BOARD OF EDUCATION
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 67 (OKANAGAN SKAHA)
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
HELD ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2009, AT 6:30 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
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 district staff, guests, and representatives of the media to the meeting.
2.0
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOTION:
Manning/Denesiuk that the agenda and addendum be approved.
CARRIED
3.0
PRESENTATIONS BY SCHOOLS AND/OR STUDENTS
3.1
EyeMax
Maureen Wourms-Larson (physiotherapist) and Gayle Walford (occupational therapist),
along with 16 year old Kathleen Ostrander from Penticton Secondary School,
demonstrated a new communication and environmental control device just received from
SET-BC. Called the EyeMax and distributed by Dynavox Technologies, Kathleen will be
able to use the device to communicate, control her environment (i.e. turn on TV and
lights), access the internet, and participate in class curriculum. Kathleen has Cerebral
Palsy and has little voluntary control of her body. Many attempts at establishing ways for
her to access technology have not been very successful. Before Christmas, district staff
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – February 9, 2009
tested one of these devices and found some success communicating through eye gazing.
Appreciation was extended to district staff for their efforts and support in assisting
Kathleen with this new form of communication.
3.2
The InStill Life Program (Naramata School)
Naramata students Cam Gunning, Jessica Henderson, Jakub Vozenilek, Lukas
Vozenilek, and Sage Togyi along with teacher Janet Watts and parent Nikos
Theodosakis highlighted a pilot program which took place in October 2008 involving 47
students. The students exchanged ideas on their favourite foods, then brought one fruit
or vegetable each to contribute to a grouping, which after an exploration into the world of
food and art, of composition, lighting and textures, set off to create their still life paintings.
Students were invited to share their paintings to create a fund that would help people
around the world provide food for themselves and others through microloans, small loans
that are making a huge impact in countries around the world.
The paintings are being reproduced as gift cards with 100% of the sales going towards
addressing food challenges locally, through the Soupateria program in Penticton and
internationally, through Kiva.org. InStill Life is a program of Olive Us, an initiative of
Theo’s Restaurant (Contact: Nikos Theodosakis at nikos@eatsquid.com). Progress on
the students’ efforts through the InStill Life Program can be followed on the Naramata
Elementary School website.
4.0
RECEIVING OF DELEGATIONS AND GUESTS
4.1
Penticton and District Performing Arts Facility Society
Mr. Ben Amos from the Penticton and District Performing Arts Facility Society was unable
to make a scheduled presentation to the Board regarding a possible use of the Shatford
building. Mr. Amos will attend the March 9 meeting.
5.0
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
MOTION:
Manning/Clarke that the minutes of the regular meeting held on January 12, 2009
be approved.
CARRIED
6.0
REPORT FROM CLOSED MEETING
The secretary-treasurer reported on the closed meeting held on January 12, 2009:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
7.0
Received reports from the finance and management committee and discipline committee;
Confirmed teaching, excluded, and CUPE staff changes;
Received information related to a request for an easement on school property;
Received information related to student suspensions;
Received information related to critical incidents;
Received information related to an upcoming meeting of the British Columbia Public
School Employers’ Association;
Confirmed a process for the superintendent search and interviews.
