BOARD OF EDUCATION
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 67 (OKANAGAN SKAHA)
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
HELD ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2009
FOLLOWING THE INAUGURAL MEETING WHICH BEGAN AT 6:30 P.M.
AT THE SCHOOL BOARD OFFICE
MINUTES
IN ATTENDANCE
Ginny Manning, Chair
Linda Van Alphen, Vice Chair
Shelley Clarke, Trustee
Connie Denesiuk, Trustee
Larry Little, Trustee
David Perry, Trustee
Tom Siddon, 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 Manning called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m.
2.0
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOTION:
Little/Clarke that the agenda and addendum be approved.
CARRIED
3.0
PRESENTATIONS BY SCHOOLS AND/OR STUDENTS
3.1
Learn to Skate Program
Rob Zoppi, Principal, Queen’s Park Elementary School; Andy Oakes and Blair Noel,
Okanagan Hockey Academy; Bruce Judd, President, Penticton Minor Hockey; and Mayor
Dan Ashton provided an overview of the Learn to Skate Program offered to students at
Queen’s Park Elementary School in partnership with the City of Penticton, Okanagan
Hockey School, Penticton Minor Hockey, and the South Okanagan Event Centre. The
program involves all students in grades 1 through 5; the Penticton Lakers, OHA hockey
coaches and assistant coaches as instructors and role models; and approximately 20
volunteers from the parent advisory council to assist with skates. Penticton Minor
Hockey has covered the cost of hockey helmets and the South Okanagan Event Centre
has donated approximately $3,000 of ice time. A short video clip produced by CHBC-TV
highlighting the program was shown at the meeting.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Page 2
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – December 14, 2009
Trustees extended appreciation to Mr. Zoppi and all groups for their participation in the
program.
4.0
RECEIVING OF DELEGATIONS AND GUESTS
4.1
Restorative Justice
Terri Kalaski, Community Policing Coordinator, provided an overview of the Restorative
Justice Program, a program that uses restorative practices in the criminal justice context.
The program aims to change behaviour rather than punishing the person and should not
be considered an alternative to jail. RCMP members see schools as a working
partnership with restorative justice practices and are using the program in Penticton,
Summerland, and Oliver areas.
Appreciation was extended to Ms. Kalaski for the presentation and for introducing the
program to the community.
5.0
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
MOTION:
Little/Denesiuk that the minutes of the regular meeting held on November 9, 2009
be approved.
CARRIED
6.0
REPORT FROM CLOSED MEETING
The following items were discussed at the closed meeting held on November 9, 2009:
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7.0
Received a report from the finance and management committee;
Approved a property matter;
Confirmed teaching and CUPE staff changes;
Received information related to a proposed agreement;
Approved a teacher leave request;
Received information related to student suspensions and incidents;
Received information related to a meeting of the Okanagan Labour Relations Council;
Received information related to a joint meeting with the City of Penticton;
Reviewed information related to the secretary-treasurer hiring process;
Discussed the role of trustees.
CORRESPONDENCE
7.1
Letter from Okanagan Skaha Teachers’ Union
A letter forwarded by the Okanagan Skaha Teachers’ Union regarding this year’s flu and
H1N1 shots.
7.2
Letter from Okanagan Skaha Teachers’ Union
A letter forwarded by the Okanagan Skaha Teachers’ Union declining the invitation to
participate in the secretary-treasurer search and requesting the release time targeted for
teachers to attend this event be put towards release time targeted for teachers to receive
support and training on BCeSIS.
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:
•
School District No. 69 (Qualicum) to the Minister of Education regarding the
financial challenges faced by school districts resulting from the withdrawal of
annual facility grant funding and increasing costs;
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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7.4
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – December 14, 2009
School District No. 68 (Nanaimo-Ladysmith) to the Minister of Education
expressing examples of ways that the Ministry’s current policy regarding the
masking of results from the foundation skills assessment does not fully protect
student privacy;
School District No. 52 (Prince Rupert) to the Minister of Education requesting the
Minister reconsider the decision to stop funding BC School Sports;
School District No. 39 (Vancouver) to the Minister of Education regarding recent
funding changes that are making it increasingly difficult for schools to meet the
learning needs of all students.
