BOARD OF EDUCATION
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 67 (OKANAGAN SKAHA)
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
HELD ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 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, Director of Finance and Information Technology
Dave Burgoyne, Director of Instruction
Brian Celli, Director of Instruction
Lynn Hauptman, Director of Instruction
Garth Schafer, Director of Instruction
John Hickling, Director of Maintenance
Daphne Adey, Executive Assistant
Pam Butters, Vice Principal, Skaha Lake Middle School
1.0
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Little welcomed everyone to the meeting.
2.0
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Andrews that the agenda and addendum be approved.
CARRIED
3.0
PRESENTATIONS BY SCHOOLS AND/OR STUDENTS
3.1
The Wiltse Centennial Mural
Each child at Wiltse Elementary worked with a partner under the supervision of Brad
Gibson, an art teacher at Princess Margaret Secondary, to create a multicultural mosaic
titled “The Many Faces of Wiltse”. Mr. Gibson reviewed the process used by the students
to create and paint the tiles which were then transported to the Princess Margaret kiln.
Following a number of questions, Chairman Little acknowledged the support of the
Community Foundation of the South Okanagan and extended congratulations on the
students’ accomplishment of a welcoming and lasting centennial mural.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
3.2
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Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – October 6, 2008
Fine Arts Alive and Well!
KVR Middle School Art Teacher Lindsey Moore and her Art Club took up the challenge to
create a lasting tribute to Penticton’s Centennial with a centennial mural. Now
completed, the mural welcomes all visitors and students alike into the school with a
wraparound depiction of 100 years of Penticton and KVR Middle School’s place in the
heart of Penticton. With 20 students, boundless energy, initial sketches, and designs
placed on 30 by 18 paper as well as input from local artist Larry Hunter, the unveiling
took place on June 3. Ms. Moore and two of her KVR Art Club students, Amaya Black
and Dana Johnson, shared their creative journey to complete the centennial mural.
Trustees expressed appreciation to the students for their presentation and for their
accomplishment at creating the mural.
3.3
Response to Early Learning Agency
In September 2008, a district group was established to reflect on the consultation paper
developed by the Early Learning Agency. This group included various representatives
from the schools and community and sought input from a variety of sources. Director of
Instruction Lynn Hauptman, Teacher Judy Scott, StrongStart Coordinator Brenda Barber,
and Principal Cathy Bowles provided a brief overview of the paper which responded to
questions concerning full day kindergarten for five year olds and full day preschool
programs for three and four year old students. Following input gathered from other
PAC’s, kindergarten teachers, a telephone survey of all kindergarten parents in one
school, a parent survey through StrongStart, and a telephone conversation with a junior
and senior kindergarten teacher from Ontario as well as discussions with a number of
residents within the school district, the group reported there appears to be wide-spread
support for the provincial government to offer universal, quality, public-funded services for
young children. The group also believes that the proposed expansion of kindergarten
and pre-kindergarten programming for three to five year olds has the potential to serve
young children and their families very well. The report further states that the early
learning programs must be developmentally appropriate to their stage of learning, play
based, and designed to holistically address all areas of child development: physical,
social/emotional, language, and cognitive. It must not be programs that are highly
structured or become a pushing down of the primary academic curriculum. The report
further explored some of the challenges the school district would face in implementing
full-day kindergarten/pre-kindergarten.
Following discussion and positive comments towards the report,
MOTION:
Manning/Van Alphen that the Board write a letter to the Minister of
Education (with a copy to local MLA’s, City Mayors, BCSTA, BC Boards of
Education, and Early Learning Agency) expressing the Board’s view on
Early Learning, namely that the government: 1. Phase in, support and fully
fund an all-day kindergarten program beginning in 2009-10 (on an optional
basis for parents); and 2. Continue to consult broadly on a public policy for
offering quality junior kindergarten programs (for three and four year olds)
in communities throughout the province.
