BOARD OF EDUCATION
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 67 (OKANAGAN SKAHA)
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
HELD ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 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
Tom Siddon, Trustee
Wendy Hyer, Superintendent of Schools
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 welcomed everyone to the meeting.
2.0
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOTION:
Denesiuk/Siddon that the agenda be approved.
CARRIED
3.0
PRESENTATIONS BY SCHOOLS AND/OR STUDENTS
3.1
Social Studies 10 – An Innovative Approach (Jeff Fitton, Teacher)
An overview of the combined Social Studies 10 and English 10 program offered by Jeff
Fitton at Penticton Secondary School, called Humanities 10, was provided to the Board.
Authentic tasks, experiential teaching and activities outside the traditional classroom
were utilized to create an innovative, collaborative learning environment for students. A
seven-minute video highlighted the learning outcomes and activities of the course and
accompanying field trip to Vaseux Lake.
Following a number of questions, appreciation was extended to Mr. Fitton for the
presentation.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Page 2
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – November 14, 2011
4.0
RECEIVING OF DELEGATIONS AND GUESTS
5.0
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
MOTION:
Little/Perry that the minutes of the regular meeting held on October 3, 2011 be
approved.
CARRIED
6.0
REPORT FROM CLOSED MEETING
Chair Manning reviewed the following items discussed at the closed meeting held on October 3,
2011:
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7.0
Received reports from the finance and management committee and discipline committee;
Confirmed teaching and support staff changes;
Reviewed a request related to technology;
Approved two teacher leave requests;
Received information related to student suspensions;
Received information related to a BCPSEA meeting; and
Discussed a personnel issue.
CORRESPONDENCE
7.1
Letter from British Columbia Teachers’ Federation
A letter from the British Columbia Teachers’ Federation enclosing a copy of the
Federation’s brief to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government
Services. The copy of the brief is available in the trustee reading file.
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. 38 (Richmond) to the Select Standing Committee on Finance
and Government Services;
School District No. 46 (Sunshine Coast) to the Select Standing Committee on
Finance and Government Services;
School District No. 39 (Vancouver) to the Premier unanimously endorsing the
Community Plan for a Public System of Integrated Early Care and Learning;
School District No. 71 (Comox Valley) to the Minister of Education inviting the
Minister to visit their district;
School District No. 68 (Nanaimo-Ladysmith) to the Minister of Education
regarding the Board’s response to the Supreme Court ruling of April 13, 2011;
urging the Ministry to provide funding for the costs arising from legislative
changes; and asking that the Minister immediately address the repercussions of
the court decision to ensure there is no disruption in the 2011-12 school year;
School District No. 68 (Nanaimo-Ladysmith) to the Minister of Education
requesting that the Ministry expand categories for designating students to include
a broader range of behavioural problems/disabilities; increase funding per FTE
for all designations; refer authority for continuing designations to boards of
education and school based teams and administration; and that these measures
be adopted before the end of the 2011-12 school year;
School District No. 42 (Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows) to the British Columbia
School Employers’ Association urging the BCPSEA to continue bargaining with
the BCTF resulting in a collective agreement that is supportive and beneficial to
the public school system moving forward with the business of educating children;
and
School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake) to the Minister of Education regarding
capital funds.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
MOTION:
Page 3
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – November 14, 2011
Denesiuk/Van Alphen that the correspondence be received.
CARRIED
8.0
REPORT OF COMMITTEES
8.1
Education Committee
Trustee Clarke reported regarding the education committee meeting held on November
8, 2011:
a.
Violence Threat Risk Assessment
Our school district, in partnership with the RCMP, hosted a two-day Violence
Threat Risk Assessment Level 1 Training session in August. Superintendent Hyer
provided a short review of the session that was attended by school administrators,
some school counselors, district staff, and community partners. In addition,
Superintendent Hyer outlined the next steps in the developing a Community
Violence Threat Risk Assessment Protocol. The next meeting of partner groups,
where a draft protocol will be presented and discussed, is scheduled for November
21, 2011.
b.
Early Development Instrument – Community Summary
The Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP) brings together community
partners to understand early child development across BC. The key component of
this project is the Early Development Instrument (EDI), a research tool that
assesses the state of children’s development in kindergarten. A summary and
analysis of the 2011 EDI Wave 4 data collected in our school district was provided
by Superintendent Hyer to the education committee. The Okanagan Skaha school
district has participated in all four waves of EDI data collection. The data from this
past year shows that 30% of the district’s kindergarten students are vulnerable on
at least one of the scales of vulnerability. This is consistent with the provincial
average. The highest level of vulnerability was on the Emotional Maturity Scale
(16%) and the smallest proportion of vulnerable children was on the Language and
Cognitive Development & Communication Skills at 8%. Trustees discussed the
possible impact that StrongStart Centres, full day kindergarten and other early
learning initiatives may have in future EDI results.
c.