Letter from Pentastic Jazz Festival
A letter forwarded by the Pentastic Jazz Festival requesting the rental of Penticton
Secondary School as a venue for the Penticton Jazz Festival September 10 to 12, 2010.
MOTION:
8.0
Page 3
Clarke/Little that the correspondence be received and that the letter from
the Pentastic Jazz Festival be referred to the buildings, grounds, safety
and transportation committee.
CARRIED
REPORT OF COMMITTEES
8.1
Buildings, Grounds, Safety and Transportation Committee
Trustee Perry reported on the buildings, grounds, safety and transportation committee
meeting held on December 2, 2009:
a.
Five-Year Capital Plan
The secretary-treasurer distributed and reviewed a response from the Ministry of
Education to our district’s capital plan submitted in May. The plan contained a
proposal to rebuild the gym and multipurpose space at Summerland Secondary
School. The Ministry has indicated that in order to proceed with further
consideration our school district must develop a Project Identification Report which
requires an in-depth review of the project.
In considering methods to assist with this project, the committee requested that
staff obtain details of opportunities with the Neighbourhoods of Learning initiative.
Additionally, the committee noted the opportunity for shared use and potential
building partnerships in Summerland. The committee proposed that this topic as
well as a fiber project be included as topics at a board and council meeting to be
arranged in the new year.
b.
Queen’s Park Elementary
The secretary-treasurer reviewed a plan received from the City of Penticton
outlining new street signage and a crosswalk on Birch Avenue adjoining Queen’s
Park Elementary School. The crosswalk is proposed to extend from the west side
of Bassett Street and street signage is proposed for no stopping zones near the
crosswalk. The proposed plan replaces no parking signs on the south side of Birch
Avenue adjoining the new parking lot with no parking/loading zone signs and
amends the no parking signs on the south side of Birch Avenue adjoining the
school field with parallel parking signs. The City has requested that if these
changes are to be made the school partners and the school board need to support
the changes. Secretary-Treasurer Regehr advised that school Principal Zoppi and
the school PAC president have endorsed the plan. The committee discussed the
changes and agreed to recommend that the proposed changes be supported.
MOTION:
Perry/Siddon that the Board of Education supports the changes
proposed for street signage and the crosswalk on Birch Avenue.
CARRIED
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Page 4
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – December 14, 2009
As an additional request, it was noted that the school district should recommend
that when the storm drain system is installed on Birch Avenue that the curb
adjoining the crosswalk be adjusted to reduce a potential tripping hazard and
supported a plan for crosswalk lighting at the Power Street near the school front
entry.
c.
PSS Construction
Secretary-Treasurer Regehr distributed and reviewed a financial summary of
funding, expenditures and the remaining funds to complete the school building site
and equipment purchases. Funds are adequate to complete the outstanding work
planned with each of the construction projects, landscaping at the front of the Ellis
building, site work at the Penticton Secondary Learning Centre and Penticton
Alternate School plus exterior work on the Ellis building. The committee was
informed that a number of projects for millwork are in progress or committed for
completion over the next few months. Mr. Shongrunden reviewed the process for
purchasing equipment and technology at the school. It involved his consultation
with individual teachers and departments which generally concluded a plan to
reuse and recycle as much as possible, to install the basic infrastructure such as
telephone and projectors and purchase equipment essential to the programs such
as teaching kitchen, applied skills and fine arts. There was also general agreement
to wait as long as possible to purchase certain classroom equipment as teachers
wanted to experience their new workspace and buy as late as possible to reduce
the chance of buying potentially obsolete equipment. Video was used as an
example whereby the infrastructure being installed provides the base but waiting
for the classroom equipment has allowed the potential of converting existing
whiteboards into interactive whiteboards (SMART Board) at a considerably lower
cost. In response to a question, Mr. Shongrunden confirmed that equipment
purchases have and could include enhancements for all subject areas including
fine arts and applied skills.
MOTION:
8.2
Perry/Denesiuk 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
December 1, 2009:
a.
