A draft plan to connect a walking trail from Little Mountain Park to Haney Heritage Park was presented to the School District No. 83 Board of Education (North Okanagan-Shuswap) by representatives of the Shuswap Trail Alliance and the Salmon Arm Museum and Heritage Association on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at the District Education Support Centre (DESC).
Adrian Bostock of Shuswap Trail Alliance and and Garry Landers of Salmon Arm Museum and Heritage Association requested the Board lend its support to the City of Salmon Arm proposal, which will be going to the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) for permission to create such a trail along farm land. He noted, with all the schools in the area, it would hopefully be something the students would be able to put to good use.
Speaking to the plan, Landers said, "The dream of Dr. Mary Thomas was to have the trail system run from Haney Heritage Park (east of Salmon Arm) all the way to Neskonlith Village (west of Salmon Arm). This has also become a dream of mine."
In 2009 the plan was adopted as part of the City of Salmon Arm's greenways strategy within the Official Community Plan. It is also a powerful symbol of the Cultural Bridge Building' supported by Thomas. "When completed, the Salmon Arm Heritage Trail will physically link our colonial past (as captured by Haney Heritage Park) with the Indigenous past modelled by the evolving Neskonlith Village at the mouth of the Salmon River.", said Landers. He added "A portion of the trail already exists in the form of the Turner Creek Trail and Little Mountain Park as well as the foreshore trails. Completion of the Heritage Trail would require the construction of the connecting trail between Little Mountain Park, which they were currently requesting support for, and then an elevated walkway around the West Bay to join to the Neskonlith Village."
Bostock shared that at this point, they were looking for a letter of support from the Board to the ALC to connect Haney Park to Little Mountain Park in whichever way makes most sense.
Board Chair Amanda Krebs thanked them for their presentation and asked about a timeline and was told that if they could receive it before summer it would be appreciated. Following their established practice, the Board refrains from making decisions during the meeting where a delegation has presented. The request will be discussed at the February Board of Education meeting.
View Agriculture Land Commission Application
Greenways Map
Superintendent's Report
Superintendent Donna Kriger reminded the Board of the pillars of priorities in the Strategic Plan. These include Intellectual Development, Human and Social Development, and Career Development. The plan focuses on developing a culture of well-being, organizational development, and effective governance and leadership.
How Are We Doing?
Under the first three pillars, she discussed the How Are We Doing 2022-23 Report. This annual report from the Ministry of Education and Child Care, was originally introduced in 1999. The report collates much of the data from the Foundational Skills Assessment, Grade 10 & 12 Literacy and Grade 10 Math Assessments, Student Learning Survey, and course work as it relates to Indigenous students.
In SD83 the number of Indigenous students has remained relatively stable at approximately 100 on-reserve students and 1,300 off-reserve students. In 2022-23 the District had 10 schools with up to 20 percent Indigenous students and 14 schools had up to 20 to 50 percent Indigenous students. "I highlight this to show that is it not isolated schools, we have Indigenous students in every school, in every configuration across the District. It is a moral imperative that every school, every staff, every educational leader across this district bring equity to Indigenous students in our schools," Kriger reported.
Kriger showed several graphs around grade-to-grade transitions, which show that Indigenous and non-Indigenous student transitions are very similar until Grade 10, 11, and 12 when Indigenous student transition rates drop. The Indigenous females are a little lower but more similar to non-Indigenous students, while the stats for Indigenous male students continues to dip (see graph). "It is worth it for us to dig into this report. It lends itself to additional curiosities that we need to answer. What is it in Grade 11 and 12 that results decline," questioned Kriger.
The five-year completion rates were discussed at a previous meeting, where the positive trend was celebrated. During this meeting, the completion rates between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students and Indigenous males to Indigenous female students' completion rates were shared. "This is a really interesting piece of data. We have female Indigenous students at 85 percent, almost at par for all students. But then we see the distinction with the Indigenous male students at 75 per cent. What is it that we're not tapping into to support them at school. We need to dig into the reasons why," shared Kriger.
