Board Highlights - April 8, 2025
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 .
Cultural and Identity Development Continuous Learning Report 2024-2025
Director of Indigenous Education Laury Carrière presented the Cultural and Identity Development Continuous Learning Report 2024-2025. The report outlines SD8’s efforts to promote inclusive, equitable learning environments that reflect Indigenous worldviews, increase student belonging, and support human rights and anti-racism education.
Key areas of focus include professional learning for staff on cultural safety, humility, and anti-racism; initiatives that promote Indigenous culture and identity such as drumming, dancing, and language programming; support for 2SLGBTQIA+ students and representation in the school curriculum; and equity monitoring through student voice and survey data.
National Day of Mourning – April 28
Schools will mark the National Day of Mourning by lowering flags on April 28 in remembrance of those affected by workplace tragedies, reaffirming SD8’s commitment to safe and healthy work environments.
Preliminary Budget Report 2025-2026
Secretary-Treasurer Cathy MacArthur presented the balanced preliminary budget based on enrolment projections and Ministry of Education and Child Care allocations. SD8 will continue to focus on strategic priorities that include classroom support and climate action.
2025-2026 School Fees Approved
The Board approved the school fees for the 2025-2026 school year. Fees were developed by school principals with school community input and are supported by financial hardship policies to ensure equitable access.
Capital Budget Bylaw 2025-2026
The Board passed all three readings of the 2025-2026 Capital Plan Bylaw in one evening. Planned capital projects total $1.34M and include infrastructure upgrades across the district.
Policy Changes
All policies are available on the SD8 Board Policies and Administrative Procedures page.
Policies approved:
- Policy 112: Governing Principles - revised to clarify the role and responsibilities of the Board vice-chair.
Student Trustee Reports
L.V. Rogers Secondary - Student Trustee Solarik
- Biology 12 students judged a science fair at Hume Elementary.
- The LVR Jazz Band is headed to Kelowna for the Interior Jazz Festival.
- Student council is advocating for more outdoor seating and e-bike parking.
Mount Sentinel Secondary - Student Trustees Gretchen & Metcalf
- Student trustees organized events, workshops, and school-wide competitions.
- The school launched a sustainability campaign focused on recycling and energy conservation.
- New student clubs and support groups have been established to promote inclusivity and mental wellness.
Next Meeting
The next Meeting of the Board held in Public is scheduled for May 13, 2025.
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.
