Final meeting of Board

It was the final regular meeting of the current Board of Education (North Okanagan-Shuswap) on Tuesday, Oct. 18 at the District Education Support Centre (DESC), however, there were still important items on the agenda including the Framework for Enhancing Student Learning (FESL) report, student and family affordability fund information, a school calendar amendment and an enrolment update.

At the meeting Chair Krebs thanked outgoing trustees Quentin Bruns and Marty Gibbons for their service to the Board. The newly elected trustees will be sworn in on Monday, November 7th at 6 p.m. This includes three returning trustees (Krebs, Tennile Lachmuth, and Marianne VanBuskirk) as well as new trustees Brent Gennings and Corryn Grayston.

FESL Report
The Board gave approval to the 2021-22 Framework for Enhancing Student Learning. Superintendent of Schools Donna Kriger, in presenting the report to the Board explains that the FESL report formalizes the planning and reporting structures for all school districts within BC. The framework ensures accountability and system-wide continuous improvement for all Kindergarten to Grade 12 students. The FESL shares student achievement based on provincial standards and local assessment data. It also articulates areas of strength and growth that the district needs to consider within school growth plans and district budget commitments. She adds the report format follows Ministerial guidelines and follows the Ministry of Education and Child Care’s vision for student success which is to develop educated citizens through a holistic approach. School districts are asked to report on: 

• Intellectual Development (literacy, numeracy, grade to grade transitions) 
• Human and Social Development (feel safe and welcome at school, sense of belonging, and connectedness to caring adults) 
• Career and Life Goals (graduation and post-secondary) 

In the report, Kriger goes through each area outlining areas of strength, areas where growth is necessary and further considerations. In summary, she notes that after analyzing the data, it is apparent that numeracy must remain a key focus. “This will require an analysis of current practice and possible interventions that may need to be introduced.”

“Heading into the development of a new strategic plan, it will be imperative to provide stakeholders, students, and Rightsholders the opportunity to engage in meaningful consultation. This will allow them to become authentic partners in collaborations as we chart the course of the district into 2027-28.”

“The lingering impact of the pandemic and the intergenerational trauma of Indigenous Rightsholders and their families causes our district to examine moving forward through trauma informed practices. Mental health and well-being of both students and staff will be a priority for the 2022-23 school year.”

Read complete FESL Report Here

Student and Family Affordability Fund
Kriger noted that at the end of August the Ministry of Education and Child Care announced a one-time $60 million Student and Family Affordability Grant to improve students’ access to nutritional food/meals and to help offset costs to parents for school supplies and any additional fees that are associated with field trips, school fees, and transportation. SD83’s portion of this grant is $771,098. “SD83 is extremely grateful for these funds.”
Kriger noted a survey has been shared with school PVP, counsellors and DPAC and will soon be shared with the Indigenous Education Workers and Indigenous Education Council. Based on the results of the survey, SD83 will ensure the funds are spent where it will most help. Important for the Board to know that we are trying to remove as many barriers as possible so it is stigma-free and easy to access. There will be a simple application form and a simple means where schools will record where the money has gone. The distribution won’t be a one size fits all. It will be going to help the most vulnerable.

She noted a portion of the funds will be allocated to the schools in the near future, with a second instalment being distributed once the Indigenous Education Council and District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC) have opportunity to provide feedback. She added some funds will be held back to ensure adequate support for students at year end.

Information on Student and Family Affordability Fund

Change in District Calendar
The National Day of Mourning to mark the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II has necessitated a change to the SD83 2022-23 School Calendar. At the Board meeting Assistant Superintendent Ryan Brennan explained that in SD83 the Sept. 19 date was to be a professional development day (site-based). After consideration, it was recommended to the Board that the professional development day be changed to Friday, April 28. After consultation, Brennan also recommended that the upcoming professional development day on Nov. 10th be changed to a site-based day from the Ministry-designated day and that the Ministry designated day be moved to the new day, Friday, April 28. He noted several factors were considered when putting together this forward. They included:

• A desire to avoid adding an additional day without school for students and parents/caregivers in the fall.
• Maintaining balance between semesters in our secondary schools.
• By moving the site-based day to November, it still allows schools to have a site-based day in the fall to work on their School Learning Plans.
• Moving the November Ministry-designated day to the Friday prior to the Monday, May 1, 2023 site-based professional development day honours the feedback from staff and stakeholder groups in February and March regarding adding professional development days to long weekends whenever possible.

