At the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, trustees discussed various topics, including configuration options for Salmon Arm and area schools, the provincial operating grant, the closure of the Education Outreach Program (EOP), capital plan projects, and more.
Salmon Arm School Configuration
In November 2023, the Board passed a motion directing District administration to bring forward configuration options for the Salmon Arm area for consideration. After months of gathering information and discussions, the trustees were presented with options.
The report includes the various options that were initially presented within the 2019-2029 Long Range Facilities Plan. In the report Superintendent of Schools Donna Kriger indicates that many of the enrolment pressures experienced in 2019-2021 have changed. Baragar Systems, a company which specializes in data projections and provides information to many school districts for planning purposes, is projecting enrolment in the Salmon Arm area to plateau over the next decade.
Superintendent Kriger suggested that “Configuration decisions need to centre around the District Values of Belonging, Respect, Reconciliation, Empathy, Equity, and Perseverance, while balancing the strategic priorities of intellectual, human/social, career development, and well-being coupled with responsible stewardship of district resources.”
“The conversations that we are engaging in with the capital branch are not just about buildings; they are about kids and their experience. Currently, they are placed in a particular configuration due to space restrictions” Kriger added.
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL REPORT
Trustees thanked senior leadership for their thorough work and the detailed report. Trustee Corryn Grayston noted that she is pleased to see the enrolment pressures have changed. “This gives us an opportunity to revisit the scenarios. I participated in the public engagement sessions and there was a really good turnout. I look forward to being part of the next couple of sessions. We’ve been presented with a lot of information from the leadership team, and we have so much to take into consideration.”
To date, there have been 19 face-to-face discussions regarding configuration. Meetings will continue through April with school PACs, members of the public, employee groups and Rightsholders with a survey finalizing the feedback process.
The next Public Configuration and Strategic Planning sessions will be held on April 23 and April 24 from 6 to 8 pm at the District Education Support Centre. Please rsvp by clicking on the following link: https://forms.office.com/r/4GKUgjU0Vd.
Provincial Estimated Operating Grants
Secretary Treasurer Dale Culler shared the Ministry of Education and Child Care’s preliminary operating grant announcement which reports that the operating grant block funding for all of B.C. is expected to be over $7 billion in 2024-25, which is an increase of $344 million. The main part of the increase is to fund the negotiated wage increases for teachers, support staff, and non-educator exempt positions ($219 million) plus the estimated enrolment growth ($125 million) province-wide.
In SD83, Culler said the operating grant (see chart), which is largely based on enrolment (projected for SD83 at 6,668 full-time equivalency (FTE)) and is expected to be $87,586,555 million. The District will also receive $116,305 in funding protection as current projections show an enrolment decline of more than one percent. Culler noted that it is the Lower Mainland and Kelowna school districts which are seeing the most growth in enrolment, with many other districts having static or declining enrolment.
“More districts are in funding protection this year than last year,” said Culler.
Culler noted the majority of the increase for the upcoming year was meant to cover the negotiated wage settlement. However, after analysis, the projected Ministry funding is not sufficient to meet the requirements of our District.
One addition to the budget this year is a grant to set up Indigenous Education Councils throughout the province, which SD83 has had established for a number of years. These funds will be used to support the work of the council.
OPERATING GRANT SUMMARY
2024-25 OPERATING GRANT
Committee of the Whole Meeting plus Q & A on Budget
The Board will be holding a Committee of the Whole meeting to review SD83’s 2024-25 budget on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at 4:30 p.m., at the District Education Support Centre. This meeting is open to the public for observation. The meeting will follow with a 30-minute public question and answer period regarding the information that was presented.
Education Outreach Program
The Board of Education passed a motion to close the District’s EOP at the end of this school year. SD83 Students will continue to have access to online programming through provincial online schools. Communication to parents and students will be forthcoming regarding next steps for those who wish to continue with online programs.
