Synopsis of February 18 Board Meeting

The K̓wsaltktnéws ne Secwepemcúl’ecw School District No. 83 Board of Education gave first reading to the amended annual budget bylaw at its regular meeting at the District Education Support Centre (DESC) on Feb. 18, 2025.

Acting Secretary-Treasurer Jeremy Hunt reported that the Ministry of Education and Child Care released amended budget information later than usual, delaying the approval timeline to March 28, 2025

Hunt highlighted concerns over increased substitute costs, projected at $4.1m for the year, and rising benefit costs, which have increased by nearly $1 million in the past year. Despite these pressures, he projected a small surplus barring unforeseen financial challenges.

Further readings of the amended budget will take place at the March Board meeting.
DRAFT AMENDED BUDGET

Aboriginal How Are We Doing Report?
Chelsea Prince, Director of Indigenous Education, presented an update on the Aboriginal How Are We Doing Report. She noted a steady decrease in the percentage of students and families opting out of Indigenous Education programming, from 6.5% in 2013-2014 to 2% in 2023-2024. Currently, 18.9% of SD83 students self-identify as Indigenous, with all district schools having at least 10% Indigenous student populations. Trustees expressed appreciation for initiatives aimed at increasing student belonging, supporting early literacy, and improving grade-to-grade transitions. Plans for expanding Indigenous course offerings, including an art course, are in progress.
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
REPORT SUMMARY

South Canoe Field Trip to Haidi Gwaii
The Board approved a field trip for South Canoe Grade 7/8 students to Haida Gwaii from May 20-31. Teacher Geoff Styles outlined the itinerary, which includes cultural and educational experiences, visits to historical sites, and a meeting with a local MLA. Safety plans for the remote location and travel logistics were reviewed. Trustees supported the trip, recognizing the educational value and strong parental involvement.
SEE ITINERARY

Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Donna Kriger began by acknowledging the tragic loss of three local teens: Olly Willmot, who died after falling through the ice on Shuswap Lake, and Carter Kosick and Carter Lawrence, who died in a motor vehicle accident east of Sicamous. Kriger expressed condolences to the families, friends, and school communities impacted by the tragedy, and provided her well wishes to the two young men still recovering in hospital.

Kriger also provided updates on school configuration planning, emphasizing ongoing meetings with affected schools, CUPE employees, and upcoming community consultations. She also acknowledged the retirement of District Data Coordinator Bonnie Kelly, commending her for over 30 years of service.

Under the Human and Social Development priority, Kriger highlighted Pink Shirt Day on February 26, themed “Let Kindness Grow,” and reminded the community of the Ministry’s Erase website, which provides a platform for reporting bullying and safety concerns.

Kriger congratulated the Jackson girls’ basketball team for advancing to the Provincial finals in Chilliwack.

She encouraged public feedback on the proposed 2025-26 and 2026-27 school year calendars, with consultation open until March 4. The Board will review the recommendations at the March 11 meeting.

Trustee Variance
The Board passed a motion directing the Superintendent to proceed with the Trustee Variation process. Kriger provided background on the 2016 governance review, which led to a reduction from nine to five trustees. She noted that the current five-member structure may not be sufficient for covering the district’s geographic scope and workload, and a review will determine whether an increase to seven trustees is appropriate.

Public Interest Disclosure Policy
The Board approved the amendment to Policy 150 – Public Interest Disclosure at its meeting. Superintendent Kriger explained that in 2017 the District developed Policy 7020 Whistler Blower Protection. In December 2023, the provincial government introduced the Public Interest Disclosure Act (PIDA), prompting a revision of Policy 7020 to align with this legislation. As part of the Board’s ongoing Policy Manual updates, the policy has now been renamed Policy 150 – Public Interest Disclosure.

PIDA is a British Columbia law that enables public sector employees to report serious wrongdoing within their organizations while protecting them from reprisal. Essentially, it serves as a whistleblower protection mechanism for BC government employees.

Transportation Services
The Board approved a review of the SD83 Transportation Department through a contracted service agreement with an external transportation expert.

SD83’s Transportation Department operates 50 buses on 34 routes, transporting approximately 3,000 students daily over 6,800 kilometers. The department prioritizes safety, efficiency, and equity, continually adapting to evolving safety standards and legislative requirements.

