BOARD OF EDUCATION
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 67 (OKANAGAN SKAHA)
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
HELD ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 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
Doug Gorcak, Director of Facilities
Danny Francisco, Manager of Information Technology
Daphne Adey, Executive Assistant
1.0
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Manning welcomed everyone to the meeting.
2.0
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOTION:
Beaven/Huebert that the agenda and addendum be approved.
CARRIED
3.0
RECEIVING OF DELEGATIONS AND GUESTS
3.1
Protocol Signing
The Board of Education of School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha) and its partners in
the region are committed to making our schools safe for students and staff. Last year,
district staff collaborated with a number of community partners to develop a Threat
Assessment Protocol. The protocol outlines a multi-disciplinary team processes for
assessing a threat, intervening to decrease that risk and supporting the student to
address the issues contributing to the high-risk behaviour. The protocol will be initiated
anytime an individual engages in threat-making or worrisome behaviour.
Chair Manning acknowledged the work of all community partners, some of whom were in
attendance to officially sign the protocol. Partner groups include the Ministry of Children
and Family Development, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Adolescent Residential Care
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – October 1, 2012
Programs Ltd., Aboriginal Child and Youth Wellness Program, Penny Lane Bargain
Outlet, Okanagan College, Penticton and District Community Resources Society and
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha).
4.0
PRESENTATIONS BY SCHOOLS AND/OR STUDENTS
4.1
2012 Summer School
Jennifer Wingham, principal of the 2012 Middle/Secondary Summer School Program,
and Kirsten Odian, principal of the 2012 Elementary Summer School Program, presented
to the Board their 2012 Summer School Reports. Ms. Odian reported that 139 primary
and 34 intermediate students participated in the two-week program, the focus of which
continued to be addressing learning outcomes through explicit instruction and
cooperative practice by offering courses that were remedial in nature. Thirteen remedial
courses were offered at Parkway Elementary School. Ms. Odian reviewed the positives
and challenges of the program as well as five recommendations for 2012:
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The summer school principal attend and discuss the referral process and criteria
at an admin meeting;
The process of cross-enrollment by school secretaries be continued;
That students are grouped according to levels;
That the letter to parents clearly state dates, times and location; and
That the “Bridging the Reading Gap” program be continued.
In presenting her report, Ms. Wingham advised 97 students had participated in the middle
and secondary summer school which ran from July 9 to 20 at KVR Middle School. All
middle school students had to be referred by their classroom teacher who cited the area
in which the student needed remediation. High school students were permitted to take
summer school if they had received between 40 to 49% in their regular course.
Recommendations included continuing with the referral process, advertising the program
to neighbouring districts, collaborating with the secondary school of outcomes required to
complete the course; possibly moving the program ahead a week or moving it to the end
of August; and ensuring the curriculum fits the clientele.
Both Ms. Wingham and Ms. Odian thanked district and school staff for their support of the
program.
Chair Manning extended appreciation to the principals for their presentation and for their
commitment to the summer school program.
5.0
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
MOTION:
Huebert/Clarke that the minutes of the regular meeting held on September 10,
2012 be approved.
CARRIED
6.0
REPORT FROM CLOSED MEETING
Chair Manning reviewed the following items which were discussed at the closed meeting held on
September 10, 2012:
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Received a report from the buildings, grounds, safety, and transportation committee and
finance and management committee;
Confirmed teaching and support staff changes;
Received information on teacher and support staff bargaining;
Received a principal resignation;
Confirmed a principal reassignment;
Confirmed principal and vice principal appointments;
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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7.0
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – October 1, 2012
Approved a teacher leave request; and
Received information related to a BCPSEA meeting.
CORRESPONDENCE
7.1
Letter from Penticton Indian Band
A letter forwarded by the Penticton Indian Band expressing concern and disappointment
regarding an “Aboriginal Cultural” position that was recently posted.
The superintendent reviewed the consultation process used during the past year and
advised a letter will be sent to the author of the letter.
7.2
Summary of Copies of Letters to the Board
A copy of the letter to the Board listed below is available in the trustee reading file:
•
BCSTA Metro Branch to BCPSEA Board of Directors requesting that sufficient
time be given to Board representatives to go back to their individual boards to
gather the information required.
MOTION:
Huebert/Beaven that the correspondence be received.
CARRIED
8.0
REPORT OF COMMITTEES
8.1
Finance and Management Committee
Trustee Johnson reported on the finance and management committee meeting held on
September 26, 2012:
a.
