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 . 

Online Learning Continuous Learning Report

Director of Instruction Ben Eaton and District Principal Ken Wiens presented the Online Learning Continuous Learning Report. The report celebrates the successes of SD8’s online programs, Elev8 DESK and Elev8 Homelinks, which have been instrumental in providing flexible learning options that cater to the varied needs of our students, including those from Indigenous backgrounds and learners with diverse abilities. The report highlights our progress in expanding course offerings and promoting inclusivity within our online learning environments.

Kindergarten Registration 2024

Deanna Holitzki, Director of Instruction presented an overview of the kindergarten registration process for the 2024-2025 school year. Children may start kindergarten in September of the year they turn five years old. Kindergarten registration is now open and will remain open until March 31, 2024. 

2024-2025 Budget Schedule

Secretary-Treasurer Cathy MacArthur presented the schedule for development, review and adoption of the 2024-2025 budget, beginning with an internal and public consultation process undertaken to identify budget priorities. The district then incorporates those priorities into the preliminary operating budget as directed by the Board. By June 30th each year, the Board must adopt a budget for the upcoming school year. 

The public budget consultation process for the 2024- 2025 school year is scheduled to commence on March 13, 2024.

District’s Capital Plan Bylaw Passed

Secretary-Treasurer Cathy MacArthur presented the district’s Capital Plan Bylaw No. 2023/24-CPSD8-03 as approved by the Minister of Education and Child Care to the Board, who approved three consecutive readings and passed the capital plan with approved modifications. 

Policy Field Testing

The Board approved the following policy for field testing:

• Policy 621: Accumulated Operating Surplus

Feedback to the Board on the policies that are up for field testing can be sent to Secretary-Treasurer'Office@sd8.bc.ca.

Student Trustees' Reports

Student Trustee Cassidy Popoff (Mount Sentinel Secondary School):  Mount Sentinel Secondary (MSS) hosted the 2023 'A' Girls Volleyball Provincial Championship at Selkirk College and L.V. Rogers Secondary School in Nelson. The whole school came to the opening ceremonies to cheer on the girls. Students are thankful to SD8 Transportation and all the support they received from staff, students and volunteers. The MSS team finished 12th out of 16 teams which they’re pleased about given that the team is completely new in 2023 and now prepared for next year’s provincial championships. 

Student Trustee Amber Parsons (Kootenay River Secondary School): Leadership classes have been carrying out a lot of school events such as getting students involved in card-making, lunchtime programs such as video games and other activities. The school just hosted a winter dance which by all reports was, “super-fun.” The school is also starting up an environmental club/Green Team, and the Boys’ Volleyball team just attended the 2023 Volleyball Provincial Championships. 

Student Trustee Vanderhorst (Mount Sentinel Secondary School): Raja Khouri and Jeffery Wilkinson, authors of The Wall Between, were invited to MSS to speak about  the historical context of the Palestine-Israel conflict and how to understand the “other,” to help support student education about anti-racism, inclusivity and diversity and avoiding hate. The school also welcomed Lindsay from Freedom Quest and Amelia from Ankors who spoke about services their organizations offer. Presentations where tailored to each age grade group from grades 7-9, addressed prevention and harm reduction and how to access services in the community. 

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 250-352-6681 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.