BOARD OF EDUCATION
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 67 (OKANAGAN SKAHA)
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
HELD ON MONDAY, MARCH 10, 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
Lisa Edwards, Vice Principal, Wiltse Elementary School
1.0
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Little welcomed everyone to the meeting.
2.0
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOTION:
Huebert/Denesiuk that the agenda and addendum be approved.
CARRIED
3.0
PRESENTATIONS BY SCHOOLS AND/OR STUDENTS
3.1
Penticton Secondary School
Vice Principal Trevor Robinson and leadership students from Penticton Secondary
School attended the meeting and spoke about global awareness and citizenship activities
in which the students are involved. PSS students have raised and donated this year
approximately $14,000 to local charities and around the world. Grade 12 student Julia
Cannings highlighted the recent talent show held as part of Education Month which
raised $1,400 for War Child Canada. Grade 9 Leadership students, Rylan Angell, Jordan
Findlay, and Matt Gowe, highlighted their involvement with the Youth Philanthropy
Initiative, a program that provides a $5,000 grant to a local charity working in the social
services sector. For the third year, groups of students met with, learned about, and
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Page 2
Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – March 10, 2008
presented proposals on behalf of local charities. This year, Dragonfly Pond was selected
to receive the $5,000 grant from the Toskan Casale Foundation; however, the students
were the real beneficiaries as they learned about, and in some cases participated in, the
work these organizations do within our community.
Following a number of questions, the students were thanked for their presentation and for
the work they are doing in the community.
4.0
RECEIVING OF DELEGATIONS AND GUESTS
5.0
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
MOTION:
Manning/Andrews that the minutes of the regular meeting held on February 11,
2008 be approved.
CARRIED
6.0
REPORT FROM CLOSED MEETING
The secretary-treasurer reported on the closed meeting held on February 11 and the special
meeting held on February 27, 2008:
Regular Meeting held on February 11, 2008:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Received reports from the finance and management committee; buildings, grounds,
safety and transportation committee; and discipline committee;
Confirmed teaching, excluded, and CUPE staff changes;
Received information related to Penticton Secondary School planning;
Approved requests for teacher leaves;
Received information related to student suspensions;
Received information related to a recent meeting of the British Columbia Public Schools
Employers Association;
Special Meeting held on February 27, 2008:
1.
2.
3.
4.
7.0
Approved a principal appointment;
Approved a vice principal reassignment;
Approved a request for a leave of absence;
Received information on a process to fill principal and vice principal vacancies.
CORRESPONDENCE
7.1
Letter from Parent
A letter from a parent, Judy Holtjer, commending teachers who organized and attended
the recent field trip to Quebec.
7.2
Summary of Copies of Letters to the Board
Copies of the letters to the Board listed below are available in the trustee reading file:
•
•
British Columbia School Trustees Association to the federal Minister of Industry
supporting the position of the Council of Ministers of Education of Canada and
the Canadian School Boards Association that there needs to be and should be a
specific and clear legislative exemption for educational use of materials posted
on the internet that are freely available without password protection or other
restrictions on access or use;
Citizen Carl Harris to the Editors of Penticton Herald and Western News
regarding the Penticton Secondary School auditorium;
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – March 10, 2008
School District No. 46 (Sunshine Coast) to the Minister of Education regarding
the funding formula change and elimination of GAAP implementation funding;
School District No. 35 (Langley) to the Minister of Education expressing concerns
regarding mid-year funding changes that seriously affect the Board’s ability to
plan financially;
School District No. 45 (West Vancouver) to the Minister of Education expressing
dissatisfaction at the process followed over the past few months to enact
changes to the 2007-08 funding formula;
School District No. 43 (Coquitlam) to the Minister of Education expressing
concern regarding the Draft Daily Physical Activity Program that is mandated to
begin September 2008 for all students in kindergarten through grade 12;
School District No. 53 (Okanagan Similkameen) to the Minister of Education
supporting the use of FSA’s as they provide our schools, the district and parents
with valuable information on how our students are achieving.
MOTION:
Clarke/Denesiuk that the correspondence be received.