Community Connections Proposals
A total of $800,000 will be available through the School Community Connections
program for projects that expand the use of K-12 school space, including upgrades
to Neighbourhood Learning Centres. This final SCC program continues with the
original goals of the earlier programs by supporting boards of education to provide
access to learning services in partnership with local governments and other
community agencies. School districts can submit applications for one or more
projects – totaling no more than $12,500. An additional $5,000 may be available
depending on the number of submissions.
The secretary-treasurer advised that five project proposals have been received.
Representatives of each were at the meeting to provide information and respond to
questions on the following proposals:
Community HUB – Queen’s Park Elementary – Presenter Principal Rob Zoppi
Healthy early childhood development has been identified as a key factor of good
adult health, education and social outcomes. To support healthy early childhood
development, young children and families can access services from a number of
government and non-profit organizations in the South Okanagan Similkameen
region. The HUB would be a “one-stop shop” for families to access programs and
services as well as the services of a HUB Facilitator who would work with service
providers to ensure that families are connecting to the services they require. An
amount of $12,500 is requested.
Queen’s Park Elementary – Outdoor Exploration Centre – Presenter Principal
Rob Zoppi – Mr. Zoppi advised that this proposal has been retracted.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – October 1, 2012
Shatford Centre Community Kitchen Project – Presenter Jane Shaak
The goal of this project is to establish a community kitchen at the Shatford Centre,
focusing on intergeneration, wellness, local foods with worldly flavours, and a
demonstration/ event kitchen. Funds requested in the amount of $12,500 will go
towards the overall cost of the kitchen.
Giant’s Head Elementary – Breakfast for Learning Kitchen Renovation –
Presenter Principal Darcy Mullin
The Breakfast Program for Learning ensures that every child has the opportunity to
start the school day well nourished and ready to learn. The requested funds of
$2,000 for kitchen renovations are to include a double sink and increased counter
space with an additional $1,000 to purchase a freezer to keep fruit when it is picked
in the fall.
Naramata Elementary – Community Kitchen Upgrade and Locking and
Security Systems – Presenter Principal Todd Lindsay
The Naramata PAC recently undertook a renovation of the kitchen to bring it up to
the standard of a commercial kitchen. The PAC is seeking $3,000 to direct
retroactively to the kitchen upgrade project with an additional $1,000 to replace and
upgrade the locking and security systems such that the community can access the
kitchen, gym, and Naramata Parks and Rec storage locker outside of school hours.
b.
Management Compensation Freeze
Secretary-Treasurer Shongrunden reviewed a letter from the Minister of Education
advising the announcement of an immediate freeze on management compensation
across the public sector. The Finance Minister has directed that compensation for
all public sector executives and management be frozen as of September 13, 2012,
until further notice.
The freeze applies to any movement within existing
compensation ranges on the basis of service, merit or other progression as well as
to changes to existing ranges and position reclassifications without substantive
changes to responsibilities. Mr. Shongrunden added that wages for management
staff have already been frozen since 2009. Different this time is that if staff are on
a grid level, they will not be able to move to the next level. At this time, this may
affect one employee.
MOTION:
8.2
Johnson/Clarke that the report of the finance and management committee
be received.
CARRIED
Buildings, Grounds, Safety and Transportation Committee
Trustee Huebert reported on the buildings, grounds, safety and transportation committee
meeting held on September 19, 2012:
a.
Letter from Penticton Basketball Camp
The secretary-treasurer reviewed a letter from Fred Fedorak, Director, Penticton
Basketball Camp, requesting a reduction in the rental rates charged for 2012. He
also requested that consideration be given during the rental review to leaving as is
or reducing the present rates (with some modifications) due to the years involved
and considering that the camps are for the benefit of the students. Trustees
questioned whether costs were recovered in the rates charged, suggested that
fairness be considered in the request for a price reduction, and indicated that the
rental review should show the true costs related to rentals. It was noted that Mr.
Fedorak had requested no air conditioning due to the extra charge. The committee
agreed that a letter be written to Mr. Fedorak thanking him for the information
provided which will assist with the review of the rental rates.
b.
2012-13 Capital Plan
Secretary-Treasurer Shongrunden reviewed the history of capital plan submissions
over the recent years and Director of Facilities Gorcak reviewed the 13 items
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – October 1, 2012
recommended for the 2012-13 capital plan submission. Renaissance GHM
Architects Inc. prepared a report for the top priority project, a new gymnasium and
multipurpose space at Summerland Secondary School. Other projects included
building envelope projects at Summerland Secondary, Trout Creek Elementary,
Carmi Elementary, Summerland Middle, Skaha Lake Middle, West Bench
Elementary, Kaleden Elementary and KVR Middle, mechanical upgrades at Wiltse
Elementary, Skaha Lake Middle and the board office, and the replacement of one
school bus. Conceptual drawings for the Summerland Secondary project were
reviewed showing areas that need to be repaired and what the new building could
look like; however, if the district receives commitment for the project, a series of
consultation and committee meetings of students, staff at the school, and the public
will be held prior to developing the final plans. Mr. Shongrunden added positive
feedback has been received from the school; however, to date, there have been no
groups indicating an interest in adding a neighbourhood of learning component to
the project. A Board resolution will be required at the upcoming board meeting.
