, eight of 11 courses are at or above the
provincial level with a further two coming within 2% of the provincial level. Six district
scholarships were presented to top achievers in applied skills and fine arts and there
were 57 provincial scholarship winners for 2002-03. Mr. Stigant noted these results
reflect only the June results and a more comprehensive report will be provided in
December.
10.2
Communication and Access
a. Ikeda Exchange (September 2003)
The assistant superintendent provided an update on the Princess Margaret and
Penticton Secondary schools student exchange to Ikeda, Japan, from September 29
to October 9, 2003. Twenty students and two staff members will be participating in
the exchange. Princess Margaret students will perform in the wine festival in Ikeda
and all students will be involved in home stays in rural Ikeda.
10.3
Other Items
a. Critical Incident Planning Report
The assistant superintendent reviewed plans which were put in place in response to
the wild fire situation in the area. A copy of a letter distributed to parents in the
Naramata Elementary School outlined the procedures to be followed when opening
the school in an area on a one-hour evacuation alert. Mr. Stigant added the
evacuation alert was lifted prior to school opening. It was noted this critical incident
planning will provide the base for an evacuation plan for all schools and will be
incorporated into the regional district’s emergency evacuation plan.
b. Enrolment
Assistant Superintendent reported on enrolment and school start-up for the
September opening. An enrolment summary to September 8, 2003 indicates 7,457
students, 80 lower than Ministry of Education projections. Mr. Stigant noted
kindergarten enrolment is 47 students lower than projected and lower than last year,
elementary and middle schools are higher than projected, and enrolment at the two
learning centres is lower than projected.
c. School Name Change
A school board resolution was requested to change the name of the Summerland
Adult Learning Centre to the Summerland Community Learning Centre.
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
MOTION:
Page 7
Little/Manning that the name of Summerland Adult Learning Centre be
changed to the Summerland Community Learning Centre.
CARRIED
11.0
REPORT OF REPRESENTATIVES
12.0
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
13.0
INFORMATION ITEMS
14.0
13.1
BCSTA Provincial Council Meeting
The BCSTA Provincial Council Meeting will be held October 30 to November 1, 2003 in
Vancouver. Agenda items must be received by September 26, 2003 and should be
directed to Trustee Little.
13.2
BCSTA Okanagan Branch Meeting
The BCSTA Okanagan Branch Meeting will be held September 26 and 27, 2003 in
Revelstoke.
13.3
Date of Next Meeting
• October 6, 2003, Regular Meeting, School Board Office
TRUSTEE COMMENTS
14.1
15.0
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – September 8, 2003
Trustee Comments
Trustees provided general comments related to district activities.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Manning/Lindstrom that the meeting be adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
CARRIED
16.0
QUESTION PERIOD
____________________
Chairperson
____________________
Secretary-Treasurer
September 4, 2003
Ref: H:\DA\2003-2004\00100 - 00999 Admin\00300-03 Agenda Open\030908 OP.doc
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