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SD5 Board Notes
The following is a summary of motions carried by School District No. 5 (SD5) School Board of Trustees during the November 10 meeting.
Motions Carried
THAT a letter of support be written, inclusive of the 2023 Motion and the BCSTA letter to government, and that this letter also extend an invitation to collaborate on a joint motion with School District No. 71 (Comox Valley) and the subsequent BCSTA branches. A copy of this correspondence shall be forwarded to the Minister of Education and Child Care.
THAT the All Committees meeting times change to 1 p.m. for the in-camera meeting and 3 p.m. for the public meeting. This is at the request of the District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC).
THAT the Board of Education approves the East Kootenay History Centre’s 2026 East Kootenay Heritage Fair’s request for bussing of students to the Heritage Fair on May 8-9, 2026.
THAT the Statement of Financial Information (SOFI) be approved by the Board of Education.
CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT
From the Province
School Food Programs:
Feeding Futures Initiative (2023–2026)
The B.C. Government committed $214 million over three years to support school food programs—the largest investment of its kind in the province.
- Funds are distributed by the Ministry of Education and Child Care to all school districts.
- Spending criteria and program guidance are provided by the Ministry.
- District-specific funding details are available on the K–12 operating grants page.
National School Food Program (2025 Onward)
In March 2025, B.C. and the federal government reached an agreement to access $39.4 million over three years in additional funding.
- This complements Feeding Futures and aims to expand and enhance food programs in schools.
Future Commitment (2029+)
- The federal government has pledged to make the National School Food Program permanent, with $216.6 million annually starting in 2029.
- This extends the program beyond the $1 billion already committed for its first five years.
From the District
Summary of the work discussed at Public Meeting of the Board 2025-11-10
Amy Woodland Elementary School
The formal building replacement proposal has been submitted to the Ministry of Infrastructure. The ministry had requested that we develop three possible scenarios to replace the lost structure due to fire in July of 2024. Each case was to include the possible cost implications and the Board of Education included in that submission a strong case for a complete replacement on the current school site. We are currently waiting for a response to our proposal.
Gender Based Violence (GBV)
The Board will be submitting a letter of support to further address Gender Based Violence in the workplace and in the school environment. The BCSTA forwarded a letter to the government in 2023 identifying this concern, it is an issue worthy of ongoing and meaningful support.
East Kootenay Heritage Fair
The fair is an opportunity for students to celebrate historic elements of the region and/or family history in a manner similar to the science fairs. The Board passed a request to fund bussing for this opportunity. The registration for participation is in January 2026 with judging to occur in Cranbrook at the East Kootenay History Center in early May.
Having had the honour to judge the submissions in the past, it is a great opportunity for the students to build presentation and public speaking skills. For the judges and everyone else, there is a lot to learn about the true wealth of Canada, the people.
Acknowledgements
Thanks to all of the schools for the excellent Remembrance Day celebrations. We divided the collective force of the Board Office and Trustees in an attempt to cover each of the schools and the reports were that everyone was suitably impressed by the students and the programs.
Upcoming Dates
Nov. 21 Professional Development Day
Nov. 24 Committee Meetings (public session to begin at 3:00 pm)
Nov. 27-30 BCSTA Trustee Academy
Dec. 9 Inaugural Meeting of the Board
Dec. 12 Schools not in Session
e-KNOW file photos
SD5