CARRIED
8.0
REPORT OF COMMITTEES
8.1
Finance and Management Committee
Trustee Manning reported on the finance and management committee meeting held on
March 5, 2008:
a.
Tax Receipt for Sports Expenses
The secretary-treasurer reviewed a change for 2007 federal income tax which
allows school districts to supply a tax receipt for certain fees paid for extracurricular
programs. The committee was advised the criteria includes students under age 16,
extracurricular programs of at least eight weeks, and requirement to include a
significant amount of physical activity each week.
b.
Berry & Smith Trucking Ltd.
Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Ron Shongrunden reviewed that the contract for
school bussing from Berry & Smith Trucking Ltd. includes an annual review of
contract rates. Following discussion, the committee agreed to support Mr.
Shongrunden’s recommendation for an increase. It was noted the budget includes
a provision for this increase.
MOTION:
c.
Phone Upgrade
Mr. Shongrunden reviewed the transition of phones in the 250 exchange moving to
10-digit basic number this spring. The committee was also informed that with this
change, it would be an opportune time to change the method of obtaining an out
line on the phone system from “9” to “8”. Mr. Shongrunden advised the benefit of
changing the system to “8” for an out line would be reduced 911 calls made in
error.
MOTION:
8.2
Manning/Van Alphen that effective January 1, 2008, the Berry & Smith
Trucking Ltd. contract be increased by 2%.
CARRIED
Manning/Van Alphen that the report of the finance and management
committee be received.
CARRIED
Buildings, Grounds, Safety and Transportation Committee
Trustee Huebert reported on the buildings, grounds, safety and transportation committee
meeting held on February 27, 2008:
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
a.
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Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – March 10, 2008
Penticton Secondary School Site
Board Chair Larry Little reviewed the details of a press conference held on
February 22 to discuss planning for the PSS site. The meeting included the City of
Penticton and the South Okanagan Performing Arts Centre representatives. Two
news articles reporting the event were circulated as well as a pamphlet
summarizing the PSS planning process. The committee discussed further details
of the meeting and supported the concept that the school district prepare a
summary of information regarding the PSS development plans.
The committee was also briefly informed of a planning committee meeting held on
February 25, 2008. The committee discussed three site planning options and the
feedback supported the inclusion of green space, tennis courts, and a large sports
court to be included with other requirements of the site development.
MOTION:
8.3
Education Committee
Trustee Van Alphen reported regarding the education committee visitation to West Bench
Elementary held on February 26, 2008. Committee members toured each classroom,
viewed students using the SuccessMaker program, viewed examples of random acts of
kindness, and enjoyed a luncheon with the staff.
MOTION:
9.0
Huebert/Andrews that the report of the buildings, grounds, safety and
transportation committee be received.
CARRIED
Van Alphen/Denesiuk that the report of the education committee be
received.
CARRIED
REPORT OF SECRETARY-TREASURER
9.1
Penticton Secondary School Reconstruction
Director of Maintenance Hickling provided an update on construction at Penticton
Secondary School noting the project is 82% completed. Millwork and ceilings are being
completed in the south wing, painting has begun in the shops, the gym ceiling painting
has started, and the north entrance canopy is completed. The brick work is 95%
completed, metal sidings are almost completed, and glazing and framing is started on the
south side. The building is expected to be completed by June 30. Mr. Hickling added
plans for the Ellis renovations and link have been sent to the quantity surveyor for costing
estimates and tenders for that project should close by the end of May.
Secretary-Treasurer Regehr advised the Penticton Secondary School planning
committee, a committee of 12 representing employee groups, parents, students, and
staff, met on February 25. The purpose of this committee is to provide input on the
remaining phases of renovations, demolition of the existing building, and site
development, and will follow a similar process as the first committee. Estimates for these
final stages will be sent to the Ministry of Education to support our claim for the remaining
funds to complete the project.
