Highlights from the Special Board of Education Meeting

The SD83 Board of Education approved the Five-Year Major Capital Plan at a Special Meeting on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. The special meeting was necessary to complete agenda items that were tabled from the Regular meeting held on June 18, 2024.

The capital plan includes a single item which is the addition of eight to 10 modular classrooms at Salmon Arm Secondary to accommodate approximately 240 students at an estimated cost of $38,755,850.

Director of Operations Travis Elwood and Secretary Treasurer Dale Culler explained that school districts must submit their 2025-26 Major Capital plan by June 30th and the Minor Capital plan by September 30th. They met with the Ministry Capital Management Branch’s Planning Officer for our District for a walking tour of five potential school sites that may have project requests under various reconfiguration options. After consideration of the gathered information, they recommend the Salmon Arm Secondary project as the most likely to receive Ministry support.

Elwood explained that the estimated cost is based on a Ministry funding formula and will be refined if the project is approved.

Culler added that other upgrades required at J.L. Jackson Secondary would use other funding sources, such as Local Capital, Annual Facility Grant (AFG), or a Minor Capital submission under the School Enhancement Program (SEP). Elwood has met with architects and is hoping to have the project ready for the school enhancement minor grant submission in September.

Several trustees voiced concern about submitting a single project and not addressing broader District capital needs. After discussion, it was decided to include these infrastructure concerns in a letter to the Ministry advocating for more funding for school districts.

“The single project submission signals a clear priority to the Ministry if they are only supporting one project. Any Major Capital Plan requests for subsequent years will be identified and supported in further Long Range Facilities Plan considerations and recommendations,” he added.

Board Policies
The following policies received First Reading approval:

Policy 122 – Digital Citizenship : The addition of item (2.7.9) limits the personal use of trending social media apps on school networks.

Policy 133 – Trustee Code of Conduct : Amendments included changing voting requirements and clarifying who can bring forward concerns regarding a breach of conduct.

Policy 362 – Sanctuary Schools: This policy ensures education for children with unclear immigration status, with support from the Shuswap Immigrant Services Society.

Rightsholders, stakeholders, and members of the public may provide feedback on these policies by accessing the following link: SD83 Board Policy Feedback Form. Feedback will be accepted until 8 pm on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.

The Board also gave Second and Final Reading to the following policies:
Policy 121- Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity : Feedback was considered, and minor changes were made, particularly in Section 4 – Safe, Caring and Orderly Schools to involve families as a support network when safe. Kriger noted that the Board received significant feedback around this policy and all of it was read and considered.

Policy 310 – Student Code of Conduct : This includes restrictions on personal digital devices to promote online safety and focused learning environments. Earlier this year the Ministry of Education and Child Care amended the Provincial standards for Codes of Conduct Order (the “Order”) to promote provincial consistency and to support boards of education in ensuring their schools have appropriate policies in place to restrict student personal digital device use. The amended Order will come into effect on July 1, 2024 with District’s needing policies in place by the end of June. “Personal Digital Device” means any personal electronic device that can be used to communicate or to access the internet, such as a cell phone, tablet, smart watch, and IoT (Internet of Things) devices. The use of personal digital devices must be in compliance with Ministerial Order 89/2024 and Policy 122 Digital Citizenship whereby:

• Use of student personal digital devices are intended for instructional purposes and to support equitable learning outcomes during hours of instruction, appropriate to a student’s age and developmental stage.
• In elementary schools, students are encouraged to leave all personal digital devices at home. Any personal digital devices brought to an elementary school must be stored in a secure location, not on their person, not visible, and not used during school hours.
• Personal digital devices may be used to support students with diverse abilities as outlined in students’ support plans and Individual Education Plans to address accessibility and accommodation needs.
• Personal digital devices may be approved to support medical necessities.

Policy 470 – Animals on School District Property : The policy states that the Board of Education of School District No. 83 recognizes that animals may play an important educational role as they relate to curriculum, core competencies, and social-emotional learning. The Board supports animals being in schools and workplaces for educational purposes, or as certified service or guide dogs, or as therapy dogs if accompanied by a handler.

Partner Group Liaison
Committee Alternate Chair Corryn Grayston reported that a productive discussion took place regarding several items brought forward by the District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC) at the Partner Group meeting on June 11, 2024. There was a desire from the group to meet more regularly than three times a year. The Board will discuss this at its regular meeting in September.

Quelmúcw Education Council Update
Trustee Marianne VanBuskirk mentioned the renaming of a student scholarship in recognition of John Sayers who has made a positive impact on many students across the District. At the Knowledge Keepers Tea, they honoured the passing of Knowledge Keeper Jules Arnouse.

Trustee Reports
Trustee Marianne VanBuskirk attended several events, including the Indigenous Graduation Ceremony at Splatsin where a large number of graduates were honoured, the Bastion Spring Carnival, and the SD83Talks public speaking competition. She highlighted the Salmon Arm Storefront graduation and mentioned that stories were shared about the graduates who overcame many barriers. There is a new sign at the DESC which was carved by John Sayers and painted by Storefront students.

Board Chair Amanda Krebs concluded the meeting by thanking staff and wishing everyone a relaxing summer.

Next Meeting
The next regular meeting of the Board will be on September 24, 2024.