B
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67 (O
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M
INUTES OF THE
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CHOOL
B
OARD
M
EETING
H ELD ON M ONDAY , N OVEMBER 5, 2007, AT 7:30 P .
M .
AT THE S CHOOL B OARD O FFICE
MINUTES
IN ATTENDANCE L. Little, Chair
G. Doi, Superintendent of Schools
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
J. Secretary
1.0 CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Little welcomed district staff, guests, and representatives of the media to the meeting.
2.0 ADOPTION AGENDA
MOTION: Andrews/Denesiuk that the agenda be approved.
CARRIED
3.0 PRESENTATIONS BY SCHOOLS AND/OR STUDENTS
Sue Gawne, intervener for student Jonathan Higgins, made a presentation on Jonathan’s recent experience at Space Camp. Held at the U.S. Space and Rocket Centre in
Huntsville, Alabama, the camp is designed for visually and hearing impaired students.
Jonathan, a grade 10 student at Princess Margaret Secondary, spent a week in
Huntsville learning about space shuttle systems, life aboard an orbiter and space station, and astronaut training. Ms Gawne explained this program is not just for children – adults can also enjoy the experience – and it is open to the public. One hundred sixty children from all over the world attended. Jonathan learned how to communicate with symbols which were translated to a daily calendar. This calendar mapped out his daily routine.
Missions, moon shuttles, mini-subs, water survival, and a simulated helicopter crash were a few examples of some of the experiences in which Jonathan was involved. A great deal of trust within teams was paramount as each person relied on the other to complete
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha) Page 2 Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – November 5, 2007 each mission successfully. Following a number of questions from trustees, Chairman
Little thanked Ms. Gawne for the presentation.
3.2
The Power of One
Penticton Secondary grade 9 student Jordan Finlay was a grand prize winner in a BC
Hydro energy conservation film initiative. His entry was called “The Power of One”.
Jordan and nine other winners took part in a three-day camp at the Gulf Islands Film and
Television School on Galiano Island. Teacher Russ Stasiuk commented that when the students decided to enter the contest they were not familiar with the program needed to create the video and had only five classes in which to learn. Jordan’s idea on stopped motion (what happens when a light switch is turned on and off) was a starting point.
Jordan commented on his experience and how BC Hydro paid for the students to attend.
It was a great learning experience and Jordan met other students with the same interests. He is looking forward to going into another competition in the future.
Trustees commented on an amazing job in making the film and Jordan responded to a number of questions from trustees. Appreciation was extended for the presentation.
3.3
Summerland Middle School – The Amazing Race
October 5 th
was an amazing day at Summerland Middle School as the third annual
“Amazing Race” was held. The goal of the event was to have students working together, getting to know one another from various grades, and supporting each other through a variety of challenges (from math to geography to French to science to physical activity).
4.0 RECEIVING OF DELEGATIONS AND GUESTS
4.1 Pennie Jamieson Memorial Scholarship
Information regarding the Pennie Jamieson Memorial Scholarship Fund was provided by
Chairman Little noting the district as well as the Board of Education was pleased to establish this important fund. Chairman Little announced the names of three students who were the recipients of $1000 scholarships: Brittany Watson, Summerland
Secondary School; Morgan Evans-Galeski, Penticton Secondary School; and Sandra
Schuhmacher, Princess Margaret Secondary School.
The first teams completed the Amazing Race in just over two hours. Principal Katie
Hicks opened the presentation with a brief explanation and Teacher Kevin Bond continued with how the game worked. One hundred twenty groups of three students
(one student from each grade) were given clues throughout the game which challenged their educational skills. Through the game students got to know each other as well as have the opportunity to test their abilities. The goal was to make use of the skills they have learned with regards to social responsibility and to overcome their fear of getting to know students in other grades. A video was shown of the groups in action. Overall the event was very successful.
Following comments by trustees, Chairman Little thanked Ms. Hicks and Mr. Bond for the presentation.
It was also noted that the district contributed an additional $10,000 to the scholarship fund from finances made through the Summer Leadership Conference held in August of
2007. Prior to this donation, the Pennie Jamieson Memorial Scholarship Fund had
$29,775.62 which included donations from friends, family, community members, and the board. Ms. Jamieson’s son, Neil, attended the board meeting and expressed how pleased he was with the establishment of the Fund. He spoke of his mother being very passionate about the district, the staff, and students and how involved she was over the past 22 years. Neil could understand her passion after watching the presentations and seeing firsthand the level at which the district operates.
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha) Page 3
5.0 APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – November 5, 2007
MOTION: Andrews/Manning that the minutes of the regular meeting held on October 1, 2007 be approved.
