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Board of Education Meeting
October 13, 2009
Durieu Elementary


Members Present:

Chair Carol HamiltonSuperintendent Frank Dunham
Vice-Chair Cindy MillerSecretary-Treasurer Roy Daykin
Trustee Pam AlexisAssociate Superintendant, Human Resources, Carrie McVeigh
Trustee Randy CairnsExecutive Assistant Jane Boutilier
Trustee Karen Petty 

Presentations:

  1. Call to Order

    2. The meeting of the Board of Education of School District #75 (Mission) was called to order at 6:47 pm on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 by Chair Hamilton.

    The Board acknowledged that this meeting is being held on Sto:lo Traditional Territory.

  2. Adoption of Agenda

    3. MOTION
    That the agenda be approved as presented.

    CARRIED

  3. Approval of Minutes

    4. MOTION
    That the Board of Education Meeting minutes of August 24, 2009 and September 22, 2009, be approved as amended.

    CARRIED

  4. Bring Forward From Closed Meeting

    5. No items brought forward.

  5. Presentations From Committees

    6. The presentation was made prior to the start of the meeting (see above).

  6. Education Committee

    7. Field Trip Applications

    MOTION
    That the Board of Education approves the following field trip applications in accordance with the attached:
    CARRIED (RC/PA)

    • Hatzic Secondary School’s application for 12 students in grades 10 to 12, to travel to Rabinal, Guatemala, March 6th - 14th, 2010, to participate in the Habitat for Humanity Global Village.

    A more detailed itinerary will be brought back to the Board meeting in December for final approval.

    Class Size and Learning Conditions Report

    MOTION
    That the Board of Education approve the Class Size and Learning Conditions Report 2009-2010 as attached.
    CARRIED (RC/KP)

    School districts are mandated by the Ministry to provide a report on class size and learning conditions.

    Superintendent Dunham reported it has been challenging for staff to organize schools in the way they would like to. In previous years schools were better positioned to organize classes so that they were significantly below Ministry requirements.

    Summer School Report

    The purpose of the Summer School program was to increase student success rates, improve district grade to grade promotion rates, and to increase opportunities for students who may be constrained by limited timetable offerings in the next school year.

    Mission Public Schools Summer School 2009 report was presented for information.

    Dreams Take Flight

    Dreams Take Flight is a national non-profit organization consisting of Air Canada volunteers dedicated to providing the trip-of-a-lifetime to physically, mentally or socially challenged children.

    Over the past 16 years, each October, "Dreams Take Flight" Vancouver has given over 2,000 special children an incredible adventure where their on-going struggles are forgotten. For the third time, Mission Public Schools is participating in this event. Students from Dewdney and Deroche Elementary schools will be attending.

    Children in Continuing Care Support Plan

    Director of Instruction Huth gave an overview of the School Districts’ Children in Continuing Care Draft Plan. Mission Public Schools Children in Continuing Care Plan was presented for information.

    Superintendent Dunham acknowledged the efforts of staff in coordinating with the Ministry of Children and Family Development to put the supports in place for our vulnerable students.

    Adolescent Health Survey

    The McCreary Centre Society is a non-government not-for-profit committed to improving the health of BC youth through research, education and community based projects.

    The provincial report of the fourth Adolescent Health Survey (AHS) conducted since 1992 offers key information about the current health picture of BC youth. It also offers a provincial picture of youth health trends and the effect of programs and policies implemented over the past 15 years.

    One copy of the document is available for loan at the school board office. Copies of the Adolescent Health Survey results can be downloaded from the McCreary web site at www.mcs.bc.ca.

    Early Primary Reading Assessment

    An Early Primary Reading Assessment will be implemented in the Spring to gather information for learning data to assist in guiding school district practice and setting school goals.

    The Mission Public Schools Primary Reading Assessment Plan was presented for information.

    DPAC Update

    DPAC held its first meeting of the year on Monday October 5th.

    • Superintendent Frank Dunham was guest speaker. He made a presentation to the parents on Vision 2020.
    • Gaming funds have been received in the amount of $1250; this is a 50% reduction from the government this year. DPAC is asking all PAC’s to write letters to their MLA’s letting them know the impact this is having on our schools.
    • BCCPAC Fall Conference on Nov 12-15th 2009. DPAC is not sending anyone to this one due to funding cuts but we are planning on attending the Spring Conference.
    • DPAC is asking all schools to review their Constitutions and to submit a signed copy to DPAC.
    • Thank-you to the school Board for their generous support of $2000.
  7. Business Committee

    8. Transportation Update

    Secretary-Treasurer Daykin gave an update regarding the implementation of a user pay system for school bus riders.

  8. Committee/Trustee Reports

    9. Trustees each reported on activities they have participated in on behalf of the Board of Education and School District.

  9. Question Period

    10. Several questions were asked relating to user fees for school buses.

  10. Adjournment

    11. MOTION
    That the meeting adjourns at 8:10 pm.
    CARRIED