BOARD OF EDUCATION
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 67 (OKANAGAN SKAHA)
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
HELD ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 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
John Hickling, Director of Maintenance
Daphne Adey, Executive Assistant
1.0
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Little welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced two student teachers, Shauna
Paulsen and Michelle Yuris, from Uplands Elementary and Parkway Elementary respectively,
who were observing the meeting as part of their education program.
2.0
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOTION:
Denesiuk/Manning that the agenda and addendum be approved.
CARRIED
3.0
PRESENTATIONS BY SCHOOLS AND/OR STUDENTS
3.1
Summerland and KVR Middle Schools
On January 30, 50 grade 6, 7 and 8 French Immersion students from KVR and
Summerland Middle schools travelled to Montreal and Quebec City for the Carnival.
They were accompanied by parent chaperones as well as Vice Principal Lloyd Lindsay
and Principal Katie Hicks. Teachers who planned the event, Madam Cornett-Ching and
Madame Haddow, accompanied by Summerland Middle School students Christina
Holtjer, Riley Greenwood, and Joelle Smythe, attended the meeting and presented
highlights of the trip. This was the tenth year of the trip and was indeed a special year to
be at the Carnival as it was the 400th year celebration. The excitement of the Carnival
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – February 11, 2008
and the opportunity to visit the arts and see the culture of Quebec while using their
language skills proved to be a wonderful opportunity for the students.
Following a number of questions, the students were thanked for their presentation.
3.2
Home for Learning
On February 1, 2008, school district personnel attended a celebration marking the
completion of the first Home for Learning in the South Okanagan Similkameen region.
Career Coordinator David Kalaski presented an overview of this unique project which
formed part of the ACE IT trades transition program. Seven students from Summerland
Secondary School received the first level of the Okanagan College carpentry
apprenticeship training program while building the home. Mr. Kalaski also reviewed the
community partnerships which helped fund the project. The program was spotlighted in a
recent newspaper insert, a copy of which is available in the trustee reading file. Mr.
Kalaski presented a plaque from Okanagan College to Chairman Little which
acknowledged the district’s participation in the program.
4.0
RECEIVING OF DELEGATIONS AND GUESTS
5.0
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
MOTION:
Clarke/Van Alphen that the minutes of the regular meeting held on January 14,
2008 be approved.
CARRIED
6.0
REPORT FROM CLOSED MEETING
The secretary-treasurer reported on the closed meeting held on January 14, 2008 and the special
meeting held on February 7, 2008:
Regular Meeting held on January 14, 2008:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Received a report from the buildings, grounds, safety, and transportation committee;
Confirmed teaching, excluded, and CUPE staff changes;
Received a request for a lease;
Approved requests for teacher leaves;
Received information related to student suspensions;
Received information related to an upcoming meeting;
Received information related to a personnel matter.
Special Meeting held on February 7, 2008:
1.
2.
3.
4.
7.0
Accepted a letter of resignation for retirement;
Approved two requests for leaves of absence;
Approved principal and vice principal reassignments;
Received information on the process to fill principal and vice principal vacancies.
CORRESPONDENCE
7.1
Letter from Citizen
A letter from a citizen, Rose Hartmann, expressing appreciation for the decision to keep
Operation Christmas Child in the school system.
7.2
Letter from Okanagan Skaha Teachers’ Union
A letter from the Okanagan Skaha Teachers’ Union requesting that the Board review
district policy regarding teacher drivers for sports activities.
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – February 11, 2008
7.3
Letter from Okanagan Falls Lions Club
A letter from the Okanagan Falls Lions Club suggesting that the Penticton Secondary
auditorium be relocated to Okanagan Falls.
7.4
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. 20 (Kootenay-Columbia) to the Minister of Education
requesting that the Minister review current utilization and funding for school
facilities;
School District No. 63 (Saanich) to the Minister of Education regarding the
autumn provincial grant funding, removal of the GAAP funding allocation, block
amount of Distance Learning February and May enrolment counts, and overall
amount of funding for public education;
School District No. 23 (Central Okanagan) to the Minister of Education regarding
the 2007-08 final funding announcement;
School District No. 38 (Richmond) to the Minister of Education regarding the
current and anticipated Ministry policy with respect to the use of empty space in
schools;
School District No. 38 (Richmond) to the Minister of Education requesting that
the Ministry take action to limit the Fraser Institute’s ability to employ Foundation
Skills Assessment data for the production of its Elementary School Report Card;
School District No. 78 (Fraser-Cascade) to the Minister of Transportation
expressing displeasure with the lack of snow removal and road maintenance
services available to students and their families;
School District No. 78 (Fraser-Cascade) to the Minister of Education regarding
the calculation of available space for determining the space utilization calculation.
7.5
Letter from Citizen
A letter from a citizen, Cass Robinson, suggesting that the book “Celebrating Penticton
Women 1908 – 2008” be used in classrooms throughout the district.
7.6
Letter from City of Penticton
A letter from the City of Penticton requesting a trustee representative and a student
representative for the 2008 BC Climate Action Charter Compliance Committee.
Chairman Little requested that any trustee who might be interested in this committee
speak to him following the meeting.
