October 15th Board Meeting
During the SD83 Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at the District Education Support Centre, topics of discussion included school reconfiguration, an unofficial enrolment update, a career education update, several field trips and various policies.
Reconfiguration
Last school year, trustees made a decision to reconfigure Salmon Arm’s schools into a Kindergarten to Grade 7 and Grade 8 to Grade 12 model. The next decision for trustees is whether there should be two or three secondary schools.
Superintendent Donna Kriger explained that in a two-secondary school model, J.L. Jackson (currently a Grade 9-10 school) and Salmon Arm Secondary (currently a Grade 11-12 school) would both become Grade 8-12 schools. Shuswap Middle School would be repurposed as a K-7 elementary school. In the three-secondary school model, Shuswap Middle School would become a third Grade 8-12 school.
Both models would result in temporary enrolment pressures. In the two-secondary school model, this would affect the secondary schools in Salmon Arm, while in the three-secondary school model, the strain would fall on elementary schools. These pressures are inevitable under the new grade configuration (K to 7 and 8-12) until expansion projects, such as adding modular or portable classrooms, can be implemented.
The decision to change the grade configurations is based on what is educationally and developmentally best for students. While the new configurations may cause some temporary space issues, they will result in fewer school transitions, which can improve school connectedness and student achievement, particularly among Priority Learners.
The District has applied for a modular expansion project, but a decision from the Ministry is not expected until Spring 2025. Kriger noted that the Ministry is unlikely to prioritize the application until a final decision is made on the two or three-secondary school model, and there is evidence of actual enrolment pressures. By that time, at least two elementary schools or both secondary schools would exceed the Ministry’s operational capacity limits, posing significant challenges.
Kriger presented a list of positives and negatives with each model, which was collated from feedback provided both by school administrators and senior leadership.
Trustees will have the opportunity to review both existing and new information during the upcoming Trustee Education session, which will take place in advance of the November Regular Board meeting. Also, Senior Administration will organize tours of the schools in Salmon Arm for the trustees, allowing them to better understand the pressures at each site before making their final decision.
Board Chair Amanda Krebs concluded the discussion by acknowledging that there is no perfect solution, but emphasized the importance of making the best possible decision. She added that SD83 has a strong education team, and decision is made, the team will make it work well.
READ MORE HERE
Enrolment Up
Although numbers are not official yet, it appears SD83 has gained 147 students over what was projected.
Board Chair Amanda Krebs reported that it was interesting that every grade in the District had more students than projected except grade 8, where the numbers declined. She said they are anticipating a corresponding increase in funding, approximately $1.75 million, which will help with what was a very tight budget.
BC Road Builders – The RoadShow
Director of Instruction Reid Findlay updated trustees on recent developments in the careers department, including the Road Builders RoadShow held at the Splatsin Centre in Enderby on the September 27, 2024, professional development day.
He reported that 47 students attended the RoadShow, where they used simulators to experience what it’s like to operate heavy-duty equipment. Following the event, 20 students expressed interest in enrolling in a Heavy Duty Equipment Operator dual credit, while another 27 indicated they wanted to learn more. The District is exploring the possibility of adding this program to SD83’s dual credit opportunities. Findlay shared a video from the Abbotsford School District showcasing a similar program as a potential model for SD83.
Findlay outlined strategies and priorities aimed at enhancing career development options for students. He concluded his presentation by providing information about upcoming dual credit career sessions for families, with one in Salmon Arm on October 22, 2024, and another in Armstrong on October 24, 2024. These sessions are designed to help families learn more about various academic and trades dual credit opportunities available in SD83.
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Understanding the Distinctions-Based Approach
The Province, through the Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act), has adopted a distinctions-based approach to advancing Reconciliation and implementing this legislation. A distinctions-based approach recognizes the specific rights, interests, priorities, and concerns of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit, while respecting and acknowledging each as distinct Peoples with unique cultures, histories, rights, laws, and governments.
