BOARD OF EDUCATION
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 67 (OKANAGAN SKAHA)
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
HELD ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 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, Director of Finance and Information Technology
Dave Burgoyne, Director of Instruction
Brian Celli, Director of Instruction
Lynn Hauptman, 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:
Huebert/Van Alphen that the agenda and addendum be approved.
CARRIED
3.0
PRESENTATIONS BY SCHOOLS AND/OR STUDENTS
3.1
Secondary School Completion – Update
The dogwood completion rate in School District 67 continues to remain steady at
approximately 84%. Seven years ago, our district was 24th out of 60 school districts in
dogwood completion rates (grade 8 students who graduate within six years). Today,
SD67 is consistently in the top ten for the province. In addition, the completion rate for
aboriginal students in SD67 increased significantly from a low of 26% (in 2000) to 60% (in
2006).
Staff members at each of the secondary schools are actively pursuing the goal of
improving school completion. Principals and teachers from the three secondary schools
provided a brief overview of some of their current initiatives including Assessments,
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Page 2
Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – November 10, 2008
School Climate, and Transition Support at Princess Margaret Secondary; Developing
Relationships, Grading Practices, and Discipline Literacy at Penticton Secondary; and
Grade-wide Teacher Meetings, Helping Action Community Meetings, and the Bridge
Program at Summerland Secondary.
Following a number of questions, trustees expressed appreciation to the teachers for
their presentation and for their commitment towards improving the graduation rates.
4.0
RECEIVING OF DELEGATIONS AND GUESTS
5.0
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
MOTION:
Huebert/Clarke that the minutes of the regular meeting held on October 6, 2008 be
approved.
CARRIED
6.0
REPORT FROM CLOSED MEETING
The secretary-treasurer reported on the closed meeting held on October 6, 2008:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
7.0
Received correspondence;
Received a report from the buildings, grounds, safety, and transportation committee and
discipline committee;
Confirmed teaching, excluded, and CUPE staff changes;
Approved a letter be forwarded to British Columbia School Trustees Association regarding
a legal matter;
Approved a teacher leave of absence request;
Received information related to student suspensions;
Received information regarding a BC Public Schools Employees Association meeting.
CORRESPONDENCE
7.1
Letter from CUPE Local 523
A letter forwarded by CUPE Local 523 congratulating the district on the success of the
2008 Summer School and reminding the Board of Education that bargaining unit work,
including the work of Certified Education Assistants (CEA’s), is best carried out by paid
employees of the Board.
7.2
Letter from CUPE Local 523
A letter forwarded by CUPE Local 523 expressing appreciation for the assistance offered
to employees affected by the Highway 97 road closure during the initial days of the
closure.
7.3
Letter from Okanagan Skaha Teachers’ Union
A letter forwarded by the Okanagan Skaha Teachers’ Union regarding payment of
student fees for secondary students.
7.4
Letter from British Columbia Teachers’ Federation
A letter forwarded by the British Columbia Teachers’ Federation enclosing a copy of the
Federation’s Education Funding Brief 2008. The brief is available in the trustee reading
file and is posted online at bctf.ca.
7.5
Letter from Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen
A letter forwarded by the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen enclosing their
proposed regional growth strategy and requesting that the school district provide
comments or concerns to the RDOS by January 9, 2009.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
7.6
Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – November 10, 2008
Summary of Copies of Letters to the Board
Copies of the letters to the Board listed below are available in the trustee reading file:
•
•
•
•
•
•
MOTION:
8.0
Page 3
Okanagan Skaha Teachers’ Union to the Minister of Education requesting that
the Ministry consider reimbursing the school district for the costs of hotels for
school district staff affected by the road closure;
School District No. 42 (Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows) to the Minister of Public
Safety and Solicitor General regarding a troubling trend within the tour bus
industry, which is that companies are allowing underage drinking on their moving
vehicles, and requesting that an investigation be held;
School District No. 23 (Central Okanagan) to the Minister of Education
requesting an update on the transportation funding review referred to in various
letters and annual budget releases and additionally requesting a timeline for an
implementation of any new formulas;
School District No. 68 (Nanaimo-Ladysmith) to the Minister of Education
regarding the superintendent’s report on class size and composition;
School District No. 23 (Central Okanagan) to the Minister of Education regarding
the impact the carbon tax initiative is having on school district budgets;
School District No. 23 (Central Okanagan) to the Minister of Education
requesting a review of the funding levels for the three special education
categories identified under unique student needs in the funding allocation
system, and requesting that the Ministry adjust the funding for these categories
to better reflect the current cost of delivering these services to the identified
students.
