BOARD OF SCHOOL TRUSTEES
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 67 (OKANAGAN SKAHA)
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
HELD ON MONDAY, MAY 8, 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
D. Stigant, Assistant Superintendent
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
B. Celli, Assistant Superintendent Designate
B. Johnson, Principal, Princess Margaret Secondary School
1.0
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Denesiuk welcomed district staff, guests, and representatives of the media and
introduced Brian Celli who will assume the position of assistant superintendent effective August 1,
2006.
2.0
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOTION:
Huebert/Andrews that the agenda and addendum be approved.
CARRIED
3.0
PRESENTATIONS BY SCHOOLS AND/OR STUDENTS
3.1
Smokescreen Video Contest 2006
The third annual “Behind the Smokescreen” video contest, which was open to all
students in grades 8 to 12 within the jurisdiction of the Interior Health Authority, was
recently held. The topic of this year’s contest was “Tobacco and the Environment” and all
entrants had to create a 30- or 60-second commercial about tobacco and the
environment. The project by grade 8 student Kristi MacDonald from Summerland Middle
School entitled “It’s NO Secret!” was selected as one of the regional winners. Kristi was
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Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – May 8, 2006
the recipient of a $500 prize and her video will be used in next year’s anti smoking videos
provided by Health Canada. Following the presentation of the video and a number of
questions, trustees extended congratulations to Kristi on being selected as one of the
regional winners.
3.2
4.0
SmartReading
Janice Clary and Judy Scott (Helping Teachers) along with teachers Maryann McLean
(Grade 1-2, Queen’s Park Elementary) and Bev Kreiger (Grade 3, Giant’s Head
Elementary) discussed how SmartReading is being implemented in this district. For the
past year, Bev and Maryann and other SD67 teachers have been training to be
demonstration teachers for SmartReading. SmartReading is a program developed by
Susan Close in the New Westminster school district. The program has been created for
teachers to equip students with more sophisticated ways to think with words – and
respond to words. In relatively short periods of time, students become fluent readers and
more confident thinkers. The systematic, meaningful and explicit approaches outlined in
this proven program provide a step-by-step process which will motivate all students to
higher levels of achievements – from kindergarten to college. Currently, six other
demonstration teachers are also receiving training and should be available for the next
school year.
RECEIVING OF DELEGATIONS AND GUESTS
4.1
Community Recognition
On behalf of the British Columbia School Trustees Association, Chairman Denesiuk
presented Trustee Pennie Jamieson with a life membership for 21 years of service as a
trustee. This BCSTA long-service life membership recognizes 21 years of dedicated
service to public education and expresses the appreciation and respect of the
membership for her service to students, public schools and the community.
The Board of School Trustees recognized and thanked several service organizations and
businesses for their contributions to the school district:
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Robin Hindson, for donation of time for framing an art painting/project of every
student at Naramata Elementary School for the April Art Show;
Scott Trudeau, Penticton Herald, for “Wall of Fame” alumni articles run in the
newspaper at no charge;
Debbie Cosby, Branch Manager, St. John Ambulance, for sponsoring the “We
Can Help” program which introduces basic first aid and safety awareness skills to
children 7 to 10 years of age by providing the program to grade 4 students in our
district;
Colin Campbell, Manager, London Drugs, for jointly sponsoring the dictionary
project with the Penticton Rotary Club; this project provides a Merriam-Webster
Dictionary ($10 value) to each grade 4 student in the district; and
Lester Service, Penticton Rotary Club, for jointly sponsoring the dictionary project
with London Drugs.
5.0
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
MOTION:
Little/Andrews that the minutes of the regular meeting held on April 10, 2006 and
special board meeting held on May 2, 2006 be approved.
CARRIED
6.0
REPORT FROM CLOSED MEETING
The secretary-treasurer reported on the closed meeting held on April 10, 2006:
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
1.
2.
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4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
7.0
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Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – May 8, 2006
Received reports from the finance and management committee, committee of the whole,
and the discipline committee;
Confirmed teaching, excluded, and CUPE staff changes;
Received information on a property matter;
Confirmed vice principal appointments;
Received information on student suspensions;
Received information on an upcoming meeting with the Penticton Indian Band;
Received information regarding teacher bargaining;
Received information regarding CUPE negotiations.
(Declaring a possible conflict of interest, Trustee Little left the meeting for discussion of this
topic.)
CORRESPONDENCE
7.1
Letter from CUPE 523 Okanagan Skaha
A letter from CUPE 523 Okanagan Skaha inviting the Board to an informal reception with
school district workers to share perspectives about our district and communities.
Chairman Denesiuk advised she will meet with the president of CUPE 523 to clarify some
issues.
