BOARD OF EDUCATION
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 67 (OKANAGAN SKAHA)
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
HELD ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2007, AT 7:30 P.M.
AT THE SCHOOL BOARD OFFICE
MINUTES
IN ATTENDANCE
L. Little, Chair
G. Manning, Vice Chair
K. Andrews, Trustee
S. Clarke, Trustee
C. Denesiuk, Trustee
W. Huebert, Trustee
L. Van Alphen, Trustee
G. Doi, Superintendent of Schools
F. Regehr, Secretary-Treasurer
R. Shongrunden, Assistant Secretary-Treasurer
D. Burgoyne, Director of Instruction
B. Celli, Director of Instruction
L. Hauptman, Director of Instruction
G. Schafer, Director of Instruction
J. Hickling, Director of Maintenance
D. Adey, Executive Secretary
P. Butters, Vice Principal, Skaha Lake Middle School
J. Walbergs, Acting Principal, Columbia Elementary School
1.0
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Little welcomed district staff, guests, and representatives of the media to the meeting.
Prior to calling for the adoption of the agenda, Chairman Little congratulated Shelley Clarke on
her election during the trustee by-election held on September 8 and announced that Ms. Clarke
was sworn-in during a ceremony on September 26.
2.0
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOTION:
Huebert/Manning that the agenda and addendum be approved.
CARRIED
3.0
PRESENTATIONS BY SCHOOLS AND/OR STUDENTS
3.1
StrongStart Centre
Early Childhood Educator Brenda Barber provided information related to September
start-up for the StrongStart Centre at Queen’s Park Elementary School. The centre
offers a free drop-in program for parents or caregivers and their children. They are
involved in activities (including stories, music, and arts) to help children grow
linguistically, physically, and socially, and become comfortable in a school-like setting.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Page 2
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – October 1, 2007
The centre quickly outgrew its space following the June opening and has now doubled its
space to accommodate more than one hundred families that are using the centre.
Following a number of questions, Ms. Barber was congratulated on a successful program
and thanked for the presentation.
4.0
RECEIVING OF DELEGATIONS AND GUESTS
5.0
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
MOTION:
Huebert/Manning that the minutes of the regular meeting held on September 10,
2007 be approved.
CARRIED
6.0
REPORT FROM CLOSED MEETING
The secretary-treasurer reported on the closed meeting held on September 10, 2007:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
7.0
Received reports from the buildings, grounds, safety, and transportation committee,
and the discipline committee;
Confirmed teaching, excluded, and CUPE staff changes;
Received information related to student suspensions;
Approved participation in two action research projects as part of the requirements for a
masters program;
Received information related to personnel.
CORRESPONDENCE
7.1
Letter from Queen’s Park Elementary Parent Advisory Council
A letter forwarded by Queen’s Park Elementary PAC expressing concern about parking
around the school.
7.2
British Columbia Electoral Boundaries Commission
The Preliminary Report Summary forwarded by the British Columbia Electoral
Boundaries Commission proposes changes to the electoral boundaries based on recent
population changes. The report recommendations, if implemented, will result in SD67
boundaries being served by one MLA. The report is available in the trustee reading file.
7.3
Penticton & District Performing Arts Facilities Society
A letter from the Penticton & District Performing Arts Facilities Society advising the
Steinway piano will be moved to Cleland Community Theatre following the closure of the
Penticton Secondary School auditorium until such time as a Penticton performing arts
centre is completed.
7.4
Artists in Education
A letter from Artists in Education announcing on behalf of the BC Arts Council and
Vancouver Foundation that the district has received $6,700 to be used during the 200708 school year for professional arts activities in schools.
7.5
Summary of Copies of Letters to the Board
Copies of the letters to the Board listed below are available in the trustee reading file:
•
School District No. 68 (Nanaimo-Ladysmith) to the Minister of Education and
Minister of State for Children regarding funding for child care spaces in British
Columbia;
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
•
MOTION:
8.0
Page 3
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – October 1, 2007
School District No. 68 (Nanaimo-Ladysmith) to the Minister of Education
regarding increased funding to support the physical plant for physical education
activities.
Manning/Van Alphen that the correspondence be received, the letter from
Queen’s Park Elementary Parent Advisory Council be referred to the buildings,
grounds, safety and transportation committee, and the letter from the Penticton &
District Performing Arts Facilities Society be referred to the finance and
management committee.
