BOARD OF EDUCATION
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 67 (OKANAGAN SKAHA)
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
HELD ON MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2008, 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
Garth Schaffer, Director of Instruction
John Hickling, Director of Maintenance
Daphne Adey, Executive Assistant
1.0
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Little welcomed everyone to the meeting and extended best wishes for the new year of
2008.
2.0
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOTION:
Andrews/Clarke that the agenda and addendum be approved.
CARRIED
3.0
PRESENTATIONS BY SCHOOLS AND/OR STUDENTS
4.0
RECEIVING OF DELEGATIONS AND GUESTS
5.0
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Clarke that the minutes of the regular and inaugural board meetings
held on December 10, 2007 be approved.
CARRIED
6.0
REPORT FROM CLOSED MEETING
The secretary-treasurer reported on the closed meeting held on December 10, 2007:
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
1.
2.
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4.
5.
6.
7.0
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – January 14, 2008
Received reports from the finance and management committee, and discipline committee;
Confirmed teaching, excluded, and CUPE staff changes;
Received information on discussions for a local education agreement;
Approved a request for a teacher leave;
Received information related to student suspensions; and
Received information on a joint training initiative.
CORRESPONDENCE
7.1
Letter from Princess Margaret Leadership Class
A letter forwarded by the Princess Margaret Secondary Leadership Class providing a
follow-up to the 10,000 To-Night canned food drive held on December 6, 2007.
7.2
Letter from CUPE BC
A letter forwarded by the president of CUPE BC Division requesting that school districts
consider accessing eligible capital funding to create new child care spaces in vacant
schools and classrooms. The enclosures are available in the trustee reading file.
Chairman Little noted that this same item is of interest to the Board and that trustees
have asked district staff to do further investigation on this topic.
7.3
Letter from Parents
A letter forwarded by parents Paul and Shirley Varga regarding the use of a lottery
system during the registration of French Immersion students.
7.4
Letter from Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen
A letter forwarded by the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen acknowledging the
work of Ron Shongrunden and Danny Francisco for their efforts in completing a major
upgrade to the phone system at the RDOS.
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:
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
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School District No. 35 (Langley) to the Minister of Education regarding the recent
mid-school year funding changes;
School District No. 27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) to the Minister of Education regarding
the changes to the 2007-08 operating grants;
School District No. 42 (Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows) to the Minister of Education
regarding funding for the creation of new child care spaces in schools;
School District No. 20 (Kootenay-Columbia) to the Minister of Education
regarding surplus funds;
School District No. 20 (Kootenay-Columbia) to the Minister of Education
regarding their proposal submitted under the School Community Connections
Program;
School District No. 23 (Central Okanagan) to the Minister of Education regarding
surplus funds;
School District No. 43 (Coquitlam) to the Minister of Education expressing
concerns with the recent funding announcements;
School District No. 68 (Nanaimo-Ladysmith) to the Minister of Education
expressing concern regarding the recent changes to secondary student funding;
School District No. 10 (Arrow Lakes) to the Minister of Education regarding the
recent mid-year funding allocation changes.
MOTION:
Denesiuk/Manning that the correspondence be received.
CARRIED
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
8.0
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – January 14, 2008
REPORT OF COMMITTEES
8.1
Finance and Management Committee
Trustee Manning reported on the finance and management committee meeting held on
January 9, 2008:
a.
2007-08 Revised Funding Calculation
The district’s funding recalculation was received on December 19, 2007.
Secretary-Treasurer Regehr reviewed funding details including:
•
•
•
•
•
Special education funding increased
$104,000
Aboriginal program funding increased
55,263
School aged enrolment increase from preliminary 89 FTE
Adult enrolment down from preliminary
29 FTE
Final 2007-08 funding total
$53,467,771
Mr. Regehr noted that as a result of changes to the funding formula the final
funding is identical to preliminary funding. The committee was also advised that
additional funding allocations will be provided to SD67 for special education and
distributed learning (DL) students in February and DL students in May 2008.
Based on 2006-07 funding, approximately $120,000 of additional funding is
expected for these programs for the 2007-08 year. Based on an ongoing review of
the 2007-08 budget accounts, Mr. Regehr advised the district will be able to
maintain current service levels for the year. The committee discussed issues of the
changes to the funding formula and the funding recalculation for SD67.
b.
Auditor General Review
The committee was advised that School District 67 is one of 22 districts in the
province that will be involved in a routine review of financial reporting practices.
MOTION:
8.2
Manning/Van Alphen that the report of the finance and management
committee be received.