Organizational Development
Touching on organizational development, Kriger reported on the recent Principals and Vice-Principals meeting where they did a powerful Interactive Timeline activity helping them develop a deeper understanding of the true history of local Indigenous people and the Indigenous people of Canada. "It was absolutely a privilege," shared Kriger.
January 29, 2024, is the District's inservice day, dedicated to an Indigenous Day of Learning. Staff will be participating in a virtual workshop with well known presenter Jo Chrona in the morning and then taking part in activities at their school in the afternoon. Local government representatives and elected officials have been invited to join the School District's Indigenous Day of Learning.
School Configuration
During the November Board meeting, the Senior Leadership Team was tasked to bring recommendations to the Board around configuration of Salmon Arm area schools. Kriger updated the Board saying meetings have been held with District leadership, principals, and vice-principals, who have been thoughtfully considering the preferred grade configurations and number of secondary schools. Concerns raised include:
- Transitions disproportionately impact diverse learners and Indigenous students
- Connections with staff and developing a sense of belonging "takes time"
- Frequent transitions are more detrimental to students than absenteeism
- The current configuration makes pathways to graduation difficult to track
- The current configuration creates challenges for athletics at all schools
Upcoming and Celebrations
Kriger reminded everyone about the social media awareness sessions which Safer Schools BC is currently offering to all families and caregivers with children 10 years and over (read more and register here) as well as the Pirate Loppet coming up on February 2, 2024. "I want to thank the community partners that make events like this possible, as well as Vice Principal Megan Weir who puts a ton of work into this."
Kriger noted that Kindergarten registration opened on January 17, 2024, and remains open. Sorrento Elementary had a wonderful Kindergarten Fair and she thanked all those involved, including Principal Paul Rosman.
Kriger also highlighted the new Mathology pilot program which is currently getting under way this week with a team of teachers from Highland Park (primary grades) and a team of teachers from M.V. Beattie (intermediate grades). The response to the pilot was so positive, that the District is offering a mini-pilot program for the teams at South Canoe, Grindrod, Bastion, Salmon Arm West, Carlin, and Ranchero.
Unplug and Play, which is organized by the Literacy Alliance of the Shuswap (LASS), and is held in conjunction with Family Literacy Week, is taking place this week. Falkland Elementary took part by holding a Numeracy Night on January 23, 2024,. Numeracy Helping Teacher Doug Smith led families in a fun evening of games and strategies! Kriger pointed out that the Literacy Alliance is another great community partnership.
Also coming up is Ready, Set, Learn, a free Early Learning Activity for children three to five years of age, at every elementary school in the school district.
Kriger informed trustees that on January 25, 2024, a cohort of students will have successfully completed their foundations program in the Pleasant Valley Secondary School hairstyling program, with another group set to begin in February. "This is another great opportunity for kids in our District."
Kriger wrapped up her report sharing the news that Salmon Arm Secondary's curling team just won the Thompson Okanagan regional playdowns. They have now qualified for a berth in the provincials. "Congratulations and we wish them all the best."
VIEW SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT HERE
Student Health and Wellness Supports
Director of Instruction Gillian Dawe-Taylor and Vice Principal of Student Wellness Tanya Harrington gave trustees a little more insight to the B.C. Adolescent Health Survey and how SD83 is providing supports.
Dawe-Taylor explained that the B.C. Adolescent Health Survey, which is done by the McCreary Centre every five years since 1992, shows health issues, trends, and emerging issues. She said, along with other data sources, it is used to help the department plan how to reduce barriers and risk factors. It links directly to the Strategic Plan's human and social development pillar and also greatly impacts intellectual development. "You can't optimize student learning until we optimize their wellbeing," said Dawe-Taylor. "When you look at the population data, students who responded in 2017-18 compared to those in 2022-23, a highlight is that we have gone from 22 percent to 38 percent who can speak at least a few words of an Indigenous Language. The rest, post COVID, is a little less optimistic." Dawe-Taylor reported that thirty-three percent are not eating breakfast on school days, 12 percent went to bed hungry because there wasn't enough money for food, and 25 percent have caretaker duties for another family member. She said 28 percent report missing a day of school in the last month due to family responsibility, and 45 percent are working at paid jobs.
