Minutes Regular Public Meeting Board of Education School District No. 57 (Prince George) 2100 Ferry Avenue, Prince George, B.C. 2016.04.26 7:00 p.m. The meeting was held in the library at McBride Secondary School, with a video conference connection to the Boardroom at the Central Administration Office in Prince George. Present: Tony Cable, Chair Tim Bennett, Vice-Chair Trish Bella, Trustee Bob Harris, Trustee Brenda Hooker, Trustee (via Skype/phone) Sharel Warrington, Trustee Bruce Wiebe, Trustee Allan Reed, Secretary Treasurer Diane Nygaard, Executive Assistant (Recorder) Absent: Sharon Cairns, Superintendent of Schools 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The following items were added to the agenda: School District News: DP Todd and Duchess Park Senior Bands, 2016 City of Prince George Youth of the Year and Missoula Children s Theatre. 12.2 Live Different Build The following correction was made to the agenda: Item 11.3 on page 3 of the agenda should read Child Protection The agenda was approved as amended and corrected. School District No. 57 (Prince George) Page 1 of 13
3. PUBLIC INPUT Karen Dube, McBride Secondary School Parent Advisory Council Chair expressed concerns regarding rural education. Ms. Dube requested the Board of Education ensure equal access and opportunities for rural and urban students. Beth Frederick an Early Childhood Educator stated there is a need for preschool facilities in McBride. Ms. Fredericks referred to a preschool model in Beaver Lodge, Alberta and suggested a similar model in McBride, BC could help to provide the needed support in the community and increase enrolment in the school. Richard Giroday representing the Prince George District Teachers Association reported on the shortage of Teachers Teaching on Call and Education Assistants in the school district and other school districts throughout northern British Columbia. Mr. Giroday requested the trustees write a letter to the Ministry of Education requesting the shortage of teachers teaching on call to be addressed within the province. Sarah Holland representing the District Parent Advisory Council reported from the Prince George central administration office on the success of the recent educational session regarding online safety and children that was held at Vanier Hall on April 14 th. Ms. Holland referred to Policy 8310 Policy and Policy Development and expressed concerns with the process and recent revisions made to various school district policies. Ms. Holland echoed Mr. Giroday s concerns presented tonight regarding the shortage of Teachers Teaching on Call and Education Assistants. 4. SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS Trustee Bennett congratulated the DP Todd and Duchess Park Senior Bands on their success at the recent Cantando Music Festival held in Whistler, BC. Mr. Bennett also extended the Board of Education s congratulations to Daniel O Reilly, College Heights Secondary School student who was named the 2016 City of Prince George Youth of the Year. Honourable mentions went to Sakshi Satish also a College Heights Secondary student and former College Heights Secondary School student Mackenzie Kerr. Trustee Wiebe commented on the success of a recent event at McBride Centennial Missoula Children s Theatre which allowed the students to participate in various roles and activities. Trustee Cable congratulated the organizers on the success of the 12 th Annual Educational Spring Fling conference held at Prince George Secondary School on April 22, 2016. School District No. 57 (Prince George) Page 2 of 13
5. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS 5.1 Public Meeting The minutes of the regular public meeting of April 5, 2016 were adopted as with the following corrections: 11.2 - Policy 1170.1 change to 1170.3 In response to Don Sabo s public input at the April 5, 2016 public board meeting, Trustee Bella wished to clarify that candidates of the current board members said that they believed access to quality rural public education as being as important as urban education. 5.2 Record of Special In Camera Meeting Minutes The report on the items discussed and decisions made at the special in camera meeting of April 5, 2016 was approved. 5.3 Record of Regular In Camera Meeting Minutes The report on the items discussed and decisions made at the regular in camera meeting of April 12, 2016 was approved. 6. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES None. 7. OLD BUSINESS Ad Hoc Committee on Rural Education Recommendations 7.1 Overnight Accommodation in Schools Trustee Warrington reviewed and discussed the recommendation, rationale and considerations for Recommendation No. 1 with the trustees. Trustee Bella requested that if the pilot is successful that the possibility be investigated of having students outside of the school district included to allow overnight billeting in these facilities. That the Board of Education allow overnight billeting of School District No. 57 students in the John McInnis Centre, Mackenzie Secondary, McBride Secondary and Valemount Secondary Schools on a pilot basis from September 2016 to June 2017. School District No. 57 (Prince George) Page 3 of 13