Social Justice 12 – Ministry Approved Course
Don MacIntyre and Teresa Fry from Princess Margaret Secondary School provided
an overview of Social Justice 12, a Ministry approved course that they will offer in
the 2010-11 school year. The presentation included an outline of the units of study
and described some of the topics and issues that will be explored.
The aim of Social Justice 12 is to raise students’ awareness of social justice, to
enable them to analyze situations from a social justice perspective, and to provide
them with knowledge, skills and an ethical framework to advocate for a socially just
world. A progressive, democratic country values diversity and inclusion. Social
Justice 12 promotes the pursuit of social justice as an important responsibility for
all, and encourages students to develop the commitment and ability to work toward
a more just society.
Parent communication will be ongoing as some of the topics deal with sensitive
and/or controversial subject matter and flexibility in activities will be offered when
requested. Board support for the course was expressed.
b.
Auditor General of British Columbia – Performance Audit of Special Education
The office of the Auditor General of British Columbia has indicated that it will be
conducting an audit of special education services, which is to be carried out in two
parts: Phase 1 and Phase 2. Pam Butters, Director of Instruction for Student
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Page 5
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – December 14, 2009
Support Services, discussed the purpose and scope of the audit, audit criteria,
evidence gathering process, school district responsibilities, and timeline as it
relates to the process.
c.
McCreary Centre Society – “A Picture of Health: Results of the 2008 British
Columbia Adolescent Health Survey”
The results from the 2008 British Columbia Adolescent Health Survey are now
available. Annie Smith, Executive Director from the McCreary Centre Society, has
offered to come and present the results of the survey in person to trustees and
staff. She will also describe the “Next Step” workshops that are offered by the
society. Possible dates for the presentation will be sent to trustees to determine a
date of the presentation.
It has now been determined that the presentation will be held on January 27, 3:30
p.m. in the board room; if a large turnout, the meeting will be moved.
d.
Education Committee - School Visit
The Education Committee school visit to Naramata Elementary School was moved
from November 24, 2009 to Wednesday, December 16, 2009.
MOTION:
9.0
Van Alphen/Perry that the report of the education committee be received.
CARRIED
REPORT OF SECRETARY-TREASURER
9.1
2009-10 Funding Recalculation
The secretary-treasurer reported the district’s funding recalculation based on September
30th actual enrolment was received December 8th from the Ministry of Education. The
final enrolment for school age students was down by 53 students from the forecast for a
total of 164 students down from September 2008. This enrolment decline and other
funding formula adjustments resulted in a net reduction of $599,143 in the formula total.
Mr. Regehr noted some of these changes could not be predicted during the budgeting
process as they result from changes in other districts. SD67 was fortunate, however, to
now receive a special funding protection grant (which was also received by 28 other
school districts facing a funding reduction) and this grant offset the funding formula
decline. In response to a question, Mr. Regehr added there will continue to be budget
pressures next year due to a number of factors including enrolment decline and the
expected loss of the funding protection grant.
9.2
Financial Report
Mr. Regehr reviewed the November 30, 2009 financial report provided in the agenda
package. It was noted a number of revenue and expense accounts will require
adjustment in the final 2009-10 budget including a reduction of 2.5 teachers associated
with the extra 53 student enrolment decline. Overall, Mr. Regehr noted the district’s
finances would have a net benefit from the total changes and that a revised budget will
be brought forward by the end of February.
9.3
Review of Natural Gas Consumption at Penticton Secondary School
The installation of a ground source heating and cooling system at Penticton Secondary
School was expected to significantly reduce energy consumption. Due to start up issues,
the savings were not fully achieved until this summer. Secretary-Treasurer Regehr
reviewed a chart showing comparative July to December savings due to the heating and
cooling energy efficiency of the new school which indicates consumption is running at
15% of what was purchased in the three-year period before construction. It was noted
that electrical consumption is not part of this report.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
9.4
10.0
Page 6
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – December 14, 2009
Penticton Secondary School
A proposal was received from Principal Bill Bidlake for a logo (between eight and 11 feet
in diameter) to be acid stained into the concrete floor at the entry of Penticton Secondary.
