BOARD OF EDUCATION
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 67 (OKANAGAN SKAHA)
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
HELD ON MONDAY, MARCH 12, 2012, AT 6:30 P.M.
AT THE SCHOOL BOARD OFFICE
MINUTES
IN ATTENDANCE
Ginny Manning, Chair
Linda Van Alphen, Vice Chair
Linda Beaven, Trustee
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/Clarke that the agenda and addendum with item 9.3 be adopted.
CARRIED
3.0
PRESENTATIONS BY SCHOOLS AND/OR STUDENTS
4.0
RECEIVING OF DELEGATIONS AND GUESTS
5.0
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
MOTION:
Huebert/Clarke that the minutes of the regular meeting held on February 13, 2012
be approved.
CARRIED
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
6.0
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – March 12, 2012
REPORT FROM CLOSED MEETING
Chairman Manning reviewed the following items discussed at the closed meeting held on
February 13, 2012:
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7.0
Page 2
Received correspondence;
Received information related to teacher and support staff bargaining;
Received information related to a legal matter;
Received information and approved a request related to an employee matter;
Received information regarding two educational programs;
Confirmed teacher and support staff changes;
Confirmed principal and vice principal appointments;
Confirmed teacher leave requests;
Received information related to student suspensions;
Received information related to a BCPSEA annual general meeting;
Received information related to a meeting of the Okanagan Labour Relations Council;
Provided direction to five resolutions to be presented at the BCSTA Provincial Council
meeting.
CORRESPONDENCE
7.1
Letter from Pen High 100
A letter from the organizing committee of the Pen High 100th Anniversary Celebration
seeking permission to obtain a liquor license for the Pen High 100th Anniversary
Celebration to be held at the Penticton Secondary School and Shatford buildings and
grounds for Friday, May 18, 2012, 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
7.2
Letter from Ministry of Education
A letter from the Deputy Minister of Education in response to the Board’s letter of January
10, 2012 concerning changes to the K-12 education funding formula. A copy of the
Board’s letter to the Minister of Education was attached.
7.3
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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MOTION:
Vancouver District Students’ Council to Premier Christy Clark promoting Pink
Shirt Day, a national day of awareness against homophobic bullying;
School District No. 43 (Coquitlam) announcing the Confucius Classroom has
been successful in its application for a re-classification to Confucius Institute
status as approved by the Chinese Language Council International (Hanban) in
Bejing, China;
School District No. 20 (Kootenay-Columbia) to the Minister of Education
requesting that funding protection be maintained at the 100% level;
School District No. 20 (Kootenay-Columbia) to the Minister of Education
supporting anything the Ministry is undertaking in reducing the paperwork and
administration required so more time can be spent supporting the student’s
needs;
School District No. 41 (Burnaby) to the chairperson of School District No. 39
(Vancouver) applauding and supporting the recent decision of the Vancouver
Board of Education to reiterate and reinforce their commitment to existing policy
dealing with bullying behaviour based on sexual orientation and encouraging
other boards of education in BC to pass similar motions as well as asking the
Minister of Education to be proactive in passing provincial legislation addressing
this devastating bullying issue.
Clarke/Johnson that the correspondence be received.
CARRIED
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Page 3
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – March 12, 2012
The Board discussed the letter from the Pen High 100th Anniversary Committee noting the
request for permission to serve alcohol at the wine and cheese on May 18. The Board also
questioned who would be responsible for additional custodial costs and before and after set-up
and takedown costs for this event as well as other school reunions. The Board recognized the
rental policy is not yet compete and suggested that permission for this event could be granted on
a trial basis and used in development of the rental policy. Following discussion,
MOTION:
8.0
Beaven/Johnson that the Board grant permission for the committee to serve
alcohol at the Pen High 100th Anniversary on May 18 and use this event as a test
case to serve alcohol in school facilities.
CARRIED
REPORT OF COMMITTEES
8.1
Finance and Management Committee
Trustee St. Claire reported on the finance and management committee meeting held on
March 7, 2012:
a.
WorkSafeBC Report
The director of facilities reviewed the WorkSafeBC report which provided first aid
analysis on the number of days reporting an incident; the severity and frequency of
the incidents; a claims cost analysis; an injury analysis; and experience rating
assessment. No names were mentioned in the report. It was noted that the school
district base rate, which is being driven by the five biggest school districts, is $0.69
per $100,000 and the SD67 net rate is $0.60. Mr. Gorcak advised SD67 has
partnered with School District No. 23 (Central Okanagan) to coordinate a number
of items including handling appeals and providing extra information related to SD67
claims. Following a number of questions, trustees requested additional information
related to the number of staff in each injury group and suggested it may be
reasonable to hire someone experienced in this area to assist with implementing
the district’s safety program for all employees. In response to a trustee question,
Mr. Gorcak indicated savings may not be great enough to be justified in our size of
district; however, this could be discussed at budget time.
b.
