BOARD OF SCHOOL TRUSTEES
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 67 (OKANAGAN SKAHA)
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
HELD ON MONDAY, MARCH 14, 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
M. Smitten, Principal, Wiltse 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/Van Alphen that the agenda and addendum be approved.
CARRIED
3.0
PRESENTATIONS BY SCHOOLS AND/OR STUDENTS
3.1
Roots of Empathy
Deb Donoghue (helping teacher), Jody Scotchburn (parent) with daughter Allie, Betts
Blakley (education assistant) and Pam McCluskey (facilitator) provided an update on the
Roots of Empathy pilot project at McNicoll Park Middle School. Roots of Empathy
focuses on raising the levels of empathy which results in more respectful and caring
relationships and reduces the levels of bullying and aggression. Ms. Donoghue advised
that teacher survey results have been very positive regarding the program and it is hoped
the program will be extended into one more school in the coming year. This will require
six more facilitators and ten more babies.
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Page 2
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – March 14, 2005
3.2
Penticton Secondary Provincial Debate Team
Teacher Sharon Lindstrom and seven Penticton Secondary students, Neil Surkan,
Wesley Hopkin, Dan Ming, Michael Beckett, Heather Lueck, Russell Cannings, and Ali
Brent, highlighted the results and experience of competing at the provincial public
speaking event held on March 5th in Vancouver. Students at the school received seven
medals in the provincial competition including a bronze medal for Dan Ming in the senior
division of public speaking and a gold medal for Wesley Hopkin for the junior division in
public speaking. Wesley and Dan presented their winning speeches.
3.3
Instructional Strategies Project and Concept Attainment (Math)
Katie Hicks, Acting Principal, Skaha Lake Middle School, introduced the topic of the
current and future work of the Instructional Strategies Project. Ms. Hicks advised the
focus of professional development has been on building instructional capacities and
sharing instructional capacity and reviewed the progress to date.
Teachers Ken Ireson and Kevin Lodermeier presented the Concept Attainment
instructional strategy applied to mathematics. The middle school math teachers have
been developing ‘data sets’ to support teachers interested in using this instructional
strategy. The data sets (along with other instructional strategies) are posted on the
district website at www.sd67.bc.ca.
On April 13th, teachers will be sharing the concept attainment strategy along with other
instructional strategies with the middle school teachers at a dinner workshop session
(4:00 to 8:00 p.m.). This will be an opportunity for demo lessons, sharing of projects and
sharing of instructional strategies as posted on the district website.
Following a number of questions, appreciation was extended to all individuals for their
presentations.
4.0
RECEIVING OF DELEGATIONS AND GUESTS
5.0
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
MOTION:
Manning/Lindstrom that the minutes of the regular meeting held on February 14,
2005 be approved.
CARRIED
6.0
REPORT FROM CLOSED MEETING
The secretary-treasurer reported on the closed meetings held on February 14 and March 2, 2005:
Regular Meeting held on February 14, 2005:
1.
received reports from the committee of the whole meeting; finance and management
committee; and discipline committee;
2.
approved teaching, excluded, and CUPE staff changes;
3.
approved a property matter;
4.
approved a second property matter;
Declaring a possible conflict of interest, Trustee Van Alphen left the meeting for this topic
on the agenda.
5.
approved requests for teacher leaves;
6.
received information regarding student suspensions; and
7.
approved a process for a survey.
Special Meeting held on March 2, 2005:
1.
approved principal and vice principal appointments and reassignments; and
2.
approved a process to fill a vice principal vacancy.
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7.0
Page 3
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – March 14, 2005
CORRESPONDENCE
7.1
Letter from Parent
A letter from Tracy St. Claire expressing disappointment that the Board voted against
instituting an Early French Immersion program for 2005-06 and urging the Board to
consider running one French kindergarten class and one regular kindergarten class at
Queen’s Park for next year.
7.2
Letter from Minister of Education
A letter from the Minister of Education announcing that the government will invest $1.5
billion to seismically upgrade BC schools over the next 15 years.
7.3
Copy of Letter to Metro Branch Chair
A copy of a letter forwarded by the British Columbia School Trustees Association to the
Metro Branch Chair regarding the development process and BCSTA’s election
communications material.
