BOARD OF EDUCATION
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 67 (OKANAGAN SKAHA)
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
HELD ON MONDAY, JANUARY 10, 2011, 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
Chair Manning welcomed everyone to the meeting.
2.0
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOTION:
Little/Denesiuk that the agenda and addendum be adopted.
CARRIED
3.0
PRESENTATIONS BY SCHOOLS AND/OR STUDENTS
4.0
RECEIVING OF DELEGATIONS AND GUESTS
5.0
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
MOTION:
Perry/Clarke that the minutes of the inaugural and regular meetings held on
December 13, 2010 be approved.
CARRIED
6.0
REPORT FROM CLOSED MEETING
The following items were discussed at the closed meeting held on December 13, 2010:
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Received reports from the committee of the whole and finance and management
committee;
Approved negotiations for a lease;
Approved a rental matter;
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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7.0
Page 2
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – January 10, 2011
Received information related to student discipline;
Confirmed teaching and support staff changes;
Received information related to teacher bargaining;
Received information related to support staff bargaining;
(Declaring a possible conflict of interest, Trustee Little left the room for discussion of this
topic.)
Received information related to an excluded staff position;
Approved a teacher leave request;
Received information related to a new personnel practice;
Received information related to an upcoming BCPSEA meeting; and
Approved a change in the format for board of education meetings.
CORRESPONDENCE
7.1
Letter from 2010 School Community Connections (Round 2)
Two letters forwarded by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities advising that the
school district had received approval for two applications:
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Portable staging for use in school gyms – $12,000
Improve public access to school facilities (multiple schools) – $15,000
The district also received approval in principle for the Community Gardens at Giant’s
Head Elementary School.
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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School District No. 20 (Kootenay-Columbia) to the Minister of Education
requesting that government find ways to continue funding for the Roots of
Empathy Program which had been cancelled;
School District No. 52 (Prince Rupert) to the Minister of Education regarding the
cancellation of the funding for the Roots of Empathy Program.
MOTION:
Siddon/Little 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 January 5, 2011:
a.
2010-11 Budget
Secretary-Treasurer Shongrunden reviewed the final funding received from the
Ministry of Education noting the district received $51,498 more than the preliminary
budget. This was attributed to a change in the how continuing education is funded.
It was also noted that the district is still under funding protection.
b.
Summary Financial Statements
For trustee information, the secretary-treasurer reviewed a letter from the Ministry
of Education concerning the work that the Office of the Auditor General plans to
carry out regarding the financial information provided by school districts at March
31, 2011 for inclusion in the government’s summary financial statements (SFS) as
at that date. As per their yearly practice, the Ministry audits books to match their
March 31 year-end. SD67 has been selected as a district to provide additional
information.
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
MOTION:
8.2
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – January 10, 2011
Van Alphen/Clarke that the report of the finance and management
committee be received.
CARRIED
Education Committee
Trustee Clarke reported regarding the education committee meeting held on January 4,
2011:
a.
Building Resiliency in High Risk Girls
Principal Bill Bidlake, Penticton Secondary School, and Terry Kalaski, Penticton
RCMP, presented to the Board information about a project being developed to
build resiliency in high risk girls. The project provides an opportunity for students to
participate in a 3-day, 2-night campout experience with three leaders and in a
maximum group of six students. The program has the support of the RCMP,
Interior Health, and Ministry of Children and Families. Funding is provided by the
“Mounted Police Foundation” and will be of no cost to the district or students. The
program targets girls transitioning into grade 9 that need support in interacting
appropriately with their peer group, especially other girls. The project would run up
to four times per school year and the focus during the trips will be on activities that
promote communication skills and building resiliency. When the planning is
finalized, it will be presented as a Field Trip request from the school.
b.
Canadian Parents for French
Superintendent Hyer and District Principal Schimmer provided a summary of their
meeting with the Okanagan-Skaha Branch of Canadian Parents for French that
was held in December. Trustees received a typed summary of the answers
provided by district staff to the parent’s questions. Mr. Schimmer reviewed the
report and responded to further trustee questions. A number of suggestions have
come forward as a result of the December meeting including letting parents know
their position on the wait list, having a separate meeting to explain the process with
all the wait-listed parents/students, and the board giving consideration to
implementing a sibling policy.
c.
