BOARD OF SCHOOL TRUSTEES
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 67 (OKANAGAN SKAHA)
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
HELD ON MONDAY, JANUARY 10, 2005, 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
R. Shongrunden, Assistant Secretary-Treasurer
G. Schafer, Director of Instruction
J. Hickling, Director of Maintenance
D. Adey, Executive Secretary
P. Butters, Vice Principal, Wiltse Elementary School
J. Ramsay, Vice Principal, Carmi Elementary School
1.0
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Denesiuk welcomed district staff, guests, students, and representatives of the media.
2.0
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOTION:
Little/Shunter that the agenda be approved.
CARRIED
3.0
PRESENTATIONS BY SCHOOLS AND/OR STUDENTS
3.1
Trout Creek Elementary School
The K-5 Stay Alive Health Club at Trout Creek Elementary began last school year, thanks
to the sponsorship of Carol Stathers and Mary Beth Rutherford, for students in grade 5
interested in promoting healthy food choices and an active life style. The Club hosted
many activities for all students such as nutrition skits, walking challenges, and noon hour
games. To further the school’s focus on nutrition, the school then applied and received a
DASH grant from Interior Health. Due to this grant, the Club and the parent sponsors
have involved the school in forming a nutrition policy and participating in Brown Bag
check-ins, a magnet contest and lately, a very successful Health Fair. The Trout Creek
Health Fair was held on November 26 so students in kindergarten to grade 5 could
participate in a wide range of activities focusing on healthy eating, healthy activity and
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Page 2
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – January 10, 2005
healthy learning. Twenty students from the Health Club, accompanied by Ms. Stathers,
Ms. Rutherford, and Principal Paula Reay, attended the meeting and highlighted the
many activities of the club.
Following a number of questions, Chairman Denesiuk extended appreciation to the
students for their presentation.
4.0
RECEIVING OF DELEGATIONS AND GUESTS
5.0
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Lindstrom that the minutes of the inaugural and regular meetings held
on December 15, 2004 be approved.
CARRIED
6.0
REPORT FROM CLOSED MEETING
The secretary-treasurer reported on the closed meeting held on December 15, 2004:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
7.0
received correspondence regarding a personnel matter;
received reports from the finance and management committee; buildings, grounds,
safety and transportation committee; and discipline committee;
approved a contractual item;
approved a property matter;
received an update on a tentative agreement;
approved teaching, excluded, and CUPE staff changes;
approved a teacher leave request;
received information and approved in principle a school program;
received information regarding student suspensions;
approved a request for support for a conference;
received information related to a workshop.
CORRESPONDENCE
7.1
Letter from Minister of Education
A letter from the Minister of Education regarding plans by the Ministry to provide
guidelines describing healthy and unhealthy foods.
7.2
Letter from School District No. 39 (Vancouver)
A letter from School District No. 39 (Vancouver) enclosing a copy of a letter forwarded by
that school district to the federal minister of industry regarding seismically upgrading
school facilities.
7.3
Copy of Letter to Parent Advisory Councils
A copy of a letter forwarded by Okanagan Skaha Teachers’ Union to middle and
secondary school PAC presidents.
7.4
Copy of Letter to British Columbia School Trustees Association
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 23 (Central Okanagan) to the BCSTA
opposing three resolutions of the BC School Sports Association.
7.5
Copy of Letter to Prime Minister of Canada
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 34 (Abbotsford) to the Prime Minister
of Canada regarding Bill C-17 and the decriminalization of marijuana.
MOTION:
Shunter/Manning that the correspondence be received.
CARRIED
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8.0
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Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – January 10, 2005
REPORT OF COMMITTEES
8.1
Finance and Management Committee
Trustee Little reported on the finance and management committee meeting held on
January 5, 2005:
a.
Summer Leadership Conference
Superintendent of Schools Doi reviewed a proposal to host a Summer Leadership
Conference on August 22 and 23, 2005. Mr. Doi expects the conference will result
in some revenue for the district in addition to providing a professional development
opportunity for our district. Four school districts will be asked to participate in the
conference presentations and would receive a reduced fee. Princess Margaret
Secondary and Skaha Lake Middle schools are planned as venues for the
conference.
b.
Wright Commission
On December 16, 2004, Don Wright released a report recommending a process to
improve the collective bargaining practices between BC public teachers and their
employers. Assistant Superintendent Stigant reviewed some of the report’s
recommendations including the five criteria necessary to reach a state of mature
bargaining:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Government recognizes that teachers must have an effective voice in
determining the terms and conditions under which they teach
Teachers must recognize government’s interests in funding the K-12
system
Both parties must bring genuine desire to avoid legislative intervention
Both bargaining agents must be governed effectively so that they can
come to the table with the ability to make a deal
The public must be able to hold the appropriate agency accountable for the
adequacy of funding, the effectiveness of how that funding is utilized and
the outcome of the collective bargaining process.
