An overview of discussion items and major decisions of the Board of Education of School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake). For meeting agendas/minutes and a schedule of upcoming board meetings visit sd8.bc.ca/meetings . 

Caring and Inclusive Learning Communities Continuous Learning Report 2024-2025

Assistant Superintendent Holitzki presented the 2024-2025 Caring and Inclusive Learning Communities Continuous Learning Report. The report focuses on strategies to enhance physical and mental well-being through social-emotional learning, fostering inclusive environments, and ensuring students feel safe and supported. Key initiatives include:

• Creating welcoming, engaging, and accessible learning spaces.
• Expanding mental and physical health initiatives.
• Enhancing students’ social-emotional skills and capacity.
• Monitoring and refining action plans to support priority learners.

SD8 Accessibility 2024-2025

Superintendent Smillie and Assistant Superintendent Holitzki provided an update on SD8’s Accessibility Plan, developed in alignment with the Accessible British Columbia Act. The plan includes:

• The establishment of an Accessibility Committee and Working Group.
• The implementation of accessibility scans across all schools.
• A feedback tool to identify and address accessibility barriers.

Trustees discussed ongoing accessibility improvements, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder engagement and continuous monitoring to enhance physical, informational, and technological accessibility across SD8.

2024-2025 Information Technology Annual Report

Secretary-Treasurer MacArthur presented the annual IT report, outlining progress in improving technological access for students and staff. Key initiatives include:

• Enhancing IT infrastructure and cybersecurity measures.
• Standardizing processes to support digital learning.
• Implementing device upgrades to support student learning needs.

2025-2026 Enrolment Projections and Budget Planning

Secretary-Treasurer MacArthur provided enrolment projections for the 2025-2026 school year, highlighting a forecasted decline in K-12 enrolments, partially offset by increased online learning registrations. The projected funding impact is estimated at a reduction of approximately $680,797.

2025-2026 Trustee Remuneration

Trustee remuneration will increase by 2.6%, in line with the BC Consumer Price Index. 

Quarterly Operations Update – Spring 2025

Director Kerr provided an update on district capital projects, including:

• Water system improvements at Brent Kennedy Elementary.
• HVAC and boiler upgrades at L.V. Rogers Secondary and Mount Sentinel Secondary.
• The installation of additional electric bus charging stations.

Policy Changes

All policies are available on the SD8 Board Policies and Administrative Procedures page. School calendars are available on our calendar page.

Policies approved:

• 2027-2028 School Calendar
• Policy 410: School Choice and Catchment 

Student Trustee Reports

Kootenay River Secondary (Student Trustee Ashe):

• Grade 12 Careers class organized a spirit week with themed days like "Dress Like a Teacher" and Pajama Day.
• Student council arranged ski days and a "Spring Fling" dance.
• Advocacy efforts continue for increased privacy in male change rooms

J.V. Humphries (Student Trustees Lamoureux & Zuk):

• The school hosted a student-led Pink Shirt Day assembly, featuring speeches, songs, and presentations from K-9 students.
• Organized ski days and an outdoor education program with avalanche safety training.

Mount Sentinel Secondary (Student Trustees Gretchen & Metcalf):

• The school’s Pride Club continues to promote inclusivity and education around gender identity.
• MSSS students earned 14 medals at the Skills Canada Regional Competition.
• Students participated in the Good Will Shakespeare Festival, engaging in performances and workshops.

These highlights exclude confidential information such as business negotiations, personnel issues and legal matters. For other information or to provide feedback, please contact our Communications & Engagement Manager at 250-352-6681 or engagement@sd8.bc.ca

About School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake): Our mission is to inspire and support each learner to thrive in a caring learning environment. We are located in the southern Interior of British Columbia and serve numerous diverse communities in the Kootenays including Crawford Bay, Creston, Kaslo, Meadow Creek, Nelson, Salmo, Slocan, South Slocan, Winlaw, Wynndel, and Yahk. We also serve students across B.C. through our provincial online learning school, Elev8. Our dedicated team focuses on providing the best possible educational opportunities for about 4,700 students and their families.