Synopsis of December Board meeting
The need for a functional school closure at North Shuswap Elementary kicked off Superintendent Donna Kriger’s monthly report to the Board at its meeting on Tuesday at the District Education Support Centre (DESC). Kriger noted there has been an uptick of COVID-19 cases in SD83 schools, particularly at North Shuswap and Ranchero. In consultation with Interior Health, the Rapid Response Team, and the Deputy Minister of Education, it was determined that North Shuswap Elementary would have a functional school closure this week and move to online learning until Friday. Kriger explains they are cognizant of the hardship school closures cause to families. This is always a difficult decision and was made due to the numbers of staff self-isolating or ill and the inability to fill the position.
Celebrations
Kriger also touched on a number of celebrations across the district.
Hillcrest Elementary was chosen as one of the top 10 finalists in the CBC Music Class Challenge, joining schools from Burnaby, Montreal, Toronto, Waterloo, Point Claire, Vancouver and Oshawa (the winner as announced on Tuesday morning), reported Kriger. Bastion Elementary also took part in the event but was was not a finalist this year. Both videos were played for trustees at the meeting. Kriger thanked Hillcrest music teacher Brook Roberts, teacher Tyra Menzies, who assisted him, and Bastion music teacher Shannon MacLachlan for doing such amazing work for students in SD83.
Kriger also celebrated that SD83 teacher Jamie Russell was able to successfully challenge her Red Seal in hairstyling and will be teaching the Hairstyling Program at Pleasant Valley Secondary School. She noted that the challenge was rigorous and included proving 5,000 hours of time in the industry, an intense written exam with 70 per cent proficiency required, and a nine hour practical exam which must be completed or you fail. “Under incredible pressure, Jamie successfully obtained her Red Seal. Congratulations to Jamie.” SD83’s hairstylist program is an Industry Training Authority designated program.
Kriger also thanked District Career Principal Reid Findlay, who she said wryly would try to deflect the acknowledgement, but who has done a fabulous job of promoting dual credit opportunities for students across our district. “I know Reid is a champion of thinking outside the box regarding opportunities for high school students and I’d like to celebrate him.”
Another celebration Kriger shared with trustees was that a grant proposal to the Department of Agriculture & Agri-food Canada, written by District Principal for Indigenous Education Mishel Quaal, was successful, and SD83 will be receiving $50,000 to support food insecurity in the school district! Kriger said there has been significant discussion lately regarding food insecurity for students and their families across the district and this is welcome news. “Thank you Mishel for your work.”
Storefront School
Kriger also celebrated the work being done by the Salmon Arm Storefront School, saying she visited Storefront and had the opportunity to listen to the students talk about the value and importance of the Storefront School in their lives. “They spoke highly of all the staff that worked with them and I am very grateful to the staff for the work they are doing.”
Communities of Practice Opportunity
An opportunity for teachers to come together to learn from one another and come to understand more deeply an area of professional practice has been organized by Director of Instruction Carol-Ann Leidloff. Kriger explained that through this opportunity teachers are able to share experiences, resources, action research as well as support and collaborate with one another. There are six different groups, including The Inclusive Classroom, Anti-Racism Education, Formative Assessment in Mathematics, Active Learning, Assessment in Physical Health Education, MyBluePrint, Applied Design Skills and Technologies and Explorations.
CSRD Meeting
Kriger reported that on December 9 she and Secretary Treasurer Dale Culler attended the Columbia Shuswap Regional District meeting. She said they listened to the concerns of the regional directors around the possible reconfiguration of schools in the Salmon Arm area, including regarding the length of the bus rides from North Shuswap to schools in Salmon Arm, and advocating for a high school in the Sorrento area. She noted they also expressed a desire that the CSRD, City of Salmon Arm and SD83 work more closely together. “It was our privilege to be invited as guests to the meeting. It was a fantastic opportunity to be introduced to the directors of the CSRD,” she concluded.
Armstrong Reconfiguration Committee
Kriger reported that the Armstrong Reconfiguration Committee met on December 8. After discussions on the new enrolment data the working group recommended that more consultation be carried out with students and the community of Falkland to discuss the possible transition of Falkland students after Grade 7 or 8. There was also a decision to meet in October 2022 to discuss possible implementation of any changes for the 2023-24 school year. It was noted these recommendations would be coming to the January Board meeting.
Winter Break
Kriger concluded her report with a thanks to the Board of SD83, for its commitment to public education. “Your work requires thoughtful consideration, balancing the needs of 6,900 students and their families, and important planning for the future. It’s my privilege to work with a Board who truly desires to keep students first.”
