Board News: April 19, 2022
April 18, 2022
Agenda
Delegations
Day of Mourning for Workers Killed and Injured (Tanya Kerr, New Westminster and District Labour Council)
A presentation was made to recognize the Day of Mourning for Workers Killed and Injured, which will be observed on Wednesday April 28, 2022. One minute of silence was held to recognize and raise awareness for the day.
The video link above will begin on this agenda item.
Superintendent’s Reports
COVID-19 Update
Superintendent Mal Gill provided an update on the COVID-19 guidelines in K-12 schools. He explained the return of school gatherings, events, visitors in schools, and school extra-curricular activities. As he says, these changes have been welcome news for students, staff, and families who have endured impacts to both physical and mental health due to the pandemic. Gill noted the District continues to take the leadership of public health experts, monitors attendance, and is prepared for any incoming changes as they arise for instance the potential effects of a sixth wave of COVID-19. He shared a slide indicating trends on absences due to illness and commented on how this data is continued to be shared with the Ministry and Fraser Health.
The Board approves the report as presented.
The video link above will begin on this agenda item.
Early Learning: Year 3 Update
Assistant Superintendent Lisa Lainchbury and Acting District Principal of Learning Support Services Kim Anderson provided the Board an update on Early Learning in the District. Lainchbury opened the presentation by explaining the District’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and acknowledgement that “Every Child Matters.” She presented the goal of the Early Learning department and noted the District is guided by the Early Learning principles and the First People’s Principles of Learning. She cited the use of the 4 Critical Questions of a Professional Learning Communities to help guide staff. She talked about the use of welcoming language to ensure families are feeling welcomed when transitioning, sharing of information online and in-person, and then gave an overview of all the pre-K programs such as StrongStart and Gifts and Gatherings.
Acting District Principal of Learning Support Services Kim Anderson talked about “Welcome to Kindergarten” events and supporting families to ensure successful transitions. She touched on recent transition meetings that were held with families new to the District and new to accessing learning support services, which have been successful. Anderson talked about the importance of relationships with community partners and how it aids student success. Anderson shared examples of initiatives and activities exemplifying early learning such as story workshops.
Lisa Lainchbury shared information on the collaboration with community partners. She provided the example of the Donna Gabriel Robins Elementary Welcome Centre and YMCA of Greater Vancouver. She also mentioned the Early Childhood Education Dual Credit Program in partnership with UFV and Abbotsford School District which is available to secondary students. She provided another example of the implementation of the Seamless Day Kindergarten Pilot project at Nicomekl Elementary which is a program which provides licensed childcare before and after school for students in Kindergarten.
Anderson shared the Early Years Vision and the department’s work to engage with administrators, StrongStart facilitators, and other staff. She outlined examples of performance indicators including primary reading results and Kindergarten to grade 3 reports. Lainchbury explained another indicator known as CHEQ (Childhood Experience Questionnaire), which was a survey to measure early childhood experiences to help the school and district in their educational planning.
The Board approves the report as presented.
The video link above will begin on this agenda item.
District Calendar Approval (2022-2023 and 2024-2025)
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Barry Bunyan shared the amended District calendar. He started the presentation by outlining the details around calendar compliance or the regulation which districts must follow. He pointed out the hours around instruction as well as key dates noted in the calendars such as stat holidays and pro-D days. This calendar has been approved by the Board previously but has been amended and requires approval.
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Barry Bunyan shared the calendar for 2024-2025. He noted the same calendar compliance or regulation related to calendars applies as to the amended calendar above.
Recommendation: That the Board of Education approves the Amended District Calendar for 2022-2023, as presented.
Recommendation: That the Board of Education approves the District Calendar for 2024-2025, as presented.
The Board approves the above motions.
The video link above will begin on this agenda item.
School Calendars 2022-2023
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Barry Bunyan shared the proposed calendars for individual schools. He mentioned that the process of developing these calendars involves consultation with employee partner groups, discussions with school administrators, and other considerations to ensure the calendars are aligned to assist families, for example those with multiple children. He noted choice schools may have unique calendars which may be different from catchment schools. Bunyan outlined the regulation regarding these school calendars which must be followed. Elementary and middle schools are on the same calendar. Secondary schools are on one calendar. Choice schools have different calendars.
Recommendation: That the Board of Education approves the School Calendars for the 2022-23 school year, as presented.
The Board approves the above motion.
The video link above will begin on this agenda item.
Secretary-Treasurer’s Reports
Annual Facilities Grant 2022-2023
Secretary-Treasurer Brian Iseli presented the Annual Facilities Grant for 2022-2023 update for the District.
The Board approves the above motion.
Recommendation: That the Board of Education approves the Annual Facilities Grant 2022/2023 spending plan, as presented.
The video link above will begin on this agenda item.
Annual Five-Year Capital Plan Bylaw 2022-2023
Secretary-Treasurer Brian Iseli presented the Capital Plan Response Letter update for the District. He explained it was broken down into stages. Examples of proposed next projects include DW Poppy plumbing upgrades, Peter Ewart Middle exterior wall system upgrades, Walnut Grove Secondary HVAC updates, and a Coghlan Fundamental Elementary accessible playground. The proposal includes a new bus. It is required for the Board to pass a bylaw for the Capital Response Letter.
Recommendation: That the School District No. 35 (Langley) (Capital Plan 2022/2023) Capital Bylaw No. 2022/23-CPSD35-01 in the amount of $2,182,417 be given first reading.
Recommendation: That the School District No. 35 (Langley) (Capital Plan 2022/2023) Capital Bylaw No. 2022/23-CPSD35-01 in the amount of $2,182,417 be given second reading.
Recommendation: That the Board of Education of School District No. 35 (Langley) approves having all three readings of the (Capital Plan 2022/2023) Capital Bylaw No. 2022/23-CPSD35-01 in the amount of $2,182,417 at tonight’s meeting.
Recommendation: That the School District No. 35 (Langley) (Capital Plan 2022/2023) Capital No. 2022/23- CPSD35-01 in the amount of $2,182,417 be given third reading, passed and adopted on this 19th day of April 2022.
The Board approves the above motions.
The video link above will begin on this agenda item.
School Site Acquisition Charge (SSAC)
Secretary-Treasurer Brian Iseli updated the Board on the process to approve the School Site Acquisition Charge (SSAC). He explained the background related to the School Site Acquisition Charge and reminded the Board of their approval in September 2021 to move forward with this process. Iseli explained both the city of Langley and the Township of Langley have been consulted and once the SSAC is approved, the partnering municipalities will be notified.
Recommendation: That the School District No. 35 (Langley) Capital Bylaw 2022-02 (School Site Acquisition Charge Bylaw) be given first reading.
Recommendation: That the School District No. 35 (Langley) Capital Bylaw 2022-02 (School Site Acquisition Charge Bylaw) be given second reading.
Recommendation: That the Board of Education of School District No. 35 (Langley) approves having all three readings of the Capital Bylaw 2022-02 (School Site Acquisition Charge Bylaw), as presented.
Recommendation: That the School District No. 35 (Langley) Capital Bylaw 2022-02 (School Site Acquisition Charge Bylaw) be given third reading, passed and adopted on the 19th day of April, 2022.
The Board approves the above motions.
The video link above will begin on this agenda item.
New Business
The video link above will begin on this agenda item.
Trustee Comments
The video link above will begin on this agenda item.
Question Period
The video link above will begin on this agenda item.