Board of Education Meeting Highlights - September 27, 2022

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 .

Audited Financial Statements and Financial Reports

School Districts are required by law to create financial statements after the end of each school year and those statements are audited by an independent auditor. Secretary-Treasurer Johan Glaudemans introduced Auditor Sinéad Scanlon from BDO Canada LLP who presented the district’s 2021-2022 Audited Financial Statements to the board. Auditor Scanlon reported a clean financial statement.

Secretary-Treasurer Glaudemans presented the Financial Discussion and Analysis for the Year Ended June 30, 2022. One item of note was that SD8 has seen a slight increase in enrollment for the 2022-2023 school year, whereas forecasts earlier in 2022 were for a decrease in enrollment.

The Secretary Treasurer also reported on the 2021-2022 Surplus Restrictions and Carry Forwards, and recommended that the district aim for a surplus of 3%, or equal to a $1.8 million surplus. A portion of this surplus can be allocated to specific projects with board approval.

All financial statements and reports were approved by the board.

Minor Capital Projects Update

Director of Operations Chris Kerr provided an update to the board about Minor Capital Projects for the upcoming year, which the board approved. These projects have funds allocated to them annually, but are more flexible in nature than major projects, so can match any shifting priorities in the district. Currently, projects include HVAC work, window replacements, playground updates, school bus replacements and a sprinkler system installation.

Ventilation at Homelinks

Director of Operations Chris Kerr reported to the board that ventilation at Homelinks meet the same standards of ventilation in all SD8 schools, and Operations staff have reviewed filter systems at all schools in the district to ensure that safe standards are met.

Update on Electric Buses

Director of Operations Chris Kerr reported that the district purchased two electric buses in 2022 to take advantage of government financial incentives available. The district has now paused to review costs and charging infrastructure as well as lessons learned in other school districts’ fleet electrification projects. Staff determined that the most effective approach to electrification of the SD8 bus fleet is to focus on establishing an effective charging infrastructure within range of each of the six SD8 families of schools before acquiring more electric buses, and to work with FortisBC and Nelson Hydro to ensure that infrastructure meets all necessary specifications. All student transportation needs are currently met through existing buses.

These highlights exclude confidential information such as business negotiations, personnel issues and legal matters. For other information or to provide feedback, please contact our Public Engagement Manager at 250-505-7005 or engagement@sd8.bc.ca

About the Board of Education of School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake):

The Board of Education of School District No. 8 provides educational services to numerous diverse communities in the East & West Kootenays, including Crawford Bay, Creston, Kaslo, Meadow Creek, Nelson, Salmo, Slocan, South Slocan, Winlaw, Wynndel and Yahk. Its dedicated team focuses on providing the best possible educational opportunities for over 4,700 students and their families. Its mission is to focus on excellence for all learners in a nurturing environment.