BOARD OF EDUCATION
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 67 (OKANAGAN SKAHA)
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
HELD ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 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
Ron Shongrunden, Secretary-Treasurer
Dave Burgoyne, Assistant Superintendent
Maureen Maywood, Director of Finance
Doug Gorcak, Director of Facilities
Pam Butters, Director of Instruction
Don MacIntyre, Director of Instruction
Daphne Adey, Executive Assistant
1.0
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Manning called the meeting to order, welcomed everyone to the meeting, and introduced
Doug Gorcak as the new director of facilities. Ms. Manning also acknowledged the difficulties
School District No. 53 (Okanagan Similkameen) is going through with the fire and loss of
Southern Okanagan Secondary School earlier in the day.
2.0
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOTION:
Denesiuk/Little that the agenda be approved.
CARRIED
3.0
PRESENTATIONS BY SCHOOLS AND/OR STUDENTS
3.1
Summer School 2011
Heather Rose, the principal of the 2011 Elementary Summer School Program, and Darryl
Tenisci, the principal of the 2011 Middle/Secondary Summer School Program, presented
the 2011 Summer School Report to the Board. One hundred twenty-eight primary
students and 44 intermediate students attended the program. Eleven remedial courses
were offered with students cross-enrolled at the home school and registration forms then
sent to the board office for entry into BCeSIS. Teachers worked together to collaborate
on course planning, and various primary and intermediate classes formed “buddy”
classes to get to know each other, work on various skills, and present to each other.
Greater attention was given to remediation for those students who were struggling in the
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – September 12, 2011
areas of reading and math. Recommendations for 2012 included continuing with the
referral process by teachers, continuing with new registration process of cross enrolling,
and continuing with small class numbers.
Mr. Tenisci reported there were a total of 142 students attending the middle/secondary
program, 70 from middle schools and 72 from secondary schools. Middle school classes
for grades 6 to 8 included Reading and Writing Connection, Frenchtastic Summer Fun,
and Magnificent Math, and secondary classes included Math 9, Math 10 – Foundations
and Pre-Calculus, Math 10 – Apprenticeship and Workplace, Science 9 and 10, and
English and Social Studies 9 and 10. Recommendations included continuing to revise
protocol on how teachers are using the descriptive information on the middle school
referral forms, reviewing the secondary referral process, and solidifying expectations from
high school math departments on the course selection process once a student completes
the summer school math course.
Both principals 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
5.0
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
MOTION:
Perry/Clarke that the minutes of the regular meeting held on June 13, 2011 and
special meeting held on June 21, 2011 be approved.
CARRIED
6.0
REPORTS FROM CLOSED MEETINGS
The following items were discussed at the closed meetings held on June 10, June 13, June 21,
2011 and September 7, 2011.
June 10, 2011 Special
• Reviewed information related to the school bus accident.
June 13, 2011 Regular
• Received correspondence;
• Received information from the discipline committee;
• Confirmed teaching and support staff changes;
• Received information on teacher bargaining;
• Received information on CUPE Bargaining; (Declaring a possible conflict of interest,
Trustee Little left the room for discussion of this topic.)
• Received information on the long service recognition/retirement dinner;
• Reviewed and discussed information related to trustee remuneration;
• Confirmed principal and vice principal appointments and confirmed a vice principal
transfer;
• Received information related to vice principal postings and vacancies;
• Received information on a class size arbitration update;
• Received information related to student suspensions;
• Received information related to a school bus accident;
• Received information related to BCPSEA and OLRC meetings.
June 21, 2011 Special
• Received information on teacher bargaining;
• Approved an Impasse Package regarding local bargaining;
• Approved the schedule of items referred to the Provincial Table;
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – September 12, 2011
Approved that the board forward union bargaining proposals provided by the OSTU at the
local table and deemed by the board to be beyond the scope of Letter of Understanding
#1 to the BCPSEA for information only and without recommendation;
Accepted the resignation of a support staff employee.
September 7, 2011 Special
• Approval of the 2010-11 financial statement;
• Personnel item.
7.0
CORRESPONDENCE
7.1
Letter from BCSTA
A letter from Michael McEvoy, President, BCSTA, regarding board input to the funding
formula for allocating operating grants and requesting volunteers from board chairs to
serve on a representative committee whose primary task will be to review and
consolidate the funding formula submissions received from boards. It was noted that
Chair Manning had put her name forward for the committee.
