BOARD OF EDUCATION SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 67 (OKANAGAN SKAHA) MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 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 Wendy Hyer, Superintendent of Schools Frank Regehr, Secretary-Treasurer Dave Burgoyne, Assistant Superintendent Ron Shongrunden, Director of Finance and Information Technology John Hickling, Director of Maintenance Pam Butters, Director of Instruction Tom Schimmer, District Principal Daphne Adey, Executive Assistant 1.0 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Little called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. 2.0 ADOPTION OF AGENDA MOTION: Perry/Denesiuk that the agenda and addendum be adopted. CARRIED 3.0 PRESENTATIONS BY SCHOOLS AND/OR STUDENTS 3.1 Hoops for Hearts 2009 Award – KVR Middle School Suzette Pugh, Area Manager of Hoops for Hearts presented KVR Middle School with the prestigious Heart and Stroke Foundation Outstanding Achievement Award Silver Level for their participation in the Hoops for Hearts Program. Ms. Pugh added the school has been involved with the program for a number of years and raised nearly $7,400 during this past year alone. Jeff Goodis, the teacher who coordinates this program, and former students, Karli Caron and Lisa Welch, described the program, the benefits, and their work in achieving this accomplishment. Following a number of questions and comments, Mr. Goodis and the students were congratulated for their efforts and leadership shown for this program. “Working Together for Student Success” School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha) 3.2 Page 2 Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – October 5, 2009 The Bridge Program – Summerland Secondary School Sarah James, teacher of the Bridge Program, provided an overview of the Bridge program at Summerland Secondary School noting the impact the program has had in regards to improving students’ transitions and success in completing school. The program was designed to assist grade 9 students who have academic and/or social challenges that may put them at risk while transitioning from their grade 8 to grade 9 year. Trustees extended appreciation for making a difference in the lives of the students and thanked Ms. James for the presentation. 4.0 RECEIVING OF DELEGATIONS AND GUESTS 5.0 APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES MOTION: Manning/Van Alphen that the minutes of the regular meeting held on September 14, 2009 and special meeting held on September 29, 2009 be approved. CARRIED 6.0 REPORT FROM CLOSED MEETING The following items were discussed at the closed meeting held on September 14, 2009: • • • • • • • • 7.0 Received reports from the Shatford liaison committee; the buildings, grounds, safety, and transportation committee; and the finance and management committee; Approved that the minutes of the Shatford liaison committee may be circulated in public; Confirmed teaching and CUPE staff changes; Discussed timelines for an official opening ceremony at Penticton Secondary School; Received an update on personnel; Received information related to student suspensions; Received information related to a meeting with Inspector Haugli; Received information related to the 2009 summer leadership conference. CORRESPONDENCE 7.1 Summary of Copies of Letters to the Board Copies of the letters to the Board listed below are available in the trustee reading file: • • • • • CUPE 523 Okanagan Skaha to the Minister of Education regarding the Ministry’s recent decision to eliminate the 2009-10 annual facilities grants, the refusal to pay the lease with the Conseil Scolaire Francophone estimated at $120,000, and the $49,000 pull-back of 2008-09 student operating grant monies already paid; CUPE 523 Okanagan Skaha to Honourable Bill Barisoff regarding the recent decision by the Minister of Education to cut the annual facilities grant, to take back the 2008-09 $49,000 student operating grant monies, and to refuse to pay the lease with the Conseil Scolaire Francophone; School District No. 68 (Nanaimo-Ladysmith) to the Minister of Education and Minister of Finance regarding the impact of the recent announcement that there would be no annual facilities grant funding for 2009-10; School District No. 38 (Richmond) to the Minister of Education requesting the Minister of Education provide funds for the boiler replacement at Mitchell Elementary School considering it is an emergent safety issue; School District No. 47 (Powell River) to the Minister of Education regarding the recent elimination of the annual facilities grant; “Working Together for Student Success” School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha) • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Page 3 Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – October 5, 2009 School District No. 73 (Kamloops/Thompson) to the Minister of Education regarding the recent funding announcements affecting the 2009-10 operating budget; School District