BOARD OF SCHOOL TRUSTEES
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 67 (OKANAGAN SKAHA)
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
HELD ON MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2004, 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
R. Shongrunden, Assistant Secretary-Treasurer
D. Stigant, Assistant Superintendent
G. Schafer, Director of Instruction
J. Hickling, Director of Maintenance
D. Adey, Executive Secretary
S. Johnston, Principal, Carmi Elementary School
L. Lindsay, Vice Principal, KVR Middle School
B. Searle, Principal, Nkwala Elementary School
1.0
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Denesiuk welcomed district staff, guests, and representatives of the media.
2.0
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOTION:
Little/Manning that the agenda and addendum be approved.
CARRIED
3.0
PRESENTATIONS BY SCHOOLS AND/OR STUDENTS
3.1
Penticton Secondary School
In December, Leadership 12 students at Penticton Secondary School held a successful
“10,000 To-Night” canned food drive collecting over 18,600 non-perishable items. Vice
Principal Terry Grady and students Cassandra Berger, Steffanie Smith, and Nina Phan
presented highlights of the project which will keep the needy in food supply to the end of
July.
Approximately 450 students participated in the project.
The students
acknowledged the support of parents, staff, Salvation Army, and business people of the
community, and thanked the people of Penticton for their generous support of the project.
“Working Together for Student Success”
www.sd67.bc.ca
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Page 2
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – January 12, 2004
Following a number of questions, trustees extended congratulations to the leadership
students on the success of their project.
3.2
Skaha Lake Middle School – Tribes (Building Instructional Capacity)
Chris Setters, Grade 7 Teacher and EBS Chair and Vice Principal Katie Hicks provided
an overview of the TRIBES PROCESS at Skaha Lake Middle School. TRIBES is part of
the district’s five-year “building instructional capacity” initiative.
TRIBES is a way to establish a positive culture for learning and human development
throughout a school community. This process requires learning how to build community
through three stages of group development using four agreements among the students
and adults. Throughout the process people learn to use specific collaborative skills and
to reflect both on the interaction and the learning that is taking place. The Tribes process
not only establishes a caring environment for cooperative learning, but provides structure
for positive interaction and continuity for working groups whether in the classroom, the
faculty, the administration or parent community.
Appreciation was extended to Ms. Setters and Ms. Hicks for their presentation.
4.0
RECEIVING OF DELEGATIONS AND GUESTS
5.0
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
MOTION:
Manning/Little that the minutes of inaugural and regular meetings held on
December 8, 2003 be approved.
CARRIED
6.0
REPORT FROM CLOSED MEETING
The secretary-treasurer reported on the closed meeting held on December 8, 2003:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
7.0
received correspondence related to personnel matters;
received a report from the education committee and approved support for an application by
a community society;
received reports from the finance and management committee and the discipline
committee;
approved a personnel contract;
received information on personnel matters;
approved teaching, excluded and CUPE staff changes;
received information regarding a British Columbia School District Secretary-Treasurers
Association meeting;
received information related to a proposed meeting between Penticton city council
members and trustees;
approved a teacher leave request;
approved support for an application;
reviewed dates for committee meetings.
CORRESPONDENCE
7.1
Letter from City of Penticton
A letter from the City of Penticton requesting a school district representative be appointed
to the Sister Cities Advisory Committee for a one-year term.
7.2
Letter from British Columbia Teachers’ Federation
A letter from BCTF President enclosing a copy of the BCTF Response to the Draft B.C.
Graduation Portfolio Assessment Document Brief which was sent to the Minister of
Education on December 10, 2003. The brief is available in the trustee reading file.
“Working Together for Student Success”
www.sd67.bc.ca
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – January 12, 2004
7.3
Letter from Penticton Secondary School
A letter from the Penticton Secondary Leadership Class announcing the success of their
10,000 To-Night canned food drive.
7.4
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 opposing the new child labour regulations included as part of
the government’s recently passed Bill 37.
7.5
Copy of Letter to Minister of Education
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 40 (New Westminister) to the Minister
of Education urging the Minister to work together with the BC College of Teachers and
the BC Teachers’ Federation to solve disagreements regarding new legislation governing
the BC College of Teachers.
7.6
Copy of Letter to British Columbia School Trustees Association
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 39 (Vancouver) to the BCSTA
suggesting that the funds they have received from the Ministry of Children and Families
Development be spent on “at risk” students.