7.2
Letter from RCMP
A letter from Inspector Haugli, Penticton South Okanagan Similkameen Regional
Detachment, in response to the Board’s letter concerning a bush party incident and
inviting representation from the Board to attend an upcoming meeting. A copy of the
Board’s letter was attached as well. Chair Manning will attend and asked trustees to
advise her if they also wish to attend the meeting.
7.3
Letter from BC School Sports
A letter from Sue Keenan, Executive Director, BC School Sports, advising there is a zero
tolerance policy for inappropriate student-athlete behaviours at provincial championships.
7.4
Letter from School District No. 47 (Powell River)
A letter from the Sustainable Schools Committee of School District No. 47 (Powell River)
highlighting their major successes in eliminating the sale of bottled water in schools and
encouraging the use of a refillable/reusable water bottle instead.
7.5
Letter from Past Student
A letter from a past student, Mitra Sharafi, thanking the Board for introducing and
continuing the French Immersion program.
7.6
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
need to have predictable and stable funding;
School District No. 45 (West Vancouver) to the Minister of Education regarding
the inability of districts to receive per course funding if a student wants to attend
courses at two bricks-and-mortar schools (the home district and a neighbouring
district);
School District No. 69 (Qualicum) to the Minister of Education regarding their
structural deficit and urging the Minister to work closely with the British Columbia
School Trustees Association, the BC Superintendents Association, and the BC
Association of School Business Officials to examine the funding challenges and
reaffirm the commitment to a premier education system;
School District No. 71 (Comox Valley) to the Minister of Finance and Minister
Responsible for the Pacific Carbon Trust requesting that regulations pertaining
the government’s carbon emissions reduction program be amended to permit the
offset payments to be retained locally and reinvested in district initiatives; and
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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MOTION:
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – September 12, 2011
School District No. 81 (Fort Nelson) to the Minister of Education requesting a
different date for the Ministry’s scheduled September 7th meeting of
superintendents.
Denesiuk/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 September 7, 2011:
a.
2010-11 Financial Statements
Mr. Jonathan McGraw, CA and partner with BDO Canada LLP, reviewed the audit
of the district’s year-end financial statements noting different auditing rules used
this year with the adoption of international auditing standards. Mr. McGraw
advised there will be changes in future financial statements as school districts
move to public sector accounting board procedures. He noted the audit report is
dated today but could be changed if the statements are not approved until
Monday’s meeting. Mr. McGraw advised no irregularities were found during the
audit, reviewed a clean management letter, and noted the district has strong
financial controls and practices in place. He also noted the statements reflect the
sound financial position of the school district. Appreciation was extended to district
staff for their cooperation and assistance received during the audit with special
recognition given to accountant Patti Ponech.
Following a number of questions, trustees requested that approval of the financial
statements be added to a board agenda at a meeting held later that day.
b.
BCSTA Request for Input to Funding Formula
The secretary-treasurer advised that BCSTA is requesting submissions from
boards asking for changes trustees would like to see made to the funding formula
for allocating operating grants. It was also noted that Chair Ginny Manning has
volunteered to be part of a BCSTA representative committee of approximately eight
board chairs, whose primary task will be to review and consolidate the funding
formula submissions received from boards.
Mr. Shongrunden reviewed a
discussion document circulated with the agenda package outlining some
suggestions which can be used as a board response. Trustees listed a number of
concerns including:
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Options to move to alternative funding models, for example, a rolling
average;
No more surprises like BCeSIS and full day kindergarten;
Carbon trust not being available to school districts;
Transparent, predictable, timely, stable, and flexible funding;
Need for ongoing feedback;
Adequate funding for 21st Century Learning.
The committee agreed that the letters previously sent by the chair to the Minister of
Education and by Mr. Shongrunden to Assistant Deputy Minister Keith Miller
addressed most of these concerns and would provide the BCSTA committee with
the appropriate level of input.
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Little 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
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – September 12, 2011
Buildings, Grounds, Safety and Transportation Committee
Trustee Perry reported on the buildings, grounds, safety and transportation committee
meeting held on September 7, 2011:
a.
New Director
Director of Facilities Doug Gorcak was introduced and welcomed to the meeting.
b.
Treated Water for Fields
For trustee information, Secretary-Treasurer Shongrunden informed the committee
that the City of Penticton has the ability to provide treated water for use on school
district fields. Mr. Shongrunden has asked for additional information from the City
in regards to the cost and safety aspects of this option.
c.