CARRIED
6.0 REPORT FROM CLOSED MEETING
The secretary-treasurer reported on the closed meeting held on October 1, 2007:
1. Received a report from the finance and management committee;
2. Confirmed teaching, excluded, and CUPE staff changes;
3. Received information related to student suspensions;
4. Received information related to a meeting with City of Penticton officials;
5. Received information related to personnel.
7.0 CORRESPONDENCE
7.1 Letter from Minister of Education and Minister of Small Business and Revenue
A letter forwarded by the Minister of Education and Minister of Small Business and
Revenue requesting support in providing B.C. students with opportunities to increase their understanding and knowledge of small business and entrepreneurship.
7.2 Letter from British Columbia Teachers’ Federation
A letter from the British Columbia Teachers’ Federation enclosing a copy of the BCTF
Education Funding Brief that was presented to the Select Standing Committee on
Finance and Government Services. The brief is available in the trustee reading file.
7.3 Letter from BC Olympic/Paralympic Youth Leadership Academy
A letter forwarded by the BC Olympic/Paralympic Youth Leadership Academy asking trustees to promote the leadership academy to students in Grades 9 and 10.
7.4 Letter from Citizen
A letter forwarded by Nancy Telford requesting that the Board remind administrators, teachers, and student groups to investigate any charities they may choose to support and asking the Board to consider whether the district needs to formulate guidelines for schools to use when choosing to support a charity.
7.5 Letter from Coalition of Child Care Advocates of B.C.
A letter forwarded by the President the BC Government and Services Employees’ Union and Coalition of Child Care Advocates of B.C. enclosing a complimentary DVD of Kids
Can’t Wait – BC’s child care challenge .
7.6 Letter from Okanagan Skaha Teachers’ Union
A letter from the Okanagan Skaha Teachers’ Union regarding the recent Ministry of
Education announcement of a change in funding and requesting that partner groups meet to take a united stand in opposition to change. Chairman Little commented he would speak to this item under agenda #13.3.
7.7 Summary of Copies of Letters to the Board
Copies of the letters to the Board listed below are available in the trustee reading file:
•
Queen’s Park Parent Advisory Council to Mayor Jake Kimberley regarding the
PAC’s concerns about parking around the school;
•
School District No. 42 (Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows) to the Minister of Education regarding community use of schools in general, and more specifically daycares in empty schools and classrooms;
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha) Page 4 Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – November 5, 2007
•
Quesnel School District to the Minister of Education regarding the recent funding policy change;
•
School District No. 44 (North Vancouver) to the Minister regarding the recent funding changes with respect to grade 10 to 12 students.
MOTION: Andrews/Denesiuk that the correspondence be received.
CARRIED
8.0 REPORT OF COMMITTEES
Trustee Van Alphen reported regarding the education committee meetings held on
October 9 and 30, 2007:
October 9, 2007: a. FSA Update
The FSA is an annual province-wide assessment of British Columbia students’ academic skills, and provides a snapshot of how well BC students are learning foundation skills in Reading Comprehension, Writing, and Numeracy. Principal
Craig Dunbar and Director of Instruction Lynn Hauptman outlined changes for the
Foundation Skills Assessment (FSA):
•
FSA will be administered from February 4 to 15, 2008.
•
Students will respond to multiple-choice sections of 2008 FSA online and will continue to respond to written questions on paper.
•
Content of the 2008 FSA has been adjusted to accommodate the February administration dates.
•
All written questions for the 2008 FSA will be scored at the district level.
Funding will be allocated to support local marking. The Ministry will offer nine regional training sessions throughout the province. b. Home Learners Update
An update on the current activities and initiatives of the Home Learners’ Program was presented by Jan Ramsay, Principal, Home Learners’ Program. Recent developments at the provincial level were also reviewed.
Kathy Pierre, District Vice Principal, Aboriginal Education, introduced the “Sister
Circle”, a “Stay-in-School” initiative for female aboriginal students. This program is structured around the “First Nations Futures” program and is currently being implemented through the Home Learners’ Program at Princess Margaret
Secondary and Penticton Secondary.
October 30, 2007: a. District Progress Report
The Transitional District Progress Report was presented by Director of Instruction
Hauptman. Points of discussion included changes that have been made, the addition of the Enhancement Agreement, and a lengthy discussion of the new
School Completion Goal. The board must submit a formal achievement contract by
July 15, 2008. b. Early Learning Agreement
Superintendent Doi reviewed the Early Learning Agreement and it was noted that this agreement is due to the Ministry by November 30, 2007. c. Literacy Plan
The Transitional District Literacy Plan to be submitted to the Ministry by October
31, 2007 was presented to the committee. Director of Instruction Hauptman
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha) Page 5 Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – November 5, 2007 reviewed the progress made by the District Literacy Committee to date toward the realization of its goals. A completed District Literacy Plan is to be submitted to the
Ministry by July 15, 2008.