CARRIED
4.0
RECEIVING OF DELEGATIONS AND GUESTS
5.0
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
MOTION:
Huebert/Andrews that the minutes of the regular meeting held on September 8,
2008 be approved.
CARRIED
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
6.0
Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – October 6, 2008
REPORT FROM CLOSED MEETING
The secretary-treasurer reported on the closed meeting held on September 8, 2008:
1.
Received reports from the finance and management committee and discipline
committee;
Confirmed teaching, excluded, and CUPE staff changes;
Received information on a legal matter;
Approved plans for a dedication ceremony;
Received information related to a community partnership;
Received a letter of resignation;
Received information related to student suspensions;
Received information related to an upcoming meeting;
Reviewed information related to a consultation process;
Received information related to the fees policy.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
7.0
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CORRESPONDENCE
7.1
Letter from Ombudsman
A letter forwarded by the Ombudsman of B.C. advising of a new initiative for the
Ombudsman’s office designed to facilitate swifter more effective resolution of
straightforward administrative complaints that come to the office.
7.2
Letter from Artists in Education
A letter forwarded by Artists in Education, the BC Arts Council, and Vancouver
Foundation enclosing a cheque in the amount of $6,600.
7.3
Letter from Opposition Critic for Education
A letter forwarded by MLA Norm Macdonald, Opposition Critic for Education, introducing
himself and hoping that he can work with boards to encourage education policy that puts
children first.
7.4
Summary of Copies of Letters to the Board
A copy of the letter to the Board listed below is available in the trustee reading file:
•
School District No. 42 (Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows) to the Minister of Social
Housing and Development requesting that the Minister discontinue the use of IQ
as the sole reason for denying services and supports to individuals with
developmental disabilities who are over the age of 18.
MOTION:
Andrews/Clarke 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
October 1, 2008:
a.
Audit of Financial Statements
The committee was provided with two letters from BDO Dunwoody pertaining to the
recent audit. The letters confirmed that the audit process did not identify any
issues of concern to bring to the attention of the Board and confirmed the
independence of BDO Dunwoody from the district.
b.
Natural Gas Contract
In October 2007, the district entered into a one-year contract for the purchase of
natural gas. Secretary-Treasurer Regehr advised the committee that comparing
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – October 6, 2008
the contracted price to what would have been paid to Terasen Gas shows a saving
of $42,800 during the contract year. The committee was informed a new contract
was signed for a further one-year period.
MOTION:
8.2
Buildings, Grounds, Safety and Transportation Committee
Trustee Huebert reported on the buildings, grounds, safety and transportation committee
meeting held on October 1, 2008:
a.
Annual Facility Grant – 2008-09 Plan
Director of Maintenance John Hickling reviewed a proposed budget for the 2008-09
annual facility grant (AFG) program. AFG funds are provided by the Ministry for
the purpose of completing building and field improvement projects that extend the
life of facilities, correct unsafe conditions, or lower operating costs. AFG proposed
projects include funds for roofing, painting and flooring, site money to support
adventure playgrounds and the McNicoll Park field, HVAC upgrades, and
technology infrastructure. Following discussion,
MOTION:
Huebert/Van Alphen that the 2008-09 annual facility grant program
budgeted for $1,315,060 be approved as presented.
CARRIED
b.
Bench for Summerland Secondary School
The committee was advised the Summerland Female Midget Hockey Team has
offered to donate a bench for the school grounds in memory of Sam Hanon.
Trustees expressed their support and appreciation for this gift.
c.
Shatford Building Planning
Secretary-Treasurer Regehr advised that city and school district representatives
are continuing to meet to plan for the joint development of the Shatford building.
The committee was advised an advertisement has been prepared to obtain a
consultant to assist with the identification of use priorities and user needs, shared
use issues and preferred arrangements, a basic analysis of the building and site
(including zoning and code issues), site guidelines, design concepts, and
preliminary capital and operating cost estimates for budget purposes.
d.
