BOARD OF SCHOOL TRUSTEES
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 67 (OKANAGAN SKAHA)
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
HELD ON MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2006, AT 7:30 P.M.
AT THE SCHOOL BOARD OFFICE
MINUTES
IN ATTENDANCE
C. Denesiuk, Chair
L. Little, Vice Chair
K. Andrews, Trustee
W. Huebert, Trustee
D. E. Jamieson, Trustee
G. Manning, 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 district staff, guests, and representatives of the media.
2.0
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOTION:
Andrews/Little that the agenda and addendum be approved.
CARRIED
3.0
PRESENTATIONS BY SCHOOLS AND/OR STUDENTS
3.1
Carnival of the Animals
Music Teacher Joanne Forsyth and Barb Godsmark’s grade 2 primary class performed
three excerpts from “Carnival of the Animals” by Saint-Saens as a preview for the
school’s spring musical. The primary presentation will be held at Cleland Theatre on May
4, at 7:00 p.m.
3.2
Physics Olympics
At the University of British Columbia’s Physic Olympics competition held March 5, 2006,
Penticton Secondary School’s team finished in first place overall. This is the seventh
time Penticton Secondary has finished first with the nearest other school to match this
track record having three wins. Over 66 teams of the province’s best and brightest, from
both public and private schools, competed in the annual competition. Principal Pete
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Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – April 10, 2006
Corcoran introduced team members and their teachers, Bruce Gowe and Wayne Wood,
and the students described the competition and demonstrated some of the instruments
used during the event.
3.3
Ecuador Field Trip
Twenty-one Pen High students, one Summerland Secondary student, three teachers,
and one administrator travelled to Ecuador over spring break to complete a cultural and
humanitarian trip. Students travelled to two remote villages (Peurto Rico and Las Tunas)
in Ecuador where they stayed with local families, worked at constructing a school, and
volunteered at a number of other jobs in the community. Students Alison Brent, Alison
Black, and Mary Kampman accompanied by Vice Principal Sandra Richardson and
Teacher Chris Terris presented highlights of their trip. Prior to this trip, the students
raised $2,000 to purchase construction materials for the school construction.
Following a number of questions, appreciation was extended to the all students for their
presentations.
4.0
RECEIVING OF DELEGATIONS AND GUESTS
4.1
Project Hope and School Liaison Services
Constable Woods and Auxiliary Constable Dede Dacyk spoke about the changes to the
local RCMP detachment’s allocation of resources for drug awareness in the Penticton
area schools. The program called Project Hope will provide the Drug Abuse Resistance
Education (DARE) to all schools as well as increased visibility of regular members in the
schools. Auxiliary members, trained as peace officers, will present 20 pre-made lesson
plans on a variety of topics to grade 3 classes.
5.0
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
MOTION:
Little/Andrews that the minutes of the regular meeting held on March 6, 2006 be
approved.
CARRIED
6.0
REPORT FROM CLOSED MEETING
The secretary-treasurer reported on the closed meetings held on March 6 and 28, 2006:
Regular Meeting held on March 6, 2006:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
Received correspondence;
Received reports from the buildings, grounds, safety and transportation committee and the
discipline committee;
Confirmed teaching, excluded, and CUPE staff changes;
Confirmed vice principal appointments;
Received information regarding student suspensions;
Received information related to French immersion registrations;
Approved a personnel item;
Received information related to the Vince Ready process;
Approved a contractual arrangement;
Approved a request from a teacher to work with students as part of a Masters program;
Received and approved a request to begin OSTU bargaining;
Received information related to sports fields redevelopment;
Received information related to an Okanagan Labour Relations Council meeting and CUPE
bargaining. (Declaring a possible conflict of interest, Trustee Little left the meeting for
discussion of this topic.)
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Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – April 10, 2006
Special Closed Meeting held on March 28, 2006:
1.
7.0
Approved a personnel matter.
CORRESPONDENCE
7.1
Letter from CUPE 523 Okanagan Skaha
A letter from CUPE 523 Okanagan Skaha requesting that the Board of School Trustees
join with CUPE to create a local roundtable in association with other partner groups.
