BOARD OF EDUCATION
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 67 (OKANAGAN SKAHA)
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
HELD ON MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2009, AT 6:30 P.M.
AT THE SCHOOL BOARD OFFICE
MINUTES
IN ATTENDANCE
Larry Little, Chair
Ginny Manning, Vice Chair
Shelley Clarke, 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
Danny Francisco, Manager of Information Technology
Daphne Adey, Executive Assistant
1.0
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Little welcomed to the meeting district staff, guests, and representatives of the media.
2.0
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOTION:
Siddon/Perry that the agenda and addendum be adopted.
CARRIED
3.0
PRESENTATIONS BY SCHOOLS AND/OR STUDENTS
3.1
Quebec Winter Carnival
Teachers Diane Haddow, Summerland Middle School, and Julie Cornett-Ching, KVR
Middle School, as well as 39 students and staff from KVR and Summerland Middle
Schools recently attended a trip to Montreal and Quebec City. Two students from KVR
Middle School, Alex Russell and Ana Moroziuk, presented a slide presentation of their
trip. The students visited various museums, historical buildings, churches, and local
craftsmen as well as experienced the Quebec Winter Carnival. They noted the trip is a
wonderful opportunity to see the culture and practice their French. Appreciation was
extended to the Board and administrators for their support of the field trip.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Page 2
Minutes of the Regular Board of Education Meeting – April 6, 2009
Following a number of questions, Chairman Little thanked the students for their
presentation.
4.0
RECEIVING OF DELEGATIONS AND GUESTS
4.1
Okanagan Hockey Academy
Andy Oakes, President, Okanagan Hockey School, provided an overview of the history of
the hockey school, Okanagan Hockey Academy, and the relationship of both with the
school district. The Okanagan Hockey School has rented Queen’s Park Elementary as a
dorm for more than ten years and has assisted with the development of Queen’s Park
playground and ball hockey court. Okanagan Hockey Academy students have been
attending Penticton Secondary School since 2003-04 and they currently have 85
students at the school, 27 of whom are international students and an additional 50 who
are non Penticton residents. Mr. Oakes further described the benefits of the positive
partnership with the school district and the academic success of the graduating students,
and thanked trustees and staff for their continued support.
Appreciation was extended to Mr. Oakes for his presentation.
4.2
CUPE 523 Okanagan Skaha
President Zoë Magnus, Vice President A.J. Basaraba, and CEA Kristina Wendenburg
made a presentation to the Board regarding a report entitled, Recognition and Respect,
and how it relates to the Okanagan Skaha school district. The report provides a
summary of education assistants’ unpaid work in the school district including the average
unpaid hours by school level, when unpaid work is performed, unpaid work activities, and
reasons given for performing unpaid work. The complete report is available in the trustee
reading file.
Following a number of trustee comments, Chairman Little thanked the representatives for
their presentation and for the very important role that certified education assistants do on
behalf of students.
5.0
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
MOTION:
Perry/Manning that the minutes of the regular board of education meeting held on
March 9, 2009 and special meeting held on March 30, 2009 be approved.
CARRIED
6.0
REPORT FROM CLOSED MEETING
The following items were discussed at the closed meetings held on March 9, March 10, and April
2, 2009:
March 9, 2009:
• Received a report from the finance and management committee;
• Approved a personnel item;
• Approved a request for an easement on school property;
• Confirmed a date for an upcoming trustee working session;
• Received information related to the purchase of property;
• Received information related to the site development at Penticton Secondary School;
• Received information related to the Okanagan Hockey Academy;
• Confirmed teaching, excluded, and CUPE staff changes;
• Confirmed principal/vice principal appointments;
• Received information related to student suspensions;
• Received information related to a meeting of the Okanagan Labour Relations Council.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Page 3
Minutes of the Regular Board of Education Meeting – April 6, 2009
March 10, 2009:
• Confirmed the appointment of the superintendent of schools.
April 2, 2009:
• Reviewed personnel recommendations.
7.0
CORRESPONDENCE
7.1
Letter from the Minister of Education
A letter forwarded by the Minister of Education in response to a letter sent by the Board
regarding the BC enterprise Student Information System (BCeSIS).
7.2
Letter from CUPE 523 Okanagan Skaha
A letter from the executive of CUPE 523 Okanagan Skaha requesting that Trustee Tom
Siddon provide a public apology related to comments made at the March 9, 2009 Board
of Education meeting.
7.3
Letter from Okanagan Skaha Teachers’ Union
A letter from Terry Green, President, Okanagan Skaha Teachers’ Union, expressing
concern related to a comment made by Trustee Siddon at the March 9, 2009 Board of
Education meeting.
