BOARD OF EDUCATION
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 67 (OKANAGAN SKAHA)
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
HELD ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 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
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 welcomed everyone to the meeting.
2.0
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOTION:
Manning/Denesiuk that the agenda and addendum be adopted.
CARRIED
3.0
PRESENTATIONS BY SCHOOLS AND/OR STUDENTS
3.1
Secondary Trades and Transition Programs
David Kalaski, District Teacher, provided highlights of the Secondary School
Apprenticeship Project and Career Education Programs that are offered in the district.
The Secondary School Apprenticeship Program provides young people with the
opportunity to combine paid apprenticeship training with high school graduation. ACE IT
programs include welding, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, hairdressing, culinary arts,
automotive service technician, and heavy duty equipment technician. Also available are
business certificates in legal assistant, accounting assistant, and office assistant. Health
sector programs include medial office assistant and emergency responder. Mr. Kalaski
also highlighted the secondary to post secondary transitions partnership with Okanagan
College, the goal of which is to increase the transition rate of students to the college. A
90% success rate in the high school apprenticeship program was noted.
Following a number of questions, appreciation was extended to Mr. Kalaski for his
presentation and success in receiving a $30,000 grant for the program.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
3.2
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – November 9, 2009
Critical Inquiry into Language Arts Teaching Practices and Learning in SD67
Professional Development Chairperson Teresa Fry is facilitating a critical inquiry project
that looks critically at the practices and strategies that are employed in the teaching of
Language Arts in the district. Ms. Fry explained the project and how teachers are taking
what they learn in workshops one step further by participating in the critical inquiry
project. They can do it through action research, professional conversations, book study
groups, appreciative inquiry, and professional learning communities. SD67 and BCTF
jointly sponsored the project and a financial report will be provided the superintendent. It
was noted that all three secondary schools are involved in the project.
On behalf of the Board, Chairman Little extended appreciation to Ms. Fry for the
presentation.
4.0
RECEIVING OF DELEGATIONS AND GUESTS
5.0
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Perry that the minutes of the regular meeting held on October 5, 2009
be approved.
CARRIED
6.0
REPORT FROM CLOSED MEETING
The following items were discussed at the closed meeting held on October 5, 2009:
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7.0
Received a report from the buildings, grounds, safety and transportation committee;
Confirmed teaching and CUPE staff changes;
Received information related to student suspensions;
Received information related to a board working session;
Received a letter of resignation and confirmed a meeting date to review a hiring process.
CORRESPONDENCE
7.1
Letter from Okanagan School of the Arts
A letter from Okanagan School of the Arts to the City of Penticton and School District
requesting financial support for the Shatford Centre for the Arts and a meeting with
representatives of the City and School District to discuss their proposal.
7.2
Letter from BCSTA
A letter from the President of the BCSTA encouraging boards to make a submission to
the government’s 2010 budget consultation process.
7.3
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. 46 (Sunshine Coast) to Minister of Healthy Living and Sport
requesting that the recent cuts to BC School Sports be restored during the next
provincial budget;
School District No. 46 (Sunshine Coast) to the Select Standing Committee on
Finance and Government Services regarding the affects by cuts or absences in
funding for the annual facilities grant and the related impacts on their district;
School District No. 68 (Nanaimo-Ladysmith) to the Minister of Education advising
that, while the district is in compliance with the organization of classes, many of
the class sizes and class compositions will not be conducive to creating the
conditions for “best practice” to take place;
School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake) to the Minister of Education regarding the
impact by the loss of the annual facilities grant;
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – November 9, 2009
School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake) to the Select Standing Committee on
Finance including their submission;
School District No. 51 (Boundary) submission to the Select Standing Committee
on Finance and Government Services;
School District No. 69 (Qualicum) submission to the Select Standing Committee
on Finance and Government Services;
School District No. 44 (North Vancouver) to the Minister of Education advising
their district will not sign the Agreement for the Use of SMARTTool and Related
Services and the related rationale;
School District No. 42 (Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows) to the Select Standing
Committee on Finance and Government Services enclosing their submission;
School District No. 83 (North Okanagan – Shuswap) to the Minister of Education
regarding the impact of the annual facilities grant;
School District No. 10 (Arrow Lakes) to the Minister of Education expressing
concern and disappointment in regard to recent funding changes and