Also included are recommended changes to the provincial/local split and a process
to achieve a settlement which may involve up to five phases of a bargaining
process. The report also recommends a process to negotiate a provincial
collective agreement.
c.
Ministry Audit
A letter received from the Ministry has advised our district’s home learners’
program will be audited. This type of audit is intended to review compliance with
provincial standards and also to serve as a process to communicate these
standards.
d.
2005-06 Budget Development
The secretary-treasurer reviewed the meetings held in conjunction with the 200405 budget development. Observations of change for the 2005-06 budget included:
•
•
•
•
The public meeting be delayed until the district’s funding situation is known
Continue a review process with school planning councils and parents
advisory councils
Adequate preparation to allow for responses at meetings
The process to be flexible to meet changing requirements
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
MOTION:
8.2
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Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – January 10, 2005
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 January 5, 2005:
a.
Penticton Academy of Music
At the November 8th board meeting, a request was received for building space.
This request cannot be support at this time.
b.
PSS Planning
At the December 15th board meeting, the Board approved the makeup of a
committee that will assist with the Penticton Secondary School design and
planning. The secretary-treasurer advised that the assistant superintendent was
inadvertently omitted as a named member of the committee and recommended
that Mr. Stigant be added to the committee.
The committee was advised the City of Penticton is reviewing heritage facilities in
the community including the Ellis and Shatford facilities. The secretary-treasurer
also advised a tour of Kelowna Secondary is arranged for January 12 in the
afternoon.
c.
COP’s Program – Summerland
The Citizens on Patrol program has expanded to operate in Summerland. A
request has been received to allow storage of equipment in the Summerland
maintenance building and the committee supported this request.
MOTION:
8.3
Policy Committee
Trustee Lindstrom provided information on the policy committee meeting held on January
5, 2005:
a.
9.0
Jamieson/Van Alphen that the report of the buildings, grounds, safety, and
transportation committee be received.
CARRIED
Policy No. 305 – Choice and Flexibility
Policy No. 305 – Choice and Flexibility was distributed and included changes
proposed to Appendixes A and B to support the provision of French Immersion.
These changes related to school catchment areas and the enrolment application
process. Following review, the committee recommended the Board receive the
recommended changes in accordance with policy adoption procedures.
MOTION:
Lindstrom/Van Alphen that recommended changes be accepted and
circulated to partner groups for any suggestions for changes.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Lindstrom/Little that the report of the policy committee be received.
CARRIED
REPORT OF SECRETARY-TREASURER
9.1
Penticton Secondary School Reconstruction
The secretary-treasurer reported that approval has been received from the Ministry of
Education for Feasibility Study Phase 1 for Penticton Secondary School reconstruction
and the district has been advised it can proceed with Phase 2. This second phase has
already begun and will include further development of costing issues and estimates for
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Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – January 10, 2005
the school. Mr. Regehr added a tour of Kelowna Secondary School has been arranged
for Wednesday and a tour of five similar sized schools in the Lower Mainland is being
arranged for January 19.
9.2
10.0
Technology Presentation
Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Ron Shongrunden and technology teacher Allan Crossley
provided an update on home access and training modules available on the district’s
website. The home access allows all staff and students the same access to school
resources from home (or anywhere in the world) if they have an Internet connection.
Over one thousand separate users are currently using home access. Mr. Crossley
reviewed a number of short training clips available on the website which can be accessed
at any time by any user. Mr. Shongrunden introduced Al Miller and Ken Cooke, members
of the computer club at the Penticton Wellness and Recreation Centre. Mr. Miller noted
that approximately 300 seniors participate in 20 computer classes available through the
computer club and through a grant, students have worked with the seniors for the
development of the seniors’ website and training modules. Mr. Shongrunden added the
seniors have now asked for assistance in developing more graphic modules which can
be used by people with little English skills. He is hopeful the district will obtain another
grant to assist students in developing additional training clips.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
10.1
10.2
Student Achievement
a.
District Workgroups (Literacy, Numeracy and Social Responsibility)
The superintendent of schools advised the district is still waiting for a response to
the Ministry of Education literacy grant application for five literacy and numeracy
projects. Mr. Doi added primary teachers will participate in a literacy dinner inservice on January 13. There will also be a professional development day on
February 18 which will feature a workshop with Susan Close on improving reading
and writing.
b.
Early Development Instrument (EDI) Survey
Director of Instruction Garth Schafer reviewed information regarding the EDI survey
which will be administered by kindergarten teachers by the end of February. Each
survey takes approximately 20 minutes per student and assesses a child’s
readiness to learn at school in five domains: physical health and well being; social
competence; emotional maturity; language and cognitive development; and
communication skills and general knowledge. A training session will be held on
January 21 for teachers who have not previously administered the survey. The
EDI is designed to be interpreted at a group level and all costs are being covered
by the Human Early Learning Partnership.
