BOARD OF EDUCATION
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 67 (OKANAGAN SKAHA)
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
HELD ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 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
Daphne Adey, Executive Assistant
1.0
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Manning welcomed everyone to the first meeting of the school year.
2.0
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOTION:
Denesiuk/Siddon that the agenda be approved.
CARRIED
3.0
PRESENTATIONS BY SCHOOLS AND/OR STUDENTS
3.1
Summer School 2010
Heather Rose, principal of the 2010 Elementary Summer School Program, and Darryl
Tenisci, principal of the Middle/Secondary Summer School Program, presented a report
on the 2010 Summer School. For the first time, the program was divided into two
separate programs and held at two different sites. Two hundred eighty-one students
attended the elementary program at Carmi Elementary with 141 students attending the
middle/secondary summer school at KVR Middle School. Ms. Rose advised 11 remedial
courses were offered at the elementary levels and a referral process by teachers was
implemented this year which helped to boost numbers. In order for students to be
referred, students were expected to fall into the Not Yet Meeting/Minimally Meeting
grade-level expectations category. Teachers worked together to collaborate on course
planning and various classes formed “buddy” classes to get to know each other and work
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of the Regular Board of Education Meeting – September 13, 2010
on various skills. Ms. Rose reviewed the recommendations for 2011 some of which
included continuing with the referral process by teachers, having a staggered
referral/registration date in order to fill remedial reading classes by priority of students
needing the remediation, and choosing an elementary site that can accommodate large
numbers of students as well as ample parking and dropping off/picking up student areas.
Mr. Tenisci reported courses at the middle and secondary level were remedial and
consisted of 40 hours of instruction as per the Ministry of Education requirements.
Changes to the secondary level courses this year included the development of a new
Math 9 course to reflect the new Math 9 curriculum. Mr. Tenisci added that separating
the elementary program for the middle and secondary programs and starting at a later
date alleviated the problem from past years of secondary students registering late as they
did not find out they needed to attend summer school until the program had begun.
Recommendations included continuing to run two separate programs; continuing with the
referral process at the middle school level, which resulted in a significant increase in
student enrolment for grades 6 to 8; teachers continuing to access more than one
computer lab; and working with secondary schools in the creation of a new Math 10
program that coincides with the new curriculum.
Both principals reported good feedback from parents and expressed appreciation to
maintenance and district staff for their assistance.
Following a number of questions, Ms. Rose and Mr. Tenisci were thanked for their help
for summer school and for their presentation.
4.0
RECEIVING OF DELEGATIONS AND GUESTS
4.1
CUPE 523 Okanagan Skaha
CUPE 523 Okanagan Skaha President Zoë Magnus presented a collection of books to
Carmi Elementary School as part of a sponsored school in the BC Book Prizes Adopt a
Library Program. Carmi Elementary was selected from a number of entries throughout
the valley. In receiving the books, Principal Sharon Sola noted the books are well
received and will help with replacing books lost during a flood at the school. Appreciation
was extended to CUPE 523 for choosing Carmi Elementary as the recipient.
5.0
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
MOTION:
Little/Van Alphen that the minutes of the regular meeting held on June 14, 2010 be
approved.
CARRIED
6.0
REPORTS FROM CLOSED MEETINGS
The following items were discussed at the closed meeting held on June 14, 2010 and the special
in-camera meeting held on August 12, 2010:
June 14, 2010:
• Received correspondence;
• Received reports from the finance and management committee; the buildings, grounds,
safety, and transportation committee; and the discipline committee;
• Confirmed teaching and support staff changes;
• Received information on the long service recognition/retirement dinner;
• Received information on bargaining;
• Approved recommendations from the transportation review;
• Received information related to the observatory;
• Approved a contract;
• Received information regarding two upcoming meetings;
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of the Regular Board of Education Meeting – September 13, 2010
Received a vice principal resignation and confirmed principal and vice principal
appointments;
Approved a teacher leave request;
Received information related to student suspensions;
Received a report from the Okanagan Labour Relations Council;
Approved a personnel matter.
August 12, 2010
• Received information and approved a personnel matter.
