The Ministry of Education and Child Care requires all school districts to have a cell phone procedure in place by April 15, 2024. The Ministry is working with the Ministry of Justice regarding images and social media. Each district will need to have an administrative procedure which restricts the use of cell phones in classrooms. The intention is to provide space for "disconnection", especially in the younger grades. Kriger explained that safety for kids is the driver behind this change. She added that the Ministry direction, which will be made after consultation, will be communicated out by April 1. It was noted that the Ministry recognizes the appropriate educational use of cell phones as tools for learning and assistive technology.

Kriger shared that the Ministry, in partnership with adolescent Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Hayley Watson – Open Parachute, is hosting a free virtual session on youth substance on February 28th for parents/guardians, caregivers, and caring adults. Dr. Watson will provide valuable insights, practical tips, and resources to equip participants with the tools needed to guide their children and youth toward making positive choices when it comes to substance use. For more information and registration click here

The Youth Development Instrument (YDI) which is developed by Simon Fraser University is currently being administered in SD83 secondary schools. Data collected from the YDI along with the McCreary Report and Student Learning Survey will help the district align strategies under the strategic priority of developing a culture of well-being.

SD83 was unbelievably fortunate to be able to learn from Jo Chrona during the Indigenous Day of Learning held for staff on January 29, 2024. Kriger extended her thanks to Director of Instruction Chelsea Prince for organizing this opportunity. This day was also a chance for some schools to gather together and deepen relationships with fellow educators from other schools. At Splatsin Community Centre, staff members from four schools were together to take part in a learning session that was co-planned by Principals and Vice Principals from Pleasant Valley Secondary, A.L. Fortune Secondary, M.V. Beattie Elementary, and Head Teacher from Shihiya School, and the Splatsin Education Department.

Kriger discussed the value of equity within the Strategic Plan, emphasizing that equity does not mean lowering standards but rather removing barriers so that everyone has the opportunity to achieve. Chrona, in her presentation, highlighted that achieving equity requires addressing systemic racism and bias. Kriger emphasized the importance of educators asking themselves how the system can change to meet the needs of learners, rather than expecting learners to change to fit the system. She noted that when we believe there is nothing that we can change or support for learners, we can disempower ourselves.

Administration requested for the Board to consider three readings at one meeting, however it did not receive unanimous consent. As a result, the Board will conduct a special meeting on Monday, February 26, 2024, to conduct the third reading on the amended budget. This is necessary as the budget must be sent to the Ministry by the end of the month.

Director of Instruction Reid Findlay provided an update on enrolment projections for the upcoming school year, stating, "We are planning for what we know and dealing with what we get." In the past, principals manually entered their enrolment projections on a spreadsheet. Now, senior leadership analyzes information from various sources, including StatsCan and Baragar, in addition to receiving input from principals. Last year, the District's projections for kindergarten were too high, so this year they used straight-line projecting with MyEd, along with local knowledge from principals and information from Baragar, to improve accuracy. Findlay emphasized the importance of being as accurate as possible and slightly conservative, as it is easier to add resources than to take them away.

It was highlighted that early kindergarten registration is crucial as it ensures that the District can plan accurately and have resources allocated at the start of the school year.

School Meals Coordinator Serena Caner, who is a registered dietician, updated the Board about the Feeding Futures Program, which is in its first year of a three year program with funding come from the BC government. Caner clarified the difference between hunger, which can be experienced at an individual level by anyone (didn't have time to eat, long commute or growth spurt for example) as opposed to food insecurity, which is measured at a household level and relates to inadequate income to access the food they need. "Food insecurity doesn't go away when you eat. Student food insecurity is not going to be solved by school meal programs but it is relieved temporarily. If hunger is not addressed at school, it can reduce a student's ability to learn, manage their emotions and regulate their behaviour. School food availability addresses hunger at school but does not solve the broader challenge of food insecurity for families."

Caner commented there are now breakfast programs and "top up" snack programs in all of SD83 schools, available to all students. "To take away the stigma around a food program it has to be free to everyone."

"School meal programs are a lot of work." She noted that SD83 already had a culture of feeding students, thanks to Rotary funding. The Feeding Futures program has expanded that culture and one of the first things done to help establish the program was to offer school mealworker positions in each school. "We have an amazing staff."

In addition to the school breakfast program SD83 now has 15 schools participating in the "Souper Meal" (soup, buns and fruit) program, and have just expanded it to StrongStart.

Schools are encouraged to ensure food options include vegetables, fruit, and a protein. In the past, school food programs have relied on charity, and schools aimed to maximize their budget by purchasing items such as toast and granola bars. "I am trying to change the culture around food. We have the funding to support nutritious food in schools, so let's do it," said Caner. To facilitate this change, Caner is piloting a centralized order and delivery program, stating, "I am ordering the food for most of the schools." She highlighted several benefits, including the ability to track a lot of data and prioritize buying local and BC food whenever possible. Caner also expressed gratitude to administrative assistant Roberta Eklund for her assistance with paperwork.

Caner also mentioned that she is encouraging schools to host a school-wide feast, stating, "I'm a big believer that food builds community." She noted that many schools had already held feasts at Christmas time, while some had done so at other times of the year. Eagle River Secondary already has a culture of hosting school-wide feasts, but for other schools, it was a new initiative.

Caner also told trustees about the new SD83 Farmer's Box, which includes a vegetable box with food from local farms delivered to schools for families to take home. "Families can choose to participate," she explained. The boxes also include recipes.

