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 . 

Career Development Continuous Learning Report

District Principal Tamara Malloff presented the Career Development Continuous Learning Report to the Board. This report looks at how SD8 learners perceive their readiness for the future of work and learning, with a focus on graduation program pathways, graduation completion, and post-secondary participation. The report provides a description of the supports, resources, and goals that comprise SD8’s commitment to ensuring that students graduate with dignity, purpose, and options.

The action plan is focused on providing opportunities for students to explore their interests and passions through partnerships with community organizations and post-secondary institutions, as well as providing support and information to students and families regarding post-secondary programs and scholarship opportunities. The continued importance of individualized supports for students with diverse needs and Indigenous ancestry remains a focus. Overall, the action plan aims to prepare students for successful employment and career development beyond the K-12 school system as aligned with the district’s strategic plan.

2024 Budget Approved

The School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake) Board of Education unanimously approved the annual budget for the 2024-2025 school year. The budget for the next school year totals $85 million. Reducing funds available for services and supplies across the district has allowed the district to reallocate those funds to focus on maintaining educational staffing levels despite a projected reduction in provincial funding due to lower enrolment. 

The Ministry of Education and Child Care requires every school district to submit a balanced budget for the next school year by June 30. The Board of Education of School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake) is therefore required to approve and submit its 2024-2025 budget on or before June 30, 2024.
 

2024-2025 and 2025-2026 Amended School Calendars Approved 

Superintendent Trish Smillie presented the amended 2024-2025 and 2026-2027 school calendars to the Board, who approved them as final. Draft amended calendars were open for public, staff, union and education partner review for 30 days, during which time the district received feedback that resulted in shifting two early dismissal dates in November to October, and alignment of the number of school calendar days across all calendars. School calendars are available on the SD8 calendar download page.

Policy Changes

Policies approved for field testing: 

• Policy 770: Student Transportation 

Policies approved:

• Index of Bylaws and Policies 
• Policy 120: Board Meeting Procedures 
• Policy 121: Committee Structure 
• Policy 123: Board Representation and Liaison 
• Policy 140: Communication Protocol for Trustees 
• Policy 141: Advocacy for Public Education

All policies and administrative procedures are available on the the policy page on the SD8 website. 

Student Trustee Reports

Student Trustee Vander Horst – Mount Sentinel Secondary Grade 6 orientation for students from Brent Kennedy and Winlaw Elementary took place in May, allowing students transitioning from elementary school to middle-secondary school to see the school, meet teachers and get a sense of what their new school will be like. Change in the season – extracurricular activities – golf at the CG golf course, disc golf mountain biking pride club.

Student Trustee Popoff – The annual Moosehide Campaign is underway with May 16 designated as Campaign Day. A school-wide assembly took place on May 9. The Green team hosted a clothing swap to educate students and staff about textile waste and the environmental impacts of fashion. Clothing not picked will be donated to thrift stores or sent to a textile recycling facility in Vancouver.

Student Trustee Luchetta – Micah Luchetta facilitated a meaningful conversation workshop that helps students understand and hold meaningful conversations without conflict. Two acoustic guitarists also performed at the school, and the younger grades held their Celebration of Learning to showcase what they have accomplished and learned in the 2023-2024 school year.

Student Trustee Lamoureux –  This past month, J.V. Humphries Secondary students attended many presentations. The school hosted a District Dogwood Authority Scholarship presentation, and UBC faculty also presented to students about the various healthcare fields students can study at UBC toward a career in healthcare. May long weekend is Kaslo May Days which students were informed about, and students attended drug awareness and FireSmart presentations that were very informative.

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.