BOARD OF EDUCATION
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 67 (OKANAGAN SKAHA)
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
HELD ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2008, AT 7:30 P.M.
AT THE SCHOOL BOARD OFFICE
MINUTES
IN ATTENDANCE
Larry Little, Chair
Ginny Manning, Vice Chair
Shelley Clarke, Trustee
Connie Denesiuk, Trustee
David Perry, Trustee
Tom Siddon, Trustee
Linda Van Alphen, Trustee
Gary Doi, Superintendent of Schools
Frank Regehr, Secretary-Treasurer
Ron Shongrunden, Director of Finance and Information Technology
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
Katie Hicks, Principal, Summerland Middle School
1.0
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Little welcomed district staff, guests, and representatives of the media to the meeting.
Prior to adoption of the agenda, Chairman Little announced with sadness the retirement of
Superintendent Doi who will leave the district effective July 31, 2009. Mr. Little acknowledged the
leadership and efforts of Mr. Doi during his seven years as superintendent and thanked him for
his focus on student achievement. Superintendent Doi referenced the rich memories he will have
from his years in education and particularly in this district and thanked the staff, students, parents,
and trustees of this district for their leadership and support towards improving the achievement of
all students.
Trustees, as well as Principal Katie Hicks, President of the Okanagan Skaha Principals and Vice
Principals Association, and Zoë Magnus, President of CUPE Local 523, shared some of their
memories and experiences gained from their relationship with Mr. Doi and wished him well in his
retirement. Mr. Doi intends to remain active as an educational consultant in the province and
plans to maintain his residence in Penticton.
2.0
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOTION:
Manning/Denesiuk that the agenda and addendum be approved.
CARRIED
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
3.0
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Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – December 15, 2008
PRESENTATIONS BY SCHOOLS AND/OR STUDENTS
3.1
Pennie Jamieson Memorial Scholarship Fund
Mr. Neil Jamieson attended the meeting and presented to the Board a cheque in the
amount of $10,000 from the Estate of Pennie Jamieson to go towards the Pennie
Jamieson Memorial Scholarship Fund. Mr. Jamieson advised his mother was always
adamant about being engaged in the community and thanked the Board for creating the
scholarship fund in her memory as well as dedicating the library at the new Penticton
Secondary School in her honour. The fund will award annually a $1,000 scholarship to a
deserving Grade 12 graduate at each of the district’s three secondary schools.
3.2
Zoom Fest 2008
Zoom Fest is a BC film festival that challenges Grade 7 to 12 students to produce an
original short film in 48 hours which is based on an assigned theme and prop. This
year’s topic was “To Err is to be Human” and the basic prop was the wheel. An awards
ceremony was held for Zoom Fest in Vancouver on December 6 and students from Mr.
Russ Stasiuk’s media class (Grade 11 students Rylan Kinnin, Kevin Manning, Hayes
Richards, and Tayler Thompson, and Grade 10 student Jordan Findlay) walked away
with top awards (Best Screen Play and Best Overall) for their video “Wheel Barrow”.
Kevin Manning and Jordan Findlay presented the video and described many of the
highlights of preparing the video. In addition to the five trophies awarded during the
recognition banquet, the students received two $20,000 scholarships to the Vancouver
Film School.
Trustees extended congratulations to the students for their success and for representing
the district so well at the competition.
3.3
Heartfelt Thanks to our Soldiers in Afghanistan
Summerland Secondary Art Teacher Donna Cowles and her students collaborated on an
Okanagan mural that was sent to the Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan. A news clip from
CHBC-TV explaining and showing students involved in the project was viewed.
3.4
Superintendent’s 2008 Report on Student Achievement
Superintendent Doi reported on the School Act requirement that the superintendent must
prepare a public report to the Board on the progress of improving student achievement
from the previous school year. The report is intended to ensure transparency and
accountability for each school district in terms of its responsibility for improving student
achievement and is to be presented to the Board by December 15. The report, to be
further reviewed at the January 13 education committee meeting, highlighted the district’s
efforts in “improving the achievement of all students”. Mr. Doi noted these efforts have
been strategic, collaborative, and focused. The two major cornerstone strategies of the
improvement effort have been to develop student transition/intervention strategies in
order to close the achievement gap and secondly, increase student engagement in
classrooms in order to accelerate learning for all. Mr. Doi thanked and acknowledged the
staff, parents, students, and the Board for their leadership and support and noted the
collective effort has made a significant difference.
4.0
RECEIVING OF DELEGATIONS AND GUESTS
5.0
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
MOTION:
Manning/Clarke that the minutes of the regular board of education meeting held on
November 10, 2008 and inaugural board of education meeting held on December
8, 2008 be approved.
