BOARD OF SCHOOL TRUSTEES
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 67 (OKANAGAN SKAHA)
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
HELD ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2005, AT 7:30 P.M.
AT THE 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. Burgoyne, District Principal
D. Adey, Executive Secretary
P. Sargeant, Principal, Naramata 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 and addendum be approved.
CARRIED
3.0
PRESENTATIONS BY SCHOOLS AND/OR STUDENTS
3.1
Naramata Elementary School Fine Arts Program
Students Michael Hindson and Max Chapman, accompanied by Janet Watts (teacher),
Sarah Matlock (student teacher), Julie Young (parent), Petronella Van Den Berg (artist),
and Principal Peg Sargeant, highlighted the fine arts program at Naramata Elementary
School and presented a short PowerPoint depicting how a focus in this area has brought
the community and school together through art, drama, music, and dance.
3.2
Summerland and Skaha Lake Middle Schools
Summerland and Skaha Lake Middle schools have teamed up with Interior Health and
the Penticton Recreation Department in a project to encourage middle school students to
adopt healthier lifestyles. Students from both schools, accompanied by their principals
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Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – February 14, 2005
and Bob Pope, Penticton Recreation Department, presented information regarding the
“Step Into Action” project. Research has continually proven that lifestyles comprised of
poor nutrition, lack of physical activity and increased stress contribute to the onset of
many chronic illnesses such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes. The “Step into
Action” project consists of two main components: a) pedometer program, and b) health
fair. The pedometer program will provide a grade set of pedometers to each school and
will be signed out to students to monitor and increase their physical activity. They will
use an on-line program to enter their daily steps. The health fair, to be held on June 15
at Summerland Middle School, will be a day-long event to expose students to a variety of
healthy lifestyle stations.
4.0
RECEIVING OF DELEGATIONS AND GUESTS
5.0
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Little that the minutes of the regular meeting held on January 10, 2005
be approved.
CARRIED
6.0
REPORT FROM CLOSED MEETING
The secretary-treasurer reported on the regular closed meeting held on January 10 and the
special closed meeting held on January 31, 2005:
Regular Meeting held on January 10, 2005:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
received correspondence regarding a personnel matter;
received reports from the finance and management committee and discipline
committee;
approved teaching, excluded, and CUPE staff changes;
received information regarding student suspensions; and
received information related to upcoming meetings.
Special Meeting held on January 31, 2005:
1.
2.
7.0
accepted a resignation for retirement and approved principal and vice principal
reassignments; and
approved a process to fill principal and vice principal vacancies.
CORRESPONDENCE
7.1
Letter and Petition from Students
A letter and petition with 320 names requesting that the math curriculum be reviewed and
replaced with a curriculum that takes more into account the needs of the people who are
taking the courses.
7.2
Letter from Okanagan University College
A letter from Okanagan University College advising 29 student teachers from the college
are presently or will be experiencing their practice teaching in the school district during
the 2004-05 school year, thanks to the many sponsor teachers.
7.3
Letter from Terry Fox Foundation
A letter from the Terry Fox Foundation acknowledging the efforts of schools in School
District No. 67 for raising $5,561.50 for cancer research in 2004 through Terry Fox
School Runs.
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Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – February 14, 2005
7.4
Letter from CUPE B.C.
A letter from Barry O’Neill, President, CUPE BC Division, regarding comments made at a
conference in Toronto by the head of the government corporation that oversees
privatization of public services in British Columbia.
7.5
Letter from B.C. Federation of Labour
A letter from Jim Sinclair, President, B.C. Federation of Labour, and Jinny Sims,
President, BC Teachers’ Federation, urging the board to take a position of strong
opposition to the Wright Report.
7.6
Letter from McNicoll Park Middle School Parent Advisory Council
A letter from McNicoll Park Middle School Parent Advisory Council regarding the drop
off/pick up location for students catching the 8:30 bus at McNicoll Park school.
7.7
Letter from Citizen
A letter from Linda Mercer regarding the Early French Immersion program asking the
board to think long and hard about the consequences before making Early French
Immersion a reality in this district.
7.8
Letter from Minister of Education
A letter from the Minister of Education expressing concern about the recent disclosures
involving the failure of some school boards to report to the British Columbia College of
Teachers the disciplining of teachers and others who hold certificates of qualification.
