BOARD OF EDUCATION
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 67 (OKANAGAN SKAHA)
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
HELD ON MONDAY, MARCH 14, 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
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
REGRETS
Tom Siddon, Trustee
1.0
CALL TO ORDER
Prior to calling the meeting to order, Chair Manning acknowledged the earthquake and tsunami in
Japan and advised that all families of our international Japanese students are safe.
2.0
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOTION:
Perry/Denesiuk that the agenda be adopted.
CARRIED
3.0
PRESENTATIONS BY SCHOOLS AND/OR STUDENTS
3.1
Run Jump Throw Project
Developed by Athletics Canada and presented by BC Athletics, RJT is a development
program that teaches the skills of running, jumping and throwing. Run Jump Throw skills
form the basis of all land based sports and as such, RJT provides a strong foundation for
success in all sports and physical activities. It is designed for boys and girls ages 6-12,
has progressions for older athletes, and can be adapted for special needs. Teachers
Nadeen Halls and Jennifer Mitchell recently presented a workshop for district staff which
was well received by the 25 teachers who attended. They explained the workshop was
intended to create a community of physical educators; to provide resources and support
for each other through collaboration; to increase physical literacy in both teachers and
students; and to encourage more teachers and students to have fun being active
together. Ongoing workshops will be held along with sharing of P.E. instructional
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – March 14, 2011
strategies through Wikipaces. As well, high school students are sharing with elementary
students some of the strategies they have learned.
Following a number of questions, Ms. Halls and Ms. Mitchell were thanked for being this
initiative to the district, their enthusiasm with the program, and for their presentation.
4.0
RECEIVING OF DELEGATIONS AND GUESTS
5.0
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
MOTION:
Little/Clarke that the minutes of the regular meeting held on February 14, 2011 be
approved.
CARRIED
6.0
REPORT FROM CLOSED MEETING
Chair Manning reviewed the items which were discussed at the closed meeting held on February
14, 2011:
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7.0
Received correspondence;
Received reports from the finance and management committee and discipline committee;
Confirmed teaching and support staff changes;
Received information related to bargaining;
Approved a teacher leave request;
Received information related to student suspensions;
Received information related to personnel;
Reviewed information related to a program and confirmed staffing;
Received information related to BCPSEA and OLRC meetings.
CORRESPONDENCE
7.1
Letter from Susan Close
A thank you letter forwarded by Susan Close, Facilitator of SmartLearning, thanking the
board members, senior leadership team, administrators, and teachers for supporting the
implementation of SmartLearning in the district.
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. 72 (Campbell River) to the Minister of Education regarding the
loss of funding protection and requesting compensation for what appears to be a
funding equity issue;
School District No. 84 (Vancouver Island West) to the Minister of Education
requesting that the Ministries of Education, Children and Family Development,
and Health collaborate on the development and provision of improved resources
that will support districts in diagnosing and giving appropriate help to underserviced students;
School District No. 20 (Kootenay-Columbia) to the Minister of Education
regarding the ongoing concern of the misuse of Foundation Skills Assessment
results by the Fraser Institute to rank schools;
School District No. 52 (Prince Rupert) to the Minister of Education requesting that
the Ministry work with other ministries and local governments to ensure that safe
drinking water is available to schools throughout the year;
School District No. 23 (Central Okanagan) to the Minister of Education
requesting the Ministry announce the funding level for annual facility grants as
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – March 14, 2011
early as possible before March 31st of each year and allow school districts to
carry forward AFG funding past the March 31st deadline.
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Denesiuk that the correspondence be received.
CARRIED
8.0
REPORT OF COMMITTEES
8.1
8.2
Finance and Management Committee
Trustee Van Alphen reported on the finance and management committee meeting held
on March 9, 2011:
a.
2011-12 Budget Development Process
Secretary-Treasurer Shongrunden reviewed a proposed schedule of meetings to
prepare for the adoption of the 2011-12 preliminary budget. It is anticipated that
the funding announcement will be made by March 15 with final adoption of the
budget at the May 9th regular board of education meeting. Trustees supported the
dates suggested including a public meeting on April 6 to present the facility review,
a public budget meeting on April 12, meetings of the finance and management
committee with OSTU and CUPE on April 20, with excluded group on April 26, and
attendance at the DPAC meeting on April 27. As well, trustees suggested a format
for the public meeting and the use of social media, on-line surveys, and district
website for informing the public about the budget process.
b.
2011 Trustee Elections
The secretary-treasurer reviewed a request had been received from the RDOS
asking if the district was interested in using mail-in ballots and a polling station at
Skaha Lake Middle School for residents of the upper Carmi area for the 2011
trustee election. Recognizing the small number of voters who used the additional
polling station during the 2008 election combined with the added expense of
operating the polling station and the ability for residents in that area to vote during
an advanced poll to be held at the RDOS regional district office, trustees did not
support the addition of a separate polling station at the school. As well, trustees
recommended no change to the election bylaw to include a provision for mail-in
ballots.
c.
