MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING HELD AT SK’AADGAA NAAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OFFICE ON OCTOBER 29, 2013

PRESENT WERE:Elizabeth Condrotte, Chairperson

Sharon Matthews, Vice Chairperson

Kim Goetzinger, Trustee

Warren Wesley, Trustee

ABSENT WAS:Carla Lutner, Trustee

ALSO PRESENT:Angus Wilson, Superintendent/Secretary Treasurer

Shelley Sansome, Director of Human Resources

Joanne Yovanovich, Principal of Aboriginal Education

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:Alex Rinfret

Johanne Young

Reg Davidson

Leighann Rodger

Dennis Baran

Fran Fowler

Michelle Pineault

Matthew Schroeder

Barb Robichaud

Denise Husband

Jo-Anne MacMullin

Sandi Morgan

Christine Martynuik

  1. Call to Order

Chairperson Condrotte called the meeting to order at 1908 hours.

  1. Presentations
  2. Kyahlgwa Sk’aadga/E-School Akyaa Aanii Gideed Sannuu Gin Tl’a Skat’aang

Teacher Dennis Baran informed the Board of Education of School District No. 50 (Haida Gwaii) of Kyahlgwa Sk’aadga/E-School Akyaa Aanii Gideed Sannuu Gin Tl’a Skat’aang enrolment and graduation rates.

Ms. Barb Robichaud graduated from the program last year and informed the Board of her successes and support of the program.

Mr. Matthew Schroeder informed the Board he has been a student of the program since he was in Grade 8 and indicated gratitude to Mr. Baran for the work experience and employment opportunities that he has facilitated.

Ms. Fran Fowler volunteers with the work experience program and is thankful for the opportunity for interchanges between different generations.

Ms. Michelle Pineault is an employee with the Ministry of Children and Family Development and works closely with Mr. Baran. Ms. Pineault recognized Mr. Baran’s dedication to students, application of personalized learning and creative problem solving skills to support the needs of his students. The relationship between the school and the Ministry is incredibly valuable.

2.2Principal of Aboriginal Education

The Principal of Aboriginal Education reported on her involvement with interviews, cultural activities in schools, Haida Immersion, Haida Education Council, Haida Language, Early Learning, ERASE Bullying training, District Professional Development Day, totem pole project at Queen Charlotte Secondary School, Alder reading club, Northwest Zone Trustee meeting, and work with the University of British Columbia on the creation of a mathematics book.

  1. Approval of Agenda

R13102901MOTION BY KIM GOETZINGER

SECONDED BY SHARON MATTHEWS

THAT the agenda be approved as circulated with the addition of 6.3 Graduation Policy Exemption Request - George M. Dawson Secondary School.

MOTION CARRIED

  1. Approval of Minutes

R13102902MOTION BY KIM GOETZINGER

SECONDED BY WARREN WESLEY

THAT the minutes of the regular meeting of September 24, 2013 be approved as circulated.

MOTION CARRIED

5.Rise and Report

5.1October 29, 2013 In-Camera Board Meeting

The Superintendent/Secretary Treasurer reported on property, personnel and student matters from the October 29, 2013 In-camera meeting.

6.Strategic and Policy Issues

6.1Transportation Meeting

The Superintendent of Schools/Secretary Treasurer informed the Board of Education of School District No. 50 (Haida Gwaii) that a public meeting was held in Sandspit to discuss transportation of students to Queen Charlotte Secondary School and he is exploring the possibilities of a bussing contract for this route.

6.2Outdoor Education Budget

R13102904MOTION BY SHARON MATTHEWS

SECONDED BY WARREN WESLEY

THAT the Board of Education of School District No. 50 (Haida Gwaii) increase the Outdoor Education budget to $25,000 for the 2013/2014 fiscal year.

MOTION CARRIED

The Superintendent of Schools/Secretary Treasurer informed the Board of Education of School District No 50 (Haida Gwaii) the additional funds will be allocated to the purchase of a booklet identifying local plants in Haida, English and French. The additional funding will be used to encourage teachers to include outdoor education in their curriculum.