It was noted the method of etching has been used successfully in other locations and
approval was recommended. Following discussion of the design, student involvement in
the project, and the desire for some historical context to the school, trustees supported
planning for the project continue and requested a more professional rendering of the
proposed logo be brought back to the next board meeting.
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
10.1
Student Achievement
a.
Superintendent’s 2009 Report on Student Achievement
The Superintendent advised the School Act requires that the superintendent
prepare a public report to the Board on the progress of improving student
achievement from the previous school year. The report is intended to ensure
transparency and accountability for each school district in terms of its responsibility
for improving student achievement. Ms. Hyer presented a brief overview of the
report noting that district results continue to be above the provincial average in
nearly every indicator the Ministry uses. Challenging areas were also reviewed
along with comments on progress made towards goals and targets as set out in the
last achievement contract. Trustees requested that the report be further reviewed
at the education committee meeting to be held on January 5.
MOTION:
10.2
Perry/Denesiuk that the report be received and referred to the next
education committee meeting.
CARRIED
b.
Aboriginal Education Update
District Principal Tom Schimmer and Vice Principal Kathy Pierre provided an
overview of the initiatives being implemented in aboriginal education throughout the
school district to assist in ways of engaging and empowering students. Programs
included the Crime Stoppers Project; the SAFE program; school and community
partnerships with the Penticton Indian Band at West Bench Elementary, Skaha
Lake Middle, and Princess Margaret Secondary schools; and curriculum
development to increase aboriginal content, to strengthen and improve student
engagement, and improve opportunities for student empowerment.
Inquiry
research projects are also ongoing at all three levels as well as increasing
professional development for all school staffs through the En’owkin Centre for
aboriginal learning styles and intergenerational impact of residential schools.
c.
2010 Taiwan International Science Fair
Ms. Hyer announced that Nicholas Randall, a Grade 12 student at Penticton
Secondary School, has been selected by representatives of the British Columbia
Science Fairs’ Committee as one of two British Columbia students to participate in
the 2010 Taiwan International Science Fair. The district is very proud of his
accomplishments and wishes him well at the science fair.
Communication and Access
a.
Field Trips
The superintendent of schools reviewed a listing of field trip requests, some of
which had been approved by the school principal or superintendent pursuant to
district policy.
MOTION:
Siddon/Van Alphen that the following field trip request be approved
in principle:
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Page 7
•
MOTION:
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10.3
May 26 to 30, 2010 for 25 band students from Summerland
Secondary School to travel to Alberta to participate in music
workshops, perform, and visit points of interest;
May 26 to 29, 2010, for 52 grade 8 band students from Skaha
Lake Middle school to travel to Edmonton, Alberta, to
participate in musical performance opportunities and visit
points of interest;
May 12 to 15, 2010, for grade 8 band students from KVR
Middle School to travel to Edmonton, Alberta, to participate in
musical performance opportunities.
CARRIED
Clarke/Little that the following field trip request be given final
approval:
•
b.
May 20 to 29, 2011, for 30 students from Penticton Secondary
School to travel to France, Belgium, and Holland.
CARRIED
Denesiuk/Little that the following field trip requests be approved in
principle:
•
MOTION:
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – December 14, 2009
February 4 to 9, 2010, for 38 French immersion students from
Summerland and KVR Middle schools, to travel to Quebec City
and Montreal for the winter carnival.
CARRIED
School Concerts
The superintendent acknowledged the huge amount of work involved by all staff to
organize, rehearse, and prepare for the school concerts as listed on the information
sheet circulated with the agenda package. Appreciation was also extended to the
media for their coverage of the concerts.
Other Items
a.
Enrolment
Assistant Superintendent Burgoyne reported an increase of 47 students as of
November 30, 2009 compared to the September enrolment. A revised report
shows 6,612 students, 6,470.5 FTE, in the district.
b.
Class Size and Composition Report
Assistant Superintendent Burgoyne reviewed details of school class size and
composition consultation meetings between the period of September 29 and
December 9, 2009. All principals have submitted a report to the superintendent
confirming these classes are appropriate for student learning and school planning
councils, the district parent advisory council, and Ministry of Education have been
informed. Mr. Burgoyne advised that, in anticipation of the class size issues for the
second semester, he has been working with principals and has put a total of 1.0
FTE towards extra staffing for the three secondary schools.
c.
