BOARD OF EDUCATION
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 67 (OKANAGAN SKAHA)
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
HELD ON MONDAY, APRIL 11, 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
Maureen Maywood, Director of Finance
Pam Butters, Director of Instruction
Tom Schimmer, District Principal
Daphne Adey, Executive Assistant
1.0
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Manning called the meeting to order and introduced Maureen Maywood as the new director
of finance, effective April 4, 2011.
2.0
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOTION:
Little/Perry that the agenda and addendum be adopted.
CARRIED
3.0
PRESENTATIONS BY SCHOOLS AND/OR STUDENTS
3.1
Iron Science Teacher Challenge 2011
The Iron Science Teacher challenge is a celebration of science teachers. It champions
the creation of high-quality creative approaches to teaching science and engineering and
shines a spotlight on skilled teachers across Canada. Through playoffs at science
centres across Canada, six teachers, with their support teams, were selected to compete
in the Iron Science Teacher Challenge 2011 Finals in Calgary, Alberta. Raja Gupta, a
teacher at Summerland Secondary School, participated in the finals and provided a
summary of his experience competing in the event. He was accompanied by Shona
Becker and Ryan McCarty from Summerland Secondary School and chose the “History
of Chemistry” as his topic. The competition was sponsored by the University of Calgary
and Discovery Channel.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Page 2
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – April 11, 2011
Following a number of questions, trustees congratulated Mr. Gupta on his participation at
the finals.
3.2
Reporting Practices – A Pilot Project
Research has shown a need for a revision of current grading and reporting systems due
to changes in assessment practices. Based on this research, a pilot project to explore
how a change in reporting practices would impact student achievement was undertaken.
An overview of the results was provided by Carol Barton, a teacher at Giant’s Head
Elementary, who was completing the research as part of her Master’s Program.
Appreciation was extended to Ms. Barton for her presentation.
4.0
RECEIVING OF DELEGATIONS AND GUESTS
5.0
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
MOTION:
Denesiuk/Van Alphen that the minutes of the regular meeting held on March 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 March 14,
2011:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
7.0
Received correspondence;
Received reports from the finance and management committee; education committee;
and buildings, grounds, safety, and transportation committee;
Confirmed teaching and support staff changes;
Approved formation of a district bargaining team;
Approved a personnel matter;
Received information on bargaining;
Received a principal resignation and approved a process for rehiring;
Received information related to personnel; and
Received information related to a BCPSEA meeting.
CORRESPONDENCE
7.1
Letter from Minister of Education
A letter forwarded by the Minister of Education in response to the Board’s letter of March
2, 2011.
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:
•
•
•
School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake) to the Minister of Education regarding the
2011-12 preliminary grant announcement requesting reconsideration of the
process used to reallocate the Supplement for Labour Settlements;
School District No. 20 (Kootenay-Columbia) to the Minister of Education and
Minister of Environment expressing concern with the Carbon Offset program;
School District No. 72 (Campbell River) to Premier Christy Clarke and copied to
the Minister of Finance and Minister of Education requesting that school districts
be allowed to spend carbon offset payments on locally developed programs and
initiatives to lower carbon footprints rather than contribute these funds to Pacific
Carbon Trust to which school districts have no access; and
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
•
Page 3
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – April 11, 2011
School District No. 72 (Campbell River) to the Minister of Education advising that
despite receiving funding protection dollars in the 2011-12 funding
announcement, the district is still facing a $1.1 million structural deficit due to
pension cost increases and energy costs.
MOTION:
Clarke/Van Alphen that the correspondence be received.
CARRIED
8.0
REPORT OF COMMITTEES
8.1
Buildings, Grounds, Safety and Transportation Committee
Trustee Perry reported on the buildings, grounds, safety and transportation committee
meeting held on April 6, 2011:
a.
9.0
West Bench Elementary
Director of Maintenance Hickling reviewed the request from West Bench
Elementary to paint silhouettes on the gymnasium walls. At the last board meeting,
trustees requested that a sketch of the drawings be provided prior to final approval.
The silhouettes will be painted on 4 x 8 foot sections of plywood and will have a
white background with bright colours which are associated with the colours of the
house teams. The committee recommended approval of the murals.
