BOARD OF EDUCATION
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 67 (OKANAGAN SKAHA)
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
HELD ON MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2010, 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
Ron Shongrunden, Secretary-Treasurer
Dave Burgoyne, Assistant Superintendent
John Hickling, Director of Maintenance
Pam Butters, Director of Instruction
Tom Schimmer, District Principal
Danny Francisco, Manager of Information Technology
Daphne Adey, Executive Assistant
1.0
CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Manning called the meeting to order and officially welcomed and introduced Ron
Shongrunden as secretary-treasurer of the school district.
2.0
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOTION:
Denesiuk/Little that the agenda be adopted.
CARRIED
3.0
PRESENTATIONS BY SCHOOLS AND/OR STUDENTS
3.1
Naramata Robotics Club
Students of the Naramata Elementary School Robotics Club, accompanied by Principal Jeff
Redden and parent facilitator Jennifer Vozenilek, made a presentation to the Board
highlighting their participation in the RoboCup at Okanagan College in Kelowna. The
students demonstrated the two robots they had built and programmed to move forward,
backward, and spin around. In addition, one of the robots strums to music and nods its
head. The Naramata students was the youngest team to participate in the competition and
received second place overall for their creation of “Robo Rockers”.
Following a number of trustee questions and comments, the students were congratulated
for their presentation and their success at the competition.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
3.2
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – January 11, 2010
Zoom Fest 2009
Zoom Fest is a BC film festival that challenges grades 7 to 12 students to produce an
original short film in 48 hours which is based on an assigned theme and prop. This year’s
topic was “Nothing Lasts Forever” and the basic prop was an egg. An awards ceremony
was held for Zoom Fest in Vancouver on December 5 and students from Mr. Russ
Stasiuk’s media program (Jordan Findlay, grade 11; Rylan Kinnin, grade 12; Kevin
Manning, grade 12; Hayes Richards, grade 12; Matia Theodosakis, grade 12; and Taylor
Thompson, grade 12) walked away with several awards (Best Male Actor – Kevin Manning
with a full scholarship to Vancouver Film School valued at $6,700; Best Cinematography –
second place for Jordan Findlay and Rylan Kinnen along with four scholarships to Spring
Film Bootcamp; Pacific Cinematheque and FTX Events Script to Screen – second place to
Kevin Manning; Best Group Performance – second place; Best Sound/Original Score –
second place to Taylor Thompson; and VFS Judges Selection) for their video “Hometown”.
Seventy films were submitted to the competition, three of which were from Penticton
Secondary School.
Congratulations were extended to Mr. Stasiuk and the students for their awards.
3.3
Japan Fieldtrip
From September 26 to October 8, 2009, two supervisors and 21 students from Penticton
Secondary, Summerland Secondary and Princess Margaret Secondary travelled to Tokyo
and our sister city Ikeda, Japan, on a cultural field trip. Vice Principal Jeff Guy, teacher
sponsor Jenny Ayers, and two students, Landen Lacroix and Tia Kutschera-Fox presented
a slideshow and described highlights and experiences of their trip.
Following a number of questions and comments, appreciation was extended to the
students for their presentation.
4.0
RECEIVING OF DELEGATIONS AND GUESTS
4.1
Okanagan School of the Arts
Representatives of the Okanagan School of the Arts, Executive Director Samarpan Faasse,
Vice President Jane Shaak, President Cal Meiklejohn, and Treasurer Jennifer Johnston,
made a presentation to the Board of Education regarding the development of the “Shatford
Centre” project. Entitled “Where History Meets Innovation”, the presentation described
plans to develop the Shatford building into a centre for accredited programs in arts training
and entrepreneurial development. The group has received $400,000 from the Community
Adjustment Fund, subject to receiving $520,000 from local fundraising, and hopes to begin
renovations in April with completion by March 31, 2011. The group is looking to the school
district and City of Penticton for assistance.
Following the presentation, trustees were reminded of the handshake agreement between
the school district and City of Penticton whereby the school district would take responsibility
for preserving the Ellis building and the City would take responsibility for preserving the
Shatford building and put it to community use. The school district has invested $3.1 million
into the renovation of the Ellis building and trustees now believe the onus is on the City of
Penticton to do their part in preserving the Shatford building. Trustees also commented on
the lack of funds for capital projects, the inability to use educational dollars for this project,
and the expected deterioration of the building if boarded up. Trustees are hopeful the City
of Penticton will support the building as promised. Superintendent Wendy Hyer and
Secretary-Treasurer Ron Shongrunden reviewed details of Friday’s meeting held with the
Okanagan School of the Arts. The Board hopes that support of in-kind donations such as
landscaping, a lease arrangement, and/or unused furniture can be used in order to receive
matching funds.
