BOARD OF EDUCATION
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 67 (OKANAGAN SKAHA)
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
HELD ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2007, AT 7:30 P.M.
AT THE SCHOOL BOARD OFFICE
MINUTES
IN ATTENDANCE
Larry Little, Chair
Ginny Manning, Vice Chair
Kevin Andrews, Trustee
Shelley Clarke, Trustee
Connie Denesiuk, Trustee
Walter Huebert, Trustee
Linda Van Alphen, Trustee
Gary Doi, Superintendent of Schools
Frank Regehr, Secretary-Treasurer
Ron Shongrunden, Assistant Secretary-Treasurer
Dave Burgoyne, Director of Instruction
Brian Celli, Director of Instruction
Lynn Hauptman, Director of Instruction
John Hickling, Director of Maintenance
Daphne Adey, Executive Assistant
John Walbergs, Acting Principal, Columbia Elementary School
1.0
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Little called the meeting to order following the inaugural meeting and welcomed district
staff, guests, and representatives of the media to the meeting.
2.0
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOTION:
Denesiuk/Andrews that the agenda be approved.
CARRIED
3.0
PRESENTATIONS BY SCHOOLS AND/OR STUDENTS
3.1
School Calendar: Katie Filek, Penticton Secondary School
The calendar concept, design and completion was the work of grade 11 leadership
student Katie Filek. The calendar was developed as a way to raise the profile of student
artwork as well as raise money for artwork in the new school. Katie began work on the
calendar in March and included an elementary, middle, and secondary school to show
the full range of student talent. She chose the three schools based on a desire to include
schools from all areas in the district and solicited sponsors to offset costs for the
calendar. Approximately $2,000 will be raised through the sale of the calendar.
Following a number of questions, Katie was congratulated for her idea, artwork, and
leadership endeavour in producing the calendar.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
3.2
Page 2
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – December 10, 2007
Community Literacy Plan Update: Danielle Robinson, Literacy Coordinator
Director of Instruction Hauptman explained that SD67 is a part of the South Okanagan
Literacy Now Task Force working to build a community literacy plan. Last July, the task
force hired Danielle Robinson as the literacy coordinator to facilitate the community
consultations and work with the committee to set goals, make an action plan, and submit
a Community Literacy Plan. This plan will be submitted to 2010 Legacies Now to qualify
for a substantial grant that will be used to bolster literacy capacity within our community.
Ms. Robinson highlighted the work of the task force, gave examples of how literacy is
involved in the community, and provided the future action plan of working towards
workplace literacy and health literacy. A celebration of the community literacy plan’s
completion will be held on January 24.
Following a number of questions, Ms. Robinson was thanked for her involvement with the
task force.
4.0
RECEIVING OF DELEGATIONS AND GUESTS
5.0
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Manning that the minutes of the regular meeting held on November 5,
2007 be approved.
CARRIED
6.0
REPORT FROM CLOSED MEETING
The secretary-treasurer reported on the closed meeting held on November 5, 2007:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
7.0
Received correspondence;
Received reports from the finance and management committee, and the discipline
committee;
Confirmed teaching, excluded, and CUPE staff changes;
Approved requests for teacher leaves;
Received information related to student suspensions;
Received information related to meetings held by the British Columbia Public Schools
Employers Association and the Okanagan Labour Relations Council;
Received information related to a Ministry of Education meeting with board chairs and
superintendents;
Received information related to a grievance.
CORRESPONDENCE
7.1
Letter from British Columbia School Trustees Association
A letter forwarded by the president of the British Columbia School Trustees Association
complimenting the Board on establishing the Pennie Jamieson Memorial Scholarship
Fund.
7.2
Letter from Princess Margaret Secondary School
A letter forwarded by the leadership class at Princess Margaret Secondary announcing
the 10,000 To-Night canned food drive on December 6, 2007.