MOTION:
8.0
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Denesiuk/Andrews that the correspondence be received and that the letter from
Cass Robinson be referred to the curriculum development advisory committee.
CARRIED
REPORT OF COMMITTEES
8.1
Finance and Management Committee
Trustee Manning reported on the finance and management committee meeting held on
February 6, 2008:
a.
2007-08 Final Budget Proposal
The secretary-treasurer distributed and reviewed revenue and expenditure
adjustments to amend the 2007-08 annual operating budget. The adjustments
included the Ministry funding recalculation, other revenue adjustments, and
expenditure adjustments for the district’s final enrolment. Mr. Regehr advised the
service levels will be maintained and the district is forecasting to have a balanced
budget for 2007-08. The final budget documents will be presented at the board
meeting.
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – February 11, 2008
b.
2008-09 Budget Development
The committee was provided with a preliminary schedule for the development of
the 2008-09 budget. The plan would again provide an opportunity for a public
meeting, meetings with partner groups, and a meeting with administrators.
Adoption of the budget is proposed for May 5, 2008. The secretary-treasurer
requested the proposal and tentative dates be considered at the February 11 board
meeting.
MOTION:
Manning/Van Alphen that the report from the finance and management committee
be received.
CARRIED
8.2
9.0
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Education Committee
Trustee Van Alphen reported regarding the education committee meeting held on
February 7, 2008:
a.
Middle School Prep Time
Superintendent Gary Doi, OSTU President Terry Green, and OSPVPA President
Katie Hicks updated the Board on a proposal to increase middle school prep time.
A meeting of all middle schools was held on February 6 to consider some of the
issues involved in increasing prep time. All agreed that the tone of the meeting
was very positive and the discussion thoughtful and well-informed. Further
meetings will occur at the school and district level to determine if there is
consensus on a plan and approach to increasing prep time in the middle schools.
b.
Anaphylaxis
Director of Instruction Garth Schafer reviewed the current SD67 practice in
addressing medical alert and severe allergy situations. In order to comply with the
Anaphylaxis Protection Order, the Board is required to establish policy and
procedures.
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Clarke that a committee be established to draft policy for
medical alerts and anaphylaxis.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Denesiuk that the report from the education committee be
received.
CARRIED
REPORT OF SECRETARY-TREASURER
9.1
Penticton Secondary School Reconstruction
Director of Maintenance Hickling reported regarding Penticton Secondary School
reconstruction noting that this phase of the project is approximately 80% completed with
completion expected by June 30. Exterior finishes are being installed, the three-storey
portion has windows in place, and heat and drywall in currently being installed in that
section. Painting and millwork installation continues in the south wing. Design work for
the renovations of the Ellis building is ongoing.
9.2
Financial Report
The secretary-treasurer reviewed the financial report to January 31, 2008 provided in the
agenda package and noted there will be changes to this report to reflect the amended
budget to be presented under the next item.
9.3
2007-08 Amended Annual Budget Bylaw
Secretary-Treasurer Regehr circulated copies of the 2007-08 amended annual budget
and bylaw which has incorporated the budget changes as discussed at the finance and
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – February 11, 2008
management committee meeting held last Wednesday and include a change related to
June 30, 2007 year-end surplus amounts. Mr. Regehr noted the total revenue and
expenses have been increased by $420,000. Following a review of the wording in the
amended annual budget bylaw,
10.
MOTION:
Huebert/Andrews that following the first reading of School District No. 67
(Okanagan Skaha) Amended Annual Budget Bylaw for the fiscal year
2007-08 in the amount of $56,909,242, the Board of Education Trustees of
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha) passes the bylaw.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Huebert/Andrews that following the second reading of School District No.
67 (Okanagan Skaha) Amended Annual Budget Bylaw for the fiscal year
2007-08 in the amount of $56,909,242, the Board of Education Trustees of
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha) passes the bylaw.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Huebert/Andrews that following the third reading of School District No. 67
(Okanagan Skaha) Amended Annual Budget Bylaw for the fiscal year
2007-08 in the amount of $56,909,242, the Board of Education Trustees of
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha) passes and adopts the bylaw.
CARRIED
9.4
2008-09 Budget Development
For information only, Mr. Regehr advised that trustees have supported that the general
practices used in the previous year to develop the budget would be used for the 2008-09
budget development. This process will include a public meeting and meetings with
partner groups and employee groups. Details will be communicated once the dates are
confirmed.
9.5
Student Transportation
Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Shongrunden confirmed that the school district does not
own any 15-passenger vans which are used to transport students. He advised that since
the tragic accident in New Brunswick, he has met with principals and agreed with the
schools that the district and schools would no longer rent 15-passenger vans as has
been done in the past. We expect to hear further from the Ministry of Education and
federal government regarding the use of these vans. For information, Mr. Shongrunden
added that the district does own 24-passenger coaches which require Class 4 drivers, a
logbook of driving records, and regular inspections by the drivers. These coaches are
also inspected twice yearly by the Ministry of Transportation.
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
10.1
Student Achievement
a.