Advanced Placement Second Annual Honor Roll
Superintendent Hyer informed the education committee that Penticton Secondary,
for the second consecutive year, is one of 16 schools in Canada to receive the
Advanced Placement Honor Roll. AP courses are offered at Penticton Secondary
in Calculus, Physics, English Composition, and English Literature. Students
achieving a test result of four or greater (on a five point scale) in these courses are
granted credit for first year university courses in that subject area.
MOTION:
8.2
Clarke/Little that the report of the education committee be received.
CARRIED
Policy Committee
Trustee Denesiuk reported regarding the policy committee meeting held on November 8,
2011:
a.
New Policy #402 – Child Protection Policy
Draft policy was presented by Superintendent Hyer to the policy committee that
has been prepared by BCSTA legal counsel. This was prepared to ensure
consistency throughout the province. Based on this legal input from BCSTA and
Harris & Co., it is recommended that this draft be brought forward to the next Board
meeting for approval in principle and circulated to partner groups as per board
policy.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
MOTION:
b.
9.0
Page 4
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – November 14, 2011
Denesiuk/Little that Policy No. 402 – Child Protection Policy be approved in
principle and circulated to partner groups for 30 days for any suggestions
for changes.
CARRIED
Policy #403 – Student Health and Well-Being
Superintendent Hyer reviewed two possible revisions of this policy. The policy
committee recommended that Option A be presented at the next Board meeting for
approval in principle and circulated to partner groups as per Board policy.
MOTION:
Denesiuk/Van Alphen that Policy No. 403 – Student Health and Well Being
be approved in principle and circulated to partner groups for 30 days for
any suggestions for changes.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Denesiuk/Perry that the report of the policy committee be received.
CARRIED
REPORT OF SECRETARY-TREASURER
9.1
Capital Bylaw 126347
Secretary-Treasurer Shongrunden advised that the Premier had announced in
September an $8 million capital program to fund the acquisition of new playground
equipment and the repair or replacement of existing playground equipment. The first
allocation for 2011-12 involves capital funding for elementary and middle schools not
having elementary student access to adventure-style playground equipment. A board
resolution is required to adopt Capital Project Bylaw 126347 in the total amount of
$100,000 for McNicoll Park Middle and Skaha Lake Middle schools.
Director of Facilities Gorcak advised some discussions have been held with schools and
parent advisory councils as to what type of equipment should be used for middle school
students as well as the best location on the school site. Mr. Gorcak added plans are to
have the equipment installed in the spring. Following discussion,
MOTION:
Denesiuk/Van Alphen that following the first reading of School District No.
67 (Okanagan Skaha) Capital Project Bylaw No. 126347 approved by the
Minister of Education and specifying a maximum expenditure of $100,000
related to adventure-style playground equipment, the Board of Education
passes the bylaw.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Denesiuk/Van Alphen that following the second reading of School District
No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha) Capital Project Bylaw No. 126347 approved by
the Minister of Education and specifying a maximum expenditure of
$100,000 related to adventure-style playground equipment, the Board of
Education passes the bylaw.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Denesiuk/Van Alphen that following the third reading of School District No.
67 (Okanagan Skaha) Capital Project Bylaw No. 126347 approved by the
Minister of Education and specifying a maximum expenditure of $100,000
related to adventure-style playground equipment, the Board of Education
passes and adopts the bylaw.
CARRIED
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
9.2
10.0
Page 5
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – November 14, 2011
Trustee Elections
The secretary-treasurer reported that polls will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on
Saturday, November 19 for the trustee and municipal elections. Trustee Manning has
been declared elected by acclamation for the rural electoral area. Four trustees are to be
elected from eight candidates in the Penticton electoral area and two are to be elected
from six candidates in Summerland area.
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
10.1
Field Trips
Director of Instruction MacIntyre reviewed field trip requests, one of which was approved
by the superintendent pursuant to district policy.
MOTION:
Little/Clarke that the field trip request for May 9 to 12, 2012, for 52 grade 8
band students from KVR Middle School to travel to Edmonton, Alberta, to
perform at several schools be approved in principle.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Denesiuk that the field trip request for June 13 to 16, 2012 for
approximately 35 grade 8 band students from Summerland Middle School
to travel to Edmonton, Alberta, to perform at several schools be approved
in principle.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Perry/Siddon that the field trip request for May 20 to 26, 2012 for 30
jazz/concert band students from Summerland Secondary School to travel
to Ottawa on a band exchange sponsored by the Society of Educational
Visits and Exchanges in Canada (SEVEC) be approved in principle.