Chairman Denesiuk advised this request was discussed at the finance and management
committee.
7.2
Letter from CUPE 523 Okanagan Skaha
A letter from CUPE 523 Okanagan Skaha requesting that CUPE representatives be
included in meetings held with the Minister of Education or the Premier during a
provincial tour of school districts. Chairman Denesiuk advised the district has not yet
received information about the time or agenda for the Minister’s meeting and is hopeful
there will be an opportunity to invite partner groups as done in the past.
7.3
Letter from British Columbia Teachers’ Federation
A letter from the British Columbia Teachers’ Federation regarding the World Peace
Forum to be held in Vancouver in June 2006.
7.4
Copy of Letter to Minister of Labour
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 42 (Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows) to
the Minister of Labour requesting legislation to ensure that after dark all fuel sales must
be paid for in advance of the gas pumps being activated and further mandatory safety
training regarding the risks and dangers or working alone at night.
7.5
Copy of Letter to Minister of Education
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 46 (Sunshine Coast) to the Minister of
Education requesting clarification on a number of issues.
7.6
Copy of Letter to Prime Minister of Canada
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 39 (Vancouver) to the Prime Minister
of Canada to reconsider the decision to abolish the national child care program.
MOTION:
Andrews/Huebert that the correspondence be received.
CARRIED
8.0
REPORT OF COMMITTEES
8.1
Education Committee
Trustee Manning reported on the education committee meeting held on April 4, 2006:
a.
Understanding the Early Years (UEY) Initiative
Committee members were advised that the ‘Communities for Kids’ Association in
the South Okanagan had submitted a proposal to the federal government for
funding to participate in UEY and Patricia Gregory was hired as the Project
Coordinator for the UEY initiative for the next three years. This federal government
project is intended to provide communities with information on the "readiness to
learn" of their children, the family and community factors that influence child
development as well as the local resources available to support young children and
their families. This neighbourhood specific information is used by communities to
design and implement focused policies, programs and investments that enable
their young children to thrive in the early years.
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Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – April 10, 2006
The Okanagan Skaha school district is very supportive of this initiative as it will
complement the ‘Early Success’ efforts that are being pursued in schools.
b.
Guidelines for Food Choices in Schools
District Principal Dave Burgoyne presented a draft report from the social
responsibility committee on “Food Choices in Schools”. The committee outlined
various issues involved with offering more healthy food choices such as loss of
revenue, parent/group fundraisers and stakeholder involvement. The recommendations of this report will be presented at the April 10th school board meeting.
MOTION:
8.2
Manning/Jamieson that the minutes of the education committee be
received.
CARRIED
Finance and Management Committee
Trustee Little reported on the finance and management committee meetings held on
March 28, April 5, and April 10, 2006 noting it was very positive holding these meetings
during the budget development process.
March 28, 2006 Public Budget Meeting
a.
2006-07 Budget
Secretary-Treasurer Regehr reviewed district information affecting the 2006-07
budget through a number of slides. Submissions were presented by CUPE 523
Okanagan Skaha representatives, Okanagan Skaha Teachers’ Union
representatives, and Kim Kohan, a resident of Summerland and parent of a grade
7 student attending French Immersion at KVR Middle School. Superintendent Doi
reviewed the Leadership for Learning Framework which summarizes the structure
and diverse services in the district.
April 5, 2006 Committee Meeting
a.
2006/07 Budget Development
The secretary-treasurer distributed and briefly reviewed a preliminary summary of
2006-07 budget revenue and expenditure information. Assistant Superintendent
Stigant reviewed initial teacher staffing for the 2006-07 estimated enrolment. The
process of developing a summary of budget proposals and preparations for
meeting with school district partner groups to discuss budget proposals was also
discussed.
b.
OSTU Letter / CUPE Letter
The finance and management committee reviewed letters received which
requested the board’s support with the creation of a local round table with partner
groups. The committee noted the district currently arranges a number of meetings
each year to inform and consult with partner groups regarding a range of issues.
While the committee was supportive of improving communication links, it did not
feel a Round Table was the solution. It was also noted the committee had
previously provided support for the board chair to meet with the OSTU president to
discuss ongoing issues.
c.
