The following is a summary of motions carried by the School District No. 5 (SD5) School Board of Trustees during their December 9 meeting.

Motions Carried

At the December 9 meeting, School District No. 5 (Southeast Kootenay) Chair Doug McPhee was acclaimed as Board Chair for the remainder of the current term.

THAT the revisions to Policy 22 Provision of Child Care be accepted and approved for posting.

THAT a letter of support be written to School District No. 8 to support the Request to Review the Inclusive Education Funding Model.

Chair’s Report

December is a short, but busy month. One of the recent highlights at the provincial level has been the Trustee Academy held November 27-29 in Vancouver. The focus of the academy is to bring together the trustees from the 60 school boards in B.C. and build on their collective and individual strengths which will better serve their role in advocating for equitable and quality education in all corners of B.C.

“School trustees are essential to the health of our public education system,” said Tracy Loffler, President of the BCSTA. “As the only locally elected officials solely focused on education, trustees ensure that the voices of parents, students, and communities are heard in decisions that affect BC schools. The BCSTA Trustee Academy creates public education champions by providing trustees with the professional learning opportunities they need to serve and lead their communities effectively”.

As the new election cycle approaches in October 2026, discussion about encouraging individuals who are compassionate about education, compassionate about equitable services and compassionate about the communities they live in, to consider running in the election. The first step in any race is to be certain where and when the race begins. There is a wealth of information on the BCSTA website and the SD5 websites which may better inform those who are considering this worthwhile contribution.

From the District

December is about concerts, food collections and great turkey feasts. For those who had the opportunity to attend the Mass Choir presentation, it was truly amazing, again. Students from each school introduced the pieces to be sung and the music teacher conducting that selection engaged all of the students in a coordinated presentation. Students from each school often get the opportunity to compete in organized sports events. This is, by design, not a competition. Everyone wins, including the audience.

Work of the Board of Education – Public Meeting December 9

Inaugural Meeting 

Part of the Public Agenda for the Board held each December is allocated to the election of the one-year positions of special responsibility. Following the Procedural Bylaws, the election process for the position of Chairperson is conducted by the Secretary Treasurer. The newly elected or acclaimed Chair conducts the process for the remaining positions.

The results are as follows: 

Chairperson:  Doug McPhee;

BCPSEA Representative and Alternate (Public Sector Employees Association): Trina Ayling and Irene Bishler;

BCSTA Representative and Alternate (School Trustees Association): Bev Bellina and Alysha Clarke;

Bargaining Representatives: Trina Ayling and Irene Bishler.

Thank you for the good work and for the valued contributions of all trustees serving on standing committees, ad hoc committees, provincial committees and representing the School Board during PAC meetings and community engagements.

Revisions to Policy 22 Provisions of Child Care

Policy 22 provides guidance as to “how the Board will promote the use of Board property for the provision of child care programs by either the Board or third party licensees.” SD5 has been very active in advocating for child care opportunities. As we collectively move forward, the programs that are put into place have to serve the needs of the community and create no additional financial obligations to the district, which would compromise current educational funding allocations.

Advocacy

SD5 is in support of a request submitted by SD8 asking the Ministry of Education and Child Care to review the Funding Model associated with Inclusive Education. SD5 is in full support of Inclusive Education, providing meaningful access to education for all children, all students, all abilities and capabilities. The funding allocation, unfortunately, has not kept pace with the costs associated with Inclusive Education. When there has been an opportunity to present to the Select Standing Committee on Budget-related issues associated with Education, the impact of budget shortfalls and allocations in Student Services has been one of the key concerns.

Other Items

Prior to the board meeting, the trustee and district management who could attend were taken on a tour of some of the elementary schools in the Cranbrook community. Of particular note was the new day care facility at Steeples Elementary School. It is very impressive and with all of the finishing touches completed in the near future, a warm and welcoming space for children.

Discussions and planning are still in the works for the Amy Woodland replacement, Fernie Elementary and Day Care, Mountain View Elementary renovations in Sparwood and the housing project designs in Elkford—and if it can fit on Santa’s list, Mount Baker Secondary replacement.

Chair McPhee had the opportunity to attend the meeting of the Heritage Fair Committee. The Heritage Fair supports  student presentations along the themes of local and family history. Similar to a Science Fair, the presentations encourage student skills in researching history and the public-speaking aspect of presenting their discoveries to fellow students, the school and the public. Registration starts in January and the event is held during the first week of May.

Events

There are a number of concerts and presentations. Please refer to your neighbourhood school for times and opportunities.

Winter Break: December 22 to January 4, 2026 

On behalf of the Staff and Trustees for School District No. 5 (Southeast Kootenay), have a safe and restful Winter Break.  We will look forward to a great 2026 full of opportunity for all students.

SD5

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