Kriger noted that given the increasing complexity of transportation services, an external review would help assess efficiency, service quality, safety, and staffing needs. Trustees supported the review, emphasizing the value of an outside expert perspective, particularly given the ongoing school reconfiguration in the Salmon Arm area.

Board Evaluation Survey
The Board is inviting public feedback as part of its annual Board Evaluation Survey.

Board Chair Corryn Grayston explained that Policy 170 requires the Board to annually assess its performance, and a key component of this process is gathering input from stakeholders, staff, and the community. The survey is open until March 5, 2025 and will help guide the Board in continuous improvement.

Education Directions
Committee Chair Marianne VanBuskirk noted that the next meeting is scheduled for March 5.

Finance & Facilities/Audit
Committee Chair Amanda Krebs provided updates from the most recent Finance & Facilities/Audit Committee meeting, where trustees reviewed Amended Budget, Quarterly Financials, and Enrolment Projections.

Quarterly Financials
Acting Secretary-Treasurer Jeremy Hunt briefly explained that as per Budget Monitoring and Reporting Guidelines proposed by the Financial Health Working Group for School Districts of BC, all school districts must provide the Board of Education (or committee of the board) with, at minimum, quarterly financial reports which indicate forecasted results compared with actual budget, and offer a discussion and analysis, as necessary, to fully communicate financial performance and key risks. This allows the Board to monitor the District’s financial position throughout the year on an ongoing basis.

Hunt reported on the Quarterly Financials, reminding trustees that some budgets are based on 10 months, while other follow 12 months. He added substitute costs are higher than anticipated, services and supplies spending is on track, and the District’s financial position is stronger than last year at this time.
SEE FINANCIALS TO DECEMBER 31, 2024

February Enrolment Projections
Acting Secretary-Treasurer Jeremy Hunt explained that each year the Ministry of Education and Child Care requires school districts across the province to submit projected enrolments. These projections are used by the Ministry to facilitate the development of the operating grant estimates for 2024/25, which will be announced on or before March 15th.

A District team used straight-line projections, Baragar Data Systems, and local knowledge to estimate enrolment for 2025-26, forecasting a decline of 113 full-time equivalent (FTE) students. Hunt emphasized that these numbers are preliminary and conservative.

The Ministry of Education and Child Care has transitioned to a new platform, the Education Data Exchange (EDX). The SD83 Ed Tech team, led by Director of Instruction Reid Findlay and the Manager of Information Technology, Stephen Ollinger, ensured a smooth transition for the February 1701 Data Collection process. 
SEE PROJECTIONS HERE

Partner Group Liaison
Board Chair Corryn Grayston reported that the next Partner Group Liaison meeting is scheduled for March 6.

BCSTA Update
Trustee Amanda Krebs reported that the next provincial council meeting is scheduled for February 22.

BCPSEA Update
Vice Chair Tennile Lachmuth attended the B.C. Public Sector Employers’ Association annual general meeting on January 30-31. She reported that there was some learning sessions, Directors were acclaimed back to their positions, and they voted on the budget. She highlighted that next year’s AGM will be held virtually, reducing travel costs.

Quelmúcw Education Council Update
Vice Chair Tennile Lachmuth reported the next meeting is scheduled for February 26.

Official School District Name Change
The Board received a letter from Minister Lisa Beare confirming receipt of the request to change the District’s name to K̓wsaltktnéws ne Secwepemcúl’ecw.

The Minister acknowledged the Board’s commitment to reconciliation, noting that the name change requires approval through the Lieutenant Governor in Council (Cabinet) via an Order in Council. Ministry staff have begun reviewing the request and will follow up with the district if additional information is needed.

Minister Beare commended the Board, the Quelmúcw Education Council, and District staff for their work toward meaningful reconciliation.
READ LETTER HERE

Trustee Reports
Trustee Marianne VanBuskirk congratulated the Jackson wrestling team that is competing in the provincial championships, as well as the Jackson Tier 1 girls’ basketball team which qualified to move on to Provincials after winning the Valley championships. She also highlighted the Tech Meet-Up at Salmon Arm Secondary on February 11 and the District-wide participation in Unplug and Play activities. VanBuskirk recognized the Mike Holoiday Memorial Classic Basketball Tournament at A.L. Fortune. She paid tribute to Mike Holoiday, a longtime referee and teacher at A.L. Fortune, who made significant contributions to the school and community.