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 . 

Superintendent Succession Designate

Superintendent Trish Smillie informed the Board that Assistant Superintendent Deanna Holitzki has been designated as the Temporary Superintendent for the 2024-2025 school year, in accordance with Policy 190, to ensure continuity of leadership in case of any unforeseen circumstances affecting the Superintendent.

National Day of Truth and Reconciliation School Events

Director of Instruction - Indigenous Education and Learning Services Laury Carrière provided an update to the Board about the upcoming activities across all schools in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (also Orange Shirt Day) on September 30. These include assemblies, educational lessons, and events supported by Elders and Knowledge Keepers, designed to deepen understanding of residential school impacts and Indigenous history.

Student Trustee Program

Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Ben Eaton presented information to the Board about the 2024-2025 Student Trustee Program, which fosters leadership and engagement among grade 11 and 12 students. Guidelines on their roles and responsibilities were shared.

School Food Equity Programs

Assistant Superintendent Deanna Holitzki presented a comprehensive update on the school food equity programs, which aim to provide nutritious meals to vulnerable students. The district received $615,090 in Feeding Futures funding for the 2024-2025 school year, which will support various food programs, including breakfast, lunch, and snack initiatives across the district.

2023-2024 Audited Financial Statements

Secretary-Treasurer Cathy MacArthur introduced KPMG Managing Partner David Bond who presented KPMG’s Audit Findings Report for the Year Ended June 30, 2024 to the Board. Mr. Bond emphasized that it was a clean audit. Secretary-Treasurer MacArthur then presented the 2023-2024 Audited Financial Statements to the Board. The Board approved the appropriation of the accumulated surplus for both the Operating and Capital Funds. The financial statements and discussion were approved for submission to the Ministry of Education and Child Care. 

Capital Plan Submissions

The Board approved the submission of the 2025- 2026 Major Capital Plan, which includes a request for $18.7 million to expand Salmo Secondary School. The Board also approved the Minor Capital Plan submission, which includes funding requests for kitchen equipment, a playground, buses and energy efficiency improvements across the district.

Policy Changes

All policies are available on the SD8 Policy and Administrative Procedures page.

Policies approved:

• Policy 770: Student Transportation 

Policies approved for field testing: 

• Policy 173: Climate Action and Sustainability 

Policies rescinded:  

The following two policies have been replaced by Policy 770: Student Transportation and therefore rescinded: 

• Policy 771: Transportation for Independent School Students
• Policy 780: Transportation Assistance
    

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 over 4,700 students and their families.