MOTION:
Perry/Little that the request to paint silhouettes on the walls of the West
Bench Elementary School gym be approved as presented.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Perry/Denesiuk that the report of the buildings, grounds, safety and
transportation committee be received.
CARRIED
REPORT OF SECRETARY-TREASURER
9.1
Financial Report
Pursuant to district policy, the secretary-treasurer reviewed the financial report to March
31, 2011 provided in the agenda package. He noted that operating expenditures are on
track for this time of the year and that any savings during this school year could be used
to reduce the structural deficit.
9.2
School District Facilities Report
Secretary-Treasurer Shongrunden advised the slides from the long range facilities report
provided by the consultant on April 6, 2011 are available on the district website. He
added any comments regarding the presentation can be provided by letter or e-mail and
the Board of Education will review the recommendations contained in the report prior to
June 30.
9.3
2011-12 Annual Facility Grant (AFG) Allocation
Mr. Shongrunden reviewed information related to the Ministry of Education’s 2011-12
annual facility grant funding. The school district has received $1,262,554 for 2011-12, of
which $803,443 is capital and the remainder is operating. Mr. Shongrunden added to
comply with new guidelines established by the Ministry, school districts must submit by
April 30th a listing of AFG projects and expenditures to the Ministry for approval, and must
spend AFG funds from last year prior to spending this new money. Trustees questioned
the affect the deadlines imposed by the Ministry would have on AFG projects. Director of
Maintenance Hickling advised he and Hugh Skinner had met with Ministry of Education
staff and was told that completion of the district’s long range facility plan was timely to
support the major capital project for Summerland Secondary School. Mr. Hickling added
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Page 4
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – April 11, 2011
further discussions with the community regarding Neighbourhood Learning Centre are
needed.
10.0
MOTION:
Denesiuk/Perry that the Board write a letter to the Ministry and BCSTA
regarding the timelines imposed by the Ministry related to annual facility
grants.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Clarke/Van Alphen that following first reading of School District No. 67
(Okanagan Skaha) Capital Project Bylaw No. 126299 specifying a
maximum expenditure of $803,443 for Project No. 126299, the capital
portion of the annual facility grant allocation, the Board of Education
passes the bylaw.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Clarke/Van Alphen that following second reading of School District No. 67
(Okanagan Skaha) Capital Project Bylaw No. 126299 specifying a
maximum expenditure of $803,443 for Project No. 126299, the capital
portion of the annual facility grant allocation, the Board of Education
passes the bylaw.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Clarke/Van Alphen that following third reading of School District No. 67
(Okanagan Skaha) Capital Project Bylaw No. 126299 specifying a
maximum expenditure of $803,443 for Project No. 126299, the capital
portion of the annual facility grant allocation, the Board of Education
passes and adopts the bylaw.
CARRIED
9.4
2011-12 Budget Development
The secretary-treasurer reminded everyone that a public budget meeting will be held on
April 12, 7:00 p.m., at Penticton Secondary School Library. As well, an online budget
survey will be placed on the district website later tonight for participants to provide
feedback and suggestions towards the district budget.
9.5
Carbon Neutral Action Report
Secretary-Treasurer Shongrunden advised the draft carbon neutral action report was
forwarded by the deadline of March 31, 2011. The final report, to be submitted by April
30, will be viewed on the Ministry website.
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
10.1
Field Trips
Following review of the field trip request by District Principal Schimmer,
MOTION:
Little/Van Alphen that the field trip request for May 11 to 14, 2011, for 49
KVR Middle School grade 8 band students to travel to Edmonton, Alberta,
to perform at several schools be approved.
CARRIED
10.2
Enrolment
The superintendent of schools reported that the district enrolment as of March 31, 2011,
showed 6,450 students, or 6,32.5 FTE. Ms. Hyer further reported that with the closing of
Glenfir School, 29 of their former students are now enrolled in SD67. Trustees
commended staff for doing everything possible to accommodate the Glenfir students and
for a smooth transition to their new schools.