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7.2 Transportation for Extracurricular Events Trustee Warrington reviewed and discussed the recommendation, rationale and consideration for Recommendation No. 2 with the trustees. That the Board of Education direct staff to investigate the legal and operational issues related to the establishment of non-profit organizations to provide a transportation service for extra-curricular activities. 7.3 Teachers Teaching on Call John McLay, Interim Assistant Superintendent presented a report on the background and considerations for Recommendation No. 3 to the trustees. The trustees discussed the recommendation. That the Board of Education direct the Human Resources (HR) department to continue work with rural schools to address issues of TTOC availability and the most effective method of dispatch. It further directs the department to review centralized call-out in October 2016. 7.4 School and Community Staffing John McLay, Acting Assistant Superintendent presented a report on the background and considerations for Recommendation No. 4. The trustees discussed the recommendation. That the Board of Education direct the Human Resources department to explore ways to enhance recruitment and retention of School District employees in rural community settings. and That the Board of Education direct the Human Resources department to explore mutually beneficial employment opportunities with our Rural Communities. School District No. 57 (Prince George) Page 5 of 13
7.5 Facility Services Trustee Warrington reviewed a report received from the Facility Services Department to the Education Services Committee on Recommendation No. 5. The report included information on the current practices and jurisdiction of the trades and grounds personnel. 7.6 Three Year Budgets Trustee Wiebe reported three year projections of enrolment and funding have been provided to rural school principals. Mr. Wiebe also provided information on the background of this recommendation and the projection assumptions. 7.7 Upgrade Connectivity Trustee Warrington advised this recommendation was considered by the Education Services Committee at its meeting held February 29, 2016. A presentation on this recommendation was made at the regular public board meeting held on April 5, 2016. 7.8 Video Conferencing Capacity Trustee Warrington advised recommendation No. 8 has been deferred to the regular public board meeting scheduled for May 31, 2016. 7.9 Semi-Annual Meetings Trustee Wiebe reported Recommendation No. 9 will be referred to the new Superintendent of Schools. 7.10 District Principal of Rural Education Trustee Bennett reviewed and discussed Recommendation No. 10. The following motion was moved but not seconded and therefore died on the table. MOVED: That the Board of Education approve the hiring of a 0.5 Principal of Rural Education, situated in a rural community. That the Board of Education approve the hiring of a 0.5 Principal of Digital Learning That these two positions be advertised both as a combined position of 1.0 fte or two positions of 0.5 fte each. That the Board of Education defer the recommendation to relocate distributed learning to the Robson Valley, with potentially, sites in all School District No. 57 schools until the decision regarding the hiring for a Principal of Digital Learning is made. School District No. 57 (Prince George) Page 6 of 13
7.11 Rural Schools Advisory Committee Trustee Bennett reviewed and discussed the recommendation and rationale with the trustees. That the Board of Education defer the formation of a rural schools advisory committee until such time as the decision regarding a Principal of Rural Education and a Principal of Digital Learning is determined. The motion was amended as follows: That the Board of Education refer recommendation No. 11 to Senior Administration to address issues as Distributed Learning or Distance Learning, vision, staffing grants, funding, schedules, community promotion, aligned timetables, innovations and rural provincial specialist association. 7.12 Assistant Superintendent Rural Schools Trustee Bennett reported Recommendation No. 12 will be deferred until such time as the decision regarding the position of a Principal of Rural Education is determined. The Board of Education may wish to consult with the new Superintendent of Schools on this decision. 7.13 Name Change Trustees reviewed and discussed the recommendation. Discussion included the financial cost to re-brand the school district during this time of financial restraint. That the Board of Education engage in a process to change the name of the school district from School District No. 57 (Prince George) to one that better reflects the large geographical area of the school district. DEFEATED. 7.14 Communicate Funding Currently Available Trustee Bennett reported Recommendation No. 14 was considered by the Board of Education at its meeting on April 5, 2016 and was passed. Motion for a five minute recess at 8:57p.m. School District No. 57 (Prince George) Page 7 of 13