No. 39 (Vancouver) to the Minister of Education requesting that the Province of BC provide boards of education with adequate funding to cover the cost of increased MSP premiums for employees, ensure that boards of education are provided with adequate funding from the Ministry of Health to cover board costs related to H1N1 to cover measures as recommended by the Provincial Health Officer, ensure that boards of education are provided with the 75% rebate that will be made available to municipalities in the event that the proposed Harmonized Sales Tax is legislated, and amend legislation so that boards of education can carry a budget deficit; School District No. 42 (Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows) to the Minister of Education expressing disappointment with the current handling of the grants for education in this province including cuts to school sports programs and PAC grants, under funding of negotiated salary increases, and increases to MSP premiums; School District No. 42 (Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows) to the Minister of Finance requesting exemption from the future Harmonization Sales Tax for all school districts in the province of BC; School District No. 44 (North Vancouver) board of education and partner groups to the Minister of Education regarding the recent cancellation of the 2009-10 annual facilities grant; School District No. 43 (Coquitlam) to the Minister of Education regarding the recent decision to cancel the 2009-10 annual facilities grant; School District No. 23 (Central Okanagan) to the Minister of Education regarding the cancellation of the 2009-10 annual facility grant; School District No. 28 (Quesnel) to the federal Minister of Finance expressing concern regarding the inequity between boards of education and other local governments requirement to pay a Goods and Services Tax (GST); School District No. 28 (Quesnel) news release from partner groups calling for the provincial government to reinstate funding; School District No. 38 (Richmond) to the City of Richmond requesting that the City of Richmond not support three motions related to the disposal of school land that will be submitted by local governments to the Union of BC Municipalities annual general meeting; School District No. 39 (Vancouver) to the Minister of Health requesting the Ministry of Health reimburse the school district for measures put in place this fall related to the spread of H1N1 influenza A in the community; School District No. 39 (Vancouver) to the President of BCSTA requesting the BCSTA develop a province-wide advocacy plan to respond to the cancellation of the AFG program and other proposed cuts to boards of education; School District No. 39 (Vancouver) to the Minister of Education requesting that prior to the implementation of the all-day Kindergarten program as outlined in the September 1, 2009 Budget Update, the Minister of Education consult with the BCSTA, Coalition of Child Care Advocates, and boards of education to develop a comprehensive plan for developing and implementing the program, and that the plan include a fully funded budget plan that takes into account human resources, facilities, curriculum, and related matters; School District No. 39 (Vancouver) to the Minister of Education requesting the province of BC reinstate the $20 per-student grant available to school parent advisory councils; School District No. 68 (Nanaimo-Ladysmith) to the City of Nanaimo, Regional District of Nanaimo, District of Lantzville, and Town of Ladysmith requesting that the three motions related to surplus school lands and facilities not be supported at the UBCM annual general meeting; School District No. 75 (Mission) to the Minister of Education requesting that government consider legislative change that fully recognizes the primary role of school districts to manage the educational assets within their own communities; “Working Together for Student Success” School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha) • • • • • • • • • Page 4 Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – October 5, 2009 School District No. 75 (Mission) to the Minister of Education related to the cancellation of the 2009-10 annual facility grant; School District No. 38 (Richmond) to the Minister of Education requesting deferral of the implementation of full-day kindergarten; School District No. 39 (Vancouver) to the Minister of Education requesting that the annual facilities grant funding be reinstated and clear commitment to its future be provided so that districts are able to appropriately plan and manage the infrastructure upgrades and replacements that are requested of districts; School District No. 43 (Coquitlam) to the Minister of Education expressing disappointment regarding the decision of the Ministry to cancel the 2009-10 annual facilities grant; School District No. 57 (Prince George) to the Minister of Education expressing confusion, frustration, and despair that the board and its broader community are