7.3
Letter from CUPE BC
A letter forwarded by the president of CUPE BC Division regarding the recent Ministry of
Education funding announcement and changes in governance structure in K to 12. The
enclosures are available in the trustee reading file.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
7.4
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – December 10, 2007
Summary of Letters to the Board regarding Operation Christmas Child
Letters to the Board in support of Operation Christmas Child are listed below and are
available in the trustee reading file:
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•
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•
•
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•
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•
•
7.5
Page 3
Reg and Barbara Webb
Les and Helena Zachary
Doug Cox
Arden and Donna Ashdown
Shirley Schneider
Rose Hartman
Margaret and Frank Krueger
Coral Brown
Anne Reid
Jenaya Copithorne
Judy Doyle
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. 91 (Nechako Lakes) to the Minister of Education regarding
the Tobacco Control Act;
School District No. 75 (Mission) to the Minister of Education supporting the
BCSTA Late Motion 36, The Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement;
School District No. 38 (Richmond) to the Minister of Education regarding the
Ministry’s comments towards their funding surplus;
School District No. 38 (Richmond) to the Minister of Education regarding summer
school fees;
School District No. 68 (Nanaimo-Ladysmith) to the Minister of Education
requesting that districts with excess capacity be able to use the excess space for
child care facilities and deduct those spaces from the space inventory;
School District No. 43 (Coquitlam) to the Minister of Education regarding the
recent funding announcements and the potential impact on their district;
School District No. 69 (Qualicum) to the Minister of Education expressing
concerns about the mid-year change in the calculation of FTE for purposes of
funding;
School District No. 63 (Saanich) to the Minister of Education regarding the recent
change to the funding formula;
School District No. 38 (Richmond) to the Minister of Education regarding the
recent funding announcements and the potential impact on their district;
School District No. 72 (Campbell River) to the Minister of Education expressing
dissatisfaction with the recent change made to the funding allocation system for
secondary school students;
School District No. 72 (Campbell River) to the Minister of Education, signed by all
partner groups, regarding the recent changes to the funding allocation;
School District No. 28 (Quesnel) to the Minister of Education regarding the recent
funding announcements;
School District No. 78 (Fraser-Cascade) to the Minister of Education regarding
changes to the funding formula;
School District No. 20 (Kootenay-Columbia) to the Minister of Education
regarding recent changes to the funding framework;
School District No. 39 (Vancouver) to the Minister of Education regarding funding
formula changes;
School District No. 57 (Prince George) to the Minister of Education regarding the
funding formula changes;
School District No. 53 (Okanagan Similkameen) to the Minister of Education
expressing concerns regarding the recent funding change announcement;
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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•
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MOTION:
Page 4
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – December 10, 2007
School District No. 91 (Nechako Lakes) to the Minister of Education expressing
concern over the recent announcement regarding the 2007-08 operating grant;
School District No. 5 (Southeast Kootenay) to the Minister of Education regarding
the recent funding allocation changes;
School District No. 22 (Vernon) signed by all partner groups to the Minister of
Education regarding the funding formula changes;
School District No. 51 (Boundary) to the Minister of Education thanking the
Minister and Ministry staff for the board chair/superintendents’ meeting and
expressing concerns about the mid-year change to the funding formula;
School District No. 38 (Richmond) signed by all partner groups to the Minister of
Education regarding changes to the funding formula for school district in the
middle of the school year;
School District No. 74 (Gold Trail) to the Minister of Education related to the
protocol of recognition signed between the BCSTA and the Ministry of Education.
Andrews/Huebert that the correspondence be received.
CARRIED
8.0
REPORT OF COMMITTEES
8.1
Education Committee
Trustee Van Alphen reported regarding the education committee meeting held on
December 4, 2007:
a.
Princess Margaret Secondary
Principal Bill Bidlake and Vice-Principals Terry Grady and Tom Schimmer provided
an update on their efforts to improve school completion and transitions. Key pillars
of their program include an integrated grade 9 Transition Plan and intervention
supports for grade 11 and 12 students at risk of not successfully completing their
programs. The breadth and depth of their efforts to support changes in teacher
practice and student success were clearly evident and heartily acknowledged.
b.
Adolescent Health Survey
Brian Celli, Director of Instruction, presented the Adolescent Health Survey (AHS)
which is a questionnaire used to gather information about youth health in BC. The
fourth provincial survey will be conducted in early 2008 and contains questions
about physical and emotional health, and about factors that can influence health
during adolescence or in later life. The AHS is conducted by the McCreary Centre
Society in collaboration with the provincial government and public health system,
and with the cooperation of BC’s school districts.
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Denesiuk that the Board approves SD67 participation in 2008
McCreary Adolescent Health Survey.