Trustees extended appreciation for the presentation.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – January 11, 2010
5.0
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
MOTION:
Siddon/Clarke that the minutes of the regular and inaugural meetings held on
December 14, 2009 be adopted.
CARRIED
6.0
REPORT FROM CLOSED MEETING
The following items were discussed at the closed meeting held on December 14, 2009:
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7.0
Received reports from the buildings, grounds, safety and transportation committee and the
discipline committee;
Confirmed teaching and CUPE staff changes;
Received information related to student funding;
Received information and approved a property land transfer;
Confirmed the appointment of the secretary-treasurer;
Received information related to student suspensions.
CORRESPONDENCE
7.1
Letter from Princess Margaret Secondary School
A follow-up letter from Princess Margaret Secondary School announcing that the total
number of non-perishable food items collected on December 3, 2009 during the 10,000 ToNight canned food drive was over 18,900. The 10,000 To-Night was organized by Princess
Margaret and Penticton Secondary schools leadership classes.
7.2
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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MOTION:
School District No. 52 (Prince Rupert) to the Minister of Education requesting
additional funds to help the district address the financial and administrative burden
arising from the implementation of the SMART Tool Agreement for Service and for
a reinstatement of the annual facility grant funds;
School District No. 52 (Prince Rupert) to the Minister of Education requesting
assurance that those districts implementing full day kindergarten for next year will
receive the full incremental funding designated for those students;
School District No. 52 (Prince Rupert) to the Minister of Education requesting that
the Minister do everything possible to obtain relief for school districts from the
impact of the implementation of HST;
School District No. 39 (Vancouver) to the Minister of Education urging the Minister
to reconsider the decision to cancel the Literacy Innovation Grant;
School District No. 23 (Central Okanagan) to Okanagan MLA’s providing
information related to the financial challenges that school districts will be facing in
the next fiscal year;
School District No. 53 (Okanagan Similkameen) to the Minister of Education
regarding the removal of the literacy innovation funding.
Perry/Van Alphen 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
January 6, 2010:
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
a.
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – January 11, 2010
Account Review
Mr. Shongrunden reviewed and provided updates on all balance sheet accounts from
the 2008-09 financial statements. The review included discussion of account
reserves, targeted funds, project commitments, and appropriated funds. The
committee recommended that the Pennie Jamieson Memorial Scholarship funds and
Rob McIntosh Scholarship Funds be transferred. Following discussion,
MOTION:
Denesiuk/Little that the scholarship funds be transferred to the Penticton
Secondary Schools Bursary and Scholarship Foundation as done in the past.
CARRIED
Due to the nature of school district funding, the district has been monitoring
expenditures carefully and, overall, the district’s finances are in good condition. The
committee discussed options for examining finances and timing expenditures from a
multi year point of view.
A revised 2009-10 budget will be brought forward by the end of February.
MOTION:
8.2
Clarke/Van Alphen that the report of the finance and management committee
be received.
CARRIED
Buildings, Grounds, Safety and Transportation Committee
Trustee Perry reported on the buildings, grounds, safety and transportation committee
meeting held on January 6, 2010:
a.
Citizens on Patrol
Randy Brown, Crime Prevention/Community Liaison Coordinator, Downtown
Neighbourhood Liaison Office Community Safety/Crime Reduction Services,
accompanied by representatives of the Citizens on Patrol program, provided an
overview of the program. The Citizens on Patrol is a volunteer community service
organization which assists authorities by patrolling the community and observing,
recording and reporting unusual, suspicious, criminal events to authorities.
Appreciation was extended to the group’s 30 volunteers, which patrol primarily on
Friday and Saturday evenings, for the work they do to help reduce vandalism in our
community and especially at the schools.
b.
Video Surveillance Report
Director of Maintenance Hickling reviewed that Policy No. 725 requires an annual
review of video surveillance procedures. A report outlining the number and locations
of cameras in the school district was distributed to committee members.
c.