MOTION:
c.
Okanagan Hockey School (OHS)
For trustee information, the secretary-treasurer reported that the Okanagan Hockey
School has confirmed that the OHS will no longer operate a dorm for the summer
hockey school beginning with the summer of 2013. Mr. Shongrunden added the
school district has provided this service for at least 30 years. In the e-mail from
Daryl Meyers, Director of Residential Life, Okanagan Hockey Academy/Hockey
School, Ms. Meyers extended appreciation to staff for supporting the hockey school
and for their work in setting up, maintenance, and dismantling of the school each
year.
MOTION:
8.3
Huebert/Van Alphen that the Board of Education of School District No. 67
(Okanagan Skaha) approves the 2012-13 Capital Plan as outlined on the
attached summary.
CARRIED
Huebert/St. Claire that the report of the buildings, grounds, safety, and
transportation committee be received.
CARRIED
Education Committee
Trustee Johnson reported regarding the education committee meeting held on
September 25, 2012:
a.
The 60 Minute Kids Club
The 60 Minute Kids Club is a healthy living program that Columbia Elementary
participated in last year and will continue to participate in this year. This program
began at Columbia because of a concern regarding the fitness of students and
statistics that indicate 17% of children are overweight and one in four students is
obsess. Vice Principal Kent Percevault advised the program is not a fix, but rather
assists students in leading healthy lives. Teachers receive curriculum kits at no
charge to the district. Key change drivers to this program include physical literacy,
fun and the need to track results. Students have their own online tracking system –
they track exercise, breakfast, eating vegetables, water consumption, sleep, and
reading – and have a positive outlook about how they feel about themselves as
individuals. The 60 Minute Kids Club encourages parent interaction and decision
making around healthy living. More information about this program can be viewed
at www.60minkidsclub.com. Mr. Percevault is encouraging other schools to join in
with the 60 Minute Kids Club.
b.
International Student Program
Superintendent Hyer advised the school district is looking at potentially expanding
the International Student Program. Superintendent Hyer gave an overview of the
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – October 1, 2012
provincial picture discussing long-term programs (one to three years), short-term
programs (one to three months), and summer programs. Currently, SD67 has 16
students in long-term programs.
Two reasons for expansion are a cultural venture (building positive, cultural
relationships) and a business venture (generates revenue for programs and
services). The Okanagan is a draw for International Education due to our area and
positive lifestyle. We can promote lifestyle, a desirable climate, small ESL classes,
and outstanding educational programs. Possible markets include Korea, Russia,
Germany, Japan, Mexico, Brazil, and China.
As the International Student Program grows, the school district will require the
following:
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Review/set fee structures with competitive rates, which are consistent with
Kelowna and Vernon;
Develop marketing materials – create brochure and update website;
Recruit students; and
Hire personnel to oversee various aspects of the program (homestays,
clerical, recruiting person, and programs).
The focus is to begin slowly to develop positive relationships with agents. This can
be accomplished be attending agent and student fairs as well as visiting existing
agents with whom we have agreements and relationships. Funds from the
program will be used to grow the program; over the years, it will be financially
beneficial for the district.
MOTION:
9.0
REPORT OF SECRETARY-TREASURER
9.1
10.0
Johnson/St. Claire that the report of the education committee be received.
CARRIED
Auditor General of British Columbia
The secretary-treasurer advised that the Auditor General of BC will be examining whether
boards of British Columbia provincial government entities are receiving and using the
information needed to effectively fulfill their functions, and to assess progress since the
first board survey of 2009. The survey will be run from late September through October
2012. The auditors have sent a survey from a management point of view and will send it
through e-mail to trustees. The old survey is still online if trustees wish to view it.
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
10.1
Learning Improvement Fund – Spending Plan
Assistant Superintendent Burgoyne reviewed the spending plan for the Learning
Improvement Funds, which is required by Bill 22 to be approved by the Board and
submitted to the Minister of Education. A total allocation of $692,197 was available, of
which $86,524 was required as the minimum allocation for education assistants. Under
the plan, $102,600 was committed to teacher staffing, $530,524 was committed to
education assistants, and $59,073 is left in reserves. One hundred and fourteen of
education assistant positions experienced extended hours of work week; 19 education
assistant positions were created with extended hours of work week; and eight new
education assistant positions with status quo hours of work/week were created. Mr.
