Board News: Tuesday, March 8, 2016

March 16, 2016

Opening Presentations: Preview of Musical Theatre Productions at LFMSS and WGSS

LFMSS Presentation of Shrek, the Musical

WGSS Presentation of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Langley School District Foundation: Annual Report

With $1.3 million raised in the 2014-205 school year the Langley School District Foundation has been making learning unforgettable for many Langley students. Supporting programs like acquisition of learning resources, playgrounds and campaigns that feed kids that may not have access to regular meals, the foundation continues to be a large part of the Langley community. With funds raised to date from July 1, 2015 at $722,348, it looks like the foundation is on its way to another successful year.

Superintendent’s Report: Achievement Report

Superintendent Suzanne Hoffman followed up on information provided to the Board previously regarding grad exit surveys that students complete in the final school year. specifically, Trustees asked questions regarding student engagement and student wellness. While the final results are not yet prepared and are to be presented to the Board in April, Superintendent Hoffman was able to share some preliminary information from the District level and some key findings.

Superintendent’s Report: Annual Report of District French Programs

Assistant Superintendent Gord Stewart provided the annual review highlighting information on both the Core French and Immersion programs in the District. Generally there is more demand for Early French Immersion programs, sometimes wait lists, than for Late Immersion Programs. Immersion programs are generally increasing province-wide and the Langley District follows this trend. Another province-wide trend that also applies in Langley is the gradual reduction in cohort size as students move through the system to grade 12. As students get into higher secondary grades, many choose to pursue other interests or are eager to complete university entrance courses, often at the expense of French courses.

Superintendent’s Report: Athletics

Additional funds were provided for athletics in 2015-2106 and Assistant Superintendent Gord Stewart provided an update on some of the expenditures. A team of school-based administrators and athletic directors was assembled first as a steering group to develop a District vision around athletics. Expenditures of the funds have included increased TTOC coverage for coaches, registration costs for teams to attend tournaments and transportation costs. Also a year-end event “Building a Lasting Legacy” has also been planned for May 27th to acknowledge coaches and their commitment to providing athletic opportunities for students.

Secretary Treasurer’s Report: Budget Update

Secretary Treasurer David Green described the budget process and talked about the guiding principles used. The principles mirror those of the District as a whole in that integrity, excellence, courage and community are touchstones as decisions are made with the best interests of students and educational goals always taking priority whenever possible. Generally the budget follows a ‘status quo’ approach in that the starting point is the same as the previous year with new information added.

Secretary Treasurer’s Report: Long Term Facilities Plan-Middle Schools Update

The Board of Education received the Middle Schools Update for information as presented by District staff. The update was provided in response to Board discussions around item #2 of the District Long Term Facilities Plan which states that staff will “Commence a stakeholder consultation process to discuss middle grades education with a potential followup process on middle grades configuration for the Brookswood, DW Poppy and Walnut Grove areas.” At that time Trustees requested more information prior to proceeding with the community consultation process and indicated that more clarity around topics such as the educational opportunities in middle schools, a vision for the middle school model, plans for the consultation process, overview on costs, etc.