Communication and Access
a.
Field Trips
The superintendent of schools reviewed a listing of field trip requests, three of
which had been approved by the superintendent pursuant to policy.
MOTION:
Jamieson/Shunter that the following field trip request be approved:
•
February 1 to 6, 2005, for 50 students from KVR Middle School
to travel to Quebec for winter carnival (two days in Montreal and
four days in Quebec City).
CARRIED
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MOTION:
Little/Manning that the following field trip request be approved for
funding as per board policy:
•
10.3
11.0
Other Items
a.
Enrolment
In reviewing the enrolment as of December 16, 2004, the assistant superintendent
advised there are 27 fewer students than reported last month. The total enrolment
now numbers 7,432 students and 7,112.1 FTE.
b.
French Immersion Application Procedures
The director of instruction reviewed application procedures for Late French
Immersion (LFI) and Early French Immersion (EFI), should there be sufficient
enrolment to offer the EFI program. Information sessions have been scheduled for
January 13, 18, 19 and 24 and the application deadline is 4:00 p.m. on Friday,
February 4, 2005 for both LFI and EFI. All applications received prior to the
deadline will be considered on a random draw (lottery) basis and applications
received after the deadline will be placed on a wait list on a first come, first served
basis. The results will be available at the February school board meeting at which
time final approval regarding the provision of French Immersion will be considered.
c.
Partners’ Group Meeting
Arrangements are being made for a second Partners’ Group Meeting to be held on
February 23, 2005, 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the Penticton Lakeside Resort.
Representatives from each partner group as well as student representatives will
attend. Mr. Doi noted the district’s goals will be reviewed at this meeting.
Okanagan Nation Alliance Assembly
Trustee Van Alphen reported regarding her attendance at the Okanagan Nation General
Assembly against Drug Dealers and the Drug Trade in the Okanagan Nation Territory
held on December 21. Approximately 300 people and representatives of all seven bands
attended the highly emotional meeting which included video presentations, band and
school district presentations, break out groups, and discussiond on what can be done to
improve the situation.
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
12.1
Committee and Representative Appointments
Chairman Denesiuk presented committee and representative appointments to November
2005. Trustee/school liaison appointments for September 2004 to November 2005 were
confirmed in June 2004 and were circulated for information only.
MOTION:
13.0
November 30 to December 5, 2004, for 13 students from
Penticton Secondary School to travel to Fort St. John to compete
in the provincial volleyball championships.
CARRIED
REPORT OF REPRESENTATIVES
11.1
12.0
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – January 10, 2005
Shunter/Little that the committee and representative appointments to
November 2005 be confirmed.
CARRIED
INFORMATION ITEMS
13.1
BCSTA Provincial Council Meeting
The BCSTA Provincial Council meeting will be held on February 11 and 12, 2005 in
Vancouver. It was noted that agenda items must be received by January 11, 2005.
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
BCSTA Okanagan Branch Meeting
The BCSTA Okanagan Branch meeting will be held on February 18 and 19, 2005 in
Salmon Arm.
13.3
BCSTA Annual General Meeting
The deadline for submission of motions for BCSTA’s Annual General Meeting to be held
March 31 to April 3, 2005 is as follows:
13.4
Extraordinary motions – January 20, 2005
Substantive motions – January 31, 2005
Date of Next Meeting
• February 14, 2005, Regular Meeting, School Board Office
TRUSTEE COMMENTS
14.1
Trustee Comments
14.2
Recognition of Student Success
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha) extended congratulations to the students and
groups for outstanding examples of success as shown on the listing circulated with the
agenda package. Additionally, Chairman Denesiuk praised students for their efforts in
fundraising for the survivors of the tsunami in Southeast Asia.
14.3
Recognition of Student Artwork
Students from Columbia Elementary School were recognized for their artwork currently
on display at the school board office:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
15.0
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – January 10, 2005
13.2
•
•
14.0
Page 7
Cheyenne Richardson – Kindergarten – Owl in Flight
Brandon Kampe – Grade 1 – Darkness Falling
Spencer Lidstone – Grade 3 – Velveteen Rabbit
Kody Clark – Grade 4 – Arrangement
Brett Fleming – Grade 4 – Pumpkin Field
Amber Landry – Grade 5 – Quidditch Teams
Graeme Petersen – Grade 5 – Odds & Sods
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION:
Manning/Van Alphen that the meeting be adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
CARRIED
16.0
QUESTION PERIOD
____________________
Chairperson
____________________
Secretary-Treasurer
January 14, 2005
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