BOARD OF EDUCATION
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 67 (OKANAGAN SKAHA)
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
HELD ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 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
Pam Butters, Director of Instruction
Don MacIntyre, Director of Instruction
Doug Gorcak, Director of Facilities
Daphne Adey, Executive Assistant
1.0
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Manning call the meeting to order and congratulated Leslea Pryde as the new president of
the Okanagan Skaha Teachers’ Union and Derek Hurst as the new chair of DPAC.
2.0
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOTION:
Huebert/Beaven that the agenda be approved.
CARRIED
3.0
PRESENTATIONS BY SCHOOLS AND/OR STUDENTS
3.1
Graduation Requirements Review – Vice Principal Myron Dueck
The Ministry of Education is seeking detailed input toward the development of new
graduation requirements that will better reflect the competencies, skills and knowledge
that students need to be successful in the 21st century. Accordingly, the Ministry has
established an advisory group of experienced educators to make recommendations. This
group will be hosting consultation sessions throughout the province this fall. Based on
information gathered at these sessions, advisory group members will develop
recommendations for new graduation requirements and submit them to the Ministry in
November. Mr. Dueck, one of six regional representatives appointed by the Ministry, will
be hosting a regional meeting on September 27, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., at Penticton
Secondary School Library, to receive feedback from all partner groups and community
members related to graduation requirements. Five key questions will be asked during the
session and everyone is invited to attend.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Page 2
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – September 10, 2012
Appreciation was extended to Mr. Dueck for his presentation as well as acting as the
regional representative.
4.0
RECEIVING OF DELEGATIONS AND GUESTS
5.0
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
MOTION:
Johnson/St. Claire that the minutes of the regular meeting held on June 11, 2012
be approved.
CARRIED
6.0
REPORTS FROM CLOSED MEETINGS
Chair Manning reviewed the following items which were discussed at the closed meetings held on
June 11 and 29, 2012:
June 11, 2012:
• Received reports from the finance and management committee and education
committee;
• Approved details concerning to a request for a proposal related to technology;
• Requested a feasibility study on the possible implementation of an educational program;
• Requested district staff to study the impact and implications of re-configuring a district
program;
• Confirmed teaching and support staff changes;
• Received information related to teacher bargaining;
• Received information related to a long service recognition/retirement dinner;
• Confirmed principal and vice principal appointments and reassignments;
• Received a vice principal resignation;
• Received information related to vice principal competitions;
• Received information related to student suspensions; and
• Received a report from the Okanagan Labour Relations Council meeting.
June 29, 2012:
• Met electronically to vote on the teacher ratification document.
7.0
CORRESPONDENCE
7.1
Letter from Vancouver Foundation
A letter from the Vancouver Foundation advising that the school district has been given a
grant of $100,000 for the “Through A Different Lens” project. Director of Instruction Don
MacIntyre and teachers Judith King, Jeff Fitton, and Naryn Searcy were recognized for
applying for the grant.
7.2
Letters of Appreciation
Letters of appreciation related to district scholarships are available in the trustee reading
file.
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:
•
•
School District No. 68 (Nanaimo-Ladysmith) to the Minister of Education
requesting that the Ministry repeal the Education Improvement Act;
School District No. 39 (Vancouver) to the Minister of Education supporting the
2012-13 restoration budget passed by School District No. 79 (Cowichan Valley);
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
•
•
MOTION:
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – September 10, 2012
School District No. 42 (Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows) to the Minister of Education
conveying their Board’s support for the Ministry to work constructively with the
Cowichan Valley school board on matters related to their budget; and
School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake) to the Minister of Education regarding
education funding in the province of BC.
Van Alphen/Clarke that the correspondence be received.
CARRIED
8.0
REPORT OF COMMITTEES
8.1
Committee of the Whole
Chair Manning reported on the committee of the whole meeting held on June 27, 2012:
a.
Reclaimed Water
A request from the City of Penticton to use reclaimed water on school fields was
discussed. Although the Board expressed an interest in the possibility of using
reclaimed water, committee members agreed there was an obligation to consult
with partner groups and to find out more information on the costs and
consequences of the use of reclaimed water on school fields. A motion was
passed that a committee be formed to explore this further.
b.
District of Summerland Land Acquisition
Land and legal issues were discussed.
c.
B.C. Winter Games 2016 and 2018
The Board passed a motion to endorse Penticton’s bid to host the 2016 and 2018
B.C. Winter Games. Subsequently, the City has requested a trustee to sit on the
bid application committee that is being formed. Trustees Johnson and Manning
have agreed to do that and, if successful, will sit on the organizing committee for
the games.
d.