CORRESPONDENCE
7.1
Letter from CUPE 523 Okanagan Skaha
A letter from CUPE 523 Okanagan Skaha regarding video surveillance, requesting the
immediate removal of the video cameras at Penticton Secondary School and written
assurance from the Board of Education that Policy No. 725 will be fully adhered to in the
future.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
7.2
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Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – February 9, 2009
Summary of Copies of Letters to the Board
Copies of the letters to the Board listed below are available in the trustee reading file:
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School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake) to the Minister of Education expressing the
Board’s concerns over the lack of funding for students, especially special needs
students;
School District No. 68 (Nanaimo-Ladysmith) to the Minister of Education and
copied to the president of British Columbia Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) urging
both parties to resolve the current dispute over the Foundation Skills Assessment
(FSA) as soon as possible;
School District No. 75 (Mission) to the Minister of Education requesting that the
Ministry engage in a process of inclusive consultation aimed at bringing
resolution to the ongoing dispute with the BCTF regarding the Foundation Skills
Assessment;
School District No. 78 (Fraser-Cascade) to the Minister of Education advising
their district will administer the Foundation Skills Assessment and asking that the
Minister work with the BCTF and other partner groups to review the FSA, the
time of its administration, its alignment with the curriculum, and the way the
results are used by the Ministry, boards, and other agencies;
School District No. 22 (Vernon) to the Minister of Education requesting the
Ministry continue working with the BCTF in order to find ways of preventing third
parties, such as the Fraser Institute, from obtaining data that may be used to
rank schools, or used in any way that may discredit the integrity of the BC public
school system;
School District No. 43 (Coquitlam) to the Minister of Education advising the
FSA’s will be administered in their school district and urging the Minister to
persevere with talks with the BCTF in order to bring an end to the divisive debate
over FSA’s, the inappropriate and long-standing use of FSA data to rank schools,
and the provincial BCTF job action that has the potential to negatively affect the
working climate in schools across the province;
School District No. 5 (Southeast Kootenay) to the Minister of Education and
president of BCTF requesting both parties to take urgent action in finding a
mutually agreeable solution to the outstanding issues related to the Foundation
Skills Assessment;
School District No. 44 (North Vancouver) to the Minister of Education asking that
the Ministry actively establish a formal process to work towards the resolution of
the FSA controversy;
School District No. 38 (Richmond) to the Minister of Education regarding the use
of the FSA results by the Fraser Institute;
School District No. 38 (Richmond) to the Minister of Education requesting that
the Ministry take action to limit the Fraser Institute’s ability to employ Foundation
Skills Assessment data for the production of its elementary school report card;
School District No. 38 (Richmond) to the Minister of Education in response to the
Minister’s request for specific suggestions to maximize the responsible use of
FSA results;
School District No. 85 (Vancouver Island North) to the Minister of Education and
president of BCTF urging both parties to continue meeting with each other in
order to arrive as soon as possible at a mutually agreeable solution to the
outstanding issues related to the FSA’s;
School District No. 63 (Saanich) to the Minister of Education urging the Minister
to meet with the BCTF and other concerned and informed parties as soon as
possible to resolve the matter of appropriate province-wide assessments;
School District No. 51 (Boundary) to the Minister of Education urging the Minister
engage in a process to review FSA’s to determine the purposes of assessment,
standardized versus standards-based assessment, and the appropriate use of
data and also asking that the Ministry work towards having FOIPPA legislation
changed so it will limit access by organizations that allows them to use FSA
results to rank schools;
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – February 9, 2009
School District No. 72 (Campbell River) to the Minister of Education and
president of BCTF requesting both parties take urgent action in finding a mutually
agreeable solution to the outstanding issues related to the Foundation Skills
Assessment;
School District No. 49 (Central Coast) to the Minister of Education and BCTF
requesting both parties take immediate and urgent action in finding a mutually
agreeable solution to the outstanding issues related to the Foundation Skills
Assessment;
School District No. 46 (Sunshine Coast) to the Minister of Education suggesting
improvements to the release of results of the Foundation Skills Assessment;
School District No. 46 (Sunshine Coast) to the Minister of Finance requesting
that provincial consideration be given to boosting funding for the physical
upgrading and rebuilding of schools in B.C. as an economic stimulus and
investment in public infrastructure;
School District No. 20 (Kootenay-Columbia) to the Minister of Education
requesting that funding levels for education not only be emphasized, but
appropriately increased.
7.3
Letter from Okanagan Skaha Teachers’ Union
A letter from the Okanagan Skaha Teachers’ Union regarding video surveillance at
Penticton Secondary School.
7.4
Letter from Okanagan Skaha Teachers’ Union and CUPE Sub Local 523
A letter from the presidents of both Okanagan Skaha Teachers’ Union and CUPE Sub
Local 523 advising both parties are interested in establishing a joint liaison committee of
OSTU members, CUPE members, and trustees of the Board of Education.
MOTION:
8.0
Page 4
Denesiuk/Manning that the correspondence be received, the letters from
CUPE and OSTU regarding video surveillance be forwarded to the
buildings, grounds, safety and transportation committee, and the letter from
CUPE and OSTU regarding establishment of a joint liaison committee be
forwarded to the finance and management committee.