feeling as a result of recent funding changes; School District No. 20 (Kootenay-Columbia) to the Minister of Education regarding the recent cancellation of the annual facilities grant; School District No. 20 (Kootenay-Columbia) to the Mayor of the City of Castlegar and neighbouring municipalities requesting an amendment be added to the motions being presented at the UBCM annual general meeting, stating that municipalities retain school districts as holding partners so that if such lands or assets are sold or developed for profit, then school districts share in the profits, and should school districts require such lands or assets in the future for students then they should have the option of first refusal to purchase at the original price; School District No. 51 (Boundary) to the Minister of Education expressing disappointment in the decision by the Ministry of Education to cancel the 2009-10 annual facilities grant; School District No. 91 (Nechako Lakes) to the Minister of Education regarding the elimination of the annual facility grant and the lack of consultation regarding this decision. MOTION: Denesiuk/Perry that the correspondence be received. CARRIED It was noted that the majority of the correspondence was related to the recent funding changes and that the SD67 letter to the Minister of Education was circulated to other school districts. It was suggested that MLA Bill Barisoff should be invited to the next board of education meeting and that the Board’s concerns regarding funding should be submitted to the standing committee on education. 8.0 REPORT OF COMMITTEES 8.1 Buildings, Grounds, Safety and Transportation Committee Trustee Little reported on the buildings, grounds, safety and transportation committee meeting held on September 23, 2009: a. Naramata Co-op Garden Society Chair Little welcomed Naramata Elementary School Principal Jeff Redden and representatives of the Garden Society, Catherine Provost, Dennis Evans, and Julie Young. Comments regarding the proposal were provided by each of the representatives in addition to a written proposal. Comments included: • • • • A long agricultural history of Naramata; A commitment from many community members to support the garden including summer maintenance; Opportunity for student and community learning, seminars; Observation that community involvement will help reduce vandalism; “Working Together for Student Success” School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha) Page 5 • • • Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – October 5, 2009 Benefits can include self esteem, sense of community and young students connecting with elders; Recognition of the need to provide animal fencing, wash stand in garden, raised beds and imported soil; Expectation the school and school washrooms are off limits. Trustees expressed a number of positive comments noting the thorough written proposal provided to trustees. In supporting that further review of the proposal be made, it was noted that implications for other schools be considered, issues to provide water or electricity, and safety of any construction materials including any fencing and access issues while school is in session. The committee supported further review of this request. b. Penticton Secondary School – Telescope Secretary-Treasurer Regehr advised the committee that since discussed at the March 4, 2009 buildings, grounds, safety, and transportation committee meeting, Mr. Gowe has provided a number of measurements of night time light levels on the Penticton Secondary School site. The lowest levels measured were found at the front of the Ellis building. The committee was previously presented with a building code review that described a number of requirements if a student observatory were located on the Penticton Secondary School roof. The committee discussed location options for an observatory, questioned if a new code review might identify fewer code requirements, and encouragement to locate the observatory at Penticton Secondary School. The committee was advised staff will continue work to try and find an acceptable solution. It was further noted that a meeting was held with Mr. Gowe and Mr. Bidlake last week and a location on the site will be explored for the observatory. In response to a trustee question regarding a meeting with Penticton City Council, Mr. Regehr advised that it was expected the consultant for the Shatford liaison committee would meet with council by the end of September and that a meeting with trustees would follow that. To date, no date has been established for the meeting. MOTION: 8.2 Van Alphen/Perry that the report of the buildings, grounds, safety and transportation committee be received. CARRIED Education Committee Trustee Van Alphen reported regarding the education committee meeting held on September 29, 2009: a. Health Behavior in School-Aged Children Study: 2009-10 Superintendent Hyer advised that School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha) has been invited to participate