The following is a summary of motions carried by School District No. 5 (SD5) School Board of Trustees during their May 13 meeting.

Motions Carried

THAT the Board Authority/Authorized Course – Historical Context and Appreciation of Film be approved.

First reading of the Budget Bylaw, a Bylaw of the Board of Education of School District No. 5 (Southeast Kootenay) (called the “Board”) to adopt the annual budget of the Board for the fiscal year 2025/26 pursuant to section 113 of the School Act, R.S.B.C., 1996, c. 412 as amended from time to time (called the “Act“). Read for a first time May 13, 2025.

CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT

From the Province

The BC School Trustees Association (BCSTA) is pleased to announce the release of its report, Improving Student Outcomes: For Students with Disabilities and Diverse Abilities, developed by the BCSTA’s Inclusion and Accessibility Working Group. This report is an essential tool in educating school boards about inclusive education, providing critical insights into the current challenges and opportunities in supporting students with disabilities and diverse abilities.

Key Highlights in the Report Include:

What is Inclusive Education? Understanding the importance of inclusive education and its impact on student success.

Ableism and its Impact on Education: Exploring how ableism influences the expectations and opportunities available to students with disabilities and diverse abilities.

Language Matters: The evolving terminology and descriptors used for people with disabilities and diverse abilities and the importance of adapting to these changes.

History of Inclusive Education in B.C.: Reflecting on the past to better understand the evolution of inclusive practices in the province.

Legal Responsibilities of Boards of Education: Outlining school boards’ obligations under the law to ensure inclusive education.

For more information on the report, visit https://bcsta.org

At the District Level

• There will be two additional votes taken in June by the Board of Education to finalize the 2025-26 School Budget.
• Reports given during the meeting reflected on:
  • Progress on the new Fernie Elementary School.
  • Recent BCSTA AGM activities.
  • Child Care updates and Ready Set Learn opportunities to be offered in May and June.
  • Work currently being done to support the implementation of the Indigenous Education Council.
  • Feedback on the successful meetings with the City of Cranbrook, the Minister of Education and Child Care and the Minister of Infrastructure.

Planning is underway and dates have been set for:

• Community Engagement Nights;
• District Scholarship Presentations;
• Graduation Ceremonies;
• Retirement Ceremonies.

Contrary to conventional thinking, May and June are more of a race to the end, than a gradual winding down to a peaceful conclusion.  We will successfully make it with all the good work being done.

Plan to attend the Graduation Ceremony in your community. It is rewarding to see the conclusion of the K to 12 experiences culminating in student success and a future path.

SD5

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