Wall of Fame
The Board has agreed to review the Wall of Fame project later this fall.
MOTION:
8.2
Manning/Clarke that the report of the committee of the whole be received.
CARRIED
Buildings, Grounds, Safety and Transportation Committee
Trustee Huebert reported on the buildings, grounds, safety and transportation committee
meeting held on September 5, 2012:
a.
Portable Goal Posts
For information only, Director of Facilities Gorcak advised that following an incident
earlier this summer in which a student in the Yukon died from a field hockey net
falling on her, all goal posts in SD67 were reviewed. Mr. Gorcak indicated that
SD67 goal posts are able to be locked down and are secured after each use. The
process of locking down goal posts will be reviewed with principals and vice
principals at an upcoming meeting.
b.
Wiltse Elementary School Playground
The director of facilities reviewed details surrounding the accessible rubber surface
at the Wiltse Elementary playground being removed. Over the past six years, a
number of vandalism incidents had destroyed beyond repairs the rubber surface at
the playground. The maintenance department has fenced this area of the
playground and the principal has begun consultations with the new parent advisory
council related to installing engineered wood fiber at the site. The cost will be
approximately $5,000 which is not recoverable from insurance.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
c.
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – September 10, 2012
Update on Princess Margaret Secondary Geothermal Project
Mr. Gorcak advised that to date approximately 120 vertical holes have been
installed at the site which should be sufficient in install a heating project at the
neighbouring Skaha Lake Middle School as well as at Princess Margaret
Secondary. The geothermal project is expected to be finished by the third week in
September and the field will be rebuilt later this fall. Mr. Shongrunden added
additional ways of heating and/or cooling through wells or catch basins for
rainwater in combination with solar are being explored.
Appreciation was extended to Mr. Gorcak and maintenance crews who have
worked diligently over the summer on the school district’s facilities and grounds.
MOTION:
8.3
Huebert/Van Alphen that the report of the buildings, grounds, safety and
transportation committee be received.
CARRIED
Finance and Management Committee
Trustee St. Claire provided information on the finance and management committee
meeting held on September 5, 2012:
a.
2011-12 Financial Statements
Mr. Sunny Bahniwal, C.A., BDO Canada LLP, attended the meeting and reviewed
the audit of the district’s year-end financial statements. Mr. Bahniwal advised no
irregularities were found during the audit, reviewed a clean management report,
and noted the district has strong internal controls in place. He noted it was a wellrun school district.
Appreciation was extended to Patti Ponech for her preparation for the audit and
trustees requested that a letter of appreciation be forwarded to Ms. Ponech.
The statements will be received at Monday’s board of education meeting.
MOTION:
St. Claire/Van Alphen that the 2011-12 Audit Report and Financial
Statements be received by the Board of Education and forwarded to the
Ministry of Education.
CARRIED
b.
2016 and 2018 BC Winter Games Proposals
The City of Penticton has endorsed the bid application for the 2016 and 2018 BC
Winter Games and is requesting a trustee to sit on the Bid Application Committee
that is being formed. Trustees Manning and Johnson indicated their interest in
sitting on the committee.
c.
Shared Services
Secretary-Treasurer Shongrunden reviewed a letter from the Minister of Education
regarding opportunities for shared services. Mr. Shongrunden reviewed the 14
opportunities and indicated the district is already participating in several of these
such as a purchasing card system, bulk purchasing, fleet purchase, and purchase
of services from School District No. 23 (Central Okanagan) for WorkSafeBC claims
management. Mr. Shongrunden added there may be some opportunities for the
district to be involved in the suggestions for centralization of staff email and
communications due to the infrastructure already in place in the district. He
advised the district is represented on two Ministry committees, one on wireless and
one on cloud services. Additional work will need to be done on shared services
opportunities.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Page 5
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – September 10, 2012
In response to a trustee question, the secretary-treasurer advised SharePoint will require
a lot of training and infrastructure upgrades before it is deployed in the district and
available to all teachers, parents, and staff.
MOTION:
9.0
St. Claire/Huebert that the report of the finance and management committee be
received.