Director of Instruction Indigenous Education, Chelsea Prince, highlighted the importance of understanding the distinctions-based approach, which involves acknowledging Indigenous land and rights. SD83 is located on Secwepemc territory, known as Secwepemcu’lecw, meaning “the land of the Secwepemc people.” The term Secwepemc is loosely translated as “the spread-out people”.
The District’s Rightsholders include the Adams Lake Indian Band, Neskonlith Indian Band, Skwlāx te Secwepemcu’lecw, and Splatsin, which are four of the seventeen remaining Secwepemc communities. The new District name, K̓wsaltktnéws ne Secwepemcúl’ecw, serves as a land acknowledgment, reaffirming the rights of these Rightsholders and demonstrating the District’s commitment to Reconciliation every time it is used.
During her presentation, Prince provided trustees with an overview of the 1982 Constitution Act and the 2019 Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. While some of B.C.’s First Nations have historic and modern treaties, other do not. Indigenous rights are not uniform. B.C. First Nations are considered Rightsholders, with their rights being contextual and shaped by their unique cultures, languages, histories, practices, and land uses specific to their territories. The rights of the Inuit, and Métis are separate and distinct from those of B.C. First Nations.
The new legislation, the Indigenous Education Council Policy, came into effect on August 16, 2024. This policy mandates that all school districts are to establish Indigenous Education Councils (IEC). The purpose of an IEC is to support the board in providing comprehensive and equitable education and support services for Indigenous (First Nations, Metis, and Inuit) students while improving student outcomes. Also, IECs ensure respect for local First Nations by prioritizing to local cultural content, protocols, and language with the District’s schools.
SD83 is already ahead in this regard, having a high-functioning and well-established Quelmúcw Education Council in place for over 20 years. While adjustments are needed to fully align the council’s composition with the new policy, Prince shared that this work began in September and is ongoing. “It is a really exciting time,” she added.
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Trip to France & Italy
A proposed trip by A.L. Fortune to France and Italy in March 19 – 27, 2026, received approval in principle. Principal Mark Marino presented the request, explaining that the trip will be organized by EF Tours. Highlights of the itinerary include visiting the Louvre, a Seine River Cruise, a train trip to Milan, guided sightseeing in Florence, a guided tour of the Colosseum and Forum in Rome, and a tour of the Vatican. To accommodate families, the trip is scheduled for Spring Break 2026, allowing time for participants to save and fundraise.
Trip to Montreal
The Board also approved in principle a trip for Pleasant Valley Secondary to Quebec City and Montreal in May 2025. Teacher Janet Gillis presented the proposal, which plans to take approximately 20 students in grades 10-12 from May 4-10, 2025.
Planned activities include a tour of Old Montreal, visits to the BIodome, Bell Centre,and the planetarium, biking along the Lachine Canal, and experiencing Notre Dame Aura. In Quebec City, students will explore Chateau Frontenac, Park Montmorency, the Copper Museum, Huron Village, and enjoy a St. Lawrence boat tour, ghost tours of New France, and visit to the Sugar Shack.
Gillis mentioned that she is once again working with STS Tours, a company she has been using for student trips for about 20 years, which allows her to customize the itinerary and include additional experiences for the students,
Exchange with Inashiki, Japan
Board Chair Amanda Krebs reported to trustees that the Board has received some historical information about the City of Salmon Arm’s contributions towards the financing for the exchange trip with Inashiki, Japan but have not yet received what the City might want to do in the future.
She noted that as soon as this information is received this will be brought back to the Board for discussion and a decision. “If we don’t hear by December we will put it back on the agenda because I know the committee would like an answer,” she added.
The Salmon Arm – Inashiki, Japan exchange has been on hold since just before the pandemic. This prompted teacher Dan DeRosa, on behalf of the committee that organized the exchanges, to come to the Board last June to make a formal decision regarding its continuation. “We have been sending students to Japan and they have been coming here for 33 years now,” he told the Board. “What we would like to know is whether there is a will to carry on the exchange program.”