She also noted that when the last school bell rings on December 17th, she trusts that employees across SD83 will begin their holiday knowing how much their work is valued and appreciated. “Each individual effort is what makes our district a great place for kids to be. I truly hope each of you will enjoy some well-deserved time away from work. I appreciate the continued hard work of all of our district employees over the past four months. These individuals have supported children and youth in communities across SD83 during these challenging times. Despite these challenges our staff continue to keep the best interests of students at the very heart of their work.”
“I’d like to wish family, friends, our Indigenous partners and other stakeholders a wonderful holiday season with family and friends. I look forward to 2022 and the renewed hope and opportunities it will bring, as we return to the important work of making a difference for kids!”
Delegation opposing vaccine policy
A delegation by several staff members opposing a mandatory vaccine policy was postponed by the Board of Education.
International Student Program
SD83’s International Student Program is growing and thriving, with some students currently here trying to extend their time! The program grew from eight students in the first year to 45 this year!
In a presentation to the Board, District Principal Rob MacAulay and International Education Support Teacher Chris Davidson talked about the fledgling program. They went through their “Why choose to attend school in SD83” recruitment package which is shared with potential students. He said it goes through what our communities look like, what the schools look like and what is offered. “No surprises. We want them to know what they are coming into.”
MacAulay commented one key part of the program is to ensure that the international students coming to SD83 are looking for the types of cultural experiences that the communities and school district offer. “If they are looking for a metro shopping experience, we’re not the right place for them.”
One thing MacAulay highlighted is the monthly field trips that the International students take part in, which is something extra compared to many other programs. This year’s trips include a visit to Revelstoke Mountain Coaster, Adams River/Quaaout Lodge, sleigh riding, cross country skiing, Silver Star Tube Town, skating/hockey, and a houseboat trip.
Currently the majority of students here are from Italy, followed closely by Spain and then Belgium and Germany.
MacAulay said another critical component of the program is the homestay families, and he thanked homestay co-ordinator Sandra Rhodes for all of her work. “It’s a lot of work to find homestay families and then make sure they are matched up appropriately.” He added families are chosen to help provide the international students with the best experiences possible. “We want the experience to be great for everyone. We are trying to keep the bar really, really high.”
Davidson told the Board about a promotional video that is in the works. He noted they are in partnership with a local producer and have been filming students and testimonials. “It’s a big project for us and hopefully it will be ready to go by February,” he added.
MacAulay wrapped up the presentation saying with COVID-19, it’s hard to project where numbers will fall next year, but says he feels there will be a very positive trajectory of the program over time. He added they are very cognizant of the fact that they want the program to be a good balance so that students, schools and communities all have a positive experience.
View ISP PowerPoint here
District-wide student leadership
Supporting student leaders in developing the skills they need to become thriving members of society is one of the goals behind a proposed re-build of a district-wide student leadership program, presented vice-principal Deanna Brennan and teacher Dallas Mould to the Board. The new district student leadership team model would be comprised of a diverse group of three to four students and a staff member from each middle and high school. The student leaders will be looking at local needs and tasks and determine what should be tackled. They explained one of the reasons for the small numbers to start is in the hope that they will be able to get everyone together for three summits, with the first two focussing on team building and learning, and the the final one being a time to reflect and celebrate the progress made. The duo asked the Board for $15,000 to $16,000 to fund the program, which would cover teacher replacement time, transportation costs, and supplies. If they receive Board approval (it will be discussed by the Board in an upcoming meeting) the hope is to have the first summit at the beginning March, the second one in mid-April, and the third in late May or early June.
Student Leadership Presentation
Support for SD58 (Nicola-Similkameen)
The Board of Education approved a motion to establish an “act of kindness” fund (maximum $5,000) to help support displaced students and their families from SD58. Kriger pointed out that SD83 communities have seen families impacted from flooding seek refuge here. Some schools within SD83 have enrolled students who are displaced. She added the need for food, clothing, school supplies, and technology remains high for these students and their families. Kriger will be speaking to the Superintendent of SD58 to see how to put the funds to the best use.
SOFI Report
The Board received the SD83 Statement of Financial Information, known as the SOFI Report, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021. Each year the report is posted on the SD83’s website. In accordance with the Financial Information Act, each school board is required to prepare a report of financial information each fiscal year. There are two main schedules. The first is payments to trustees and those employees with remuneration exceeding $75,000. This includes wages, benefits, payouts (i.e. for vacation or compensatory time not taken), vehicle allowances, and the employer paid-portion of provincial medical insurance and group life insurance. The second schedule is suppliers of goods and services and lists total payments made to suppliers in excess of $25,000.