CARRIED
REPORT OF COMMITTEES
8.1
Education Committee
Trustee Van Alphen reported regarding the education committee meetings held on
January 13 and February 3, 2009:
January 13, 2009
a.
Superintendent’s Report on Student Achievement (2007-08)
The Superintendent’s Report on Student Achievement was first introduced to the
Board at its December 15th public meeting and was then referred to the education
committee for further discussion. The Board was provided with a brief overview of
the report. Following that, the Board and staff discussed a variety of issues related
to the progress for the 2007-08 school year. A copy of the superintendent’s report
will, as required by the School Act, be submitted to the Minister of Education.
February 3, 2009:
a.
Early Development Instrument (EDI)
Early Learning Helping Teacher Judy Scott and Director Lynn Hauptman presented
an overview of the Early Development Instrument and how the data is assisting
local agencies and government with their planning and policy development. The
EDI is a checklist that Kindergarten teachers complete for each child in their class.
It is a holistic measure of children's development across five areas: physical health
and well-being; social competence; emotional maturity; language and cognitive
development; and communication skills. Kindergarten teachers annually complete
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Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – February 9, 2009
the EDI in February, after they have had several months of interaction with their
Kindergarten class. The EDI is funded by three ministries – Healthy Living and
Sport; Education; and Children and Family Development.
b.
Class Size and Composition Report
Director Dave Burgoyne provided an analysis of the recently released annual
report on class size and composition. In addition to that information, he shared a
chart which compared SD67 to similar sized districts (6,000 – 10,000 students).
His analysis revealed that SD67 has smaller class sizes than most of the other
districts – with the exception of districts that are geographically dispersed.
MOTION:
8.2
Van Alphen/Clarke that the report of the education committee meetings be
received.
CARRIED
Policy Committee
Trustee Siddon reported regarding the policy committee meetings held on January 13
and February 3, 2009:
January 13, 2009:
a.
Policy No. 312 – District Discipline Committee
Trustee Siddon confirmed the process for reviewing policies noting the Code of
Conduct policy was distributed for review following the December 15th board
meeting. Secretary-Treasurer Regehr advised this policy will be returned to the
February school board meeting if there are no recommended changes or to the
policy meeting if changes are recommended.
Superintendent Doi reviewed the proposed discipline committee structure which no
longer includes trustee participation based on the recommended process for
appeals. Director of Instruction Celli reviewed the proposed changes in Policy No.
312. In discussing the effect of removing trustees from a role on the discipline
committee, it was noted that trustees frequently have knowledge of discipline
issues in their community which may assist in the work of the discipline committee.
Following additional discussion,
MOTION:
Siddon/Van Alphen that Policy No. 312 – District Discipline
Committee be approved in principle and circulated to partner groups
for 30 days to receive suggestions for changes.
CARRIED
It was agreed to review this policy within six months of adoption for impact of
changes to the discipline committee.
February 3, 2009:
a.
Distribution of Materials
Director Brian Celli reviewed Board Policy No. 211 regarding the distribution of
promotional information to students. Some concerns were raised by parents
regarding the inconsistent application of the policy. Of particular note was the
inclusion of promotional materials in final report card envelopes.
Mr. Celli consulted with school principals and there was common agreement that
the final report card envelopes should be reserved for such information as report
cards, supply lists, start-up information and school calendar. Promotional materials
(e.g. PNE tickets) should not be included. Schools will be able to provide other
avenues for distributing materials such as that.
As the policy states…“The Board believes that outside organizations’ access to
students should be strictly controlled by allowing only material and information
deemed appropriate to be circulated. Recognized charitable organizations and
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – February 9, 2009
other organizations having educational or community service attributes may be
allowed access to schools under regulations to this policy.”
All requests will, therefore, require the approval from the board office for inclusion
in newsletters or for distribution to students in some form.
MOTION:
8.3
Buildings, Grounds, Safety and Transportation Committee
Trustee Perry reported on the buildings, grounds, safety and transportation committee
meeting held on January 28, 2009:
a.
Custodial Cleaning
Custodial Supervisor Brian Slocum and Custodial Leadhand Richard Morgan
presented information regarding the use of micro fiber products in the school
district.