7.7
Letter from Minister of Education
A letter from the Minister of Education in response to the Board’s letter urging the
Minister to resolve the current dispute with the BCTF regarding recent legislated changes
to the B.C. College of Teachers.
MOTION:
8.0
Page 3
Shunter/Van Alphen that the correspondence be received and referred to
the appropriate committees.
CARRIED
REPORT OF COMMITTEES
8.1
Finance and Management Committee
Trustee Little reported on the finance and management committee meeting held on
January 7, 2004:
a.
2003-04 Budget
The secretary-treasurer distributed and reviewed a forecast of revenue and
expenditures for the 2003-04 school year. The final grant recalculation resulted in
a $250,685 funding decline as a result of a 153 FTE student decline and some
increases in funded special education enrolment.
The secretary-treasurer
reviewed budget adjustments based on known cost changes and staffing
adjustments related to the final enrolment. The total of these adjustments resulted
in surplus funds of $38,500. Following discussion regarding the calculations and
possible uses for the available funds,
MOTION:
b.
Little/Shunter that the Board of School Trustees approve the addition
of up to 1.0 FTE staffing for the early intervention reading program
for the balance of the year and the addition of 0.4 FTE staffing for
two months at Queen’s Park Elementary School and that if additional
surplus funds become available from the 2003-04 budget, they are
first applied to the completion of the installation of the district’s new
telephone system.
CARRIED
2004-05 Budget
The secretary-treasurer reviewed an estimate of revenue and expenses for the
2004-05 school year. Based on current provincial funding commitments, an
estimated enrolment decline of 193 students, and an estimate of employee benefit
“Working Together for Student Success”
www.sd67.bc.ca
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Page 4
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – January 12, 2004
costs, a funding shortfall of $268,000 was projected.
calculations will be prepared over the next three months.
MOTION:
8.2
More detailed budget
Little/Jamieson that the report of the finance and management
committee be received.
CARRIED
Committee of the Whole
Chairman Denesiuk reported on the committee of the whole meeting held on January 7,
2004:
a.
Policy Review of Field Trips
Assistant Superintendent Dave Stigant distributed and reviewed information
regarding outdoor education. The Board placed a moratorium on downhill skiing
and snowboarding activities at the December 8, 2003 meeting. Mr. Stigant
reviewed meetings held with Apex Mountain representatives and commitments to
enhance safety when students are on the mountain. Committee members
reviewed the 12 recommendations presented to the committee.
Mr. Stigant thanked Mr. Jeff Plant, General Manager, Apex Mountain Resort, for the
support of resort staff in assisting with the review and recommendations. Following
discussion on the recommendations,
MOTION:
Shunter/Little that the following recommendations be approved:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
That staff work with resort staffs to produce a parent briefing document
to be completed by February 1, 2004;
That schools and ski resort staffs hold voluntary briefing sessions for
parents prior to completion of permission forms;
That the RESPECT video be required viewing for all students prior to
the start of each ski day and that safety instruction form part of in-class
preparation;
That schools ensure the supervisor ratio not be greater than 1:15;
That schools ensure the lead supervisor carries a cellular phone
throughout the day;
That student use of the half pipe, terrain park, and out of bounds areas
be prohibited on school excursions;
That student participation in lessons be mandatory, scheduled based
on skill levels and that instructors be directed to restrict lift access
(passes) as appropriate;
That helmet use be recommended to parents, be part of the parent
briefing, and part of the parent information package;
That indication of the interest in renting a helmet be part of the
registration process for the ski program;
That the above recommendations be included in the policy review
process;
That staff continue to meet with resort staff to amend and refine
procedures for downhill excursions;
That the moratorium on downhill ski and snowboarding excursions be
lifted immediately.
CARRIED
Chairman Denesiuk reported on the committee of the whole meeting held on January 8,
2004:
a.
Feasibility Report on School Closure
Assistant Superintendent Dave Stigant distributed a report titled “Preliminary
School Closure Feasibility Study”. Mr. Stigant reviewed a summary of the report
“Working Together for Student Success”
www.sd67.bc.ca
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Page 5
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – January 12, 2004
details. A presentation of the report will be made at the January 12, 2004 board
meeting.
9.0
REPORT OF SECRETARY-TREASURER
9.1
Penticton Secondary School Reconstruction Committee
The secretary-treasurer reported regarding the Penticton Secondary School
Reconstruction Committee meeting held on December 16, 2003. The architects
presented five different options in a rough development stage, which will examine both
using and/or renovating different existing buildings and using different areas on the site
for a complete new building. Cost estimates will be developed for the options. It was
acknowledged that some of the options could be too cost prohibitive to build and that final
selection of the options might be limited once the construction cost estimates are
available. Mr. Regehr added the objective of the committee is to arrive at a single plan
which will best meet the needs of the students and the district and be within the funding
provided by the Ministry of Education. The committee will meet again in early February.