Doctorate Research Project
Superintendent Hyer and Director of Instruction Butters presented information on a
study that is being conducted by Ms. Glenda Mason, one of the district’s speech
language pathologists. Ms. Mason is conducting this study as part of her PhD in
the School of Audiology and Speech Sciences through the University of British
Columbia. Glenda is requesting permission to conduct another phase of the
research project she began in the spring of 2008, concerning the production of
multisyllabic words in elementary school children.
An overview of Glenda’s proposal was provided to the committee for approval.
This is a continuation of a previously approved study.
MOTION:
d.
Denesiuk/Siddon that permission be granted for Glenda Mason to conduct
another phase of the research project concerning the production of
multisyllabic words in elementary school children as part of her PhD
studies.
CARRIED
Class Size in Full Day Kindergarten
Trustee Perry initiated discussion about the maximum class size of 22 in full day
kindergarten and how many classes in the district are at or approaching that
maximum size as set out in legislation. Questions about considering a lower class
size for kindergarten in our district and what does the curriculum of full day K class
look like compared to a half day class were discussed. Superintendent Hyer will
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – January 10, 2011
invite the early learning helping teacher to come to a future education committee
meeting to present on the kindergarten program.
MOTION:
8.3
Clarke/Perry that the report of the education committee be received.
CARRIED
Buildings, Grounds, Safety and Transportation Committee
Trustee Denesiuk reported regarding the buildings, grounds, safety, and transportation
committee meeting held on January 5, 2011:
a.
Video Surveillance Report
Director of Maintenance Hickling advised that Policy No. 725 requires an annual
review of video surveillance procedures in the district and reviewed a report
outlining the number and locations of cameras in the school district. This report
was circulated to committee members. It was noted that new cameras are digital
and run on the fibre optic system which makes them more efficient, easier to
deploy, and easier to manage. In response to a request from Trustee Siddon for
vandalism statistics, Director of Maintenance Hickling responded that vandalism
actually seems to be reduced and that a report will be prepared. Trustees
questioned if Policy No. 725 needs to be reviewed to ensure no conflict exists
between the video surveillance policy and curricular use of video cameras. Staff
have been requested to review this.
b.
RCMP Participation in School Lock Down Drills
Director of Maintenance Hickling advised the committee that the RCMP was
involved with a recent lock down drill at Penticton Secondary School. The
committee referred to staff the RCMP recommendations resulting from their
participation. Committee members extended appreciation to the RCMP for
providing this service to our schools.
c.
Penticton Secondary School – Girls’ Washroom
The committee was advised that hot water is not reaching taps in the girls’
washroom in a timely manner. The design may be faulty and district staff are
working with the consultant and engineer to remedy the problem.
Further to the report, Director of Maintenance Hickling advised that he will be meeting
with the consulting engineers later this week to review all public lavatories in the building.
MOTION:
9.0
Denesiuk/Perry that the report of the buildings, grounds, safety and
transportation committee be received.
CARRIED
REPORT OF SECRETARY-TREASURER
9.1
2010-11 Amended Budget
Secretary-Treasurer Shongrunden advised that the district has received the funding
recalculation numbers and the 2010-11 amended annual budget bylaw will be presented
at the February board meeting. It is anticipated a balanced budget will be submitted to
the Board. Mr. Shongrunden added that the district should receive notice of the funding
for 2011-12 by the middle of March.
9.2
Policy No. 510 – Executive Officers
Pursuant to district policy, the 30-day circulation period to partner groups was approved
at the November board meeting for Policy No. 510 – Executive Officers. SecretaryTreasurer Shongrunden advised that to date, no suggestions have been received to
modify this policy and the policy is therefore recommended for adoption.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
MOTION:
9.3
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – January 10, 2011
Perry/Little that Policy No. 510 – Executive Officers be adopted as
circulated.
CARRIED
Policy No. 600 – Fiscal Control
Pursuant to district policy, the 30-day circulation period to partner groups was approved
at the November board meeting for Policy No. 600 – Fiscal Control. To date, no
suggestions have been received to modify this policy and the policy is therefore
recommended for adoption.
MOTION:
Linda/Little that Policy No. 600 – Fiscal Control be adopted as circulated.
CARRIED
Appreciation was extended to the committee for their efforts in revising this policy.
10.0
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
10.1
Documenting the Positive Impact of Full Day Kindergarten
The superintendent advised that the Ministry of Education is partnering with the Human
Early Learning Partnership (HELP) at UBC to document the benefits from full day
kindergarten. A request has been received for School District No. 67 to participate in the
process. Ms. Hyer reviewed the six questions posed on the questionnaire which
centered around unfunded students in the past school year, daily attendance information,
and general characteristics of the school/neighbourhood that might affect the outcomes
of the children.
