BOARD OF SCHOOL TRUSTEES
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 67 (OKANAGAN SKAHA)
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
HELD ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 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
R. Shongrunden, Assistant Secretary-Treasurer
J. Hickling, Director of Maintenance
G. Schafer, Director of Instruction
D. Burgoyne, District Principal
L. Hauptman, District Principal
D. Adey, Executive Secretary
1.0
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Denesiuk welcomed to the meeting district staff, guests, and representatives of the
media.
2.0
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Jamieson that the agenda and addendum be approved.
CARRIED
3.0
PRESENTATIONS BY SCHOOLS AND/OR STUDENTS
3.1
Dictionary Project
The superintendent introduced Parkway Elementary School teacher, Evelyn Markin,
who initiated a partnership with the Penticton Rotary Club and London Drugs to provide
a free dictionary for each grade 4 student in the district. Ms. Markin reviewed the
process used for the project which will cost approximately $4,800. Each student will be
able to utilize their personal dictionary through to grade 12 and it is hoped, with the
continuing support of the Rotary Club of Penticton, this will become an annual project
for students in grade 4.
Following a number of questions, appreciation was extended to Ms. Markin for
undertaking this initiative.
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3.2
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Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – November 14, 2005
District Progress Report (November 2005)
Helping teachers Janice Clary, Judy Scott, and Chris Setters as well as Director of
Instruction Garth Schafer highlighted some features included in the 2005-06 District
Progress Report. Each spoke regarding the workgroup activities during the past year
related to literacy, numeracy, and social responsibility, acknowledged the efforts and
enthusiasm generated by the teachers during their subcommittee work, and highlighted
the goals and targets for this year.
Following a number of trustee comments, the presenters were thanked for their
presentations and for their efforts in the three goal areas.
4.0
RECEIVING OF DELEGATIONS AND GUESTS
Chairman Denesiuk introduced and welcomed Kevin Andrews and Walter Huebert, trustees
elect for the Penticton area. In response, both Mr. Andrews and Mr. Huebert stated they are
looking forward to working with the board and staff for the betterment of the students.
5.0
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
MOTION:
Little/Manning that the minutes of the regular meeting held on October 3, 2005
be approved.
CARRIED
6.0
REPORT FROM CLOSED MEETING
The secretary-treasurer reported on the closed meetings held on October 3 and 15, 2005:
Regular Meeting held on October 3, 2005:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Received correspondence;
Received a report from the buildings, grounds, safety and transportation committee;
Approved teaching, excluded, and CUPE staff changes;
Received information related to a property matter;
Approved a request for a teacher’s leave;
Received information regarding student suspensions;
Received information related to the teachers’ job action.
Special Closed Meeting held on October 15, 2005:
1.
7.0
Approved that a letter be sent to the Minister of Education regarding the current
labour dispute.
CORRESPONDENCE
7.1
Letter from Penticton and District Performing Arts Facilities Society
A request has been received from the Penticton and District Performing Arts Facilities
Society requesting that a trustee become a liaison with this society.
Trustee Little agreed to assume this role.
7.2
Letter from the Minister of Education
A letter from the Minister of Education announcing that beginning with the 2005-06
school year, additional funding will be provided to school districts that experience midyear enrolment growth in any of the three levels of supplementary-funded special
needs categories.
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Page 3
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – November 14, 2005
7.3
Letter from the British Columbia School Trustees Association
A letter from President Penny Tees, British Columbia School Trustees Association,
regarding the new mandate of the Ministry of Education to include literacy, early
learning, community libraries, health promoting schools, and “community – schools at
the hub”. The BCSTA is requesting feedback from school boards by November 17,
2005.
7.4
Letter from Princess Margaret Secondary School
A letter from Princess Margaret Secondary School announcing that the annual 10,000
To-Night canned food drive will take place on Thursday, December 1, 2005. This year
both Princess Margaret and Penticton Secondary students and staff will be canvassing
our neighbourhoods in an attempt to collect 10,000 items of canned food for the needy
on behalf of the Salvation Army Food Bank.