Vice Principal of Student Wellness Tanya Harrington, highlighted the challenges faced by students, including working more and struggling with food security. To help support vulnerable youth the District is working with the Shuswap Family Centre's Launch Program, which helps youth find employment. Food security has been a huge focus this year with the establishment of the Ministry's Feeding Futures funding. "We are so fortunate to have dietician Serena Caner working with us," expressed Harrington. The Feeding Futures program is throughout the District and has grown throughout the year bringing healthy breakfasts and lunches to many students. "Shuswap Food Action Society has been a huge collaborative partner in this work," Harrington added. "Not only has the program been feeding kids so they are ready to learn, but also building school community through food and meals together."
Harrington highlighted the support for students' learning experiences and ongoing Behaviour Code professional development. This training equips staff with the knowledge to understand and effectively intervene when students are struggling. Harrington is engaging in a mentorship with highly skilled professionals at the BC Children's Hospital Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre. She will use the information to conduct a scan of the District's strengths and areas needing improvement in supporting student well-being. She also discussed the important work going on at the District's two Wellness Centres (Salmon Arm Secondary and Eagle River Secondary) where students can get low barrier access to doctor or nurse practitioners twice a month. "They have some important work going on through Wellness Centres and it is getting more and more robust," Harrington added. The department is going to be surveying schools to assess social emotional practices and needs and will make recommendations for supports and resources. They are also looking at establishing some new pilot projects in the area of social emotional learning,
Nadine Moore will be joining the Integrated Child and Youth (ICY) Team as a clinical counsellor. "Nadine Moore is a wonderful addition. She started last week and is excited to get going," shared Harrington. "The youth peer support worker is the next position they are hoping to hire for the team."
Harrington reported that along with the Adolescent Health Survey, data from the Youth Development Instrument, and Student Learning Survey will soon be available. This information will be put together to see if the trends in the Adolescent Health Survey are showing some common trends with the other data being received and to see if the District supports are on track.
View presentation here
Minor Capital Plan Amendment
The Board passed a motion applying for emergent funding from the Ministry of Education and Child Care to replace the two buses involved in an accident on November 20, 2023. Secretary Treasurer Dale Culler told the Board that after discussions with the Ministry's Capital Management Branch, they advised the District to submit a request for emergent funding. Upon approval of the request, he noted the Minister will issue an amended capital plan response letter. Once the District is in receipt of the letter, a new 2023/24 Capital Plan Bylaw will be brought forward to the Board for three readings and adoption.
Student Fees and Financial Hardship - Policy Committee
The Board gave first reading to a revised Policy 370 - Student Fees and Financial Hardship. After first reading is approved by the Board, policies go out to Rightsholders, stakeholders, and the public for feedback. If you would like to provide feedback on this policy please click on this link.
"I can't tell you how proud I am to work with a Board that would put this into policy," commented Kriger after the Board had approved first reading. The proposed policy now states all communication with students and parents regarding fees or deposits must include a statement explaining that fees will not prevent a student from participating in school activities. No student shall be denied educational or extra-curricular opportunities due to financial hardship.
Committee Chair Brent Gennings reported that the Policy Committee met on January 10, 2024, to discuss Policy 1070, as well as Policy 370, which received its first reading at the Board meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for February 7, 2024.
Education Directions
Committee Chair Marianne VanBuskirk reported the next Education Directions meeting is on February 7, 2024.
Finance & Facilities/Audit
Committee Chair Amanda Krebs reported that at the recent Finance and Facilities/Audit Committee meeting, they discussed the possibility of the Board writing a letter to the Ministry about the additional funds spent by the District due to the wildfires. Trustees were in favour of this. The Committee also recommended having only two budget advisory committee meetings instead of three. Following the two Committee of the Whole meetings where the budget is to be discussed, a 30-minute public engagement session would be held to address any questions or collect input from members of the budget advisory committee or the public. "We're just having a hard time finding enough days to fit into the schedule to be able to do three. This seemed like one way we can get more public engagement and more opportunity for the budget advisory committee," explained Krebs.
