1. Revised policy covering students with gender identity issues and those with minority sexual orientation was adopted. Words like sexual preference taken out of policy with words like “of a sexual minority” inserted.
Trustees asked to explain what practical benefit would take place in schools because of this policy change. Superintendent Bev Young stated that once the board has passed a new policy – schools are challenged to come up with protocols which involve training of staff and discussions by students.
The new policy was been looked at because of issues brought to administrators by students.
Policy states in part “The Board recognizes and values the diversity found within school communities that each individual contributes to the strength of the district’s culture.
“Encourages members of the school community to welcome, include and support all regardless of their gender or sexual orientation.”
“This policy is also to ensure that all complaints are taken seriously and dealt with expeditiously and effectively.”
2. Preliminary Budget discussions for 2013-2014 – decrease in revenue of $331,894 if student enrolment in September is what is expected. (Decline of 84 students) Staff will bring forward recommendations on how to shave the budget which is estimated to be $22,491,842. The board must pass a budget by the end of June.
3. Present enrolment: The school district has lost about 12 students across the system since September with the larges loss 62 high school students but an increase of 54 admissions at You Learn centres. Of the four elementary schools – the suffered loss is only 3.
4. District wide Visioning Process – District will go to Watermark Hotel May 13 in Osoyoos from 5 to 830pm with stakeholders in the district to map out an inclusive vision for the future. Why do we exist? What do we want to do and be? – questions to be answered. Each school will present a vision for discussion. The meeting will include students, families, teachers, unions and community leaders.
5. Music update – Elementary Honour Band is slated for May 3 and 4th with students bunking in the Similkameen Elementary Secondary School gym. Concert for parents will be at 12 noon Saturday May 4. A Band-a-rama is planned for Monday May 6th at Tucelnuit School – this mass band concert will be outdoors at 1pm.