announcements;
School District No. 53 (Okanagan Similkameen) to the Minister of Education
regarding the recent funding reductions;
School District No. 20 (Kootenay-Columbia) to the Minister of Education
regarding the lack of funding to create and implement a district plan for children
in care;
School District No. 50 (Haida Gwaii/Queen Charlotte) to the Minister of Education
regarding the loss of the annual facilities grant;
School District No. 35 (Langley) to the Minister of Finance requesting exemption
from HST for school districts in British Columbia;
School District No. 38 (Richmond) to the Select Standing Committee on Finance
and Government Services concerning the lack of notification of the dates and
locations for public hearings with regard to input into the 2010 budget
consultation process;
School District No. 22 (Vernon) to the Minister of Education registering its
concerns with the recent funding cuts, particularly the annual facilities grant, and
with the manner that these funding cuts were implemented;
School District No. 78 (Fraser-Cascade) to the Minister of Education expressing
disappointment regarding the government’s recent funding announcements
impacting the 2009-10 operating budget;
School District No. 38 (Richmond) to the Select Standing Committee on Finance
and Government Services enclosing their submission to the committee;
School District No. 45 (West Vancouver) to the Select Standing Committee on
Finance and Government Services enclosing their submission;
School District No. 45 (West Vancouver) to the Minister of Education advising
that, despite the increasing dollar amounts provided by the Ministry, the funding
provided does not adequately address the real financial commitments of the
school district;
School District No. 23 (Central Okanagan) to the Minister of Education
requesting that the provincial government reinstate all of the recent funding
reductions and immediately begin a funding review for education in the province
of BC;
School District No. 63 (Saanich) to the Select Standing Committee on Finance
and Government Services providing recommendations to the provincial
government;
School District No. 23 (Central Okanagan) to the Select Standing Committee on
Finance and Government Services providing input to the committee;
School District No. 20 (Kootenay-Columbia) to the Minister of Education
requesting a response to their district’s submission of a project identification
report for Rossland schools;
School District No. 43 (Coquitlam) providing their input to the Select Standing
Committee on Finance and Government Services;
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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7.4
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – November 9, 2009
School District No. 44 (North Vancouver) to the Ministry of Education requesting
that the Ministry consult with the school district on completion of its analysis and
prior to finalizing its plan for implementation of full-day kindergarten in Year 1;
British Columbia Teachers’ Federation enclosing a brief to the Budget 2010
consultation Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services;
School District No. 38 (Richmond) to the Minister of Education regarding full-day
kindergarten and associated costs;
School District No. 73 (Kamloops/Thompson) to the Minister of Education
enclosing their energy consumption report;
School District No. 27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) to the Minister of Education regarding
the cancellation of the annual facilities grant.
Letter from Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen
A letter from the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen requesting comments to the
Regional Growth Strategy prior to December 7, 2009.
MOTION:
Denesiuk/Clarke that the correspondence be received.
CARRIED
With reference to the large number of letters related to funding changes, Chairman Little
noted that SD67 had also sent letters to the Minister and Select Standing Committee on
Finance.
8.0
REPORT OF COMMITTEES
8.1
Education Committee
Trustee Van Alphen reported regarding the education committee meeting held on
October 27, 2009:
a.
Pandemic Response Plan
Superintendent Hyer discussed the District Pandemic Plan regarding the H1N1
virus which had been previously provided for trustee review. It was emphasized
that this is a living/breathing document and will be revised as new information is
brought forward. This document will remain in the Critical Incident Plan for future
reference. We have had three schools in the past two weeks indicate to health
officials that they have had a day of greater than 10% absence. The plan has been
communicated to all of our school administrators for distribution.
b.
District Proposal for Implementing Full-Day Kindergarten
Superintendent Hyer reviewed the School District No. 67 plan that was required to
be submitted to the Ministry of Education by November 1, 2009. The plan includes
the availability of kindergarten teachers, reaching children in areas of high
vulnerability, availability of facilities, and preserving current programs including
before and after school care. The report to the Ministry requests that full day
kindergarten be offered in all of our elementary schools for the 2010-11 year.
Trustees spoke about the need for full time kindergarten to be fully funded by the
Ministry if it is to be implemented in our district for the 2010-11 year. Trustees
supported the concept of full day kindergarten, however, expressed concern that
full funds may not be provided. Trustees asked Superintendent Hyer to send a
revised draft of the report to their attention prior to the report going to the Ministry
by November 1, 2009.
c.