Burgoyne acknowledged the work of staff and principals and the cooperation of OSTU
President Leslea Pryde for working through the new process in an open, respective, and
collaborative way.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
MOTION:
10.2
Page 7
Johnson/Beaven that the Learning Improvement Fund report be received
and sent to the Minister of Education.
CARRIED
Field Trips
The superintendent of schools reviewed the listing of field trip requests circulated with the
agenda package.
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Clarke that the following field trip requests be approved in
principle:
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10.3
February each year (three days duration) for approximately 20 band
students from Princess Margaret Secondary to travel to Moscow,
Idaho, to attend the largest educational jazz festival held in North
America; and
May 22 to 25, 2013, for 33 grade 8 band students from Skaha Lake
Middle to travel to Edmonton, Alberta, on a ‘spring tour’, performing
at various schools.
CARRIED
Enrolment
The superintendent of schools reported on enrolment as of September 28, 2012, which
shows 6,205 students in the district. Ms. Hyer added, not including ConnectEd students,
this shows 5,821 students compared to 6,029 students last year. This is a reduction of
238 students. The FTE for grades 10/11/12 depends on the number of courses the
student is taking so likely these numbers will change by October.
11.0
REPORT OF REPRESENTATIVES
12.0
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
12.1
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – October 1, 2012
District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC) Meetings
Trustee representation at DPAC meetings will be as follows:
Date
October 24, 2012
November 28, 2012
January 23, 2013
February 27, 2013
April 24, 2013
May 22, 2013
June 26, 2013
Trustee
Linda Van Alphen
Shelley Clarke
Linda Beaven
Bruce Johnson
Tracy St. Claire
Walter Huebert
Ginny Manning
Location
PSS Library
PSS Library
Summerland Middle Library
PSS Library
PSS Library
PSS Library
PSS Library
No meetings are scheduled for December and March and all meeting begin at 6:30 p.m.
12.2
Early French Immersion (EFI)
Chair Manning advised that earlier this evening, the Board discussed the possibility of
introducing Early French Immersion to the school district. The Board passed a motion for
staff to proceed with the following steps to ascertain the feasibility of EFI in SD67:
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Assistant Superintendent will met with Canadian Parents for French (CPF) reps
and report out to the Board in November 2012;
Ads for public meetings will be placed in local media (November 2012);
Public/parent information meetings will be held in Penticton and Summerland
with reporting out to the Board (December 2012 and January 2013);
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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12.3
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – October 1, 2012
A committee will be struck with representatives from CPF, OSTU, CUPE, PAC’s
or DPAC (January to April 2013);
Committee meetings and final report to the Board’s Education Committee in April
2013;
Education Committee recommendations will be considered by the Board in a
public meeting to be held in May 2013; and
Planning year 2013-14 for implementation of EFI in September 2014.
Community Connections
Chair Manning announced that the school district had received applications for a School
Community Connections grant which is available in the amount of $12,500. The Board,
earlier this evening, approved to support the following projects:
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Naramata Elementary School in the amount of $1,500 for shelving in the
community kitchen and for locking devices to limit access to other parts of the
school when users are in the community kitchen;
Giant’s Head Elementary School in the amount of $8,000 for a kitchen renovation
which includes a sanitizing dishwasher;
Various schools in the amount of $3,000 to purchase fridges to support the
breakfast and lunch programs at a number of schools.
The Board also supported that, if additional funds are available by Community
Connections in the amount of $5,000, it would be directed to West Bench Elementary to
purchase and install a sanitizing dishwasher for the hot lunch program.
Appreciation was extended to everyone for their part in preparing the proposals.
13.0
14.0
INFORMATION ITEMS
13.1
BCSTA Provincial Council Meeting
Trustee Clarke will attend the BCSTA Provincial Council Meeting to be held on October
26/27, 2012, in Vancouver.
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
• November 5, 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
Recognition of Student Artwork
Congratulations were extended to the students from Naramata Elementary School for
their artwork currently on display at the school board office.
14.3
Trustee Comments
Trustees provided comments on a number of district events including the new playground
at Trout Creek Elementary, the Giant’s Head Elementary Terry Fox Run, and
international skipping at Columbia Elementary.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
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Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – October 1, 2012
15.0
QUESTION PERIOD
Comments/questions from the audience included questions related to the international student
program, the letter from the Penticton Indian Band, and Early French Immersion.
16.0
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION:
Huebert/Clarke that the meeting be adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
CARRIED
____________________
Chairperson
____________________
Secretary-Treasurer
October 12, 2012
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“Working Together for Student Success”