7.4
Copy of Letter to School District No. 39 (Vancouver)
A copy of a letter forwarded by the Minister of Education to School District No. 39
(Vancouver) regarding the Grade 10 Graduation Program examinations.
7.5
Copy of Letter to Minister of Skills Development and Labour
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 39 (Vancouver) to the Minister of Skills
Development and Labour expressing disappointment with the Wright Commission
Report.
7.6
Copy of Letter to Minister of Education
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 52 (Prince Rupert) to the Minister of
Education regarding the recent funding announcement.
7.7
Copy of Letter to Prime Minister of Canada
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 78 (Fraser-Cascade) to the Prime
Minister of Canada regarding Bill C-17 and the decriminalization of marijuana.
7.8
Copy of Letter to B.C. School Sports Association
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 34 (Abbotsford) to B.C. School Sports
Association regarding the eligibility of students enrolled in sports schools.
7.9
Letter from Okanagan Skaha Parents for French
A letter from Okanagan Skaha Parents for French thanking the Board and district office
for their efforts into expanding the French Immersion program in the district.
7.10
Copy of Letter to Minister of Education
A copy of a letter forwarded by CUPE B.C. to the Minister of Education calling on the
Ministry to further support children by providing school districts with targeted funding for
school library resources and staff.
MOTION:
Shunter/Van Alphen that the correspondence be received.
CARRIED
8.0
REPORT OF COMMITTEES
8.1
Committee of the Whole
Chairman Denesiuk reported regarding the committee of the whole meetings held on
February 22 and March 10, 2005:
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Page 4
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – March 14, 2005
Meeting of February 22, 2005:
a.
Board Self Review
The committee discussed the following evaluation topics:
1.0
1.1
1.2
1.3
2.0
2.1
2.2
2.3
Leadership: How do we view our purpose?
Mission, Vision and Values
Policy and Planning Leadership
School Board Decision-Making
Stewardship
Student Achievement
Results Orientation
Accountability for Human and Financial Resources
The remaining review topics will be discussed at the next meeting to be held on
March 10, at 12:00 noon.
Meeting of March 10, 2005
a.
Board Self Review
Superintendent Doi reviewed the ranking of review topics completed at the
February 22 meeting.
The committee then reviewed the remaining evaluation topics:
3.0
Relationship
3.1 Relationship with the Superintendent
3.2 Relationship among School Trustees
3.3 Community Engagement
Following this review, the ranking of the nine issues was summarized to consider
which review areas should be further examined. This discussion included:
•
•
Student achievement
New trustee in-service/mentoring
Superintendent Doi circulated and reviewed the document “Improving the
Achievement of all Students”, a process that could assist in developing the next
budget.
The process would encourage the prioritizing of budget choices
referenced to the topics of Leadership, Instructional, and Organizational topics.
8.2
Finance and Management Committee
Trustee Little provided information on the finance and management committee meeting
held on March 9, 2005:
a.
Board Correspondence
The committee received letters from the B.C. Federation of Labour/BCTF regarding
the Wright Commission and from CUPE B.C. Trustee Denesiuk informed the
committee of her attendance at a School District No. 67 CUPE local meeting on
February 26.
b.
BCPSEA – EHB Premium Holiday
Our school district was advised all districts participating in the BCPSEA benefits
buying group will receive a two-month premium holiday for extended health
benefits. The secretary-treasurer advised a letter confirming this commitment has
recently been received and SD67 estimates the saving at nearly $70,000.
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c.
Page 5
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – March 14, 2005
Preparation for March 16th Budget Meeting
The secretary-treasurer confirmed that the Ministry of Education funding estimate
has not been received. Based on the provincial funding increase and an estimate
of cost for 2005-06, approximately $1.3 has been estimated as funds available for
budget enhancements. This amount includes provision for the administrative
staffing changes previously announced and budget for the school calendar
approved at the February board meeting.
The superintendent suggested a process to assist in the review of budget changes
and the committee supported further information as developed.
MOTION:
8.3
Buildings, Grounds, Safety and Transportation Committee
Trustee Jamieson reported on the buildings, grounds, safety and transportation
committee meeting held on March 2, 2005:
a.