in the eighth international survey on the health status of young people. This is a cross-national study that takes place every four years and is conducted under the auspices of the World Health Organization. Queen’s University will conduct the actual survey for the WHO. The findings will increase understanding about the health behaviours of young people and will be used to promote good health practices among youth and to influence policy around youth and school health in Canada. Two schools in our district have been selected to participate in the survey, and between these two schools, one class of each grade from Grades 6 through 10 will “Working Together for Student Success” School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha) Page 6 Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – October 5, 2009 participate in the survey. It is estimated the questionnaire will take approximately 60 minutes. Trustees noted the questions were similar to those asked in the McCreary report and supported participation in the survey as well as inclusion of the four questions related to the student’s sexual activity. MOTION: b. Van Alphen/Manning that the Board of Education approve the participation of McNicoll Park Middle School and Summerland Secondary School in the Health Behavior in School-Aged Children Study: 2009-10, including inclusion of all questions. CARRIED Summer Leadership Conference At the Regular School Board Meeting held September 14, 2009, the Board of Education reviewed items related to the 2009 Summer Leadership Conference. In light of the resignation of Gary Doi as Conference Coordinator, the discussion regarding the review of the Summer Leadership Conference for 2010 was deferred to the education committee meeting. Chairman Little advised that in an effort to clarify some ambiguity related to the summer leadership conference, the Board has authorized release of the in-camera minutes from the January 7 and 28 and February 3, 2009 finance and management committee meetings and January 12 and February 9, 2009 in-camera board of education meetings. Mr. Little added the Board supported the proposed contract and noted it would be reviewed in September 2009 when financial information related to the 2009 conference was received. Mr. Little further added that $8,450 have been paid in deposits to secure speakers for 2010 and it may not be possible to get a refund on these deposits should the 2010 conference be cancelled. During discussion, trustees noted the great success of the past conferences, the leadership offered by Mr. Doi towards the conference, and the uniqueness of the conference. Funding challenges throughout the province and Alberta which may cause fewer attendees at a future conference, lack of support for sponsors, and the need to focus on the many other challenges facing the district were also discussed. Trustees also acknowledged some mistakes made during the process and suggested that purchasing procedures should be reviewed by the policy committee. It was also suggested that the district consider holding a mini conference organized by a committee outside the professional development committee and which would be comprised of teachers, CUPE support staff, district staff, and parent representatives. Secretary-Treasurer Regehr distributed a statement of income and expenses related to the 2009 Summer Leadership Conference which included revenue of $257,883 and expenses amounting to $210,457. Also distributed was a copy of the purchase order created as a discussion document for the Board. Mr. Regehr added this document remained internal within the district and was not distributed to Mr. Doi. In response to a suggestion that the accumulated funds from the past conferences go towards class size and composition, it was agreed that in light of the recent funding changes, the allocation of these accumulated funds would be decided during the recalculation of the budget. MOTION: Van Alphen/Manning that the Summer Leadership Conference be cancelled, that Chairman Little will approach partner groups to see if there is a will to hold a mini conference, and that accumulated conference “Working Together for Student Success” School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha) Page 7 Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – October 5, 2009 surplus funds be used toward funding reductions and be considered during the final 2009-10 budget submission. During discussion on the motion, trustees commented the accumulated funds from past conferences should be used towards other items than funding reductions and that Policy No. 600 should be reviewed related to use of electronic signatures, purchasing and tendering procedures. The positive aspects of the summer leadership conference, the possibility of holding a one-day conference, and consultation with partner groups on how the funds will be utilized were also discussed. AMENDMENT: 9.0 Denesiuk/Van Alphen that the motion be amended into separate resolutions: one