Bill 33
Trustees discussed the unintended costs and exorbitant amount of administrative
time related to Bill 33 and resulting arbitrations and suggested a resolution be
brought to the BCSTA annual general meeting requesting the government to
change or repeal Bill 33 legislation. Following discussion,
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Little that the Board of Education prepare a motion for
submission to the BCSTA annual general meeting related to Bill 33.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Clarke that the report of the finance and management
committee be received.
CARRIED
Buildings, Grounds, Safety and Transportation Committee
Trustee Denesiuk reported on the buildings, grounds, safety and transportation
committee meeting held on March 2, 2011:
a.
Vandalism Report
In response to a request at a previous board meeting for statistics regarding
vandalism, Director of Maintenance Hickling reviewed a memo which indicated the
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – March 14, 2011
number of vandalism incidents and resulting costs had reduced from 2009, the first
year historical data was kept. The report noted there were 350 vandalism
incidents, a decrease of 25 from 2009, and a corresponding decrease of
approximately $11,000 from 2009.
b.
Naramata Recreation
For trustee information, Secretary-Treasurer Shongrunden reported that he and Mr.
Hickling had met with Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen representatives
who had requested a joint-use agreement for the use of Naramata Elementary by
the Naramata Recreation. Mr. Shongrunden advised the representatives that the
school district should recover costs, as noted in the auditor general’s report
regarding the Vancouver school board, and the province is currently looking at a
joint-use agreement or template for the entire province. It was noted a previous
joint-use agreement had been expired for a number of years, the Naramata
Recreation group should suggest terms of a proposed agreement to the district,
and the group can continue to use the Naramata facilities using a regular rental
form.
c.
Portable Speed Readers
For trustee information, Mr. Hickling reported that the City of Penticton had
purchased three solar powered radar signs and plans to locate them strategically
around the city. One sign is installed on Johnson Road to the east of the Middle
Bench Road intersection and the crosswalk. The other two signs are presently on
East Side Road. For vehicles travelling up to 10 KPH over the limit, the speed
readers will flash yellow numbers and for more than 10 KPH, the numbers will flash
red. The signs store data denoting dates, times, and speed of vehicles and the
data collected can be used to determine if the signs are effective. The signs cost
$8,000 each, are placed on city property, and can be moved to other areas. Early
information indicates that vehicles slow down when the sign is illuminated. Mr.
Hickling added that Principal Kelly Jones had requested that the speed reader be
placed near Parkway Elementary and will approach the city with that request.
d.
Penticton Secondary School Washroom Taps
As a follow-up to previous information, the director of maintenance advised he had
written to the mechanical engineers advising hot water is not being delivered to the
washroom taps. It was noted the faucets are low flow, are activated by a motion
sensor, and have a tempering device to limit the hot water coming through.
Regular taps can be used in areas with supervision. Mr. Hickling circulated a
pamphlet from the Centers for Disease Control advising the proper way to wash
your hands, which does not indicate the need for hot water, and noted that other
facilities such as the Vancouver Airport and South Okanagan Event Centre does
not have hot water in the washroom taps. Mr. Hickling added the taps are installed
as tendered under the building contract and anything else would cost additional
money. He has requested comments and recommendations from the mechanical
engineers and further review will be undertaken. It was suggested that Mr. Hickling
attend a parent advisory committee meeting to review the topic and pamphlet
received from the Centers for Disease Control.
e.
WorkSafeBC Report
Committee members were advised that the Central Okanagan school district is
contracted to manage the claims process for WorkSafeBC claims for SD67
employees. Mr. Hickling reviewed the procedures used for claims and noted that
premiums are based on the actual costs of work place incidents. The public school
district base rate for 2010 is $0.65 with the SD67 net rate at $0.47, a savings of
$68,603 for SD67. This reflects a positive safety record associated with the
district’s employees.
Board members extended praise to all district staff for their positive safety record.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
f.
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – March 14, 2011
West Bench Elementary
Mr. Hickling reviewed a request from West Bench Elementary to paint silhouettes
on the gym walls similar to anti-bullying posters. The silhouettes would be full size,
would depict groups of multi aged students, can be painted on 4 x 8 sections of
plywood, and can be painted over. The paintings would liven up the gym, meet fire
codes, and costs would be covered by the school. Trustees requested that a
sketch of the drawings be provided prior to final approval.
This topic was referred to the next buildings, grounds, safety, and transportation
committee.
g.