The meeting reconvened at 9:06 p.m. 8. EDUCATION SERVICES COMMITTEE 8.1 Committee Report Trustee Warrington reported on the Education Services Committee meeting held on April 11, 2016. Agenda items for the meeting included the Annual Facility Grant Five Year Plan, Routine Capital Maintenance Submission, three recommendations from the Ad Hoc Committee on Rural Education and purchase orders over $25,000 January to March 2016. Ms. Warrington advised the City of Prince George 2020 or 2022 BC Summer Games Bid will be one of the agenda items for the next scheduled Education Services Committee meeting. 8.2 Annual Facility Grant Plan Trustee Warrington reviewed the Annual Facility Grant information included in the agenda package. Ms. Warrington commented on the five routine capital maintenance submissions that were submitted to the Ministry of Education for approval. 9. MANAGEMENT AND FINANCE COMMITTEE 9.1 Committee Report Trustee Wiebe reported on the Management and Finance Committee meeting held on April 18, 2016. Agenda items for the meeting included a financial update to March 31, 2016, Annual Facility Grant Capital Bylaw, 2016-17 Annual Budget, PGDTA Pro-D and two recommendations from the Ad Hoc Committee on Rural Education. 9.2 Capital Project Bylaw No. 127094 Annual Facility Grant Trustee Wiebe reported that the Ministry of Education had announced its Annual Facility Grant funding for 2016-2017 and that School District No. 57 would receive $3,251,395 and that adoption of a capital project bylaw was required in order to access the funds. Mr. Wiebe noted that the district s plan for the use of these funds had been reviewed earlier in tonight s meeting during Trustee Warrington s report from the Education Services Committee. School District No. 57 (Prince George) Page 8 of 13
MOVED and SECONDED: That, in accordance with Section 68 (4) of the School Act, all three readings of Capital Project Bylaw No. 127094 be given at tonight s meeting. MOVED and SECONDED: That Capital Project Bylaw No. 127094 be given first reading. MOVED and SECONDED: That Capital Project Bylaw No. 127094 be given second reading. MOVED and SECONDED: That Capital Project Bylaw No. 127094 be given third and final reading. Trustee discussed the need for increased funding of the Annual Facility Grant by the Ministry of Education. That the Board of Education write a letter to the Minister of Education calling on government to increase Annual Facility Grant Funding each year for the next 3 years to better meet the needs of our facilities. Trustee Cable reported that the Management and Finance Committee recommended that the 2016-2017 budget be adopted over two meetings, to allow more time for discussion and public education. MOVED and SECONDED: That the Board call a special public Board meeting for May 17, 2016, at 7:00 p.m., as per Sections 1.5 of Bylaw No. 1, for the purpose of giving first and second reading to the 2016-2017 Annual Budget Bylaw and to receive the Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement 2016-2021. Mr. Cable explained that third and final reading of the budget bylaw would be given at the Board s regular public meeting scheduled for May 31, 2016. School District No. 57 (Prince George) Page 9 of 13
10. EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND PLANNING COMMITTEE 10.1 Committee Report Trustee Bennett reported on the Education Programs and Planning Committee meeting held on April 19, 2016. Agenda items for the meeting included the yearly Report of Research in School District 57 (Prince George) and a Power Point presentation on curriculum implementation and a review of curriculum resources available to district staff. 11. POLICY AND GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE 11.1 Committee Report Trustee Harris reported on the Policy and Governance Committee meeting held on April 13, 2016. Agenda items for the meeting included a review of Policy 3541 Student Transportation Home and School and 5131.1 Bus Conduct. Both of these policies have been referred to senior administration for further review. Other agenda items included the progress and development of the Glossary of Terms and an update on work being done on Policy 5131 District Code of Student Conduct. 