Highlights from the June Board of Education Meeting

A direction for configuring Salmon Arm’s urban and rural feeder schools has been established. During the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, trustees approved reconfiguring elementary schools to Kindergarten to Grade 7, and secondary schools to Grade 8 to Grade 12. A further motion was passed to direct senior leadership to present a recommendation for either a two or three secondary school model to the Board for consideration at its October 2024 meeting.

Board Chair Amanda Krebs noted the District will be making application through the Capital Branch for funding through the Ministry’s new modular program. During long term facilities plan discussions several years ago moving to the K-7, 8-12 model, which is the most common in B.C., was not possible as the District could not afford to purchase the portables that would be necessary. With the new Ministry program, it allows the District to adopt a configuration that is both educationally and developmentally sound.

A potential timeline was provided, indicating that some students will remain in their current elementary school in the 2025/26 school year, with additional changes anticipated in 2026/27. The implementation of this timeline will depend on various factors, such as securing funding for modular classrooms.

Trustees also voted to rescind a motion passed in 2021 which supported, in principle, Option E5 of the Long-range Facilities Plan, for the Salmon Arm region. This option would have reduced transitions by one, but would have funneled all Salmon Arm middle school students to Shuswap Middle School before dividing them to two high schools.

Please refer to the background information provided here , which includes details on educational benefits, infrastructure considerations, potential programming, facility comparisons, and facility pressures.

For further details specific to the Salmon Arm reconfiguration, additional information is accessible here.

2024-2025 Annual Budget
The Board adopted the School District No. 83 (North Okanagan-Shuswap) 2024-25 Annual Budget Bylaw totaling $107,085,445 after it received second and third readings. The initial reading of the budget occurred on May 21, 2024.

Trustees expressed concern over Ministry operating grant funding that will result in necessary reductions across the organization. The Board committed to writing a letter to the Ministry expressing their concern about the current funding model and will continue to advocate through the British Columbia School Trustees Association. Trustees invited the executive of the North Okanagan Shuswap Teachers Association (NOSTA) and CUPE to join their advocacy for more funding.

The budget bylaw is comprised of the District’s operating funds, special purpose funds (targeted for a specific purpose or initiative), and capital funds. Secretary Treasurer Dale Culler shared that the preliminary operating grant allocations announced in March project that the District can expect $87,586,555 in operational funding for the 2024-25 school year. The projected enrolment for the 2024-25 school year is 6,668.1054 full time equivalency (FTE), a decrease of 93.701 FTE from the current year.

In his presentation to the Board, Culler said he and Director of Finance Jeremy Hunt did some statistical analysis with B.C. school districts of similar size to SD83 (5,000 to 10,000 FTE) to ensure the District’s budget is not an “outlier” or markedly different than other districts. Culler reported that the District budget is strikingly similar to the other districts of similar size.

Based on the request of the Board to find other areas to reduce versus the direct supports to schools Culler presented the Board with proposed changes from first reading presented in May 2024.

Board Chair Amanda Krebs thanked staff for their hard work in constructing the budget. She indicated her appreciation for finding the best possible solutions given the circumstances.

Supporting documentation:
Budget Background Information
Budget Presentation
Staffing Tables
Budget Bylaw

Salmon Arm – Inashiki Twinning Committee
The Salmon Arm – Inashiki, Japan exchange has been on hold since just before the pandemic, prompting teacher Dan DeRosa to ask the Board to make a formal decision regarding its continuation. “We’ve been sending students to Japan and they’ve been coming here for 33 years now,” he told the Board. “I’m not here to ask for money. What we would like to know is whether there is a will to carry on the exchange program.”

DeRosa highlighted his and retired principal Pam Chudiak’s strong support for continuing the exchange and volunteered to help keep the program going. He added that the twinning committee and the City of Inashiki would like to explore cost-saving measures to support the exchange program.

