Board Approves Configuration Plan at Meeting

The plan for the reconfiguration of Salmon Arm area schools was approved, the draft school year calendar was approved for public input, new principals were announced for several schools, and an overview of the role of the District Inclusion Support Teachers were all discussed at the K̓wsaltktnéws ne Secwepemcúl’ecw  School District No. 83 Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at the District Education Support Centre (DESC).

Salmon Arm Configuration
Trustees approved a comprehensive plan for the reconfiguration of Salmon Arm and area schools. Superintendent Donna Kriger noted that the reconfiguration plan had been in development for the past 13 months.

The transition plan will unfold over three years, allowing adequate time for minor renovations at J.L. Jackson, Salmon Arm Secondary, and Shuswap Middle School. This timeline also provides the Human Resources department the opportunity to work with the North Okanagan Teachers Association (NOSTA) and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE 523) to address staffing implications resulting from the reconfiguration.

Kriger emphasized the importance of understanding the reasons behind the reconfiguration:

• It provides an extended period of time to build connections between students and staff. Research has shown that students who feel connected to their school are less likely to engage in many risk behaviours and more likely to have better academic achievement.
• It reduces the number of school transitions which are particularly difficult for priority learners. 
• It is both educationally and developmentally sound. 
• It allows students to remain “younger” for a longer period of time. 
• It aligns with the structure of BC School Sports 
• The K–7, 8–12 model was overwhelmingly preferred by district and school leadership, staff, and most communities. 

Next steps include sharing information on catchment areas and holding informational meetings with staff and parents at each school impacted by the reconfiguration over the next several months. These meetings will focus on catchment boundaries, draft administrative procedures, catchment maps, boundary changes, and general questions. The two secondary schools and Shuswap Middle will be prioritized.

During discussions, parents and the school community raised concerns about the differences between secondary schools, particularly regarding specialty areas. Kriger noted that no two schools in our district or neighbouring districts are alike. “But what I do know is this: There will be highly skilled, highly invested adults in our schools who will provide an equitable learning opportunity for all students,” said Kriger. The decision regarding which secondary school elementary students from South Canoe Outdoor School will attend is still under review.

Trustees spoke in favour of the plan and expressed their thanks to the staff members who have spent many, many hours working on it.

Several trustees emphasized the need to continue advocating for funding, as the plan aligns with the both the District and Ministry’s strategic plans, particularly supporting priority learners and ensuring they have the appropriate resources and environment to achieve their provincial Dogwood diploma.

READ MORE HERE
INFORMATION SLIDES HERE

Draft District Calendar
Two draft school year calendars (2025-26 and 2026-27) received approval by the Board to go out for public feedback. An approved calendar is due to the Ministry of Education by March 31 of each year. 

The District Calendar Committee, consisting of Senior Leadership Team staff, Principals, Vice Principals, and NOSTA representatives developed the calendars for the next two years, with a third year currently in progress.

The calendars are now open for feedback (click here for survey link or visit sd83.bc.ca). A summary of this feedback will be shared at the February Regular Meeting of the Board of Education.

The calendars show that both school years will begin with a full non-instructional in-service day on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, and Tuesday, September 8, 2026, for all employees. This will be followed by a half-day gradual start for students on September 3, 2025, and September 9, 2026.  The in-service day will allow District staff to focus on work related to the Strategic Plan.  Based on feedback from District staff last year, the traditional half-day gradual start is necessary for organizing classes after the morning’s student meetings.

Winter Break is proposed to begin on Monday, December 22, 2025, and Monday, December 21, 2026. Whenever possible, the Winter Breaks will align with neighbouring districts. 

Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Donna Kriger’s update to the Board covered new leadership at Eagle River and several principal changes within the District.