School District Carbon Reduction
School districts will be required to develop plans to support carbon reduction. Both
Director of Maintenance John Hickling and Director of Finance Ron Shongrunden
reported this will require a measurement of existing carbon use, a carbon reduction
plan, annual reporting, emissions, and offsets. The provincial government will soon
be clarifying school district requirements of achieving carbon reduction.
MOTION:
8.3
Manning/Denesiuk that the report of the finance and management
committee be received.
CARRIED
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
September 30, 2008:
a.
Response to Early Learning Agency
A response group to the consultation paper developed by the Early Learning
Agency was established by the district in September 2008. This group was chaired
by Director Lynn Hauptman and included numerous representatives from the
schools and community. They also sought input from a variety of sources.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – October 6, 2008
Teacher Judy Scott, StrongStart Coordinator Brenda Barber, Principal Cathy
Bowles and Principal Kelly Jones were available at the meeting to provide an
overview of the paper.
b.
Class Size and Composition Report
Director of Instruction Burgoyne and Superintendent Doi provided the report to the
Board on the organization of classes in the district and a rationale for any classes
containing more than 30 students. This report will be presented at the public Board
of Education meeting on October 6, 2008.
c.
Bedrock Principles
Superintendent Doi indicated that the district’s vision of ‘Improving the
Achievement of All Students’ seems to be steadily expanding throughout the
schools. To help guide this development, he proposed a set of principles (in draft
form). These principles are intended to serve as a basis for further discussion and
consideration throughout the system.
d.
2007-08 Satisfaction Survey
Superintendent Doi presented an overview of the SD67 Satisfaction Report. The
Satisfaction Survey is an annual opinion survey conducted between January and
March 2008. It is intended to provide schools, districts and the public with
measures of student, parent and staff satisfaction in such areas as achievement,
human and social development, and safety. The results from the last five years
clearly indicate that SD67 schools have a very positive rating. In many cases, the
SD67 results are better than the provincial average.
MOTION:
8.4
Van Alphen/Denesiuk that the minutes of the education committee be
received.
CARRIED
Policy Committee
Trustee Andrews reported regarding the policy committee meeting held on September
30, 2008:
a.
Policy No. 325 – Managing a Student with Medical Alert/Anaphylaxis
Conditions
Director Garth Schafer provided an overview of the policy for managing a student
with medical alert/anaphylaxis which was developed with the assistance of a broad
based committee and with the support of local and provincial resource materials.
Following discussion,
MOTION:
b.
Andrews/Huebert that new Policy No. 325 – Managing a Student with
Medical Alert/ Anaphylaxis Conditions be approved in principle and
circulated to partner groups for 30 days for any suggestions for changes.
CARRIED
New Policy – Acceptable Use (Information Communication Technology)
While this draft policy is not ready for circulation, much work has been devoted by
the Information Communication Technology (ICT) advisory committee (and Chair
Ron Shongrunden) to develop a conceptual framework for thinking about and
implementing this policy. Further consultation will occur in the district and
communities prior to the development and distribution of the ICT policy.
MOTION:
Andrews/Manning that the report of the policy committee be received.
CARRIED
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
9.0
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Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – October 6, 2008
REPORT OF SECRETARY-TREASURER
9.1
Penticton Secondary School Reconstruction
Director of Maintenance John Hickling provided an update on reconstruction at Penticton
Secondary School noting that phase 2 of the project, which is the new building, has
received substantial completion designation by the architects. There is still some
additional work to be completed such as the relocation of the observatory and relocation
of portables as well as some finishing work to complete the building contract. Phase 3,
renovations at the Ellis building by Greyback Construction, is underway and expected to
be completed by May 2009. Mr. Hickling referred to an architect’s rendering of the
building noting the building will have five classrooms on the ground floor, six classroom
spaces on the second floor, new stairs to the Main Street entrance, and links to connect
the Ellis building to both sides of the new school. Phase 5 will be the site development
including the parking lot, bus loading, landscaping, and sports and tennis courts.