During deliberations, trustees acknowledged that the shift to a provincial hub model, driven by factors like optimal resource utilization, places districts with provincial online learning schools (POLS) in a better position to offer the program. POLS provide oversight for 12 months and offer a significantly wider range of courses.
It was emphasized that the decision to close the program was difficult and not a reflection of the local staff’s efforts, which have been commendable. Rather, it was based on the program’s unsustainable nature and the availability of more robust provincial online schools. The closure affects two teaching staff members and a 0.2 FTE district principal position.
SD83 District Parent Advisory Council – Safety in Schools
The SD83 District Parent Advisory Council President Julie DeBoer and Vice-President Morgan Turland presented to the Board advocating for a safe and positive learning environment, where everyone feels welcome. They emphasized the need to strengthen student-school connections, provide more support for diverse learners, and ensure a physically safe environment for all students.
DeBoer and Turland highlighted the challenges many children face in attending school, which may lead to an unusually high absenteeism rate. They stressed the importance of strong connections between students and schools, particularly for diverse learners. Also, they called for increased mental health supports, a focus on strengthening connections from Kindergarten to Grade 12, and reduced transitions.
The DPAC representatives advocated for increased support for diverse learners, including more targeted classroom support and a greater focus on early detection. They proposed having early childhood educators (ECEs) in all kindergarten classrooms and continued advocacy for additional ECEs in middle and high school classrooms.
Addressing safety concerns, they mentioned that some students feel unsafe in school or on the bus. Students often report feeling vulnerable and sometimes bullied due to lack of supervision on the bus. They acknowledged that expecting bus drivers to monitor behaviour while driving is impractical. They also expressed concerns about washrooms being used for socializing and vaping, which creates discomfort for those needing to use the washroom. They noted that they understand this is a challenging situation and are in support of moving towards single stall washrooms and changerooms.
Despite these challenges, DeBoer and Turland expressed their appreciation for the hard work that the District is putting into prioritizing students and creating positive learning environments.
North Okanagan-Shuswap Teachers’ Association and Canadian Union of Public Employees – Safety in Schools
North Okanagan-Shuswap Teachers’ Association (NOSTA) First Vice President Jessa Clark and Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) SD83 Unit Chair Courtney Thomson presented information to the Board around safety in schools.
Clark mentioned that a conversation had started as concerns around violence in schools were increasing. They wondered if this issue was specific to this District or if it was occurring in other places as well. Around that time, a survey of teachers across Canada was released, indicating an increase of violence in schools. The two primary factors thought to contribute to this increase were the pandemic and funding for public education. She provided several examples from the survey, saying it was applicable to what is being seen here.
Clark and Thomson outlined their suggestions in three main categories: physical safety and infrastructure, emotional safety and wellness, and academic and educational supports. Under physical safety, they suggested more whole staff communication, including safety plans and clearly defined roles for adults in the building. Also, they advocated for the reinstatement of the District-wide joint health and safety committee. They called for additional education assistant time, rest periods, and more “boots on the ground”.
Regarding emotional safety and wellness, they discussed the importance of continuing and raising awareness of trauma-informed practices, using compassionate coaching and workplace well-being, and organizing wellness events.
For academic and educational support, they suggested increasing counselling and itinerant services, providing mental health supports for students, and offering training opportunities for staff to support these initiatives.
Aboriginal How Are We Doing Report
Director of Instruction Chelsea Prince discussed the Aboriginal How Are We Doing Report for 2022/23. She explained that this is an annual report produced by the Ministry of Education and Child Care, consisting of one report for all students and another specifically for Aboriginal students. Prince also mentioned that the Ministry is in the process of changing the name from Aboriginal to Indigenous but noted that such changes take time.
Once a student has self-identified as being of Aboriginal ancestry, they are included in all reported outcomes, regardless of program participation from year to year. Before September 30th of each school year, the family is contacted to confirm their participation. “With 1,200 students that keeps our staff really busy.” However, this approach has helped lower the rate of students opting out of the targeted funding program to 1.6 percent. “Ethically, we don’t collect funding unless we confirm they are going to be part of the Indigenous Education program.”