7.5
Letter from Labour Environmental Alliance Society
A letter forwarded by the Labour Environmental Alliance Society requesting that
trustees sign on to the enclosed “Students Environmental Bill of Rights” to better
protect our children from potentially harmful chemicals.
7.6
Copy of Letter to British Columbia School Trustees Association
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 47 (Powell River) to the British
Columbia School Trustees Association providing their input on the new mandate of the
Ministry of Education.
7.7
Copy of Letter to British Columbia School Trustees Association
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 5 (Southeast Kootenay) to BCSTA
providing their feedback to the questions posed by BCSTA regarding the Ministry’s new
mandate.
7.8
Copy of Letter to MLA Iain Black
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 43 (Coquitlam) to MLA Iain Black
regarding the “Outreach and Research” initiative.
7.9
Copy of Letter to British Columbia School Trustees Association
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 47 (Powell River) to the British
Columbia School Trustees Association requesting the terms of reference for the
Learning Roundtable, the process for making decisions, and how the BCSTA will
gather input from local school boards regarding issues at the Learning Roundtable.
7.10
Copy of Letter to Minister of Education and BCSTA
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 38 (Richmond) to the Minister of
Education and BCSTA expressing concern regarding the recently announced Learning
Roundtable and requesting that the expected outcomes of this roundtable be clearly
indicated.
7.11
News Release from Ministry of Education
A news release from the Ministry of Education announcing measures the province is
putting in place to assist students who missed days of instruction during the teachers’
strike.
7.12
Letter from the Minister of Education
A letter forwarded by the Minister of Education asking districts to consider creative
ways to minimize the impact of the lost instructional time to best support the learning
needs of students.
7.13
Copy of Letter to British Columbia School Trustees Association
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 78 (Fraser-Cascade) to the BCSTA
providing their feedback to the questions posed by BCSTA regarding the Ministry’s new
mandate.
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7.14
Page 4
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – November 14, 2005
Letter from OSTU and CUPE
A letter forwarded by the OSTU and CUPE requesting a meeting with all stakeholders
regarding the policy development on video surveillance in School District No. 67.
MOTION:
Shunter/Van Alphen that the correspondence be received and that the
letter from the Labour Environmental Alliance Society be referred to the
buildings, grounds, safety and transportation committee.
CARRIED
With respect to the letter from the Minister of Education, the superintendent advised
that no additional information has been received regarding the grant proposal and that
a meeting is scheduled within the next week with secondary principals to discuss
whether we should proceed with a proposal to provide supplementary instruction to
students.
8.0
REPORT OF COMMITTEES
8.1
Buildings, Grounds, Safety and Transportation Committee
Trustee Jamieson reported on the buildings, grounds, safety and transportation
committee meeting held on November 2, 2005:
a.
School Community Connection Program
The program guide and application for this program was distributed with the
agenda. Project funding of approximately $170,000 is available for each school
district. Projects are intended to increase the utilization of a school by the
community, require school board/local government collaboration, and a funding
commitment of $375,000.
b.
Technology Update
Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Ron Shongrunden distributed and reviewed a
financial summary of how telephone costs have been controlled due to the
development of a district’s telephone system. Cost reductions include reduced
phone lines, reduced switchboard requirements, reduced maintenance, reduced
long distance costs, and the ability to provide additional services including a
school public address system. The partnerships with technology companies,
including Cisco, have assisted in reducing the cost of building the system.
c.
Busing Update
Mr. Shongrunden reported that ridership on the Eastside Road buses has
increased since the end of the labour dispute. The potential ridership exceeds
the bus capacity and options to ensure the number of riders do not exceed
capacity are being reviewed. Options include removing courtesy ride students
from the bus.
d.
Princess Margaret Portable Request
Consideration is being given to moving a portable class to Princess Margaret
which could assist with adding a computer lab at the school.
e.