CARRIED
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
6.0
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – December 15, 2008
REPORT FROM CLOSED MEETING
The secretary-treasurer reported on the closed meeting held on November 10, 2008:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.0
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Received a report from the finance and management committee; buildings, grounds,
safety, and transportation committee; and discipline committee;
Confirmed teaching, excluded, and CUPE staff changes;
Approved a teacher leave of absence request;
Received information related to student suspensions;
Received information regarding a meeting of the Okanagan Labour Relations Council;
Received information and approved a personnel matter.
CORRESPONDENCE
7.1
Letter from Don Jamieson
A letter forwarded by Don Jamieson expressing gratitude for the dedication of the
Penticton Secondary School library in his mother’s name.
7.2
Letter from the Okanagan Skaha Teachers’ Union
A letter from the Okanagan Skaha Teachers’ Union voicing opposition to the present
manner in which the Fundamental Skills Assessment is being used in the province and
the district.
7.3
Letter from School District No. 85 (Vancouver Island North)
A letter from School District No. 85 (Vancouver Island North) requesting support at the
April 2009 British Columbia School Trustees Association annual general meeting for the
BCSTA to be more responsive regarding the under funding situation for school districts
that are experiencing declining enrolment.
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:
•
•
•
•
Parent Kevin Andrews to the Okanagan Skaha Teachers’ Union addressing
concerns surrounding “Fundamental Skills Assessment” testing;
School District No. 10 (Arrow Lakes) to the Minister of Education requesting that
the Ministry update the Transportation Funding Review and recognize the rising
costs of providing transportation services to our students;
School District No. 78 (Fraser-Cascade) to the Minister of Transportation
informing the Minister of problematic issues regarding the lack of proper chaining
of trucks as they pass through the Fraser Canyon roads within their school
district;
School District No. 20 (Kootenay-Columbia) to the British Columbia Public
Schools Employers’ Association regarding the brief entitled “Education Funding:
A Brief to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services”
forwarded to the Ministry of Finance by the British Columbia Teachers’
Federation.
MOTION:
Clarke/Siddon that the correspondence be received.
CARRIED
8.0
REPORT OF COMMITTEES
8.1
Committee of the Whole – Finance and Management
Chairman Little reported on the finance and management committee of the whole
meeting held on December 10, 2008:
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Page 4
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – December 15, 2008
a.
Ministry Funding Recalculation
Secretary-Treasurer Regehr advised the committee that the provincial funding for
the 2008-09 budget will be recalculated for all districts before the end of the month.
Mr. Regehr distributed and reviewed the funding formula, a comparison of current
and prior year funding, and details of how the enrolment decline reported as of
September 30th will result in a funding decline.
b.
B.C. Winter Games Application
Both the secretary-treasurer and superintendent reviewed implications related to a
request from the City of Penticton for support for a bid proposal to host the winter
games in 2012 or 2014. The requirements of the school district include:
•
•
A two-day school closure in February and a likely requirement for the
rearrangement of two pro-d days to these dates;
Board of Education approval of free use of classrooms, gymnasiums and
other areas for the four-day event.
The committee discussed a number of aspects of hosting the games including the
benefits of athletic competition, implication of the games on the school year
calendar and two-week spring break, impact from use of classrooms, and labour
costs to support the schools. By consensus, the committee supported concluding
the decision at the regular board meeting.
Further to discussions at the committee meeting, trustees expressed the need for the
support of the teachers and support staff in order to host the games and referred to
concerns raised in a letter from the Okanagan Skaha Teachers’ Union as well as
expectations expressed by CUPE 523 in their letter of support. In response to a
question, Secretary-Treasurer Regehr provided an overview of obligations expected from
the school district including the provision of school facilities for competition and
accommodation for approximately 2,100 participants, the free use of school buses for
transportation of participants during the games, and a provision that the school district will
close the schools for the Thursday and Friday of the games. Trustees also noted the
disruption in the educational programs, the financial implications to the district, and the
short timelines provided to make this commitment, and expressed a more favourable
support for hosting the summer games.
MOTION:
c.
Perry/Siddon that the school district endorse and support the City of
Penticton’s application to host the B.C. Winter Games in 2012 or 2014.
DEFEATED
Centennial Time Capsule Contributions
Secretary-Treasurer Regehr advised the committee the Penticton Centennial
Advisory Committee was providing an opportunity for the school district to place
items in four time capsules to be located in the Centennial Plaza. Superintendent
Doi advised he had requested a quick response from schools based on the short
notice period for submission.