Clarke/Andrews that the correspondence be received and that the letter from the
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen be referred to the buildings, grounds,
safety and transportation committee.
CARRIED
REPORT OF COMMITTEES
8.1
Education Committee
Trustee Van Alphen reported regarding the education committee meeting held on
October 7, 2008 and the education committee visitation to Wiltse Elementary School on
November 4, 2008.
October 7, 2008:
a.
Field Trip to Zambia
Approval in principle was granted on December 10, 2007, for a Princess Margaret
Secondary School trip to the Republic of Zambia, March 12 to 27, 2009. Penticton
Secondary Principal Bill Bidlake presented background information related to this
trip outlining the types of work students will be doing, the specialized training that
trip supervisors have received, information meetings that have been/will be held
with parents, and the safety precautions that have been developed to support
student safety. Planning for this proposed trip meets the requirements for such a
trip as outlined in the new Field Trip Policy.
MOTION:
b.
Van Alphen/Huebert that the proposed field trip for Princess Margaret
Secondary students to the Republic of Zambia for March 12 to 27, 2009 be
approved.
CARRIED
Giant’s Head StrongStart Centre
The committee was provided information related to the opening of Giant’s Head
StrongStart Centre on Friday, November 7th (10:00 am) for children ages three to
five.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Page 4
Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – November 10, 2008
Continuing with her report, Trustee Van Alphen advised that at the education committee
visit to Wiltse Elementary on November 4, committee members viewed the new
playground resulting from community and provincial fundraising and participated in the
students’ daily physical activity called “Getting Funky”. Trustees also watched students
participating in computer studies, the accelerated reading program, and the successful
One on One reading program, and saw the amazing “Welcome Wall”, which was
highlighted at the last board meeting.
MOTION:
8.2
Policy Committee
Trustee Andrews reported regarding the policy committee meeting held on October 7,
2008:
a.
8.3
Van Alphen/Clarke that the report of the education committee meeting and
visitation be received.
CARRIED
Policy No. 203 – Student Fees
This policy provides clarification for the programs, resources and services that are
free of charge and also outlines the fees and deposits that the Board may charge.
A financial hardship clause is included in the policy to support equal student access
to all educational programs and opportunities.
MOTION:
Andrews/Huebert that Policy No. 203 – School Fees be approved in
principle and circulated to partner groups for 30 days for any suggestions
for changes.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Andrews/Clarke that the report of the policy committee be received.
CARRIED
Finance and Management Committee
Trustee Manning reported on the finance and management committee meeting held on
November 5, 2008:
a.
Summerland Road Closure
The committee was advised that 37 regular employees, 14 students, and a number
of casual staff are affected by the closure of Highway 97. Director of Instruction
Dave Burgoyne reviewed the work done on Sunday, October 26, to contact each
affected person to review options in an attempt to minimize the disruption at
schools on the Monday. Due to the significant increase in travel time, the
committee was advised of arrangements made on October 27 to provide support
with accommodation or travel assistance. The variety of options being used by
staff to cope with the road closure includes staying with family or friends, staying in
a motel, continuing to commute, or taking a leave. Students are mostly with family
or friends. Both the secretary-treasurer and superintendent advised the Ministry
has been contacted seeking financial support for costs resulting from the closure.
b.