The report indicates that completion rates are currently the best they have ever been, which the District attributes to the academic support provided by success teachers in every school, as well as the commitment of principals and vice-principals to supporting Indigenous student attendance and achievement. Prince emphasized the importance of continuing these supports for younger students to maintain this positive trend. She noted that finding qualified staff for these supports has been challenging.
Prince highlighted that five and six-year completion rates for female Aboriginal students are virtually the same as non-Aboriginal. This is however, not the same for male Aboriginal students.
An area where Prince identified the need for additional support includes improving Foundational Skills Assessment results, particularly in numeracy. “The new District Principal of Indigenous Education will work closely with elementary Indigenous Education Workers to build their capacity in supporting students with these skills. Also, the department will be supporting teachers to help integrate more Indigenous content into their teaching materials. Grade 4, 7, 10, and 12 students are reporting that they are learning about Indigenous peoples at concerningly low rates.”
Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Donna Kriger reported to the Board that the Superintendent’s evaluation survey closed on Tuesday. The Board of Education has the responsibility to conduct an evaluation, as the Superintendent is their sole employee. Surveys were sent to various groups, including senior leadership, principals and vice-principals, all employee groups, Rightsholders, as well as parents and caregivers. Kriger noted the importance of the survey to ensure that she is meeting the expectations of the Board.
Digital Devices
Kriger reported on a provincial order that will take effect for the new school year regarding digital devices. Before the start of the school year, districts must revise their district and school codes of conduct to include language restricting the use of digital devices during class time, except when used for learning purposes. “This measure is intended to increase safety and promote a focused learning environment in schools but not be so restrictive that teachers can’t have students use digital devices for the purpose of learning.”
Education Week April 15-19
The Provincial Ministry declared this week to be Education Week. “This is an opportunity to celebrate and think of our kids. We have amazing kids. Every time I have the privilege of visiting schools, I see the outstanding work they do.” She emphasized that such achievements are not possible without the support of a large group of individuals, including teachers, principals and vice-principals, support staff, and those working behind the scenes.
Kriger acknowledged the need to thank every single person across the District who touches the life of kids and changes their trajectory in a positive way every day. She went on to say, “We don’t have any of this without a supportive Board of Education. SD83 is fortunate to have a fantastic Board and I want to thank you for all that you do.”
Skills Canada
Kriger congratulated the students from A.L. Fortune who were participating in the provincial Skills Canada competition at the TradeX in Abbotsford. Skills Canada is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting careers in technology and the trades. Each year, there are regional, provincial, national, and even international competitions.
At the same time, A.L. Fortune teacher Jason Inkster took his dual credit autobody students to Vancouver Community College to use their paint booth and complete a portion of the program. Afterwards, he took the students to Skills Canada to cheer on their fellow students.
“I want to draw attention to the excellent work being done by Michelle Hall and Jason Inkster in careers,” said Kriger.
Student Voice/Agency
Kriger informed trustees that senior leadership is in the midst of triangulating the data from the McCreary Report, the Youth Development Instrument, and conducting Director/Student interviews. “We’ll be compiling the information and looking for trends.” Kriger also expressed her appreciation for the information and advocacy presented, particularly regarding mental health.
Reconciliation in Action
Kriger shared some photos and information about Shuswap Middle School, where a class of students, inspired by a historical and timeline exercise, worked alongside the Indigenous Education Support Workers to create a learning space designed around the Medicine Wheel. Kriger remarked, “It is spectacular, and I want to acknowledge the work of the students and adults.”
Celebrations
Kriger congratulated the Salmon Arm Secondary and Jackson bands which both earned superior excellence ratings at the Okanagan Music Festival. Jackson’s band also received an invitation to the National Music Festival. Also, she congratulated the choir from Bastion for their outstanding results at the Shuswap Music Festival.
Kriger acknowledged Pleasant Valley Secondary School student Brea Duncan, who earned a berth to the national para-swimming championships.