Observatory at Penticton Secondary School
The secretary-treasurer reported he had met with Principal Bill Bidlake and
teacher, Mr. Gowe, who had suggested a new concept for the observatory –
placing it in a metal storage container with a dome roof. This container, with proper
fire codes and security, could store the telescope and/or make it mobile for other
sites. A company has volunteered to move the storage container and costs for the
container may be within the funds previously budgeted. Mr. Shongrunden added
that staff is investigating further.
MOTION:
8.3
Denesiuk/Perry that the report of the buildings, grounds, safety, and
transportation committee be received.
CARRIED
Education Committee
Trustee Clarke reported that at the education committee visitation to KVR Middle School
on February 22, trustees viewed the computer lab and watched students playing math
games with students from Australia and Britain; learned about SmartLearning initiatives in
the school; and enjoyed a grade 7 mini band performance. Items covered at the
education committee meeting held on March 8, 2011 included:
a.
East Hastings Field Trip
A small group of leadership students from Penticton Secondary School travelled to
Vancouver two weeks ago to tour the downtown eastside of Vancouver. The
purpose of the trip was to try to make a difference in the lives of the homeless
residents by offering plastic mats for sleeping that the students made out of
recycled plastic bags. The mats were made by the three students as well as other
students at Penticton Secondary. Leadership students Jolene Hayter, Ashley Aoki
and Kristy Grabeck, accompanied by Vice Principal Sandra Richardson, shared
stories of their visit to the eastside of Vancouver, including those about the
individuals they met and those to whom they had given their mats. The impact of
this trip was evident in the presentation by the students. The students also shared
a video presentation they made of their trip.
b.
Full Day Kindergarten
Judy Scott, Early Learning and Literacy Helping Teacher, presented information on
the progression of Full Day Kindergarten and the various supports and activities
our teachers have received this year. Ms. Scott reported there were no new
learning outcomes for Full Day Kindergarten; teachers have more time to pursue
the same learning outcomes as there are for Half Day Kindergarten and teachers
have more time to pursue and go deeper into the outcomes, extend student
interests, and scaffold to new experiences.
Ms. Scott reviewed the activities and meetings that have been held to support Full
Day Kindergarten teachers this year including that all teachers were given
resources developed by the Coquitlam school district and exemplar DVD’s. Two
meetings have been held to date, with two more planned, for all Full Day
Kindergarten teachers to discuss common concerns and pro-d activities. As well, a
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – March 14, 2011
book club on “Learning Together with Young Children” gave teachers opportunities
for self-reflective and collaborative dialogue with colleagues.
Ms. Scott recommended that the district consider reviewing Kindergarten
assessments; that any K/1 blends present more challenges with Full Day
Kindergarten; a Mentorship program for new Kindergarten teachers; and
establishing a district kindergarten philosophy with regards to best teaching
practice in Kindergarten. Recommendations from the Kindergarten teachers
included that the district hire only experienced Kindergarten teachers; avoid any
K/1 split classes; keep class sizes smaller than 22; review the gradual entry
process; and review teacher supervision of playgrounds in September and
October.
c.
French Immersion Program Enrolment Update
District Principal Tom Schimmer gave an update on the September 2011 Grade 6
French Immersion numbers as follows:
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MOTION:
9.0
The KVR Middle School program is now full at four divisions of 30.
The Summerland Middle School program is now full at one division of 30.
Of the original 13 on the waitlist for Summerland Middle School, one has
dropped the request for the program and all other 12 were offered a place at
KVR. Eight of 12 have accepted a place at KVR which resulted in the filling
up of the KVR program. The other four declined a spot at KVR and will
remain on the SMS waitlist. Those who did accept a placement at KVR from
Summerland also remain on the waitlist for SMS should openings arise.
There are five in-district applicants who applied after the deadline who are
placed on the waitlist in date order, and there are five out-of-district
applicants who are placed on the waitlist after all in-district applicants.
Clarke/Van Alphen that the report of the education committee meeting be
received.
CARRIED
REPORT OF SECRETARY-TREASURER
9.1
Letter to the Ministry
Secretary-Treasurer Shongrunden advised that the Board and staff had expressed
concern to the Ministry of Education regarding the present funding system being
inequitable and not being adequate for 21st Century Learning. Two recommendations in
the letter requested that the Ministry hold off on major changes to the funding formula
(including funding protection) for one year to allow for time to examine the entire funding
system and that the Ministry involve all stakeholders in the process in a meaningful way.
Mr. Shongrunden advised that the Ministry has allocated funding for the 2011-12 school
year and the allocation includes funding protection. For SD67, this funding protection
amounts to $1.4 million as SD67 is one of 46 school districts in the province that qualifies
for funding protection, the average of which is more than $1 million.
9.2
2011-12 Budget Development
The secretary-treasurer advised two public meetings are upcoming:
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April 6, 7:00 p.m., Penticton Secondary School for the consultant to present his
final report on his review of the district’s facilities; and
April 12, 7:00 p.m., Penticton Secondary School, for parents, partner groups, and
the public to participate in the development of the district’s operating budget.