It was suggested that, in addition to a small number of submissions from students, the
film viewed earlier tonight should be included as a submission to the time capsule.
MOTION:
8.2
Manning/Clarke that the report of the finance and management committee
of the whole be received.
CARRIED
Committee of the Whole – Buildings, Grounds, Safety and Transportation
Chairman Little reported on the buildings, grounds, safety and transportation committee
of the whole meeting held on December 10, 2008:
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
a.
Perry/Van Alphen that the report of the buildings, grounds, safety and
transportation committee of the whole meeting be received.
CARRIED
Policy Committee
Chairman Little reported regarding the policy committee of the whole meeting held on
December 10, 2008:
a.
Policy No. 310 – Code of Conduct
Superintendent Doi distributed and reviewed Policy 110 which describes the
process used to develop and adopt new policy or policy amendments. Director of
Instruction Celli reviewed the background for the drafting of Policy No. 310 –
District Code of Conduct. The draft has been in development for five months and
is intended to comply with Ministry requirements and district expectations. Draft
policy is more comprehensive and systematic than the current Code of Conduct.
The discussion included clarifications and a review of the process schools would
use to incorporate this policy into school codes of conduct. The committee agreed
to recommend that at the December 15th board meeting the policy be approved for
circulation.
MOTION:
b.
Denesiuk/Van Alphen that the Policy No. 310 – District Code of Conduct be
approved in principle and circulated to partner groups for 30 days for any
suggestions for changes.
CARRIED
Policy No. 312 – District Discipline Committee
The committee supported that the draft Policy 312 – District Discipline Committee
be reviewed at the next policy meeting.
MOTION:
9.0
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – December 15, 2008
Shatford Building
The secretary-treasurer reviewed the plan by the City of Penticton and school
district to select a consulting firm to assist with planning for the development and
use of the Shatford building. The review at this stage is intended to identify
renovation requirements and costs, examination of community and school district
needs, operating cost estimates, and building management. Board Chair Little
commented that the planning for the Shatford building is an important process for
the Board of Education and the city and he proposed establishing a Shatford
Liaison Committee of three trustees and chaired by Trustee David Perry.
Committee responsibility would include liaising with Penticton city council,
establishing the direction for use of the Shatford building, and oversight of the
project.
MOTION:
8.3
Page 5
Manning/Van Alphen that the report of the policy committee of the whole
meeting be received.
CARRIED
REPORT OF SECRETARY-TREASURER
9.1
Penticton Secondary School Reconstruction
Director of Maintenance John Hickling reported that buses are now delivering students to
the front door of the new facility rather than dropping them off on Eckhardt Avenue. This
allows for safer delivery and better supervision of the students. The contractor is
continuing with asbestos removal on the third floor of the Ellis building and the architect is
reviewing the requirement to enhance the visibility of the cupola by rearranging spaces in
the area. Floor repairs are completed on the main floor and the contractor is proceeding
with work on the second floor. Mr. Hickling added that some floor joists will need to be
replaced. Demolition is continuing but at a slower pace as more asbestos was found in
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Page 6
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – December 15, 2008
the change room area. Because the contractor needs the school shut down in order to
disassemble the auditorium, this will be completed over the Christmas break. Mr.
Hickling added the recommendations of the traffic study received earlier today will be
incorporated into the site plan and this will allow for safer entry to and exiting from the
site.
In response to Trustee Siddon’s request to release the demolition contract to the
community as well as provide a report of all sale proceeds, the secretary-treasurer
advised that the demolition contract was opened in public and that a report of sales prior
to the contractors viewing the site in preparation of their tenders plus additional tender
details could be provided.
9.2
10.0
Financial Report
The secretary-treasurer reviewed the financial report to November 30, 2008 provided in
the agenda package and noted that the budget is on track for this time of the year. Mr.
Regehr advised a recalculation of funding from the Ministry is expected shortly and
anticipates some funding reduction due to the 130 student decline. Adjustments to the
budget will be made in February.
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
10.1
Student Achievement
10.2
Communication and Access
a.
Field Trips
The superintendent of schools reviewed a listing of field trip requests included in
the agenda package, some of which had been approved by the principal or
superintendent.