Partner Group Liaison
Committee Chair Amanda Krebs noted a Partner Group meeting is planned for October 29, 2024. She noted a call has gone out for agenda items.
Policy Committee
Committee Chair Brent Gennings reported the committee had good discussion, with a number of policies brought back to the Board for consideration.
- Terms of Reference
The Board of Education approved the Policy Committee’s suggested revisions to the Terms of Reference . These were minor revisions including striking a regulation which is no longer in existence, and updating some language including Quelmúcw Education Council from First Nations Education Council. - Digital Citizenship
The Board of Education approved the second and final reading of Policy 122 – Digital Citizenship . The Digital Citizenship policy was presented to the Board as a friendly amendment at the June 25, 2024, Special Board meeting. After discussion, it was decided that the policy should be posted for public feedback. This took place, however no feedback was received. The Policy Committee reviewed the Digital Citizenship policy at the October 2, 2024, meeting and recommended the removal of ‘trending’ in point 2.7.9. - Trustee Code of Conduct
The Board approved second and final reading of Policy 133 Trustee Code of Conduct . This brings the policy in full alignment with new Ministry requirements. - Sanctuary Schools
The Board approved also gave second and final reading to Policy 362 – Sanctuary Schools . - Animals on School District Property
The Board approved a friendly amendment to Policy 470 – Animals on School District Property . The amendment adds that while at work, school district employees can not be the handler of a therapy dog in a school.
BCSTA Thompson Okanagan Branch Meeting
Trustee VanBuskirk reported on the B.C. School Trustees’ Association Thompson Okanagan Branch meeting held on October 4-5, 2024, in Revelstoke. She expressed her admiration for the facilities, noting that both Revelstoke Secondary and Begbie View Elementary are state-of-the-art buildings that serve as the hub of community. VanBuskirk mentioned that the two-day meeting provided valuable learning opportunities and networking.
SEE REPORT HERE
BCPSEA Update
Trustee Brent Gennings reported on the recent B.C. Public Sector Employers’ Association meeting saying there were some changes to the board of directors. He noted that bargaining for teachers and support staff may take place this winter and that discussions about hiring incentives are also being considered.
Trustee Attendance
Each year, as per policy, the
trustee attendance report
is shared.
Trustee Reports
Trustee Lachmuth reported that she shared the Board’s advocacy letter and concerns with Greg McCune, who is running as an Independent candidate in the upcoming provincial election. She also noted that she had the opportunity to tour the under construction Pleasant Valley School gym and was impressed. “It is going to be really fabulous when it is done.”
Trustee Corryn Grayston reported on representing the School District at the very successful Shuswap Family Expo on September 28. “It was so well attended with over 700 participants.” She noted there was lots of representation with vendors, community resources, and athletics. There was also some excellent speakers, including the keynote who talked about digital security for kids. “They are already planning for next year. They are very keen and it was very successful.” She also reported that she attended the October 9, 2024, North Shuswap Parent Advisory Council meeting. She said there were lots of questions but she came away with the sense that there is strong support for the K-7, 8-12 model.
Trustee Marianne VanBuskirk reported on the Storefront Welcome Back Barbeque and Orange Shirt Day Recognition as its new location just below Shuswap Middle School. She added Laureen Felix did the Orange Shirt Day recognition and John Sayers, a long time Indigenous Education Support Worker and well known carver, was in attendance, much to the delight of the students. She also attended the Family Expo and was very impressed. On October 2, 2024, she attended the Terry Fox Run at Hillcrest, and noted that two businesses donated apples and goodie bags to the students. On October 5, 2024, it was World Teachers’ Day and she sent out accolades “to the wonderful teachers in this District”. On October 7, 2024, she attended the Salmon Arm Active Transportation Advisory Committee where one of the items discussed was the path from near the RCMP building to Jackson. On October 10, 2024, she attended the Knowledge Keeper’s Tea at the DESC.
Upcoming Meetings
The next regular meeting is Tuesday, November 19 at 6 p.m. at the DESC.