School Board Meeting Minutes February 19th, 2008
MISSION PUBLIC SCHOOLS
BOARD OF SCHOOL TRUSTEES
2008 02 19, 7:00pm
Ferndale Elementary School
Minutes
Board of education meeting (open to the public)
MEMBERS PRESENT
Board Chair Carol Hamilton
Vice-Chair Cindy Miller
Trustee Shelley Clarkson
Trustee Pam Alexis
Trustee Randy Cairns
Superintendent of Schools Frank Dunham
Assistant Superintendent Brenda Lightburn
Secretary-Treasurer Ray Velestuk
Director of Human Resources Carrie McVeigh
Executive Assistant Paula Melvin
Presentation: Ferndale Elementary School
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting of the Board of Education of School District #75 (Mission) was called to order at 7:40 pm on Tuesday, February 19, 2008, by Chair Hamilton. The Board acknowledged that this meeting is being held on Sto:lo Traditional Territory
2. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOTION
That the Agenda be approved as presented.
CARRIED
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
3.1 MOTION
That the Board of Education Meeting minutes of January 22, 2008 be approved as presented.
CARRIED
4. BRING FORWARD FROM THE CLOSED MEETING
No items brought forward.
5. EDUCATION COMMITTEE
5.1 Action Items
5.1.1 Field Trip Application
MOTION
That the Board of Education approve Heritage Park Secondary School’s application for 16 students, grades 9 to 12, and 2 graduates, to travel to Japan, June 28 – July 12, 2008, to participate in an educational tour / sister city home stay for Japanese language students, in accordance with the attached.
CARRIED
The field trip application received tentative approval subject to the Board receiving a copy of the Oyama city home stay itinerary. This itinerary will be brought back to Education Committee once received.
Schools Protection has confirmed that there are no liability issues for graduates participating in this trip, however, they will be required to sign the same consent form as other students.
All field trip applications must receive tentative approval from the Board before any fundraising or collection of deposits takes place. District staff will review process and timelines within current policy.
5.1.2 Equine Academy Proposal
MOTION
That the Board of Education approve the establishment of an Equine Academy at Hatzic Secondary School in accordance with the attached.
DEFEATED
The Board requested a change in wording on the first page of each course proposal from ‘should be a CEF certified coach’ to ‘must be a CEF certified coach’. Furthermore, the Board requested that membership in the Horse Council British Columbia be added as a course requirement. Approval of the Board/Authority Authorized Equine Studies courses will be brought back to March Education Committee.
Further information is required before the establishment of an Equine Academy can be approved. This item will be brought back to April Education Committee.
5.1.3 Student Participation Approval
MOTION
That the Board of Education approve Mission Secondary School’s requests for Social Studies 11 students to participate in two research projects, as attached.
CARRIED
Some concern was expressed regarding timelines for approving these requests. District staff will be asked to ensure that proposals are brought forward in a more timely manner.
5.2 Information Items
5.2.1 Literacy Innovation Grant
Mission Public Schools has received a Literacy Innovation Grant from the Ministry of Education for a number of years. This year, the district received $63,206.00 which will be used to build on previous work. The highlights from last year were the Little Readers Program and the Explorations Camps.
5.2.2 DPAC Update
DPAC thanked Randy Huth, Director of Instruction, for attending their meeting to discuss and present the planning/welcoming transition timeline for the schools affected by school closures. DPAC will continue to ask PAC’s affected by the school closures to defer PAC and SPC elections until September 2008.
DPAC’s Advocacy Committee is still in need of volunteers. Anyone requesting more information should contact the DPAC Executive.
The next meeting is due to take place on Monday, March 10, 2008 at 7:00 pm at the Board of Education office.
6. BUSINESS COMMITTEE
6.1.1 2007-08 Amended Annual Budget Bylaw
MOTION
That the Board of Education approve that the required 3 readings for the 2007-08 Amended Annual Budget Bylaw be carried out at one meeting of the Board.
CARRIED
And
MOTION
That the Board of Education gives first reading of the 2007-08 Amended Annual Budget Bylaw as attached.
CARRIED
And
MOTION
That the Board of Education give second and third reading of the 2007-08 Amended Annual Budget Bylaw as attached.
CARRIED
Following Ministry changes to the funding formula in October last year, the anticipated deficit was approximately $600,000.00. Subsequently, school supplies budgets were significantly reduced. Further changes resulted in a slight increase of approximately $100,000.00 earlier this year. These funds were redistributed back to schools.
6.1.2 Capital Project Bylaw No. 1-2008
MOTION
That the Board of Education approve that the required 3 readings for the Capital Project Bylaw No. 1-2008 be carried out at one meeting of the Board.
CARRIED
And
MOTION
That the Board of Education give first reading of the Capital Project Bylaw No. 1-2008 as attached.
CARRIED
And
MOTION
That the Board of Education give second and third reading of the Capital Project Bylaw No. 1-2008 as attached.
CARRIED
This bylaw is for the purchase of a school bus that was approved in the 2007/08 capital plan.
6.2 Information Items
6.2.1 2008-09 Preliminary Budget
The district is projecting a decline of $1.4 million in the operating grant for 2008/09. There will be a significant change in funding at the secondary level.
6.2.2 Sustaining Quality Education in Mission Public Schools
Edwin S. Richards Parent Advisory Council made a presentation to the Board.
Superintendent Dunham provided a summary of what has taken place to date throughout the school closure process. The deadline for final submissions to the Board is February 22nd. A special meeting of the Board of Education will take place on March 3rd at Heritage Park Secondary School at 7:00 pm
Questions and comments from the Trustees followed.
6.2.3 School Zone Markings
At the Regular Safety Council meeting in November 2007, the District of Mission approved that “school zone paint markings not be painted on the road at school zones in the District; and that the markings installed at ESR school and Albert McMahon school not be replaced when they become faded”.
Analysis provided by the District of Mission from September 2005, suggested that schools communicate to parents a request that they observe speed limits in the school zone. Visibility of schools is also an issue. This information will be communicated through school newsletters and Parent Advisory Councils. Mission Public Schools representative on the Transportation Committee will be asked to raise the issue of school zone markings at their next meeting.
7. TRUSTEES REPORTS
Trustees each reported on activities they have participated in on behalf of the Board of Education and School District.
8. QUESTION PERIOD
Three questions were asked regarding Sustaining Quality Education in Mission Public Schools.
9. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION
That the meeting adjourn - Time 9:40 pm.
CARRIED