BOARD OF EDUCATION
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 67 (OKANAGAN SKAHA)
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
HELD ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 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
Walter Huebert, Trustee
Bruce Johnson, Trustee
Tracy St. Claire, 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:
Johnson/Van Alphen that the agenda and addendum with 9.4 be adopted.
CARRIED
3.0
PRESENTATIONS BY SCHOOLS AND/OR STUDENTS
3.1
Help Us Save Us – Volunteers make a Difference in Haiti
Three teachers from School District No. 67, Tammy Kay, Carol Barton, and Lynn
Porteous, volunteered with Help Us Save Us (HUSU) in Haiti this past summer providing
impoverished children and orphans an opportunity to take part in summer camp. They
used their backgrounds in teaching to offer instruction to children and other teachers in
the use of visual thinking art for the InStill Life project and SMART learning
comprehension strategies to explore books in French/Haitian/Creole/English. The
children also enjoyed using playing cards while being taught SNAP. This was significant
as part of the culture involves game playing and dominoes. Their experience and plans
as to how they intend to extend their Haiti experience were shared.
Following a number of trustee questions, appreciation was extended to the teachers for
both their sharing of teaching skills with others and for the presentation.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – December 12, 2011
4.0
RECEIVING OF DELEGATIONS AND GUESTS
5.0
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Clarke that the minutes of the regular meeting held on November 14,
2011 and the inaugural meeting held on December 5, 2011 be approved.
CARRIED
6.0
REPORT FROM CLOSED MEETING
Chair Manning reviewed the following items discussed at the closed meeting held on November
14, 2011:
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7.0
Received correspondence;
Received a report from the discipline committee;
Confirmed teaching and support staff changes;
Received information related to teacher bargaining;
Received a principal resignation for retirement;
Approved principal and vice principal transfers;
Approved one teacher leave request and denied one teacher leave request;
Received information related to student suspensions;
Received information related to meetings of the British Columbia Public School
Employers’ Association and the Okanagan Labour Relations Council.
CORRESPONDENCE
7.1
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. 5 (Southeast Kootenay) to the Minister of Education regarding
carbon offsets;
School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake) to the Minister of Education requesting
research related to municipal councils conducting elections in a trustee electoral
area;
School District No. 42 (Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows) to the Minister of Education
regarding the BC Education Plan; and
Minister of Education to School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake) regarding their
district’s compliance audit.
MOTION:
Clarke/Van Alphen that the correspondence be received.
CARRIED
8.0
REPORT OF COMMITTEES
8.1
Finance and Management Committee of the Whole
Chair Manning reported on the finance and management committee of the whole meeting
held on December 7, 2011:
a.
Funding Formula Representative Committee
The secretary-treasurer reviewed letters sent to the Minister of Education
requesting a funding review and to Assistant Deputy Minister Keith Miller regarding
the unfairness in the funding system with an enclosed option on how utilities
funding could be changed. As well, a follow-up letter was sent to the funding
formula representative committee outlining areas of inequities of the current
funding system. Mr. Shongrunden acknowledged the efforts of Chair Manning as
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Page 3
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – December 12, 2011
one of eight board chairs throughout the province being on the representative
committee, the final report of which is available in the trustee reading file. These
letters to the Ministry and subsequent discussions saved SD67 over $1 million in
funding for the 2011-12 year.
Director of Finance Maywood reviewed her analysis of the inequity of utility costs
paid by school districts across British Columbia, in particular, electricity costs. The
analysis shows that a number of districts are required to purchase electricity from a
middleman such as the City of Penticton and the accompanying graph showed the
variances that occur when comparing other municipal operated utilities with that of
BC Hydro, the supplier used by 46 school districts. The City of Penticton had the
highest rate and the District of Summerland was almost as high. The extra
middleman cost to SD67 was up to 40% or almost $300,000 more per annum. It
was also noted that many of BC Hydro’s incentive programs are not available to
non BC Hydro districts. This analysis was completed to provide the representative
funding committee with one example of where additional funding beyond the
unique district supplement is needed. It was pointed out that this review was
completed using business rates charged by municipalities, not residential rates.
b.