Parking Signs
Further to the presentation at the last committee meeting, the City of Penticton has
now approved and installed new school, playgrounds, and crosswalk signs at all
schools.
d.
Update on Modular Classrooms
Director of Facilities Doug Gorcak advised that two new modular classrooms have
been delivered to Giant’s Head Elementary. Some deficiencies still exist so
students are presently using the old modulars. One modular has been installed at
Trout Creek Elementary and the district will be moving another classroom from
Ecole Entre Lacs to that site.
e.
Request for Playground Inventory
Director of Maintenance Hickling advised he had responded to the Ministry’s
request for a listing of playground inventory and required upgrades. The Ministry
has since announced two of the district’s schools, McNicoll Park Middle and Skaha
Lake Middle, will receive new playgrounds. Further information will be forthcoming
from the Ministry.
MOTION:
9.0
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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
Director of Facilities Gorcak reviewed a listing of summer maintenance and renovation
projects circulated with the agenda package. Custodians completed new gym floor
finishes at Penticton Secondary, Princess Margaret Secondary, and McNicoll Park Middle
schools, steam cleaned all district carpets, and completed a major clean at Carmi
Elementary. New lino was installed at Carmi Elementary, Summerland Secondary, and
Kaleden Elementary. As well, custodial staff assisted with Okanagan Hockey School, the
City of Penticton Summer Youth Program, two daycares, summer school, and volleyball
and basketball camps. Maintenance staff completed a number of renovation and
landscaping projects as well as installing new modular classrooms at Giant’s Head and
Trout Creek schools. Mr. Gorcak specifically mentioned the improvements at Carmi
Elementary and advised the principal’s positive comments and appreciation will be
conveyed to the maintenance staff.
9.2
Trustee Election
The secretary-treasurer provided information regarding the trustee election to be held on
November 19, 2011. Four trustees will be elected within the boundaries of the City of
Penticton, two trustees from Electoral Area 2 (Summerland area), and one trustee from
Electoral Area 3 (rural area). Nomination papers are available at city hall in Penticton,
Summerland city hall, and at the school board office for the rural area. The nomination
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – September 12, 2011
period runs from October 4 to 14 with a declaration of candidates being announced on
October 14. December 5 is the first day trustees can assume office. The District of
Summerland has agreed to run the election in that area, and the RDOS has agreed to
assist with the election in the rural areas. It is not necessary to have appointments for
the election with the City of Penticton although the school district will have some
responsibilities with cost sharing. Chairman Manning reviewed the resolutions to be
considered. Information can be found on the school district website.
MOTION:
Siddon/Clarke that Maureen Fugeta be appointed as the Chief Election
Officer and that Ron Shongrunden be appointed as the Deputy Chief
Election Officer for the election of two trustees from Trustee Electoral Area
2 as approved by the Minister of Education; and
That Ron Shongrunden be appointed as the Chief Election Officer and that
Cathy Cowan be appointed as the Deputy Chief Election Officer for the
election of one trustee for Trustee Electoral Area 3 as approved by the
Minister of Education.
CARRIED
10.0
9.3
Elimination of HST
Director of Finance Maywood advised that there were savings under the new HST rules,
however, the district is unsure of the full impact the elimination of HST will have on the
school district as the accounting system does not have the ability to provide a report
listing exempt PST items. It was noted that the budget was not adjusted for those
savings so reverting back to the old system does not have to affect the next budget. It
was noted that we do not yet have the new transition rules.
9.4
School Playgrounds
Mr. Gorcak reviewed that the Premier had announced that $8 million will be provided for
44 new playgrounds and playground upgrades for schools across British Columbia to
help provide safe play spaces for kids to be happy and healthy. SD67 was identified for
two playgrounds: McNicoll Park Middle School and Skaha Lake Middle School.
Announcements for playground upgrades should be forthcoming and some funding
should be available for recently installed playgrounds. It was noted that playgrounds are
now recognized in the capital program for new schools.
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
10.1
Enrolment
Assistant Superintendent Burgoyne reported that a full report is not available as
enrolment numbers are still being gathered at Penticton Secondary School and students
are still registering at ConnectEd. Early indications suggest an increase in primary
grades with kindergarten increased by 20 students. Middle schools also indicate an
increase of 40 students over projection. An enrolment report will be available at the end
of September. In response to trustee questions, it was noted that no comments have
been received to date related to BCeSIS.