At this point on the agenda, Trustee Siddon thanked both union presidents for their letters and
apologized for the words he said at the March meeting.
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:
•
•
School District No. 23 (Central Okanagan) to the Minister of Education urging the
Ministry to review the transportation funding and report back to districts through
the BC School Trustees Association;
School District No. 91 (Nechako Lakes) to the Minister of Education and
President of the British Columbia Teachers’ Federation encouraging both parties
to find a mutually agreeable solution to all outstanding issues related to the
Foundation Skills Assessment.
MOTION:
Manning/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
April 1, 2009:
a.
2009-10 Budget Preparations
Secretary-Treasurer Regehr distributed and reviewed information showing the
projected revenue and expenditures for 2009-10. A funding shortfall is estimated
at $1.7 million based on an enrolment decline of 130 students. Trustee Manning
confirmed additional information will be provided at the public budget meeting
being held at 7:00 p.m. later that evening.
Continuing with the report, Trustee Manning reported that 28 people attended the
evening meeting at which Secretary-Treasurer Regehr presented information
regarding the school district’s finances and the projected budget shortfall of $1.7
million. In light of the projected shortfall, the Board added a new process to the
budget development process – a Budget Development Working Group – which will
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Page 4
Minutes of the Regular Board of Education Meeting – April 6, 2009
consist of representatives from all partner groups, district staff, and trustees. The
working group will be given the opportunity to clarify and provide feedback to a list
of potential savings, reductions, and efficiencies totalling approximately $3.5
million.
Trustee Manning reviewed highlights of the presentations received at the public
budget meeting from CUPE President Zoë Magnus, OSTU President Terry Green,
and Okanagan Skaha Principals and Vice Principals’ Association President Katie
Hicks.
b.
Joint Letter from OSTU and CUPE
The committee reviewed a letter from the OSTU and CUPE requesting the Board
support the formation of a joint liaison committee of OSTU, CUPE, and trustees.
The committee expressed uncertainty of possible agenda items and discussed
current opportunities for consultations. It was noted the letter requested an
opportunity to discuss the proposal and the committee supported that Board Chair
Little meet and clarify the request. This meeting is now arranged for April 14.
c.
Response to Request for Information regarding Penticton Secondary School
In response to a request for information regarding the sale of the seats from the
Penticton Secondary School auditorium, the committee was provided a memo
describing the process and results. The sale amount was $1,308 and most of the
seats were purchased by School District No. 53.
MOTION:
9.0
Manning/Van Alphen that the report of the finance and management
committee meeting be received.
CARRIED
REPORT OF SECRETARY-TREASURER
9.1
Penticton Secondary School Reconstruction
Information related to the progress of reconstruction at Penticton Secondary School
indicated that staff is continuing to work through deficiencies associated with the main
construction contract. Staff are also installing custom millwork fittings for offices and
making adjustments to classrooms as requested by employees. The contractor for the
Ellis building renovation has advised completion will be delayed due to significant change
orders and it is now expected to be completed by mid July 2009. The main floor wall
finishes have begun and framing is underway on the second floor. Deconstruction of the
old school building is substantially complete with some asphalt millings left on the site to
be used for temporary walks and driveways during the parking lot construction. Finally,
the tender drawings are complete and advertisements have been placed calling for
tenders for the parking lot, tennis courts, and sports court.
9.2
Financial Report
The secretary-treasurer reviewed the financial report to March 31, 2009 provided in the
agenda package noting the report reflects the amounts approved in the February budget.
The report indicates 31% remaining in the budget which is appropriate for three months
left in the school year.
9.3
Policy No. 312 – District Discipline Committee
Pursuant to district policy, the 30-day circulation period to partner groups was approved
at the February 12, 2009 board meeting for Policy No. 312 – District Discipline
Committee. 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/Linda that Policy No. 312 – District Discipline Committee be
approved as circulated.
CARRIED
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Minutes of the Regular Board of Education Meeting – April 6, 2009
9.4
Climate Action Charter
The secretary-treasurer advised the Climate Action Charter signed by the Board, the
application for refund from the Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program, and the draft
Carbon Neutral Action Report have been forwarded to the Ministry of Education. Mr.
Regehr added the draft report, the final of which is due May 15, is available in the trustee
reading file and will likely receive some response from the government. All school
districts in B.C. will be measured for carbon neutrality for which we have not yet received
the definition. A levy will apply to districts that do not achieve carbon neutrality.
9.5
Naramata Mural Project
Naramata Elementary School has requested permission for an exterior mural design to
be started this spring on the concrete walls in the school parking lot. Mr. Regehr advised
the request has been reviewed by district staff, is in compliance with the district’s
practice, and is recommended for approval.