District Goals: Literacy, Numeracy, School Completion and Transitions
Director of Instruction Hauptman reported that the district literacy group is meeting
on February 13 at the Princess Margaret Secondary library. Questions to facilitate
the discussion have been sent beforehand to attendees. Ms. Hauptman added the
community literacy plan is well on track and copies are available for perusal. The
report has been sent to the 2010 Literacy Now program and the group is now
waiting for the next influx of funds to carry out the plan.
Director of Instruction Celli advised the school completion and transitions work
group is meeting on February 21 at the Riverside Conference Centre. As well, a
number of action research projects are into their second stages at the three
secondary schools.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
10.2
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – February 11, 2008
Communication and Access
a.
Field Trips
The superintendent of schools reviewed one field trip request which was circulated
with the agenda package.
MOTION:
Andrews/Huebert that approval be granted for March 9 to 25, 2008,
for 32 students from Penticton Secondary School to travel to
Ecuador on a humanitarian mission to construct an elementary
school classroom.
CARRIED
b.
French Immersion Information Meetings
For trustee information, Director of Instruction Celli advised he had attended both
French Immersion information meetings held on February 6 and 7. Feedback from
those attending indicated they were pleased the information on French Immersion
was provided prior to the registration process. Mr. Celli added the deadline for
registration is Friday, February 14, and registrations so far are consistent with the
same period as last year.
c.
Education Month – March 2008
Superintendent Doi reviewed the recent Provincial Proclamation which declared
that in honour of the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Crown Colony of
British Columbia and on behalf of her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth the Second, the
Lieutenant Governor has proclaimed March 2008 as Education Month. In this
regard, SD67 will be featuring several public education events during the first two
weeks of March, one of which will be the Arts and Science in Harmony 2008.
d.
Arts and Science in Harmony 2008
SD67 will be participating in and presenting Arts and Science in Harmony at the
Penticton Trade & Convention Centre on March 3, 4, and 5, 2008. The Arts and
Science in Harmony festival will be combined with the Okanagan Concert Band
Festival and the district’s Science Fair. Musicians representing 37 middle and
secondary school bands from throughout British Columbia and also from Alberta
and Idaho will present half-hour public performances during those dates. The
Science Fair, sponsored jointly by the school district, the Kiwanis Club of Penticton,
and the Penticton Trade & Convention Centre, will feature original science projects
by local students, including those in the independent schools, from grades 6 and
up. Over one hundred entries are expected. The public is invited to attend the
events.
e.
School Calendar (2008-09)
The superintendent reviewed a proposed school calendar for 2008-09 and advised
the Board is required by May 31, 2008 to approve and circulate the 2008-09 school
calendar for the district. Following review,
MOTION:
10.3
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Denesiuk/Andrews that the proposed school calendar for 2008-09 be
circulated for information to parents and employee groups.
CARRIED
Other Items
a.
Enrolment
Director of Instruction Burgoyne noted enrolment as of January 31, 2008 was
slightly higher than the previous month. There are currently 7,021 students
(6,737.175 FTE) in the district.
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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11.0
REPORT OF REPRESENTATIVES
12.0
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
13.0
INFORMATION ITEMS
14.0
15.0
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – February 11, 2008
13.1
BCSTA Okanagan Branch Meeting
The BCSTA Okanagan Branch meeting will be held on February 29 and March 1, 2008 in
Osoyoos.
13.2
Date of Next Meeting
• March 10, 2008, 7.30 p.m., Regular Meeting, School Board Office
TRUSTEE COMMENTS
14.1
Trustee Comments
Trustees provided general comments related to district and school activities including the
Naramata arts display, the Parkway musical presentation, jazz band dinner and
performances, the work of the district discipline committee, and the upcoming Career
Expo at the Penticton Trade & Convention Centre on April 9. Appreciation was extended
to teachers and staff for their time and efforts in making a difference in the lives of
students.
14.2
Recognition of Student Success
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha) extended congratulations to the students and
groups for outstanding examples of success as shown on the recognition sheet included
with the agenda package.
14.2
Recognition of Student Artwork
Students from Giant’s Head Elementary School were congratulated for their artwork
currently on display at the school board office:
•
Hope Morf, Grade 3
•
Rachel Shanner, Grade 3
•
Kelly Ryan, Grade 3
•
James Wardley, Grade 3
•
Hunter Dufty, Grade 3
•
Roniya Sacchetti, Grade 3
Share the World poem with peacocks and swans
completed in crayon on black paper; mixed
colours
War and Peace poem with peacocks and swans
completed in crayon on black paper; mixed
colours with various greens
War and Peace poem with peacocks and swans
completed in crayon on black paper; various
triangles of mixed reds and vibrant oranges
Share the World poem with peacocks and swans
completed in crayon on black paper; various
rainbow colours
Best Friends poem with peacocks and swans
completed in crayon and pastel on black paper
War and Peace poem with peacocks and swans
completed in crayon and pencil crayons on black
paper
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION:
Andrews/Manning that the meeting be adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
CARRIED
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
16.0
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Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – February 11, 2008
QUESTION PERIOD
____________________
Chairperson
____________________
Secretary-Treasurer
February 13, 2008
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