7.9
Copy of Letter from Minister of Education
A copy of a letter forwarded by the Minister of Education to meeting participants to
discuss the processes (outlined in the School Act) for reporting discipline matters
regarding College members to the College and requesting that school board chairs
undertake an immediate review of the reporting practices in their districts so that the
public may be assured that the current legislation is being fully implemented.
In response to a request, Assistant Superintendent Stigant outlined requirements in the
School Act for reporting discipline matters regarding College members and advised that
our school district is fully compliant with these requirements.
7.10
Copy of Letter to Premier
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 54 (Bulkley Valley) to the Premier
regarding comments made in the December 16, 2004 BC Progress Report.
7.11
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 2005-06 funding for public education.
7.12
Copy of Letter to Minister of Education
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 39 (Vancouver) to the Minister of
Education expressing concerns about the Ministry’s new grade 10 provincial exams to be
imposed this year.
7.13
Copy of Letter to School District No. 23 (Central Okanagan)
A copy of a letter forwarded by British Columbia School Trustees Association to School
District No. 23 (Central Okanagan) regarding resolutions recently passed by the BC
School Sports Association.
7.14
Copy of Letter to Member of Parliament
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 34 (Abbotsford) to MP Randy White
regarding Bill C-17 regarding the decriminalization of marijuana.
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Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – February 14, 2005
7.15
Copy of Letter to Minister of Education
A copy of a letter forwarded by Penticton Secondary School Parent Advisory Council to
the Minister of Education supporting his decision to eliminate the sale of “junk food” in
elementary and middle schools and asking that the ban not be extended to secondary
schools.
7.16
Letter from Parents
A letter from Sarah Broder and Chris Toneff requesting the Board to establish an Early
French Immersion program without the “magical number” of 40 families.
7.17
Letter from Parent
A letter from Ron Hayman regarding the possibility of Early French Immersion not starting
in September 2005 and encouraging the possibility of launching one class in
Summerland and one in Penticton.
7.18
Letter from Parent
A letter from Subrina Monteith regarding the proposed Early French Immersion program.
7.19
Letter from Parent
A letter from Liisa Bloomfield expressing concern regarding the Early French Immersion
program possibly not beginning in September 2005.
7.20
Letter from CPF Okanagan-Skaha
A letter from Jan Theilmann, CPF Okanagan-Skaha, expressing concern that the
registration numbers of Early French Immersion may not be sufficient to fulfil the
requirements of the proposal that was conditionally passed at the December 2004 board
meeting and suggesting two additional options.
MOTION:
8.0
Page 4
Shunter/Van Alphen that the correspondence be received and referred to
appropriate committees.
CARRIED
REPORT OF COMMITTEES
8.1
Education Committee
Trustee Manning reported on the education committee visitation to Skaha Lake Middle
School on January 11, 2005. Committee members were met by leadership students,
toured classes in session, and enjoyed lunch with staff members. Additionally, Trustee
Manning reported on the education committee meeting held on February 8, 2005:
a.
Early Intervention Program
Early intervention teacher Allison Bailey and literacy helping teacher Judy Scott
provided an overview of the program’s history and impact on student achievement.
The intervention program was first implemented in the 1999-2000 school year. The
goal is to meet the individual needs of students who were identified as ‘at risk’ of
early literacy failure. The program intervention has been very successful. The
results indicate that, on average, over 90% of the students who were first identified
‘at risk’ were meeting expectations in the next year and continue to maintain that
standard. However, it should be noted that the program is not available to all
primary students identified ‘at risk’ in reading.
b.
Aboriginal Progress Report
Assistant Superintendent Dave Stigant presented an overview of achievement
trends for district aboriginal students. Particular note was made of the
improvements in school completion/graduation rates. Note was also made of the
successes noted through the early literacy initiatives for reading and oral language.
While aboriginal student achievement has significantly improved, it was also noted
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Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – February 14, 2005
that the goal of having the aboriginal student population achieve at the district
average has not yet been achieved.
c.
Aboriginal Education Advisory
Assistant Superintendent Dave Stigant reported on the work that is ongoing toward
the completion of an Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement. Discussions
are proceeding positively to restructure the Advisory as a Planning Council with
membership from the aboriginal partners including the Penticton Indian Band. The
Board was supportive of the direction the enhancement talks are taking and
encouraged staff to continue with the completion of the Enhancement Agreement
as supported by the school board and the Penticton Indian Band chief and council.
d.
