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 sd8.bc.ca/meetings . 

Literacy Continuous Learning Report 2024-2025

Assistant Superintendent Deanna Holitzki presented the Literacy Continuous Learning Report 2024-2025 with detailed results provided by District Principal Tamara Malloff and District Teacher Coordinator Cheryl Makiev. The report focuses on improving literacy proficiency for all students, including priority learners such as Indigenous students and children in care. 

A highlight is improvement of foundational literacy skills for K-3 students with a need to continue to work on improving those same skills for priority learners. The report notes increased coherence across schools in literacy teaching practices.

Support for Inclusive Education

The Board reviewed a report outlining the district's ongoing commitment to supporting and providing resources to students with diverse learning needs, so they are fully included in all aspects of K-12 education. This is based on the Ministry of Education and Child Care statement that, “all students are entitled to equitable access to learning, achievement and the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of their educational programs.” SD8 provides staff professional learning so educators can support inclusive education.

Remembrance Day Ceremonies 2024

Plans for Remembrance Day ceremonies were presented. Schools across the district will participate in assemblies and events to honor those who have served, ensuring that students understand the significance of the day.

Final Enrolment and Budget Implications

The Secretary-Treasurer provided the final enrolment numbers for the 2024-2025 school year, along with their budgetary implications. Overall elementary and secondary enrolment has declined by 93 full time equivalent (FTE) students this year. Supplemental funding from the Province to SD8 for this school year will partially offset shortfalls in funding due to lower-than-projected enrolments. Subsequent budgets will be affected by continued projected declines in enrolment.

Brent Kennedy Elementary Water Quality

The Board received an update on water quality at Brent Kennedy Elementary School. Director of Operations Chris Kerr presented a background on water quality at the school and measures the measures taken to date to improve it, then introduced Don Nash, Senior Engineer and Project Manager at Kerr Wood Leidal (KWL). Mr. Nash provided an overview of ongoing efforts to address water quality and quantity. Currently, the water plant is stable, and water quality meets Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines, and upgrades and treatment are expected to result in a lifting of a “Do Not Consume” order now in effect through Interior Health. The district continues to monitor the situation closely.

Student Trustee Updates

A full list of the 2024-2025 Student Trustees is available on the SD8 website. Student trustees commit to attending four board meetings each year, and report to the SD8 Board of Education and the public, with a focus on school events and initiatives.

L.V. Rogers Secondary Student Trustee Kaia Fitz-Earle reported on the school’s Truth and Reconciliation activities during which Sinixt elder Rick Desautel presented the journey of the Sinixt people from the Arrow Lakes Band being declared "extinct" in 1956 to a 2021 Supreme Court of Canada decision that recognized the Sinixt as Aboriginal peoples of Canada with a historical right to hunt in their traditional territory. She also reported on a new crosswalk painted beside the school to address safety concerns from students and parents. SD8 students, staff and the City of Nelson worked together to make this happen before winter, The crosswalk is key to improving accessibility and safety as students cross from the local bus stop to the school.

L.V. Rogers Secondary Student Trustee Thea Solarik provided an athletics update: after the L.V.R. Bombers were renamed the Grizzlies in late 2024, other rebranding is underway including planned renaming of the school cafeteria to reflect the Grizzlies theme. LVR Athletics Director organized a college level basketball game to be played at the school as part of the UBCO Heat basketball retreat, and LVR players were included in basketball scrimmages and workshops. The LVR student council and Green Team are working to bring more e-bike friendly bike racks to LVR, as the number of e-cyclists increases.

Kootenay River Secondary Student Trustee Bo Ashe reported on the school’s Truth and Reconciliation pancake breakfast organized by Student Council, Terry Fox run as well as a presentation by Student Leadership students about Terry Fox’s story and legacy. The school also had a University Fair that showcased educational and career opportunities from across B.C. and Alberta.

Kootenay River Secondary Student Trustee Emma Lecompte reported on upcoming events including an all-candidate forum on October 16 to allow students to ask political candidates questions, a concession for the Creston Concert Society that will donate its profits fundraiser concert from the concert society, the Remembrance Day assembly, as well as volleyball and basketball games with First Aid responders. Leadership classes are organizing the Remembrance Day assembly and a volleyball and basketball game in which students will compete against first responders.

J.V. Humphries Elementary-Secondary Student Trustee Daisy Lamoureux highlighted their school’s overall goal to bring all students together. In a school-wide activity,\\ all K-12 students got together in Vimy Park to engage in challenges and activities. JVH has three volleyball teams this year and senior girls are coaching the bantam team. The Truth and Reconciliation assembly on September 30th showcased art and poems, with thanks to Chair Lang for attending.

J.V. Humphries Elementary-Secondary Student Trustee Emmerson Zuk reported that as part of creating connections between students and grades, on October 7th, students from all grades met at the gym and played a game of tag before splitting off to work on a piece of an art project that will be assembled and displayed on the school’s bulletin board. Similar cross-grade activities will continue once per month throughout the school year. At the Terry Fox run on September 19th, a poster was signed by all students and then posted at the school at library. Students raised over $200 to donate to the Terry Fox Foundation for cancer research. The student parliament met on September 24th. Students have also planned a calendar for the year of activities – sports, social justice and more. 

Policy Changes

All policies are available on the SD8 website .

Policies approved:

• Policy 112: Governing Principles
• Policy 120: Board Meeting Procedures
• Policy 140: Communication Protocol for Trustees

Policies rescinded:

• Policy 910: Online Learning

These highlights exclude confidential information such as business negotiations, personnel issues and legal matters. For other information or to provide feedback, please contact our Communications & Engagement Manager at 250-352-6681 or engagement@sd8.bc.ca

About School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake): Our mission is to inspire and support each learner to thrive in a caring learning environment. We are located in the southern Interior of British Columbia and serve numerous diverse communities in the Kootenays including Crawford Bay, Creston, Kaslo, Meadow Creek, Nelson, Salmo, Slocan, South Slocan, Winlaw, Wynndel, and Yahk. We also serve students across B.C. through our provincial online learning school, Elev8. Our dedicated team focuses on providing the best possible educational opportunities for about 4,700 students and their families.