DeRosa discussed the rich history of the exchange and noted that Inashiki would very much like to continue the exchange. Pointing out a formal agreement established years ago between the School District and Inashiki regarding the exchange, DeRosa emphasized the need for a formal response from the Board. Following DeRosa’s presentation, Board Chair Krebs informed him that the Board does not engage in discussions on delegation items during the meeting, but acknowledged the urgency of resolving the program’s uncertainty and assured that the Board would consider the matter.

Superintendent’s Report – District Celebrations
As part of her Superintendent’s report, Kriger mentioned some of the many things to celebrate going on in schools.

On June 4, 2024, an exceptionally well run District Track Meet took place at Little Mountain Park. She thanked Principal Paul Rosman, for organizing the event. Kriger expressed her gratitude for the numerous staff (both current and retired) who ensured the meet was a success.

Kriger also mentioned the Warm up to WOW (Wednesday on the Wharf) concert which took place on June 12, 2024, where the talented musicians from Salmon Arm Secondary and Jackson jazz bands and concert bands performed. She thanked Acorn Music and Salmon Arm Folk Music Society for their support of the concert as well as the fantastic music teachers at the secondary schools.

Kriger commended the many students who participated in the SD83Talks public speaking competition at A.L. Fortune on June 12, 2024. She extended appreciation to organizers Duncan Hazlewood and Shelly Cull, as well as the volunteer judges.

Carlin Elementary Middle School’s Grade 2 class had the opportunity to learn about water and boat safety with members of the Royal Canadian Marine Rescue station. Kriger thanked the volunteers for providing this opportunity for students.

Kriger noted that it is always a tremendous accomplishment for secondary school sports teams to reach the provincial championships. This year, the girls’ rugby teams from J.L. Jackson and Salmon Arm Secondary both qualified for provincials. In the end, the two teams faced one another in their final game of the season. She congratulated the players, coaches, and supporters for a great season.

Kriger noted that the District’s Operations Department often makes improvements without much awareness from the public. She highlighted recent renovations at South Canoe, where the Operations team added a kitchen facility, called the Bee Hive, as well as some gender-neutral bathrooms. She expressed her appreciation to Director of Operations Travis Elwood who met with the school staff and parents to discuss their renovation preferences. The final result is a newly designed, beautiful bathroom facility.

Kriger concluded her report by recognizing various groups for their contributions throughout the year. She began by acknowledging that parents and caregivers are entrusting the most precious people in their lives to the district and that we all take that responsibility very seriously. She continued by thanking education assistants, support staff, clerical staff, and bus drivers for their critical roles in student success. She noted that Operations and DESC staff often work behind the scenes to support schools and are in many ways unsung heroes.

Kriger also gave a heartfelt thank you to teachers and itinerant staff. She thanked them for the work they do with students every day and shared her admiration and respect. Kriger went on to thank Principals, Vice-Principals and senior leaders for taking on their leadership roles. She acknowledged that leadership roles can be very lonely but that she was grateful for their dedication and perseverance.

Kriger shared her appreciation for the Board and their student first focus. “I work for a fantastic Board. I get to talk to lots of colleagues around the province and not everyone has the same experience I do.” She concluded by appreciating the developing working relationship with NOSTA and CUPE.

Early Learning and Child Care Update
An update about early learning initiatives taking place, including a partnership with Okanagan College and SD19 (Revelstoke) to offer a dual credit Early Childhood Educator (ECE) program, was shared with trustees by Director of Instruction Jen Findlay and Vice Principal of Early Learning Allison de Boer.

The new dual credit Early Childhood Educator program will be offered in 2025-2026. Successful candidates have been identified and the new program will start in September. As with all dual credit programs, students in grades 10-12 have the opportunity to start a post-secondary program, often tuition free, while still in high school.

Findlay explained that the majority of early learning programs, mandated by the province, are funded through special purpose funds. “We are extremely grateful to the Ministry of Education and Child Care for funding our District Vice Principal of Early Learning and Child Care. We are also fortunate to have Allison in the role. She is a true gift to the program and the District. I can’t thank Allison enough for the work and connections she has made,” shared Findlay.

