Synopsis of Board of Education Meeting

Tributes to Eagle River Secondary Principal Lyle Chapman, who died unexpectedly on November 14, 2024, were paid by Board Chair Corryn Grayston and Superintendent of Schools Donna Kriger at the K̓wsaltktnéws ne Secwepemcúl’ecw School District No. 83 Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at the District Education Support Centre (DESC).

Grayston described Lyle as a ray of bring light with a smile that made everyone around him feel good. “He was so engaged and truly interested in who you were. He was an amazing individual.” She spoke about watching him at Eagle River’s graduation ceremony where she witnessed the connection and bond between him and his students. “He spoke about each student. He knew them.”

“On behalf of the Board I’d like to extend our sincere and most profound condolences to Lyle’s family, colleagues, students and families. Our thoughts are with you. We have lost a super star, but we will never forget our super star.”

Kriger dedicated her Superintendent’s report to Lyle. “It is my sincere honour to highlight the leadership of Mr. Lyle Chapman, who has served as the Principal of Eagle River Secondary School in Sicamous since August 2022. Lyle was a principal who gave his all. To know him was to witness someone who never approached anything half-heartedly. He was fully committed in every moment, every day. Whether advocating for a student, mentoring a colleague, or guiding his school community, his dedication and heart for service were unparalleled. His word was his bond, and his actions were grounded in kindness, integrity, and an unshakable belief in the potential of every staff member and student.”

“Students adored Lyle not only for his leadership but for his unwavering support and belief in them. He had a rare gift for seeing the best in everyone, and he was determined to help others see it too. His compassion extended far beyond the walls of the school. He was constantly reaching out — to students, families, and colleagues— ensuring that those around him were okay and felt cared for.”

“Lyle was, in the truest sense, a champion for students. He believed wholeheartedly in the value, purpose, and potential of every student, and he was unapologetic in his advocacy for those who were overlooked, under served, or struggling to find their place within a traditional education system. He always put students first, and his selflessness left an indelible mark, impacting not just this district but others across the province. His legacy of care, equity, and empowerment will be felt for years to come.”

“As Superintendent of this district, I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand Lyle’s profound commitment to students. His passion, dedication, and selflessness went beyond the typical responsibilities of a principal. Lyle taught me the importance of leading with humility and heart, reminding us all that every decision should center on what is best for students. His resolve to fight for what was right —even when faced with challenges — was inspiring. Lyle showed us that true leadership isn’t about titles or authority; it’s about service, selflessness, and leaving a lasting, positive impact on those around you.”

She thanked Lyle’s wife and two daughters for sharing him. “Lyle’s dedication to his students and staff often required sacrifices of time away from his family. They knew his work was an extension of his heart, a heart that made room for every student who needed him, every colleague who sought his guidance, and every challenge that required his attention.”
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Board Chooses the Two High School Model
Trustees unanimously decided that the Salmon Arm area will have two secondary schools. This decision culminates configuration discussions and consultation sessions over a number of years. The senior leadership team will continue detailed planning to put the configuration decision of Kindergarten to Grade 7 elementary schools and two Grade 8 to 12 secondary schools into motion.

“The decision is undeniably challenging,” said Superintendent Donna Kriger to trustees as they began debate on the motion. “The decision before the Board is a difficult one, and while there is no perfect solution, one thing is clear: both options will ensure that students from both urban and rural Salmon Arm feeder schools are provided with a school experience rooted in sound educational and developmental principles.” 

Under the two high school model, Shuswap Middle School would transition to a Kindergarten to Grade 7 school, creating additional space for elementary students while efficiently utilizing capacity at the secondary schools. If the Board would have chosen the three high school model this would increase space at the secondary level and put enrolment pressure on the elementary schools.

In her report to trustees , Kriger provided an overview of the decision’s background, including enrolment trends, the challenges and advantages of each model, the associated costs, the potential for a single-track or dual-track French Immersion school, and several draft three-year gradual transition plans. These plans were presented for illustrative purposes only to demonstrate the complexity of the proposed changes.

