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 . 

Enhancing Student Learning Report and School Learning Plans 2025

Superintendent Trish Smillie presented the Enhancing Student Learning (ESL) Report 2025 and School Learning Plans (SLP) to the Board. The ESL provides information on student performance including educational outcomes and measures in the areas of intellectual development, human and social development and career development. The report highlights SD8’s public commitment to work together with rights holders and education partners to continuously improve learning for all students. Both the ESL and SLP follow the Board’s Strategic Plan 2024-2029 which in turn aligns with Ministry of Education and Child Care goals. 

The board approved the ESL and the SLP.

Quarterly Capital Update and Amended Capital Budget

Director of Operations Chris Kerr presented a quarterly update on capital projects and outlined current initiatives under the Minor Capital Operations Program, Annual Facility Grant, and Food Infrastructure Program. He also highlighted pilot strategies for keeping classrooms cool and presented performance data on electric buses.

The Board passed three readings of the Amended Capital Budget Bylaw No. 2025/26-CPSD8-02, which includes funding for five new electric buses.

Long-Range Facilities Plan Update

Secretary-Treasurer MacArthur and Director of Operations Chris Kerr reviewed progress on SD8’s Long-Range Facilities Plan. 

The district developed the plan to guide its future decision-making and outline how it will manage its school facilities for the next decade. The plan also provides critical context for discussions with the Ministry of Education and Child Care about the condition of SD8 facilities including schools. Discussion focused on energy efficiency, including HVAC systems and the transition to LED lighting as well as ongoing plans to replace Salmo Elementary School with a renovation to Salmo Secondary School to accommodate K-12 students. 

Climate Action and Sustainability Annual Report

Superintendent Smillie presented the district’s first Climate Action and Sustainability Annual Report. The report outlined actions aligned with SD8’s policy on sustainability, including recycling initiatives and leadership engagement from students and community members. The report was accompanied by a video produced for the district by the Academy of Performance and Media at Mount Sentinel Secondary School. 

Public Interest Disclosure Act (PIDA) Report

Superintendent Smillie presented the 2025 PIDA report. No disclosures were received during the reporting period.

Student Trustee Reports

J.V. Humphries Secondary School – Student Trustee Zuk

JVH hosted several community events this month, including the high school drama class’ production of “Beauty and the Beast Jr.” and a May Days parade with Maypole dancing by primary students. Grade 7 students will shadow high school students the second week of June to prepare for their transition in September.

Next Meeting

The next Meeting of the Board held in Public is scheduled for September 9, 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.