The Board approved this recommendation.

Fall Enrolment Update
Directors of Instruction Reid Findlay, Carol-Ann Leidloff and Chelsea Prince updated the Board on what the 1701 data collection day is, why it is important, and trends that it is revealing.

Findlay commented the 1701 data collection day is when the school district must officially “count” all the students in the district and report these numbers to the ministry. This is in part a simple head count but also is much more complex as, for example, it includes students within special needs categories (which generates additional support funding from the Ministry). Findlay pointed out one new change in funding ability is called Newcomer Refugee, which allows school districts to claim funding for those children caught up in some immigration snags, such as the refugees from Ukraine.

The vast majority of a school district’s funding is determined by the 1701 count. He added the 1701 also tracks student movement, how many home schoolers are registered with the district, and enrolment trends.

Leidloff noted one significant shift this year is the number of English Language Learners (ELL) students are in the district. “Historically we have had about 35-44. Last year we had 39. This year we have 71.” She noted the district will have to increase the ELL teachers from the current 1.6 to 3 full time teachers. She added that interestingly the increase is not from one area of the world but from several. “It is no one country that students are coming from, it is quite diverse.”

Another interesting trend is that 1,281 students of SD83 students, or 19 per cent, have self-identified as Indigenous. Prince noted last year there were 1,236 students so the number is up slightly. “This generates special purpose funds to provide enhanced services.”

She also noted there is funding collected from the federal government for students who live on-reserve. Currently there are about 110 students attending SD83 schools that live on-reserve.

Leidloff added another fact revealed in the 1701 is that there is a spike in numbers of children with autism, which went up by 29 students over last year. She noted part of this is because of earlier diagnosis, with testing being done with children before they start school. “Children are coming into the school with really complex needs, requiring significant amounts of support. We are working hard with our teams to meet these needs.”

Findlay gave a shout out to staff as this year’s submission was one of the smoothest years the district has had.

Read 1701 information here

Trustee Attendance
One of the recommendations of the Watson Report was that Board’s report on trustee attendance. At the meeting Krebs reported there was no issues this past year.

Superintendent’s Report
Kriger began her report by congratulating the Trustees who have been elected or acclaimed to serve on the Board for the next four years. “As the current board is aware, the role of the trustee is very important to ensuring local voice is represented, that financial stewardship is exercised and that the board corporate is holding the Superintendent accountable for the alignment of district resources as they pertain to the strategic goals and priorities of the district. I look forward to serving the new board as we begin establishing a new 5 year strategic plan. Thank you to trustee Gibbons and Bruns for their service to SD83. You have been positive, dedicated ambassadors of our district and it was my pleasure to work alongside you. On behalf of the district, I want to thank you for your service and wish you all the best in your future endeavours.”

National Truth and Reconciliation Day
Kriger reported that there were numerous events at SD83 schools, including a very meaningful ceremony at Salmon Arm West, and she thanked all the organizers for their efforts. “The session at Salmon Arm West was unbelievably powerful.”
“Thank you trustees who came out to the ceremony at the DESC to participate in some reflection regarding the importance of Truth and Reconciliation as leaders in the district. “We will continue to bring forth the truth with hope that everyone of our district employees will continue to grow in their journey towards reconciliation. I am grateful for the Indigenous Rightsholders of this place who continue to be gracious and understanding – walking alongside us in our journey as a district.”

September 30^th enrolment
Kriger reported to trustees that after at September 30 the district has approximately 6800 students. The largest school in the district is SMS with 663. Currently secondary students make up 25 per cent of the total student population. “We are seeing a trend where we have higher numbers of secondary students compared to the numbers of K-4 students enrolled in the system. This is a trend we will need to watch closely. Historically we see an uptake of student numbers in the secondary years where students seem to enter our system.”