Wireless Laptops in Schools
Superintendent Gary Doi and Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Ron Shongrunden
presented some international research findings related to the educational benefits
of student use of wireless laptops. Consideration is being given to creating an
action research pilot project at the secondary school level.
e.
2005 Summer Leadership Conference
Superintendent Gary Doi presented a draft copy of the Summer Leadership
Conference being planned for August 22 and 23, 2005 in Penticton, BC. The
theme of the conference is “Sustaining School Improvement – How far can we go?”
It is intended to appeal to all partner groups in the province – teachers, school
administrators, trustees, parents and district staff. In the next few weeks, the
preliminary program will be featured on the district website, www.sd67.bc.ca.
MOTION:
8.2
Manning/Shunter that the report of the education committee be received.
CARRIED
Finance and Management Committee
Trustee Little reported on the finance and management committee meeting held on
February 14, 2005:
a.
2004-05 Amended Budget
Secretary-Treasurer Regehr reviewed proposed budget adjustments for the final
2004-05 budget. The review included the district’s final funding from the Ministry of
Education, other revenue changes affecting the budget, expenditures and changes
resulting from enrolment increases, and new programs. The committee was
advised funding increases for regular and special education enrolment have been
allocated for these students and new government grants have also funded new
expenditure budgets for the programs Ready Set Learn, literacy initiatives, and the
Penticton Secondary School feasibility study. Other budget adjustments included:
Revenue Increases
Operating grants increase (net of $230,600 estimate)
Facility rentals
International students
Expenditures
Teacher salary – reduction in average cost
Benefit cost – reduction in EHB cost
$ 88,911
138,000
85,000
$ 100,000
90,000
The total funds available from these budget changes is calculated at $495,788 and
following discussion, the committee agreed to recommend the final budget include
the following adjustments:
School supply budgets
Equipment repair account
Maintenance supply budget
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$ 37,788
60,000
10,000
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Page 6
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – February 14, 2005
Equipment – desks/chairs/tables and photocopier
Purchase maintenance delivery vehicle
Roots of Empathy – add second program
Learning resources – text books and software
Laptop computer pilot project
Implementation of human resources software installation
Funds to participate at the AICHI trade exposition to
promote the international student program
Video surveillance equipment
Technology purchases – replace one computer class
80,000
33,000
20,000
70,000
70,000
25,000
10,000
30,000
50,000
$495,788
The secretary-treasurer further requested that should additional savings be
identified in the 2004-05 budget during the remainder of the year, they be directed
to support the following expenditures:
Provision to complete GAAP deficiency
Technology purchases – replace one computer class
Funds to support fiber connection of schools
Lions Quest – Thrive
Provision to complete GAAP deficiency
$ 75,000
$ 50,000
$100,000
$ 30,000
$ 75,000
Before reviewing the wording in the amended annual budget bylaw, Trustee Little
noted this budget restores many of the items to the level they were at before
adoption of the 2004-05 preliminary budget.
8.3
MOTION:
Little/Van Alphen that following first reading of School District No. 67
(Okanagan Skaha) Amended Annual Budget Bylaw for the fiscal
year 2004-05 in the amount of $50,241,141, the Board of School
Trustees passes the bylaw.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Little/Van Alphen that following second reading of School District No.
67 (Okanagan Skaha) Amended Annual Budget Bylaw for the fiscal
year 2004-05 in the amount of $50,241,141, the Board of School
Trustees passes the bylaw.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Little/Van Alphen that following third reading of School District No. 67
(Okanagan Skaha) Amended Annual Budget Bylaw for the fiscal
year 2004-05 in the amount of $50,241,141, the Board of School
Trustees passes and adopts the bylaw.
CARRIED
Committee of the Whole
Chairman Denesiuk provided information regarding the committee of the whole meeting
held on January 31:
a.
Board Self Review
Chairman Denesiuk and Superintendent Doi reviewed some of the framework for a
school board self-review. Examples of ineffective and effective performance for
areas of leadership, stewardship, and relationship were provided. Trustees were
requested to complete nine questions that provided examples to illustrate their view
of SD67’s performance in each of the topic areas and will meet to review at noon
on February 22.
