Central Okanagan

The following are highlights from the SD23 Board of Education meeting held September 12, 2012.

Recognition:

1. Catherine Haldane Teacher of the Year Award 2012

The Board of Education recognized Steve Kuffner, Teacher at Rose Valley Elementary School, for receiving the Kelowna Daily Courier Catherine Haldane Teacher of the Year Award 2012.

2. Terry Hammond, Newspapers in Education Coordinator, Kelowna Daily Courier – Retirement

The Board of Education recognized Terry Hammond for his commitment to education as the Newspapers in Education Coordinator at the Kelowna Daily Courier for the past six years.

3. Recognition was given to members of the senior staff, the Operations team, administration and staff of Peachland Elementary and George Pringle Elementary

Recognition was given for their response to the recent emergency situation involving the Trepanier fire in Peachland.

Introduction:

1. The following new Principals, Vice-Principals and COSBO members were introduced:

• Steve Cann, Vice-Principal, Mount Boucherie Secondary School
• Joanne De Guevara, District Principal, Aboriginal Education Program
• Violeta Malfair, Vice-Principal, A.S. Matheson Elementary School
• Tamalee Middleton, Vice-Principal, Glenmore Elementary School
• Bonnie Browns, Executive Assistant to the Assistant Superintendent
• Dave Cavezza, District Health and Safety Officer
• John-Erik Grain, Project Manager - Operations
• Jim Parker, Custodial Manager - Operations

Action Items:

1. Mar Jok Elementary School – Assignment of Architect

The Board of Education authorized staff to proceed to engage Renaissance – GHM Architects Inc. for complete design services as indicated in the Mar Jok Elementary School Capital Project Definition Report.

2. Okanagan Mission Secondary School Addition – Assignment of Architect

The Board of Education authorized staff to proceed to engage CEI Architecture for complete design services as indicated in the Okanagan Mission Secondary School Addition Capital Project Definition Report.

3. Capital Project Bylaw No. 126139-4 – Full Day Kindergarten – Capital Requirements

The Board of Education gave first, second and third readings, passed and adopted School District No. 23 Capital Project Bylaw No. 126139-4 – Full Day Kindergarten – Capital Requirements, in the amount of $10,000,000.

Information Items:
The following items were reviewed by the Board:

1. Superintendent’s Emergent Issues

School Opening Report

Highlights from the Superintendent’s School Opening Report included the following:

• The Superintendent reported that, generally speaking, it was a very smooth school opening.
• The projected headcount for September 2012 was 21,493. As of September 7th, 2012, the District headcount enrolment was 21,338 representing a decline of 155 students. It is anticipated that after the final count, the District will be down by 100 students when compared to last year.
• District staff have already determined that 187 elementary school students moved out of the District since March 2012, 54 of whom were recorded as planning a move to Alberta.
• The District International Education Program continues to experience considerable growth with 270 fee-paying students registered in the School District for the 2012/2013 school year. Students in the program represent 24 different countries and jurisdictions around the world.
• This is the fourth year of having a transportation user fee, although the fee was reduced by 50% for this year, and the transportation system outcomes are similar when compared to last year. To date, there are 4,948 (4,439 in 2011) applications for busing in the system with 4,630 (4,082 in 2011) students having been assigned seats already.
• During the months of May and June 2012, a total of 207 teacher posting were filled. During the summer months, approximately 200 temporary contracts were awarded to teachers. The majority of the temporary assignments were created due to teachers taking a leave of absence for a variety of reasons as well as the addition of Learning Improvement Funds. The District anticipates recruiting in the range of 40-60 temporary teachers on call with an emphasis on experienced Kindergarten, French Immersion, Math and Science teachers.
• The external auditors have concluded their year-end review of the District’s financial reports. The fiscal and accounting processes were once again found to be comprehensive and appropriate.
• A description of how the Learning Improvement Fund has been distributed to schools was provided.
• The Superintendent also referred to Appendix 1 and 2 of the School Opening Report which outlines projected and actual enrolments for all 42 schools. The Superintendent expressed gratitude to the Central Okanagan School District No. 23 administrative, teaching and support staff, parents and community members for preparing for school opening, and ensuring a smooth and safe start-up for our students.

2. 2012-2013 Local School Calendar

February 11, 2013 has been named as Family Day in the province of British Columbia. School will not be in session on this day.

3. School Site Acquisition Charge – Update

The Board will be proceeding with the school site acquisition charge. This charge is warranted based on the expected residential development and enrolment growth in the School District.

4. The 2011/2012 Public Sector Executive Compensation Report for School District No. 23 (Central Okanagan) was reviewed.

Next Regularly Scheduled Board Meeting Date:

Public Board Meeting: Wednesday, September 26, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. School Board Office. The public is welcome to attend.

Next Board Standing Committee Meeting Dates:

September 19, 2012 1:00 pm Finance and Legal Committee Meeting. 4:30 pm Joint Planning and Facilities and Education and Student Services Committee