Trustees discussed their perspectives on the two high school model, emphasizing how site tours, data analysis, and consultations influenced their decisions. Several trustees noted that physically visiting schools helped them understand the implications of each model, including space limitations and resource needs, solidifying their support for the two high school approach.

Concerns were raised about the potential loss of a downtown elementary school in Salmon Arm under the two high school model. Trustees expressed the importance of such a school for families in the downtown area and recognized the need to address this gap in the long term. However, they acknowledged that the two high school model is a more practical solution given current enrolment trends and resource constraints.

Trustees noted that shifting to a three high school model would stretch resources too thin, making it challenging to maintain quality programming and adequate supports for students. They also reflected on how changing circumstances, such as the pandemic, wildfires, and evolving enrolment patterns, reshaped priorities and highlighted the complexity of addressing diverse community needs.

Acknowledgment was given to the senior leadership team for their extensive efforts in providing information, transition plans, and details into French Immersion programming. Trustees agreed that foundational supports for students, particularly at the elementary level, are crucial for long-term success, with some emphasizing the importance of maintaining quality learning environments over relying on temporary solutions like portables.

Ultimately, trustees emphasized that the quality of programming, staff, and resources within the schools, along with the connections students have with their peers, is more important than the physical buildings themselves. They expressed confidence that the decisions being made are aligned with the District’s Strategic Plan and the Enhancing Student Learning Plan.

After the motion to move to a two secondary school model was passed, Grayston thanked everyone taking part in the long process. “Now the work begins.”

Integrated Child & Youth Team Update
A multi-agency team working together to support youth has been established in SD83.

“It is such a privilege to talk about this new team,” commented District Vice Principal Student Wellness Tanya Harrington, as she updated the Board on the progress of the Integrated Child and Youth Team. She explained that the team is funded through a collaborative initiative by the Ministry of Education and Child Care and the Ministry of Mental Health and Substance Use. SD83 was fortunate to receive funding during the second round of provincial announcements. The team focuses on providing wraparound mental health and substance use services to youth and families.

Harrington highlighted that, since receiving funding last year, they have been mindfully and collaboratively building the ICY Team. Because this initiative offers integrated services for students and families, the team prioritized moving thoughtfully, forging important relationships with community partners, and reducing barriers to accessing support.

Over the summer, the ICY Team had a soft launch, which included strengthening critical relationships with Ministry of Children and Family Development. “We forged those relationships, came together, and now we are truly one team,” Harrington shared.

Since May, the Team has handled 94 referrals, with half occurring since September. Referrals are reviewed collaboratively to determine the best ways to support each youth, with services assigned to ICY Core Team Members, Child and Youth Mental Health, and/or community partners.

The Team is now based at the Teen House near Salmon Arm Secondary, which serves as a central hub. This spaced allows the Team to provide in-house services, meet youth where they are, or deliver outbound services. The Teen House also offers a dedicated space for activities such as teen groups and art therapy, fostering connection and flexibility.

Some successes so far include:

• Wraparound Mental Health and Substance Use supports for students and families – through one access point.
• Reducing the load on students/families to navigate multiple support agencies.
• Outbound and in-house services – student/family can choose best fit.  This flexibility reduces barriers to accessing service.
• Students/families are getting connected to supports sooner – more supports reducing time on waitlists.
• Students who have been struggling with their mental health are getting support and are able to be more connected to the community and school in a way that works for best for them.

They are now in what is considered a medium launch phase, focusing on:

• Integration and team building with School Counsellors.
• Sharing the Referral Process with PVP/ School Based Support Teams.
• Connecting with community partners to share referral process and collaborate on support.
• Presence at four School District Wellness Fairs to increase awareness and visibility.
• Addition of part-time MHSU Clinical Counselling Support from Interior Health to assist with increase in referrals.
• Newly located at the old Teen House building by SAS – services offered in-house or outbound to reduce barriers

Future plans include applying for a grant to hire an additional clinical counselor specializing in both mental health and substance use to further reduce service wait times. The team also plans to consult with local Indigenous communities to ensure culturally appropriate support within the ICY Team.

