BOARD OF EDUCATION
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 67 (OKANAGAN SKAHA)
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
HELD ON MONDAY, MAY 13, 2013, AT 6:30 P.M.
AT THE SCHOOL BOARD OFFICE
MINUTES
IN ATTENDANCE
Ginny Manning, Chair
Bruce Johnson, Vice Chair
Linda Beaven, Trustee
Shelley Clarke, Trustee
Walter Huebert, Trustee
Tracy St. Claire, Trustee
Linda Van Alphen, Trustee
Wendy Hyer, Superintendent of Schools
Ron Shongrunden, Secretary-Treasurer
Dave Burgoyne, Assistant Superintendent
Maureen Maywood, Director of Finance
Doug Gorcak, Director of Facilities
Don MacIntyre, Director of Instruction
Pam Butters, Director of Instruction
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:
Johnson/Beaven that the agenda be adopted.
CARRIED
3.0
PRESENTATIONS BY SCHOOLS AND/OR STUDENTS
3.1
Collaborative Problem Solving Model
Staff at Giant's Head Elementary implemented a Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS)
process to address the challenges of maladaptive behaviors. Darcy Mullin, Principal,
Giant's Head Elementary School, described the fundamentals of the Collaborative
Problem Solving Model, provided an overview of the process/model, and shared what
they learned from their involvement in the project. One of the guiding principles is that
behind each challenging behaviour is an unsolved problem or a lagging skill. Mr. Mullin
has prepared blog posts that describe the philosophies around CPS and how the mindset
is changed with CPS. Several members of the staff went through training for 16 weeks
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Page 2
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – May 13, 2013
and are hoping to use collaborative time during six early dismissal days during the school
year to implement school-wide the inquiry model of professional development. It was
noted that this inquiry model of professional development originated by the staff.
4.0
RECEIVING OF DELEGATIONS AND GUESTS
5.0
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
MOTION:
Beaven/Huebert that the minutes of the regular meeting held on April 8, 2013 and
the special public budget meeting held on April 10, 2013 be approved.
CARRIED
6.0
REPORT FROM CLOSED MEETING
Chair Manning reviewed the following items which were discussed at the closed meeting held on
April 8, 2013:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
7.0
Received information related to the 2013-14 budget;
Received information related to technology contracts;
Confirmed teaching and support staff changes;
Received information related to teacher bargaining;
Received information related to CUPE bargaining;
Received information regarding a proposed business program;
Confirmed vice principal appointments;
Received information related to student suspensions; and
Received information and confirmed a personnel contract.
CORRESPONDENCE
7.1
Letter from Violence in Relationships Committee
A letter forwarded by the South Okanagan-Similkameen Regional Violence in
Relationships Committee recognizing the importance of a comprehensive Family Life
program that includes adequate attention to a discussion of healthy relationships and the
prevention of behaviours that may lead to violence.
7.2
Summary of Copies of Letters to the Board
Copies of the letters to the Board listed below are available in the trustee reading file:
•
•
•
•
•
School District No. 61 (Greater Victoria) to the Minister of Education requesting
that the province provide full funding to school districts for all negotiated wage
increases;
School District No. 61 (Greater Victoria) to the Minister of Education regarding
lack of funding to keep pace with cost increases;
School District No. 68 (Nanaimo Ladysmith) to the Nanaimo Daily News
regarding racist comments expressed in a letter to the editor;
School District No. 5 (Southeast Kootenay) to the Minister of Education regarding
Ministry plans to fund independent schools for non-graduated adults; and
School District No. 20 (Kootenay-Columbia) to the Minister of Education
commending the Ministry’s initiative concerning children’s programs and for
provision of care for children I the after school hours.
MOTION:
Johnson/St. Claire that the correspondence be received.
CARRIED
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
8.0
Page 3
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – May 13, 2013
REPORT OF COMMITTEES
8.1
Education Committee
Trustee Huebert reported on the education committee meeting held on May 7, 2013:
a.
Early French Immersion Feasibility Report
Dave Burgoyne, Assistant Superintendent, presented the EFI Feasibility Report
conducted by a District Committee. Mr. Burgoyne discussed the EFI report (which
is a segment of the Superintendent’s Report).
b.