2009 Provincial Budget Development
The British Columbia School Trustees Association has encouraged boards to
consider writing to government regarding the provincial budget development and
support for education. Following discussion, the committee agreed to support that
our district provide a budget recommendation for education funding to the Select
Standing Committee.
MOTION:
Denesiuk/Van Alphen that a letter be forwarded to the Select Standing
Committee regarding the impact of budgets due to enrolment decline.
CARRIED
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Page 5
Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – November 10, 2008
c.
Curricular/Extra Curricular Transportation
Trustee Manning requested that the adequacy of district funding for school
transportation be reviewed. She noted that school parent advisory councils are
providing increasing amounts of funding to support student travel. Recent issues
affecting student transportation such as requirements for driver abstracts, booster
seats, and road closure were also noted as issues affecting student transportation.
The committee agreed to recommend that the district budget allocation to schools
for student transportation be reviewed during the 2009-10 budget development.
d.
School Community Connections Grant
On behalf of the Parkway parent advisory council, Trustee Clarke requested the
school district support an application for an $8,000 School Community Connections
grant for playground development. School Community Connections requires board
approval of grant applications. This will be discussed further in the new year.
As a follow-up to the meeting, trustees were advised that with the scheduled re-opening
of Highway 97, buses will be running as normal on Wednesday morning.
MOTION:
8.4
Buildings, Grounds, Safety and Transportation Committee
Trustee Huebert reported on the buildings, grounds, safety and transportation committee
meeting held on November 5, 2008:
a.
Video Surveillance Report
In accordance with Policy No. 725, the committee received a report regarding the
use of video surveillance. In response to questions, the committee was advised
the surveillance is a passive system that is not monitored. Video records are
deleted within 30 days as required by policy unless a specific incident requires
longer retention.
b.
Daycare/Preschool Programs in Schools
Secretary-Treasurer Regehr provided the committee with a list of preschool and
after school programs provided in seven elementary schools in the district. This
information was provided as a supplement to the early learning review at the
September 30, 2008 education committee meeting. Trustees were advised an
additional program may be established at Columbia Elementary.
c.
Building Security
Director of Maintenance John Hickling reviewed extra precautions taken at each
school on October 31. Procedures included custodians remaining late at their
schools, lights being left on, shutters down, additional service from our security
contractor, and school dumpsters emptied. Schools received very little damage on
Halloween. Mr. Hickling briefly reviewed ongoing school security using evening
patrols and security services at Penticton Secondary for the period of construction.
MOTION:
9.0
Manning/Denesiuk that the report of the finance and management
committee be received.
CARRIED
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 reported the district continues to deal with deficiencies
related to the new construction and to await arrival of some of the shop equipment. The
fire department has met regularly to ensure access to the site should there be a need.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Page 6
Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – November 10, 2008
Mr. Hickling added that during the asbestos abatement on the third floor by Greyback
Construction a portion of the ceiling was opened which allows direct sight to the cupola.
The architect is now reviewing the viability of moving some of the walls to allow natural
light to be provided in this second floor area. Demolition is progressing on the old
building with asbestos abatement nearly completed on the two-storey south wing.
Asbestos removal from the auditorium should be completed within two weeks. A revised
traffic study report related to the proposed parking lot was received earlier today and will
now go to the architect. The changes mainly affect the safety of students and will be
implemented into the design of the parking lot.
9.2
FortisBC Award
For trustee information, the secretary-treasurer advised the school district was
recognized by FortisBC at a luncheon held on October 28 for outstanding achievement in
energy efficiency through sustainable choices and innovative projects. Director of
Maintenance Hickling presented Chairman Little with a glass trophy in recognition of the
award. Mr. Hickling added new energy fixtures were installed in 13 schools with
assistance of funding from FortisBC. It is expected the payback in energy savings from
the fixtures will be eight years.
9.3
Policy No. 325 – Managing a Student with Medical Alert/Anaphylaxis
Pursuant to district policy, the 30-day circulation period to partner groups was approved
at the October 6, 2008 board meeting for Policy No. 325 – Managing a Student with
Medical Alert/Anaphylaxis.