Summer Leadership Conference
Trustee Little reported that he has had some conversations with Superintendent
Hyer, but has not had the opportunity to speak with our partner groups (CUPE,
OSTU, BCPVPA). Superintendent Hyer has had a conversation with the OSTU
Pro D Chair about the possibility of sharing the cost of a speaker that had already
been booked. Both speakers booked to date have not been cancelled and their
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – November 9, 2009
representatives indicate they are open to alternative dates. Bob Pope from the
Penticton Recreation Centre has also indicated there may be opportunities to share
in a speaker as well.
d.
Substance Use Issues: Support for Students
District Principal Schimmer provided a brief overview of support and services that
our district and schools provide to students who have substance use issues.
Programs are provided, or made available to students, at school and/or outside of
school such as Pathways, and drug and alcohol counsellors who are school based.
Trustee Perry requested that staff provide the details about each secondary
school’s drug/alcohol counselling personnel and who pays this cost. It was noted
that this information has been provided.
e.
September 2009 Nominal Roll Compliance Reviews
Superintendent Hyer informed trustees that our district has been selected for a
Compliance Review of the September 2009 Nominal Roll. This review is to verify
student eligibility for funding through the nominal roll.
f.
Quality Review Process
Superintendent Hyer informed trustees that our Home Learners’ Program is
currently undergoing a quality review process. This review involves staff and
parents in a thorough review of the Home Learners’ Program and Distributed
Learning Programs.
g.
Garfield Weston Awards
Superintendent Hyer informed trustees that Giant’s Head Elementary School was
recognized by the Garfield Weston Awards program as a school of distinction.
Superintendent Hyer cautioned that this award was based on very narrow set of
criteria, and we are proud of all the good work in all of our schools.
MOTION:
8.2
Van Alphen/Manning that the report of the education committee be
received.
CARRIED
Policy Committee
Trustee Siddon reported regarding the policy committee meeting held on October 27,
2009:
a.
New Policy No. 207 – Acceptable Use of Technology
Director of Finance and Information Technology Shongrunden distributed and
reviewed the draft Policy No. 207. Mr. Shongrunden noted a number of changes in
the draft since last reviewed including that it now contains guidelines for staff and
students. He noted that it continues to encourage the use of technology rather
than set rules to discourage. The policy was developed with the assistance of a
committee of ten school district representatives and the work of this committee
involved significant review of policy information, surveys of students and staff plus
legal review. Following discussion,
MOTION:
b.
Siddon/Perry that draft Policy No. 207 – Acceptable Use of Technology be
approved in principle and circulated to partner groups for 30 days to
receive suggestions for changes.
CARRIED
Policy No. 600 – Fiscal Control
At the October 5th board meeting, it was resolved that purchasing procedures be
referred to the policy committee for review. Committee Chair Siddon reviewed
Policy No. 110 which includes district processes for policy development. Trustee
Siddon requested that staff undertake a review of the district’s fiscal control policy
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – November 9, 2009
and provide a draft for the committee’s consideration. It was noted that a shortlist
of suggestions had been brought forward.
MOTION:
8.3
Siddon/Clarke that the report of the policy committee be received.
CARRIED
Finance and Management Committee
Trustee Manning reported on the finance and management committee meeting held on
October 28, 2009:
a.
BCeSIS
Vice Principal Doug MacDonald provided an update to the BCeSIS software
implementation including the business timeline, training sessions and videos,
security, and success of BCeSIS in assisting with SADI and 1701 data collection.
Mr. MacDonald added the district is nearing the end of the business cycle and that
90% of administrative duties are maintained by clerical staff. Teachers and staff
are currently working on the preparation of report cards. The secretary-treasurer
reviewed a summary of costs related to the implementation of BCeSIS noting that
cost increases over what was required for the SASI system have amounted to
$164,200 for the 2008-09 school year and $194,850 for 2009-10. Committee
members supported the concept of a province-wide student information system but
were unhappy with additional associated costs. Following discussion related to
financial and emotional costs as well as technical problems related to the
implementation as well as the advantages of being on BCeSIS,
MOTION:
b.
Manning/Perry that a letter be forwarded to the Minister of Education and
Premier outlining the implementation costs for BCeSIS which are not
funded by the Ministry and the impact this has on the school district.
CARRIED
B.C. School Sports
The superintendent reviewed a letter from BC School Sports requesting financial
assistance from all school districts in light of the recent budget cut imposed by the
BC government. The request would amount to $1,500 for SD67. Following
discussion,
MOTION:
Manning/Denesiuk that support be given for the request from BC School
Sports with the understanding that this is supported for one year only.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Manning/Van Alphen that the report of the finance and management
committee be received.