MOTION:
Clarke/Perry that the following field trip requests be approved for
funding pursuant to district policy:
•
•
•
•
•
MOTION:
December 6 to 7, 2008, five grade 10/11 students from
Penticton Secondary School to compete in the provincial film
festival competitions in Vancouver;
November 20 to 23, 2008, for 13 grade 9/10 students from
Penticton Secondary School to compete in the junior girls’
volleyball provincial championships in Surrey;
November 25 to 29, 2008, for 14 grade 11/12 students from
Princess Margaret Secondary School to compete in the senior
boys’ volleyball provincial championships in Kelowna;
November 26 to 29, 2008, for 13 grade 11/12 students from
Penticton Secondary School to compete in the senior boys’
volleyball provincial championships in Kelowna; and
November 26 to 29, 2008, for 13 senior girls from Penticton
Secondary School to compete in the provincial volleyball
championships in Kelowna.
CARRIED
Denesiuk/Manning that the field trip request for June 10 to 13, 2009
for 30 grade 8 band students from McNicoll Park Middle School to
travel to Edmonton to perform at various schools, visit the museum,
and Edmonton Mall be approved in principle.
CARRIED
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
b.
10.3
Page 7
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Clarke that the field trip request for 31 students from
Summerland Middle and KVR Middle schools to travel to Quebec
City and Montreal for the Winter Carnival from February 4 to 10,
2009 be given final approval.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Perry that the field trip request for 44 students from
Princess Margaret Secondary School to travel to Spain to experience
European culture and Spanish history from March 14 to 25, 2009 be
approved in principle.
CARRIED
School Concerts
The superintendent of schools acknowledged the huge amount of work involved by
all staff to organize, rehearse, and prepare for the school concerts. Thanks to their
efforts, this tradition continues to be done so well in this district.
Other Items
a.
Enrolment
Superintendent Doi reported a slight increase of three students as of November 28,
2008. There are currently 6,795 students, or 6,504.023 FTE, in the district.
b.
Class Size and Composition Report
The superintendent advised there was one class size composition consultation
meeting from November 5 to December 10, 2008 concerning a Band 8 class at
McNicoll Park Middle School. The principal has submitted a report to the
superintendent confirming that this class is appropriate for student learning and the
school planning council has been informed.
11.0
REPORT OF REPRESENTATIVES
12.0
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
12.1
13.0
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – December 15, 2008
Committee and Representative Appointments
Chairman Little presented committee and representative appointments for the period to
November 2009 and trustee school liaisons for the period to September 2009. Mr. Little
requested that trustees contact the principals at their liaison schools to introduce
themselves as the new trustee liaison. Trustees are also asked to attend one school
planning council meeting each year.
INFORMATION ITEMS
13.1
BCSTA Trustee Academy
Trustees were reminded to complete the report of their attendance at the BCSTA Trustee
Academy held December 4 to 6, 2008 in Vancouver for inclusion in the trustee reading
file. Congratulations were extended to BCSTA President Denesiuk on the success of the
conference.
13.2
Date of Next Meeting
• January 12, 2009, 7.30 p.m., Regular Meeting, School Board Office
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
14.0
Minutes of the Regular School Board Meeting – December 15, 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 listing circulated with the
agenda package.
14.2
Recognition of Student Artwork
Students from the Home Learners’ Program were recognized for their artwork currently
on display at the school board office:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
14.3
15.0
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Anne Ramey, Grade 11
Ciara Walls, Grade 11
Courtney Simard, Grade 11
Sandy Montle, Grade 9
Carol Gillard, Grade 10
Ashley Monette, Grade 10
Brooklyn Balon, Grade 9
Shayla Ritchie, Grade 8
Eden Gillard, Grade 10
Emily Ramey, Grade 11
Saul Ramey, Grade 9
Lance Stephens, Grade 10
Shane Groot, Grade 9
Brennan Phillips, Grade 9
“EYE” piece of eagle painting
“EYE” piece of eagle painting
“EYE” piece of eagle painting
“BEAK” piece of eagle painting
“BEAK” piece of eagle painting
“BEAK” piece of eagle painting
“BEAK” piece of eagle painting
“SHOULDER” piece of eagle painting
“SHOULDER” piece of eagle painting
“SHOULDER” piece of eagle painting
“NECK” piece of eagle painting
“NECK” piece of eagle painting
“NECK” piece of eagle painting
“NECK” piece of eagle painting
Trustee Comments
Trustees provided comments related to district activities including school performances,
KVR Middle School raising approximately $7,000 for the Hoops for Heart, and the efforts
of students helping others through the Shoe Box project. Chairman Little noted that
trustees had been invited by the Okanagan Skaha Teachers’ Union to attend an OSTU
Representative Assembly on December 16, 2008.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION:
Manning/Siddon that the meeting be adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
CARRIED
16.0
QUESTION PERIOD
____________________
Chairperson
____________________
Secretary-Treasurer
December 19, 2008
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“Working Together for Student Success”