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 our meeting page.

Board Receives Student Learning Report and School Learning Plans

The board received the 2021-22 Enhancing Student Learning Report and 2022-23 School Learning Plans. Boards of Education are responsible for developing a strategic plan and reporting annually on plans for improving the educational outcomes for all students and improving equity for Indigenous students, children and youth in care, and students with diverse abilities. The school district reports on student performance through educational outcomes and measures in the areas of intellectual development, human and social development and career development.

The annual school planning cycle results in School Learning Plans that incorporate school goals, objectives and strategies aligned with the district’s plan to develop the Educated Citizen. The aim is to develop each student’s individual potential to acquire knowledge, skills and abilities while in school and throughout life. SD8 focuses on excellence for all learners in a nurturing environment.

These plans are approved by the Board of Education and updated annually. Thanks to the Board of Education, the dedicated work of all employees, the Kootenay Lake Teachers’ Association (KLTF); CUPE 748; Kootenay Lake Principals’ and Vice-Principals’ Association (KLPVPA); the Lower Kootenay Band, the Aboriginal Education Council (ACE), including the Okanagan Nation Alliance, West Kootenay Metis, and Sinixt (Lakes); the District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC); the school Parent Advisory Councils (PACs), Student Trustees, and especially students.

School Fees Approved, Change to Indemnity Policy Defeated

The Board of Education approved 2022-2023 school fees and requested that staff undertake a school fee review during the 2022-2023 school year.

The board defeated a motion that the term “average indemnity” in Policy 131 be changed to “median indemnity” to take effect at the end of the 2021/2022 school year. This means that Policy 131 will remain unchanged. The board approved a motion to revisit the policy after a new board is elected in the Local General Elections to take place on Saturday, October 15, 2022.

School-based Summer Projects Update

Director of Operations Chris Kerr updated the board about projects initiated by schools. Some projects are near completion and others will get underway this summer. SD8 operations staff and a variety of partners in education including PACs, local organizations and First Nations are working together to realize these school improvements.

Provincial Online Learning (POLS) Update

The Ministry of Education has notified SD8 that the district has been successfully chosen as a POLS provider. The Ministry will provide information about next steps to school districts in the months to come. Full implementation of the POLS will occur so that students can attend in the 2023-2024 school year.

Policies Approved

The Board approved the following policies:

• Policy 120: Board Meeting Procedures
• Policy 121: Committee Structure
• Policy 160: Policy Development
• Policy 330: Sexual Orientation Gender Identity
• Policy 331: Anti-Racism and Cultural Safety
• Policy 410: School Choice and Catchment
• Policy 450: Equitable and Inclusive Educational Services for Learners
• Policy 791: Naming / Re‐Naming of Schools & Facilities

These highlights exclude confidential information such as business negotiations, personnel issues and legal matters. For other information or to provide feedback, please contact our Public Engagement Manager at 250-505-7005 or engagement@sd8.bc.ca

About the Board of Education of School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake):

The Board of Education of School District No. 8 provides educational services to numerous diverse communities in the East & West Kootenays, including Crawford Bay, Creston, Kaslo, Meadow Creek, Nelson, Salmo, Slocan, South Slocan, Winlaw, Wynndel and Yahk. Its dedicated team focuses on providing the best possible educational opportunities for over 5,400 students and their families. Its mission is to focus on excellence for all learners in a nurturing environment.