CARRIED
Trustee Denesiuk requested that, in light of the magnitude of financial challenges facing
school districts, trustees should continue their advocacy for additional funding and
seriously consider sharing of services with neighbouring districts or government or even
across ministries such as health. Following a brief discussion, it was agreed this topic
should come to the next finance and management committee meeting. Trustees were
also reminded that the RDOS is coordinating a meeting prior to Christmas regarding the
same topic.
8.4
Buildings, Grounds, Safety and Transportation Committee
Trustee Perry reported on the buildings, grounds, safety and transportation committee
meeting held on October 28, 2009:
a.
Naramata Community Garden
Secretary-Treasurer Regehr reviewed a chart providing feedback from other BC
school districts which have community garden projects. Most of the examples
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – November 9, 2009
found were projects initiated by a school or a PAC. Feedback reported is that
when the gardens are working, they can provide very positive educational and
community results. If the enthusiasm that started the projects is lost, the gardens
can become an unkempt area of the school. Mr. Regehr also reviewed that a letter
of understanding should be developed which would define a number of issues,
many of which were included in the community proposal including:
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Formation of the Naramata Co-operative Garden Society;
Requirement for insurance coverage naming the school district;
A defined area of use which does not restrict service vehicle access or
other school district requirements for the site;
Understanding that any construction and operation of the garden will
meet school district safety requirements including materials used and
methods of construction;
Expenses associated with the garden will be the responsibility of the
Society;
Community access to the garden will be at the discretion of the school
principal during the school day;
Use of school facilities is not included as part of the community garden;
Include expectation that should the garden not be maintained it will be
removed by the society;
Criminal record checks maybe required as part of the garden use.
Trustees noted the enthusiasm for the community garden, suggested the society
could appoint a master gardener, noted fencing would need to meet school district
standards, and noted the use of school washrooms is not intended and could be
provided by RDOS or the society. It was added that a community garden should
enhance the value of the community school. Following discussion,
MOTION:
Perry/Van Alphen that the request for a Naramata Community Garden be
approved with a lease agreement period of up to five years and that startup issues be reviewed for one year before further requests are considered.
CARRIED
b.
Summerland Roundabout – Rosedale and Jubilee
As an update to information provided at the June 30, 2009 board meeting, the
secretary-treasurer reported that the District of Summerland has now received
funding for the construction project. Director of Maintenance Hickling reviewed
drawings related to placing the roundabout near Summerland Middle School and
noted it is proposed that the road be widened to allow for safer student drop off and
pick up. It was further noted that work is in process to support minimal disruption
of the Summerland Middle School site. Mr. Regehr advised a land sale and bylaw
would need to be brought forward to the Board to complete the transaction.
Committee members supported the roundabout project.
c.
Penticton Secondary School Observatory
The committee reviewed information related to the placement of the observatory at
Penticton Secondary School and were informed that Greyback Construction has
offered to assist with installation of the observatory on the roof of the school and is
willing to involve their sub-trades in the project. Trustees were advised that Glenfir
is interested in having it moved to their site but were supportive of working towards
a favourable solution to having the observatory installed at Penticton Secondary
School. Committee members requested that a meeting be set up with Larry
Kenyon of Greyback Construction, Ken Tapping of the observatory, Trustee Siddon
as trustee liaison to Penticton Secondary School and Trustee Perry as chair to
discuss the project and report back to the committee. Following discussion,
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
9.0
10.0
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – November 9, 2009
MOTION:
Perry/Siddon that staff be asked to arrange a meeting with Larry Kenyon,
Ken Tapping, Trustee Siddon, and Trustee Perry in order to find a solution
related to locating the observatory at Penticton Secondary School.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Perry/Siddon that the report of the buildings, grounds, safety and
transportation committee be received.