CARRIED
It was noted that the Society of Educational Visits and Exchanges in Canada is a branch
of the federal government under the guidance of the Department of Canadian Heritage
and that transportation costs are covered by SEVEC. Students will be provided
accommodation by host schools. Student cost is $200 for reciprocal exchange
excursions.
10.2
Enrolment
The superintendent of schools reported that enrolment as of October 31, 2011, shows
6,301 students in the district. This is an increase of 40 students from the September
enrolment, mostly from ConnectEd.
10.3
Class Size and Composition Report
Superintendent Hyer reviewed details on school class size and composition consultation
meetings which showed that a total of five classes have more than 30 students. All
principals have submitted a report to the superintendent confirming these classes are
appropriate for student learning and the school planning councils have been informed.
MOTION:
11.0
Little/Denesiuk that the class size and composition report be approved.
CARRIED
REPORT OF REPRESENTATIVES
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
12.0
Page 6
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – November 14, 2011
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
12.1
Notice of Motion from Board of Education Meeting held on October 3, 2011
MOTION:
Perry/Siddon that School District 67 adopt an amendment to its Policy No.
600 – Fiscal Control – to expressly disallow any retiree from the Senior
Administrative staff to be hired back under contract to provide any form of
full-time remunerated service to the District, unless the said individual’s full
retirement pension is declined during the duration of the Contract.
Following a lengthy discussion, in which Superintendent Hyer in her role as advisor to the
Board did not support the motion, the motion was reread prior to the vote being taken.
Ms. Hyer requested that her opposition to the motion be recorded in the minutes.
Trustees Perry, Siddon, and Clarke supported the motion, and Trustees Little, Van
Alphen, and Denesiuk voted against the motion. Chair Manning broke the tie vote with a
negative vote.
MOTION DEFEATED
12.2
District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC) Meetings
It was noted that DPAC meetings for the 2011-12 school year are as follows:
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November 23, 2011 (Chair Manning will attend.)
January 25, 2012
February 22, 2012
April 25, 2012
May 23, 2012
June 20, 2012
All meetings will begin at 7:00 p.m. and will be held at the Penticton Secondary School
Library. No meetings are scheduled for December and March.
13.0
INFORMATION ITEMS
13.1
BCSTA Provincial Council Meeting
Trustee Clarke reported on the BCSTA Provincial Council Meeting held on October 21
and 22, 2011 in Vancouver, in which reports were heard from BCPSEA, BCSTA
president, education committee, aboriginal education committee, and finance committee.
Items discussed by the Minister of Education George Abbott in his presentation included
the anticipation of legislation on the BC College of Teachers; transportation challenges of
many BC school districts; acknowledgment of the BCSTA’s input via the representative
committee on funding formula; and discussions with the BCTF and other partners on the
best allocation of classroom resources. The Minister hopes to achieve a strong, stable
system through quality teacher and learning; personalized learning for every student;
flexibility and choice; high standards; and learning empowered by technology.
13.2
BCSTA Funding Formula Representative Committee
Chair Manning advised she was one of eight board chairs who met at a BCSTA Funding
Formula Representative Committee meeting held on October 13, 2011, followed by an
Elluminate e-Learn meeting on October 27. Fifty-three districts submitted presentations
to the committee. The report is available on the BCSTA website along with all 57
submissions.
13.3
Minister of Education Visit
Chair Manning announced that the Minister of Education will be visiting SD67 on January
31, 2012. Additional information will be provided closer to the date.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
13.4
14.0
15.0
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – November 14, 2011
Date of Next Meeting
• December 5, 2011, 7:00 p.m., Inaugural Meeting, School Board Office
• December 12, 2011, 6:30 p.m., Regular Meeting, School Board Office
TRUSTEE COMMENTS
14.1
Trustee Comments
The four trustees who were not seeking re-election were recognized for their contribution
to the district, Trustee Siddon and Trustee Perry for the past three years and Trustee
Little and Trustee Denesiuk for 18 and 19 years respectively. Appreciation for their
service was extended to each along with best wishes for future endeavours. Trustees
also commented on district activities including the Remembrance Day Ceremonies at a
number of schools.
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 students from Wiltse Elementary School for their
artwork currently on display at the school board office.
QUESTION PERIOD
Questions/comments related to the agenda included:
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16.0
Page 7
Appreciation to trustees for their efforts from CUPE 523;
Questions regarding the proposed notice of motion presented earlier on the agenda;
Questions related to the hiring of retired employees;
Comments related to the district’s budget; and
Clarification related to comments made by MP Dan Albas.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Clarke that the meeting be adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
CARRIED
____________________
Chairperson
____________________
Secretary-Treasurer
November 21, 2011
Ref: U:\SBO-ST-Data\DA\2011-2012\00100 - 00999 Admin\00300-05 Minutes Open\2011-11-14 OP Minutes.docx
“Working Together for Student Success”