Cash Management
The secretary-treasurer and director of finance provided an overview of cash
management for the district identifying the results of the Auditor General 2010
Report which mandated the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Education to
collaborate with school districts to develop a solution to manage cash balances.
Ms. Maywood reviewed a new process the Ministry of Education is piloting with
three districts in which funding is advanced using the same system as the capital
funding certificates whereby school districts will invest then draw down cash from
Ministry investments as needed. School district funds would be invested by the
Ministry until needed by districts. The intent is that there is no negative impact on
school district budgets. It was noted that this procedure may not be advantageous
to SD67 as the banking rates negotiated by SD67 are better than those currently
contemplated by the Ministry. Committee members were advised that the banking
tender does come due this coming spring. It was also noted that although initially
voluntary it may become mandatory.
c.
Funding
Mr. Shongrunden advised that the final funding for this fiscal year should be
received within the next two weeks. It is anticipated that due to funding protection
the district should have a balanced budget; however, it is dependent on the final
Ministry funding. Funding for the 2012-13 school year should be provided by
March 15, 2012.
MOTION:
8.2
Van Alphen/Clarke that the report of the committee of the whole be
received.
CARRIED
Buildings, Grounds, Safety and Transportation Committee of the Whole
Chair Manning reported on the buildings, grounds, safety and transportation committee of
the whole meeting held on December 7, 2011:
a.
Rental of Fields
Director of Facilities Gorcak reviewed a request of the organizers of a proposed
outdoor music festival in Penticton to use school playing fields for overnight tenting
and camping on the weekend prior to the long weekend in August. It was noted
that the organizer had offered revenue sharing and a promise that damages would
be covered. During discussion, concerns were expressed regarding possible
damage to the fields and adjoining facilities and the requirement of no smoking on
school district properties.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
MOTION:
b.
8.4
Manning/Huebert that the school district decline the offer for overnight
tenting and camping on school fields for the proposed July outdoor music
festival in Penticton and suggest to the City of Penticton that they not use
any fields attached to school fields.
CARRIED
Clarke/St. Claire that the report of the buildings, grounds, safety and
transportation committee of the whole be received.
CARRIED
Education Committee of the Whole
Chair Manning reported regarding the education committee of the whole meeting held on
December 6, 2011:
a.
Auditor General of British Columbia – Performance Audit of Special Education
Superintendent Hyer gave a brief history of the special education audit process for
SD67 that began in 2009. The first draft was received in August 2010, to which the
district responded, and the final report was received from the Office of the Auditor
General on December 2, 2011. Trustees had a number of questions about the
report and how to proceed to address the recommendations.
b.
Mock Audit of Aboriginal Programs and Services
Superintendent Hyer provided background on the district’s aboriginal education
program and the changes in personnel that occurred over the summer due to two
resignations. Ms. Hyer also provided a brief overview to trustees on the district’s
aboriginal enhancement agreement. A decision was made in September to
complete a review of the district’s aboriginal program offerings, and as part of that
review, Director of Instruction MacIntyre was asked to coordinate a “mock” audit of
the aboriginal programs and services this fall. Mr. MacIntyre provided the trustees
with an overview of the mock audit that was led by Ross Spina. Mr. MacIntyre
shared with trustees the recommendations that Mr. Spina made to SD67 for
consideration. Questions from trustees followed.
Education Committee Visitation to Princess Margaret Secondary
Trustee Clarke reported on the education committee visit to Princess Margaret
Secondary on November 29. Trustees were provided with an overview of education
opportunities and graduation rates at the school, viewed classes, and saw the teapots
being made by students in the art class which will be given to the elderly across the street
during a class hosted tea party.
MOTION:
8.5
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – December 12, 2011
Carbon Neutrality
For information only, committee members were advised that the school district had
entered into an agreement with the Ministry regarding commitments to work toward
carbon neutrality. Trustees were provided with a memo explaining the heating and
cooling settings in SD67 facilities which were established in an effort to reduce
energy consumption. It was noted that the same heating and cooling settings are
used at the school board office.
MOTION:
8.3
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Clarke/Huebert that the report of the education committee of the whole be
received.