Secretary-Treasurer Regehr added that demolition is proceeding although slower than
expected due to more hazardous materials, particularly in the auditorium area, being
found. In response to newspaper advertisements, the seats have been purchased and
removed from the building. The demolition contractor is expected to restart the sale of
recycled items on Saturdays in a couple of weeks. The demolition project is expected to
be completed in January.
9.2
Public Tours of Penticton Secondary
Secretary-Treasurer Regehr advised that the public is invited to tour the new Pen High
facility at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 15, and Thursday, October 16, 2008.
Participants can enter at the south entrance (Jermyn Avenue). Student leaders will guide
groups through the building.
9.3
Financial Report
The secretary-treasurer reviewed the financial report to September 30, 2008 provided in
the agenda package, noting this is the first report for this year. Approximately 10% of
teacher staffing expenses are reported as well as approximately 25% of maintenance
expenses. These numbers are on budget for this time of the year.
9.4
Policy No. 330 – Field Trips
Mr. Regehr reported that the 30-day circulation period to partner groups for Policy No.
330 – Field Trips was approved at the June 9, 2008 board meeting. To date, only minor
modifications have been received and the policy is therefore recommended for adoption
as circulated with the agenda package. In response to trustee questions and during
discussion, it was suggested that the policy should contain a statement that volunteer
drivers have vehicles in good repair and proper winter tires. It was also noted that a code
of conduct or volunteer expectations would be reviewed with all volunteer chaperones.
MOTION:
9.5
Andrews/Van Alphen that Policy No. 330 – Field Trips be adopted with the
necessary changes as noted.
CARRIED
Policy No. 560 – Retirement
The 30-day circulation period to partner groups was approved for this policy at the June
9, 2008 board meeting. To date, no suggestions have been received to modify this policy
and the policy is therefore recommended for adoption.
MOTION:
Andrews/Van Alphen that Policy No. 560 – Retirement be adopted as
circulated.
CARRIED
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
10.0
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Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – October 6, 2008
9.6
Trustee Election
Mr. Regehr advised that the nomination period for the trustee election runs from 9:00
a.m., September 30, to 4:00 p.m., October 10. To date there have been sufficient
nominations to require an election in each of the trustee electoral areas. Once the
nomination period is passed, ads will be placed in the newspapers announcing poll dates
and locations.
9.7
School District Support for Post Secondary Training
Director of Finance and Information Technology Ron Shongrunden provided an overview
of the district’s support for post secondary training. Mr. Shongrunden noted that with the
support of CUPE, the school district has had three co-op students in the last two years
and introduced one of the students, Matt Skinner. Mr. Skinner provided an overview of
his involvement and work with the district, and extended appreciation for the opportunity
to complete his co-operative program in this district.
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
10.1
Student Achievement
a.
Literacy, Numeracy and School Completion
Director of Instruction Lynn Hauptman reported that literacy work groups have held
sessions in literacy and numeracy helping teachers have organized a number of
work sessions as well. Director of Instruction Celli announced the school
completion work group is meeting on Tuesday, October 7, with additional satellite
groups to meet after.
b.
Fall Forum 2, School Completion and Beyond
The second fall forum on School Completion and Beyond will be held on Monday,
October 27, at the Okanagan Grand Hotel in Kelowna. Two hundred and fifty
teachers, support staff, and trustees attended last year’s event with an equal
number expected for this year. This year’s focus will be on classroom instruction.
c.
SPC Training Sessions
Upcoming school planning council training sessions will be held for:
•
•
•
the Summerland Secondary Zone, Monday, October 20, at 5:00 to 7:30 p.m.,
at the Summerland Waterfront Resort;
for the Penticton Secondary Zone, on Tuesday, October 28, 5:00 to 7:30
p.m., at the Penticton Lakeside Resort; and
for the Princess Margaret Secondary Zone on Wednesday, October 29, 5:00
to 7:30 p.m., at the Days Inn Riverside Conference Centre.