SOFI Report
Land Acquisition Progress
Trustee Marty Gibbons requested information on the process to begin a land acquisition process for a future school. Culler outlined the process, noting the Ministry of Education’s Capital Management Branch should be included early in the discussion. Board Chair Amanda Krebs suggested the item be brought up for discussion at the January in-camera meeting.
2022-23 Annual Budget Development (timeline and process)
The Board adopted the 2022-23 annual budget development timeline and process as presented. Culler explains the process is very similar to last year’s with some adjustments to dates to ensure they met with ministry timelines. The process will once again establish a Budget Committee to provide the Board with representative advice on the allocation of the annual operating budget to various programs and services to best meet SD83 student needs and to best align resources in support of the goals in the District’s strategic plan.
Budget Development Process
Environmental Ad Hoc Working Group
Trustees will be providing clarity to the environmental working group around mandate, as well as putting a call out to see if there are others wanting to be part of the committee. They also discussed whether the group should be a Board committee as opposed to a working group but decided a working group gave it more flexibility. It was also suggested the group be called an advisory committee rather than an ad hoc working group. “We want them to unleash all their keenness and brainstorm and bring ideas and recommendations to the Board,” commented Vice-Chairperson Tennile Lachmuth.
Trip to Quebec
After hearing clarification around insurance coverage, particularly if a child gets sick during the trip, the Board gave approval in principle to a planned Pleasant Valley Secondary School trip to Quebec in May 2022. The trip was originally presented at the November Board meeting and received approval subject to further investigation of what the insurance coverage would provide if someone were to fall ill on the trip. This was investigated and met trustee approval.
Partner Group Terms of Reference
The Board of Education gave approval to update the Terms of Reference for the Partner Group to include that minutes will be taken and a report or summary of topics discussed will be provided to the Board at its next regularly scheduled meeting. The Partner Group brings together, on an ongoing basis, partner groups, senior staff, and a trustee representative to have informal discussions about how to support the District and as an advocate for public education provincially, and to provide recommendations to the Board on matters discussed.
Opioid Overdose Prevention
The Board approved the first reading of Policy 460 – Opioid Overdose Prevention. Lachmuth, who is chairperson of the Policy Committee, said a lot of thought and work went into this policy by the committee and she was really proud to be bringing it forward.
DRAFT Policy Overdose Prevention
Child Care
The Board also gave first reading to Policy 280 – Child Care. This policy, which all school districts were asked to develop by the Ministry, ties in with the pilot project at Silver Creek, explained Lachmuth. “We adapted a template to fit our local language.”
DRAFT Child Care Policy
Student Code of Conduct
After some discussion, and an amendment to list gender identity after sexual orientation, The Board gave second and final reading to Policy 310 – Student Code of Conduct. It also repealed Policy 9060 – Student Suspensions, as it is now covered under new policy language.
Student Code of Conduct Policy
Labour Relations
Trustee Quentin Bruns reported on the Labour Relations meeting which took place on Dec. 8, where teacher bargaining and work being done by the Job Evaluation Committee on several CUPE positions were discussed.
Committee of the Whole
Board Chair Amanda Krebs reminded trustees that there will be a Committee of the Whole meeting in January to discuss the amended budget.
BCSTA Update
Trustees Marianne VanBuskirk and Marty Gibbons, along with Secretary Treasurer Dale Culler attended the recent B.C. School Trustees’ Association (BCSTA) Trustee Academy. After VanBuskirk gave an overview of the session, Gibbons commented that one thing he wanted to mention was the huge benefit of being able to interact with other trustees and learn about their solutions and best practices. “The benefit of that interaction is incredible.”
Report on BCSTA Trustee Academy
FNEC Update
Trustee Marianne VanBuskirk reported that the First Nations Education Council meeting took place on Dec. 10 and was chaired by Tammy Thomas. She note discussions included how positive and well received recent activities, including the Local Education Agreement (LEA) dinner meeting on Dec. 6 and the Knowledge Keepers Sewépemc Bingo on Dec. 13, were by those taking part. She thanked all those who organized and made the events so successful.
Trustee Reports
VanBuskirk congratulated Jackson on its November band concert. “It was the first live performance during COVID. Accolades to Steve Drapala and his staff for doing that. The live performance was fabulous.” She also mentioned how she enjoyed the outdoor winter concert at Hillcrest, which took place on a snowy Dec. 8. “I’m also in awe of the adapted Remembrance Day services held in our schools.”
Upcoming Dates
The next regular meeting of the Board is January 18 at 6 p.m.