CARRIED
REPORT OF COMMITTEES
8.1
Finance and Management Committee
Trustee Manning reported on the finance and management committee meeting held on
September 26, 2007:
a.
Naramata School Fees
Director of Instruction Brian Celli reviewed the request of Naramata Elementary
School to levy a $5.00 fee for school planners. This request is an addition to the
fees approved at the June 11, 2007 board meeting. The committee confirmed this
fee does not exceed similar fees in other elementary schools. Following
discussion,
MOTION:
b.
Manning/Van Alphen that the fee of $5.00 for school planners be approved
as an addition to the 2007-08 school fees.
CARRIED
Rental Review
The secretary-treasurer reviewed a chart of proposed facility and field rental rates
for the school district. These rental rates have not been adjusted for over ten
years. When last adjusted, the rental rates were equal to rates charged by the City
of Penticton for its facilities. The proposed rates are based on:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Maintaining free access to fields for community youth who have volunteer
leaders;
Establishing a rental rate for school facilities rented for youth activities;
Maintaining a schedule of rental categories based on the distinctions of:
• Youth – Non Fundraising/Volunteers
• Youth Fundraising – Paid Leaders
• Adult
• Adult Fundraising and Private
• Local Commercial Fundraising
• Non Resident
Increasing rental rates in most classifications to equal those charged by the
City of Penticton;
Maintaining the practice of Penticton and Summerland recreation
departments managing the rental arrangements for schools on week days
between September and June;
Aligning most rental practices for Penticton and Summerland fields and
facilities.
The committee discussed the implications of the rental rates noting examples such
as:
•
A Scout or Guide group renting a gymnasium for 1.5 hours per week would
now have a rental charge of $9/night or $342 per year;
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
•
•
Page 4
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – October 1, 2007
A basketball camp rental of a high school gymnasium for a 7-hour day would
increase from $77.00 to $133.00;
An adult evening rental of an elementary gymnasium for volleyball would
increase from $11.30 to $18.50 per hour and secondary/middle school
gymnasiums from $17.30 to $28.50 per hour.
In reviewing the proposal, the committee noted most of the rates matched those of
the City of Penticton, that youth rentals of fields would remain without charge, and
youth rentals of gyms/classrooms were proposed at a nominal rate. The
committee suggested existing renters be provided a notice period prior to the rates
becoming effective. Following discussion,
MOTION:
c.
Employee Pay Slips by E-mail
The committee was advised work is in progress to start sending employee pay
slips by e-mail. Mr. Regehr reported that this method is presently used for
management staff. CUPE regular staff will start in October with the three other
employee payrolls to follow.
d.
City of Penticton Facility Rentals
Secretary-Treasurer Regehr advised that the rental of the Penticton Trade and
Convention Centre is now being managed by Global Spectrum and other city
facilities will follow. We are working with Global Spectrum and City of Penticton
staff to clarify rental practices for school district use.
MOTION:
8.2
Manning/Denesiuk that the rental rates as proposed be implemented with a
notice period provided to existing rentals.
CARRIED
Manning/Van Alphen that the report of the finance and management
committee be received.
CARRIED
Buildings, Grounds, Safety and Transportation Committee
Trustee Huebert reported regarding the buildings, grounds, safety and transportation
committee meeting held on September 26, 2007:
a.
Carmi Field Development
Director of Maintenance John Hickling advised the committee a request was
received to install advertising signs on the new fencing and ball field at Carmi
Elementary School. The request was not supported based on district policy.
b.
Penticton Secondary School Security Guard
The committee was informed Penticton Security has been hired to provide support
at Penticton Secondary School. With the current school construction, the site is
very crowded. It is expected that for the remainder of the construction this service
will be used.
c.
Capital Building Program
The committee was informed the Ministry recently requested the 2008-09 capital
plan be submitted by November 2, 2007.
d.
Transportation
Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Ron Shongrunden reviewed a request for bus
service to include a two-kilometre section of the Summerland/Princeton road in
Summerland. Currently, 11 students get on the bus at the intersection of Fish Lake
Road and the Summerland/Princeton road. Mr. Shongrunden reviewed student
enrolment has grown in this area, that the road to service these houses is very
steep and could not easily be serviced when snow is on the road, and that the trip
requires approximately ten minutes of time.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Page 5
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – October 1, 2007
As a follow-up to the committee meeting, Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Shongrunden
reported that he had met with students and parents. They are supportive of the safety
concerns and have developed a plan to implement if the road, in the driver’s opinion, is
unsafe for travel. Signage will also be available on the highway advising students are in
the area.