DPAC representatives are invited to attend one of the three sessions.
d.
10.2
Bedrock Principles
Superintendent Doi reviewed a diagram circulated with the agenda package which
outlined the Bedrock Principles to improve the achievement of all students.
Other Items
a.
Enrolment
The director of instruction reviewed the enrolment report as of September 30, 2008
which shows 6,795 students in the district, approximately 230 students less than
the previous year at the same time. Secretary-Treasurer Regehr added that our
funding is based on the FTE count, which includes course count, and these
numbers as of September 30 need to be confirmed by the Ministry. Mr. Regehr
added the district budget was developed using a 100-student decline.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
b.
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Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – October 6, 2008
Class Size and Composition Report
The superintendent reviewed a report detailing school class size and composition
consultation meetings. The report is broken into three different sections: class
sizes, classes over 30 students, and class composition. The kindergarten district
average is significantly below the legislated maximum of 19.0; however, the
average is highly dependent on where the students enrol each year. The primary
district class size average has not changed significantly in the past eight years and
the district class size averages in intermediate, middle and secondary are the
lowest in eight years. Mr. Burgoyne added that this year there are 25% fewer
classes that are greater than 30 compared to the same time as last year.
Regarding class composition, there has been no significant change in the past
three years in the number of K to 5 and grade 6 to 8 classes that have greater than
three designated students. There has been a considerable decrease (26%) this
year in the number of grade 9 to 12 classes that have greater than three
designated students. Principals have indicated that this is due to a variety of
factors: a more thorough consultation process compared to previous years; school
based teams counsellors and administration have spent more time and energy in
programming students; and some school based programs targeting students at
risk, who are also designated, have provided more appropriate groupings to meet
the needs of these students, particularly at the grade 9 level. A letter to the
Minister of Education is being prepared confirming that as of September 30, 2008
the organization of classes is in compliance with the provisions of the School Act
and is appropriate for student learning.
MOTION:
Andrews/Clarke that the class size and composition report be
approved and that the letter be forwarded to the Minister of
Education.
CARRIED
c.
BCeSIS Implementation
Superintendent Doi reported that a BCeSIS orientation meeting, consisting of
representatives from CUPE support staff, teachers, and administration, will be held
on October 23 and 24, 2008.
d.
Field Trip Request
Following review of one field trip request,
MOTION:
Denesiuk/Huebert that the field trip request for February 27 to 29,
2009, for 20 students from Princess Margaret Secondary to compete
in the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival in Moscow, Idaho be approved
in principle.
CARRIED
11.0
REPORT OF REPRESENTATIVES
12.0
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
13.0
INFORMATION ITEMS
13.1
BCSTA Okanagan Branch Meeting
Trustees were reminded to bring their reports of their attendance at the BCSTA
Okanagan Branch meeting held on October 3 and 4, 2008 in Salmon Arm for inclusion in
the trustee reading file.
13.2
Date of Next Meeting
• November 10, 2008, 7.30 p.m., Regular Meeting, School Board Office
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
14.0
15.0
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Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – October 6, 2008
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 attached listing.
14.2
Penticton Indian Band and School District 67 Agreement
Trustees provided comments regarding the recent signing on September 26, 2008 of a
local education agreement with the Penticton Indian Band. Appreciation was extended to
staff, educators, and the Penticton Indian Band for working together to complete the
agreement.
14.3
Trustee Comments
Trustees provided general comments related to district activities including the BCSTA
Okanagan Branch meeting and the newly renovated entrance to Summerland Secondary
School.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION:
Manning and Andrews that the meeting be adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
CARRIED
16.0
QUESTION PERIOD
____________________
Chairperson
____________________
Secretary-Treasurer
October 15, 2008
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“Working Together for Student Success”