Kudos to administrators
School District 53 chair Marieze Tarr expressed her appreciation to administrators and senior staff for their efforts during the labour dispute.
Tarr said principals and vice-principals dealt with a lot of complex issues and answered concerns and complaints from families.
Superintendent of Schools Bev Young thanked administrators for taking on extra duties.
She also acknowledged teachers for keeping up a productive dialogue during the strike.
Young commended the maintenance crews for keeping schools in excellent condition.
The superintendent said there are no plans to adjust the school calendar. She noted the board will now turn its attention to meeting the demands outlined in the teachers’ new collective agreement.
Reclaimed water approved
Trustees have approved the use of reclaimed water (effluent) for irrigation purposes on school property.
In the policy, the board supports the safe use of reclaimed water for irrigating to assist in water conservation and decrease operating costs.
One of the schools where reclaimed water is used is Osoyoos Secondary.
Finances reviewed
Trustees reviewed the 2013/14 year end financial statements and approved the auditor’s report.
The statements show a 2014 budget of $23.3 million, with a surplus of $2.1 million.
It was noted that the district saved $693,000 in teachers’ salaries and benefits in June due to the strike.
What’s plan B?
It is anticipated that the Frank Venables Theatre operating agreement will be finalized as long as the borrowing referendum passes in November.
Trustee Rob Zandee asked if the board has a “plan B” if the referendum fails.
Superintendent of Schools Bev Young said the school district would have to run the theatre and take the bookings.
The Venables Theatre Society formally took over management on September 9.
The referendum will determine if the public will fund the theatre’s operating costs.
Learning forums discussed
Trustees are excited about hosting some upcoming learning forums for the public.
Topics include social/emotional development, anxiety, trades, and the BC Education Plan.
Early learning the key
Assistant Superintendent Jim Insley reported on some important workshops that took place this summer.
One touched on technology and its impact on students.
“Technology is only harmful when we let it dominate children,” Insley said.
Another speaker said the most important thing you can do for students is get in their face and greet them . . . make them feel important.
Roots of Empathy
The district’s Roots of Empathy will offer 17 programs this year.
Board chair Marieze Tarr said this means 17 babies will help students develop empathy in their lives.
Tarr reported they have enough babies in Oliver, Osoyoos and Okanagan Falls, but are in desperate need for babies in Keremeos.
Roots of Empathy sees mothers and their babies come into classes, which teaches pupils how to be caring individuals.
The program has been heralded for preventing bullying.
Thanks, Telus
Assistant Superintendent of Schools Jim Insley reported some good news.
He said Telus Community Ambassadors have donated 216 backpacks to school children this year.
Insley said these backpacks will benefit a lot of kids who may otherwise not be able to have them.