The change involved a two-year transition to light weight and
ergonomically constructed micro fiber mops, dusters, and other equipment. The
committee was advised the use of hydrogen peroxide which is now used with the
micro fiber equipment has reduced the use of cleaning chemicals while improving
sanitation in schools. The committee noted the high quality of cleaning provided in
schools and expressed appreciation for the presentation.
b.
Climate Action Charter
Secretary-Treasurer Regehr discussed a memo provided to trustees which
reviewed the Climate Action Charter document received at the January 12 board
meeting. Boards have until January 31 to provide suggested changes to the draft
document and Mr. Regehr recommended that some clarification should be
provided regarding the refund of the carbon tax provided for in Clause 3(c). The
committee supported responding to the British Columbia School Trustees
Association with this noted change.
c.
Penticton Secondary School – Ellis Building
The committee reviewed a written request from a representative of the 1978
Penticton Secondary School grad class to provide a stained glass panel for the
front entry of the Ellis building. The committee supported the concept of this
donation based on the expectation that the art work would compliment the heritage
of the building and be suitable for the entry off Main Street. The committee
supported staff work with the grad committee to plan the design of this gift and that
the final design will be submitted for review.
d.
Next Meeting
It was noted that the next buildings, grounds, safety and transportation committee
meeting will be held on March 4.
MOTION:
8.4
Siddon/Van Alphen that the reports of the policy committee meetings be
received.
CARRIED
Perry/Clarke that the report of the buildings, grounds, safety, and
transportation committee be received.
CARRIED
Finance and Management Committee
Trustee Manning reported on the finance and management committee meeting held on
January 28, 2009:
a.
2008-09 Amended Annual Budget
Secretary-Treasurer Regehr reviewed a budget proposal for the school district’s
amended annual budget. As a result of an enrolment decline of 129 students, an
increase of funding for special needs students, and provincial funding for summer
school fees, the net Ministry funding decreased $197,406. Revenue account
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Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – February 9, 2009
adjustments included recognition of the Local Education Agreement with the
Penticton Indian Band, a reduced expectation for additional Ministry funding from
the February and May 2009 enrolment count, reduced interest, and rental income.
Expenditure adjustments included a clerical and teacher budget increase for the
BCeSIS program, a reduction in the teacher salary budget recognizing staff not
employed due to enrolment decline, a reduction in benefit costs, and a recovery of
maintenance costs required for the opening of Penticton Secondary School.
Following review,
MOTION:
Manning/Van Alphen that the adjustments to balance the 2008-09
Amended Annual Budget be approved.
CARRIED
Mr. Regehr advised the budget documents, in Ministry format, will be prepared for
the February board meeting.
The committee further discussed the costs associated with the implementation of
BCeSIS listed as $79,200. During discussion, the committee was advised that we
expect an additional charge of at least $65,000 for software support during the
2009-10 budget year. Trustees discussed that the Ministry of Education is
encouraging all districts to start reporting student data by using BCeSIS and that
support costs seemed unreasonably high. The committee supported that a letter
be sent to the Ministry expressing these concerns.
b.
2009-10 Budget Development Process
Mr. Regehr reviewed a draft schedule of the 2009-10 budget development. The
purpose of the public, parent, and staff meetings was reviewed. The committee
supported the process as discussed and specific dates will be further reviewed at
the February 9 meeting.
MOTION:
8.5
Manning/Siddon that the report of the finance and management committee
be received.
CARRIED
Curriculum Development Advisory Committee
Trustee Perry reported on the curriculum development advisory committee meeting held
on February 4, 2009:
a.
Soccer Academy Presentation
Teacher John Buckley presented the details of a proposed Soccer Academy to be
based out of Princess Margaret Secondary School. The Academy will be for elite
athletes in the Penticton area and will utilize the indoor soccer facility during
inclement weather. In addition to the development of soccer skills, participants will
have access to programming in health and nutrition, fitness and training, athletic
injuries, and athletic leadership and coaching. The registration fee will be $500.
Inability to pay will not be a barrier to anyone’s participation.
MOTION:
b.
Perry/Denesiuk that the proposed soccer academy at Princess Margaret
Secondary School be implemented in the 2009-10 school year.