Foundation Skills Assessment (FSA)
A lot of publicity or opinions out there regarding the FSA. Just a couple of pieces of information I’d like to share with you:

• Provincial Assessment for Literacy and Numeracy in grades 4 & 7 with the assessment window open until November 10^th. It is a Ministerial Order and is our legislative responsibility to administer the assessment
• The assessment is based on BC Curriculum
• Results do NOT count toward a student’s report card
• It is created collaboratively by teachers, educational experts and the representatives from the Ministry
• It occurs early in the school year to help guide teaching and learning
• It is a “snapshot” in time of what student’s have learned which allows us to guide teaching and learning
• It is used in concert with other assessment data to help inform next steps toward continuous improvement
• The assessment results are provided to parents, teachers, school and districts
• The assessments are scored within our district by district teachers and administration

Student Conferences
Kriger reported October 26^th is Teacher/Student/Family Goal Setting Conferences for elementary and middle school students. She notes these conferences are important for establishing learning goals for the year, and during the conference opportunities will be provided to share examples of learning, reflect on areas of strength, and identify areas of further growth. Students will only attend school on this day during their conference time. “We are grateful to our school staff for the preparation and effort that they put into making these conferences happen.”

District Celebrations
Kriger shared information about Jamie Bentley, a grade 12 student at Sullivan, who for her graduation Capstone project wrote a children’s book about rescued animals, which is something she herself does. The book is written through the perspective of the animal that has been rescued. “An awesome example of the talent students we have in the district.”

Fire Safety Week 
I’d like to express my thanks to the local fire fighters who have visited many of our schools to help raise awareness about fire safety and helping our kids plan safe routes out of their homes if there is a fire.

For example, at Silver Creek Elementary three of our students got a ride to school in a fire truck last Wednesday! They were the winners of the school’s poster contest which focused on Plan Your Escape. The three students were surprised to see trucks with lights and sirens ablazin picking them up to go to school.  This was followed by a presentation about the protective gear worn by fire fighters to help keep them safe while fighting a fire. 

Bus Safety
This week is National School Bus Safety Week, with the theme Safely Rolling to My Destination. Speaking of safety, I’d also like to thank our bus drivers who are running bus evacuation training with all our students. “I just want to express my appreciation to all of them for the work they do transporting our kids safely to school and home each day.”

Salmon Run 
Many of our schools are also taking advantage of this amazing weather to take students to the Adams River salmon run. For example, last Wednesday students from Salmon Arm West spent the day at Tsútswecw Provincial Park, experiencing the Salute to the Sockeye. Principal Laura Jegues reports the weather was gorgeous, the salmon were out, and the students made staff proud with their questions, curiosities, and excellent behaviour. 

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Board Update
Leidloff presented a report to the Board on work being done in the areas of equity, diversity and inclusion. She noted one of the biggest pieces being worked on around inclusion right now is developing, or really focussing on, what a common vision on what inclusion means. “That’s really about recognizing the diversity that we have in our classrooms and helping our classroom teachers differentiate their instruction so that they are looking at the needs of all the children in their classroom.”

In doing that, Leidloff noted they are also looking at the tiers of support. She noted the first tier (universal support) are supports that benefit all students (i.e. using calculators or movement breaks) but really make a difference for some of the students in the class. The second layer (targeted supports) are supports that are good for a number of kids but are more targeted. The final tier (intensive) are supports that a few students just can’t manage without and targeted towards specific children.

Leidloff said the piece that is key here is that it is about including all of the kids in the class, to ensure that all the students in the class are being included. “They are all of our kids.” She added everyone needs to be working together, understand the specific needs and choose practices and strategies that benefit all the children. “Everyone in the school needs to work together and develop that collective efficacy that can make a real difference for kids.” Leidloff also discussed the provincial mental health in schools strategy and what the school district was doing. Key areas of focus include:

• the opioid crisis
• Safer Schools (Erase strategy)
• mental health education, strategies, resources and supports
• building teacher capacity to support all of their students
• supporting employee well-being so they can support students

Leidloff touched on the work being done to support vulnerable students including accessing funding from Community LINK (Learning Includes Nutrition and Knowledge), early initiatives action grant funding, and the Student and Family Affordability Fund. She noted the local Rotary clubs have also been a great support in funding a healthy food program in schools.

She wrapped up her presentation saying one of the exciting things is having a team to work with that allows them to stop working in silos and bring their diverse perspectives together to find creative solutions to help students. “We can work together to adapt education for students to make them feel successful and that they belong.”
Slides available here

Assessment & Communicating Student Learning
The Board of Education gave second and final reading to Policy 330 – Assessment & Communicating Student Learning . Kriger explained that the Board of Education has undertaken the process of a Policy renovation project as part of its work plan. In review of Section 300 within the Board Policy Handbook, Policy 330 Assessment and Communicating Student Learning has been revised to align it with the new Ministry guidelines and school district practice.  Kriger added an Administrative Procedure will be developed to ensure practices within each SD83 school are consistent and aligned with the Ministry’s K-12 Student Reporting Policy. During the Policy Committee report Chair Lachmuth noted that the committee met at the beginning of October. She noted there were no comments forthcoming from stakeholders about Policy 330 so it was brought forward to the Board for consideration.