2012-13 Budget Development
The secretary-treasurer requested feedback on a public survey to assist with the
development of the 2012-13 budget. Questions asked in the past two public
surveys and the current questions being asked in the Kelowna school district were
provided to trustees as suggestions for this year’s survey. Committee members
supported an on-line survey and will provide suggestions and/or feedback on
questions to be asked. The survey is expected to ready for April 5, 2012.
MOTION:
8.2
St. Claire/Clarke that the report of the finance and management committee
meeting be received.
CARRIED
Buildings, Grounds, Safety and Transportation Committee
Trustee Huebert reported on the buildings, grounds, safety and transportation committee
meeting held on February 29, 2012:
a.
Facility Review
The director of facilities and secretary-treasurer reviewed the slides and Long
Range Facilities Plan completed by Hugh Skinner, Stantec Consulting Ltd. All
school districts are required to have a 10-year Long Range Facilities Plan in order
to receive funding for capital projects such as mechanical upgrades, major
renovation, and new space. The recommendations contained in the report and
approved by the Board in June 2011 were also reviewed. Mr. Gorcak is currently
reviewing the viability of decommissioning excess space as recommended in the
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – March 12, 2012
report. It was noted that a number of schools have daycares operating in the
excess space. Trustees indicated a preference to have other service providers
occupy the space as an alternative to decommissioning. Trustees were reminded
the Long Range Facilities Plan is available on the district’s website.
b.
Transportation Review
Secretary-Treasurer Shongrunden reviewed a report prepared on the
transportation service provided to students. It was noted that walk limits, which
were required by the Ministry of Education, are no longer required; courtesy riders
are permitted subject to available space; and extra bussing is not provided for
French Immersion students. The Ministry transportation funding, which has been
frozen for approximately ten years, will now be called “Student Location Factor”
and the rules and guidelines associated with this will be distributed with the Ministry
of Education funding announcement expected by March 15.
c.
Centre Stage
For information only, Director of Facilities Gorcak advised the canopy over the
entrance at Centre Stage will be removed due to deteriorating wood. Mr. Gorcak
has spoken with Dale MacDonald of the District of Summerland to develop a threeto five-year plan for the theatre area, update the front door system, and paint the
foyer area.
d.
Queen’s Park Elementary Trees Removal
Mr. Gorcak advised some of the trees on the eastern side of the property are dying
off and should be removed as recommended by a horticulturalist. He also noted
that the roots will be dug up while the City of Penticton is working in the same area.
Mr. Shongrunden added the fence line through the southeast side of the property
currently runs through a building and parking lot and at some point the district will
need to discuss this with adjacent property owners and complete fencing on the
site.
e.
Giant’s Head Parking Lot
For information, Mr. Gorcak advised the District of Summerland is upgrading a
section of Prairie Valley Road and will require some of the school property to add
sidewalks and bike lanes in front of the school. It was agreed that while they are
completing an environmental study along the creek, they will include school district
property as well. The district has asked that fiber ducting to be installed during the
road improvements.
f.
Rental Review
Director of Finance Maywood presented highlights of a preliminary rental review
completed on all rentals in school district facilities. As well, a synopsis of what
other school districts are doing with rentals, a comparison of school district rates
compared to municipal rates, a comparison of other districts’ rentals, and a
summary chart of community use in the Penticton and Summerland facilities was
provided. Ms. Maywood noted additional analysis is needed to ensure our costs
are being recovered for these rentals, reviewed some of the price reductions
requested by renters, and requested some direction from the Board on a number of
topics which would be included in the school district rental policy. The committee
supported maintaining consistency between rates charged in SD67 with rates
charged in other districts as well as rates charged by municipalities where school
facilities are located, agreed this would be part of a review on a three-year cycle as
proposed in the rental policy, and supported that the proposed policy and charges
should be the same for the entire district, unlike the current practice. Committee
members requested additional information on charges to daycares in other areas
and additional information on city rentals.
The committee supported the categories described in the proposed rental policy,
whereby there would be graduated fees with lowest rates charged for student-
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – March 12, 2012
related activities and highest to private and commercial activities, and supported
that costs associated with the use of school district facilities and grounds be met by
the users 100% or a portion thereof. Additional information and options will be
brought back to the committee. There was also support in possibly bringing all
bookings of school district facilities in house. Further information and analysis will
be brought forward for trustees to review.