Kriger mentioned that the response to the North Shuswap wildfires is a topic at the pre-conference for the B.C. School Trustees’ Association. The District’s handling of the wildfire situation and the supports put in place will be shared and celebrated. She also shared that a group of North Shuswap students were busy planting trees last week, commenting, “Kudos to the students out planting; it just shows the amazing resilience of people.”
Kriger concluded her report by mentioning that May 5th is Red Dress Day, a day to raise awareness about murdered and missing Indigenous women in Canada. The District will acknowledge Red Dress Day on May 3, 2024, and will share age-appropriate material with schools.
READ THE SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT HERE
Capital Plan Bylaw
The District has received information regarding the funding of projects from its 2024-25 District Capital Plan Submission.
Under the school enhancement program budget envelope, the District will receive $1.53 million to upgrade the heating ventilation, and air conditioning at Carlin Elementary Middle School. Also, under the carbon neutral capital program, $600,000 was approved for electrical upgrades at Highland Park, Hillcrest, Parkview, and Sorrento schools. The District also received approval to order three new 76-seater school buses. Director of Operations Travis Elwood noted that the District plans to purchase one electric bus. Based on mileage and age of the District’s fleet, they had applied for more than what was received; however, there is a potential that the District could be awarded more. The District did not receive funding for a playground; however, we are hopeful for funding next year.
Animals on School District Property – Policy 470
The Board approved the first reading to Policy 470 – Animals on School District Property.
Trustee Corryn Grayston commented that she was happy to see this come forward for revision as so many people are bringing all different kinds of pets to schools and on school grounds.
Trustee Marianne VanBuskirk added that at a recent PAC meeting at Hillcrest she was informed that the Hillcrest field is being used after hours by many people and their dogs, which can lead to cleanliness issues if the dogs waste is not picked up.
Trustee Tennile Lachmuch noted that, as a parent reviewing the draft policy, she understood that the goal is to control what is happening during the school day and expressed her support for the policy as presented.
The policy has been posted for feedback until the end of the day on Friday, May 17, 2024, and will be brought back to the Board for a second reading.
Upcoming Committee Meetings
The next meeting of the Quelmúcw Education Council is scheduled for April 17, 2024, and the Education Directions Committee will be on May 1, 2024.
Finance & Facilities/Audit
Committee Chair Amanda Krebs reported that the committee discussed the estimated operating grant, the funding received for the District’s capital plan, and monthly financials. The lead content in school water is tested regularly and Krebs reported there were no red areas, however, there were a few places where signs had to be put up to remind users to run the water before drinking it.
Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) Questions & Answers
The Diversity and Inclusion Department has answered the multiple SOGI questions that were collected by the SD83 DPAC from parents. Director of Instruction Gillian Dawe-Taylor shared that the questions and answers are posted on the District website. Some questions, such as medical inquiries, were not addressed as they fell outside the District’s purview. Also, questions that could contribute to hate speech were not answered and similar questions were grouped together. Contact information is available for individuals seeking more information.
Board Correspondence
The Board received a letter from the Deputy Minister of Education and Child Care approving the Board’s request to underspend its targeted Indigenous Education funding up to $184,412 for the 2022/23 school year. This request was approved. The underspending was partially due to the District’s inability to fill some positions within the Indigenous Education Department.
Trustee Reports
Trustee Tennile Lachmuth noted that the new accessible playground at Armstrong Elementary was completed just in time for students to enjoy when they returned from Spring Break. She added that it is a welcome addition to the school.
Trustee VanBuskirk reported that a very successful staff and student basketball tournament was held at Jackson on March 15th to wrap up Spirit Week. She mentioned that 18 teams, with anywhere from five to 10 players each, took part in the event. Other students and staff filled the bleachers, cheering on their favourites. “It was just a wonderful way to kick off Spring Break.” VanBuskirk also attended the Spring Wings Music Festival at Splatsin. “It was a fabulous way to celebrate Indigenous culture and music.” All the donations from the event went towards the Splatsin Youth Group.