11.2 Policy 5131.7 School Codes of Student Conduct Trustee Harris advised the draft minor updates to Policy 5131.7 School Codes of Student Conduct was returned to the Policy and Governance Committee at the April 5, 2016, public board meeting for further review. Mr. Harris advised the committee reviewed the policy at the committee s meeting of April 13 th and is returning to the board for approval. He advised a copy of the Provincial Standards for Codes of Conduct is included in the agenda package in support the draft minor updates to Policy 5131.7. The trustees reviewed and discussed the draft minor updates to Policy 5131.7 School Codes of Student Conduct. That the proposed minor updates to Policy 5131.7 School Codes of Student Conduct be approved. Trustee Warrington requested that her negative vote be recorded. School District No. 57 (Prince George) Page 10 of 13
11.3 Policy 5145.4 Child Protection Trustees reviewed and discussed the recommendation and rationale for the draft minor updates to Policy 5145.4 Child Protection. Trustees expressed concerns regarding the removal of the definitions from the draft policy prior to the creation of an approved glossary of terms. That the proposed minor updates to the policy statement of Policy 5145.4 Child Protection be approved. The motion was amended as follows: That the proposed minor updates to the policy statement of Policy 5145.4 Child Protection be approved and the definitions remain. 11.4 Policy 5145.5 Sexual Harassment of Students Trustees reviewed and discussed the draft minor updates to Policy 5145.5 Sexual Harassment of Students. Trustees voiced concerns with the removal of definitions in the draft policy without the creation of an approved glossary of terms. Concerns were also voiced regarding the revisions to Regulation No. 3. That the proposed minor updates to Policy 5145.5 Sexual Harassment of Students be approved. DEFEATED. 11.5 Policy 6179 Acceptable Use of Networks Trustees reviewed and discussed the draft updates to Policy 6179 Acceptable Use of Networks. That the proposed minor updates to Policy 6179 Acceptable Use of Networks be approved. School District No. 57 (Prince George) Page 11 of 13
12. NEW BUSINESS 12.1 Strategic Plan 2016-2021 Trustee Cable asked Trustee Bennett to preside as Chair for this agenda item. Trustee Cable reviewed the recommendation and rationale to receive the 2016-2021 Strategic Plan for School District No. 57 (Prince George). That the 2016-2021 Strategic Plan for School District No. 57 (Prince George) be received. That the Board of Education formally sends a letter to Stormy Lake Consulting thanking them for their work on the Strategic Plan. Trustee Cable returned to the Chair. 12.2 Live Different Builds Trustee Wiebe reported a group of high school students from McBride Secondary traveled to Mexico during the March break to participate in the Live Different program. Live Different is an international charity sharing a philosophy of caring for and connecting with other people. In addition, Mr. Wiebe stated McBride Centennial and McBride Secondary Schools will be open during the 2016/17 school year. 12.3 Teachers Teaching on Call Trustee Bella requested that this item be added to the agenda at this time. She moved the following motion in support of the statement made by the Prince George District Teachers Association President Richard Giroday during tonight s public input. That the Board of Education of School District No. 57 (Prince George) write a letter to the Minister of Education requesting that the Ministry of Education provide supports to resolve the serious shortage of Teachers Teaching on Call (TTOC) and Education Assistants in northern school districts. School District No. 57 (Prince George) Page 12 of 13
13. TRUSTEE REPORTS 13.1 BC School Trustees Association Trustee Warrington advised that all trustees with the exception of Trustee Bella attended the Annual General Meeting of the British Columbia School Trustees Association. Ms. Warrington will provide a full report at the next regular public board meeting. 13.2 District Parent Advisory Council Trustee Hooker commented on the successful presentation of The White Hatter on March 5, 2016. Ms. Hooker advised the British Columbia Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils Spring Conference and Annual General Meeting will be held April 30 th May 1 st in Kelowna, BC. 13.3 District Student Advisory Council 14. ADJOURNMENT Trustee Warrington reported on the District Student Advisory Council meeting held April 11, 2016. Agenda items included a presentation by the Principal of Skills, Trades and Career. Ms. Warrington invited students from McBride and Valemount to participate in future meetings of the District Student Advisory Council. The meeting adjourned at 10:52 p.m. Chairperson Secretary Treasurer School District No. 57 (Prince George) Page 13 of 13