CARRIED
c.
Annual Report on Student Achievement
In response to amendments to Section 22 of the School Act, Superintendent Doi
brought forward, for discussion, a draft copy of the Annual Report on Student
Achievement. The final report will be presented to the Board at its public meeting
later tonight.
d.
District Core Values
The Board had a brief discussion on the importance of establishing SD67 core
values. However, in light of the recently announced District Review, it was agreed
that further work on SD67 core values will be considered following the District
Review report later in the spring.
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Clarke that the report of the education committee be received.
CARRIED
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
8.2
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – December 10, 2007
Finance and Management Committee
Trustee Manning reported on the finance and management committee meeting held on
December 5, 2007:
a.
School Funds at September 30, 2007
Since 2004-05, funds collected by our schools have been reported on the school
district’s financial statements.
Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Shongrunden
reviewed a summary of the fund balances during the past two years. These funds
are managed at each school and at September 30, 2007 totalled $891,403. Mr.
Shongrunden discussed examples of the commitment for these funds such as
school athletics, clubs, travel, yearbook, and a bus purchase.
b.
Board Office Closure during Holidays
Trustees were advised that with Christmas and New Year’s Days falling on
Tuesdays this year, the board office will be closed on December 24 and 31. We
expect some staff will be at work.
MOTION:
8.3
Page 5
Manning/Andrews that the report of the finance and management
committee be received.
CARRIED
Buildings, Grounds, Safety and Transportation Committee
Trustee Huebert reported on the buildings, grounds, safety and transportation committee
meeting held on December 5, 2007:
a.
Highway 97 Construction
Director of Maintenance John Hickling reviewed information regarding the road
widening of Highway 97 which should start within a few months. The construction
project is expected to take 18 months to complete. One school district bus travels
this route twice a day and we will work to minimize disruption to the bus schedule.
b.
Penticton Centennial School Projects
At the June board meeting, our district was offered, through the Community
Foundation of the South Okanagan, Centennial Education Grants for the purpose
of supporting the Spirit of Penticton. The 12 Penticton schools have been invited to
develop a proposal for a Centennial project and a total of $27,500 is available. To
date six proposals have been received.
The committee was advised some schools are considering using the Centennial
funds for a mural. Both Mr. Regehr and Mr. Hickling reviewed previous committee
discussions about murals for issues such as the content of the mural, impact on
future maintenance of the school, repair of damage, and longevity of mural images.
The committee supported past practice of placing murals on wall panels and
committee review of mural designs.
c.
School Community Connections Program
Secretary-Treasurer Regehr reviewed a joint proposal with the City of Penticton to
the Community Connections Program. The project is to upgrade the field at
McNicoll Park as well as improve parking. To support the program application, the
committee agreed to recommend approval of the application.
MOTION:
Huebert/Andrews that the Board of Education approves the application to
the School Community Connections Program for the development of fields
at McNicoll Park Middle School and Nkwala Park and agrees to accept the
terms and conditions of the program as set out in Schedule B.
CARRIED
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Page 6
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – December 10, 2007
d.
Building Envelope Program
Director of Maintenance Hickling updated the committee regarding the provincial
Building Envelope Program. At this time, three schools have been evaluated and
approved for the program and six are still to be reviewed. Currently, funding is not
allocated for the remedial work in our school district.
e.
Video Surveillance Annual Review
Policy No. 725 – Video Surveillance established a process that if followed could
allow the school district to place passive surveillance cameras at schools. The
policy requires that prior to placement of a camera other preventive options be
considered and that an annual report be filed regarding video surveillance.
The report summarized that one or more cameras are in place at nine schools and
at one administrative building. In all cases, the cameras are placed for exterior
surveillance of vandalism problems. The cameras are not monitored.
f.
OCP – Summerland
The committee was advised a draft Official Community Plan has been received for
the Summerland community. The school district has an opportunity for feedback
by December 21, 2007. The committee supported that a response may be
provided following review by Trustees Denesiuk and Van Alphen.
MOTION:
9.0
Huebert/Manning that the report of the buildings, grounds, safety and
transportation committee be received.