6.3 Graduation Policy Exemption Request - George M. Dawson Secondary School

R13102905MOTION BY WARREN WESLEY

SECONDED BY SHARON MATTHEWS

THAT the Board of Education of School District No. 50 (Haida Gwaii) exemptthe George M. Dawson Secondary School graduation ceremony date from the Graduation Policy for the 2013/2014 school year.

MOTION CARRIED

7.Operational Issues

7.1September Finance Voucher

R13102906MOTION BY WARREN WESLEY

SECONDED BY KIM GOETZINGER

THAT the Board of Education of School District No. 50 (Haida Gwaii) receives and files the Accounts Payable and Payroll for the month of September 2013.

MOTION CARRIED

7.2Field Trip Applications

R13102907MOTION BY SHARON MATTHEWS

SECONDED BY KIM GOETZINGER

THAT the Board of Education of School District No. 50 (Haida Gwaii) ratifies the Agnes L. Mathers Elementary Jr. Secondary School kayak field trip application.

MOTION CARRIED

R13102908MOTION BY KIM GOETZINGER

SECONDED BY SHARON MATTHEWS

THAT the Board of Education of School District No. 50 (Haida Gwaii) approves the Queen Charlotte Secondary School Encounters Canada field trip application.

MOTION CARRIED

7.3Enrolment Update

The Superintendent/Secretary Treasurer informed the Board of Education of School District No. 50 (Haida Gwaii) that class size and composition are acceptable throughout the district and enrolment is reduced by thirteen students from the 2012/2013 school year.

7.4Learning Improvement Fund

The Board of Education of School District No. 50 (Haida Gwaii) discussed the Learning Improvement Fund. The total fund amount is $130,000, with 12.5% allocated to support staff and the remaining 87.5% allocated to teachers.

8.Reports

8.1Trustee Reports

  • Trustee Wesley reported on his involvement with Parent Advisory Council meetings;
  • Trustee Goetzinger reported on her involvement with BCSTA Provincial Council and Aboriginal Education meetings, other meetings, Haida Education Council, and the Northwest Branch Zone meeting. Trustee Goetzinger explained the role and responsibility of the BCSTA Provincial Council;
  • Trustee Matthews reported on her attendance at the Northwest Zone meeting, as well as the BCPSEA Labour Relations Symposium and reported on its highlights;
  • Chair Condrotte reported on her attendance at the Northwest Zone meeting, a finance meeting, the Port Clements Elementary Parent Advisory Council meeting and an agenda setting meeting.

8.2Superintendent/Secretary Treasurer’s Report

The Superintendent/Secretary Treasurer reported on his involvement with the Trustees’ Northwest Zone meeting, visits to schools, Skidegate Haida Immersion Program, Old Massett Village Council, Principals and Vice Principals meetings, BCPSEA Labour Relations Symposium, and a Safe Schools session. Furthermore, Mr. Wilson recognized the excellent staff involved with E-school and its success.

8.3Skidegate Haida Immersion Program Report

The Board of Education of School District No. 50 (Haida Gwaii) received and filed the Skidegate Haida Immersion Work Plan.

8.4BC Human Rights Tribunal Report

The Board of Education of School District No. 50 (Haida Gwaii) received and filed the BC Human Rights Tribunal Report.

9.Information Items

9.1Trustee Expenditure Report

The Board of Education of School District No. 50 (Haida Gwaii) received and filed the Trustee Expenditure Report for September 2013.

9.2BC Public School Employers’ Association Notice

The Board of Education of School District No. 50 (Haida Gwaii) received and filed theBC Public School Employers’ Association Notice.

10.Questions from the public

The Board of Education and members of the public held a question and answer period. The following matters were discussed:

  • The BC Human Rights Tribunal Report;
  • Additional outdoor education funding to be allocated to schools to increase programming;
  • Surplus;
  • Targeted funds;
  • Skidegate Haida Immersion Program resources;
  • Contractor work;
  • Mount Moresby Adventure Camp.

11.Adjournment

R13102909MOTION BY KIM GOETZINGER

SECONDED BY WARREN WESLEY

THAT the Board of Education of School District No. 50 (Haida Gwaii) adjourns the Regular Board meeting at 2106 hours.

MOTION CARRIED

Superintendent/Secretary TreasurerChairperson