CARRIED
Board Authorized/Approved Course Proposals
The committee considered a number of Board Authorized/Approved courses
currently in use in other districts that have been proposed for use in School District
No. 67. The committee recommended that the following courses be considered by
the Board of Education for use in School District No. 67 beginning in the next
school year: Soccer 10, Soccer Development 11, Female Fitness 12, Superfit 12,
Peer Mentoring 11, Peer Mentoring 12, and Hairdressing 11/12.
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – February 9, 2009
Updated forms regarding Board Authorized/Approved courses (externally and
locally developed) and locally selected resources were distributed to committee
members. Materials to be reviewed and reported on at the next meeting include
Think Set Safe (secondary school) and Choose Your Voice (middle school).
c.
9.0
Duke of Edinburgh Award
Director of Instruction Brian Celli presented information on the Duke of Edinburgh
Award which provides students an opportunity to broaden interests and experience
through participation in a balanced program of practical, cultural, and adventurous
activities. Under adult supervision, each student develops an individual program
and can earn two credits for each level (bronze, silver, gold) of programming
completed.
MOTION:
Siddon/Van Alphen that the Board of Education approves the Duke of
Edinburgh Award program for use in School District No. 67.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Perry/Denesiuk that the report of the curriculum development advisory
committee be received.
CARRIED
REPORT OF SECRETARY-TREASURER
9.1
Penticton Secondary School Reconstruction
Director of Maintenance John Hickling provided an update on the construction at
Penticton Secondary School noting the district is still working through some minor
commissioning issues in the new facility. Staff are also looking at a temporary bus drop
off point to make the drop off and pick up of students safer. Phase 3 for the Ellis building
construction is on schedule for a June 30 completion. Mr. Hickling advised the contractor
has been given approval to continue work on the cupola based on a preliminary estimate.
With reference to the Phase 4 demolition, contractors appear to be on schedule for
completion by the end of March. It was noted that extra concrete foundations were found
on site from when the school burned down in 1948. Design is well underway for Phase 5
although the movement of the portables and observatory, which were to be removed and
relocated by the end of February, may be delayed due to the weather. SecretaryTreasurer Regehr added that in response to the district’s request, Councillors Sentes and
Vassilaki will act as City representatives on the Shatford Liaison Committee.
9.2
Financial Report
The secretary-treasurer reviewed the financial report to January 31, 2009 provided in the
agenda package noting that expenditures for this time period are in accordance with our
budget. Mr. Regehr added that adjustments will be made following adoption of the
amended budget and the district is working towards a balanced budget for the year.
9.3
School Community Connections Program
The secretary-treasurer noted that applications for the School Community Connections
Program have been received from schools and are being prepared for submission by the
March 31, 2009 deadline. Three grants of up to $8,000 each are available under the
program and each application requires the support of the Board of Education.
MOTION:
Denesiuk/Van Alphen that the Board of Education supports the following
three applications for submission of grants to the School Community
Connections Program:
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Parkway Elementary School Playground
Giant’s Head Elementary School Playground
Good Will Shakespeare Festival at Summerland Secondary School.
CARRIED
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – February 9, 2009
In response to a question, it was noted that the school district has committed some
funding to all playgrounds to cover the removal of existing playground equipment and the
installation of new equipment and play surface. New equipment comes from and
depends on how much fundraising can be done by the school and parent advisory
council.
9.4
Building Envelope Program
The secretary-treasurer provided an update on the Building Envelope Program (BEP)
and the status of schools that fall within the program timeframe. The district has been
advised that two of our schools, Trout Creek Elementary and Summerland Secondary,
qualify for the program as rain penetration damage is greater than the threshold amount
of $100,000. Other schools in the district which show signs of damage will be repaired
from the district’s annual facility grants.
9.5
2008-09 Amended Annual Budget Bylaw
Mr. Regehr reported that the budget changes as discussed at the last finance and
management committee meeting have been incorporated in the budget document
circulated to trustees. Following a review of the wording in the amended annual budget
bylaw,
MOTION:
Denesiuk/Van Alphen that following the first reading of School District No.