MOTION: Van Alphen/Denesiuk that reports of both education committee meetings be received.
CARRIED
Director of Instruction Hauptman was recognized for her work in completing these tasks.
8.2 Policy Committee
Trustee Andrews reported on the policy committee meeting which was held on October 9,
2007: a. Policy No. 528 – Protection of Employees from Violence in the Workplace
The school district recognizes that administrative changes to school district regulations can be changed by staff and need not be circulated for the 30-day consultative period. The changes on draft Policy No. 528 result from Worksafe BC regulation changes. Following review,
MOTION: Andrews/Manning that Policy No. 528 – Protection of Employees from
Violence in the Workplace be amended as circulated.
CARRIED b. Policy No. 350 – Nutrition
Director of Instruction Celli reviewed administrative changes to Policy No. 350 –
Nutrition to comply with Ministry of Education guidelines. Following review,
MOTION: Andrews/Van Alphen that Policy No. 350 – Nutrition be amended as circulated.
CARRIED
MOTION: Andrews/Huebert that the report of the policy committee be received.
CARRIED
8.3 Buildings, Grounds, Safety and Transportation Committee
Trustee Huebert reported on the buildings, grounds, safety and transportation committee meeting held on October 24, 2007: a. Queen’s Park Elementary PAC
Tracey St. Claire, Chair, Queen’s Park Elementary PAC, distributed and reviewed a report regarding parking issues at the school. Issues discussed included that no parking is provided on the site, that new programs at the school including
StrongStart, Kindercare, and KidZone have increased requirements for parking, and that the new city multiplex will further increase requirements for parking.
Current planning by the school district for parking on Birch Street will not meet the needs.
Director of Maintenance John Hickling reviewed efforts to obtain the city’s approval for parking on Birch Street would provide limited spaces if a three-meter green space is required. Following discussion, the committee supported that the site be reviewed for options to provide parking for the school’s requirements.
Secretary-Treasurer Regehr distributed an enrolment forecast for the district’s schools for the period to 2016. The committee was advised that this enrolment forecast is increased from last year’s enrolment with a projection that enrolment growth will start in 2012. Mr. Regehr noted that due to the current decline in
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha) Page 6 Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – November 5, 2007 enrolment the school district would not qualify for a capital project. Mr. Regehr did recommend that the capital plan include the replacement of one bus. Following discussion,
MOTION: Huebert/Van Alphen that the 2008-09 capital plan request funding for one-
72 passenger school bus.
CARRIED
Director of Maintenance John Hickling reviewed a plan for the design of the front entry of Summerland Secondary School. The committee has previously received information regarding renovations for interior spaces at this school. Mr. Hickling advised that, following an approval of a building permit for the project, work should start by December. It was noted the project may take up to one year and will initially require the relocation of the staff room and use of a classroom near the new entry. d. Adventure Playground Update
Mr. Hickling reviewed that six grant applications have been submitted for gaming commission funding to support adventure playground replacements. Grants for
$20,000 are available but it is expected only a limited number of applications will be approved. A number of school PAC’s are working to obtain funding for the playgrounds. Mr. Hickling reviewed PAC’s are being advised the school district’s funding support will provide for removal and disposal of the existing equipment, installation of a new base and curb for the playground, and installation of the new equipment. It was noted if a number of the PAC’s are successful with the gaming commission grants it will be a challenge to complete installation by next
September.
MOTION: Huebert/Clarke that the report of the buildings, grounds, safety and transportation committee be received.
CARRIED
8.4 Finance and Management Committee
Trustee Manning reported on the finance and management committee meeting held on
October 31, 2007:
1. French Immersion Report
Director of Instruction Dave Burgoyne reviewed an analysis of enrolment trends in the district’s French Immersion programs. The analysis included a projection of
French Immersion enrolment at Summerland Secondary if a grade 9 program is started for the 2008-09. Based on attrition trends, an estimated enrolment from 21 students in grade 9 will reduce to 17 students in grade 12 in 2011-12. It was noted that a decline in total enrolment is forecast at the school during these years but that the applications to enter the immersion program are expected to be maintained.