MOTION:
10.0
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Manning/Siddon that the request for an exterior mural design on the
concrete walls in the Naramata Elementary School parking lot be approved
as presented.
CARRIED
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
10.1
Student Achievement
a.
Literacy, Numeracy and School Completion
Director of Instruction Hauptman advised that all early intervention teachers and
administrators are meeting on April 7 for an early literacy intervention workshop.
Ms. Hauptman reminded everyone of the parent evening with Adrienne Gear on
April 14, 6:30 p.m., at Parkway Elementary. Director of Instruction Celli reported
that the school completion workgroup continues to track student data related to
student drop out and are intervening with students who are headed towards
discipline problems. The next meeting will be held on April 28, 3:30 to 5:00 p.m., at
Princess Margaret Secondary at which concrete action plans will be laid out for the
coming year.
b.
2009 Summer School
Director of Instruction Celli and Secretary-Treasurer Regehr reviewed the changes
by the Ministry of Education related to summer school and the financial implications
the changes can have on the school district. The Ministry indicates that, in order to
qualify for provincial funding, courses must have a curricular link and they must
also offer a minimum of 40 hours of instructional time. In light of the additional
minimum instructional time requirement, none of the courses currently being
offered in the district’s summer school program would qualify for provincial funding.
Following discussion,
MOTION:
10.2
Manning/Van Alphen that the summer school program will be
maintained as a 10-day program with instructional time being
increased from three to four hours per day and that course offerings
will be restricted to those courses that are of a remedial nature.
CARRIED
Communication and Access
a.
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.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
10.3
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MOTION:
Perry/Clarke that the field trip request for May 20 to 23, 2009 for 40
grade 8 band students from KVR Middle School to travel to
Edmonton to perform at various schools and visit Telus World of
Science be approved in principle as well as be given final approval.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Clarke/Van Alphen 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 and visit the
museum and West Edmonton Mall be given final approval.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Manning that the field trip request for March 8 to 22,
2010 for 24 to 30 students from Penticton Secondary School to travel
to Ecuador on a humanitarian mission to construct the second floor
classroom of an elementary school be approved in principle.
CARRIED
Other Items
a.
Enrolment
Director of Instruction Burgoyne reported that enrolment as of March 31, 2009 was
6,851 students (6,520.556 FTE) in the district.
11.0
REPORT OF REPRESENTATIVES
12.0
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
13.0
INFORMATION ITEMS
14.0
Minutes of the Regular Board of Education Meeting – April 6, 2009
13.1
BCSTA Annual General Meeting
The BCSTA annual general meeting will be held on April 23 to 25, 2009 in Kelowna.
13.2
Date of Next Meeting
• May 4, 2009, 7:00 p.m., Special Board Meeting,
• May 11, 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 Princess Margaret Secondary School were congratulated for their artwork
currently on display at the school board office:
•
Taylor McCrae, Grade 9
•
Anmol Toor, Grade 9
•
Cole Depner, Grade 9
Reductive Lino-cut print in black, yellow, red,
and blue – abstract triangles
Reductive Lino-cut print in black, yellow, red,
and blue – a cherub with angel wings
Reductive Lino-cut print in black, yellow, red,
and blue – abstract designs in a 3D effect
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
14.3
15.0
•
MacKenzie Hatfield, Grade 10
•
Jordan Janz, Grade 10
•
Tegan Graham, Grade 10
Minutes of the Regular Board of Education Meeting – April 6, 2009
Reductive Lino-cut print in black, yellow, red,
and blue – abstract shapes and designs
Reductive Lino-cut print in black, yellow, red,
and blue – the sun’s rays shining through the
design
Reductive Lino-cut print in black, yellow, red,
and blue – black ballet slippers
Trustee Comments
Trustee provided general comments related to district activities including the spring fling
at West Bench Elementary School, the response from Major Wolf serving in Afghanistan
in appreciation of the painting of the Okanagan Valley by Summerland Secondary School
students, and the announcement of funding of $20,000 for a playground at KVR Middle
School. It was noted that a Celebration of Life will be held for a past teacher and trustee
on Saturday, April 18, 2:00 p.m., at King’s Park.
QUESTION PERIOD
Questions and/or comments from the audience included:
•
•
16.0
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Appreciation from OSTU President Terry Green and CUPE President Zoë Magnus for
Trustee Siddon’s earlier apology; and
An invitation to the CUPE Retirement Party on Saturday, May 30, at the Days’ Riverside
Inn.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION:
Manning/Clarke that the meeting be adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
CARRIED
____________________
Chairperson
____________________
Secretary-Treasurer
April 14, 2009
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“Working Together for Student Success”