7.0
CORRESPONDENCE
7.1
Letter from Minister of Education
A letter from the Minister of Education announcing the plans to provide classroom space
to accommodate full day kindergarten for September 2011. SD67 will receive six
classroom conversions for kindergarten use and three new modular classrooms, two at
Giant’s Head Elementary and one at Trout Creek Elementary.
7.2
Letter from CUPE 523 Okanagan Skaha
A letter from CUPE 523 Okanagan Skaha requesting that CUPE be included in the
review of operations of the maintenance and custodial departments. It was noted a date
had been selected for the first meeting.
7.3
Letter from Penticton Jazz Festival 2010
A letter from the Penticton Jazz Festival 2010 thanking administration and trustees for
their time and effort related to possible rental of Penticton Secondary for the Jazz Festival
and declining the offer for this year.
7.4
Thank You Letters from Students
Two thank you letters from students who received district scholarships are available in
the trustee reading file.
7.5
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. 83 (North Okanagan-Shuswap) to the British Columbia
School Trustees Association supporting the current approach that the BCSTA
Board of Directors has taken by not becoming directly involved in matters
between the Minister and individual school boards and encouraging the BCSTA
to maintain its key work;
School District No. 20 (Kootenay-Columbia) to the Minister of Education
requesting a response from the Ministry indicating what actions will be taken to
eliminate the Fraser Institute’s ability to rank schools based on FSA results;
School District No. 23 (Central Okanagan) to the Minister of Education
encouraging the Minister to review funding support for the CommunityLINK grant
in order to continue the valuable programs that have been established;
School District No. 39 (Vancouver) to the Minister of Education requesting that
the Ministry consider the provincial consequences of the education funding crisis
and advocate for funding within government to restore cuts made in school
districts since 2002-03;
School District No. 39 (Vancouver) to the Minister of Education in response to the
ministerial directive order and seeking further clarification to the ministerial
directive order;
School District No. 69 (Qualicum) to the BC Child and Youth Advocacy Coalition
endorsing the document entitled “BC Needs a Poverty Reduction Plan with
Legislated Targets and Timelines” and urging the provincial government to
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of the Regular Board of Education Meeting – September 13, 2010
launch a comprehensive and accountable plan to dramatically reduce poverty
and homelessness in BC in a timely manner;
School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake) to the Minister of Education regarding their
2010-11 budget, indicating that their district cannot make further reductions to
their budget without further affecting the students and requesting that the Minister
ensure that sufficient funding is provided to ensure future cost increases borne
by boards are funded by the Ministry Operating Grant;
School District No. 23 (Central Okanagan) to the Minister of Education advising
that their CommunityLINK funds are being used to provide mental health services
to their most vulnerable students and requesting that the Ministry review the
provision of mental health services to school aged children;
School District No. 85 (Vancouver Island North) to the Minister of Education
requesting the Minister provide leadership for school districts regarding the use
of Foundations Skills Assessment results by the Fraser Institute and the press;
and
School District No. 43 (Coquitlam) to their partner groups advising they had
passed their 2010-11 budget along with a needs budget which reflects what
would be required to restore funding to the 2001 level.
MOTION:
Perry/Clarke that the correspondence be received.
CARRIED
8.0
REPORT OF COMMITTEES
8.1
Finance and Management Committee
Trustee Van Alphen reported on the finance and management committee meeting held
on September 8, 2010:
a.
2009-10 Financial Statements
Mr. Jonathan McGraw, CA and partner with BDO Canada LLP, reported on the
audit of the district’s year-end financial statements. Mr. McGraw reviewed the
procedures for statement review and to test the accuracy of the financial records.
Mr. McGraw advised the statements reflect the sound financial position of School
District 67 in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Mr.
McGraw also advised there will be changes in future financial statements as school
districts move to public sector accounting procedures. In addition, Mr. McGraw
noted the strong financial controls and practices in the school district and thanked
staff for their cooperation and assistance received during the audit.
The committee expressed appreciation for the work of the secretary-treasurer and
district staff to assist with the preparation of the financial statements and to Mr.
McGraw for his work and presentation at the committee meeting.
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Little that the report of the 2009-10 financial statements be
received.