CARRIED
REPORT OF SECRETARY-TREASURER
9.1
Summer Maintenance Projects
The director of facilities reviewed a listing of summer maintenance and renovation
projects for the summer of 2012 circulated with the agenda package. Custodians
completed gym floor finishes and lino base sealers at Penticton Secondary, Giant’s Head
Elementary, and Carmi Elementary as well as cleaned all schools, and cleaned windows
and pressure washed selective schools. As well, custodial staff assisted with Okanagan
Hockey School, a youth program at Parkway Elementary, two daycares, summer school,
volleyball and basketball camps, language and musical rentals, and post construction
clean up at Princess Margaret Secondary and Ecole Entre Lacs. Taking advantage of no
students, maintenance staff completed a number of renovations and cabinet installations,
the installation of a playground at Skaha Lake Middle, and work related to the geothermal
project at Princess Margaret Secondary. A technology update will be provided at an
upcoming meeting.
9.2
School Community Connections
The secretary-treasurer advised that a total of $800,000 provincially will be available
through School Community Connections funding for projects that expand the use of K to
12 school space, including upgrades to Neighbourhood Learning Centres. A maximum
grant of $12,500 is available and all applications from schools must be received at the
school board office by September 24, 2012.
9.3
Carbon Neutral Capital Program Bylaw
As announced on April 5, 2012, the Ministry has initiated a capital funding program for
school districts in an amount equal to, or greater than, the annual cost of carbon offsets
for school districts. Secretary-Treasurer Shongrunden advised that on June 12, 2012,
the district was told an amount of $106,303 would be provided to SD67. Therefore, the
adoption of Capital Project Bylaw No. 126474 specifying a total maximum allocation of
$106,303 is requested. Following reading of the bylaw,
MOTION:
Manning/Huebert that following first reading of School District No. 67
(Okanagan Skaha) Capital Bylaw No. 126474 approving a maximum
expenditure of $106,303 related to the carbon neutral capital program, the
Board of Education passes the bylaw.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Manning/Huebert that following second reading of School District No. 67
(Okanagan Skaha) Capital Bylaw No. 126474 approving a maximum
expenditure of $106,303 related to the carbon neutral capital program, the
Board of Education passes the bylaw.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Manning/Huebert that following third reading of School District No. 67
(Okanagan Skaha) Capital Bylaw No. 126474 approving a maximum
expenditure of $106,303 related to the carbon neutral capital program, the
Board of Education passes and adopts the bylaw.
CARRIED
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
10.0
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – September 10, 2012
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
10.1
Field Trips
Director of Instruction MacIntyre reviewed the listing of field trip requests included in the
agenda package, one of which had been approved by the superintendent pursuant to
district policy.
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Clarke that the field trip request for 40 to 46 French immersion
students from Summerland and KVR Middle schools travel to Quebec City
for the annual winter carnival be approved in principle.
CARRIED
10.2
Enrolment
The superintendent of schools reported that enrolment as of September 7, 2012 shows a
total of 6,184 students, which is slightly down from the previous year. Kindergarten
students are down by 14, grades 1 to 5 are up by 37, and middle and secondary schools
are very near last year’s numbers. As secondary school enrolment depends on the
number of courses taken, accurate numbers are not available at this time.
10.3
Class Size and Learning Improvement Funds
Assistant Superintendent Burgoyne reviewed the process and timelines for the
consultation process and required reports to the Board of Education and Ministry of
Education. New requirements indicate consultation is required in grades 4 to 12 for the
majority of classes greater than 30 and teachers can receive additional pay for these
classes. Principal and vice principals are required to consult with teachers on the
organization of schools and placement of special needs students. Mr. Burgoyne advised
the district does not expect many classes over 30.
Mr. Burgoyne also reviewed the consultation process for the Learning Improvement
Funds, which is intended to enable boards to address learning improvement issues in the
classroom. Funds amounting to $600,000 are available for teachers and certified
teaching assistants (CEA’s) and an additional $80,000 is targeted for CEA hours. There
are four stages to the consultation process and funds can only be used for additional
teaching time for students, CEA’s or paraprofessionals. The district is currently
proceeding through the consultation process.
10.4
Research Proposal
The superintendent advised that Susan Close, the founder of SmartLearning, is seeking
permission to invite teachers in SD67 to participate in an international study of
SmartLearning, which is led by researchers from the University of Otago, College of
Education in Dunedin, New Zealand. The project is designed to examine the impact of
the SmartLearning Project on student outcomes where teachers have been involved in
using research-informed practice with the goal to improve student learning and
achievement.
MOTION:
10.5
St. Claire/Clarke that the Board of Education supports the research
proposal as presented.