CARRIED
REPORT OF SECRETARY-TREASURER
9.1
Penticton Secondary School Reconstruction
Director of Maintenance Hickling provided progress on Penticton Secondary School
reconstruction noting the project is at the two-thirds completed phase. Glazing is
completed on the south side of the building with glazing work continuing on the north
side. The contractor is continuing to heat the building with propane, the last tilt-up panel
was casted last week, and we are presently working with the architects on the next phase
of renovations.
9.2
Financial Report
The secretary-treasurer reviewed the financial report to December 10, 2007 provided in
the agenda package adding that Mr. Shongrunden is currently completing a thorough
review of all accounts. Mr. Regehr added it appears at this time that the district will have
a balanced budget.
9.3
Wind Damage
The secretary-treasurer provided information on the wind damage from the November 12
storm noting seven school district trees were blown down as well as some minor damage
at some facilities. The trees have been removed and we believe the cost of the damage,
which may reach $15,000, will be recoverable from our insurance policy. No injuries
were reported.
9.4
Student Enrolment Calculation/Funding Recalculation
The secretary-treasurer reported that we were advised on October 18 that the Ministry of
Education had changed the formula for counting the enrolment of grades 10 to 12 school
age students. Previously, students were counted to a maximum of 1.0 FTE (eight
courses). The new rule allows that students taking more than eight courses will have the
total course count recognized in the student count. A second change removed a base
student recognition that provided up to 0.50 FTE per student if a student was enrolled in
less than eight courses. Mr. Regehr added that the three secondary schools spent
substantial time in resubmitting the enrolment data which will be used to recalculate our
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Page 7
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – December 10, 2007
funding for this year. Although the district enrolment was initially reported as down from
last year, the revised count in fact shows the district up just over 60 FTE. Mr. Regehr
added the funding for the 2007-08 school year is expected to be received towards the
end of this month.
10.
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
10.1
Student Achievement
a.
10.2
Superintendent’s Report on Achievement
Superintendent Doi advised that Section 22 of the School Act requires that the
superintendent prepare and submit to the Board a report on student achievement
in the district for the previous school year. The report, which is intended to be brief,
is to be presented to the Board before December 15 and made available to the
public and the Minister of Education before January 31st. Mr. Doi reviewed the
report which referenced student achievement related to the three goals of literacy,
numeracy, and school completion and transitions and thanked all staff for the work
they have done in making progress on student achievement.
Communication and Access
a.
Field Trips
The superintendent of schools reviewed a listing of field trip requests circulated
with the agenda package.
MOTION:
Huebert/Manning that the field trip request for 28 students from
Summerland Secondary School to travel to England and France from
March 15 to 27, 2008 on a cultural exchange be given final approval.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Andrews/Van Alphen that the field trip request be approved for 52
grade 8 band students from McNicoll Park Middle School to travel to
Edmonton on June 11 to 14, 2008 to play concerts in elementary
schools and visit the Royal Alberta Museum and West Edmonton
Mall.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Clarke/Andrews that the following field trip requests be approved and
that funding be provided as per board policy:
•
•
•
•
•
November 29 to December 1, 2007, for ten girls from
Penticton Secondary School to travel to Surrey/White Rock
to compete in the senior girls’ volleyball provincial
championships;
November 28 to December 1, 2007, for 11 boys from
Penticton Secondary School to travel to Kelowna to compete
in the senior boys’ provincial volleyball championships;
November 22 to 24, 2007, for 12 grade 10 boys from
Penticton Secondary School to travel to Kelowna to compete
in the junior boys’ provincial volleyball championships;
November 22 to 24, 2007, for 18 grades 9 and 10 girls from
Penticton Secondary School to travel to Kelowna/Winfield to
compete in the junior girls provincial volleyball
championships; and
November 1 to 3, 2007, for 14 grades 10 to 12 students from
Penticton Secondary School to compete in the cross country
provincial championships in Victoria.
CARRIED
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Page 8
MOTION:
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – December 10, 2007
Denesiuk/Andrews that the following field trip request be approved in
principle:
•
March 16 to April 3, 2009, for eight grade 11 and 12 students
from Princess Margaret Secondary School to participate in a
Global Village volunteer program helping to build a house in
Zambia, Africa.
CARRIED
It was noted during discussion that a travel advisory was in effect for parts of
Zambia and that should the travel advisory still exist, the school would select
another country to participate in the volunteer program.
b.