67 (Okanagan Skaha) Amended Annual Budget Bylaw for the fiscal year
2008-09 in the amount of $57,696,860, the Board of Education of School
District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha) passes the bylaw.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Denesiuk/Van Alphen that following the second reading of School District
No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha) Amended Annual Budget Bylaw for the fiscal
year 2008-09 in the amount of $57,696,860, the Board of Education of
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha) passes the bylaw.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Denesiuk/Van Alphen that following the third reading of School District No.
67 (Okanagan Skaha) Amended Annual Budget Bylaw for the fiscal year
2008-09 in the amount of $57,696,860, the Board of Education of School
District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha) passes and adopts the bylaw.
CARRIED
9.6
2009-10 Budget Development
Further to a schedule of proposed meeting dates discussed at the finance and
management committee, the secretary-treasurer reviewed an updated listing of meeting
dates for the development of the 2009-10 preliminary budget. The listing includes a
public budget meeting on April 1, partner group meetings on April 15 for CUPE and
OSTU, and on April 20 for representatives of parent advisory councils and school
planning councils. A special public budget meeting is proposed for May 4 for adoption of
the budget.
9.7
Policy No. 310 – Code of Conduct
The 30-day circulation period to partner groups was approved at the December 15, 2008
board meeting for Policy No. 310 – Code of Conduct. Mr. Regehr reported that to date,
no suggestions have been received to modify this policy and the policy is therefore
recommended for adoption.
MOTION:
Siddon/Clarke that Policy No. 310 – Code of Conduct be approved as
circulated.
CARRIED
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
9.8
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Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – February 9, 2009
French Funding
It was noted that the school district has received 2008-09 Federal Funding for French
Language Education and Instruction as follows:
•
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Regular Federal Funds
Additional Federal Funds
$108,450
$34,761
These funds can be used for supplies and salaries and final distribution of the funds is
decided by a number of people.
10.0
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
10.1
Student Achievement
a. District Goals (Literacy, School Completion/Transition, and Numeracy)
Director of Instruction Hauptman provided information on Smart Learning literacy
initiative noting that 55 teachers will be participating in a workshop with Susan Close
over the next three days. Numeracy teachers are participating in First Steps in Math,
a course with a train-the-trainer model, through a partnership with the OSTU. Sixtyfive teachers have been trained this year for First Steps in Math. Director of
Instruction Celli reported that, in the school completion area, a committee is
developing a way to further track students through their middle to secondary school
years.
10.2
Communication and Access
a.
b.
Field Trips
For information only, the superintendent of schools reviewed a listing of field trips
approved by the principal or superintendent pursuant to district policy as well as
field trip requests which require board approval.
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Clarke that the field trip request for April 16 to 19, 2009
for approximately 80 to 100 senior music program students from
Penticton Secondary School to travel to Seattle, Washington, to
compete in the Heritage Music Festival be approved in principle.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Manning/Denesiuk that the field trip request for May 20 to 23, 2009
for 45 band students from Skaha Lake Middle School to travel to
Edmonton, Alberta, to perform at various schools be given final
approval.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Perry/Manning that the field trip request for March 14 to 25, 2009 for
44 students from Princess Margaret Secondary School to travel to
Spain to experience European culture and Spanish history be given
final approval.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Perry that the field trip request for 40 band students from
Summerland Middle School to travel to Calgary, Alberta, to perform
at various schools be given final approval.
CARRIED
French Immersion
Director of Instruction Celli reported that the French Immersion registration
deadline for Penticton and Summerland schools closed on Friday, February 6. As
of today, there are 87 students registered for KVR Middle school and 29 students
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – February 9, 2009
at Summerland Middle School. Spaces are available for three more students
following which a wait list will be generated.
MOTION:
c.
School Calendar (2009-10)
The superintendent reviewed a proposed school calendar for 2009-10 and advised
the Board of Education is required by May 31, 2009 to approve and circulate the
2009-10 school calendar for the district.
MOTION:
d.
10.3
Manning/Siddon that the recommendation to have three French
Immersion classes of grade 6 at KVR Middle School and one French
Immersion class at Summerland Middle School beginning in
September 2009 be approved.
CARRIED
Denesiuk/Siddon that the proposed school calendar for 2009-10 be
distributed for information to parents and employee groups.
