Synopsis of March 11, 2025, Board of Education Meeting

The Board of Education approved the second and final reading of the 2024-25 Amended Annual Budget Bylaw at its meeting on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.

Acting Secretary-Treasurer Jeremy Hunt explained that the budget consists of three components: the operating fund, which includes the District’s primary revenue from the Ministry; special purpose funds; and capital funds. The budget plan reflects a projected enrolment decline of 93.7 full-time equivalent (FTE) students. The number of special purpose funds continues to grow, with the most recent addition being federal community futures funding. “These funds provide great opportunity for the District but also come with additional costs for oversight,” noted Hunt.

For the past several years, the District’s major capital project has been the reconstruction of the gym at Pleasant Valley Secondary School, which is now nearing completion.

Supporting documents:
Amended Annual Budget Bylaw Further Information
Amended Budget Slides

2025-26 School Year Calendar
Following public and staff feedback, several adjustments were made to the draft 2025-26 school year calendar initially proposed in January. A District calendar committee, led by Assistant Superintendent Michelle Guillou, reviewed responses from 104 survey participants and identified general themes, including:

• Many comments were positive or accepting (e.g., looks fine). 
• Some discussion about number of Pro-D Days in October.
• Comments both for and against having Pro-D days adjacent to long weekends.
• Discussion regarding moving one of the October non-instructional days to September, November, or January.
• Limited discussion about full-day conferences not being necessary for the 15-minute appointments.
• Some suggestions received were not supported by the SD83 Teacher Collective Agreement.

To balance Fridays and Mondays off and align with neighbouring school districts, the committee recommended adjustments.

The Board approved the revised draft 2025-26 School Year Calendar , which will now be submitted to the Ministry. The final calendar will be shared publicly following Ministry approval.

Trustee Variation
Due to the District’s geographic size, the Board is considering increasing the number of trustees by two. A report , presented by Superintendent Donna Kriger, provided historical information, noting that when SD83 was formed by amalgamating SD21 (Armstrong) with five trustees and SD89 (Shuswap) with nine trustees, the newly combined district had nine trustees. In 2016, the Ministry engaged Elizabeth Watson to review governance practices, and her report recommended reducing the number of trustees to five, with a review after six years.

Several trustees expressed support for adding two trustee positions without changing electoral boundaries, as it would be costly and time-consuming. The next step is a consultation process of surveying stakeholders and Rightsholders. Any request for changes must be submitted to the Ministry by the end of October.

Transportation Services Update
Director of Operations Travis Elwood updated the Board on the planned review of the Transportation Department, a decision made at last month’s Board of Education meeting. Initially, the District considered contracting a well-known American service provider, but the Board directed staff to explore Canadian alternatives. As a result, a request for proposals was posted on B.C. Bid, with submissions closing on April 15, 2025.

Once proposals are received, the District will select the most suitable company to carry out the review. Meanwhile, senior leadership is consulting with other districts to regarding their experiences with the American company.

Salmon Arm-Inashiki Twinning Update
Board Chair Corryn Grayston provided an update from a recent Salmon Arm-Inashiki Twinning Committee meeting, which she attended along with representatives from the Salmon Arm Council. Due to high costs, the committee is exploring the possibility of having a smaller group of five or 10 students participate, with a reduced itinerary , in order to move the project forward.

Policy 136 Trustee Remuneration
The Board of Education approved the first reading of Policy 136 Trustee Remuneration , which outlines trustee compensation and expense allowances in accordance with the School Act. Trustees noted that the policy revision clarifies existing guidelines and will be ready for the upcoming election in 2026.

Board Evaluation Survey
Board Chair Corryn Grayston thanked those who participated in the Board Evaluation Survey and expressed appreciation for their feedback, which will be incorporated into future evaluation discussions.

Teacher Librarian Staffing Ratios
North Okanagan Shuswap Teachers’ Association Acting President Jessa Clark, Vice President Kyla Hadden, and District Teacher Librarian Geri Ellis presented to the Board, advocating for continued support of the current teacher librarian staffing ratios which are more generous than those set out in the Collective Agreement.

The District recently shared that, to align with the Collective Agreement, librarian staffing ratios will be adjusted to the provincial standard of one FTE librarian to every 691 students. Currently, the ratio is one per 450 students at the elementary level and one per 500 at secondary level.

Trustees thanked the delegation for their presentation and shared that staffing levels would be considered in upcoming budget discussions.
SEE SLIDE PRESENTATION HERE

Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Donna Kriger provided an update on recent Ministry meetings, where key topics included Indigenous Education Councils, student achievement gaps, and systemic change.

She had the opportunity to highlight the success of Quelmúcw Education Council, attributing it to strong relationship building. “I’m grateful to the Chair of the Council and other members who have embraced us as District employees and invited us to partner with them and work alongside them,” expressed Kriger.

The Ministry addressed disparities in Indigenous student outcomes, particularly for on-reserve students, and emphasized the importance of using the Aboriginal How Are We Doing Report to guide improvement efforts. SD83 remains committed to improving Indigenous student outcomes as a shared responsibility across the District.

Under the strategic priority of Community Partnership Development, Kriger announced that districts will receive additional federal funding for school food programs, with a focus on purchasing local, nutrient-dense foods. She recognized District Vice Principal of Student Wellness Tanya Harrington and Feeding Futures Program Coordinator Serena Caner for their leadership in this area.

