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SD5 Board Notes
The following is a summary of motions carried by the School District No. 5 (SD5) School Board of Trustees during its March 10 meeting.
Motions Carried
THAT the Transportation Accountability Report be approved and posted on the district website.
THAT the spring of 2026 Fernie Secondary School rafting trip be approved with the understanding that the river will be run two days prior to the students taking the trip. Furthermore, this trip is only approved if there is guaranteed and adequate, emergency services available and the most experienced river rafting guides are used.
THAT the revised 2026/27 Annual School Calendar be approved and submitted to the Ministry of Education for review.
THAT the 2026/27 Regular Public, Regular In-Camera and All Committees Meetings schedule be accepted, with the understanding that the schedule and locations may be reviewed as required.
CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT
From the Province
Safe Access to Schools Act Extended to July 1, 2028
Rationale
The province reports more than 40 protest disruptions outside K–12 schools since 2023, including those related to SOGI and vaccines, which helped justify extending the safe‑access legislation. It also cites a rise in vandalism and intimidating behaviour at churches and other religious sites that has affected people’s ability to attend worship safely.
20 m Zones
The Safe Access to Schools Act establishes a protected zone around schools that includes the property and a 20‑metre buffer where disruptive or intimidating behaviour is prohibited. Originally set to expire in 2026, the provincial government has proposed extending these protections to July 1, 2028. The new legislation would also allow eligible places of worship to create similar 20‑metre safe‑access zones around their buildings and property. These zones would only take effect when a site opts in by posting government‑approved signage. Once activated, police would be able to intervene, ticket, or arrest individuals who impede access or intimidate people within the designated area.
From the District
Highlights of the Public Meeting of the Board – March 10, 2026 in Fernie
Presentation from CDTA and FDTA
The CDTA and FDTA presidents presented their perspectives to support the District Budget 2026–27 consultation process, highlighting current and future practices they believe enhance educational quality. The budget work will continue in the coming months, with the goal of meeting student needs within limited financial resources.
Motions:
The Board approved the Transportation Accountability Report.
Fernie Secondary School prepared a request to have students involved in a rafting trip. The application addressed the required safety considerations all questions from the board.
The revised 2026/27 Annual School Calendar was presented and passed. Thanks again to everyone who had the opportunity to provide input into the calendar.
Knowing “Where,” “When” and “Why’ are important considerations for board meetings. The 2026/27 schedule for Board Meetings was presented and passed.
Ongoing Work:
A meeting of the consultation group for the Fernie Elementary School development project was held on the morning of March 10. The group received an update on the previously reviewed design elements, along with clarification on the next steps required as the project advances toward the tendering and construction phases.
Additional work was also identified for the Amy Woodland Elementary School business plan, as required by the Ministry of Infrastructure. It was noted that the remaining reports are expected to be completed and submitted by mid‑March.
Learning Together NO.21 February 2026
In this addition:
Superintendent Johnson’s insights into the steps taken to address the traumatic events of Tumbler Ridge using both school-based, community-based and provincial resources.
The Learning Together publications are a wealth of information and pictures celebrating the educational activities and opportunities in SD5. The full report can be accessed on the SD5 website.
Ministry of Education and Childcare – Annual Review Feedback
The Ministry of Education and Childcare recognized in its feedback report that “SD5 is building strong foundations in engagement, equity, and strategic alignment.”
The Ministry highlighted several key areas of strength, including:
Robust engagement and development of the new Strategic Plan, demonstrating strong collaboration and broad stakeholder involvement.
Clear alignment between district operational plans, strategic priorities, and individual school plans, ensuring cohesive direction across the system.
Ongoing engagement with the IEC and Indigenous students and communities, reflecting a sustained commitment to respectful collaboration and cultural responsiveness.
Inclusion of required provincial data and local supplemental data, strengthening evidence‑informed decision-making.
Continued focus and support for Indigenous Students, Students in Care, and Students with Disabilities or Diverse Needs, reinforcing SD5’s commitment to equity and improved outcomes for all learners.
Child Care
This month’s report included an invitation to the official opening of the Strong Start Centre at Jaffray Elementary/Middle School. In support of helping children enter the primary program with confidence, each elementary school is hosting activities designed to support that important first step into kindergarten.
If you have a child entering kindergarten, please contact your registering school to find out the scheduled date and time for these activities. —Doug McPhee, Board Chair
SD5