CARRIED
Arts and Science in Harmony
Schools in School District No. 67 will be participating in and presenting Arts and
Science in Harmony at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre on March 2, 3,
and 4, 2009. The Arts and Science in Harmony Festival combines the Okanagan
Concert Band Festival and the District Science Fair. Bands are expected from the
Yukon, Idaho, and throughout British Columbia. The Science Fair, sponsored
jointly by the school district, the Kiwanis Club of Penticton, the Penticton Trade &
Convention Centre, and Global Spectrum, will feature original science projects by
local students, including those in the independent schools, from grades 6 and up.
The public is invited to attend the events.
Other Items
a.
Enrolment
The superintendent of schools reported that, as of January 31, 2009, there are
6,831 students (6,519.912 FTE) in the district.
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 February 6 and 7, 2009 in Kamloops. Trustees Van
Alphen and Sidden provided highlights of the meeting including sessions on
transportation, climate action charter, greening of schools, why assessment practices
must change, and increasing the graduation rates for aboriginal students. Trustees at the
meeting also passed a resolution to forward a letter to the Minister of Education regarding
fuel and transportation costs. It was noted that School District No. 67 will host the next
branch meeting in October 2009.
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Manning that the Board forward a letter to the Minister of
Education regarding the fuel and transportation cost increases without
corresponding funding increases provided within the transportation funding.
CARRIED
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – February 9, 2009
13.2
BCSTA Provincial Council Meeting
The BCSTA Provincial Council Meeting will be held on February 28, 2009 in Vancouver.
13.3
BCSTA Annual General Meeting
The deadline for submission of motions for BCSTA’s annual general meeting to be held
April 23 to 26, 2009 is as follows:
•
•
13.4
14.0
Page 12
Extraordinary motions – February 11, 2009
Substantive motions – February 20, 2009
Date of Next Meeting
• March 9, 2009, 6:30 p.m., Regular Meeting, School Board Office
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 Columbia Elementary School were congratulated for their artwork currently
on display at the school board office:
14.3
•
Jessica Roth-Craine, Grade 5
•
Kaylee Kozari-Bowland, Grade 5
•
Leah Watts, Grade 5
•
Jodie Wiltse, Grade 5
•
Kate Byrnes, Grade 5
•
Marley Nameth, Grade 5
•
Kierran Godbold, Grade 5
•
Koleton Phipps, Grade 5
•
Hannah Lockhart, Grade 3
•
Reagan Shorrock, Grade 3
Pen and ink owl drawing with solid black
stripes surrounding the owl
Pen and ink owl drawing with little black
squares within the wings
Pen and ink owl drawing with horizontal
black stripes in the background
Pen and ink owl drawing with fine line details
throughout the artwork
Pen and ink owl drawing with black and
white squares within the background
Pen and ink owl drawing with the owl
perched on a branch at night
Pen and ink owl drawing with the owl
surrounded by leaves
Pen and ink owl drawing with psychedelic
squares within the body of the owl
A happy snowman in a snowy setting
outlined in icing
A happy snowman placed in a forest setting
with a lovely storybook house
Trustee Comments
Trustees provided comments related to district activities including a musical act
fundraiser hosted by Penticton Secondary School, the PALS program at West Bench
Elementary School, the successful Literacy Day at Cherry Lane Mall, and discussions
held at two Penticton Wine Country Chamber of Commerce meetings.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
15.0
Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – February 9, 2009
QUESTION PERIOD
Questions and/or comments from the audience included:
•
•
•
16.0
Page 13
Clarification that video cameras at Penticton Secondary School are not recording images
at this time and that the video surveillance process will be reviewed at an upcoming
committee meeting on March 4;
A request by the OSTU that the Board become more active in having the Foundation
Skills Assessment testing stopped;
A recommendation that staff contact the City of Penticton planning department regarding
a suitable parking area for Queen’s Park Elementary School.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION:
Manning/Clarke that the meeting be adjourned at 9:46 p.m.
CARRIED
____________________
Chairperson
____________________
Secretary-Treasurer
February 13, 2009
Ref: U:\SBO-ST-Data\DA\2008-2009\00100 - 01999 Administration\00300-03 Agenda Open\090209 OP.doc
“Working Together for Student Success”