Findlay noted that some school districts have made cuts to their StrongStart programs because funding has remained the same since 2008, while operating costs have risen. To maintain these essential StrongStart programs, funds are being diverted from other early learning funds, which leads to a reduction in service levels in other areas. “It is definitely a provincial issue and one that we are hoping will gain some traction with the Ministry.”

She also mentioned that there will be one more year of funding for the Seamless Day Pilot project. After that, the District will need to find other ways to support families with after-school care.

de Boer detailed various programs, highlighting how early childhood educators are supporting kindergarten classes, and how relationships, a sense of belonging, and connection are being developed. She explained the Just B4 program at Highland Park, aimed at four-year-olds transitioning to kindergarten, and the Strengthening Early Years to Kindergarten Transitions program, with the focus on Sorrento. This program has a 14 member team from school and community, with a professional development component building connections between community and school.

She also mentioned the Changing Possibilities for Young Children, which brings together ECEs, StrongStart, and Kindergarten teachers six times a year to deepen their understanding about supporting early learning.

de Boer highlighted the District’s six much-loved Roots of Empathy programs, the long-running Ready, Set Learn program, Kindergarten Orientation programs, Kindergarten gradual entry, and various community connection programs supporting transitions to kindergarten.

Trustees thanked Findlay and de Boer for all the work they do. “The dual credit program is a great step forward. Thank you for all the efforts to get this going,” commented Gennings. de Boer credited the District’s Career Department for their significant role in starting the program. “A lot of credit goes to them,” she added.

Two More Buses Approved
The District received some good news from the Ministry as two additional school buses were approved for purchase. This brings the total to five new replacement buses for the SD83 fleet as part of the Capital Plan for 2024-25. Trustees passed a motion to amend the Capital Plan Bylaw to include the additional buses.

School Fees
There will be no changes to the school fee schedule for the 2024-25 year. In presenting the information to the Board, Kriger shared information from principals showing that in some circumstances what is being charged is not covering costs. “We are grateful to the Ministry for the Student & Family Affordability Fund to cover the extra costs,” she said. The Board approved the school fee schedule for the 2024-25 school year. Currently, maximum school fees of $80 are set out as per the list below. Schools may charge up to this amount or less:

• School purchased supply package $35
• Planner or Agenda $10
• Lock $5
• Activity Fee $20
• Cultural Performances $10

2024-2025 Work Plan
The Board adopted the 2024-2025 Board Annual Work Plan , which outlines agenda items for regular board meetings, special board meetings, Committee of the Whole sessions, Trustee Education sessions, as well as dates for events or recognition events.

2024-2025 Committee Assignments
Krebs announced trustee committee assignments for the upcoming school year:
Education Directions – Marianne VanBuskirk with Corryn Grayston as alternate
Finance & Facilities – Amanda Krebs with Brent Gennings as alternate
Labour Relations – Corryn Grayston with Tennile Lachmuth as alternate
Partner Group Liaison – Board Chair with Vice Chair as alternate
Policy – Brent Gennings with Amanda Krebs as alternate
Budget Advisory – Tennile Lachmuth with Marianne VanBuskirk as alternate
Quelmúcw Education Council – Tennile Lachmuth with Marianne VanBuskirk as alternate
Transportation – Brent Gennings with Tennile Lachmuth as alternate
French Advisory – Marianne VanBuskirk with Amanda Krebs as alternate
City of Salmon Arm Active Transportation Advisory – Marianne VanBuskirk
Shuswap Community Foundation – Corryn Grayston

Education Directions
Committee Chair VanBuskirk reported that the Education Directions Committee will meet on October 2, 2024, at 2 p.m.

Finance and Facilities/Audit
At the recent Finance and Facilities/Audit Committee meeting, Krebs reported on several key points. The meeting included discussions on the annual budget and an overview of the monthly financial statements. The annual audit will be taking place over the summer, with KPMG conducting the audit.

Upcoming
A Special Board of Education meeting is being held on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at 7 p.m. This meeting will be livestreamed only. The remainder of the agenda from the June 18, 20204, meeting will be under discussion.