MOTION:
Jamieson/Lindstrom that the report of the committee of the whole be
received.
CARRIED
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9.0
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – February 14, 2005
REPORT OF SECRETARY-TREASURER
9.1
Penticton Secondary School Planning Committee
The secretary-treasurer reported that the Penticton Secondary School planning
committee, created to assist with the design of the new facility, will meet on February 21.
During the past two weeks, members of the committee viewed five schools in the greater
Vancouver area which are similar in size to Penticton Secondary and were completed in
the last two years. The committee will also be touring Kelowna Secondary school later
this week.
9.2
Financial Report
For information only, the secretary-treasurer reviewed the financial report to January 31,
2005 provided in the agenda package. Changes to the budget approved tonight will be
reflected in the next financial report. Mr. Regehr added we are confident we will have a
balanced budget at the end of the year.
9.3
2005-06 Funding Announcement
The secretary-treasurer reviewed the announcement from the Ministry of Education
which indicates the province will increase funding by $150 million for the 2005-06 school
year, which will likely mean $1.5 million in additional funds for the school district. Details
of the budget and amounts individual districts will receive will not be available until up to
March 15.
9.4
2005-06 Budget Development
The secretary-treasurer presented a proposed schedule of meetings to prepare for the
adoption of the district’s 2005-06 annual operating budget. The proposal establishes a
public budget meeting of March 16 at which we should be able to advise what the funding
beyond the current spending level will be, a tentative meeting scheduled for April 14 to
meet with representatives of parent advisory councils and school planning councils, and
a special board meeting on April 25 to adopt the annual budget.
MOTION:
10.0
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Van Alphen/Jamieson that support be given for the proposed schedule of
meetings to prepare for the adoption of the 2005-06 annual budget.
CARRIED
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
10.1
10.2
Student Achievement
a.
District Workgroups (Literacy, Numeracy, Social Responsibility)
Superintendent Doi reported the literacy workgroup will meet on Monday, February
21, 4:00 p.m. at Princess Margaret Secondary. The focus of their meeting, as well
as the focus for numeracy and social responsibility workgroups, is to prepare
recommendations for the workgroups to bring to the next partners’ group meeting.
b.
Partners’ Group Meeting
The partners’ group meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 23, Penticton
Lakeside Resort, 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to review the
progress of and recommendations for the three district goals.
Communication and Access
a.
Field Trips
The superintendent of schools reviewed a listing of field trip requests circulated
with the agenda package, one of which had been approved by the superintendent.
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b.
10.3
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Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – February 14, 2005
MOTION:
Little/Manning that the field trip request for 77 grade 7 French
Immersion students to travel to Banff, Columbia Icefields, Calgary
Olympic site, and Drumheller from May 18 to 20, 2005 be approved.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Shunter/Van Alphen that the field trip request for 21 Summerland
Secondary School students to travel to Italy from March 22 to April 4,
2005 be approved.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Lindstrom/Van Alphen that funding as per district policy be approved
for one grade 12 student from Princess Margaret Secondary School
to participate in the Forum for Young Canadians in Ottawa from April
16 to 23, 2005.
CARRIED
Arts & Science in Harmony 2005
Director of Instruction Schafer reviewed plans for the district’s Arts & Science in
Harmony 2005 in which all schools in SD67 will be participating on March 7, 8, and
9 at the Penticton Trade & Convention Centre. There will be an exhibition of
student art works, 1800 musicians representing 39 elementary, middle and
secondary school bands from throughout BC and Washington, and the jointly
sponsored (Kiwanis Club of Penticton and SD67) science fair.
Other Items
a.
Enrolment
The assistant superintendent reported that enrolment as of January 31, 2005
showed an increase of 34 students over the previous month. The district’s current
enrolment is 7,466 students or 7,120.96 FTE.
MOTION:
b.
Van Alphen/Lindstrom that the enrolment report be received.