Board Meeting Correspondence
The committee reviewed a letter from the Queen’s Park parent advisory chair. In
addition to comments about the PAC’s efforts to improve safety for students
traveling to school, a request was also made to fund the crosswalk mannequin
Safety Suzy. Director of Maintenance John Hickling reviewed current practices
regarding increasing awareness about crosswalks including schools’ use of the
mannequin and traffic cones. The district does provide the first mannequin at no
charge, charges for the second and, if additional mannequins are damaged, may
provide at no cost. The committee did not recommend any changes to current
practice.
b.
Bussing at McNicoll Park Middle School
Buses transporting from the Nkwala community to Uplands and Columbia schools
are picking up students from the driveway of McNicoll Park Middle School. This
location was established by administrators following a review. Supervision of these
Columbia and Uplands students is not provided at McNicoll. The principals from
the schools and district staff will meet to examine how the student waiting time may
be reduced and how to improve the students’ behaviour.
c.
Transportation Funding
The secretary-treasurer reviewed possible changes being considered by the
Ministry of Education for transportation funding.
d.
PSS Planning
The secretary-treasurer reviewed the February 21, 2005 Penticton Secondary
School planning committee meeting.
MOTION:
9.0
Little/Shunter that the minutes of the finance and management
committee meeting be received.
CARRIED
Jamieson/Van Alphen that the minutes of the buildings, grounds, safety
and transportation committee be received.
CARRIED
REPORT OF SECRETARY-TREASURER
9.1
Penticton Secondary School Planning Committee
The secretary-treasurer advised the Penticton Secondary School planning committee
reviewed three different options for the design of new facility during their meeting on
February 21. These options look at variations of how the building would be placed
behind and attached to the Ellis building and include variations for a three-storey building.
The committee will meet on March 17.
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
9.2
10.0
Page 6
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – March 14, 2005
2005-06 Budget Development
The secretary-treasurer reported the public budget meeting will be held on Wednesday,
March 16, at Queen’s Park Elementary School. This meeting was established later than
in previous years as we were advised the budget information would be in place by March
15. Mr. Regehr added that it appears the district will have $1.3 million available for
budget enhancements based on an assumption of what we might receive in Ministry
funding.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
10.1
10.2
Student Achievement
a.
District Workgroups (Literacy, Numeracy and Social Responsibility)
The superintendent reported the literacy workgroup presented a Smart Reading
Pro-d session on February 18 with 250 people in attendance and the presentations
earlier tonight are examples of what teachers are doing towards the numeracy and
social responsibility goals.
b.
Partners’ Group Meeting
Mr. Doi advised a meeting was held on Wednesday, February 23, at the Penticton
Lakeside Resort, 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., to review the progress of and
recommendations for the three district goals.
Participants responded
enthusiastically to the progress achieved to date and expressed interest in the
emerging needs for the goal areas for the ‘Next Three Years’.
c.
Wireless Laptop Project
The assistant secretary-treasurer and superintendent reported the first meeting for
the wireless laptop project was held on February 28th with pilot teachers,
administrators and consultants in attendance. At a meeting held earlier today,
some of the technical aspects of the project were reviewed and discussed. Mr.
Shongrunden and Mr. Doi will be attending a Ministry meeting on March 17 in order
to discuss the ministry’s and district’s expectations of the pilot projects. The district
received $87,000 from the Ministry of Education for the wireless laptop project
which will be piloted at the three secondary schools.
Communication and Access
a.
Field Trips
The superintendent of schools reviewed a listing of field trip requests circulated
with the agenda package, four of which had been approved by the superintendent.
MOTION:
Jamieson/Manning that the following field trip requests be
approved:
•
•
•
March 4 and 5, 2005, for two grade 8 students to compete in the Law
Cup Foundation Provincial Debating Tournament in Vancouver and
that funding as per district policy be provided;
March 10 to 12, 2005, for 12 gymnastics students from Penticton
Secondary School to compete in the provincials competition in
Duncan and that funding as per district policy be provided;
March 4 and 5, 2005, for seven students from Penticton Secondary
School to compete in the provincial public speaking competitions and
provincial debating tournament in Vancouver and that funding as per
district policy be provided;
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Page 7
•
•
March 9 to 12, 2005, for 14 students from Penticton Secondary
School to compete in the provincial basketball tournament in North
Vancouver and that funding as per district policy be provided; and
June 14 to 17, 2005, for 125 grade 7 students from Summerland
Middle School to travel to Nanaimo, Parksville, Chemanius and
Victoria.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Little that the following field trip requests be
approved in principle:
•
June 25 to 30, 2005, for five grade 10 and 11 students from
Summerland Secondary School to participate in a six-day theatre
workshop in New York; and
July 5 to 26, 2006, for 35 Penticton Secondary and Summerland
Secondary students to travel to Australia on a rugby tour.