Pentastic Jazz Festival
Secretary-Treasurer Shongrunden reviewed a request from the Pentastic Jazz
Festival received at the December 14, 2009 board meeting for the rental of Penticton
Secondary School for the September 10 to 12, 2010 festival including permission to
serve wine and beer on the premises during Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday
until 3:00 p.m. Committee members discussed the benefit of the festival to the
community, concern with serving alcohol in a school site, liability, and that students
often remain at the school until 5:00 p.m. or later. It was noted that the district does
not have a policy regarding special-occasion permits at the school. Trustees
requested that staff prepare a more comprehensive report on the festival’s request
before making a decision.
d.
Student Transportation
Secretary-Treasurer Shongrunden reported that student transportation costs are
higher than Ministry funding and that the district has experienced significant student
enrolment drop during the past few years. A transportation review has not been
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – January 11, 2010
done for several years and would therefore be a timely exercise.
discussion,
8.3
MOTION:
Perry/Van Alphen that the Board examine the possibility of hiring a
consultant to explore the ways the Board can save money on transportation.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Perry/Little 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 January
5, 2010:
a.
Auditor General of British Columbia – Performance Audit of Special Education
Director of Instruction Pam Butters provided an overview of the process and itinerary
for the visit by the team from the Auditor General’s office regarding special education.
b.
Full Day Kindergarten
Superintendent Hyer reviewed the letter from the Ministry of Education indicating
approval for up to 188 full day kindergarten students for the 2010-11 school year.
Superintendent Hyer recommended that the district accept the funding for 188 full
day kindergarten students offered by the Ministry. A letter will be sent to the Ministry
indicating this acceptance.
MOTION:
c.
9.0
Following
Van Alphen/Denesiuk that School District No. 67 use its 2010-11
kindergarten allotment of 188 full day kindergarten spots as allocated by the
Ministry of Education and indicate that we could accommodate and welcome
the allocation of additional spots should any district decline their allotment.
CARRIED
Superintendent’s 2009 Report on Student Achievement
Superintendent Hyer presented the report on Student Achievement for 2009 that was
first introduced at the December 14, 2009 public meeting. Superintendent Hyer
presented the report and highlighted: 1) Improving areas of student achievement in
the six-year completion rates for females, English 10 success rates and grade 7 FSA
reading results; 2) Areas of challenge – Superintendent Hyer reviewed the six-year
completion rate for males, aboriginal students, and all students. The superintendent
commented on the progress the district is making with respect to district goals and
targets.
MOTION:
Denesiuk/Siddon that the 2009 Superintendent’s Report on Student
Achievement be received.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Perry that the report of the education committee be received.
CARRIED
REPORT OF SECRETARY-TREASURER
9.1
2009-10 Amended Budget
Secretary-Treasurer Shongrunden advised that the 2009-10 Amended Annual Budget
Bylaw will be presented at the February board meeting.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
10.0
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – January 11, 2010
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
10.1
Student Achievement
10.2
Communication and Access
a.
Field Trips
The superintendent of schools reviewed a listing of field trip requests which had been
approved by the superintendent pursuant to district policy. There were no field trips
which required board approval.
b.
Foundation Skills Assessment
The Foundation Skills Assessment (FSA) is an annual province-wide assessment of
British Columbia’s students’ academic skills, and provides a snapshot of how well
students are learning foundation skills in reading comprehension, writing and
numeracy. Assistant Superintendent Burgoyne advised the assessment will be
administered to grade 4 and 7 students between January 18 and February 26, 2010.
Mr. Burgoyne reviewed an information sheet sent to principals for insertion in school
newsletters. Copies of two pamphlets which the Okanagan Skaha Teachers’ Union
plans to send to teachers for distribution to parents have been supplied by the OSTU
and agreed to by protocol.
Trustee Denesiuk advised of a possible provincial task force to look at assessments,
and were reminded of the disservice to schools caused by ranking schools based on
the FSA results. FSA requirements note that parents do not have the right to exclude
their children from participating in the Foundations Skills Assessments. Additional
information can be found on the district’s website.
10.3
Other Items
a.
Enrolment
Assistant Superintendent Burgoyne reported on enrolment as of December 18, 2009,
noting a slight change from the previous month. There are currently 6,600 students
(6,461.5 FTE) in the district.
b.