9.2
2008-09 Budget Development
Mr. Regehr reviewed a listing of proposed meetings scheduled for the development of the
2008-09 budget. A public meeting will be held on April 7, dates have been selected for
meetings with employee and parent groups, and a special meeting has been scheduled
for May 5 to approve the final budget. Mr. Regehr added the Ministry of Education
funding announcement is expected by March 15.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
10.
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Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – March 10, 2008
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
10.1
10.2
Student Achievement
a.
District Goals
Director of Instruction Hauptman reported that teachers are continuing with
SmartReading, Guided Reading, and Side-by-Side Teaching with Heather Rose. A
new secondary math teacher is presently taking training in Breaks for Math and is
willing to work with other secondary math teachers. Director of Instruction Celli
participated in a school completion meeting on February 21 and advised this work
group is in the planning stages. It was also noted that the updated district progress
report will be available on the district’s website by the end of the week.
b.
District Review Planning Session
Superintendent Doi advised that approximately 140 people attended two district
review planning sessions held on February 26 and 28, 2008.
c.
District Review
The district review team of one parent and seven educators will be in the district
from April 6 to 9, 2008. A draft schedule showing visits to 16 schools, and
separate meetings with trustees, district staff, aboriginal education advisory
council, and district parent advisory council was circulated. The district review
team will present an oral report on April 9 and will return approximately one month
later with a written report to be presented at a public board meeting.
Communication and Access
a.
Field Trips
The superintendent of schools reviewed a listing of field trip requests circulated
with the agenda package, four of which had been approved by the superintendent
pursuant to board policy.
MOTION:
Huebert/Manning that the field trip request be approved for May 7 to
10, 2008, for 40 grade 8 band students from KVR Middle School to
travel to Edmonton, Alberta, to perform in school concerts and visit
sites.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Clarke that the field trip request be approved for March 7
to 9, 2008, for five debate team students from Penticton Secondary
School to compete in provincial public speaking and debating
tournament in Victoria and that funding be provided as per board
policy.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Denesiuk/Huebert that the field trip request be approved for April 12
to 20, 2008, for 56 grade 10 to 12 music students from Penticton
Secondary School to travel to Cuba to perform in festivals and listen
to local Cuban music.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Clarke/Van Alphen that the field trip request be approved for March 6
to 8, 2008, for 15 grade 8 students from KVR Middle School to
compete in the girls’ provincial basketball championship in Pitt
Meadows and that funding be provided as per board policy.
CARRIED
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – March 10, 2008
b.
Premier Honours B.C. Teachers for Excellence
Superintendent Doi announced that Premier Gordon Campbell marked the
beginning of Education Month by honouring 20 teachers from around the province
for their dedication to students and student learning, including beginning and
veteran teachers, and those who teach environmental awareness, literacy, and
healthy living. Penticton Secondary teacher Russ Stasiuk was one of the
recipients selected for lifetime achievement and was honoured at a reception at
Government House in Victoria. Congratulations were extended to Mr. Stasiuk on
receiving this award.
c.
Education Month Activities
For information only, Mr. Doi reviewed a summary of activities circulated with the
agenda package. Numerous events were organized in SD67 to celebrate
Education Month.
d.
French Immersion
Director of Instruction Celli provided an update on French Immersion registrations
which indicated that, by the deadline of February 15, there were 27 students
registered for the program at Summerland Middle School and 90 students at KVR
Middle School. Since then, another two students have registered at Summerland
Middle School and an additional five at KVR Middle, the five of whom will be waitlisted. It was noted that students on the wait-list may be accommodated if
registered students drop out of the program.
MOTION:
10.3
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Manning/Denesiuk that for September 2008 there will be one grade 6
French Immersion class at Summerland Middle School and three
grade 6 French Immersion classes at KVR Middle School.
CARRIED
Other Items
a.
Enrolment
Director of Instruction Burgoyne reviewed enrolment as of February 29, 2008,
noting there are currently 7,016 students or 6,715.247 FTE in the school district.
b.
Class Size and Composition Report
The superintendent reviewed details on school class size and composition
consultation meetings held between January 10 and March 5, 2008. These
meetings result from the start up of second semester classes. It was noted that all
principals have submitted a report to the superintendent confirming these classes
are appropriate for student learning and all school planning councils have been
informed.
