Board News: November 17, 2020
November 16, 2020
The Regular Meeting of the Langley Board of Education begins at 7:00 PM on November 17, 2020.
Agenda
Nomination and Election of Chair and Vice-Chair
As per Board policy 1204, the Board held an election for a new Chair and Vice-chair.
Trustee Rod Ross was elected as the new Board Chair. Trustee David Tod was acclaimed as Vice-Chair.
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Secretary-Treasurer Reports
Trustee Resignation Letter
Brian Iseli announced and acknowledged the letter of resignation that was submitted by Trustee Megan Dykeman. As stated in the letter, her resignation is due to her fulfilment of her new role as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Langley East. He explained next steps necessary related to the process of holding a by-election. Trustee Megan Dykeman closed with comments.
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Budget Process and Timelines 2021-2022
Secretary-Treasurer Brian Iseli provided an overview on the budget process and timeline. He commented on the goal to have the budget wrapped by December break. He outlined key periods in finance from now until June.
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Enrolment Report – Funding Update
Secretary-Treasurer Brian Iseli provided a funding update. He stated the District is down 125 FTE from budget in the regular student category which is representing a net decrease in funding of $940,748. As he explained, these reductions are offset by an increase in enrolment in other areas such as continuing education and distributed learning. He also mentioned decreases in funding in summer session, the International Student Program, and Kindergarten enrolment, due to COVID-19. He commented on there being a lot of abnormalities and changes due to the pandemic.
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Willoughby Catchments
Assistant Superintendent Mal Gill shared the catchment changes for Willoughby Elementary and the incoming SW Yorkson Elementary. He provided background information and explained how the area was growing fast due to development. He presented a timeline of actions including a PAC meeting at Willoughby Elementary as well as a public virtual info session which was held in the fall. He outlined the new boundaries and how they are aligned with the existing boundaries for the two middle schools (Yorkson Creek Middle School and Peter Ewart Middle School). Gill said with the change, students attending Willoughby will be transitioning to Yorkson Creek. Moreover, he said with the change, students attending the new SW Yorkson will be transitioning to Peter Ewart.
Recommendation: That the Board of Education approves the catchment area for Willoughby Elementary School be adjusted effective September 2021 as identified in the Board Agenda Package (pg. 43 and 43).
Recommendation: That the Board of Education approves the catchment area for the Southwest Yorkson Area Elementary School be adjusted effective September 2021 as identified in the Board Agenda Package (pg. 43 and 43).
Recommendation: That the Board of Education approves the establishment of a Transition Committee, which includes parents, students, district and school staff, to support the transition of students to the new elementary school catchments on the Willoughby Slope.
The Board approved all of the above motions. The video above will begin on this agenda item.
Superintendent’s Reports
Superintendent’s Report – Balanced Numeracy Plan
Assistant Superintendent Woody Bradford began his presentation by thanking the instructional services team for all of their work. He outlined the District’s overarching plan and strategies; a plan which is set-up into four categories: balanced numeracy guides (foundational), elaborations online, implementation plan, and resources at district learning commons. He explained the Balanced Numeracy Guide is divided into four areas: instructional practices, classroom environment/culture, assessment practices, mathematical understandings.
The Board approves the report as presented. The video above will begin on this agenda item.
Communications Plan 2019-2022 Update
Communications Manager Joanne Abshire provided an update on the Communications Plan Update for Year 2. She started the presentation with a focus on COVID-19 communications. She explained there has been a tremendous number of COVID-19 communication materials shared in the last nine months. She provided background information on the current context of school exposures, outlined the process and timelines, and challenges. She moved on to regular communications objectives and strategies and closed with examples of how the District ‘celebrates our story.’
The Board approves the report as presented. The video above will begin on this agenda item.
Board Policies and District Administrative Procedures – Notice of Motion
Superintendent Gord Stewart provided background on the Board Policies and District Administrative Procedures.
The Board approved three motions.
Recommendation: That the Board of Education serves Notice of Motion to the District’s education community and its education partner groups that it intends to rescind all current Board Policies, Regulations, and Administrative Procedures effective December 15, 2020.
Recommendation: That the Board of Education serves Notice of Motion to the District’s education community and its education partner groups that it intends to approve the Board Policy Handbook with the amendment of Policy 5 and Policy 7, effective December 15, 2020.
Recommendation: That the Board of Education serves Notice of Motion to the District’s education community and its education partner groups that it intends to acknowledge receipt of the Administrative Procedures Manual with amendments to Policy 354, for information purposes only on December 15, 2020.
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