CARRIED
Buildings, Grounds, Safety and Transportation Committee
Trustee Huebert reviewed details of the buildings, grounds, safety and transportation
committee meeting held on January 9, 2008:
a.
Daycare Request
Director of Instruction Lynn Hauptman reviewed information on a provincial
program which assists with the establishment of a daycare in school buildings. The
program is under review for SD67.
b.
Adventure Playgrounds
The committee was provided an update regarding the planning at each elementary
school for the replacement of the adventure playground.
c.
Asbestos Control
The committee was informed of recent media coverage regarding asbestos in
Okanagan Skaha schools. For committee information, Director of Maintenance
John Hickling reviewed practices in SD67 schools which contain asbestos. These
include:
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•
•
All buildings have been examined and documented for asbestos by an
environmental consultant;
Asbestos that is not encapsulated has been removed;
Where asbestos is encapsulated, the details are recorded on a detailed
plan at each building and with the maintenance department;
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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•
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – January 14, 2008
The maintenance staff are trained regarding safe procedures when working
in areas that contain asbestos;
When maintenance work is required in a contained area, the area is tested
and asbestos removed by certified contractors.
The committee was advised that WorkSafe BC recently reviewed the practices in
SD67 as part of their review of all 60 BC school districts. They concluded our
district is in compliance with all requirements for safe asbestos management
practices.
d.
Penticton Secondary School Planning
The committee was informed regarding preparations required at Penticton
Secondary School to plan for the next construction phases and to support
numerous transition issues associated with the move into the new facility this
summer.
Committee members were informed of initial work regarding the transfer of school
equipment and supplies plus the purchase of new equipment. A number of
additional issues were also identified. Following discussion, the committee
supported that a committee be formed with a mandate to review procedures for:
•
•
•
•
The transfer of appropriate equipment and supplies from the old to the new
building;
Start up issues for the September 2008 opening including transportation,
parking and official opening;
Preparations for closure of the old school;
Other
The buildings, grounds, safety and transportation committee was also informed that
preparations for the next phases of work at Penticton Secondary School are
continuing. Work includes a detailed review of the Ellis building condition,
preparations of the demolition contract, and site development planning. Mr.
Regehr advised that planning options will be prepared shortly and recommended
that a small committee be formed which would review planning options for the next
phases.
MOTION:
8.3
Huebert/Andrews 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
January 8, 2008:
a.
Aboriginal SAFE Program
Principal Chris Philpotts, teacher Donna Silvius, and Vice Principal of Aboriginal
Education Kathy Pierre shared highlights of last year’s highly successful aboriginal
School and Family Enrichment (SAFE) program at West Bench Elementary School.
The program was offered in partnership with the Penticton Indian Band and
aboriginal content was added to make it more culturally relevant. This year’s
program is expected to commence January 17, 2008.
b.
Board Authorized Courses
Career Coordinator David Kalaski presented a number of Board/Authority
Authorized Course proposals aimed at augmenting the Career Development
Program. Following discussion,
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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MOTION:
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – January 14, 2008
Van Alphen/Denesiuk that the Board of Education approves the following
as Board/Authority Authorized courses for use in School District No. 67
(Okanagan Skaha):
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•
•
Workplace Training 10A, 10B, 10C
Forestry 11A, 11B
Trades Math
CARRIED
c.
Late French Immersion Registration Procedures
The results of the local chapter of Canadian Parents for French (CPF) survey
regarding registration procedures for the French Immersion program were
reviewed by Director of Instruction Brian Celli. Based on the survey returns, the
CPF members are “split when it comes to which method (First come, first served
versus Lottery) they feel is the most ‘fair’ for admission into French Immersion.”
Regardless of the registration procedure, the parents suggested that more
information be provided earlier in the registration process.
Trustee Van Alphen commented that the registration process has been debated over the
past three years and during the discussions people have come forward with strengths
and weakness for both sides. As well, the practices used in other districts have been
considered. Following the comments,
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Huebert that the registration for late French Immersion will
proceed on a lottery basis, should it be warranted, and that information on
the registration process be provided to parents earlier.
CARRIED
It was noted that trustees were appreciative of the comments provided by the Canadian
Parents for French.
8.4
Curriculum Development Advisory Committee
Trustee Andrews reported regarding the curriculum development advisory committee
meeting held on December 4, 2007:
a.
Selection of Chairperson
It was noted that Director of Instruction Celli was elected as chairperson of the
committee.
b.