CARRIED
Curriculum Development Committee
Director of Instruction MacIntyre reported on the curriculum development committee
meeting held on November 16, 2011:
a.
Selection of Chairperson
Director of Instruction MacIntyre was elected as chair of the curriculum
development advisory committee.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
b.
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – December 12, 2011
Board Authorized/Approved Course Proposals
The committee considered a number of Board Authorized/Approved Courses
currently in use in other districts that have been proposed for use in School District
No. 67 and recommended their use in SD67.
MOTION:
Manning/Johnson that the following five courses be approved for use in
School District No. 67 beginning with September 2012:
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Self Defense 11
Psychology 11
Quest for Community 12
Basketball 11
Basketball 12
CARRIED
c.
9.0
Discovery Education Video Streaming
The committee reviewed a proposal for and recommended that Discovery
Education video streaming services be used as a learning resource for the district.
MOTION:
Manning/Van Alphen that the Board approve the use of Discovery
Education video streaming services as a resource for use in School District
No. 67.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Manning/Huebert that the report of the curriculum development advisory
committee be received.
CARRIED
REPORT OF SECRETARY-TREASURER
9.1
Financial Report
The secretary-treasurer reviewed the quarterly financial report to November 30, 2011
provided in the agenda package noting that the expenses are shown at 69% remaining,
appropriate for this time of the year. It is expected at this time that the district should
have a balanced budget by the end of the year.
9.2
Ministry Audit
The district has been advised that the Ministry of Education will audit the September 30,
2011 K-12 regular enrolment data reported by SD67. This audit is scheduled for the
week of February 13, 2012. Mr. Shongrunden noted there is a possibility of losing some
funding during an audit.
9.3
Capital Amendment Bylaw
Trustees were advised that the Ministry of Education has announced that parent advisory
councils in 102 elementary and middle schools will be reimbursed $2.4 million for recently
purchased playground equipment. The PAC at Giant’s Head Elementary qualifies for
reimbursement of $25,272. A board resolution is required to adopt Capital Amendment
Bylaw 126347A for an additional $25,272. Following reading of the amendment bylaw
and discussion,
MOTION:
Manning/Van Alphen that following the first reading of School District No.
67 (Okanagan Skaha) Capital Project Bylaw No. 126347A approving a
maximum expenditure of $125,272 related to adventure-style playground
equipment, the Board of Education passes the bylaw.
CARRIED
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
9.4
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – December 12, 2011
MOTION:
Manning/Van Alphen that following the second reading of School District
No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha) Capital Project Bylaw No. 126347A approving a
maximum expenditure of $125,272 related to adventure-style playground
equipment, the Board of Education passes the bylaw.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Manning/Van Alphen that following the third reading of School District No.
67 (Okanagan Skaha) Capital Project Bylaw No. 126347A approving a
maximum expenditure of $125,272 related to adventure-style playground
equipment, the Board of Education passes and adopts the bylaw.
CARRIED
2012-13 Funding Formula
The secretary-treasurer reviewed a letter received from the Minister of Education
announcing changes to the funding formula that will become effective in 2012-13.
Additional funding will be provided for Community/LINK to maintain current funding levels
and provide additional resources to districts with growing vulnerable student populations;
a new allocation based on student location will be phased in to replace the current
transportation supplement; additional funding will be provided to support rural and remote
elementary schools with less than 75 students; and additional support will be given to
small districts. Funding for these changes will come from funding protection allocations
which will be reduced to 98.5 percent of the previous autumn funding level. Mr.
Shongrunden added until the final funding numbers are received it is unknown how these
changes will affect SD67 but it is unlikely the changes will add funding for the district.
It was noted that the inequity of utility costs paid by school districts across British
Columbia, particularly electrical costs, was not recognized in the funding formula changes
and for SD67 this means an additional $300,000 per year in electrical bills as the City of
Penticton had the highest rate in the province when comparing other municipal operated
utilities with that of BC Hydro, the supplier used by 46 school districts.
Following discussion regarding the merit of sending a follow-up letter to the Minister of
Education pointing out this unique factor of inequity of utility costs due to the “middleman”
costs,
MOTION:
10.0
Clarke/Johnson that a letter be written to the Ministry of Education
requesting that this unique factor of inequity of utility costs be included in
the funding formula changes.
