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School Board Briefs January 11 2012

Scott welcomes new trustee

Powell River Board of Education trustee Jeanette Scott has been elected as the new chair of the board, with Douglas Skinner in the role of vice-chair. In her first opening remarks as chair at the December board meeting, Scott welcomed new trustee Steve Formosa to the board and wished all students and staff “a safe and happy holiday season.” She also said she hopes a letter has been written to Santa asking for a new collective bargaining agreement with BC Teachers’ Federation in the new year.

Student progress

Jay Yule, School District 47 superintendent of schools, sent home a letter to parents of students in the district to advise them on the status of report cards during the BC Teachers’ Federation’s job action. The letter encourages parents to contact their child’s teachers to meet and discuss their child’s progress. Marks will be available for grade 12 students for post-secondary applications.

Superintendent’s report

Yule distributed the Superintendent’s Report on Student Achievement for 2011/12 that is prepared annually for the provincial ministry of education. Generally the district has improved in the area of writing but still has challenges in numeracy achievement, the results from which have been inconsistent. Work with “at risk” students appears to have been largely successful over the last school year, with many targets having been met. Completion rates are in line with provincial averages, an outcome that the report describes as “very successful,” and are above average provincially in regard to aboriginal students. Yule said the report is not a great measure of the district’s progress and that a much more detailed report assembled each year is more accurate and useful.

Trustees learn from one another

Members of the board recently attended the BC School Trustees Association Academy event in Vancouver. The event brings together trustees from all over the province to take part in forums and listen to guest speakers. Trustee Formosa said he found the event exhausting but all the trustees agreed that some positive outcomes came from taking part. Aaron Reid said it was inspiring to see all the new trustees and to hear their enthusiasm.