7.2
Letter from School District No. 79 (Cowichan Valley)
A letter from School District No. 79 (Cowichan Valley) requesting other boards to join with
their board in challenging the funding formula that is responsible for the current
underfunding of public education and urging the government to provide funding that
addresses the needs of all students in the public education system.
7.3
Copy of Letter to British Columbia School Trustees Association
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 41 (Burnaby) to British Columbia
School Trustees Association regarding the importance of advocating strongly for the
continued autonomy of locally-elected school boards.
7.4
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 concerns related to the recent Ready Award related to Teacher on
Call pay and requesting that the government commit to funding the true increased cost of
the Award.
7.5
Copy of Letter to Minister of Education
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 63 (Saanich) to the Minister of
Education requesting that the Minister receive questions from the floor following her
address to the assembly of trustees at the BCSTA AGM.
7.6
Copy of Letter to Minister of Education
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 43 (Coquitlam) to the Minister of
Education requesting that the province consider providing additional funding in 2006-07
for improvements in class size and composition, similar to the one-time grant it provided
in 2005-06.
7.7
Copy of Letter to Minister of Education
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 43 (Coquitlam) to the Minister of
Education in support of the School District No. 46 (Sunshine Coast) letter of March 28th in
which they asked if within the next four years the Ministry has plans to reduce the number
of school districts, regionalize any duties presently being carried out by local school
districts, send all or part of the per-pupil grant directly to the schools, or mandate schoolbased budgeting or any of its various forms (school centered leadership, school based
management).
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – May 8, 2006
7.8
Copy of Letter to Minister of Education
A copy of a letter forwarded by Kootenay Lake District Parents’ Advisory Council to the
Minister of Education requesting that Ministry funding be established by way of a grant
system for extra and co-curricular travel costs.
7.9
Copy of Letter to Minister of Education
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 41 (Burnaby) to the Minister of
Education emphasizing the importance of allowing sufficient time for development of
spending plans in a consultative process by local school boards when providing one-time
grants.
7.10
Copy of Letter to Mayor of Burnaby
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 41 (Burnaby) to the Mayor and Council
of Burnaby requesting the City of Burnaby’s support for the continuation of locally-elected
school boards.
7.11
Copy of Letter to Minister of Education
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 36 (Surrey) to the Minister of
Education thanking the Ministry for the funding to support the Teacher-on-Call daily rate
of pay increase to $190 and movement to certification rate after three callout days.
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 requesting the province consider providing additional funding for
improvements in class size and composition similar to the one-time grant it provided in
2005-06.
7.13
Copy of Letter to Prime Minister
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 23 (Central Okanagan) to the Prime
Minister of Canada requesting that the federal government honour the Early Learning and
Child Care Agreement made with the people of British Columbia.
7.14
Copy of Letter to Prime Minister
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 5 (Southeast Kootenay) to the Prime
Minister of Canada requesting the federal government reconsider the decision to abolish
the national child care program and honour the Early Learning and Child Care Agreement
made with the people of British Columbia.
7.15
Copy of Letter to Prime Minister
A copy of a letter forwarded by School District No. 79 (Cowichan Valley) to the Prime
Minister of Canada supporting the Early Learning and Child Care Agreement signed
between the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.
7.16
Letter from Community Action for Health Initiative
An invitation for organizations to provide their energy and expertise as part of a Steering
Committee that will provide direction and support to the Community Action for Health
Initiative (CAH) in the South Okanagan. Trustee Andrews will represent the district on
the steering committee.
MOTION:
Huebert/Jamieson that the correspondence be received.
CARRIED
8.0
REPORT OF COMMITTEES
8.1
Education Committee
Trustee Manning reported that the education committee members visited KVR Middle
School on May 2, 2006, were greeted by grade 8 students, toured several classes,
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Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – May 8, 2006
enjoyed a musical presentation, and joined staff for lunch. Ms. Manning added the
students demonstrated great pride in showing the group around the school.
MOTION:
8.2
Manning/Van Alphen 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 May
3, 2006:
a.
CommunityLINK Budget for 2006-07
Assistant Superintendent Stigant distributed the proposed CommunityLink budget
for 2006-07. The program is funded by a provincial grant which is included within
the district’s budget. Services supported with LINK funding include: school meals
program, counselling services, hand in hand daycare support, and alternate school
support. Following discussion,
MOTION:
b.
Little/Van Alphen that the budget for the CommunityLINK program be
approved as recommended.
CARRIED
Roots of Empathy Honorarium
Assistant Superintendent Stigant reviewed the Roots of Empathy program which is
provided at McNicoll Park and KVR Middle schools this year and will expand to
Skaha Lake Middle School next year. Mr. Stigant reviewed how the programs will
use 15 facilitators next year. Currently, facilitators are provided by community
organizations or are able to take time from their employment. Mr. Stigant
recommended the committee consider the approval of an honorarium for the
facilitators in the situations where the community agencies require the funding for
their employee or for facilitators who are not provided by an agency. Following
discussion,
MOTION:
Little/Huebert that the Board of School Trustees approves the payment of
an $800 honorarium for facilitators of the Roots of Empathy.