The success of the Ready, Set, Learn sessions, designed for families and caregivers with children aged 3 to 5, helps connect families with their local school, educators, and community resources. Acknowledgement was given to District Vice Principal of Early Learning Allison de Boer for her leadership in facilitating these programs.

Under the strategic priority of Intellectual Development, Kriger informed trustees that provincial literacy scores are declining. SD83 will receive a $225,000 provincial literacy grant to support early literacy screening, enhance intervention and outreach, and professional learning opportunities. The Ministry is also investing in Haggerty and UFLI literacy resources, both of which the District is already successfully piloting. Director of Instruction Jen Findlay was recognized for her expertise in literacy best practices, and the additional funding was welcomed.

The Framework for Enhancing Student Learning report was discussed, with the Ministry recognizing SD83’s efforts and requesting to share elements of the District’s work as best practices. While there were successes to celebrate, priority areas requiring further improvement include support for children and youth in care, as well as better strategies to enhance student achievement for those with diverse abilities. SD83 remains committed to using its strategic plan as a guiding framework to ensure continuous progress.

Acknowledging the many challenges and triumphs since the start of the school year, Kriger expressed her deepest gratitude for all SD83 staff.

“The work you do every day—whether in the classroom, the hallways, the offices, the cafeterias, or behind the scenes—ensures that our students receive the education, support, and care they need to thrive,” shared Kriger. “It is no small task to keep a school district running smoothly. It takes a team that is committed, passionate, and resilient, and because of you, we continue to move forward, even in the face of difficulties.”

She acknowledged that every staff member plays a vital role in the District’s success. From teachers and itinerants who inspire students, to custodians who create a safe and welcoming environment, to bus drivers who ensure safe transportation, to those who support our most vulnerable students, and to administrators who guide and support the District’s mission. She also gave special thanks to District-level staff, recognizing the challenges they have navigated together.

“Whatever your position, please know that your efforts do not go unnoticed. You make a difference in the lives of students, families, and the entire community every single day. For that, I am truly grateful,” she added.

With deep appreciation, she wished all staff a restful and well-deserved Spring Break.

MORE INFORMATION HERE

Education Directions
Trustee Marianne VanBuskirk reported that an Education Directions meeting was held on March 5, 2025, where they welcomed a new member, Diane Anthony of Adams Lake Band. The committee discussed the upcoming Environmental Expo, which take place during Earth day (April 22) and Environment Week (April 21-25) and will include school-based events, as well as public displays and presentations at Piccadilly Mall in Salmon Arm.

Director of Instruction Reid Findlay provided an update on artificial intelligence (AI) protocols and cybersecurity measures. A handbook on AI usage is being developed for school principals, and an AI-focused session is scheduled in Kelowna on April 17, 2025.

The next committee meeting is on May 7, 2025.

Policy Committee
The Board approved the second and final reading of Policy 124 Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability and tabled Policy 380 Allergies and Anaphylaxis  for discussion. Superintendent Donna Kriger noted that three student representatives attended the recent Policy Committee meeting and provided valuable input.

Policy 124 Climate Action has been revised to align with SD83’s 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, reinforcing the District’s commitment to environmental sustainability and stewardship of Secwépemc lands. The updated Policy 124 Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability is available on the District website, here .

French Advisory Committee
Trustee Marianne VanBuskirk reported on the February 20, 2025, French Advisory Committee meeting, which was led by Vice Principal of Bastion and French Coordinator Megan Weir and included representatives from the four schools offering French Immersion – Bastion, Shuswap Middle, J.L. Jackson, and Salmon Arm Secondary. The meeting focused on networking, idea sharing, and budget updates.

Trustees discussed the recommendation for school districts to establish a French Advisory Committee, noting that SD83 has already done so. They are considering formalizing the committee as an official Board committee through a bylaw amendment.

BCSTA Update
Trustee Amanda Krebs provided an update on the upcoming Provincial Council meeting, noting changes to the process for extraordinary motions. She noted that these motions will not be open for amendments, and trustees will be required to vote either yes or no. All other motions will follow the standard procedure.

Board Chair Corryn Grayston reported that she, along with Trustees Krebs and VanBuskirk, attended the Thompson Okanagan Branch Meeting from February 28 to March 1, 2025. Trustee VanBuskirk referenced the report included in the agenda, highlighting that the meeting was held at the SD67 School Board Office, which has been gifted the name Siya? House. Trustees expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the strategic planning process.

Quelmúcw Education Council
Trustee VanBuskirk attended the Quelmúcw Education Council on February 26, 2025. The agenda included a report from Superintendent Kriger, as well as a presentation by SD83 Career Coordinator George Richard, who shared positive news about career experiential learning grants for Indigenous students. These grants can be used in collaboration with Quelmúcw.

Trustee Reports
Vice Chair Tennile Lachmuth noted that a community group in Armstrong was inquiring about the possibility of dedicating the new gym at Pleasant Valley Secondary to a long-time teacher and coach. Senior Administration will investigate policies or procedures to guide the process.

Trustee Marianne VanBuskirk reported she attended the Budget Advisory Committee meeting on February 25, 2025. She expressed her appreciation to Acting Secretary-Treasurer Jeremy Hunt for the extensive work involved, including the detailed information and for answering questions. She also acknowledged everyone who participated in Pink Shirt Day. On March 3, 2025, she attended the District of Salmon Arm’s Active Transportation Committee meeting, where one of the topics discussed was a potential celebration for the completion of the pathway from the RCMP office to J.L. Jackson. She noted that families have expressed their appreciation for the completed pathway, as it provides a safe walking route.