Secretary-Treasurer Regehr noted that to date, no
suggestions have been received to modify this policy and the policy is therefore
recommended for adoption. With approval of Policy No. 325, Policy No. 324 related to
the administration of medication becomes redundant.
MOTION:
9.4
10.0
Van Alphen/Andrews that Policy No. 325 – Managing a Student with
Medical Alert/Anaphylaxis be approved and that Policy No. 324 –
Administration of Medication be repealed.
CARRIED
Trustee Election
Related to the November 15, 2008 trustee election, the secretary-treasurer advised that
polls for the City of Penticton will be held at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre
and Princess Margaret Secondary; for Summerland area, at Summerland Secondary and
Giant’s Head Elementary; and for the rural area, at Naramata Elementary, Kaleden
Elementary, West Bench Elementary and Skaha Lake Middle schools. Electronic
counting will be conducted for Penticton and Summerland areas with manual counting for
the rural area. Results will be posted on the district website as soon as possible.
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
10.1
Student Achievement
a.
Fall Forum
Superintendent Doi reported that representatives from nine districts participated in
the fall forum hosted by our district on October 27, 2008 in Kelowna. This is the
second year we have hosted the event which received positive feedback.
b.
School Planning Council
Three school planning council sessions occurred during the past two weeks with
approximately 150 representatives from school planning councils. The zones were
grouped as family or feeder schools to the three secondary schools. Themes
varied slightly and feedback was positive.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
10.2
Page 7
Communication and Access
a.
Field Trips
The superintendent of schools reviewed a listing of field trip requests included with
the agenda package, one of which had been approved by the superintendent
pursuant to policy.
MOTION:
Huebert/Clarke that the following field trip request be approved:
•
MOTION:
•
•
•
MOTION:
November 26 to 29, 2008, for 12 senior students from
Penticton Secondary School to compete in the senior boys
provincial volleyball championships in Kelowna;
November 17 to 19, 2008 for 19 students from Summerland
Secondary School to compete in the senior boys provincial
soccer championships in Burnaby;
November 7 and 8, 2008, for 14 students from Penticton
Secondary to compete in the senior boys and girls cross
country running provincial championships in Surrey; and
November 14 and 15, 2008, for 13 students from Penticton
Secondary and Princess Margaret Secondary to compete in
the provincial swimming competition in Richmond.
CARRIED
Huebert/Clarke that the following field trip request be approved in
principle:
•
b.
February 27 to 29, 2009, for 20 students from Princess
Margaret Secondary to compete in the Lionel Hampton Jazz
Festival in Moscow, Idaho.
CARRIED
Denesiuk/Andrews that the following field trips requests be approved
and that funding be provided as per board policy:
•
10.3
Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – November 10, 2008
September 26 to October 8, 2009, for 21 students from
Penticton Secondary, Princess Margaret Secondary, and
Summerland Secondary schools to travel to Tokyo and Ikeda,
Japan, on a sister city exchange participating in a wide variety
of fund and educational activities.
CARRIED
BCeSIS
For trustee information, Superintendent Doi advised that BCeSIS, software for the
management of student information, will be implemented in this district effective
September 2009. District staff are currently planning for and reviewing the
business plan related to the implementation. Vice Principal Doug MacDonald will
act at the lead person for the implementation and Lesa Kuzemski will act as the
lead clerical person. Mr. Regehr added our current software for the management
of student information will no longer be supported by the company which requires
the district to move to BCeSIS sooner than planned. Cost for the implementation
was not included in the current budget but will be reflected in the amended budget.
In order to be ready for September, training and transfer of information will need to
be completed during this school year.
Other Items
a.
Enrolment
Director of Instruction Burgoyne reported on enrolment as of October 31, 2008
which shows a decline of two students from last month. There are currently 6,793
students, or 6,509.777 FTE, in the district.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
b.