Trout Creek/Giant’s Head Elementary School Boundaries
The secretary-treasurer verbally reported on the review of school boundaries.
Presently, Giant’s Head Elementary requires the use of three portable classrooms
while Trout Creek Elementary has four vacant classrooms. Enrolment projections
show stable enrolment at Giant’s Head and further decline at Trout Creek.
Through a review of current student transportation, it would be possible to identify
and to provide bussing for approximately 50 students within the current
transportation resources. A review of the impact on district finances indicates
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Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – April 10, 2006
some cost savings would be offset by a reduction in supplemental provincial
funding received due to the enrolment and location of Trout Creek Elementary.
The committee discussed a number of issues regarding implications of this change
and following discussion did not recommend further action to taken with this
review.
d.
Summer School Fees
The fee for a summer school program has been $100 for a significant period of
time. Programs offered have evolved from remedial to interest based. Currently,
the fees do not cover all operating costs and a review of charges in five other
districts averaged over $200. It was noted that the summer school program will be
reviewed over the next year to examine future course programming and in the
interim the committee members recommended a fee increase.
Following
discussion,
MOTION:
Little/Van Alphen that the summer school course fee for 2006 be
increased to $125.
CARRIED
e.
Technology Meeting
Committee members agreed to schedule a meeting to review technology services.
f.
Shared Services
Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Shongrunden advised he will be participating in a
meeting to review opportunities for the district to share technology services and a
transportation scheduling system with other school district.
April 5, 2006 Meeting with Partner Groups
Trustee Little advised that on April 5th the finance and management committee and senior
staff met with representatives of all partner groups, reviewed each of the partner groups’
budget requests, and clarified items related to the budget preparation.
April 10, 2006
a.
2006-07 Budget Review
The committee reviewed preparations for the budget and budget consultation
meetings.
Continuing with the report, Trustee Little noted trustees will meet with representatives
from school planning councils and parent advisory councils on April 11 and with
principals, vice principals, and district staff on April 18 before considering the final budget
at the special board meeting on May 2.
MOTION:
8.3
Little/Huebert that the report of the finance and management committee
meetings be received.
CARRIED
Committee of the Whole
Chairman Denesiuk reported on the committee of the whole meeting held on March 20,
2006:
a.
2006-07 Provincial Funding
The secretary-treasurer distributed and reviewed initial funding and expenditure
estimates for the 2006-07 budget. Approximately $700,000 has been identified for
new services next year. The calculation has included:
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•
•
MOTION:
9.0
10.0
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Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – April 10, 2006
Revenue based on Ministry funding provided March 15 and other revenue
forecasts;
Expenditures based on a 96 student decline, staffing at current service
levels, utility/fuel cost adjustments, and funding to assist staffing transitions in
the human resources department.
Andrew/Van Alphen that the report of the committee of the whole be
received.
CARRIED
REPORT OF SECRETARY-TREASURER
9.1
Penticton Secondary School Reconstruction
The director of maintenance reported that during the spring break six portables were
moved to the Penticton Secondary School site and prepared for occupancy. Internal
school moves are now complete. The Aggie building and most of the south part of the
school are waiting for hazard abatement before the demolition of the Aggie building and
south gym, which is expected to begin in early May. The drawings for the main building
are past the 50% stage. Some cost trimming will be necessary as the drawings are
slightly over budget at this point. We are anticipating a tender closing for mid July with
construction to begin by the end of July. Secretary-Treasurer Regehr added a plan will
need to be developed for bussing as the current bus drop-off/pick up locations will not be
available in September. The work of CUPE staff in assisting with the relocation and
preparing for the demolition was acknowledged.
9.2
Financial Report
The secretary-treasurer reviewed the financial report to March 31, 2006 circulated with
the agenda package, noting that 70% of education expenditures and approximately 75%
of maintenance and administrative expenses have been spent to date. These
expenditures are consistent for this time of the school year.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
10.1
Student Achievement
a.
District Goals
Literacy
The superintendent noted that a K-5 conference was held on March 27 with
Adrienne Gear on Reading Power – teaching students how to think while they read.