Board Authorized/Approved Course Proposals
David Kalaski presented a number of proposed courses intended to augment the
Career Development Program. Mr. Celli noted that the school districts responsible
for developing the Workplace Training 10A, 10B, and 10C (Burnaby) and Forestry
11A and 11B (Alberni) have been contacted and have provided approval for their
use in SD67. The committee agreed to recommend to the Board that the following
courses be offered in SD67: Workplace Training 10A, 10B, and 10C; Forestry 11A
and 11B; and Trades Math 11.
c.
Kit – Way to Go Program/ICBC Road Sense Kids
Committee members reviewed and deemed appropriate for use in SD67 the
following kit materials previously approved by the Ministry of Education for use in
BC schools:
•
•
•
“Going Places: A Road Safety Teaching Guide” (Gr. 4 to 7)
“Passport to Road Safety Teaching Guide” (Gr. K to 3)
“RoadSense” Curriculum Resources (Gr. 8 to 12)
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
MOTION:
9.0
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – January 14, 2008
Andrews/Clarke that the report of the curriculum development advisory
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 enclosure on the north end of the building is progressing,
finishes are progressing in the south wing, administration area and library, and millwork
and cabinet installation has started. Installation of acoustic ceiling tiles will begin at the
end of January, and electrical fixtures are being installed in the south wing. Heating and
ventilation work continues and network wiring is being installed. The contractor is still
confident the project will be finished by the end of June. We are presently working with
the architects on the next phase of renovations. In response to a request, another tour of
the site will be arranged for trustees.
9.2
Funding Recalculation
The secretary-treasurer advised that in addition to the information related to the funding
recalculation provided during the finance and management committee report, the district
is required to prepare a final budget for the 2007-08 school year by the end of February.
Mr. Regehr is hopeful the amended budget will be presented at the next board meeting.
9.3
Capital Project Bylaw 115790
The school district has been advised that funding in the amount of $109,000 has been
provided for the replacement of Bus #2971. Mr. Regehr added adoption of a bylaw is
required to access these funds from the Ministry of Education. Following reading of the
bylaw,
9.4
MOTION:
Andrews/Van Alphen that following first reading of School District No. 67
(Okanagan Skaha) Capital Project Bylaw No. 115790 in the amount of
$109,000, the Board of Education passes the bylaw.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Andrews/Van Alphen that following second reading of School District No.
67 (Okanagan Skaha) Capital Project Bylaw No. 115790 in the amount of
$109,000, the Board of Education passes the bylaw.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Andrews/Van Alphen that following third reading of School District No. 67
(Okanagan Skaha) Capital Project Bylaw No. 115790 in the amount of
$109,000, the Board of Education passes and adopts the bylaw.
CARRIED
School Community Connections Program
For trustee information, the secretary-treasurer reviewed that at the December board
meeting, the Board had approved a joint application with the City of Penticton be
submitted to the School Community Connections Program for the development of fields
at McNicoll Park Middle School and Nkwala Park. Mr. Regehr advised that in today’s
mail we received approval of the submission.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
10.
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – January 14, 2008
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
10.1
10.2
Student Achievement
a.
District Goals
Director of Instruction Hauptman provided an update related to district goals. The
numeracy workgroup will meet on Monday, January 28, 3:45 p.m., at Princess
Margaret Secondary Library and the third group of First Steps in Math course
begins sessions next week. Literacy helping teachers met today to plan for their
next district work group meeting (Wednesday, February 13, 3:45 p.m., at Princess
Margaret Secondary) and future directions around the literacy goal. Under the
school completion goal, the TRIBES group dinner meeting and sharing session will
involve 30 teachers on Wednesday, January 23. Director of Instruction Celli noted
that planning is underway for the school completion workgroup to meet in mid
February and that each secondary school is looking at current data and tracking
students related to their school completion.
b.
Provincial Exam Results (2006-07)
Director of Instruction Celli reviewed the 2006-07 provincial examination results
which showed a solid set of exam results with some areas indicating potential need
for attention. It recognized that aboriginal students who write exams at the grade
12 level tend to be successful; however, participation rates are lower than
desirable. More females participate in examinable courses, especially at the higher
levels, and tend to score higher on course work than male students. Mr. Celli
added the district continues to make progress toward its goal of improving the
achievement levels of all students.
c.
Dogwood Completion Rates (2006-07)
Superintendent Doi examined the Dogwood completion rates for 2006-07 noting
SD67 is in the top 10 for the province. This year’s completion rate of 84.4% is
slightly higher than last year’s completion rate of 84%.