Summerland Hills Golf Resort
A revised plan for developing the golf resort has been received from the District
of Summerland and our school district has been asked to provide comments
before December 7, 2005. In response to the initial plan, we recommended
consideration be given to identifying an elementary school site. We have
clarified that this revised plan includes an elementary site which would be
suitable for our requirements.
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
f.
Jamieson/Little that the report of the buildings, grounds, safety and
transportation committee be received.
CARRIED
Committee of the Whole
Trustee Jamieson reported on the committee of the whole meeting held on November
2, 2005:
a.
Class Size Report
A pamphlet developed to report September 30, 2005 class size was distributed
and reviewed by District Principal Dave Burgoyne. In addition, a number of
slides detailing individual class enrolments were reviewed. As a result of the
review to prepare this information, it has been confirmed that School District No.
67 is in compliance with provincial class size legislation and a letter indicating
this has been forwarded to the Minister of Education. The committee was
advised the pamphlets will be distributed shortly.
MOTION:
8.3
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – November 14, 2005
Giant’s Head and Queen’s Park Elementary HVAC
Director of Maintenance John Hickling reviewed work to prepare for the
replacement of two school heating systems. Replacement of the roof top unit at
Giant’s Head Elementary has been funded for three years from the annual
facilities grant budget and due to estimated cost reductions in the project, we are
also planning for an upgrade at Queen’s Park Elementary. Mr. Hickling
described these projects might proceed during the months of December to May
for Queen’s Park and May to October for Giant’s Head in a process that involves
the conversion of two classrooms at a time. The planned HVAC units are
estimated to reduce energy consumption by 30%.
MOTION:
8.2
Page 5
Jamieson/Van Alphen that the report of the committee of the whole be
received.
CARRIED
Education Committee
Trustee Manning reported on the education committee meeting held on November 8,
2005:
a.
District Progress Report/Accountability Contract
The Board reviewed the student achievement plan for 2005-06 which is to be
submitted to the Minister of Education. The district plan is considered a ‘work in
progress’ and represents the collaborative effort of the literacy, numeracy and
social responsibility workgroups. The three goal areas, objectives, and strategies
outlined in the report are relevant to our vision of ‘improving the achievement of
all students’. A special thank you was extended to the helping teachers,
workgroups and district staff for their leadership and support.
MOTION:
b.
Manning/Shunter that the Board submit the District Progress Report to
the Minister of Education in compliance with section 79.2 of the School
Act.
CARRIED
Little Black Book
DPAC Chair Dee Dee Kolodychuk and parent Daryl Meyers presented
information on a Penticton and Summerland community resource booklet for
youth called the ‘Little Black Book’. This booklet was previously published and
distributed to grade 6-12 students in 2001-02. DPAC’s proposal is to update the
information in the booklet and secure the support of the middle and secondary
school principals, PAC’s, and the school board to distribute the ‘Little Black Book’
to grade 6-12 students interested in receiving a copy.
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MOTION:
c.
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – November 14, 2005
Manning/Lindstrom that the Board approve the distribution of the
community directory to grade 6-12 students as proposed.
CARRIED
Masters Research Proposals
Teachers Allen Beckingham, KVR Middle School, and Lorne Lovett, Skaha Lake
Middle School, have requested permission to conduct research projects for their
Masters degree programs.
MOTION:
8.4
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Manning/Shunter that the Board approve the Masters degree proposals
of Allen Beckingham and Lorne Lovett.
CARRIED
Finance and Management Committee
Trustee Little reported on the finance and management committee meeting held on
November 9, 2005:
a.
Tuition Fees for International Students during Labour Action
The appropriateness of refunding some international students’ fees was
considered for the period of the labour protest. Mr. Stigant recommended the
committee support a refund of approximately $50 to $60 per day dependent on
tuition fees paid. Following review,
MOTION:
b.
Little/Jamieson that the Board support a tuition fee refund for the days of
the labour protest.