CARRIED
c.
Aboriginal Education Budget
Mr. Stigant circulated a proposed budget for use of the targeted aboriginal funding.
It was noted the aboriginal advisory council has yet to approve the budget. In
discussion, it was noted the 2006-07 budget totalling $587,568 relies on a targeted
funds surplus at June 30, 2006 and when the surplus is exhausted, the program
will need to be reviewed.
d.
Bill 33
Superintendent Doi reviewed preparations to meet with school principals regarding
Bill 33.
As a follow-up to the 2006-07 budget meeting, Trustee Little requested that a letter be
written to the Minister of Education requesting that the Ministry of Education fully fund the
Vince Ready Award recently given to teachers on call noting that this additional TOC
funding was not included in the 2006-07 budget.
MOTION:
Little/Huebert that the report of the finance and management committee be
received and that a letter be written to the Minister of Education requesting
the additional funding.
CARRIED
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8.3
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – May 8, 2006
Buildings, Grounds, Safety and Transportation Committee
Trustee Jamieson reported on the buildings, grounds, safety and transportation
committee meeting held on May 3, 2006:
a.
Summerland Drinking Water
The committee was informed the District of Summerland has declared the
community’s drinking water has a high turbidity count and children should not drink
the water. The schools have been provided with bottled water and water filters will
be installed on water fountains at an estimated cost of $5,000. It is expected the
water restriction may last five to six months.
MOTION:
8.4
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Jamieson/Manning that the report of the buildings, grounds, safety and
transportation committee be received.
CARRIED
Curriculum Development Advisory Committee
Trustee Andrews provided information on the curriculum development advisory
committee meeting held on March 27, 2006:
a.
Selection of Chairperson
It was noted that Director of Instruction Garth Schafer was elected as chairperson.
b.
Board Authorized/Approved Course Proposals
Proposed board authorized/approved courses for secondary students were
reviewed and recommended for approval by the Board.
MOTION:
Andrews/Little that board approval be given for School District No. 67
(Okanagan Skaha) to offer the following courses to students in our
district:
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Creative Writing 11
Journalism 12
Leadership 12
Metal Technology 11
Recreation Leadership 11
Recreation Leadership 12
Life/Career Transition 11
Life/Career Transition 12
Music Theatre 10 to 12
First Nations Futures 11
First Nations Futures 12
Industrial Research and Design 11
Self Defence 11
Theatre Troupe 10
Theatre Troupe 11
Theatre Troupe 12
CARRIED
c.
Requests for Locally Approved Resources
Resources developed by the Edmonton Public School District were reviewed by
the committee and recommended for approval by the Board.
MOTION:
Andrews/Little that the following resources be designated as locally
approved resources for use in School District No. 67 (Okanagan
Skaha):
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Electricity and Magnetism – Grade 6 – published by the
Edmonton Public School District;
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9.0
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Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – May 8, 2006
Mechanism using Electricity – Grade 6 – published by the
Edmonton Public School District; and
Math to the Max – Grade 6 – published by the Edmonton
Public School District.
CARRIED
REPORT OF SECRETARY-TREASURER
9.1
Penticton Secondary School Reconstruction
The director of maintenance reported that drawings for the new school are 95%
completed and have been sent to the cost consultants for review to ensure the project
remains within the budgeted amount. Mr. Hickling added tenders for the project are
expected to close in mid July. The demolition contract for the south gym and Aggie
building has been awarded to Western Thermal and Demolition from Prince George and
this company will be salvaging as much as possible from the demolition for sale to the
community. A fence will be erected surrounding the site within the next two weeks before
the demolition begins.
9.2
Princess Margaret Secondary School
For information only, Director of Maintenance Hickling reviewed the tender process and
location for the parking lot at Princess Margaret Secondary School. J & B Engineering
has completed the drawings using the green design concept. It is expected the tender
will be called within the next two to three weeks and funding has been previously
approved by the Board using annual facility grant funding.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
10.1
10.2
Student Achievement
a.
Okanagan Regional Literacy Forum
The superintendent reported that the district will host an Okanagan Regional
Literacy Forum on May 10, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The forum is designed to bring
districts together to share their work on literacy and 35 representatives from ten
school districts are expected to attend
b.
Student Achievement Celebration
The superintendent reviewed plans for the annual “Celebration of Student
Achievement” to be held on Thursday, June 1, 3:30 to 6:00 p.m., Penticton
Lakeside Resort. Invitations will be sent to school staff, parent advisory councils,
and school planning councils. The media is also invited to attend.
c.