Page 8
Class Size and Composition Report
The superintendent reviewed details of school class size and composition
consultation meetings for the period of September 22 to November 5, 2008. 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:
Denesiuk/Andrews that the report on school class sizes/composition
meetings be received and accepted.
CARRIED
c.
Pennie Jamieson Library Dedication
Trustees and staff provided Information regarding the Pennie Jamieson Library
Dedication on October 28, 2008, noting it was a special event to honour a special
person, Past Trustee Pennie Jamieson. Chairman Little presented a plaque
provided by MP Stockwell Day during the ceremony.
d.
Masters Research Project
A request has been received from a teacher to involve students in a research
project for her Masters program.
MOTION:
Hubert/Clarke that approval be granted for students at West Bench
Elementary and two grade 6 students at Skaha Lake Middle School
to be involved in an action research project as part of a requirement
for a Masters program.
CARRIED
11.0
REPORT OF REPRESENTATIVES
12.0
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
13.0
INFORMATION ITEMS
13.1
BCSTA Provincial Council Meeting
Trustee Manning reported on the BCSTA Provincial Council Meeting held on October 24
and 25, 2008 in Vancouver. Presentations were made by early learning experts,
provincial councillors attended a forum related to pre-kindergarten, and reports were
presented from the education, aboriginal education, and finance committees as well as
the executive director and President Connie Denesiuk. Seven motions came forward for
consideration and the motion that SD67 submitted regarding consultation on school
closures and disposal of school property was amended to provide clarity and carried.
MOTION:
13.2
Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – November 10, 2008
Manning/Andrews that the report of the BCSTA provincial council meeting
be received.
CARRIED
Date of Next Meeting
• December 8, 2008, 7:00 p.m., Inaugural Meeting, School Board Office
• December 15, 2008, 7:30 p.m., Regular Meeting, School Board Office
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
14.0
Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – November 10, 2008
TRUSTEE COMMENTS
14.1
Recognition of Student Success
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha) extended congratulations to students and
groups for outstanding examples of success as shown on recognition sheet included with
the agenda package.
14.3
Recognition of Student Artwork
Students from Trout Creek Elementary School were congratulated for their artwork
currently on display at the school board office:
14.3
15.0
Page 9
•
Sophie Cormillot, grade 2
•
Hannah Walton, grade 2
•
Maria Raitt, grade 4
•
Jessica Eckhardt, grade 5
•
Drew McFee, grade 5
•
Jennifer Butler, grade 4
•
Alexandra Webb, kindergarten
•
Hannah Maddock, kindergarten
•
Camisha Mortensen, grade 5
•
Sylvia Mott, grade 5
Yellow sunflower with random sunflower seeds
in the center with green shaped hand leaves
Orange sunflower with a sunflower seed design
in the center with green shaped hand leaves
A Picasso portrait of a girl with a bright orange
face, creative braids, and tears in her eye
A Picasso portrait of a girl with different colour
hair and eyes, a butterfly in her hair with yellow
bows
A colourful fall drawing of Old MacDonald on his
farm in crayon, pencil crayon, and watercolour
paint
An original “Monet”; lush green shrubs and trees
cascading over stream with pink flowers
An Apple Mosiac in bright pink, yellow and green
construction paper
An Apple Mosiac in bright pink, yellow and green
construction paper
A self portrait of a face split in half in colour
pencil crayon and in pencil black in white
A self portrait of a face split in half in colour
pencil crayon and in pencil black and white
Trustee Comments
Trustees provided general comments related to district and school activities including
support during the road closures, participation at Remembrance Day ceremonies, and
the opening of the StrongStart centre at Giant’s Head Elementary. Appreciation was also
extended to parents and staff who volunteered for the Naramata Run and to those who
worked extra during Halloween night.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION:
Manning/Andrews that the meeting be adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
CARRIED
16.0
QUESTION PERIOD
____________________
Chairperson
____________________
Secretary-Treasurer
November 18, 2008
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“Working Together for Student Success”