An overview of discussion items & major decisions from the School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake) Board of Education (SD8). Full meeting agendas/minutes and a schedule of upcoming board meetings are available on our meetings page.

COVID-19 Update

SD8 has taken steps to remind staff and independent contractors of the requirement to submit their proof of vaccination to SD8 by March 1 as required by the Interior Health Officer. The SD8 Proof of Vaccination Procedure for all staff and independent contractors brought in by the Board on January 18 will come into effect on March 11, 2022. It will not apply to students.

Rapid tests will be available to students and families in the coming weeks, and rapid tests have now been distributed to SD8 staff.

Sports tournaments are once again permitted in schools and other venues, and on February 15, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced changes to public health orders over the coming days and weeks focused on resuming more types of activities and events.

Seamless Day Kindergarten Pilot Program in Winlaw Is a Success

The Winlaw Seamless Day Kindergarten pilot program that runs three days per week after school is going well, with staff, students and parents reporting that they’re pleased with program, the space provided and the program’s outdoor focus.

Student Laptop Pilot Project

The 2021-2022 school year Student Laptop Pilot Project saw 836 laptops distributed to students throughout through district, and a survey of over 300 students, teachers and parents shows 85 per cent believe having a laptop has helped their child with school and homework. Staff will review costs of the project and other priorities within SD8 to determine whether the program will continue through 2022.

2021-2022 Amended Annual Budget Adopted

The Board adopted the 2021-2022 Amended Annual Budget Bylaw, showing a total annual budget of $73,206,377. SD8 remains in a balanced financial position and has been able to continue to provide excellent student program delivery, despite declining enrolment, the pandemic and other cost pressure challenges.

Upcoming budget dates of note are March 15 when the Ministry of Education will provide SD8 with information about 2022-23 provincial funding based on enrolment projections, and June 21, 2022 when staff will present the 2022-2023 SD8 budget to the Board.

Student Trustee Updates

The Board heard reports from student trustees. Initiatives include addition of non-binary bathrooms and a student lounge area at L.V. Rogers Secondary; a student parliament, breakfast club, weekly fun contests and student-led assemblies at J.V. Humphries Secondary; a variety of extra-curricular sports including basketball end-of-season tournaments, upcoming girls soccer, ski trips, the Yeti Outdoor Education Program and a generally positive atmosphere at Kootenay River Secondary; and, Pink Shirt Day activities including education on gender-based violence, and professional grad photo sessions at Mount Sentinel Secondary.

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.