CARRIED
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
10.1
Superintendent’s Report on Student Achievement
The School Act requires that the superintendent prepare a public report to the Board by
December 15th of each year on the progress of improving student achievement from the
previous school year. The report is intended to ensure transparency and accountability
for each school district in terms of its responsibility for improving student achievement.
Ms. Hyer presented an overview of the report noting that the district has had significant
improvements in the six-year completion rate for aboriginal students in 2010 and 2011;
Grade 3 Reading Results at 12% higher than the original baseline levels established in
2009; and all-time highs on the district numeracy assessments. For the past several
years, SD67 has supported a tremendous amount of work in pursuing the vision of
“improving the achievement of all students – each and every student”. This was
accomplished by building instructional capacity and supporting staff in deepening their
knowledge, understanding and classroom practice. The 2010-11 results suggest that
these efforts have had a positive impact on student success. Ms. Hyer acknowledged
and thanked staff, parents, and the Board for their collective effort and commitment to
enhancing student achievement in the Okanagan Skaha school district.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
MOTION:
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – December 12, 2011
Huebert/Clarke that the report on student achievement be received.
CARRIED
10.2
Enrolment
The superintendent of schools reported that enrolment as of November 30, 2011 showed
6,322 students, a slight increase of 21 students from October.
10.3
School Concerts
Superintendent Hyer extended an invitation to parents, staff, trustees, and media to
attend school concerts as listed on the information sheet included in the agenda
package. Ms. Hyer also acknowledged the efforts of all staff and students in preparing
for the concerts and extended holiday best wishes to all.
11.0
REPORT OF REPRESENTATIVES
12.0
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
12.1
Committee and Representative Appointments
Chair Manning presented committee and representative appointments as well as trustee
school liaisons for the period January 2012 to December 2012 and encouraged trustees
to contact their liaison schools to find out dates of parent advisory council meetings.
12.2
District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC) Meetings
Trustee representation at DPAC meetings will be as follows:
Date
January 25, 2012
February 22, 2012
April 25, 2012
May 23, 2012
June 20, 2012
Trustee
Shelley Clarke
Linda Van Alphen
Linda Beaven
Walter Huebert
Tracy St. Claire
Location
Penticton Secondary
Summerland Middle
Summerland Middle
Penticton Secondary
Penticton Secondary
No meetings are scheduled for December and March.
13.0
INFORMATION ITEMS
13.1
BCSTA Trustee Academy
Trustees were reminded to complete a report of their attendance at the BCSTA Trustees
Academy held on December 8 to 10, 2011, in Vancouver for the trustee reading file.
13.2
BCSTA Thompson Okanagan Branch Meeting
Trustee Van Alphen reported that 63 trustees, the majority of whom were new, attended
the BCSTA Thompson Okanagan Branch Meeting held on December 9, 2011.
Information was provided on the BCSTA strategic priorities for 2011-12 as well as the
Minister of Education responses to the Branch resolutions.
13.3
Minister of Education Visit
The date of the visitation by the Minister of Education to SD67 has been changed to
February 2, 2012. Additional information will be provided closer to the date.
14.1
Date of Next Meeting
• January 9, 2012, 6:30 p.m., Regular Meeting, School Board Office
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
14.0
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – December 12, 2011
TRUSTEE COMMENTS
14.1
Trustee Comments
Trustees provided general comments related to district activities including lunch program
which had been provided by Queen’s Park Elementary for over ten years; the Okanagan
College Centre of Excellence; appreciation relayed from the Okanagan School of the
Arts; and appreciation to teachers for their reporting to parents via different means of
communication.
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 KVR Middle School for their artwork
currently on display at the school board office.
15.0
QUESTION PERIOD
Comments/questions from the audience were related to the impact the additional utility costs and
loss of funding protection could have on the 2012-13 budget and best wishes for the holidays.
16.0
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION:
Clarke/St. Claire that the meeting be adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
CARRIED
____________________
Chairperson
____________________
Secretary-Treasurer
December 22, 2011
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“Working Together for Student Success”