The School District 57 board has elected trustee Craig Brennan to another term as chair, with trustee Erica McLean re-elected as vice-chair.
Brennan, who held the role of chair last year, will continue in this leadership position for the upcoming year, while McLean enters her second consecutive year as vice-chair.
During its meeting Tuesday, Nov. 12, the board also made new appointments to represent the district in provincial organizations.
Trustee Shar McCrory was selected to represent the board at the BC School Trustees Association, while trustee Sarah Holland will represent the board at the BC Public School Employers Association.
In the meeting’s opening presentations, representatives from the District Student Advisory Council (DSAC) provided an update on their recent activities, including hosting an International Student Welcome Event and planning an upcoming initiative to assist with the production of the district’s newsletter.
The board also approved the livestreaming of all future public board and committee meetings, starting in January. All recorded meetings will be archived online, available for public access without time limitations. The board has also requested that staff explore procedures to allow virtual attendees to participate in the public comment sections of these meetings.
In another decision, the board approved a $60,000 allocation to support Spruceland Community School of the Arts for the 2024/25 school year.
The Duchess Park Family of Schools also shared a presentation on how their school’s learning programs align with the district’s Strategic Plan. The presentation, titled "Flight of the 7th Graders," highlighted innovative approaches to education at the middle school level. Additionally, the Director of Curriculum and Instruction presented an overview of the Foundation Skills Assessment (FSA), an annual evaluation of students’ literacy and numeracy skills.
The board also reviewed and received the report from the ad hoc policy committee, which met on Oct. 15, Oct. 21, and Nov. 12. The board approved two new policies: Policy 1.5 Board Committees and Policy 1.6 Policy Development, Revision, Adoption, and Repeal, which will guide the district's ongoing governance and procedural practices.
The superintendent and assistant superintendents provided updates on the district's ongoing efforts to meet the goals of the Strategic Plan, with a focus on wellness, learning, and reconciliation initiatives.
The board highlighted the success of the "Seal in a Smile" program, a longstanding community partnership between the district, CNC Dental and Northern Health.
Since its inception in 2000, the program has provided dental care to thousands of children across the district.
In 2024, Ron Brent Elementary School will benefit from the program, with Peden Hill Elementary set to receive services in 2025.
The Truth and Reconciliation section of the meeting reflected on the significance of Indigenous Veterans’ Day and Remembrance Day assemblies held in district schools, as well as the passing of Justice Murray Sinclair, the father of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation movement.
The board’s next regular public meeting is scheduled for December 2024.
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