CARRIED
French Immersion
Assistant Superintendent Stigant reviewed highlights of the feasibility study
including a summary of educational, financial and operational implications related
to the different models of implementing the program presented prior to approval in
principle being given at the December school board meeting. Director of
Instruction Schafer provided an overview of the ways the district solicited
community applications for the Early and Late French Immersion programs and
Superintendent Doi announced the total registration applications received by the
application deadline as follows:
Late Immersion
(Penticton – KVR)
Late Immersion
(Summerland –
SMS)
Early Immersion
(K)
MOTION:
Class Size
Limit
31
Deadline
Feb. 4/05
89
After
Deadline
2
Total as of
Feb. 14/05
91
31
33
2
35
22
22
5
27
Shunter/Jamieson that, for the 2005-06 school year, approval be
granted for three grade 6 Late French Immersion classes in the
Penticton zone (KVR Middle School) and one grade 6 Late French
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Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – February 14, 2005
Immersion class in the Summerland zone (Summerland Middle
School).
CARRIED
MOTION:
Jamieson/Manning that, due to insufficient registration, the Board not
proceed with the implementation of Early French Immersion for the
2005-06 school year.
CARRIED
Trustees Lindstrom and Shunter requested that their negative votes be recorded.
Trustees acknowledged the efforts of staff in preparing the feasibility study,
organizing informational meetings, and arranging for the application process and
thanked Canadian Parents for French for their involvement with the process.
c.
Policy No. 305 – Choice and Flexibility
Assistant Superintendent Stigant advised the 30-day circulation period to
stakeholders was approved at the January 10th board meeting for Policy No. 305 –
Choice and Flexibility. To date, no suggestions have been received to modify
Appendixes A or B and the appendixes, which reflect tonight’s decision, are
therefore recommended for adoption.
MOTION:
d.
School Calendar
A school board motion is required by May 31, 2005 to approve the 2005-06 school
calendar for the district. Notice of the intention to pass the standard school
calendar or a local school calendar at the May 9th school board meeting is required
to be sent to parent and employee groups by April 11th. A copy of the proposed
standard calendar was circulated with the agenda package.
MOTION:
e.
Lindstrom/Van Alphen that the proposed changes to Appendixes A
and B of Policy No. 305 – Choice and Flexibility be approved.
CARRIED
Van Alphen/Jamieson that the 2005-06 school calendar be approved
for circulation to parent and employee groups.
CARRIED
Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement
The assistant superintendent reported that a community meeting will be held on
February 22 related to the development of an aboriginal education enhancement
agreement and community input for the selection process of an aboriginal vice
principal. The development of this agreement has been approved jointly by this
Board and the Penticton Indian Band. Of more than four hundred aboriginal
students in our district, two-thirds reside outside the Penticton Indian Band.
11.0
REPORT OF REPRESENTATIVES
12.0
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
13.0
INFORMATION ITEMS
13.1
BCSTA Provincial Council Meeting
Trustee Little reported regarding the BCSTA Provincial Council meeting held on February
11 and 12, 2005 in Vancouver. Speakers included a panel from the BC College of
Teachers, the Deputy Minister of Education, and Ministry of Education representatives
providing updates on Ready Set Learn, healthy schools, and arts and music programs.
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Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – February 14, 2005
Discussions centered around the election of the board at the upcoming annual general
meeting and approval of a 2% increase for the BCSTA budget.
14.0
13.2
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 BCSTA Annual General Meeting and Canadian School Board Association Congress
will be held March 31 to April 3, 2005 in Vancouver.
13.4
Date of Next Meeting
• March 14, 2005, Regular Meeting, School Board Office
TRUSTEE COMMENTS
14.1
Trustee Comments
Trustee Jamieson acknowledged the efforts of the committee which produced the book
“One Hundred Years of Schooling”, launched on February 12. Monies raised from the
sale of the book will be directed towards scholarships for students in the district.
Trustees requested that a letter of congratulations be forwarded to the organizing
committee.
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 recognition sheet included
with the agenda package.
14.3
Recognition of Student Artwork
Students from Carmi Elementary School were recognized for their artwork currently on
display at the school board office:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
15.0
Cassie Kelley – Grade 1
Gabby Tunold – Grade 1
Rachael Green – Grade 2
Delaney Anderson – Grade 3
Lindsey Marsden – Grade 3
Ashaya Egilson – Grade 5
Dean Grimm – Grade 5
Zoe Hartwick – Grade 5
Kyler Probyn – Grade 5
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION:
Manning/Van Alphen that the meeting be adjourned at 9:35 p.m.
CARRIED
16.0
QUESTION PERIOD
____________________
Chairperson
____________________
Secretary-Treasurer
February 22, 2005
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