Volume 05 | January 28, 2019
This issue of Board Notes highlights the January 28, 2019 regular meeting of the Board of Education for School District No.73 (Kamloops-Thompson). Expect your next issue of Board Notes after the February 11, 2019 meeting.
EDUCATION TOPIC
Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Curriculum
Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity education is a part of the curriculum, but not a separate subject area. The topic may be interwoven through curricular areas like physical and health education, language arts and social studies. SD73 Inclusive Education Principal, Vessy Mochikas spoke about the program, shared a resource list and promoted the second annual film festival, Diversity is Strength. Read more . 
PUBLIC INQUIRIES, PETITIONS AND WRITTEN PRESENTATIONS
Kamloops Music Collective
Kim Mangan presented an overview of the work the Kamloops Music Collective has been doing in the city to promote music education. Working collaboratively with local music teachers on programs such as Kamloops Interior Summer School of Music (KISSM), Whole Note, and Band Together is helping ensure a vibrant music community for Kamloops youth. Her goal is to open a dialogue with the School District regarding a memorandum of understanding to secure a space for KISSM summer programs.   
REPORTS FROM SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
As per the Consent Agenda, the Superintendent’s Report was distributed. The full report can be found here. 
Communicating Student Learning Pilot
A committee representing all district stakeholders was convened to address the Ministry of Education’s Reporting Policy for grades K-9 and to provide input on the revision of Board Policy 500.1. Currently, 11 schools are participating in a pilot reporting study. Director Lisa Carson reported that the key changes in the reporting structure include: more timely and flexible communication, a descriptive four-point proficiency scale for K-9, end-of-year student self-assessment of core competencies, as well as additional student-selected, evidence-based reflection during the school year.
Westwold Elementary to Remain Open
The Board of Education voted unanimously to keep Westwold Elementary School open, based on the recommendation to reorganize the school from a K-4 to a K-7 and pending the enrollment of six full-time students by Sept. 30, 2019. The decision was the result of a community consultation process that began with a town hall meeting in Westwold on Nov. 22, 2018. Read more here.
REPORTS FROM SECRETARY-TREASURER
Funding Model Reporting
The Minister of Education appointed a seven-member independent funding model panel to review and provide recommendations regarding the way funding is allocated to schools. While the current funding model, set in 2002, works well for most schools, there are a number of students whose educational needs could be better served. There are no changes to the funding model for the 2019-20 school year. The government will establish working groups of key education sector partners to provide input into the development of a more equitable funding model. More from the Ministry of Education here .
Valleyview Secondary Project Definition Report
Director Art McDonald has been working closely with the capital staff at the Ministry of Education to finalize the Project Definition Report (PDR) for Valleyview Secondary. The unit rate for construction has increased, resulting in a new total budget of just over $34 million. 
Online Payment Program for Parents & Students Update
Over the next month or two the Finance Department will be consulting with school administration, clerical staff, and other employee groups to understand the needs and wants of those impacted by the project. Led by Finance Manager Christine Loney, the project will provide parents more options to pay school fees while enabling staff to focus on more student-centred services.
REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES AND CHAIR