CARRIED
Homestay Fees
Assistant Superintendent Stigant reported that current the homestay payment to
families is $600 per month. This rate was established many years ago and a
comparison to other districts indicates the average rate is $700 per month. Mr.
Stigant noted the average is higher due to Lower Mainland rates and
recommended the rate for 2006-07 be $675 per month. Following further
clarification including confirmation this fee is collected in addition to the tuition
fees,
MOTION:
Little/Van Alphen that the homestay payment be increased to $675 per
month effective July 1, 2006.
CARRIED
3.
Class Composition Review
District Principal Dave Burgoyne reviewed an analysis of class sizes of our
school district. In addition, Assistant Superintendent Stigant reviewed an
analysis of class composition in our district for the current year.
4.
Proposal for Web Page Development
Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Ron Shongrunden discussed a review underway
to upgrade the district’s website. Goals include improving the process to add
information to the web content and to upgrade the look. We have determined the
approach and software required and identified a Penticton company capable of
completing the work for a $12,000 cost. This committee was advised the cost is
very competitive for a website upgrade. Following discussion,
MOTION:
Little/Shunter that the Board approve the upgrade of the district’s website
as proposed.
CARRIED
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MOTION:
9.0
10.0
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Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – November 14, 2005
Little/Lindstrom that the report of the finance and management
committee be received.
CARRIED
REPORT OF SECRETARY-TREASURER
9.1
Penticton Secondary School Reconstruction
The secretary-treasurer reported that the costing review is currently underway by the
consultants and should be received this week. As well, a value analysis meeting will be
held later this week with the quantity surveyors, Ministry of Education representatives,
architects, consulting engineers, and district staff as part of the design development.
The current design may need to be changed to keep within the funded amount
provided by the Ministry. It is expected the project will go to tender before the end of
the school year. A copy of the letter from the Ministry of Education enclosing a signed
agreement for the project was circulated with the agenda package.
9.2
Trustee Elections
Secretary-treasurer Regehr reported an election will be conducted on November 19,
2005 by the District of Summerland for the two trustee positions in the Summerland
area. There are four candidates vying for these two seats; the remaining positions
have been filled by acclamation. Mr. Regehr added Judge Sinclair will attend the
inaugural meeting on December 5 at 7:00 p.m. for the swearing in ceremonies for the
new board.
9.3
Policy No. 725
Mr. Regehr advised a request to extend the consultation period for the review of Policy
No. 725 – Video Surveillance has been received and we have agreed to extend the
period to November 28. It is our intention that this policy will be discussed at the
December 12 school board meeting. Mr. Regehr added initial consultation has
included meetings with DPAC, CUPE, and OSTU and that we will ensure over the next
month that additional consultation will include input from students and administrators. It
was noted that the district has used video cameras within the district for many years
and this draft policy establishes the process to be used to limit the use of surveillance
cameras and restrict access to information.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
10.1
10.2
Student Achievement
a.
District Workgroups (Literacy, Numeracy and Social Responsibility)
b.
District Progress Report, November 2005 (Accountability Contract)
c.
School Planning Councils Training
The superintendent reviewed the agenda for the SPC training sessions to be
held at the Days Inn Riverside Conference Centre, on Tuesday, November 15,
for elementary schools, and Monday, November 21, for middle and secondary
schools. Trustees are encouraged to attend one of the sessions.
Communication and Access
a.
Field Trips
The superintendent of schools reviewed a listing of field trip requests circulated
with the agenda package, three of which had been approved by the
superintendent.
MOTION:
Manning/Little that the following field trip requests be approved:
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Page 8
•
•
MOTION:
February 1 to 7, 2006, for approximately 60 to 70 students
from KVR and Summerland Middle Schools to travel to
Quebec City and Montreal for the Quebec Winter Carnival; and
March 18 to 31, 2006, for 20 to 25 Penticton Secondary
School students to travel to Las Tunas, Ecuador, to engage in
volunteer opportunities.