MOTION:
9.0
Huebert/Van Alphen that the report of the buildings, grounds, safety, and
transportation committee be received.
CARRIED
REPORT OF SECRETARY-TREASURER
9.1
2012-13 Budget Development
The secretary-treasurer reported on a conference call held earlier today related to the
2012-13 funding noting the Ministry of Education has announced an additional $4 million
in funding as well as $10.7 million to fund a new BC Education Plan. Mr. Shongrunden
advised SD67 may not receive any additional funds from the increase in the funding as
the district is under funding protection along with 45 districts throughout the province.
The district will receive some of the funds for the BC Education Plan although amounts
are unknown at this time. All superintendents, secretary-treasurers, board chairs, and
lead principals will learn more about the BC Education Plan and Learning Improvement
Fund at an upcoming meeting with the Minister of Education on April 2 and 3, 2012. Mr.
Shongrunden added the budget continues to be developed and a budget deficit is
expected. The public meeting regarding the budget will be held on April 4, 2012.
9.2
Capital Project Amendment Bylaw
Secretary-Treasurer Shongrunden reviewed that a board resolution is required to adopt
Capital Project Amendment Bylaw No. 126159-B for full day kindergarten for an
additional allocation of $95,974.00 received from the Ministry of Education. This Capital
Project Amendment Bylaw provides for additional funds for the implementation of full day
kindergarten. Following discussion,
9.3
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Huebert that following first reading of School District No. 67
(Okanagan Skaha) Capital Project Amendment Bylaw No. 126159-B
specifying a total maximum allocation of $1,238,174, the Board of
Education passes the bylaw.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Huebert that following second reading of School District No. 67
(Okanagan Skaha) Capital Project Amendment Bylaw No. 126159-B
specifying a total maximum allocation of $1,238,174, the Board of
Education passes the bylaw.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Huebert that following third reading of School District No. 67
(Okanagan Skaha) Capital Project Amendment Bylaw No. 126159-B
specifying a total maximum allocation of $1,238,174, the Board of
Education passes and adopts the bylaw.
CARRIED
2012-13 Annual Facility Grant Funding (AFG)
Director of Facilities Gorcak advised the 2012-13 annual facility grant funding was
announced earlier today amounting to $1,262,554 for SD67, of which $34,433 is retained
by the Ministry for the Capital Assets Management Services (CAMS) initiative. A listing
of AFG projects and expenditures will need to be sent to the Ministry by April 30, 2012
and it is intended that some of these capital dollars can be spent on projects which will
reduce operating expenses.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
10.0
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – March 12, 2012
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
10.1
Enrolment
The superintendent of schools reported on enrolment as of February 29, 2012, noting
6,366 students, an increase of eight from the previous month.
10.2
Class Size and Composition Report
The superintendent reviewed details on recently held school class size and composition
consultation meetings related to eight classes, one of which has now been split. Ms.
Hyer 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.
MOTION:
10.3
Johnson/Clarke that the class size and composition report be received.
CARRIED
Master Research Proposal
The superintendent reviewed the request from Summerland Secondary School teacher,
Kimberly Wise, for permission to conduct a research project as a partial requirement of a
City University of Seattle Master Degree in School-based Counselling. The research
question asks “Can group work improve attendance and self-esteem with at-risk
adolescent girls in a high school setting?”
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Beaven that the request for Kimberly Wise, a teacher at
Summerland Secondary School, to conduct a research project as a partial
requirement of a City University of Seattle Master Degree in School-based
Counselling be approved.
CARRIED
10.4
Late French Immersion Program Enrolment
Director of Instruction MacIntyre provided an update on the French Immersion
registration process and number of registrants for 2012-13. Seven of nine waitlisted
students at Summerland Middle School have been accepted at KVR Middle school, one
has withdrawn from the program, and one is waiting for an available spot at Summerland
Middle School. Four Penticton students are on a waitlist for KVR Middle School, and
eight are waiting for an opening at Summerland. Mr. MacIntyre has asked Ecole Entre
Lacs that, if seats are available, could SD67 students be able to ride the bus from
Summerland to Penticton.
10.5
School Calendar (2012-13)
The assistant superintendent reviewed that the Board of Education is required by May
31, 2012 to approve and circulate the 2012-13 school calendar for the district. It is
recommended that the proposed school calendar for 2012-13 be distributed for
information to parents and employee groups. Mr. Burgoyne added the proposed
February family day, announced by the Ministry but not yet passed by the legislature, is
not reflected in the calendar nor is the date for the school improvement day.