MOTION:
Little/Clarke that School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha) participate in
the project.
CARRIED
10.2
Enrolment
The superintendent of schools reported that enrolment as of December 31, 2010 showed
6,389 students, or 6,301.5 FTE, in the district.
10.3
School Calendar (2011-12)
Superintendent Hyer reviewed that the Board of Education is required by May 31, 2011 to
approve and circulate the 2011-12 school calendar for the district. It is recommended
that the proposed school calendar for 2011-12 be distributed for information to parents
and employee groups.
MOTION:
10.4
Perry/Denesiuk that the proposed school calendar for 2011-12 be
approved and circulated to parents and employee groups for information
and feedback.
CARRIED
Field Trips
District Principal Schimmer reviewed two field trip requests, one of which had been
approved by the superintendent pursuant to district policy.
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Clarke that the following field trip request be approved in
principle:
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June 15 to 18, 2011 for approximately 25 grade 8 band students
from Summerland Middle School to travel with the McNicoll Park
Middle School band to Edmonton, Alberta, to perform at a variety
of schools and visit West Edmonton Mall and Royal Alberta
Museum.
CARRIED
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Page 6
11.0
REPORT OF REPRESENTATIVES
12.0
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
12.1
13.0
Committee and Representative Appointments
Chair Manning presented a listing of committee and representative appointments as well
as trustee school liaisons for the period January 2011 to November 2011.
INFORMATION ITEMS
13.1
BCSTA Annual General Meeting
The deadline for submission of motions for BCSTA’s annual general meeting to be held
April 14 to 17, 2011 in Vancouver is as follows:
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14.0
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – January 10, 2011
Extraordinary motions – February 3
Substantive motions – February 11
13.2
BCSTA Provincial Council Meeting
The deadline for BCSTA to receive provincial council meeting motions is January 24,
2011. The provincial council meeting will be held on February 25-26, 2011 in Vancouver.
Trustee Clarke will attend the meeting.
13.3
BCSTA Okanagan Branch Meeting
The BCSTA Okanagan Branch meeting will be held on February 4 and 5, 2011 in West
Kelowna.
13.4
Date of Next Meeting
• February 14, 2011, 6:30 p.m., Regular Meeting, School Board Office
TRUSTEE COMMENTS
14.1
Trustee Comments
Trustees provided general comments related to district activities including the recent
matinee at Penticton Secondary School.
14.2
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.
14.3
Recognition of Student Artwork
Congratulations were extended to the following students from Summerland Middle
School for their artwork currently on display at the school board office:
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Brianna Ure
Grade 8
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Judith Schwab
Grade 8
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Katie Grant
Grade 8
Negative space doodle; a fun black ink drawing
with the focus being on a large white shell
accompanying many small water creatures
Negative space doodle; a very detailed black ink
drawing focusing on the large rabbit in the
center with various creatures, shapes and
doodles
Negative space doodle; a creative black ink
drawing with a large superhero shape in the
center with many space related squiggles and
objects
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
15.0
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Austin Groot
Grade 7
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Dillen Septon
Grade 7
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Rylan Hayter
Grade 6
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – January 10, 2011
Fish (resist – tempra paint coated with Indian
ink); a heavy black outlined green fish swimming
within the reeds
Fish (resist – tempra paint coated with Indian
ink); a heavy black outlined purple stingray
swimming in the ocean
Fish (resist – tempra paint coated with Indian
ink); a heavy black outlined octopus in orange
QUESTION PERIOD
Comments/questions from the audience were related to:
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16.0
Page 7
Timelines for the 2011-12 budget development process;
CUPE President Zoë Magnus requesting that the Board do its best to avoid school
closure days and other items which have a disproportional effect on CUPE;
OSTU President Kevin Epp regarding the unfairness of ranking schools;
Clarification on the cost of full day kindergarten for the Penticton Herald reporter, Joe
Fries;
Explanation of “I” days on the school calendar; and
Update on the bomb threat at a school and clarification of fire drill and bomb threat
evacuations.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION:
Denesiuk/Clarke that the meeting be adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
CARRIED
____________________
Chairperson
____________________
Secretary-Treasurer
January 14, 2011
Ref: U:\SBO-ST-Data\DA\2010-2011\00100 - 01999 Admin\00300-03 Agenda Open\20110110 OP.doc
“Working Together for Student Success”