9.2
Financial Report
The secretary-treasurer reviewed the financial report to November 30, 2003 circulated
with the agenda package noting the report is for three teaching months. Funding
changes due to the September 30th enrolment are not reflected in this report and some
accounts will need to be further modified.
MOTION:
Little/Manning that the financial report be received.
CARRIED
10.0
9.3
2003-04 Amended Annual Operating Budget
Mr. Regehr reported the Minister of Education is requiring that school districts prepare
and submit by February 20, 2004 a 2003-04 Amended Annual Budget. This budget will
be prepared over the next three weeks for presentation at the February school board
meeting.
9.4
2004-05 Capital Plan
The school district has received a response to the district’s submission of a Five-Year
Capital Plan to the Ministry of Education. Mr. Regehr noted that the school district’s
submission for a new elementary school at Summerland has been rated by the Ministry
as a medium priority project. This lowered rating is the result of enrolment decline in the
community.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
10.1
Student Achievement
a.
District Workgroups (Literacy, Numeracy and Social Responsibility)
Information was provided on a number of meetings scheduled for literacy,
numeracy, and social responsibility subcommittees as well as conferences and
workshops, all related to the district’s goals of literacy, numeracy and social
responsibility.
b.
District Progress Report (Accountability Contract)
Superintendent Doi reported the district progress report has been updated and is
available on the district’s website.
c.
School Progress Reports
The superintendent added each of the schools’ progress reports is available on the
district’s website and acknowledged the efforts of Carol Given and principals in
preparing these documents.
“Working Together for Student Success”
www.sd67.bc.ca
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
d.
10.2
Page 6
District Review Team (February 8-11, 2004)
Mr. Doi reported the district review team will be visiting the district from February 8
to 11 looking at the entire district and how it helps improve student achievement.
The external team will visit each of the district’s schools and will brief
representatives from the schools, district staff and trustees on their findings on
February 11.
Communication and Access
a.
Field Trips
The superintendent of schools reviewed a listing of field trip requests, some of
which had been approved by the superintendent pursuant to policy.
MOTION:
Lindstrom/Jamieson that the following field trip requests be approved
for funding as per board policy:
•
•
•
MOTION:
•
•
b.
October 31 to November 1, 2003, for 16 Penticton Secondary
School students to compete in the provincial cross-country running
championships in Vancouver;
November 11 to 15, 2003, for 15 senior girls from Penticton
Secondary School to compete in the provincial field hockey
playoffs in Burnaby; and
November 26 to 29, 2003, for 13 senior girls from Penticton
Secondary School to compete in the provincial volleyball
championships in Kelowna.
CARRIED
Van Alphen/Lindstrom that the following field trip requests be approved
in principle:
•
10.3
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – January 12, 2004
March 14 to 25, 2005, for 30 district grade 8 to 12 students to
travel to Switzerland, Italy and France to study French, Italian,
German art, culture and language with an emphasis on art and
European history and the Renaissance;
July 4 to 15, 2005, for 30 district grade 8 to 12 students to travel to
Greece and Italy to study art, archaeology, culture and history of
Ancient Greek and Roman civilizations; and
February 26 to 28, 2004, for 25 band students from Princess
Margaret Secondary School to travel to Moscow, Idaho, for the
annual Moscow Jazz Festival.
CARRIED
Alumni Project
Superintendent Doi provided information on the alumni project which is intended to
honor and celebrate the success of past graduates. A number of nominations have
been received and are being short-listed by the 12 members of the committee. For
this year, two past graduates will be announced and profiled each month through
the Penticton Herald and it is expected that in future years one per month will be
honored. Each person will be honored during the graduation ceremonies and will
receive a framed plaque noting their achievements. The graduating school as well
as feeder schools will also display similar plaques.
Other Items
a.
Enrolment
In reviewing the enrolment report as of December 18, 2003, the assistant
superintendent noted an overall decline of 12 students since the last report. The
total enrolment now numbers 7,524 students and 7,193.97 FTE.
“Working Together for Student Success”
www.sd67.bc.ca
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
b.