The Board of Education adopted the 2024/25 Annual Budget Development Process and Guiding Principals as presented.
Facilities Update - Parkview HVAC Project
Director of Operations Travis Elwood updated the Board on several projects including the Parkview Elementary Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC) project and the Pleasant Valley Secondary School (PVSS) gym rebuild.
Parkview HVAC system was designed in 2021 and completed in the summer of 2023. The project had funding of $1.75 million, which included a contingency. However, that year, there were a large number of major projects. Out of all the contractors contacted, only six came to the site, and only one submitted a bid at $2.36m. Elwood reported that the project needed completion due to the system being well beyond its life expectancy, equipment failures, and the unavailability of replacement parts so they approached the Ministry for guidance. The Ministry offered three suggestions: complete the project in phases, pull the project, or adjust the scope. The decision was made to proceed with the project in phases and negotiations with the bidder resulted in phase one focusing on the heating plant. "We made it ready for all the hydronic piping. Basically it was all the work we could do without touching the classrooms," said Elwood. They used the remaining funds to pre-purchase many of the materials needed to complete the project.
The following year, the District obtained approval from the Ministry for phase two. Once again, the funding fell short of the tendered bids. Despite the challenge, the decision was made to proceed. Through negotiations with the contractor, the scope of the project was adjusted. The Operations Department then completed the remaining work, which included asbestos abatement, structural work, millwork, painting, and electrical work. Also, they made improvements to classrooms, including new ceiling tiles and lighting, as well as new millwork in some rooms. Managing to accomplish all the work, including essential tasks at other schools, was challenging; however, the Department enjoyed the work and witnessing the enhanced finished product. Elwood thanked Carla Schneider, the Parkview Principal at the time, for all of her cooperation.
The Eagle River Secondary geothermal system is complete as is the boiler room in Sullivan and roof top units at Highland Park. On the radar is Ranchero, who had issues during the cold snap but staff were able to get it up and running, and Carlin.
Elwood also updated the Board on the progress at PVSS where there has been a hold up in receiving the steel. However, there has been no adjustment to the completion date. The contractor has rescheduled other projects and confirmed their commitment to meeting the project deadline.
View presentation here
Labour Relations
Committee Chair Tennile Lachmuth reported that the committee met last week and discussed the re-establishment of the Staff Wellness Committee as well as asbestos certification.
Quelmúcw Education Council Update
Trustee Tennile Lachmuth reported that a lot of business was completed at the recent Quelmúcw Education Council meeting. She said the interview process for a District Principal of Indigenous Education was discussed, Resource Reacher Tina Lepine presented a year-at-a-glance of the work she was doing, and there were many questions about the roles and responsibilities of the different positions in the Indigenous Education Department. Kriger presented information on the Strategic Plan, and sought some input from councils about possible branding and logo for the School District. Proposed changes to the School Act were discussed, although nothing has been confirmed through legislation yet.
Trustee Reports
Trustee Marianne VanBuskirk reported to fellow trustees that she attended the grad homecoming Golds and Jewels basketball games at Salmon Arm Secondary (SAS) on December 27-28, 2023. The "grad" teams played this year's Golds and Jewels and there were good crowds for all the games! SAS Principal Rob Cadden organized a bean bag toss fundraiser for the tourney and it raised quite a few funds for the athletic program. She acknowledged the second annual National Ribbon Skirt Day which was held on January 4, 2024, and Isabella Kulak, who with her family did presentations in SD83 last year. Isabella has made a difference not only to her area but also the country. VanBuskirk wrapped up her report discussing Unplug and Play Week with some of the activities currently taking place at schools and at the Salmon Arm Tennis Club where she and Coach Phil Spencer will be introducing students and adults to the game of tennis.
Board Chair Krebs reported on a recent meeting of School Board chairpersons from around the province. A couple of the topics discussed included using modulars instead of portables, as they are classified as additions and qualify for ministry funding, and the work the BC School Trustees Association is doing to make education a priority in the upcoming election.
For more information
P.O. Box 129 ~ 341 Shuswap St. S.W
Salmon Arm British Columbia
Canada V1E 4H9
www.sd83.bc.ca