Communication and Access
a.
b.
Field Trips
The superintendent of schools referred to the listing of field trip requests provided
in the agenda package.
MOTION:
Andrews/Van Alphen that the field trip request for May 1 to 3, 2008
for 30 grade 8 band students from Summerland Middle School to
travel to Banff and Calgary to participate in musical performances be
approved.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Manning/Andrews that the field trip request for February 22 to 24,
2008 for 22 grade 11 and 12 band students from Princess Margaret
Secondary School to participate in the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival
in Moscow, Idaho, be approved.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Andrews/Denesiuk that the field trip request for March 15 to 27, 2008
for students from Skaha Lake Middle, Penticton Secondary,
Summerland Secondary, and Princess Margaret Secondary schools
to travel to Italy and Germany be approved.
CARRIED
Acceptable Use Policy (Information and Communications Technology)
Superintendent Doi reviewed the terms of reference for establishing an ad hoc
district committee to develop a policy on the acceptable use of technological
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Page 8
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – January 14, 2008
resources, the computer network, and electronic devices used by students or staff
at school or in the district. The committee, comprised of representatives from all
partner groups and chaired by Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Shongrunden, is
requested to draft a policy by April 2008. Mr. Shongrunden added the committee’s
task will be challenging to control acceptable use of information and
communications technology in the school district but yet not stifle creativity.
MOTION:
Denesiuk/Andrews that the Board establishes an ad hoc committee
to develop a policy on the acceptable use of the computer network,
technological resources and services, and electronic devices used
by students or staff at school or in the district.
CARRIED
Trustee Andrews will be the trustee representative on the committee.
10.3
Other Items
a.
Enrolment
Director of Instruction Burgoyne reported on enrolment as of December 31, 2007,
noting a slight increase over November’s numbers. There are 7,012 students
(6,722.912 FTE) in the school district.
b.
Class Size and Composition Report
Director of Instruction Burgoyne reviewed details of one school class size and
composition consultation meeting held during the last month. The principal has
submitted a report to the superintendent confirming this class is appropriate for
student learning and the SPC has been informed.
MOTION:
c.
Van Alphen/Clarke that the report on school class sizes/composition
consultation meetings be received and accepted.
CARRIED
French Immersion Registration
Director of Instruction Celli reviewed the timelines and process associated with the
Grade 6 French Immersion registration for 2008-09. As noted earlier, the
information meetings will be held in advance of the registration dates and are
scheduled for February 6 at KVR Middle School and February 7 at Summerland
Middle School. Registrations packages will be available at all elementary schools
and the board office on February 8 with a deadline of February 15, 4:00 p.m., for
the registration. Additional information will be available on the district’s website.
11.0
REPORT OF REPRESENTATIVES
12.0
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
13.0
INFORMATION ITEMS
13.1
BCSTA Okanagan Branch Meeting
The BCSTA Okanagan Branch meeting will be held on February 29 and March 1 in
Osoyoos.
13.2
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:
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•
Extraordinary motions – January 23, 2008
Substantive motions – February 1, 2008
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
13.3
14.0
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – January 14, 2008
Date of Next Meeting
• February 11, 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 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 Skaha Lake Middle School were congratulated for their artwork currently
on display at the school board office:
14.3
15.0
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Taylor Schyrbiak, Grade 8
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Natalie Knowlton, Grade 6
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Mikaylah Henderson, Grade 7
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Kayla Gruntman, Grade 6
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Mikaylah Henderson, Grade 7
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Paul Pereversoff, Grade 8
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Laura Burke, Grade 7
Brad Bergen, Grade 8
Krista MacLean, Grade 8
Anmol Toor, Grade 8
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McKenzie Graham, Grade 6
Cartoon-like boy negative etching in black
and gold on photography paper
Daisy/Flower in negative etching in black
and gold on photography paper
Butterfly in negative etching in black and
gold
Space, clouds and star etching in black and
gold
Abstract multi-coloured design in coloured
outlines
Copper and silver abstract flower design
bookmark
Silver grapes design bookmark
Copper tin lightning bolt design bookmark
Copper tin maple leaf design bookmark
Peacock on white paper with cut out designs
with multi-coloured paper background
Multi-coloured hand shapes with designs
within each hand on black background
Trustee Comments
Trustees provided general comments related to district and school activities.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION:
Manning/Clarke that the meeting be adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
CARRIED
16.0
QUESTION PERIOD
____________________
Chairperson
____________________
Secretary-Treasurer
January 17, 2008
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“Working Together for Student Success”