This will be presented again in the fall.
Social Responsibility
It was noted that additional TRIBES training has been scheduled and the Roots of
Empathy program will be expanded in the new year.
Numeracy
Director of Instruction Schafer noted that a three-day training opportunity for First
Steps in Math will be held during the summer. Recent grade level meetings for
grades 1 to 5 have been very successful with teachers requesting a similar day
during the summer pro-d.
b.
Guidelines for Food Choices in Schools
District Principal Dave Burgoyne, Chair of the Healthy Choices Committee
(subcommittee of social responsibility workgroup), presented a draft report entitled
“Guidelines for Food Choices in Schools” which outlined issues involved with
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Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – April 10, 2006
offering more healthy food choices in schools such as loss of revenue and students
leaving school grounds; parent/group fundraisers; student/stakeholder involvement
and support; and other concerns related to the secondary school cafeteria
programs. The report contained three recommendations:
Recommendation 1:
That the Board approves the following healthy food
choice strategy and proposal for the effective implementation of the
province’s “Guidelines for Food and Beverage Sales in BC Schools”:
i)
ii)
iii)
Beginning in the 2006-07 school year, each school strike a “Healthy
Food Team” made up of representatives from school administration,
support staff, teachers, parents and students.
The purpose of each school’s “Healthy Food Team” would be to
identify school issues, respond to the guidelines, develop their own
school policy on promoting and encouraging healthy choices, and
provide support to the school in transitioning present programs to meet
the guidelines.
For each year beginning in September 2006, and continuing to June
2009, the Social Responsibility Committee will provide resources to the
“Healthy Food Team” at each school to support school-based activities
in this area (i.e. student health forums, awareness campaigns,
supplemental meetings, guest speakers, etc.).
Recommendation 2:
That the Board adopts the following healthy food choice
guidelines to meet those recommended by the Ministry of Education and of
Health in “Guidelines for Food and Beverage Sales in BC Schools – 2005”:
i)
All Elementary Schools have a transition plan, with the following being
offered for sale in any one location, including school stores, special
events, lunch sales, fundraisers or vending machines:
Sept 2007
• At least 80% from “Choose Most” or “Sometimes” categories
• Including at least 50% from the “Choose Most” category
• No more than 10% in “Choose Least” category
• No more than 10% in “Not Recommended” category
Sept 2008
• At least 90% “Choose Most” or “Sometimes” categories
• Including at least 50% from the “Choose Most” category
• No more than 10% in “Choose Least” category
• Foods from “Not Recommended” eliminated
ii)
All Middle Schools have a transition plan, with the following being offered
for sale in any one location, including school stores, special events,
lunch sales or vending machines:
Sept 2007
• At least 70% from “Choose Most” or “Sometimes” categories
• Including at least 40% from the “Choose Most” category
• No more than 20% in “Choose Least” category
• No more than 10% in “Not Recommended” category
Sept 2008
• At least 90% “Choose Most” or “Sometimes” categories
• Including at least 50% from the “Choose Most” category
• No more than 10% in “Choose Least” category
• Foods from “Not Recommended” eliminated
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Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – April 10, 2006
iii) All Secondary Schools have a transition plan, with the following being
offered for sale in any one location, including school stores, cafeterias,
special events or vending machines:
Sept 2007
• At least 60% from “Choose Most”, “Sometimes” or “Least” categories
• No more than 40% from “Not Recommended” category
Sept 2008
• At least 70% “Choose Most” or “Sometimes” categories
• Including at least 40% from the “Choose Most” category
• No more than 20% in “Choose Least” category
• No more than 10% from “Not Recommended” category
Sept 2009
• At least 90% “Choose Most” or “Sometimes” categories
• Including at least 50% from the “Choose Most” category
• No more than 10% in “Choose Least” category
• Foods from “Not Recommended” eliminated
All efforts will be made to adhere to these guidelines while still honouring
the terms of any existing contracts. Existing contracts continue until they
expire, and all new or renewed contracts are to follow the healthy food
choice guidelines above.
