Rob Zandee, Chairperson of the School District No. 53 (Okanagan Similkameen) Board provides highlights of the district’s Board of Education meeting held on January 24, 2024..
Field trips
District 53 staff reported to the board on a number of field trips that had been approved by the Superintendent and these included trips by Oliver Elementary School (OES) and Osoyoos Elementary School (OSES) to Camp Boyle.
Additionally, OES fine arts students went to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver to see a performance of “Hairspray” while South Okanagan Secondary School students headed for a backpacking trip on the High Rim Trail.
“We are very fortunate in the District to have educational opportunities such as these that expand students’ learning experiences,” the board noted.
Record completion rates
Staff reported on the most recent five and six year positive completion rates in the district. The overall 5-year completion rate in the district is 84.9 per cent which is the highest rate ever in the district, and the overall 6-year rate is 87.9 per cent, again the highest rate ever.
The overall 5-and 6-year completion rates for Indigenous learners is 74.4 and 78.3 per cent respectively, also the highest levels ever for the district and well above the provincial averages.
This is also reflected in the completion rates for on-reserve Indigenous students which were 78.1 per cent for 5-year completion and 77.2 per cent for 6-year completion.
Again, these rates are the highest the district has seen and also well above provincial averages.
First Nations education agreements
On a related note to completion rates, the district recently met with the Lower Similkameen Indian Band Chief and Council to sign the Local Education Agreement that will encompass a five year period between 2023 and 2028.
The board noted this signing was a “culmination of months of corresponding and meetings to finalize the Local Education Agreement (LEA). The LEAs are an important mechanism to increase accountability and to promote and achieve effective working relationships between First Nations and local Boards of Education in the province, the board noted.
“These agreements represent an important opportunity to build more productive and authentic relationships between First Nations and school districts, ultimately contributing to the creation of school environments where First Nations’ students can thrive,” the board added.
Early learning updates
The early learning team has been busy with workshops for educators as well as community outreach activities such as Pop-Up-Play events, “Wiggle, Giggle and Shake” events and an upcoming event at the Sikh Temple in Oliver.
The last Pop-Up-Play event in Keremeos on December 17, 2023 had over 90 parents and children attend, and the November 28 Wiggle, Giggle and Shake event in Oliver had over 160 in attendance.
“These events, in conjunction with our community partners, are important in creating educational engagement with children and families,” the board said.
Budgets and farewells
The budget process for the 2024/2025 school year is approaching with a schedule posted on the district website and an initial meeting to be held on February 22 with rights/stakeholders.
The January 24, 2024 Board meeting was the last one to be attended by outgoing Superintendent, Bev Young.
The Board highlighted the “tremendous amount of work that Bev has overseen in the last 13 years and the amazing results that we have achieved with her leadership.
“Ms. Young has always led the District with a view to enhancing student learning and creating a culture of learning within the staff. The Board wishes to thank Bev for her years with the District and wishes her all the best in her retirement.”