Based on the projected class sizes in an immersion program at Summerland
Secondary, Mr. Burgoyne estimated the school would be able to provide staffing for the program within the current staffing formula. Following discussion,
MOTION: Manning/Denesiuk that the French Immersion program be offered in grade
9 at Summerland Secondary School starting September 2008.
CARRIED b. Request for Steinway Piano
In a letter received at the October 1 st
board meeting, the Penticton and District
Performing Arts Facilities Society requested that following the closure of the
Penticton Secondary School auditorium that the Steinway grand piano be moved to the Cleland Community Theatre. Secretary-Treasurer Regehr reviewed the current
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha) Page 7 Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – November 5, 2007 agreement for the use of the Steinway, the school district’s initial contribution to the purchase, and over 30 years of support of the piano. Following discussion,
MOTION: Manning/Huebert that the Board approve moving the Steinway piano to a community facility following the closure of the Penticton Secondary School auditorium.
CARRIED c. Okanagan Hockey Academy Update
Secretary-Treasurer Regehr reviewed the enrolment of students who are participating in the Okanagan Hockey Academy. At present, 74 students are in the program and 34 of these are from outside of B.C. Our district had expected approximately 50 of these students would be from out of province but this has not materialized. d. Change in Funding of Grade 10 to 12 Students
On October 18, the Ministry advised grade 10 to 12 school age students attending less than full time will no longer be funded for a basic recognition of up to 0.50
FTE. An initial calculation of the impact for SD67 is a loss of funding for 48 FTE students. We are working to clarify the financial impact to our district through a review of the calculation of the enrolment decline and the impact of this change on our preliminary funding calculation. Mr. Regehr advised the Ministry is in the process of providing clarification.
The committee was advised arrangements have been made for the Okanagan
Symphony to perform two concerts for middle and secondary music students next
February. Principal Dave Brunelle has been instrumental in completing arrangements for these performances.
MOTION: Van Alphen/Manning that the report of the finance and management committee be received.
CARRIED
9.0 REPORT OF SECRETARY-TREASURER
9.1 Penticton Secondary School Reconstruction
Director of Maintenance John Hickling reported on the Penticton Secondary School reconstruction noting the project is approximately 60% completed. Masonry work has been completed in the courtyard, structural steel is almost complete with the east end being closed, and some finishes such as painting have been started inside. The delivery of millwork is scheduled to start in December. There is a concern regarding the lino, the delivery of which could be delayed by a month from Europe. Alternate delivery methods and materials are being investigated. Temporary heat using rented propane space heaters started on site during this week. There is a delay in natural gas supply due to
Terasen being on strike. The contractor is setting up procedures to ensure propane will be safely delivered and stored on site until Terasen completes the gas installation.
A tour of Penticton Secondary School will take place next week for the staff at Pen High.
The audience and staff are welcome to join the group for the tour.
Secretary-Treasurer Frank Regehr noted that the Accommodation and Real Estate
Services (ARES) has been appointed by Shared Services BC to work with the Ministry of
Education and our district in the completion of Penticton Secondary School. The final funding for the work on the Ellis building, demolition, and site development will be assisted by ARES.
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha) Page 8
10.0 SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – November 5, 2007 a. Update on District Goals
Literacy – Director of Instruction, Lynn Hauptmann reported that 70 district staff attended the Faye Brownlie Academy conference in Kelowna. It was a great success in all areas of reading and writing. Holly Colquhoun was involved in how oral language makes deeper connections with reading and writing. It was mentioned that Holly did a fabulous job in representing the district.
Numeracy – The First Steps in Math course taught by Steve Lapointe was very helpful in numeracy with regards to discussions on the first steps in mathematics and how to help teachers in cases where students stray in their thinking to problem solving. Solutions were suggested on how best to deal with these situations.
School Completion and Transition Goals – Director of Instruction Brian Celli attended a School Completion and Beyond conference in Kelowna on November 1 and noted that 250 people from nine districts were present. These included 40 staff members from School District 67 – teachers, trustees and administrators.
There was enthusiastic support for the forum and possibilities for follow-up.
10.2 Communication and Access
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.
MOTION: Denesiuk/Manning that final approval be given for the following field trip request:
•
January 30 to February 5, 2008, for 47 students from
Summerland Middle and KVR Middle schools to travel to
Quebec for the Quebec City winter carnival and to visit
Montreal and Quebec City.
CARRIED
10.3 Other a. Enrolment
Director of Instruction Dave Burgoyne reviewed enrolment noting there was a small decline in the district numbers. There are currently 6,996 students, or 6,724.768
FTE, in the school district. b. Class Size and Composition Report
Director of Instruction Burgoyne reviewed details on school class size and composition consultation meetings noting the effect that one additional student had on the composition issue and changed the additional staffing. It was noted that all principals have submitted a report to the superintendent confirming these classes are appropriate for student learning and school planning councils have been informed as required.