Masters Research Project
The superintendent reviewed a request from McNicoll Park Middle School teacher,
Randy Jones, to conduct a research project as a partial requirement of a Gonzaga
University Masters Program in Leadership and Administration. The purpose of the
case study is to investigate and evaluate how students’ levels of connectedness in
the PARK (Place for At Risk Kids) room and access to an adapted curriculum can
affect overall achievement for students in grades 6 to 8 in an alternate education
program (the PARK room) at the school.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
MOTION:
Page 8
Denesiuk/Little that the request for McNicoll Park Middle School
teacher, Randy Jones, to conduct the research project as a partial
requirement of a Gonzaga University Masters Program in Leadership
and Administration be approved.
CARRIED
11.0
REPORT OF REPRESENTATIVES
12.0
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
12.1
13.0
14.0
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – December 14, 2009
Meeting with MLA Barisoff
Chairman Manning reported that at the meeting held with MLA Bill Barisoff, trustees,
Secretary-Treasurer Regehr and Superintendent Hyer on Friday, December 11, trustees
outlined the impact of the budget, underfunding, and the rising costs of education.
INFORMATION ITEMS
13.1
BCSTA Trustee Academy
Trustees were reminded to bring the report of their attendance at the BCSTA Trustees
Academy held on December 3 to 5, 2009 to the meeting.
13.2
Joint Meeting
BCSTA, BC School Superintendents Association (BCSSA), and BC Association of
School Business Officials (BCASBO) held a joint meeting for board chairs,
superintendents, secretary-treasurers, and the BCSTA board of directors at BCSTA’s
December Academy. The purpose of the meeting, which was jointly chaired by the three
presidents (Connie Denesiuk, Kevin Elder, and David Green), was to discuss current and
emerging issues affecting school districts. Chairman Manning reported little new
information was provided but there was good discussion and better clarification. Table
notes were collected and will be distributed to all districts.
13.3
Date of Next Meeting
• January 11, 2010, 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
Congratulations were extended to the following students from KVR Middle School for
their artwork currently on display at the school board office:
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Anne Lu, Grade 6
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Mya Goddard, Grade 6
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Ashley Lewko, Grade 7
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Taya Mathers, Grade 7
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Josie Mehrer, Grade 7
A drawing of a running shoe painted in soft
pastel colours outlined with black ink
A drawing of an eagle with the word “Art” in the
background in crayon and pencil
Bright watercolour background with black ink
outlined drawing of ballet slippers
A copy of Mona Lisa “modern style” painted in a
variety of colours using acrylics
A vibrant sunflower in oil pastels with bright
yellow background
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
•
14.3
15.0
Tyler Larsen, Grade 8
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – December 14, 2009
A drawing of an antique car in orange paint
layered with newspaper to create an opaque
image
Trustee Comments
On behalf of the Board, Chairman Manning extended appreciation to retiring SecretaryTreasurer Regehr for exemplary service to the district and students for the past 21 years
and best wishes for a wonderful retirement. Trustees also extended appreciation and
best wishes to Mr. Regehr as well as Past Chairman Little for his contribution to the
district.
QUESTION PERIOD
Comments/questions from the audience were related to:
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16.0
Page 9
Congratulations from CUPE President Zoë Magnus to Chairman Manning and Vice Chair
Van Alphen on their election; appreciation to Past Chairman Little for his years of service;
and appreciation and best wishes to Secretary-Treasurer Regehr on his retirement;
A request from OSTU President Kevin Epp to ask the government to stop ranking
schools; congratulations and thank you to Secretary-Treasurer Regehr and Past
Chairman Little;
Clarification on the completion rates for aboriginal students; gender rates; and highlights
of Superintendent’s 2009 Report on Student Achievement;
Clarification of obtaining degrees through Gonzaga University;
Information related to the BCSTA Trustees Academy and meeting with board chairs,
superintendents, and secretary-treasurers.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Clarke that the meeting be adjourned 9:30 p.m.
CARRIED
____________________
Chairperson
____________________
Secretary-Treasurer
January 8, 2010
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“Working Together for Student Success”