CARRIED
REPORT OF SECRETARY-TREASURER
9.1
Penticton Secondary School Reconstruction
Director of Maintenance Hickling updated the Board on the progress of reconstruction at
Penticton Secondary School noting that some deficiencies still remain in the Phase 2 part
of the construction with a meeting scheduled for November 13 to review progress. The
Ellis building upgrade is completed and some deficiencies remain in the parking lot
project. Irrigation and landscaping work is proceeding with the contractor and sod and
trees will be planted in the spring. Mr. Hickling added design work has begun for the
parking lot at the Penticton Alternate schools. The Shatford building, used as temporary
accommodation during the construction phase, will be closed up pending a decision for
future use. In response to questions, Mr. Regehr advised work is continuing on the
balancing required for the geothermal heating and ventilation system, a report on gas
consumption is not yet available, and the budget for the project is still within the $44
million provided by the Ministry of Education. Outstanding work includes construction of
millwork by our own staff, brick pointing at the Ellis building, and landscaping plus some
equipment still needs to be purchased. Mr. Regehr added that any excess funds would
go to the district’s sharable capital account.
9.2
Penticton Secondary School Official Opening
The secretary-treasurer advised the official opening of the rebuilt school will be held on
Thursday, November 12, 2:15 p.m., at the school. The celebration will include the entire
school body and the Ministry of Education representative will be Honourable Bill Barisoff,
MLA. The public and media are invited to attend.
9.3
Fortis BC Award
Director of Maintenance Hickling reported the school district recently received a Fortis BC
Conservation Excellence Award for Penticton Secondary School at a luncheon held in
Kelowna. Penticton Secondary was recognized for the energy features and efficiencies
in the new facility.
9.4
Computers for Schools
Computers for Schools receives donations of used computer equipment from government
and businesses, which are then refurbished and provided to schools across BC. During
the 2009 school year, SD67 utilized 252 computers which made a positive environmental
impact as outlined in their letter. Mr. Shongrunden, Director of Finance and Information
Technology, noted the school district has been doing this program for approximately 20
years and noted all computers recently have come from Canada Revenue Agency.
Approximately one hundred computers were refitted and provided free to students or
were used by the school district as thin client computers.
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
10.1
Student Achievement
a.
2009 Fall Forum: School Completion and Beyond
Superintendent Hyer reported that 35 district staff, educators from the Aboriginal
Support Program, helping teachers and six school-based teams consisting of
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – November 9, 2009
teachers and school-based administrators participated in the 2009 Fall Forum.
Schools from around the Okanagan Mainline Region shared successful structures
and strategies in various schools in the region that focused on increasing student
engagement, student achievement, and school completion. Our district hosted two
sessions during the forum: Through the Cracks, and Differentiated Instruction as a
Way of Enhancing Student Achievement.
b.
Okanagan Leadership Series
School District No. 67, 53, and 22 are co-hosting and co-planning a series of
leadership seminars designed to mentor and support the professional learning of
individuals new to formal leadership positions in schools. Other districts throughout
the Okanagan Mainline Region have been invited to participate in the series. The
first session will be held on November 25.
c.
Student Orientation to School Questionnaire (SOS-Q)
The SOS-Q survey is an instrument for measuring students' affective experience of
school. ETS Canada has partnered with the province of Alberta to explore the
reasons students leave school early and to explore the various interventions that
will motivate all students to complete high school. District Principal Schimmer
added the purpose of our involvement is to add additional data to the results of the
study between ETS and Alberta so their information can be better validated.
Schools will participate on a voluntary basis and SD67 will receive the results of the
data, which may assist with student achievement.
MOTION:
10.2
Communication and Access
a.
10.3
Denesiuk/Clarke that the Board approves participation of district
schools in the survey as a one-time event.
CARRIED
Field Trips
For information only, District Principal Schimmer reviewed a field trip request for
Queen’s Park Elementary students to partake in skating sessions at the South
Okanagan Events Centre rink, approved by the superintendent pursuant to district
policy, as well as field trip requests which require Board approval.
MOTION:
Manning/Van Alphen that the field trip request for February 26 to 28,
2010 for 16 band students from Princess Margaret Secondary to
compete in the annual Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival in Moscow,
Idaho, be approved in principle.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Clarke that the field trip request for June 9 to 12, 2010
for approximately 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
Other Items
a.
Enrolment
Assistant Superintendent Burgoyne reported on enrolment as of October 31, 2009,
noting a slight increase from the end of September. There are currently 6,564
students, or 6,423.5 FTE, in the district.
b.
Class Size and Composition Report
Mr. Burgoyne reviewed details of school class size and composition consultation
meetings and explained how the class size/composition funds amounting to
$282,000 were distributed throughout elementary, middle and secondary schools.
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – November 9, 2009
Funds this year were targeted to those classes that had high class size and
composition issues. It was noted that SD67 class sizes continue to be below the
average requirements.
c.