Page 7
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – January 12, 2004
School Closure Feasibility Report
Following the adoption of Policy No. 750 – School Closure in September 2003, the
Board directed staff to develop a feasibility report. Assistant Superintendent
Stigant reviewed a PowerPoint presentation entitled “Preliminary School Closure
Feasibility Study” which provided information on whether a Penticton elementary
school could be closed from a facility perspective only, provided information on the
timelines associated with a possible closure, and identified preliminary factors to
support the closure of Nkwala Elementary School. The entire report is available is
available on the school district’s website and at the school board office. Following
discussion,
MOTION:
Jamieson/Little that in accordance with Section 73 (1a) of the School
Act and the Board Policy 750 and Regulations on School Closure,
Nkwala Elementary School be considered for closure at the end of the
2003-04 school year.
CARRIED
Board Chair Denesiuk noted the above motion was carried unanimously. Trustees
reviewed timelines necessary for the public consultation stage and noted that all
input will be reviewed and considered before making a final decision on the
proposed school closure.
MOTION:
Little/Manning that staff be directed to undertake a public consultation,
consistent with Board Policy and Regulations #750, in order to provide
an opportunity for those affected by the proposed closure of Nkwala
Elementary to participate in the process and that the public
consultation be completed by March 31, 2004.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Shunter/Van Alphen that a public meeting be held at Nkwala
Elementary School on Tuesday, January 27, 2004, at 7:00 p.m., to
present information on the proposed closure and listen to community
input and concerns.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Lindstrom that a second public meeting be held at Nkwala
Elementary on Thursday, March 11, 2004, at 7:00 p.m., to provide a
further opportunity to discuss the proposed closure and listen to
community input and concerns.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Little/Shunter that a Nkwala School Advisory Committee be
established (with Assistant Superintendent Dave Stigant serving as
chair) to help facilitate communication, establish agendas for the public
meetings, and gather community input.
CARRIED
11.0
REPORT OF REPRESENTATIVES
12.0
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
12.1
Committee and Representative Appointments
Chairman Denesiuk presented committee and representative appointments to November
2004. It was noted that trustee/school liaison appointments for the 2003-04 school year
were confirmed in May 2003 and were circulated for information only.
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Little that the committee and representative appointments to
November 2004 be confirmed.
CARRIED
“Working Together for Student Success”
www.sd67.bc.ca
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
13.0
14.0
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – January 12, 2004
INFORMATION ITEMS
13.1
BCSTA Provincial Council Meeting
The BCSTA Provincial Council meeting will be held February 13 and 14, 2004 in
Vancouver.
13.2
BCSTA Okanagan Branch Meeting
The BCSTA Okanagan Branch meeting will be held February 20 and 21, 2004 in Merritt.
13.3
Date of Next Meeting
• February 9, 2004, Regular Meeting, School Board Office
TRUSTEE COMMENTS
14.1
Trustee Comments
Chairman Denesiuk reported the school district had received from the Regional District of
Okanagan-Similkameen a certificate of appreciation, on behalf of its citizens, extending
appreciation to those “who worked diligently to maintain safety, protect our properties,
and extinguish the fires”. Ms. Denesiuk thanked all district staff for their efforts during
August and early September of 2003.
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.
14.3
Recognition of Student Artwork
Congratulations were extended to the following students from Kaleden Elementary
School for their artwork currently on display at the school board office:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
15.0
Page 8
Emma Brown – Kindergarten
Rayce Eastman – Kindergarten
Emma MacDonald – Kindergarten
Magnus Morhart – Kindergarten
Courtney Olexa – Kindergarten
Tyenan Barker – Grade 2
Mariah Chingee – Grade 2
Brianne Newman – Grade 2
Dylan Crawford – Grade 3
Jessica Hansen – Grade 3
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Nicalette McCrae – Grade 3
Ashlyn Olafson – Grade 3
Ashley Stewart – Grade 3
Charlene Feindell – Grade 4
Rebecca Oliver – Grade 4
Neal Tougas – Grade 4
Hannah Fiechter – Grade 5
Morgan Parker-Carney – Grade 5
Alanna Puls – Grade 5
Denina Sanga – Grade 5
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION:
Manning/Lindstrom that the meeting be adjourned at 9:35 p.m.
CARRIED
16.0
QUESTION PERIOD
____________________
Chairperson
____________________
Secretary-Treasurer
January 14, 2004
Ref: H:\DA\2003-2004\00100 - 00999 Admin\00300-05 Minutes Open\040112 OP.doc
“Working Together for Student Success”
www.sd67.bc.ca