Operation Christmas Child
The superintendent reviewed a report to the Board on his recommendation to staff
regarding participation with the Operation Christmas Child charity or activities of
this nature. Information was gathered from participating schools, the materials
from the Operation Christmas Child charity were reviewed as were issues raised by
parents and citizens. It was noted that in most instances, the resources provided
by Operation Christmas Child (DVD, pamphlet, and shoebox) were not used and in
some cases, the materials were used and/or adapted. Mr. Doi added that in
considering the educational merits and legal requirements of the School Act, his
direction to staff is that:
“Schools be permitted to participate in this activity (or activities of this nature)
provided that the purpose of the activity is to advance one of the goals for the
education system, as prescribed by the Ministry of Education (i.e. intellectual
development, human and social development and career development); the
activity is secular in nature; there is no religious dogma taught or promoted;
and the activity is not used to advance nor inhibit any particular religion.”
MOTION:
10.3
Denesiuk/Clarke that the Board supports the recommendation as
presented by the superintendent.
CARRIED
Other Items
a.
Enrolment
The superintendent of schools reported on enrolment as of November 30, 2007.
There are currently 6,997 students, or 6,714.425 FTE, in the school district.
b.
Class Size and Composition Report
Director of Instruction Burgoyne reviewed details of school class size and
composition consultation meetings noting the changes at Penticton Secondary
School result from changes in courses and student movement during the month of
November. The report 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.
MOTION:
c.
Denesiuk/Manning that the report on school class sizes/composition
consultation meetings be received and accepted.
CARRIED
French Immersion Registration
The superintendent advised that Directors of Instruction Celli and Schafer have met
with members of the Parents for French executive and will meet again regarding
French immersion registration for the coming school year.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Page 9
11.0
REPORT OF REPRESENTATIVES
12.0
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
12.1
13.0
Proposal to Review Salaries
For information, Trustee Little advised the Board has established a sub committee
consisting of Trustees Little, Manning, Denesiuk, and Van Alphen to review excluded,
principal, and vice principal salaries for school district employees. This group will meet in
the near future and will report back to the Board.
INFORMATION ITEMS
13.1
BCSTA Trustees Academy
Trustees were reminded to submit the report of their attendance at the BCSTA Trustees
Academy held December 6 to 8, 2007, in Vancouver.
13.2
BCSTA Provincial Council Meeting
It was noted that the deadline for BCSTA to receive motions for the provincial council
meeting to be held February 15 and 16, 2008 is January 14, 2008.
13.3
BCSTA Annual General Meeting
The deadline for submission of motions for BCSTA’s annual general meeting to be held
April 3 to 6, 2008 is as follows:
•
•
13.4
14.0
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – December 10, 2007
Extraordinary motions – January 23, 2008
Substantive motions – February 1, 2008
Date of Next Meeting
• January 14, 2008, 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 for outstanding
examples of success to the students and groups shown on the recognition sheet included
with the agenda package.
14.2
Recognition of Student Artwork
Students from KVR Middle School were congratulated for their artwork currently on
display at the school board office:
•
Chantel Beierle, Grade 7
•
Min Young Lee, Grade 7
•
Breanne Stoll, Grade 8
•
Megan Sociedade, Grade 8
•
Stephanie Moore, Grade 6
•
Deanna Bravo, Grade 6
Chuck Close grid drawing in pen and ink in the
design of a bird
Chuck Close grid drawing in pen and ink in the
design of a cat
Chuck Close grid drawing in oil pastels of a
man’s face with wild colourful hair
Chuck Close grid drawing in oil pastels – two
ducks side by side
Batik still life tempera and ink painting in
various colours with purple background
Batik still life tempera and ink painting in
various colours with orange background
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
14.3
15.0
Page 10
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – December 10, 2007
Trustee Comments
Trustees provided general comments related to district and school activities as well as
comments related to their participation at the BCSTA Trustees Academy.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION:
Manning/Andrews that the meeting be adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
CARRIED
16.0
QUESTION PERIOD
____________________
Chairperson
____________________
Secretary-Treasurer
December 12, 2007
Ref: U:\SBO-ST-Data\DA\2007-2008\00100 - 01999 Administration\00300-05 Minutes Open\071210 OP.doc
“Working Together for Student Success”