Collaborative Time – Proposal by Giant’s Head Elementary School
Darcy Mullin, Principal of Giant’s Head Elementary, presented a proposal for
implementing school-wide collaboration time based on the inquiry model of
professional development. The proposal involved 10 hours of collaborative time
during the regular school day, resulting in six early dismissal days on Wednesday
afternoons during the school year. This originated with teachers and was
presented to parents as well as the PAC and it received the support of the
teachers’ union. Mr. Mullin explained that instructional time would not be lost with
this proposal as students would still receive the same amount of instructional time
during the school year. In addition, the proposal included plans to work with
daycares, community recreation, and others to ensure that students have adequate
supervision and activities during these early dismissal days. It is recommended
that the Board approve the plan as outlined by Mr. Mullin.
MOTION:
c.
Collaborative Time – Proposal by Penticton Secondary School
Alan Stel, Principal, Penticton Secondary School, presented a proposal for
implementing school-wide collaboration time. This proposal, while also originating
from staff members, has some differences from the Giant’s Head Elementary
School plan. Penticton Secondary School’s proposal involves 11 hours of
collaborative time during the regular school day, resulting in 11 late starts on
Wednesday mornings during the school year. Principal Stel has consulted with the
PAC and the school planning council. Instructional time will not be lost with this
proposal and provisions have been discussed for supervising students who arrive
to school on Wednesday mornings prior to classes starting an hour later than
normal. It is recommended that the Board approve the plan as outlined by Mr. Stel.
MOTION:
8.2
Huebert/Clarke that the plan for collaborative time for Giant’s Head
Elementary School be approved as outlined by Principal Mullin.
CARRIED
Huebert/Beaven that the plan for collaborative time for Penticton Secondary
School be approved as outlined by Principal Stel.
CARRIED
Finance and Management Committee
Trustee Van Alphen reported regarding the finance and management committee meeting
held on May 8, 2013:
a.
2013-14 Board and Committee Meeting Dates
The committee reviewed a listing of proposed board and committee meeting dates
for the 2013-14 school year. These dates were selected keeping in mind the
request to combine meeting dates in order to reduce the overall number of meeting
days. During discussion, it was suggested that six of the finance and management
committee meetings (October 2, October 30, January 8, March 5, May 7, June 4)
begin at 3:30 p.m. It was also noted that it may not be necessary for all trustees
and district staff to attend every committee meeting. Additionally, as in previous
years, committee meetings may be cancelled and/or combined depending on
agenda requirements.
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Page 4
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – May 13, 2013
A revised listing was provided for discussion at Monday’s board meeting.
Board Meeting Dates
September 9, 2013
October 7, 2013 (Thanksgiving, Oct. 14)
November 4, 2013 (Remembrance Day, Nov.
11)
December 9, 2013
January 13, 2014
February 3, 2014 (Family Day, Feb. 10)
March 10, 2014
April 14, 2014
May 12, 2014
June 9, 2014
Finance and
Management
September 4
12:00 noon
October 2
3:30 p.m.
October 30
3:30 p.m.
December 4
12:00 noon
January 8
3:30 p.m.
January 29
12:00 noon
March 5
3:30 p.m.
April 9
12:00 noon
May 7
3:30 p.m.
June 4
3:30 p.m.
Buildings,
Grounds,
Safety and
Transportation
September 4
11:00 a.m.
October 1
11:00 a.m.
October 29
11:00 a.m.
December 4
11:00 a.m.
January 7
11:00 a.m.
January 29
11:00 a.m.
March 4
11:00 a.m.
April 9
11:00 a.m.
May 6
11:00 a.m.
June 3
11:00 a.m.
*Education
October 1
12:00 noon
October 29
12:00 noon
*December 3
January 7
12:00 noon
*January 28
March 4
12:00 noon
*April 8
May 6
12:00 noon
June 3
12:00 noon
*School Visitation rather than an Education Committee meeting
Trustee St. Claire expressed difficulty in making noon meetings and hoped that over time
other meetings could be held later in the afternoon. It was also suggested that some of
the education committee meetings could be moved to schools.