A new administrative team is in place at Eagle River Secondary: Darryl Smith, formerly with SD23 (Central Okanagan), is the new principal, and Doug Smith, SD83’s numeracy helping teacher, is the vice-principal. “The two D. Smith’s was not intentional,” commented Kriger wryly. “Although no one will fill the void that Lyle (Chapman) has left us with, Eagle River has a leadership team that students will thrive under.” Kriger thanked SD23 Superintendent Kevin Kaardal for allowing Darryl to transition mid-year and begin in Sicamous in January. She praised Darryl’s student-centered, compassionate approach and Doug’s extensive secondary school experience and strong skills as both an instructor and school counsellor. She also expressed appreciation to Director Reid Findlay for temporarily serving as the principal at Eagle River.

Chris Matheson, former principal of North Shuswap, is the new principal at Silver Creek Elementary. Kriger explained that Chris’s student-centered approach and his support for staff and families during the wild fire tragedy were key factors in his appointment. Kriger thanked Rob Ellis for his time at Silver Creek Elementary and acknowledged his exceptional leadership and commitment to students, staff, and families.

Duncan Hazlewood, previous vice principal at Highland Park, has moved to North Shuswap Elementary. Kriger highlighted Duncan’s ability to foster strong community ties and his passion for student achievement. .

Kriger also shared the exciting news about the opening of Pleasant Valley Secondary School’s gym, noting that many students there had never had access to a school gym.

Lastly, Kriger celebrated the “official ringing” of a historic bell at Armstrong Elementary School, which was first rung by retired teacher Helen Sidney, at 102 years old. “Helen is a tremendous lady and is a real supporter of AES,” said Kriger. She also thanked SD83 Operations staff for installing the bell.
READ MORE HERE

Role of the District Inclusion Support Teacher
The role of the District Inclusion Support Teacher is to promote and support inclusion for all students in the most enabling environment within their school community, explained Jo McKenna, the District Principal of Student Support Services.

McKenna, along with Crystal Truscott, one of the District’s Inclusion Support Teachers, explained that the District Inclusion Support Teachers, including Joan Marsan, report directly to the District Principal of Student Support Services and are integral members of both the District and school teams. Truscott has been in the role since its inception in 2021, and Marsan’s position was added in September 2024. McKenna explained that both Truscott and Marson are experienced classroom teachers with advanced credentials and extensive knowledge to support students with behaviour and disability challenges.

McKenna emphasized that their work is guided by Canadian Human Rights Law, BC Educational Law, and Ministerial and District policies. “British Columbia promotes an inclusive education system where students with disabilities or diverse abilities are fully participating members of a community of learners. Inclusion means that all students are entitled to equitable access to learning, achievement, and the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of their educational programs. It goes beyond placement to ensure meaningful participation and the promotion of interaction with others.” 

The District Inclusion Support Teachers assist school teams and Learning Resource Teachers (LRTs) with tasks such as:

• Writing Individual Education Plans and the providing corresponding tech support in MyEd.
• Conducting file reviews, collecting and warehousing supporting documentation to ensure compliance and preparation for Ministry of Education audits.
• Mentoring new & novice LRTs and providing support to all case managers.
• Providing Tier 1 & Tier 2 academic, program and behavioural support to school-based teams, including Principals, Vice Principals, LRTs, Certified Education Assistants, and classroom teachers.
• Providing intensive behavioural supports at the Tier 3 level.

In addition, the Inclusion Support Teachers are certified Nonviolent Crisis Intervention instructors, responsible for employee training and the writing, implementation, and oversight of any necessary Employee Safety Plans.

McKenna and Truscott shared an example of how the Inclusion Support Teachers supported both a secondary and an elementary student by providing direct intervention, offering strategies, building capacity within the school team, and providing wraparound support.
READ MORE HERE

School Fees
The Board was advised that school leaders are finding the maximum $80 school fee charge is no longer sufficient to cover the actual costs. “Over the past two years, most schools have been using the Ministry of Education and Child Care’s Family Affordability Grant to offset the rising costs they are experiencing. Principals will be consulting with school staff and their Parent Advisory Council regarding a potential increase to school fees prior to them coming to the Board for approval in the spring of 2025,” reports Kriger. Currently costs are set at $35 for a school purchased supply package, $10 for a planner or agenda, $5 for a lock, $20 for activity fee, and $10 for cultural performances.