10.3
Class Size and Composition Report
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Page 5
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – April 11, 2011
Assistant Superintendent Burgoyne reviewed details on one school class size
consultation meeting held at Penticton Secondary School for a class that went from 30 to
31. The principal has submitted a report to the superintendent confirming the class was
appropriate for student learning and the school planning council has been informed.
MOTION:
10.4
Denesiuk/Clarke that the class size and composition report be received.
CARRIED
Home Learners’ Program
In response to recommendations of the 2009-10 Ministry of Education review of the
Distributed Learning Program, the District has approved that the Distributed Learning,
Penticton Alternate School, Penticton Secondary Learning Centre, and Summerland
Community Learning Centre be re-organized into one central program. District Principal
Schimmer advised recommendations were brought forward to the Board of Education
including less overlap of some of the programs being offered, a more centralized model
for alternative forms of education, advantages for a principal to oversee all forms of
alternative learning, better utilization of clerical, special education and other staff, and
better communication between programs.
MOTION:
Clarke/Siddon that based on the recommendations from the Distributed
Learning Quality Review and the report presented by District Principal
Schimmer, the Distributed Learning, Penticton Alternate School, Penticton
Secondary Learning Centre, and Summerland Community Learning Centre
be re-organized into one central program effective August 1, 2011.
CARRIED
11.0
REPORT OF REPRESENTATIVES
12.0
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
12.1
Penticton Secondary School 100th Anniversary and Reunion
Trustee Perry advised the Shatford Centre will be organizing the 100th anniversary of
Penticton Secondary School and will be hosting a committee meeting on April 13.
Trustee Denesiuk, a graduate of the school, will represent the Board on the committee.
MOTION:
Siddon/Little that the Board of Education strongly supports and endorses
the planning for the Penticton Secondary School 100th Anniversary and
Reunion by the Shatford Centre committee to provide a fitting tribute for
education in our community.
CARRIED
Trustees requested that the chair provide a letter of support to the committee.
13.0
INFORMATION ITEMS
13.1
BCSTA Annual General Meeting
• April 14 to 17, 2011, in Vancouver.
13.2
Date of Next Meeting
• April 12, 2011, 7:00 p.m., Public Budget Meeting
• May 9, 2011, 6:30 p.m., Regular Meeting, School Board Office
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
14.0
15.0
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – April 11, 2011
TRUSTEE COMMENTS
14.1
Trustee Comments
Trustee Van Alphen reminded everyone of the Good Will Shakespeare to be hosted May
11, 12, and 13 at Summerland 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 included with the
agenda package.
14.3
Recognition of Student Artwork
Congratulations were extended to the following students from Princess Margaret
Secondary School for their artwork currently on display at the school board office:
•
Isabel McNicholas
Grade 10
•
Logan Nowoselski
Grade 10
•
Wendy Tan
Grade 10
•
Cory Livingstone
Grade 10
•
Alison Brooks
Grade 10
•
McKenzie Ricard
Grade 9
A perspective/shading drawing in pencil
on white cotton paper of a ballerina
A perspective/shading drawing in pencil
on white cotton paper of many shapes
or all sizes
A perspective/shading drawing in pencil
with skyscraper buildings protruding
from the Earth
A perspective/shading drawing in pencil
with various shapes and ribbons through
many objects
A perspective/shading drawing in pencil
with objects that seem to be floating
away from a center point
A perspective/shading drawing in pencil
with ragged Anne as a focal point in the
drawing
QUESTION PERIOD
Comments/questions from the audience related to the agenda included:
•
•
16.0
Page 6
Comments from James Miller, Penticton Herald, related Penticton Secondary School
100th Anniversary and Reunion; the hiring of a retired employee as a consultant; and the
Board’s policy on hiring of retired teachers;
A question from Steve Kidd, Western News, to clarify the name of the Board’s
representative on the 100th Anniversary Committee and if the Board would make the
facilities available if needed; and if it is considered when hiring, whether or not a person
is receiving a pension.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION:
Little/Siddon that the meeting be adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
CARRIED
____________________
Chairperson
____________________
Secretary-Treasurer
April 19, 2011
Ref: U:\SBO-ST-Data\DA\2010-2011\00100 - 01999 Admin\00300-05 Minutes Open\2011-04-11 OP Minutes.docx
“Working Together for Student Success”