David Vandergugten

The board discussed initiatives to reduce car idling near schools and reviewed protocols for responding to child abuse or neglect. The board formally requested the reinstatement of funding for the Accessible Resource Centre - British Columbia and approved a Memorandum of Understanding for a new farm project benefiting alternate education students. Additionally, the board reviewed and accepted the 2010 Audited Financial Report, noting a small operating surplus, and received an update from the Superintendent regarding the smooth start-up of the new school year.

The board received a presentation on the National Day of Mourning and reviewed the proposed 2026/27 preliminary budget and Annual Budget Bylaw. Key actions included the adoption of the 2026/27 Capital Plan Bylaw to secure funding for infrastructure projects, such as HVAC, kitchen equipment, and playground upgrades, and the approval of the 2026/27 Annual Facility Grant Expenditure Plan. The board also processed the Trustee Elections Bylaw, discussed governance policy improvements following a BCSTA report, reviewed updates on various district policies, and received reports on student learning frameworks, the BCSTA Annual General Meeting, and assistive technology for students.

The board discussed the Indigenous Student Voice event, approved the school fee schedule for the 2026/27 school year, and considered the future of the Ridge Meadows College program. Decisions were made regarding an eligible school sites proposal for the capital plan and the Pitt Meadows Secondary replacement joint use statutory right of way. The board reviewed and approved third-quarter financial statements and retired several outdated policies while introducing new ones regarding trustee roles, student and parent codes of conduct, and corporate sponsorship. Additionally, the board addressed CommunityLINK funding allocations by requesting further records and seeking clarification from provincial representatives, received feedback from student engagement, and received a presentation on the implementation of Artificial Intelligence tools in the district.

The Board of Education meeting included several key agenda items such as a presentation on Indigenous student voice and the approval of the school fees schedule and specialty academy fees for the 2026/27 academic year. The Board discussed the phased discontinuation of Ridge Meadows College and approved the eligible school sites proposal along with the school site acquisition charge bylaw. Additionally, the Board authorized the joint use statutory right of way for the Pitt Meadows Secondary School replacement project and reviewed the third quarter financial statements for the 2025/26 fiscal year.

The Board of Education meeting agenda included discussions on a delegation regarding the 2026 National Day of Mourning, the presentation of the preliminary budget and annual budget bylaw for the 2026/27 fiscal year, and the capital plan bylaw for the 2026/27 to 2030/31 period. Additionally, the Board addressed the Annual Facilities Grant expenditure plan, the adoption of a new Trustee Elections Bylaw, and reviewed the British Columbia School Trustees Association (BCSTA) Policy Review Report, with a directive to develop new policies for trustee roles and indemnification.