“I am incredibly honoured and thankful to be a part of this and I appreciate the Board supporting this District position to be working together with community to create this wraparound support for students and family,” Harrington expressed. “We will continue collaborating with the community and neighboring areas where services overlap, such as Vernon and Kamloops because ‘we are better together’.”
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Salmon Arm-Inashiki Twinning Committee
A Board representative will participate in a Zoom meeting with the City of Salmon Arm and the Mayor of Inashiki on November 27, 2024, to discuss the Twinning Program.
Before attending the meeting, trustees agreed that a Board decision was needed regarding the continuation of the exchange program. Trustee Lachmuth proposed a motion for SD83 to maintain the exchange relationship with Inashiki and the City of Salmon Arm on an unfunded basis. During the discussion, trustees expressed support for the exchange but emphasized that, like other field trips, it should be funded by participants.

Off to London
The Board approved, in principle, a field trip to London, England, from March 18-26, 2025, organized by J.L. Jackson Drama Teacher Chris Iverson. The trip is open to students in Grades 9-12 from J.L. Jackson, Salmon Arm Secondary, and Pleasant Valley Secondary schools.

With a focus on drama, students will attend several professional theatre productions, including popular shows like Wicked and Mean Girls. The itinerary also includes tours of historic sites such as the Globe Theatre, Anne Hathaway’s cottage, Shakespeare’s birthplace, and the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. Participants will engage in hands-on learning through a Shakespeare-based theatre workshop and a technical theatre workshop.

The cost of the trip is $5,473 per student, covering all expenses, including performances, except for lunches. Iverson emphasized the unique educational and cultural opportunities this trip offers.
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School Learning Plans
The Board approved the School Learning Plans as presented. Earlier this month trustees met with each of the school principals in their area to go over the school learning plans and their development. Kriger explained that school learning plans must be connected to the District Strategic Plan. “This is absolutely necessary if the District is going to meet its goals in the Strategic Plan.”

Several trustees noted that they really appreciated the format of the meetings with principals and found it valuable, saying they would like a similar format next year. School Learning Plans will be posted on each school’s website.

Trustee Remuneration
After discussion, the Board of Education approved a 3.9 percent increase to Trustee remuneration. This increase, as outlined in Board Policy 136, is tied to the B.C. Consumer Price Index.

Education Directions
Committee Chair Marianne VanBuskirk reported that an Education Directions meeting was held on October 16, 2024, covering a range of topics. The meeting began with a “students first” focus, where members shared student success stories. They reviewed the committee’s terms of reference, heard a presentation from the Superintendent on strategic alignment, and learned about the professional learning calendar and learning series planned for the school year. The meeting also included updates on three elementary schools piloting career exploration programs, Career Education Week, and preparations for an environmental expo on Earth Day in April.

Finance & Facilities/Audit
Committee Chair Amanda Krebs reported that at the Finance & Facilities/Audit meeting on November 6, 2024, they were joined by student Niles Dodds, who was participating in “Take Our Kids to Work Day”. During the meeting they reviewed the Quarterly Financials, discussed the 1701 update, and reviewed the draft Statement of Financial Information (SOFI) report.

In line with the Budget Transparency and Accountability Act respecting Public Accounts reporting, a SOFI report must be submitted by each school district within six months following the corporation’s fiscal year end. At the next meeting with the Ministry, they plan to request a new threshold for SOFI reporting, as the current requirement to report any employee earning $75,000 or more is undermining the original purpose of the report.

Director of Operations Travis Elwood presented the Electric Vehicle Fleet Plan and grant, explaining that district’s can receive a grant for up to 50 percent for the cost of EVs. He also shared photos of the PVSS gym, confirming that it will be ready according to the new schedule.