CARRIED
•
10.3
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – March 14, 2005
Other Items
a.
Enrolment
In reviewing the enrolment as of February 28, 2005, the assistant superintendent
advised there are 12 more students than reported last month. The total enrolment
now numbers 7,478 students and 7,124.8 FTE.
b.
Ministry Audit of the Home Learners’ Program
Superintendent Doi reported that on February 14 to 16, 2005, a Ministry of
Education team audited SD67’s distributed learning program (Home Learners’
Program). As a result of the audit, the district and principal, Sharon Sola, were
commended for being in full compliance with the Ministry’s policy.
The Home Learners’ Program provides options for families who prefer to have their
students educated in the home or who require timetabling flexibility. It offers
students and parents the resources, support and instructional assistance needed to
plan and deliver a home program reflective of their own individual needs, values
and philosophies.
MOTION:
c.
11.0
Shunter/Van Alphen that a letter of commendation be forwarded
to Principal Sharon Sola for the successful audit.
CARRIED
Arts & Science in Harmony 2005
A successful Arts & Science in Harmony 2005 was held on March 7, 8, and 9 at the
Penticton Trade & Centre. More than 1800 musicians representing 39 elementary,
middle and secondary school bands from throughout BC and Washington
participated in the band festival in addition to hundreds of children who presented
art work and entries in the science fair. Mr. Schafer added that over 100
volunteers from the community provide assistance to the program which is jointly
sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Penticton and School District No. 67.
REPORT OF REPRESENTATIVES
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12.0
14.0
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – March 14, 2005
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
12.1
13.0
Page 8
BCSTA Annual General Meeting
Trustees reviewed two extraordinary motions for the 2005 BCSTA annual general
meeting which were included in the agenda package. Trustees acknowledged they
would support the BCSTA Okanagan Branch in their request for an ad hoc committee to
review during the coming year the election procedures outlined in the first motion and
supported the second motion as circulated.
INFORMATION ITEMS
13.1
BCSTA Okanagan Branch Meeting
Trustees were reminded to bring their reports of their attendance at the BCSTA
Okanagan Branch meeting held on February 18 and 19, 2005 in Salmon Arm for
inclusion in the trustee reading file.
13.2
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.
14.1
Date of Next Meeting
• March 16, 2005, 7:00 p.m. public budget meeting, Queen’s Park
• April 11, 2005, Regular Meeting, School Board Office
• April 25, 2005, 7:00 p.m., special board meeting, school board office
TRUSTEE COMMENTS
14.1
Trustee Comments
Trustee Manning, Little, and Jamieson reviewed their attendance at school planning
council meetings held at Naramata Elementary, Queen’s Park Elementary, and Penticton
Secondary schools. Trustee Lindstrom congratulated Princess Margaret Secondary on
their successful fundraising event held last night for their dry grad celebrations.
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 Princess Margaret Secondary School were recognized for their artwork
currently on display at the school board office:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
George Allen, Grade 12
Zoe Cowell, Grade 12
Courtney Ek, Grade 11
Suzanne Fulbrook, Grade 11
Will Lawlor, Grade 11
Jamie Olson, Grade 12
Jamie Olson, Grade 12
Elyse Sarell, Grade 12
Orrey Voelk, Grade 12
Dry Point Print
Scratch Art
Scratch Art, “Hand Studies”
Ball Point Pen, “Bone Studies”
Dry Point Print
Scratch Art, “Hendrix & Page”
Scratch Art, “Hand Studies”
Scratch Art, “Hendrix & Page”
Scratch Art, “Hand Studies”
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15.0
Page 9
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – March 14, 2005
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION:
Manning/Van Alphen that the meeting be adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
CARRIED
16.0
QUESTION PERIOD
____________________
Chairperson
____________________
Secretary-Treasurer
March 18, 2005
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