Education Directions
Committee Chair Marianne VanBuskirk reported the committee met on January 8, 2025. The committee extended appreciation to everyone involved in the winter concerts and theatre performances. They discussed two numeracy pilot programs: Mathology, with 22 teachers participating, and Math Up, which started last week with 27 teachers involved. VanBuskirk mentioned that the new Provincial Outreach Program for the Early Years is to help support early literacy. Former SD83 teacher Dr. Jen Kelly is leading a four-part series for literacy educators. A reading and writing session led by educator and author Jennifer Serravallo was attended by 24 local teachers participating. The upcoming CUPE Day of Learning on February 14, 2025, was also mentioned.

Finance & Facilities/Audit
Committee Chair Amanda Krebs reported that at the recent Finance and Facilities/Audit meeting they received an update on the operating fund, revenues, and expenditures. She noted that Director Travis Elwood explained how a new computer-based program is helping Operations staff become more efficient in managing service requests from schools.

Policy Committee
Committee Chair Brent Gennings reminded everyone that policy guides the District’s leadership team, employees and Board. Two policies were brought to the Board for first reading and received approval.

Policy 124 Climate Action , is being revised to align with the Intellectual Development, Community Partnership Development, and Effective Governance and Leadership priority areas in the 2023-2028 Strategic Plan. The revisions reflect the District’s responsibility as stewards of Secwépemc lands and reinforce its dedication to promoting long-term environmental stewardship and sustainability.

Policy 380 Allergies and Anaphylaxis is being reviewed out of concern for student and staff safety. The Ministry of Education and Child Care mandates that every school district across the province have either a policy or administrative procedure on Anaphylaxis.

BC School Trustees’ Association Update
Trustee Krebs shared that the Provincial Council meeting is on February 22 and will be held virtually. Emergent motions will be discussed during this meeting, and these will be passed on to trustees once received. Normal motions will be addressed at the annual general meeting at the end of April.

BC Public Sector Employers’ Association Update
Trustee Gennings reported that the BCPSEA AGM is at the end of the month; however, both he and alternate rep Trustee VanBuskirk are unable to attend. Vice Chair Lachmuth will attend on behalf of the Board.

Quelmúcw Education Council
Trustee Lachmuth reported that the meeting is on January 22, 2025.

Trustee Reports
Trustee VanBuskirk reported that since the Board last met she attended the Hillcrest winter concert, and the Storefront Christmas dinner, both which had some heartwarming moments. She also attended the Homecoming Games on December 19-20 at Salmon Arm Secondary where alumni from Jewels and Golds teams faced off against the current Golds and Jewels in a basketball game. She highlighted National Ribbon Skirt Day, which took place on January 4.

Trustee Lachmuth reported that the PVSS gym opened for use on Thursday, January 9, 2025, saying she went to the first game held there as did Secretary-Treasurer Dale Culler and about 100 others. “It’s been a long time coming. It is really lovely.” She noted that considerable effort was made to address various needs and preferences, and the results are evident. The facility features an open design with modern corridors and change rooms, enduring that visiting teams have access to dedicated washrooms and change rooms. “Thanks to the Operations staff and everyone who looked after the contract and did the work.”

Trustee Gennings reported that he has set a goal to visit PACs more frequently and continue building relationships with those in his area. This approach will help inform and guide him in making decisions with the Board.

Chair Grayston reported that she attended the recent MyBlue Print session organized by the SD83 career department. “I think there were 27 or 28 parents taking part. It was a really good session. I was really impressed with the program and what it offers. It is such a great tool to help students understand career options and pathways.”

Upcoming Dates
February 18 at 6 p.m. – Regular Board Meeting at DESC
February 28 & March 1 – BCSTA Thompson Okanagan Branch Meeting