to look at reviewing the conference and a second on how the accumulated conference funds will be utilized. CARRIED MOTION: Perry/Siddon that the summer leadership conference be reconsidered and that Chairman Little will approach partner groups to see if there is a will to be involved in a conference of this nature. CARRIED MOTION: Van Alphen/Clarke that use of accumulated conference funds be considered by a joint partner committee for further consideration by the education committee. CARRIED MOTION: Van Alphen/Manning that purchasing procedures be referred to the policy committee for review. CARRIED MOTION: Van Alphen/Denesiuk that the report of the education committee be received. CARRIED REPORT OF SECRETARY-TREASURER 9.1 Penticton Secondary School Reconstruction Director of Maintenance Hickling reviewed information related to progress of reconstruction at Penticton Secondary School which indicated that a number of deficiencies in the main building remain and the architect has given the contractor notice to complete the outstanding deficiencies. Custom millwork installation continues with SD67 staff. Most deficiencies in the Ellis building and links to the main school are now completed. Substantial completion is expected for mid-October for the parking lot, tennis courts, and sports court. The tennis courts and sports court are currently locked pending installation of safety handrails at the stair landings at the entrance gates, and light standards are still to be installed. Irrigation quotes have been received for the landscaping but the tender is not yet awarded. Some trees will be removed along Jermyn Avenue and Main Street and will be replaced with new trees. New trees will also parallel the main sidewalk entry from Eckhardt Avenue. Mr. Hickling added some fencing and clean up still needs to be completed around the Shatford site and the district is planning for the parking lot and site work near the Penticton Alternate School and Penticton Learning Centre. 9.2 Financial Report Secretary-Treasurer Regehr reviewed the financial report to September 30, 2009 provided in the agenda package, noting this is the first report of this fiscal year. It was noted the range of expenditures are reflective of the staff time reported in the teaching and other staffing accounts. “Working Together for Student Success” School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha) 10.0 Page 8 Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – October 5, 2009 SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS 10.1 10.2 Student Achievement a. Ministry of Education – District Visit Superintendent Hyer reported that Ministry of Education Superintendent of Achievement Rod Allen will be meeting with the District Educational Team on Friday, October 9, 2009. The current budget effects will be emphasized during the discussion. b. Achievement Contract Analysis and Feedback It was noted that Renee Wentland and Dean Goodman, Coordinators for the Achievement Division, will provide the District Education Team with some descriptive feedback on the 2009-10 District Progress Report on Tuesday, October 6, 2009. The conversation with the team will be shared with trustees. c. Helping Teachers Meeting • Wednesday, October 7, 2009, 3:45 p.m. Communication and Access a. Field Trips For information only, District Principal Schimmer reviewed the field trips required as part of the Penticton Secondary Outdoor Recreation course already approved by the superintendent pursuant to district policy. It was noted that some fees are associated with this course but would not become an issue for students enrolled in the course. MOTION: 10.3 Manning/Clarke that the field trip request for March 6 to 17, 2010 for 41 students from Penticton Secondary, Princess Margaret Secondary, and Summerland Secondary to travel to Germany, Austria, Northern Italy, Switzerland, and France be approved in principle. CARRIED Other Items a. Enrolment Assistant Superintendent Burgoyne reported on enrolment as of September 30, 2009, noting there are currently 6,549 students enrolled in the district, or 6,408.5 FTE. Secretary-Treasurer Regehr added the district received funding based on an enrolment decline of 130 students from last year, however, these numbers show the district is down approximately 220 from last year. Mr. Regehr noted the enrolment count will change when student course enrolment is calculated. This decline will affect the amount received when funding amounts are recalculated in December but it is expected the district will qualify for funding protection. b. Class Size and Composition Report The class size and composition report was presented and reviewed at the September 29 special board of education meeting. Following a number of questions, MOTION: Denesiuk/Clarke that the class size and composition report be accepted. CARRIED “Working Together for Student Success” School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha) c. Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – October 5, 2009 Special Education Association of BC Program for Quality Teaching Inquiry Initiative Superintendent Hyer advised that Janice Clary, Learning Assistance Teacher at KVR Middle School, is seeking permission to participate in a provincial inquiry project that is looking at the question: Does the use of student information during the IEP planning process about learning styles, interests and student’s readiness for learning lead to greater success and happiness for the student with special needs? Ms. Clary would be working with two students. MOTION: d. Page 9 Denesiuk/Manning that permission be granted for Janice Clary to work with two students and participate in the Special Education Association of BC Program for Quality Teaching Inquiry Initiative. CARRIED Masters Action Research Project Ms. Hyer reviewed that Summerland Middle School teacher, Holly Colquhoun, is seeking permission to conduct an action research project as a partial requirement of a Gonzaga University Masters program. MOTION: Van Alphen/Manning that the request for Holly Colquhoun to conduct an action research project to investigate the effects of audio books on reading fluency and comprehension on middle school students as a partial requirement of a Gonzaga University Masters program be approved. CARRIED e. StrongStart Official Opening The official opening of the StrongStart program at Carmi Elementary School is scheduled for Friday, November 6, 11:00 a.m. Possible dates for Columbia Elementary will be advised. f. H1N1 Superintendent Hyer provided information related to H1N1 and noted that five of the district’s students currently in Japan on a field trip have been diagnosed with H1N1. The students have received the tamiflu vaccine, host families are doing an amazing job, parents have been contacted, and schedules have been changed to assist with recovery. Plans are also in place in the event that students cannot travel home at the designated time. Ms. Hyer further advised that the one of our elementary schools has reported more than 10% in absentees. As per protocol, Interior Health has been advised of the higher than normal absentees. As well the draft pandemic plan for the district has been completed and sent to Interior Health for their input. 11.0 REPORT OF REPRESENTATIVES 12.0 NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS 13.0 INFORMATION ITEMS 13.1 BCSTA Okanagan Branch Meeting Trustee Van Alphen reported that 50 attendees have been registered for the BCSTA Okanagan Branch meeting to be held on October 16 and 17, 2009 in Penticton, hosted by SD67. The evening program has been extended for one-half hour on Friday evening and Saturday morning to allow for extra time for the business agenda. “Working Together for Student Success” School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha) 14.0 15.0 Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting – October 5, 2009 13.2 BCSTA Provincial Council Meeting The BCSTA Provincial Council Meeting will be held on October 23 and 24, 2009 in Vancouver. Trustee Manning will represent the board at the meeting. 13.3 Date of Next Meeting • November 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 students and groups for outstanding examples of success as shown on the listing circulated with the agenda package. 14.2 Recognition of Student Artwork Congratulations were extended to the following students from Parkway Elementary School for their artwork currently on display at the school board office: • MacKenzie Howse, Grade 3 • Sukmit Toor, Grade 3 • Nicolas Eacott, Grade 1 • Karman Grewal, Grade 1 • Tommy Mansell, Grade 3 • Hannah Mann, Grade 3 • Chris Koster, Grade 3 Watercolour abstract triangles in various colours/some felt pen designs Watercolour abstract triangles in various colours/paler tones A headshot of a little boy with crazy brown hair and surprised expression A serpent (or Ogopogo) weaving in and out of the water in watercolour paint and felt pen Six purple tall stemmed flowers in watercolour framed in green and purple Colourful individual squares with circles within circles in watercolour paint and pastels Bright Cheery sunflowers framed with black paper in water colour paint QUESTION PERIOD Comments/questions from the audience were related to: • • • • • • 16.0 Page 10 The amount of time spent discussing the summer leadership conference compared to the class size and composition report; The class size and composition report and World Teachers’ Day; Procedures related to H1N1 sickness while in Japan; The district’s use of electronic signatures; The annual facility grant funding and recent layoffs; The number of applications for the superintendent’s position. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Manning/Denesiuk that the meeting be adjourned at 9:10 p.m. CARRIED ____________________ Chairperson ____________________ Secretary-Treasurer October 13, 2009 Ref: U:\SBO-ST-Data\DA\2009-2010\00100 - 01999 Admin\00300-03 Agenda Open\091005 OP.doc “Working Together for Student Success”