CARRIED
Further to the committee report, trustees requested that future presentations by the
auditor be made at a public board meeting. It was noted that the financial statements are
publically available upon request and will be available on the district website.
Appreciation was extended to the secretary-treasurer and district staff for a favourable
report in a difficult financial year.
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Siddon that the report of the finance and management
committee be received.
CARRIED
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
8.2
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Minutes of the Regular Board of Education Meeting – September 13, 2010
Buildings, Grounds, Safety and Transportation Committee
Trustee Perry reported on the buildings, grounds, safety, and transportation committee
meeting held on September 1, 2010:
a.
Trout Creek Elementary Library and Penticton Secondary School PE
Department
Secretary-Treasurer Shongrunden advised that a request had been received from
staff and students to name the school library at Trout Creek Elementary in memory
of Vivian Hopkins, a long time teacher at the school. As well, a request has been
received from the Penticton Secondary PE Department to recognize donors via a
plaque or by naming the facility in their honour. Mr. Shongrunden reviewed a
memo outlining some past practices within the school district related to naming
facilities or rooms. The committee discussed the need for policy being developed,
the difference between naming libraries in memory or recognition of a person
compared to naming for a sponsorship or donation, and the possibility of placing a
time limit on the naming of rooms and facilities. Following discussion,
MOTION:
Perry/Little that the library at Trout Creek Elementary be named in memory
of long time teacher Vivian Hopkins.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Perry/Clarke that staff be requested to develop a policy related to the
naming of school district rooms and facilities including naming to recognize
sponsorships or donors.
CARRIED
b.
Giant’s Head Elementary Ball Diamond
Director of Maintenance Hickling reviewed complaints from neighbours regarding
the use of the school ball diamond during ActionFest in Summerland and
subsequent conversations with Dale MacDonald of Summerland Parks and
Recreation. Committee members supported that users should be expected to use
the school fields properly and that the use should be monitored. Mr. Hickling will
discuss further with Mr. MacDonald.
c.
School Zone Speed Limits
Director of Maintenance Hickling advised that City of Penticton staff will be
reviewing all signs around schools and playgrounds and will install signs in a
consistent manner following city policy. Signs have been installed in the past in
reaction to parent requests. Trustees noted the need for proper school zone signs,
supported efforts for better signage, and requested an update related to the
Emergency/Protective Services Advisory Committee’s work.
d.
District of Summerland
A request has been received from the District of Summerland to place solar panels
on the roof of Summerland Secondary School in order to install a solar hot water
system for the Summerland Aquatic Centre. It has been determined that the roof
of Summerland Secondary would receive more sunlight and the solar panels would
be better protected from public view. Following discussion,
MOTION:
e.
Perry/Little that permission be given for the project to proceed subject to no
liability concerns for the school district.
CARRIED
Annual Facility Grant 2009-10 and 2010-11
Director of Maintenance Hickling reviewed proposed annual facility grant programs
for 2009-10 and 2010-11 in the amounts of $642,755 and $619,799 respectively.
Mr. Hickling noted both budgets have been categorized according to Ministry of
Education guidelines, all expenditures must be for improvements to schools, and
deficits from the 2008-09 projects, amounting to $194,602, need to be paid off
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of the Regular Board of Education Meeting – September 13, 2010
before new projects can be undertaken. Following a number of questions, the
committee recommended approval.
MOTION:
Perry/Van Alphen that the proposed budgets for the 2009-10 and 2010-11
annual facility grants be approved.
CARRIED
f.
Naramata Gardens
Trustee Manning provided an update on the Naramata Community Garden noting
the gardens are full, a shed is being raised on the site with a covered area for
educational purposes, many people are involved with the project, and art work has
been placed on the wall.
g.
Signage at Wiltse Elementary School
The director of maintenance reviewed a request from the Wiltse Elementary School
parent advisory council to erect signage, as circulated, on the back panel of the
arch at the playground. The signage recognizes the contributions of donors for the
school and community playground. The committee expressed no concerns with
the design as presented.
Trustees requested that a letter be written to the Hopkins family advising of the naming of
the library and that appreciation be passed on to the City of Penticton for the flashing light
at Queen’s Park Elementary.