10.2
Class Size and Composition Report
The assistant superintendent reviewed the processes and timelines for the consultation
process and required reports to the Board of Education, Ministry of Education, and the
District Parents’ Advisory Council. Principals are to conduct consultation meetings by
September 27, the report is to be presented to trustees by October 1, and presented at a
public board of education meeting by October 15. The report will be presented at the
October 3 board meeting.
10.3
Masters Research Proposals
A number of teachers in the district are seeking permission to conduct a research project
as a partial requirement of a Gonzaga University Master of Arts in Leadership and
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – September 12, 2011
Administration program. Letters outlining the research proposals, copies of parent
permission forms, and letters of support from principals have been supplied for each
participant.
MOTION:
Perry/Little that the research projects as a partial requirement of a
Gonzaga University Master of Arts in Leadership and Administration
program be approved for the following teachers:
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Ben Arcuri, Penticton Secondary;
Jessa Arcuri, Summerland Middle;
Kevin Bond, Summerland Middle;
Julie Cornett-Ching, KVR Middle;
Edna Dyck, Carmi Elementary;
Carla Garrett, Uplands Elementary;
Diane Haddow, Summerland Middle;
Moira Hennen, Trout Creek Elementary;
Brian Hutcheson, Trout Creek Elementary;
Norm McCallan, Summerland Middle;
Kevin McGifford, Penticton Secondary;
Christie McRobb, Carmi Elementary;
Meredith Stewart-Heal, Summerland Middle; and
Richa Thorpe, Summerland Middle School.
CARRIED
10.4
Field Trips
Director of Instruction MacIntyre reviewed a request for Penticton Secondary band
students to travel to Honolulu, Hawaii, to compete in a music festival. During discussion,
trustees questioned the high cost and benefit of some of the field trips requested during
the school year as well as the inability of some parents to be able to afford these trips.
Trustees requested that a complete review of the educational value and risk associated
with the trips be completed and suggested that some trips could be better handled
outside the school year. Trustees further suggested that principals be careful about
putting deposits on field trips with the current labour negotiations underway. Trustees
requested that their concerns be brought to principals and indicated their request for a
round table discussion on the topic.
MOTION:
Perry/Denesiuk that the field trip request for March 27 to April 2, 2012, for
approximately 60 to 70 band students from Penticton Secondary School to
travel to Honolulu, Hawaii, to compete in a music festival be approved in
principle.
CARRIED
Trustees Clarke and Siddon requested that their negative votes be recorded.
11.0
REPORT OF REPRESENTATIVES
12.0
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
13.0
INFORMATION ITEMS
13.1
BCSTA Provincial Council Meeting
The BCSTA Provincial Council Meeting will be held on October 21 and 22, 2011 in
Vancouver. The deadline for motions of an “emergent” nature is September 23, 2011.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
14.0
15.0
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – September 12, 2011
13.2
BCSTA Thompson Okanagan Branch Meeting
The BCSTA Thompson Okanagan Branch meeting will be held on September 30 and
October 1, 2011 in Salmon Arm. An outline of the event was circulated with the agenda
package. It was noted that retiring trustees will be recognized at the Friday evening
dinner.
13.3
Date of Next Meeting
• October 3, 2011, 6:30 p.m., Regular Meeting, School Board Office
13.4
District Parent Advisory Council
Daryl Clarke, DPAC Chair, agreed to provide the dates of upcoming DPAC meetings to
Trustee Manning.
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
Trustee Comments
It was noted that the Penticton Secondary Graduation class of 1953 will be having a class
reunion on September 28.
QUESTION PERIOD
Questions and/or comments from the audience included:
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16.0
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Appreciation by CUPE President Colleen Wiens for support by the human relations
department during the summer;
Concerns expressed by DPAC Chair Daryl Clarke for the costs to parents of field trips
and student-related fees;
Concerns by a grade 1 parent related to the school start-up at Wiltse Elementary. Mr.
Burgoyne explained the difficulties of organizing classes to stay within the class size
requirements of the 21.0 average required in the School Act.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION:
Clarke/Little that the meeting be adjourned at 8.00 p.m.
CARRIED
____________________
Chairperson
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Secretary-Treasurer
September 16, 2011
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“Working Together for Student Success”