School Progress Report
Schools need to submit their annual school progress reports by the end of May.
These reports will be reviewed at the education committee meeting scheduled for
Tuesday, June 6, at 12:00 noon.
d.
Summer Leadership Conference
Mr. Doi reported that the response has been very positive with more than three
hundred people already signed up for the summer leadership conference to be
held August 21 and 22, 2006.
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.
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
MOTION:
Page 8
Jamieson/Manning that the following field trip request be approved:
•
MOTION:
May 24 to 27, 2006, for 13 geography students from
Summerland Secondary School to travel to Nelson on a field
study of the physical features of the Nelson area, including
the Kokanee Glacier, Cody Caves, and Ainsworth
Hotsprings.
CARRIED
Little/Andrews that the following field trip request be approved in
principle:
•
MOTION:
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – May 8, 2006
January 31 to February 6, 2007, for 45 students from KVR
Middle and Summerland Middle schools to travel to Quebec
City and Montreal for the Quebec Winter Carnival.
CARRIED
Huebert/Jamieson that the following field trip request be approved:
•
May 31 to June 3, 2006, for 48 grade 8 band students from
McNicoll Park Middle School to travel to Edmonton to play
three concerts in elementary schools, visit the mall, museum
and Jubilations Dinner Theatre.
CARRIED
b.
Kindergarten Registration
Director of Instruction Schafer advised that children who are born in 2001 are
eligible to enter kindergarten in September 2006 and parents are encouraged to
register their children at their neighbourhood school as soon as possible.
c.
Secondary School Students Charges
Policy No. 203 requires that student fees be reviewed and reported to the Board on
an annual basis. The assistant superintendent reviewed a recommendation for
charges for the 2006-07 school year circulated with the agenda package:
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Jamieson that the following student charges be
approved for the 2006-07 school year:
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A student activity charge of $35.00 per secondary student and
$18.00 per middle school student per year for the provision of
goods and services beyond the basic instructional program
including but not restricted to the rental of a lock and locker,
supply of a student planner, and partial funding for a range of
student activity costs;
A textbook/resources refundable deposit up to $25.00 per
secondary student per year and $15.00 per student per year for
middle school students;
Schools are authorized to establish a schedule of user-pay team
fees and/or uniform charges to support extracurricular activities
in the school; and
Schools enrolling grade 12, as part of the graduation policy, to
establish a graduation charge to cover costs of graduation
events at the school.
CARRIED
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d.
10.3
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Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – May 8, 2006
Distributed Learning
For information only, the superintendent advised the Education (Learning
Enhancement) Statutes Amendment Act, 2006 will amend the School Act by
replacing the older term of “distance education” with the new concept of “distributed
learning”. With the rapid expansion of technology, distance education has moved
from paper-based correspondence to today’s concept of distributed learning where
courses are delivered on-line or by video technology. The changes will allow
students in grades 10 to 12 to enrol in courses offered by more than one distributed
learning program at the same time and the legislation will require school boards to
enter into an agreement with the Ministry in order to offer distributed learning
courses. Mr. Doi added we may need to make some adjustments to the program
offered in our district. Additional information will be provided at tomorrow’s
education committee meeting.
Other Items
a.
Enrolment
The assistant superintendent reviewed enrolment as of April 30, 2006.
district’s current enrolment is 7,267 students or 6,938.658 FTE.
MOTION:
The
Manning/Little that the enrolment report be received.
CARRIED
11.0
REPORT OF REPRESENTATIVES
12.0
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
13.0
INFORMATION ITEMS
14.0
13.1
BCSTA Annual General Meeting
Trustees were reminded to submit their reports of their attendance at the BCSTA AGM
held April 27 to 30, 2006 in Prince George for inclusion in the trustee reading file.
13.2
BCSTA Okanagan Branch Meeting
Trustee Van Alphen was congratulated on her election as education chair at the BCSTA
Okanagan Branch Meeting held on April 29, 2006.
13.3
Date of Next Meeting
• June 12, 2006, Regular Meeting, School Board Office
TRUSTEE COMMENTS
14.1
Trustee Comments
Chairman Denesiuk was congratulated on her election as first vice president of the British
Columbia School Trustees Association.
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 Queen’s Park Elementary School were congratulated for their artwork
currently on display at the school board office:
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Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – May 8, 2006
Matthew Jones, Grade 3
Jerika Schultz, Grade 1
Janna Clarke, Grade 5
River Schmutz, Grade 3
Ethan Flynn, Grade 1
Brayden Jones, Grade 1
Becky Birch, Grade 5
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION:
Manning/Little that the meeting be adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
CARRIED
16.0
QUESTION PERIOD
____________________
Chairperson
____________________
Secretary-Treasurer
May 11, 2006
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