Quarterly Financials
Secretary Treasurer Dale Culler provided an overview of the first-quarter financial report, highlighting unique challenges due to timing. The report reflects three months of operations but only one month of regular school activity, as well as the misalignment between grant distribution and fund usage. One-time September expenses, seasonal impacts on utility costs, and the transportation supplement split between September and April contribute to the initial financial picture. It is typical for the September report to show a temporary deficit, with finances balancing out by year-end.

Enrolment Update
Secretary Treasurer Dale Culler shared positive news about increased District enrolment. The official Ministry of Education count on September 29, 2024, showed an increase of 146.8946 FTE over projections made in February 2024 and 53.1875 FTE more than last year’s enrolment on the same date. 

Culler explained that this growth aligns with projections of a leveling out of enrolment, contrasting with last year’s decline. As a result, the District is no longer in funding protection, requiring the removal of $160,000 from the budget. However, much of the additional funding is already allocated due to staffing needs in schools.

Culler thanked the District’s Technology Department and directors for their efforts in improving student data accuracy in MyEd, which supports enrolment reporting. “I wanted to recognize all the work that has been done to help support the schools,” he said.
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Labour Relations
Chair Corryn Grayston reported that the Labour Relations Committee met on November 6, 2024. Under discussion was the Pay Transparency Report, which is now posted on the SD83 website.

Partner Group Liaison
Chair Grayston reported that a Partner Group Liaison meeting was held on October 29, 2024. During the meeting, suggested agenda items from the District Parent Advisory (DPAC) and the North Okanagan Teachers’ Association (NOSTA) were discussed. Three meetings will be scheduled for the remainder of the school year, with the next meeting scheduled for December 5, 2024.

Policy Committee
Committee Chair Brent Gennings reported on the recent Policy Committee meeting, where a new Board Foundational Statement was introduced for information. Kriger explained that the policy derived from the Board’s strategic plan, strengthens the Board’s commitment to its strategic priorities and outcomes. The Board approved Policy 100 – Foundational Statements as presented.

The Board reviewed Policy 470 – Animals on School Property . Gennings noted that the policy had undergone extensive discussions and may not satisfy everyone, but it is necessary to address liability concerns to the Board.

BCSTA UPDATE
Board Chair Grayston updated the Board on the Provincial Council meeting on October 25-26. She attended presentations from the BCSTA Climate Action Working Group and the BCSTA Capital Working Group, as well as the business meeting. Grayston also had the opportunity to meet the new CEO, Trevor Davis. She highlighted that she was honoured to speak about the District’s name change and shared the meaning behind it.

Quelmúcw Education Council
Vice Chair Lachmuth reported trustees should have received a monthly update from Indigenous Education Director Chelsea Prince and emphasized how fortunate the Board is to receive these updates. She also mentioned that the Quelmúcw Education Council held a retreat from November 5-7, 2024, session, and she was able to attend one of the days.

Trustee Reports
Trustee VanBuskirk reported that she attended parent advisory council meetings at Salmon Arm Secondary-Jackson, Bastion and Hillcrest. She was grateful to Superintendent Kriger for attending some of the meetings to discuss reconfiguration with parents. She also reported on two positive events organized by leadership students at Jackson: a Hallowe’en dance and a junior girls’ volleyball tournament, where J.L. Jackson qualified for provincials under the coaching of David Major.

Trustee Lachmuth shared that she attended the Len Wood PAC meeting, where she discussed the District’s new name. She also mentioned her husband’s volleyball coaching at Pleasant Valley Secondary, where the team, consisting mostly of juniors with one senior player, played in all senior tournaments. While they didn’t win many matches, they had a great experience.

Chair Grayston reported attending PAC meetings in her area, where configuration was a topic of discussion. “They will be very happy to know that we made a decision tonight,” she shared. Grayston also mentioned that she attended a conflict resolution workshop.

Upcoming
The next regular board meeting is on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at 6 p.m. at the DESC.