MOTION:
c.
Andrews/Van Alphen that the report on school class
sizes/compositions meetings be received and accepted.
CARRIED
2008 Summer Leadership Conference
Superintendent Doi circulated registration forms for the 2008 Summer Leadership
Conference to be held August 17 to 19. Six hundred participants from around the
province and outside are expected to attend the conference. The theme for the
conference is “Lessons Learned”.
11.0
REPORT OF REPRESENTATIVES
12.0
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
13.0
Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – March 10, 2008
INFORMATION ITEMS
13.1
BCSTA Annual General Meeting
The annual general meeting of the British Columbia School Trustees Association will be
held April 3 to 6, 2008 in Vancouver.
13.2
BCSTA Provincial Council Meeting
Trustee Manning reported on the BCSTA Provincial Council Meeting held on February 15
and 16, 2008 in Vancouver which included an education forum on recruitment and
retention of teachers and school leaders’ challenges and opportunities. Deputy Minister
of Education James Gorman spoke about the government’s priorities for education which
included the creation of 400 StrongStart BC Early Learning Centres by 2010, and literacy
and life-long learning, healthy living and safe schools initiatives. Reports were presented
by retiring BCSTA President Penny Tees and new Executive Director Stephen Hansen.
The draft budget for 2008-09 was received and will be brought to the annual general
meeting.
MOTION:
14.0
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Manning/Van Alphen that the report of the BCSTA Provincial Council
Meeting be received.
CARRIED
13.3
BCSTA Okanagan Branch Meeting
Trustees are reminded to bring their reports of their attendance at the BCSTA Okanagan
Branch meeting held on February 29 and March 1, 2008 in Osoyoos.
13.4
Date of Next Meeting
• April 14, 2008, 7.30 p.m., Regular Meeting, School Board Office
TRUSTEE COMMENTS
14.1
Trustee Comments
Trustees provided general comments related to district activities including Kaleden’s
hosting of Winter Olympics, a joint staff meeting held with Summerland Middle and
Summerland Secondary schools, the Okanagan area spelling competition, and the
upcoming Careers Day on April 7 to be held at the Penticton Trade & Convention Centre.
Congratulations were extended to students for the quality of work portrayed in the recent
Arts and Science in Harmony Festival and appreciation was extended to all staff for the
tremendous work they do for our children.
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 listing circulated with the
agenda package.
14.3
Recognition of Student Artwork
Students from Kaleden Elementary School were recognized for their artwork currently on
display at the school board office:
•
Gillian Kennedy, Grade 5
•
Jasmin Badasha, Grade 5
•
Sabrina Warkentin, Grade 5
•
•
Jacob Orr, Grade 1
Harleen Bansoota, Grade 1
A polka dotted vase of sunflowers in pastel on
black construction paper
A striped vase with a colourful spring daffodil in
pastel on black construction paper
A teal butterfly in amongst a shaded green
rainforest – painted on tag paper
A sea of colourful foiled fish – watercolour
A sea of large colourful foiled fish – watercolour
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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15.0
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Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – March 10, 2008
Jake Stocker, Grade 1
A grouping of happy sharks swimming around
the ocean floor – pencil crayon; blue sticky paint
was used over top of the artwork to create a
gloss finish
Simon Phillips, Grade 2
Various ocean creatures swimming around the
ocean floor in amongst buried treasure – pencil
crayon; blue sticky paint was used over the top
of the artwork to create a gloss finish
Claire Hazle, Kindergarten
A cut-out girl skating with royal blue leggings
Bryson Kruger, Kindergarten
A cut-out boy skating with lime green t-shirt
Louise Fox, Kindergarten
A cut-out girl skating with hot pink leggings
Raquel Marchiel, Kindergarten A cut-out girl skating with orange t-shirt and
orange bow in her hair
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION:
Manning/Huebert that the meeting be adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
CARRIED
16.0
QUESTION PERIOD
____________________
Chairperson
____________________
Secretary-Treasurer
March 12, 2008
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“Working Together for Student Success”