MOTION:
10.6
Van Alphen/Clarke that the proposed school calendar for 2012-13 be
approved and circulated to parents and employee groups for information
and feedback.
Field Trips
Director of Instruction MacIntyre reviewed the attached listing of field trip requests, some
of which had been approved by the superintendent pursuant to district policy.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
MOTION:
Page 7
Huebert/Johnson that the field trip request for May 23 to 26, 2012 for 40
grade 8 band students from Skaha Lake Middle School to participate in a
spring tour, performing at various schools, be approved in principle.
CARRIED
11.0
REPORT OF REPRESENTATIVES
12.0
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
13.0
INFORMATION ITEMS
14.0
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – March 12, 2012
13.1
BCSTA Provincial Council Meeting
Trustee Van Alphen reported on the BCSTA Provincial Council Meeting held on February
24 and 25, 2012 in Vancouver, at which reports were received from the president and
executive director, education committee, and aboriginal education committee. Changes
to Pacific Carbon Trust were requested and a conference for superintendents, secretarytreasurers, principals and vice principals, parents, students, and Ministry of Education
entitled “Partnerships for Personalization – Leading and Transforming Together” was
announced for November 15 and 16, 2012. Ms. Van Alphen reviewed the outcome of
five motions discussed previously by the board. A complete report is available in the
trustee reading file.
13.2
BCSTA Annual General Meeting
The BCSTA annual general meeting will be held April 26 to 29, 2012 in Vancouver.
13.3
BCSTA Okanagan Branch Meeting
Trustees were reminded to submit a report of their attendance at the BCSTA Okanagan
Branch meeting hosted by School District No. 58 (Nicola-Similkameen) in Merritt on
March 2 and 3, 2012. Trustee Van Alphen reviewed the highlights of the meeting which
included a tour of the newly finished “House of Honour”; provincial council resolutions
were reviewed as well as funding formulae changes and how the Teachers Act will affect
boards of education. An overview of Bill 22 and a bargaining update were provided. It
was suggested that students be involved in the conference when hosted by SD67 in
2014. A complete report is available in the trustee reading file.
13.4
Date of Next Meeting
• April 16, 2012, 6:30 p.m., Regular Meeting, School Board Office
• April 4, 2012, 7:00 p.m., Public Budget Meeting, Penticton Secondary School
Library
TRUSTEE COMMENTS
14.1
Trustee Comments
Chair Manning, on behalf of the Board, provided the following statement related to the
teacher negotiations:
“The Board of Education for School District 67 has always valued the work that all of our
staff do to ensure our children are well educated.
Our Board continues to advocate for more money in the classroom, look for ways to
improve our revenues through entrepreneurial programs and reduce costs by creating
efficiencies wherever possible. Our goal is to improve the overall educational experience
of every student in the district.
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Page 8
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – March 12, 2012
For the past year our designated bargaining agent, the British Columbia Public School
Employers’ Association, has been in negotiations with the British Columbia Teachers’
Federation with little movement or compromise on either side. Our board would have
preferred a negotiated settlement and in fact we supported a motion to that effect at the
recent BCSTA Provincial Council. Bill 22 sets out a process for mediation to address
issues important to both the BCTF and the employer. We are hopeful that both parties
will take a reasonable approach and seek agreement through mediation on the full range
of issues brought to the table.
The Board is aware that individual teachers in our district want very much to (and do)
provide world class teaching to their students and like all professionals want
improvements in their working conditions. We are hopeful that no matter the outcome we
will continue to have the respectful, supportive relationships with all of our staff that we
have enjoyed over many years.
Our Board commits to continued advocacy for the highest student achievement of our
children.”
15.0
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 attached listing.
14.3
Recognition of Student Artwork
Congratulations were extended to students from Kaleden Elementary School for their
artwork currently on display at the school board office.
14.4
Trustee Comments
Trustees provided general comments related to district activities including the BC
Wrestling Championships hosted by Penticton Secondary School, the Parkway
Partnering with Seniors program, ten pioneer people from Summerland meeting with
students, and appreciation for the efforts of all staff working to keep our facilities clean
and well maintained.
QUESTION PERIOD
Comments/questions from the audience were related to:
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16.0
Questions from Steve Kidd, Western News, regarding the Ministry of Education funding;
an expected shortfall for funding for SD67; funding protection; and the budget meeting on
April 4.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION:
Clarke/Huebert that the meeting be adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
CARRIED
____________________
Chairperson
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Secretary-Treasurer
April 11, 2012
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“Working Together for Student Success”