MOTION:
Van Alphen/Johnson that the board and committee dates for 2013-14 be
approved as provided.
CARRIED
Budget Development
Trustee Van Alphen gave a brief overview of the budget development process and ten
meetings including a special public budget meeting held on April 10; meetings with OSTU
and CUPE representatives on April 17; a public meeting with DPAC on April 24; a
meeting with principals/vice principals and district staff on April 30; and meetings with
trustees and district staff on April 9, 17, 24, and May 6 and 8, 2013. As well, the results
of two online surveys were reviewed. Ms. Van Alphen acknowledged the difficulty in
preparing a balanced budget, thanked staff for their efforts, and advised the Board will
continue to advocate for additional funds.
MOTION:
9.0
Van Alphen/Beaven that the report of the finance and management
committee be received.
CARRIED
REPORT OF SECRETARY-TREASURER
9.1
2013-14 Budget Bylaw
Director of Finance Maywood reviewed the budget document noting funds need to be
reported on a consolidated basis, which is a requirement of PSAB. Ms. Maywood
advised revenues and expenses are lower than last year’s budget figures and salaries
are lower by $907,000 which is reflective of reductions in enrolment and reduced staff. It
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
Page 5
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – May 13, 2013
was noted that this is a balanced budget and is due to the Ministry of Education by June
30, 2013.
Chair Manning expressed appreciation and gratitude to the public, partner groups, and
district staff for their contribution to the consultative process, with special thanks to the
finance committee and district staff.
Following a number of trustee questions and comments, Chair Manning read the budget
bylaw.
9.2
MOTION:
Van Alphen/St. Claire that following first reading of School District No. 67
(Okanagan Skaha) Annual budget Bylaw for the fiscal year 2013-14 in the
amount of $63,757,716, the Board of Education passes the bylaw.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Van Alphen/St. Claire that following second reading of School District No.
67 (Okanagan Skaha) Annual budget Bylaw for the fiscal year 2013-14 in
the amount of $63,757,716, the Board of Education passes the bylaw.
CARRIED
MOTION:
Van Alphen/St. Claire that following third reading of School District No. 67
(Okanagan Skaha) Annual budget Bylaw for the fiscal year 2013-14 in the
amount of $63,757,716, the Board of Education passes and adopts the
bylaw.
CARRIED
School Fees
The School Act requires that student fees be reviewed and reported to the Board on an
annual basis. The fee structure was reviewed for the 2013-14 school year.
MOTION:
Johnson/Beaven that the following schedule of fees and deposits for the
2013-14 school year be approved:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
A student activity charge of $50.00 per secondary student and
$35.00 per middle school student, per year, for the provision of
goods and services beyond the basic instructional program including,
but not restricted to, the supply of a student planner and partial
funding for a range of student activity costs;
A student activity charge (for the provision of goods and services
provided through the school for personal use and beyond the basic
instructional program including, but not restricted to the supply of a
student planner, and partial funding for a range of student activity
costs), established in consultation with school PACs and not to
exceed $10.00 per elementary student per year. Schools will
provide central office with a record of the fee to be charged and the
uses to which it will be put;
A textbook/resources refundable deposit of $50.00 per secondary
student and $15.00 per middle school student;
Schools are authorized to establish a schedule of user-pay team
fees and/or uniform charges to support extracurricular activities in
the school;
Schools enrolling grade 12, as part of the graduation policy, to
establish a graduation charge to cover costs of graduation events at
the school;
A per student fee of $400 ($80 per month) for the Hockey Skills
Academy at Summerland Secondary School;
A per student fee of $500 for the Soccer Academy at Princess
Margaret Secondary School.
