Ian Kennedy

The Board received presentations regarding school-based initiatives, including a project on honouring place and building belonging at Inglewood Secondary, a multicultural celebration at Cypress Park, and an overview of inquiry-based learning through the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme at West Bay. Business items included the approval of School and District Academy and Program fee structures for the upcoming school year, a presentation on the integration of AI in teaching and learning, and the acknowledgement of information regarding BAA courses and District programs. Additionally, the Board approved amendments to several Board policies and received reports from the Audit Committee and the Finance and Facilities Committee concerning audit planning, internal reviews, and construction updates.

The committee discussed the Early Childhood Education Centre construction update, noting its completion and occupancy. The status of the indoor bubble project was reviewed, with completion expected in late summer. An overview of the five-year capital plan was presented, focusing on seismic upgrades, capacity expansion at Sentinel Secondary, and minor capital projects for facility maintenance. The committee also discussed the Bowen Island Community School joint use agreement, the successful transition and rebate generated from the district purchasing card program, and the preliminary annual budget, which includes enrollment projections and strategies to manage a projected structural deficit.

The meeting featured a spotlight on an employee recruitment success story and provided a progress update on support staff collective bargaining, noting a framework agreement with annual increases and additional funding. A staffing report highlighted strong retention, retirements, internal vice principal appointments, and a new role to support French Immersion. Updates on summer learning staffing confirmed that all positions have been filled. The HR team reviewed the year's achievements, including engagement initiatives and customer service training. Finally, a brief overview was provided regarding management rights and the employer's authority in operational decision-making.

The meeting included celebrations of professional achievements, such as national awards for the communications team and community awards. Agenda topics featured a presentation on the International Program, an update on the Entrepreneurship 12 program, and a report on secondary athletics. The Board Chair presented a year-end report. Committee reports covered human resources activities including collective bargaining and staffing, as well as finance and facilities projects such as early childhood education construction, the 5-year capital plan, and the preliminary annual budget. Additionally, the board discussed the formation and review of policies concerning policy formation and delegation of authority.

The board received presentations from Chartwell Elementary, Caulfeild Elementary, and Eagle Harbour Montessori School highlighting experiential learning, inquiry showcases, and the Montessori approach. The Superintendent provided reports on enrollment trends, international student data, summer learning programs, and the progress of the new childcare centre. Additionally, the Board discussed a decade of initiatives in physical literacy and received reports on the BCSTA AGM. The meeting also addressed finance and facilities matters, specifically regarding capital plan funding, the construction update for the Early Childhood Education Centre, and the formal adoption of a Capital Bylaw.