8.3
MOTION:
Huebert/Denesiuk that the Board supports the provision of bussing for a
portion of the Summerland/Princeton road if the extended travel time for
other bus passengers can be limited and if safe practices can be arranged
during winter driving conditions.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Huebert/Clarke that the report of the buildings, grounds, safety and
transportation committee be received.
CARRIED
Education Committee
Trustee Van Alphen reported regarding the education committee meeting held on
September 27, 2007:
a.
Class Size and Composition Report
Director of Instruction Burgoyne and Superintendent Doi outlined the report to the
board on the organization of classes in the district and a rationale for any classes
containing more than 30 students. This report will be presented later tonight.
b.
Masters Research Proposal
Superintendent Doi outlined a request for approval from Rich Corrie, a teacher at
Princess Margaret Secondary School, to conduct a student survey as part of a
masters’ project. An abstract of the study was provided along with approvals from
the faculty advisor and school principal.
MOTION:
c.
Van Alphen/Denesiuk that the request from Rich Corrie to conduct a
student survey as part of a masters’ project be approved.
CARRIED
SPC Sessions – 2007-08
Initial plans for the upcoming school planning council sessions were discussed.
Superintendent Doi noted there was consensus amongst school administrators to
develop a program that highlighted the transitions from early learning to later
learning. Upcoming sessions are:
•
•
•
d.
SSS Zone, Monday, October 22, 5:00 to 7:30 p.m., at the Summerland
Resort;
PSS Zone, Monday, October 29, 5:00 to 7:30 p.m., at the Riverside
Conference Centre;
PMSS Zone, Tuesday, October 30, 5:00 to 7:30 p.m., at the Penticton
Lakeside Resort.
Core Values
The Board discussed the growth and development of the district goals over the
past four to five years. The Board also expressed the need to and interest in
identifying and promoting the district’s core values, in particular, as it relates to
social responsibility. The superintendent will report back to the Board on ways in
which the district could continue to develop, support and promote this work.
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Denesiuk that the report of the education committee be
received.
CARRIED
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
9.0
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – October 1, 2007
REPORT OF SECRETARY-TREASURER
9.1
Penticton Secondary School Reconstruction
In his report on Penticton Secondary School reconstruction, Director of Maintenance
Hickling noted that glass is being installed on the south side of the building in preparation
for temporary heat in that wing, some painting has already begun, equipment has been
moved to the roof, and steel is being erected on the north side of the building. The
district has tentatively scheduled site visits during the week of October 22 for media and
trustees.
9.2
Financial Report
The secretary-treasurer reviewed the financial report to September 30, 2007 noting some
adjustments need to be made to reflect 10-month and 12-month payrolls.
9.3
No Smoking Policy
The secretary-treasurer advised that draft Policy No. 740 – Smoke- and Tobacco-free
Environment was approved in principle at the June 25th meeting and was circulated to
partner groups for comments or suggestions for changes. Since the September 10th
meeting, consultations have been held with all partner groups with good feedback
received from all participants. It was noted that principals have sent letters home
advising parents of the new legislation.
MOTION:
10.
Page 6
Huebert/Andrews that Policy No. 740 – Smoke- and Tobacco-free
Environment be adopted as circulated.
CARRIED
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
10.1
10.2
Student Achievement
a.
Literacy Goal
Director of Instruction Hauptman provided an update to meetings and upcoming
workshops related to the district’s goals. Ready Set Learn sessions are being
organized in all schools, PALS will soon start, parents and young children are
participating at the StrongStart Centre, early intervention is underway in all schools,
and elementary and middle school teachers will be participating in two days of
Literacy in Action. Susan Close will be holding demonstration classes for middle
and secondary teachers later this month and all grade 9 students are being
assessed using the RAD instrument as an assessment for learning that will help
them in their planning for instruction.
b.
Numeracy Goal
c.
School Completion and Transitions Goal
Director of Instruction Celli reported that Judith King is meeting with teachers
related to the school completion and transitions goal and meetings will be held with
administrators to define draft objectives for this goal. Secondary schools activities
this past Friday were well received.
Communication and Access
a.
Field Trips
The superintendent of schools reviewed a listing of field trip requests circulated
with the agenda package, two of which had been approved by the superintendent
pursuant to board policy.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
MOTION:
Page 7
Huebert/Manning that the following field trip request be approved in
principle:
•
MOTION:
February 22 to 24, 2008, for 20 Princess Margaret
Secondary School students in grades 10 to 12 to compete in
the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival in Moscow, Idaho.