MOTION:
9.0
Perry/Denesiuk that the report of the buildings, grounds, safety, and
transportation committee be received.
CARRIED
REPORT OF SECRETARY-TREASURER
9.1
Summer Maintenance Projects
The director of maintenance reviewed a lengthy listing of summer maintenance and
renovation projects circulated with the agenda package. Custodians completed new gym
floor finishes at eight schools, steam cleaned all district carpets, and prepared and waxed
new lino installed at three schools. As well, custodians assisted with Okanagan Hockey
School, City of Penticton Summer Youth Program at Parkway Elementary, district
summer school at KVR Middle and Carmi Elementary, and volleyball and basketball
camps at three secondary schools. Maintenance staff completed installation of the wood
shop sawdust collector and wiring, HVAC, and fire suppression system for the new data
server room at Summerland Secondary; removed hazard maple trees at Penticton
Secondary with new trees; and completed site work and other improvements at the
school. Damaged flooring was repaired at a number of schools; classrooms were
converted for kindergarten use; set up and takedown occurred for Okanagan Hockey
School at Queen’s Park Elementary; and work began on the new base and asphalt for
the parking lot at the Summerland maintenance shop.
9.2
Office of the Auditor General of BC
Secretary-Treasurer Shongrunden reported that in January 2010, all school districts were
required to participate in a survey collecting high level governance information from all
organizations within the Government Reporting Entity (GRE). The information was
collected under Section 16 of the Auditor General Act to better understand governance
practices across the GRE and to identify any significant governance issues that may exist
so that best practice in governance could be shared by organizations in the GRE.
The Office of the Auditor General of BC has released two reports: Aspects of Financial
Management, and Observations on Financial Reporting: Audit Findings Report on the
2009-10 Summary Financial Statements. Both reports are available on the Auditor
General’s website at www.bcauditor.com.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of the Regular Board of Education Meeting – September 13, 2010
Mr. Shongrunden advised the overall survey results were positive, with the majority of
entities reporting that they use a range of good governance practices. Mr. Shongrunden
also advised the Ministry of Education has changed the way funding will be delivered to
school districts and noting that districts will receive less funding during the summer
compared to generally equal monthly funding payments in previous years.
10.0
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
10.1
Enrolment
The superintendent of schools advised she could not provide accurate enrolment
numbers due to the difficulties being experienced with BCeSIS. It was noted though that
kindergarten enrolment is currently at 352 students, compared to 304 last year. With
reference to BCeSIS, the software program has had problems since opening day and has
caused tremendous stress and pressure on teachers, clerical staff, councillors, and
principals. Ms. Hyer advised she had communicated with the superintendent of
achievement on the problems and the impact to staff. The service provider provided a
patch over the weekend but the software continues to work slowly or not at all. It was
noted that the problems are province wide. Trustees expressed concern, understanding,
and appreciation to staff for dealing with the problems and discussed ways, if any, to
relay these concerns to the Ministry.
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Perry that a letter be written to the Ministry of Education
outlining our problems with the BCeSIS software.
CARRIED
10.2
Class Size and Composition Report
The assistant superintendent reviewed the processes and timelines required at the
school, district, and provincial levels for class size and composition consultation
meetings. A report will be provided to the board and DPAC prior to the October 1
deadline. It was noted that Penticton Secondary was required to hold 88 meetings last
year in order to complete the legislation guidelines and if we continue to have problems
with BCeSIS, it will be very difficult to meet the deadlines.
10.3
Youth Smoking Survey
The superintendent advised that School District No. 67 has been invited to participate in
a 2010-11 Youth Smoking Survey. The results of the survey will be used to support the
development and evaluation of policies and programs aimed at reducing youth smoking.
Penticton Secondary will receive a $100 honourarium for participating in the survey as
well as an individualized school profile and summary detailing smoking rates and related
behaviours in their school.
MOTION:
10.4
Perry/Little that as per the request from Health Canada and the Ministry of
Education, the Board of Education approves participation of all students in
Penticton Secondary School in the Youth Smoking Survey.