Upcoming Food Guidelines Review
Superintendent Hyer reviewed a letter circulated with the agenda package from the
Ministry of Education announcing that the Ministry will be conducting a review of the
Guidelines for Food and Beverage Sales in BC schools to determine the impact of
the guidelines and to identify barriers and enablers to successful implementation in
both elementary and secondary schools. A random sample of schools will be
required to participate in the review. The selected schools in School District No. 67
are Summerland Secondary and Parkway Elementary.
c.
Family Literacy Day Celebration
The second annual Family Literacy Day Celebration will be held on Saturday,
January 23, 2010 (10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) at Cherry Lane Shopping Centre. In
addition to literacy booths, Penticton Honda will be on site for a community challenge
to “Fill the Fit” with new and gently used books. These books will be provided to
parents to promote literacy.
d.
Olympic Torch Relay Events and Activities
District Principal Schimmer provided an overview of the events planned for the
Olympic Torch Relay on January 25. The target audience will be grades 4 to 8
students with most students being bussed to the event. The Vancouver Olympic
Committee (VANOC) event is scheduled outside the South Okanagan Event Centre
from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. with the City of Penticton celebrations being held inside
between 2:15 and 4:30 p.m. Students from Skaha Lake Middle and Princess
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – January 11, 2010
Margaret Secondary will watch the torch past their schools prior to proceeding to the
SOEC.
The torch arrives in Summerland later in the day on a much smaller scale with torch
bearers arriving at Summerland Middle School at 3:08 p.m. and the event being
finished by 3:15 p.m. Buses will be late that day so students can participate in the
event. Centre Stage will host a community event the previous afternoon.
11.0
REPORT OF REPRESENTATIVES
12.0
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
12.1
Committee and Representative Appointments
Chairman Manning presented committee and representative appointments as well as
trustee school liaisons for the period to November 2010.
MOTION:
13.0
INFORMATION ITEMS
13.1
BCSTA Provincial Council Meeting
The deadline for BCSTA to receive provincial council meeting motions is January 22, 2010.
The provincial council meeting will be held on February 19 and 20, 2010 in Victoria.
Trustee Clarke will attend the meeting.
13.2
BCSTA Annual General Meeting
The deadline for submission of motions for BCSTA’s annual general meeting to be held
April 22 to 25, 2010 in Victoria is as follows:
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14.0
Little/Clarke that the committee and representative appointments and trustee
school liaisons for the period to November 2010 be approved as presented.
CARRIED
Extraordinary motions – February 11, 2010
Substantive motions – February 19, 2010
13.3
BCSTA Okanagan Branch Meeting
The BCSTA Okanagan Branch meeting will be held on February 12 and 13, 2010 in
Vernon.
13.4
Date of Next Meeting
• February 8, 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 McNicoll Park Middle School
for their artwork currently on display at the school board office:
•
Chris Gagnon, grade 8
1” x 1” continual colourful squares in an abstract
form; watercolour and pen ink
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
14.3
15.0
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Emily Jones, grade 8
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Katie Crassweller, grade 8
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Xavier Araujo, grade 8
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Ethan Cooper, grade 8
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Haley Hewer, grade 8
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Kaylie Loewen, grade 8
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – January 11, 2010
Colourful flowers and shrubs landscape scene in
watercolour and pen ink drawing
Photograph of a plant in colour with duplicate
made in a dotted black ink format
Photograph of a magazine advertisement on
jeans/hoodie duplicated to match in a dotted black
ink format
Images of Mars/space on black construction
paper; black dotted ink duplication of space
images
Colourful watercolour tree image in bright reds,
fuscias, oranges, and purples
Large pine tree painted in watercolour in various
green tones
Trustee Comments
QUESTION PERIOD
Comments/questions from the audience were related to:
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16.0
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The Foundation Skills Assessments being used to rank schools;
A request for a policy committee meeting;
Support for the Board’s comments related to the Shatford building;
Clarification that the Board supports the Shatford as a whole but the priority is to use
educational dollars in the classroom and that the Board hopes to support the Shatford with
“in-kind” donations;
Questions related to “mothballing” the Shatford.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION:
Perry/Clarke that the meeting be adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
CARRIED
____________________
Chairperson
____________________
Secretary-Treasurer
January 15, 2010
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“Working Together for Student Success”