The following is a summary of board motions carried October 14 by School District No. 5 (SD5) Board of Trustees.

Motions Carried

THAT a letter of support be written to School District No. 70 (Pacific Rim) regarding funding for housing accommodation in rural and remote communities.

THAT Policy 22 be sent out for stakeholder feedback.

THAT a letter of support for restoration of the $1.3 million education funding and ongoing support for Artists in Education and Artists in the Classroom be written by the Board of Education.

THAT the proposed community donation allocation, Option 3, for 2025 be accepted as presented.

CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT

From the Province

As of October 15, Bill 19, the School Amendment Act, 2025, has not yet been passed into law by the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. Here is what is known about its status:

• Proposed: Bill 19 was introduced during the first session of the 43rd Parliament in 2025.
• Purpose: The bill would expand the authority of school boards to offer childcare programs on school property.
• Current status: The bill is still undergoing the legislative process.
• Passage to law: The bill will become law if it receives Royal Assent.

School Amendment Act, 2025 (most recent Bill 19) Empowers school districts to provide and expand childcare services on school property allowing childcare for children of all ages, including infants and toddlers and to offer care during non-instructional days, such as professional development days and school breaks.

This amendment aims to create a more seamless childcare system that supports families from early childhood through to graduation. It also helps families access childcare by allowing districts to opt into the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative.

From the District

At the Public Board Meeting, held at the Fernie Learning Centre, October 14, the motion to send a letter to SD70 will support their request to support housing in rural and remote areas to encourage and facilitate the location of childhood educators.

The letter regarding Reinstatement of the provincial funding in support of the Artists in Education and Artists in the Classroom programs is in response to a request for support from the Key City Theatre Society.

Additionally, District Administration will seek clarification of the funding to be provided in support of the amendments to Bill 19 and the expanded scope of the Childcare Program on school property.

The allocation of Community Donation Funds refers to $6,140, directed toward identified community-based organizations which provide Food Bank programs in each of our SD5 communities.

Also of note, the District Parent Advisory Group requested that the public portion of the Committee Day meetings be moved to a later time in support of encouraging mor participating from DPAC and the general population.

The Board has agreed hold the October Public Meeting of the Committee Day on October 27, starting at 3 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Board Office in Cranbrook, and online if individuals wish to connect remotely.

Dates of Note:

Oct. 24             Professional Development Day.

Oct. 27             Committee Day – Public portion moved to 3 p.m.

Nov. 10           Board Meeting –Moved to the Monday in respect for Remembrance Day.

Nov. 11           Remembrance Day.

SD5

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