Recognition:
1. Sarina Bouvier, Grade 11, Kelowna Secondary School
Sarina Bouvier, a grade 11 student at Kelowna Secondary School, was recognized by the Board of Education for placing 2nd in the National Aboriginal Arts and Stories Competition. Sarina’s story, “Changes”, is posted on our-story.ca.
2. Freya Kellet, Grade 12, Okanagan Mission Secondary School
The Board of Education recognized Freya Kellet, a grade 12 student at Okanagan Mission Secondary School, for winning a TD Scholarship for Community Leadership.
Presentation:
1. Superintendent of Schools “Year in Review”
The Superintendent provided an overview of the 2013/2014 school year identifying achievements, special events, challenges and business involving the Board of Education.
The Superintendent identified many achievements/accomplishments to be proud of including:
– the signing of the District’s second five-year Enhancement Agreement
– the 100 year celebration of Central Schools
– the first ever student-led social media conference – SoMe Summit
– the on-line student registration program, eliminating the need for parents to line up overnight to gain entry into their school of choice
Noteworthy gains were recognized in student achievement. In particular:
– the Six Year Graduation Rate is now at 86.5% compared to the provincial average of 83.6%
– the Aboriginal Graduation Rate is now at 66.7% compared to the provincial average of 59.4% in the
2012-2013 school year
– the reduction of primary student vulnerability (now down to 11%) Student involvement in We Day, Harmony Day, National Aboriginal Day, Family Literacy Day and several other recognition days have led to positive school cultures, student leadership opportunities as well as local and global citizenship.
In 2013/2014 highlights from the business of the Board included:
– establishing new catchment areas for the Westside
– the construction of the new Mar Jok Elementary School, the addition to Okanagan Mission Secondary School, and the annex at George Elliot Secondary School to house grade 7 students (all scheduled to open in September 2014)
– establishing the 2014-2015 budget including the plan to deal with a $4.0M budget shortfall
– adopting an on-line payment program for
parents to use in paying school fees
– managing claims for 29 Districts in the Province which has generated significant over $1.0M in revenue for our students
– the International Education Program generating net revenues for the District in excess of $750,000 this year with 317 students coming from 26 different countries to study here The Superintendent thanked the Board of Education, all staff members, partner groups, and the community for their efforts to support student achievement this year. Superintendent Gloster also acknowledged the retirements of 42 teachers, 5 administrators, 3 members of the management staff and 34 support staff.
The Board Chairperson acknowledged the efforts of senior staff, exempt staff, and principals/vice-principals to help support this year’s graduation ceremonies. Additionally, the Chair recognized the challenges of all involved in the current provincial labour dispute and hopes for a resolution before the first Public Board meeting of the 2014-2015 school year.
(The Superintendent’s “Year in Review” summary is available on the Central Okanagan School District website.)
Action Items:
1. District Student Council Request to Review Policy Form 525.4 – Student Using Vehicle During School Hours
At the May 28, 2014 Public Board Meeting, members of the District Student Council provided a presentation requesting that the Board of Education amend Policy Form 525.4 – Student Using Vehicle During School Hours to align with the Provincial Graduated Licensing Program which allows the Novice (N) driver to have one passenger who is not a family member. The Board of Education agreed to refer this agenda item to the first General Affairs Committee of the 2014-2015 school year for further discussion.
2. School District No. 23 (Central Okanagan) Annual Budget Fiscal Year 2014/2015
The Board of Education give first, second and third readings, passed and adopted, the School District No.23 (Central Okanagan) Annual Budget Bylaw in the amount of $216,906,802.
3. Policy Review: Policy 650 – Public Use of School Facilities, 650A – Public Use of School Facilities Schedule of Rental Fees (Appendix) and 650R – Public Use of School Facilities (Regulations)
The Board of Education affirmed Policy 650 – Public Use of School Facilities, affirmed Policy 650R – Public Use of School Facilities (Regulations), and approved the amendments to Appendix 650A – Public Use of School Facilities.
4. Transportation – Additional Service Routes
The Board of Education waived the requirement in Policy 470 and Regulations 470R – Transportation Services Management to collect the actual cost for Additional Service Routes and, for the 2014/2015 school year, set the transportation charge for all riders at the level established in Motion 12P-059 (April 25, 2012 Public Board Meeting).
5. Amendments to Policy 605 – Educational Facility Planning
The Board of Education decided to refer Policy 605 – Educational Facility Planning to the Planning and Facilities Committee for further review.
6. Enhancement Agreement – Oyama Traditional School Outdoor Classroom
The Board of Education agreed to enter into an Enhancement Agreement with the Oyama Traditional School Parent Advisory Council for creation of an outdoor classroom, subject to:
- completion of a jurisdictional agreement with CUPE Local 3523; and
- approval for final costing estimates for work done by Operations staff.
7. Lake Country Elementary School Catchment Area Review Work Plan
The Board of Education approved a work plan for the Lake Country Elementary School Catchment Area Review.
8. Raymer Elementary School – Road Widening and Sidewalk Design
The Board of Education gave first, second and third readings, and adopted School District No. 23 (Central Okanagan) Property Bylaw No. 130 (Land Exchange Agreement with the City of Kelowna).
9. Ministry Notification – Opening of Mar Jok Elementary School – September 2014
In compliance with Ministerial Order 194/08 (M194/08) and Section 73 of the School Act, the Board of Education directed staff to provide the Ministry of Education with written notification of the September 2014 opening of Mar Jok Elementary School. The written notification will include the school’s name, facility number, address and the date on which the school will open, as well as the Principal’s name.
10. School District No. 23 (Central Okanagan) Bylaw No. 16 – Election 2014
The Board of Education gave first and second readings to School District No. 23 (Central Okanagan) Bylaw No. 16 – Election 2014. The Board of Education decided that a Special Public Board Meeting be scheduled for July 16th, 2014 to give a third reading of Bylaw No. 16.
11. Amendments to Policy 135 – School Board Operation
The Board of Education did not support the proposed amendment to Policy 135 – School Board Operation, subject to Ministerial approval, for seven trustees to be elected at large from the District.
12. Amendments to Policy 135 – School Board Operation
The Board of Education did not support the proposed amendment to Policy 135 – School Board Operation, subject to Ministerial approval, which would have resulted in the expansion of the Board of Education with the addition of two Trustees.
13. 2014/2015 School Planning Council (SPC) Goals
The Board of Education approved the 2014/2015 School Planning Council Goals for all 42 schools in School District No. 23 (Central Okanagan).
Information Items:
1. Superintendent’s Emergent Issues
– The Superintendent has posted a letter to the website providing specific information on (K-12) report cards as well as year-end procedures. (Report cards will be mailed home this year.)
– Individual schools will make arrangements for students and/or parents to come in to pick up any personal belongings and to drop off outstanding library and textbooks during the first week of July.
The following items were reviewed by the Board:
1. Central Okanagan Community and School District No. 23 Literacy Plan
2. 2014/2015 Five Year Capital Plan Submission
3. Community Rental Program Report
4. Field Trips 2013/2014
5. Field Trips 2014/2015
6. General Statement