An overview of planned discussion items and major decisions of the Board of Education of School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake). For meeting agendas/minutes and schedule of upcoming board meetings, visit sd8.bc.ca/meetings.

Enhancing Student Learning Report & School Learning Plans 

The Board approved the 2025-2026 Enhancing Student Learning Report and School Learning Plans. The report highlights district progress in literacy, numeracy, belonging, safety, graduation and career development, with continued attention to equity for Indigenous students, children and youth in care, and students with diverse abilities. 

Climate Action & Sustainability Report 

Trustees received the Climate Action and Sustainability Annual Report, which outlined actions taken to advance sustainability through education, stewardship and organizational culture. Highlights included energy efficiency projects, sustainability education initiatives, waste reduction efforts and expanded electric transportation infrastructure. The report also provided an update on implementation of Board Policy 173: Climate Action and Sustainability.

Capital Projects Quarterly Update

The Board received a quarterly update on the Capital Operations Plan. The report highlighted progress on facility upgrades, infrastructure improvements, FireSmart initiatives and electric vehicle charging infrastructure projects supported through provincial capital funding programs. 

Long-Range Facilities Plan Update 

Trustees reviewed an update on the district's Long-Range Facilities Plan. The report outlined progress made since adoption of the 2021 plan, including facility improvements, modernization projects, infrastructure upgrades and property decisions across SD8's six Families of Schools. District staff reported that facilities planning and capital investments continue to align with the priorities established in the plan.

Board Announces Support for Indigenous Education

The Board of Education of School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake) announced its support for Indigenous-led decision making in public education and the implementation of Bill 40, as outlined in K-12 Education Act. The Board recognizes the inherent rights and responsibilities of Indigenous Nations in the education of Indigenous children and youth.

The Board believes meaningful reconciliation requires strong partnerships grounded in respect, shared responsibility, and Indigenous leadership in decisions that affect learners, families, languages, cultures, and communities. Bill 40 represents an important step toward strengthening those relationships and advancing the commitments reflected in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and aligns with the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada related to education.

The Board of Education remains committed to co-govern with IEC-led decision-making to support student success in all communities, cultural learning, cultural safety, equity, and reconciliation in education. The Board recognizes this work requires ongoing commitment, trust, and sustained long-term action.

Policy Changes

All policies are available on the SD8 Board Policies and Administrative Procedures page. 

• Policy 171: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity – approved.

Student Trustee Reports

Kootenay River Secondary School (KRSS) – Student Trustee Catherall 

KRSS activities the past month included a successful spring dance, a French class trip to Quebec, the Edison Electric Go Kart Team's participation in a regional competition, and student engagement in the student council presidential election. Students have also received their schedules for the 2026-2027 school year and are looking forward to new opportunities next year.

Mount Sentinel Secondary School (MSS) – Student Trustee Keyes 

MSS reported strong student participation in athletics, performing arts and community events. Students recently organized a successful community fundraiser and are preparing for Athletics Day. They are also looking forward to upcoming drama and band performances, the Grad Dinner Dance and an optional year-end trip to Rattle Snake Canyon. Academy PM is staging its year-end theatrical production, Love and Information at the Capitol Theatre on June 12 and 13. 

Crawford Bay Elementary-Secondary School (CBESS) – Student Trustee Hamilton 

CBESS is busy with graduation preparations, including a successful fundraising campaign and silent auction. Students have also participated in a collaborative Indigenous arts mural project, a community science fair and local history learning activities, while preparing for an outdoor education camping trip. The school recently completed its first-ever yearbook.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Board held in public is scheduled for September 8, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. 

These highlights exclude confidential information such as business negotiations, personnel issues and legal matters. For other information or to provide feedback, please contact SD8 Communications & Public Engagement.