Another facet of the program is the School Food Working Group. This is a group of parents, most with lived experiences with food security. "The idea is to hear from people who have lived experience," she commented. Caner says she is really enjoying working with this group as they are very excited about the work.

Caner said she has heard positive feedback from the staff working closely with the kids. "Having so much food in schools right now is helpful. The schools are doing a good job of beginning to de-stigmatize at the school level."

Caner was thanked for her presentation. Kriger added that when the District heard that it was receiving the money they were hopeful Caner, with her contacts and knowledge, would take on the program. She said the District is lightyears ahead with the program being led by a registered dietician with a great deal of local knowledge and contacts. "We are very fortunate to have you. On behalf of the senior leadership team and schools thank you for the hours and hours you have put in to this to make it so successful for kids."

SD83 has 3,027 daily riders on its buses, reported Director of Operations Travis Elwood to the Board. Elwood, who credited Manager of Transportation Andrea Kathrein with preparing all the information that he was sharing, noted that the information trustees received (links below) is the answers to some of the questions raised, such as the type of bus on the runs, the number of stops, how long the run is and the number of students on the bus.

He explained that the standard bus is a C76, which means a maximum of 76 students can fit on the bus - if they are small and sit three to a seat. He noted older students typically can only fit two to a seat, which means about 50 students can fit. He added that most of the district's runs are designed as double run, with buses picking up the elementary students first and then doing another loop for high school. This has some benefits for the district as it cuts down on the number of buses needs and makes it more attractive to drivers as there are more hours.

The Transportation Department is constantly trying to improve service and to accommodate courtesy riders when possible. It often takes a couple of months to understand ridership of the bus because not all of the eligible riders take the bus every day. After transportation gets a handle on it, then they start registering courtesy riders, based on the criteria in the regulation which includes such factors as health, age, and road safety.

Another area that Elwood touched on was that the transportation department has a fleet decarbonization plan. He said analysis was done and next year they will apply to improve electrical infrastructure and for one electric bus.

Trustees questioned Elwood if the district was running any buses that were close to empty and he answered no. "Right now, in the winter months, we really see ridership increase." He said as the warmer weather comes ridership drops off a bit but none of the buses are close to empty. There was also a question about the shuttle bus that stays at Pleasant Valley Secondary School all day to shuttle students to physical education activities. Elwood explained the costs for the bus are 100 per cent covered as part of funding provided for the new gym.

The Board tabled a decision about writing a letter of support of the Salmon Arm Heritage Trail to include in the City's appeal package to the Agricultural Land Commission.

At the meeting Board Chair Amanda Krebs noted trustees had received new information just before the meeting. In order to give time to consider the information it was decided to table the decision until the March meeting.

At the January meeting of the Board, a delegation from the Shuswap Trail Alliance asked the Board for a letter of support for its appeal to the Agriculture Land Commission (ALC) to establish the Salmon Arm Heritage Trail. The Heritage Trail envisions a network of trails identified in the City of Salmon Arm's Greenways Strategy, Heritage Strategy, and Official Community Plan that extends to connect Haney Heritage Village through the downtown area to First Nations lands west of the City of Salmon Arm. The original application to the ALC, which was to approve the establishment of the trail along agriculture connecting Haney to Little Mountain Park was turned down. They are now appealing the decision, and approached the Board for a letter of support for the appeal package.

Committee Chair Marianne VanBuskirk reported that the Education Directions meeting took place on February 7, 2024. Discussions included updates on written learning materials to provide teachers with more flexibility, the Mathology pilot program, and a new Health Sampler Course offered by the district. The Health Sampler Course will be an out-of-timetable course for which students can earn credits. It will explore various health careers, including nursing, dental, pharmacy, health office assistant, social work and counseling, kinesiology, and therapy.

Committee Chair Amanda Krebs reported that discussions on the amended annual budget, enrolment projections, and school bus ridership, the committee also reviewed the quarterly financials, which included data up to December 31, covering half of the school year. He reminded trustees that the timing of some provincial grants affect what is seen in the report, as does the fact that some employees are 10, 11, and 12 months, and some costs, like insurance, are paid once for the year.

He noted that on the revenue side, rental revenue is almost back up to pre-COVID numbers. The District's investment income has received some favourable rates, which is helpful.

He noted the due to a milder fall, the District's utilities are in a favourable situation in this report, however they are a month behind. "We had a milder fall but were hit hard in January."

Committee Chair Brent Gennings reported at the recent Policy Committee meeting the group continued to look at Policy 121 Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, including discussing stakeholder feedback. "There were some very interesting and thoughtful comments." He added there was still work to be done before this policy was brought back to the Board for discussion. Policy 360 - Student Admission received the second and final reading and was approved by the Board.

Trustee Tennille Lachmuth reported that the Quelmúcw Education Council meeting would be held the following day so a report will be provided during the next meeting. Lachmuth shared that she attended an Interactive Timeline activity with the resources made by Tina Lepine, the District's Indigenous Education Helping Teacher. "She created the blanket herself, she is such an artist. Tina did a beautiful job honouring the history here," said Lachmuth.

Krebs reported to trustees about a Board Chair and Superintendents' meeting which she and Kriger attended. She commented it was a lawyer from Harris and Company who did a presentation from a legal viewpoint. "It was such a good session. I hope to get the slides to share."

A RECORDING OF THIS MEETING IS AVAILABLE ON THE DISTRICT WEBSITE BY CLICKING ON THIS LINK. Please scroll to appropriate recording.