Field Trip Request
The Board of Education approved in principle the Salmon Arm Secondary boys basketball trip to Calgary in February 2023 to take part in a basketball tournament at St. Mary’s Secondary from Feb. 2 to Feb. 5, 2023. The team will travel by private vehicle and stay at a local hotel.

SAS Sullivan & A.L. Fortune – Student Pride
VanBuskirk reported on a couple of Pride projects happening in schools. At Salmon Arm Secondary Sullivan the SAS Pride Action team has put together a bulletin board display to recognize Pride history month. The bulletin board oKey events and key figures are noted. She added some students are also volunteering with Pride project activities in Salmon Arm. Also, A.L. Fortune’s Gender of Sexualities Alliances (GSA) Club used month of September to welcome new students and expand the Pride bulletin board at the school that was started in June. The club is also fundraising to put a rainbow crosswalk at the front of the school.

Education Directions
Committee Chair VanBuskirk reported the Ed Directions committee met on Oct 5. “I am so pleased to announce that two students from PVSS have joined our committee. Joselynn Vigue and McKenzie Gyorkos. She added they have already received some great questions from them and she is so pleased to again have student voices on the committee. Topics covered included the Indigenous-focussed graduation requirement, the Len Wood Math Intervention program, student-teacher-family conferences, and the one-to-one reading program.

Labour Relations
Committee Chair Bruns reported there was a meeting on Oct. 12. Items discussed included exit interview surveys and looking for trends, as well as continuing to update Human Resources (HR) guidelines.

Policy Committee
Committee Chair Tennile Lachmuth reported that Policy committee met at the beginning of October. Policy 330 Assessment & Communicating Student Learning was out for public for input and there were no comments so it was brought forward to the Board. The Board gave second and final reading to the policy as presented.

BCSTA Update
Trustee Lachmuth noted the branch would be hosting a virtual meet and greet on Nov. 1 and the BCSTA Trustee Academy is set for Dec. 1-3.

FNEC Update
VanBuskirk was very thankful and proud of the meaningful activities for Orange Shirt Day events. She said she was moved by the two events she attended, which were at Salmon Arm West and the District Education Support Centre. She noted the First Nations Education Council, which may be changing its name to the Indigenous Education Council met twice in October, on the 11th and 12th. The meeting on the 11th was regarding the Terms of Reference to work on updating it. The 12th was the regular meeting with district updates, sharing the orange shirt day package, budget and staffing updates, as well as updates on the Knowledge Keepers program and the student and family affordability fund. “It was a very good meeting with rich conversation.”

Trustee Reports
In his final report as a trustee, Gibbons noted the one thing eye opening for him was the large role Parent Advisory Councils (PACs) play in schools. “I always knew they did a lot of work but didn’t realize the extent.” He also mentioned that they had been a board at a time when they had to rebuild public confidence and he thinks they have done a good job of that that. He said they have also been the board that had to go through COVID, which was stressful. “It has been an honour and privilege to serve with my fellow board members and to work with such a great organization. It has changed me as a person, I think it has made me a stronger person.”

Trustee Bruns thanked his fellow trustees and also spoke to the new trustees who were in the audience at the meeting saying that he feels they will be stepping into a really solid situation with three returning trustees. “It took us a while to find our feet but you will be stepping into a healthy situation and it should be great.”

In her report, VanBuskirk noted that she had attended PAC meetings at several schools, the welcome back barbeque at Storefront, and the Active Transportation meetings with Salmon Arm Council, where work is being done to develop safe walking and biking paths to school. She also welcomed the new DPAC president Robyn Keating to the meeting. She said it was a pleasure to work with the group of trustees and the school district, and noted she was humbled to once again to be serving the community as a trustee.

Important Dates
Friday, Oct. 21 – In-service Day
Wednesday, Oct. 26 – Student-Teacher-Family Conferences (elementary & middle schools)
Monday, Nov. 7 at 6 p.m. – Inaugural Board Meeting
Friday, Nov. 11 – Remembrance Day
Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 6 p.m. – Regular Board Meeting