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

2023-2024 Enhancing Student Learning Report and School Learning Plans

Superintendent Trish Smillie presented the 2023-2024 Enhancing Student Learning Report (ESL) and School Learning Plans(SLP) to the Board. The ESL provides information on student performance which includes educational outcomes and measures in the areas of intellectual development, human and social development and career development. The report highlights SD8’s public commitment to work together with rights holders and education partners to continuously improve learning for all students.

All schools articulate and support the goals of the Board’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan and ESL in their individual School Learning Plans, which in turn align with Ministry of Education and Child Care goals. These plans aim to develop each student’s individual potential in acquiring knowledge, skills and abilities. SD8 provides rigorous and detailed monitoring of all goals outlined in the strategic plan in the Strategic Plan Monitoring Cycle. 

Video Surveillance in Schools

Manager of Information Technology Nick Muzzio provided an annual update to the Board on video surveillance in schools. Video surveillance follows Policy 840: Use of Video Surveillance and Section 74.01 (3) of the School Act. The Board authorizes the use of video surveillance equipment on School District property as necessary to enhance the health, safety and security in the school district to the extent that the benefits outweigh the impact on the privacy of those being surveilled. Access to the video recordings systems is restricted to authorized personnel on a strictly as needed basis and data is overwritten periodically as new video is recorded.

Quarterly Capital Update – Summer 2024

Director of Operations Chris Kerr presented to the Board a summary of a wide variety of capital projects that will be completed in schools through the summer months. A full list of projects is available in the public meeting agenda and information package.  

Long Range Facilities Plan Update

Director of Operations Chris Kerr presented the board with an update on the Long Range Facilities Plan 2021-2031. The district developed the plan to guide its future decision-making and outline how it would manage its school facilities for the next decade. The plan also provides critical context for discussions with the Ministry of Education and Child Care about the condition of SD8 facilities including schools. The analysis looked at each school’s education program requirements, operating capacities, and the condition of existing facilities. A main focus in 2023-2024 was on energy efficiency, including HVAC systems.

2023 PSO Climate Change Accountability Report

Secretary-Treasurer Cathy MacArthur presented the 2023 PSO Climate Change Accountability Report to the Board on the district’s activities related to climate change and its efforts to reduce carbon dioxide output. SD8 greenhouse gas emissions from all sources (tCO2e) in 2023 were 3,023 tonnes, whereas tCO2e in 2024 were 2306 tonnes, a reduction of 717 tonnes. This reduction is attributable largely to HVAC improvements in SD8 facilities and the warmer winter.   

Student Trustee Reports

Student Trust Riordan Fisher – L.V. Rogers Secondary School reported that everything is wrapping up at LVR for the school year. Students held a successful grad fundraiser talent show at the Capitol Theatre and at the LVR athletics awards ceremony 200 athletes across 17 different sports were recognized for their excellence. Grads are very excited for grad weekend that starts with the graduation ceremony on June 15 at the Nelson and District Community Complex.

The Board thanked all student trustees who have served their school communities and the Board of Education during the 2023-2024 school year and congratulated student trustees are graduating this year.

These highlights exclude confidential information such as business negotiations, personnel issues and legal matters. For other information or to provide feedback, please contact our Communications & Engagement Manager at 250-352-6681 or engagement@sd8.bc.ca

About School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake): Our mission is to inspire and support each learner to thrive in a caring learning environment. We are located in the southern Interior of British Columbia and serve numerous diverse communities in the Kootenays including Crawford Bay, Creston, Kaslo, Meadow Creek, Nelson, Salmo, Slocan, South Slocan, Winlaw, Wynndel, and Yahk. We also serve students across B.C. through our provincial online learning school, Elev8. Our dedicated team focuses on providing the best possible educational opportunities for over 4,700 students and their families.