CARRIED
Penticton Steps Out Speaker Series
The superintendent reviewed details of two events being co-presented by School District
No. 67 in partnership with the City of Penticton. Both speakers were to be key note
presenters at the Summer Leadership Conference and agreed to choose another date at
which to speak to the community as part of the Penticton Steps Out Speaker Series.
Andrew Weaver will speak on September 15 on “Keeping Our Cool’: Climate Change,
the Scale of the Program and the Path to the Solution, and Warren Macdonald will speak
on October 7 on the “Challenge of Change, Finding Opportunity in Adversity”. Mr.
Weaver will also speak to students at Summerland Secondary and Mr. Macdonald will
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of the Regular Board of Education Meeting – September 13, 2010
speak at students at Penticton Secondary. Tickets for both events are available at the
public.
11.0
REPORT OF REPRESENTATIVES
12.0
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
13.0
INFORMATION ITEMS
14.0
13.1
BCSTA Provincial Council Meeting
It was noted that Trustee Clarke will attend the BCSTA Provincial Council Meeting to be
held on October 22 and 23, 2010 in Vancouver and that the deadline for motions of an
“emergent” nature is September 27, 2010.
13.2
Joint Meeting for Board Chairs, Provincial Councillors, and Ministry of Education
Staff
This joint meeting will be held on October 22, the purpose of which is to learn about and
to provide initial feedback on the Ministry of Education’s vision for education. Chair
Manning and Trustee Van Alphen, in her capacity of Branch Chair, will attend the
meeting.
13.3
BCSTA Thompson Okanagan Branch Meeting
The BCSTA Thompson Okanagan Branch meeting will be held on October 15 and 16,
2010 in Lillooet. An outline of the event is attached.
13.4
Date of Next Meeting
• October 4, 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 Naramata Elementary
School for their artwork currently on display at the school board office:
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Kuria Gould
Kindergarten
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Jonty Linton
Kindergarten
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Kallaghan Kozakevich
Kindergarten
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Madeleine Zeller
Kindergarten
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Owen Madsen
Kindergarten
“Working Together for Student Success”
A painted brown bear on black
construction paper with random
splashes of paint
A painted brown bear on black
construction paper with lots of
orange spots
A watercolour painting on a bright
green background of two happy red
and orange rabbits
A watercolour painting of a
yellow/green background of four
surprised rabbits – two blue and two
red
A watercolour painting of
yellow/green background with five
happy assorted coloured rabbits
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
14.3
15.0
Page 9
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Olivia Linton
Grade 1
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Carlin Bordin-Slavens
Grade 2
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Maceo Reynolds
Grade 3
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Chase Davies
Grade 3
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Casey Carriere
Grade 4
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Sage Togyi
Grade 4
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Kassidy Gold
Grade 5
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Brynn Clark
Grade 5
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Bryce Burlingame
Grade 5
Minutes of the Regular Board of Education Meeting – September 13, 2010
A pastel drawing of a snowman
combined with watercolour paint on
blue paper
An acrylic/watercolour multicoloured flower on heavy white card
stock
A pastel drawing of a bird on a royal
blue background
A pastel drawing of a bird with a
blended soft coloured background
An abstract scarecrow-cowboy
standing in a corn field
A watercolour painting of a colourful
bird sitting on a branch
A watercolour painting of a red
flower with royal blue background
A watercolour painting of a red
flower with a black center on a
yellow background
An abstract acrylic painting with
vivid circles and designs on
stretched canvas
Trustee Comments
Trustees provided general comments related to district activities including the open
house at the Shatford facility on September 10 and the Ministry of Education’s vision for
21st century education.
QUESTION PERIOD
Questions and/or comments from the audience included:
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16.0
Comments from both union presidents related to frustrations, exhaustion, and
disappointment caused by the BCeSIS software;
Appreciation for naming the Trout Creek Elementary library in memory of Vivian Hopkins;
Distribution of recourses at the instructional media centre; and
Media questions related to BCeSIS.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION:
Perry/Denesiuk that the meeting be adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
CARRIED
____________________
Chairperson
____________________
Secretary-Treasurer
October 8, 2010
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“Working Together for Student Success”