MOTION: Van Alphen/Andrews that the report on school class sizes/composition consultation meetings be received and accepted.
CARRIED
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha) Page 9 Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – November 5, 2007
12.0 NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
13.1 BCSTA Provincial Council Meeting
Trustee Manning reported on the BCSTA Provincial Council Meeting which was held on
October 12 and 13, 2007 in Vancouver. Speakers included Robert Musgrave, Director of
Trade and Competitiveness, Ministry of Economic Development, and Guy Gensey,
International Trade Advisor in the BC Ministry of Economic Development, concerning the
Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement between BC and Alberta and how the inter-provincial agreement will relate to boards when implemented in April 2009. Dr.
Emery Dosdall, Deputy Minister of Education, reviewed changes during the past few months including several new bills and explained mandates and healthy living initiatives.
Districts must develop literacy plans and reach out beyond the home structure. Free adult education will be available through post secondary institutions and school districts in 2008. There are currently 27 StrongStart Centres with the hope of 87 by the end of the year. Reports were also heard from the Education Committee, First Nations Education
Committee, the President, and Executive Director. The audited financial statements were received and approved. The BCSTA strategic priorities booklet describes strategic priorities for BCSTA for 2007-08 as identified by the Board of Directors at its May 2007 planning session and will be in the trustee reading file.
13.2 BCSTA Okanagan Branch Meeting
Trustees provided information regarding their attendance at the BCSTA Okanagan
Branch meeting which was held in Revelstoke on October 26 and 27, 2007. Comments included information regarding an environmental heating system at one of the Revelstoke schools, highlights of their attendance at a StrongStart Centre, Early Learning and
Daycare Centre, details of an Avalanche Educational Program, and a program that educates parents and students to use their time on electronic equipment sparingly.
Chairman Little reported on the Ministry of Education meeting for board chairs and superintendents held on November 2 in Richmond. Trustee Denesiuk also attended on behalf of the BCSTA. Chairman Little was impressed with the discussions that took place throughout the day on topics such as healthy schools, early education, contracts, and sustainability. Minister of Education Shirley Bond was at the meeting in the morning to answer questions regarding the recent funding formula changes and issues. Chairman
Little commented that he was supportive of the Ministry’s rationale. What was most concerning, however, was the fact that this change occurred during the school year when budgets had been set. In addition, the 1701 data may not be sufficiently accurate for the purposes of this calculation. The Ministry will, therefore, be finalizing procedures for making amendments to the 1701 document which will result in the subsequent recalculation of funding. Adjustments will be made as staff will review and resubmit the
1701 data. It is anticipated that the funding formula changes will not have a significant impact on SD67’s funding.
13.4 Date of Next Meeting
•
December 10, 2007, 7.30 p.m., inaugural and regular meetings, School Board
Office
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
14.0 TRUSTEE
Page 10 Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – November 5, 2007
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 Wiltse Elementary School were congratulated for their artwork currently on display at the school board office:
•
Blake Holowaty, Grade 5
•
Nikita Pickard, Grade 5
Painted black, orange, white coiled snake 5x5
Painted black, orange, white coiled snake 5x5
•
Harkamal Dhaliwal, Grade 5 Painted black, orange, white coiled snake 5x5
•
Nathan Aubie, Grade 5
•
Alexandra
Painted black, orange, white coiled snake 5x5
Grade Lavender paper abstract designs with black
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Karnveer Khatra, Grade 3
•
Carolina continuous lines around each design
Plum and lime leaf print on cream cheesecloth
Grade Plum, gold and lime leaf print on cream
•
Emily Bennett, Grade 1 cheesecloth
Tropical colourful fish with smiling faces in crayon and felt
Trustees provided general comments related to district and school activities including architecture features in the design of Penticton Secondary, the School Completion and
Beyond Forum in Kelowna, Remembrance Day ceremonies, and compliments for Kathy
Pierre on her work in the aboriginal community. Sabrina Monteith, a parent from Kaleden
Elementary PAC, was in the audience and thanked the district for their efforts in replacing the playground at Kaleden. Trustee Manning commended the Kaleden PAC for their hard work and determination in paying off their playground.
15.0 ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Manning/Andrews that the meeting be adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
CARRIED
____________________
Chairperson
November 19, 2007
Ref: U:\SBO-ST-Data\DA\2007-2008\00100 - 01999 Administration\00300-05 Minutes Open\071105 OP.doc
____________________
Secretary-Treasurer
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