CARRIED
Denesiuk/Andrews that the following field trip request be approved in
principle subject to safety concerns being addressed:
•
10.3
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – October 1, 2007
April 12 to 19, 2008, for approximately 60 grade 10 to 12
music students from Penticton Secondary School to travel to
Cuba to perform in festivals and listen to local Cuban music.
CARRIED
Other Items
a.
Enrolment
Director of Instruction Burgoyne reviewed enrolment as of September 28, 2007,
noting there are currently 6,999 students or 6,735.562 FTE in the school district.
b.
Class Size and Composition Report
The superintendent reviewed the Bill 33 Class Size and Composition Report
profiling the processes, class sizes, and class composition for SD67 as required by
legislation. Mr. Doi added that he had received and reviewed the principals’
reports for all schools and classes for the 2007-08 school year and confirms that of
September 25, 2007, the organization of classes is in compliance with the
provisions of the School Act and is appropriate for student learning. The report
also listed the rationale for all classes with greater than 30 students. Mr. Doi noted
that $163,000 was added to the budget last year to decrease class sizes and
another $80,000 was added this year.
OSTU President Terry Green commented that although the class sizes look
considerably better than last year teachers still see the composition of classes as a
significant challenge and requested that the board seek full funding for public
education.
MOTION:
c.
11.0
Denesiuk/Andrews that the report on class size and composition
resulting from Bill 33 be received and accepted.
CARRIED
Provincial Anaphylaxis Policy
BC school districts will be required to develop and implement anaphylaxis policies
that meet new provincial standards. Director of Instruction Schafer advised that
SD67 has been following procedures outlined by Interior Health for a number of
years and Interior Health has advised that they are waiting for the new framework
related to the Ministry announcement. The district will wait for additional
information before reviewing the policy.
REPORT OF REPRESENTATIVES
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
12.0
Committee and Representative Appointments
Chairman Little reviewed committee and representative appointments to November 2008
adding these appointments are normally approved in December but are being reviewed
earlier due to the recent by-election.
MOTION:
14.0
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – October 1, 2007
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
12.1
13.0
Page 8
Huebert/Van Alphen that the committee and representative appointments
to November 2008 be confirmed.
CARRIED
INFORMATION ITEMS
13.1
BCSTA Provincial Council Meeting
Trustee Manning will attend the BCSTA Provincial Council Meeting to be held in
Vancouver on October 12 and 13, 2007,
13.2
BCSTA Okanagan Branch Meeting
Six trustees will attend the BCSTA Okanagan Branch meeting to be held in Revelstoke
on October 26 and 27, 2007.
13.3
Date of Next Meeting
• November 5, 2007, 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 listing circulated with the
agenda package.
14.2
Recognition of Student Artwork
Students from Parkway Elementary School were complimented for their artwork currently
on display at the school board office:
14.3
•
Shawna Gardiner, Grade 4
•
Michael MacLean, Grade 4
•
Shayla Watson, Grade 4
•
•
•
Josie Zant, Grade 3
Parker Peterson, Grade 3
Jaelinn Farmer, Grade 3
Various collection of sunflowers with
frame and background/watercolour
Various collection of sunflowers with
frame and orange base/watercolour
Various collection of sunflowers with
frame/many tones of orange with
base/watercolour
Three tall yellow sunflowers/watercolour
Two tall yellow sunflowers/watercolour
Three tall yellow sunflowers with large
centers/watercolour
green
yellow
yellow
green
brown
Trustee Comments
Trustees provided general comments related to district activities including noting a book
on Terry Fox had been received from Minister of Education Shirley Bond as a thank you
for her recent tour of the Penticton Secondary School site. Appreciation was extended to
maintenance staff for their efforts in completing the playground at Kaleden Elementary
School and for their efforts and partnership in helping Summerland place first in their
category for the Communities in Bloom competition.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Page 9
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – October 1, 2007
In response to a request from Trustee Denesiuk, trustees supported that a letter of
support be written for the Hearts at School initiative being developed for the Health Fair
activities.
15.0
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION:
Manning/Andrews that the meeting be adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
CARRIED
16.0
QUESTION PERIOD
____________________
Chairperson
____________________
Secretary-Treasurer
October 4, 2007
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“Working Together for Student Success”