CARRIED
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
10.0
Page 6
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – May 13, 2013
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
10.1
Early French Immersion
Assistant Superintendent Burgoyne provided a report on the feasibility of offering Early
French Immersion in SD67, advised there were no further questions following
introduction of the report at the education committee, and introduced the committee
members, Julie Chornet-Ching, Sean Cargin, and Miko McGrady from the OSTU; Erika
McDowell and Mike Johnson from CUPE; Rob Zoppi, Darcy Mullin, and Jenifer Wingham
representing the principals and vice principals; Derek Hurst and Lynn Gibb representing
DPAC; and Mona Smythe, Jane Tielman, and Jacquie Kentel representing Canadian
Parents for French.
During discussion, it was noted that the demand for the program was high, there would
be a difficulty with space, the program would have an effect on enrolment in outlying
schools, and there would be financial implications on the budget. It was also noted that
policy changes at Ecole Entre Lacs may have an effect on the program. Financial costs
were estimated at $100,000 for one modular classroom ($50,000 for the building and
another $50,000 for site preparation) and $20,000 for resources. It was noted that these
costs may not be provided by the Ministry of Education. Due to the anticipated cost,
trustees indicated they would prefer to look at the program in another year.
MOTION:
Johnson/Van Alphen that the report be tabled.
CARRIED
10.2
Late French Immersion
Director of Instruction MacIntyre reported there are 10 families in Summerland who live in
the district and who have not been offered a spot in the Late French Immersion program.
Superintendent Hyer advised the numbers will continue to be monitored and if the pattern
follows similar years, it may be possible to accommodate those students by September.
MOTION:
St. Claire/Huebert that all of the students who applied for Late French
Immersion who are currently on the list who applied by the deadline this
year will be given a spot by August 30th.
CARRIED
During discussion, anxiety for the students and parents was expressed as well as the
financial impact on the budget, there were suggestions that staff could find additional
funds, and program choices would have to be made to balance the budget. Trustees
also suggested that the choice and flexibility policy may not give Summerland students
an equal chance in registration for the program. Superintendent Hyer spoke against the
motion and did not recommend that the spots be guaranteed due to budget
considerations and the precedence set by such guarantees.
Trustee Van Alphen requested that her negative vote be recorded.
10.3
Enrolment
The superintendent of schools reported that enrolment as of April 30, 2013 showed 6,055
students.
11.0
REPORT OF REPRESENTATIVES
12.0
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
“Working Together for Student Success”
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
13.0
14.0
15.0
Minutes of Regular Board of Education Meeting – May 13, 2013
INFORMATION ITEMS
13.1
BCSTA Annual General Meeting
Trustees were reminded to bring to the meeting reports of their attendance at the BCSTA
annual general meeting held on April 25 to 28, 2013 in Kelowna.
13.2
BCSTA Thompson Okanagan Branch Meeting
Trustee Van Alphen reported on the BCSTA Thompson Okanagan meeting held on April
26, 2013, advising that the budget has been changed to reflect discussions at the
meeting and the following trustees were elected to the branch executive: Carmen Ranta,
President; Linda Van Alphen, Past President; Julia Fraser, Vice President; Tamela
Edwards, Education Chair; and Nancy Rempel and Mitzi Fortin, Members at Large.
13.3
Date of Next Meeting
• June 10, 2013, 6:30 p.m., Regular Meeting, School Board Office
TRUSTEE COMMENTS
14.1
Trustee Comments
Trustees commented on a number of district activities including the Good Will
Shakespeare Festival hosted by Summerland Secondary and the community and the
Princess Margaret Secondary anniversary celebrations
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 Princess Margaret Secondary
School for their artwork currently on display at the school board office.
QUESTION PERIOD
Comments/questions from the audience included:
•
•
•
•
16.0
Page 7
Appreciation by DPAC Chair Derek Hurst for the partnership DPAC has with the Board;
A request for clarification of the vote regarding Late French Immersion;
Questions related to the budget; and
Questions regarding the suggested unfairness in the sibling policy.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION:
Beaven/St. Claire that the meeting be adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
CARRIED
____________________________________
Ginny Manning, Chairperson
____________________________________
Ron Shongrunden, Secretary-Treasurer
June 7, 2013
Ref: U:\SBO-ST-Data\DA\2012-2013\00100 - 00999 Admin\00300-05 Minutes Open\2013-05-13 OP Minutes.docx
“Working Together for Student Success”