CARRIED
BC Adolescent Health Survey
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha) has been invited by the McCreary Centre
Society to participate in the fifth BC Adolescent Health Survey to be conducted in schools
in early 2013. The survey retains many of the items from previous surveys conducted to
allow for analyses of trends over time on key topics such as school, family, substance
use, exercise, nutrition, sexual health and mental health. As well, new questions have
been added about sleep, technology use, concussions, neighbourhood safety and
coming to Canada. Survey results will be widely distributed in a series of provincial and
regional reports and will be shared with the Board.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
MOTION:
Page 7
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – September 10, 2012
Beaven/Johnson that the Board of Education approves the participation of
School District No. 67 in the BC Adolescent Health Survey.
CARRIED
Superintendent Hyer stressed the questionnaire is confidential and cannot be copied or
shared. Additionally, the data can be collected in two ways – a parental notification and
student consent or signed parent and student consent.
MOTION:
10.6
Beaven/St. Claire that the Board of Education supports parental notification
and student consent.
CARRIED
2011-12 K to 12 Regular Enrolment Audit
Superintendent Hyer provided information related to the May 2012 Ministry of Education
audit. The purpose of the K-12 regular enrolment audit is to provide assurance to the
Ministry of Education and boards of education that Ministry policy, legislation and
directions are being followed. The audit team visited schools and interviewed staff, paid
attention to September 30 enrolment and attendance records, and checked to ensure the
students and parents were ordinarily resident in the community.
Several
recommendations were made by the audit team following which district staff reviewed
procedures, created an audit ready binder, in-serviced clerical staff, principals, and vice
principals, and sent a letter home to parents requesting the necessary documentation.
Ms. Hyer added the district will be audited again this year.
11.0
REPORT OF REPRESENTATIVES
12.0
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
12.1
Meeting with City of Penticton
Chair Manning provided a summary of the joint council, trustees, and staff meeting held
on June 11, 2012, at which a number of topics were discussed. It was agreed that the
school district and the city would continue to work cooperatively with the parent advisory
councils and the RCMP on school zone issues and that working cooperatively can make
it safer for everyone. With respect to the joint use of school facilities, the city was
advised the school district intends to review the rental policy during this year and it was
agreed that a working group with school district and city representatives would be created
to review any joint use concerns. The school district’s vision related to technology was
reviewed and it was agreed that a committee would be established to review these
opportunities. A request from the city to use reclaimed water on school fields was
discussed and although the Board expressed an interest in the possibility of using
reclaimed water, trustees agreed there was an obligation to consult with partner groups
and to find out more information on the costs and consequences of the use of reclaimed
water on school fields. The city requested that the school district support a bid
application for the 2016 and 2018 B.C. Winter Games. The district has since provided
information on classroom availability and has provided a letter of support. As well, some
outstanding legal and land issues were discussed.
MOTION:
12.2
Manning/Beaven that the report of the meeting with the City of Penticton be
received.
CARRIED
Meeting with District of Summerland
Chair Manning provided information related to the joint council, trustees, and staff
meeting held on June 18, 2012, at which the group discussed several topics included the
possibility of a capital project at Summerland Secondary School and potential options to
combine this with other community projects falling under the Neighbourhoods of Learning
program. Traffic safety and road upgrades were discussed along with the ability to
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Page 8
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – September 10, 2012
combine economic development and technology ideas to attract business to the
community through telecommunications and networking. These possibilities will be
further discussed. Field upgrades at Summerland Secondary were discussed along with
the joint use agreement, a school district rental review during this school year, the joint
use of a portion of Summerland Municipal Hall, and shared upgrade costs for Centre
Stage.
MOTION:
13.0
14.0
Manning/St. Claire that the report of the meeting with the District of
Summerland be received.
CARRIED
INFORMATION ITEMS
13.1
BCSTA Provincial Council Meeting
A BCSTA Provincial Council Meeting will be held on October 26/27, 2012 in Vancouver.
The deadline for motions of an emergent nature, which now has a new submission
format, is September 19.
13.2
BCSTA Thompson Okanagan Branch Meeting
The BCSTA Thompson Okanagan Branch meeting will be held on October 12/13, 2012 in
Revelstoke, BC.
13.3
Date of Next Meeting
• October 1, 2012, 6:30 p.m., Regular Meeting, School Board Office
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
Trustees provided general comments related to district activities including the success of
the recent food bank drive organized by Local Landing and appreciation to all staff who
do so much for the schools and district during the summer months.
15.0
QUESTION PERIOD
There were no questions posed through question period.
16.0
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION:
Clarke/Johnson that the meeting be adjourned at 8:07 p.m.
CARRIED
____________________
Chairperson
____________________
Secretary-Treasurer
September 14, 2012
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“Working Together for Student Success”