Mr. Shongrunden added the $1.4 million in funding protection will assist with the
development of the budget, staff will use the district website during the process, and will
use on-line surveys. As always, suggestions to the budget are encouraged.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
9.3
10.0
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – March 14, 2011
2010-11 Capital Plan
For trustee information, the Ministry of Education has acknowledged receipt of the
district’s five-year capital plan. It was noted that all nine projects requested by the district
were ranked “medium” priority by the Ministry and will require a facility review to be
completed before the projects will be considered.
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
10.1
Class Size and Composition Report
Assistant Superintendent Burgoyne reviewed details on recently held school class size
and composition consultation meetings for second semester classes. Mr. Burgoyne
added that all principals have submitted a report to the superintendent confirming these
classes are appropriate for student learning and school planning councils have been
informed. There are currently 12 classes over 30 students in the district. Superintendent
Hyer confirmed that the classes were appropriate for student learning and asked the
Board to accept the report. Following a number of trustee questions,
MOTION:
Denesiuk/Van Alphen that the class size and composition report be
received.
CARRIED
10.2
Enrolment
The superintendent of schools reported that enrolment as of February 28, 2011 showed
6,417 students, or 6,329 FTE, in the school district.
10.3
Field Trips
District Principal Tom Schimmer reviewed two field trip requests which required trustee
approval pursuant to district policy.
MOTION:
Denesiuk/Van Alphen that the field trip request for March 15 to 19, 2012 for
approximately 25 students from Penticton Secondary School to travel to
Peru on a humanitarian work trip as an extension of the International
Studies 12 course be approved in principle.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Clarke/Little that the field trip request for April 16 to 23, 2011 for
approximately 25 rugby students from Princess Margaret Secondary to
travel to Ottawa on a cultural exchange be given final approval.
CARRIED
11.0
REPORT OF REPRESENTATIVES
12.0
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
13.0
INFORMATION ITEMS
13.1
BCSTA Provincial Council Meeting
Trustee Clarke reported on the BCSTA Provincial Council Meeting held on February 2526, 2011 in Vancouver noting that the disposition of motions and synopsis has been
circulated separately to all trustees. Dr. Pasi Sahlberg will be the keynote speaker at the
annual general meeting to be held on April 14 to 17 in Vancouver. Dr. Pasi will describe
the success of the changes made to the Finnish education system.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
MOTION:
13.2
14.0
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – March 14, 2011
Clarke/Little that the report from the BCSTA Provincial Council meeting be
received.
CARRIED
Date of Next Meeting
• April 11, 2011, 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 are extended to the following students from Carmi Elementary School for
their artwork currently on display at the school board office:
14.3
15.0
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Hugo Stapley
Grade 3
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Danika Bergen
Grade 3
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Matt Kovach
Grade 5
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Malaika Atajek
Grade 5
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Matthew Jones
Grade 5
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Hannah Dishkin
Grade 5
A photograph of a wintery outdoor scene cut into
zigzags, glued, puzzle-like – utilizing the
negative space in the background
A photograph of a wintery boat scene cut into
long shapes, placed back together leaving white
negative space in a cool design
Colourful tissue paper shapes that make up a
fun portrait of a boy with brown wavy hair with a
pink oval face
Colourful tissue paper shapes that make up a
fun portrait of a girl with curly blue hair in a bright
orange shirt
Colourful tissue paper shapes that make up a
fun portrait of a boy with wild red wavy hair with
a bright blue face
Colourful tissue paper shapes that make up a
fun portrait of a girl with blue stringy hair with a
bright red shirt
Trustee Comments
Trustees provided comments related to district activities including the new Breakfast for
Learning program at Carmi Elementary, sponsored by Walmart; the recent student
production at Summerland Secondary of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the
Forum; and the sponsorship by the United Way and TELUS of nine youth grants, three of
which were programs for high school students: Watch Your Drink, Watch Your Friends;
Power Wheels Soccer Tournament; and Esteem Team. Additionally, congratulations
were extended to Raja Gupta, a teacher at Summerland Secondary School, who placed
second in the national Iron Science Teacher Challenge. Trustees requested that a letter
of congratulations be sent to Mr. Gupta.
QUESTION PERIOD
Comments/questions from the audience related to the agenda included:
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Appreciation from Kevin Epp, President, OSTU, for the Board’s motion regarding Bill 33;
Clarification from Mike Johnson, CUPE, regarding funding protection.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
16.0
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – March 14, 2011
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION:
Clarke/Little that the meeting be adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
CARRIED
____________________
Chairperson
____________________
Secretary-Treasurer
March 18, 2011
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“Working Together for Student Success”