CARRIED
Van Alphen/Jamieson that the following field trip request be
approved:
•
10.3
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – November 14, 2005
March 11 to 26, 2006, for 22 to 27 students from Penticton
Secondary, Princess Margaret Secondary, and Summerland
Secondary schools to travel to England and Wales for a United
Kingdom rugby tour.
CARRIED
b.
Ministry Community Consultation
Superintendent Doi noted the Ministry of Education community consultation for
SD67 was held on Monday, November 7. It involved a session with school and
district administrators and a session with approximately 25 community
representatives. Information compiled from the input received in each district
regarding the Ministry’s expanded mandate will be released in the spring.
c.
Class Size Report
District Principal Dave Burgoyne reviewed the class size report which has been
sent to each school, parent advisory council, and trustee and is available at the
school board office. The brochure has been reformatted to include average class
sizes in the past five years. It was noted that resources have been put towards
reducing the class sizes for this year.
Other Items
a. Enrolment
The superintendent of schools reported on enrolment as of October 31, 2005,
noting a decrease of eight elementary students from last month. There are
currently 7,286 students, or 6,985.975 FTE in the school district.
b. Independent Schools’ Enrolment
For information only, a listing of student enrolment in independent schools located
within the boundaries of this school district was reviewed. There are currently 360
students enrolled in these independent schools.
11.0
REPORT OF REPRESENTATIVES
12.0
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
13.0
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 October 14 and 15, 2005 in Penticton for inclusion
in the trustee reading file.
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13.2
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Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – November 14, 2005
BCSTA Provincial Council Meeting
Trustee Little provided an overview of the BCSTA Provincial Council meeting held on
October 21 and 22, 2005 in Vancouver which included an education forum on Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, a presentation by Deputy Minister of Education, Dr.
Emery Dosdall, and a working lunch on possible changes to the mandate of school
boards. The working session closed with agreement that BCSTA should write to all
school boards to ask for their input and to share the consensus view that:
1.
School Boards welcome an enhanced role, in partnership with the Ministry of
Education.
Any changes to the role of school boards should reaffirm local autonomy.
Any new responsibilities for school boards will require appropriate funding so
as not to impede their ability to continue improving student achievement from
Kindergarten to Grade 12.
2.
3.
MOTION:
Little/Shunter that the Board affirm the three points outlined with the
provision that funding is provided and local autonomy is reaffirmed and
that a letter be forwarded to that effect.
CARRIED
Additionally, Trustee Little reviewed the motions covered at the BCSTA Provincial
Council meeting.
MOTION:
Little/Lindstrom that the report be received.
CARRIED
14.0
13.3
BCSTA Trustees Academy
The BCSTA Trustees Academy will be held in Vancouver on December 8 to 11, 2005.
13.4
Date of Next Meeting
• December 5, 2005, Inaugural Meeting, 7:00 p.m., School Board Office
• December 12, 2005, Regular Meeting, School Board Office
TRUSTEE COMMENTS
14.1
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.
14.2
Recognition of Student Artwork
Students from KVR Middle School were recognized for their artwork currently on
display at the school board office:
•
•
•
•
•
•
14.3
Mylan Chamberland – Grade 7
Ruby Harvey – Grade 6
Katie Dacre – Grade 6
Taylor Ford – Grade 6
Larisa McCormick – Grade 6
Mura Kita – Grade 8
Trustee Comments
As this was the final meeting for Trustees Shunter and Lindstrom who are not seeking
re-election, Chairman Denesiuk acknowledged and thanked Trustees Shunter and
Lindstrom for their dedication and commitment over the years towards education for all
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Page 10
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – November 14, 2005
students. Additionally, Trustees Jamieson, Manning, Little, and Van Alphen expressed
their appreciation and best wishes to the retiring trustees.
15.0
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION:
Manning/Van Alphen that the meeting be adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
CARRIED
16.0
QUESTION PERIOD
____________________
Chairperson
____________________
Secretary-Treasurer
November 21, 2005
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