Special Education Services Performance Audit
Superintendent Hyer advised that School District No. 67 is one of three districts to
be selected by the Office of the Auditor General of British Columbia for a Special
Education Services Performance Audit. The purpose of the audit is to determine
whether selected school districts adequately plan, resource, monitor and report on
special education services. Director of Instruction Butters added, although it is a
performance audit, the secretary-treasurer will also be asked questions related to
finances. Teachers, certified education assistants, and district staff will be asked
to complete questionnaires and the audit team will provide the district with
recommendations.
d.
Masters Research Project
The superintendent reviewed the request from McNicoll Park Middle School
teacher Dawn Walliser who is seeking permission to conduct a research project as
a partial requirement of Gonzaga University Masters Program. The purpose of the
study is to explore whether or not goal setting helps students to complete assigned
tasks and its effects on student achievement. The target area for this study is a
program called Accelerated Reader.
MOTION:
Perry/Siddon that the request from Dawn Walliser to conduct the
research project be approved by the Board.
CARRIED
11.0
REPORT OF REPRESENTATIVES
12.0
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
12.1
13.0
Secretary-Treasurer Hiring Process
Chairman Little reported that with the pending retirement of Secretary-Treasurer
Regehr, the Board met on October 20 to discuss the process to be used to fill the
vacant position. The deadline for applications closed on November 6 and the position
will be shortlisted on Monday, November 16. An orientation with the candidates will be
held on Monday, November 23, followed by a forum with partner group involvement in
the afternoon. Interviews will be conducted on Tuesday, November 24. There are 20
applicants for the position.
INFORMATION ITEMS
13.1
BCSTA Provincial Council Meeting
Trustee Manning reported on the BCSTA Provincial Council Meeting held on October 23
and 24, 2009 in Vancouver. Deputy Minister James Gorman addressed budget
challenges for school districts and informed councillors that cutbacks to boards of
education reflect the severe economic times. Re-establishing a part of the annual facility
grant funding is one of the highest priorities as well as a commitment to review the issue
of HST rebates to school districts. Currently, there are 311 StrongStart programs running
across the province and the Ministry will be looking at StrongStart and where it fits in with
kindergarten for four-year-olds. Reports were also presented by the education, aboriginal
education, and finance committees as well as the president and executive director. The
next meeting is scheduled for February 19 and 20, in Victoria. A complete report will be
available in the trustee reading file.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – November 9, 2009
13.2
BCSTA Okanagan Branch Meeting
Chairman Little reported the BCSTA Okanagan Branch meeting, held on October 16 and
17, 2009 in Penticton, was well received by fellow trustees, had good professional
development, and excellent tours. Trustee Van Alphen acknowledged the efforts of
Superintendent Hyer, Executive Assistant Daphne Adey, and other district staff for their
efforts and presentations for the meeting.
13.3
Date of Next Meeting
• December 14, 2009, 6:30 p.m., Inaugural and Regular Meetings, 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
Congratulations were extended to the following students from Wiltse Elementary School
for their artwork currently on display at the school board office:
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Katana Clayton, Kindergarten
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Jacob Deboeck, Grade 1
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Armaan Dhaliwal, Grade 2
•
•
Nadia Snyman, Grade 3
Adam Heck, Grade 3
•
Kyra Wallace, Grade 5
•
Sophie Hurst, Grade 5
Fall scene with shiny leaves with construction
paper cut-outs
A rocket amongst yellow stars – a finger-painting
in watercolour
A large sunflower in tissue and construction
paper
A large sunflower in oil pastel
A selection of orange and yellow sunflowers in
tempera paint
Detailed colourful pencil crayon drawings on
healthy living
A perspective pencil crayon/felt marker drawing
of a girl with fancy runners
QUESTION PERIOD
Comments/questions from the audience were related to:
•
•
•
•
•
16.0
Page 11
Frustration and clarification related to the BCeSIS implementation;
Although support for the heritage building, would rather see district funds go towards
teachers;
Appreciation to the Board by the CUPE President for the Board’s advocacy around the
annual facility grants;
Clarification related to budget development;
Clarification related to a newspaper article on extra cleaning by custodians.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION:
Manning/Clarke that the meeting be adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
____________________
Chairperson
____________________
Secretary-Treasurer
November 17, 2009
Ref: U:\SBO-ST-Data\DA\2009-2010\00100 - 01999 Admin\00300-05 Minutes Open\091109 OP Minutes.doc
“Working Together for Student Success”