Recommendation 3:
That the Board provides additional support to the Social
Responsibility Workgroup in the form of an additional 0.168 FTE position.
This person will be the liaison between all schools with responsibility for the
following programs:
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)
vi)
vii)
MOTION:
c.
Healthy Food Choices in Schools (including continuing work as Chair
of District Healthy Choices)
Health Promoting Schools
Action Schools BC
Grade 6 Pedometer Project
Jumpstart Program
Healthy Buddies Program
Securing grants from various organizations to support school based
initiatives.
Little/Manning that the Board receive the report and approve the
draft recommendations; that the report be forwarded to partner
groups and schools for feedback; that appreciation be extended to
committee members; and that a financial incentive be offered to
schools which implement the guidelines one year sooner than
provided for in the recommendations.
CARRIED
Flex Funds
Superintendent Doi noted that flex funds in the amount of $138,000 was
established in the 2005-06 budget plus and an additional amount of $58,000 was
provided in March 2006. These funds are all directed to support the school goals
with staff and school planning councils being consulted on the use of flex funds.
The feedback on the use of funds has been very positive.
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10.2
Page 9
Communication and Access
a.
Field Trips
The superintendent of schools reviewed the attached listing of field trip requests
circulated with the agenda package, one of which had been approved by the
superintendent pursuant to policy.
MOTION:
Andrews/Van Alphen that the following field trip requests be
approved for funding as per board policy:
•
•
•
•
MOTION:
MOTION:
July 23 to 28, 2006, for four drama students from Summerland
Secondary School to attend workshops, plays and do
sightseeing in New York.
CARRIED
Huebert/Manning that the following field trip request be approved in
principle:
•
11.0
March 2 to 4, 2006, for eight Penticton Secondary School
students to compete in the provincial physics Olympics in
Vancouver;
May 4 to 6, 2006, for four drama students from Summerland
Secondary School to compete in the provincial drama festival in
Chilliwack;
April 22, 2006, for eight Penticton Secondary School debating
team students to compete in the provincial mock trial
competitions in Victoria; and
April 25 to 27, 2006, for four Summerland Secondary School
students to compete in the provincial skills competition in
Abbotsford.
CARRIED
Little/Jamieson that the following field trip request be approved in
principle:
•
10.3
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – April 10, 2006
April 4 to 12, 2007, for 20 or more Summerland Secondary
School student to “Return to Vimy Ridge”, France, to celebrate
the rededication and memorial service of the anniversary of the
Battle of Vimy Ridge.
CARRIED
Other Items
a.
Enrolment
The superintendent of schools reported on enrolment as of March 31, 2006, noting
an increase of 21 students from the previous month. There are currently 7,290
students (6,960.49 FTE) in the school district.
b.
Ministry of Education Grant
Superintendent Doi noted School District 67 has received a one-time grant in the
amount of $15,750 to assist schools in enhancing their physical activity programs
through the purchase of new physical activity equipment. The funding is being
provided on the basis of: $850 per elementary school, $850 per middle school,
and $1,000 per secondary school.
REPORT OF REPRESENTATIVES
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12.0
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
13.0
INFORMATION ITEMS
14.0
13.1
BCSTA Annual General Meeting
The annual general meeting of British Columbia School Trustees Association will be held
April 27 to 30, 2006 in Prince George.
13.2
Date of Next Meeting
• May 2, 2006, 7:00 p.m., Special Budget Meeting, School Board Office
• May 8, 2006, 7:30 p.m., 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 West Bench Elementary School were congratulated for their artwork
currently on display at the school board office:
•
•
•
•
•
•
14.3
15.0
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – April 10, 2006
Jayden Doell – Grade 1
Jamie Lezard – Grade 1
Mackenzie Peterson – Grade 1
Autumn Kruger – Grade 2
Anne Lu – Grade 2
Sarah Mayer – Grade 2
Trustee Comments
Trustees provided general comments related to district and school activities.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION:
Manning/Andrews that the meeting be adjourned at 9:35 p.m.
CARRIED
16.0
QUESTION PERIOD
____________________
Chairperson
____________________
Secretary-Treasurer
April 21, 2006
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