Board News - Meeting of December 1, 2009

Walnut Grove Secondary Chamber Choir rings in the Season
The Board, staff and members of the public were treated to a bit of Christmas spirit by the Walnut Grove Secondary School Chamber Choir, which sang several carols, under the direction of music teacher Toni Crawford, at the beginning of the meeting...

Foundation Thanks Partners

Langley School District Foundation President Steve Malish and Executive Director Susan Cairns thanked some of the many people and organizations who have made contributions or helped raise funds.
"Tonight (we) would like to thank our community partners, who have held events to raise money especially for the Foundation and school district programs, or who have given grants to specific programs," Ms. Cairns said. Receiving plaques were:

• Langley Central Rotary, which donated $15,000 toward a playground at Nicomekl Elementary
• The Langley Rotarians, who donated $14,000 to the Langley School District Foundation
• Envision Financial, which has donated $60,000 over the last six years in support of SummerLAND
• Willowbrook Shopping Centre, which has donated $40,000 over four years for literacy initiatives
• Staples, which donated $8,000 worth of school supplies to elementary students
• Meridian Meats which raised $2,000 at its Annual Summer Event in Walnut Grove
• The Resource Training Organization of BC which has organized events in support of Dual Credit trades programs and for trades exploration programs
• The Langley Arts Council for the annual Children's Festival, which is a fund-raiser for the Foundation
• Coast Capital, who donated $10,000 toward a playground at Uplands Elementary

Ms. Cairns noted that many could not attend to receive plaques, including school PACs, which she called 'amazing fund-raisers'. She also mentioned McDonald's Restaurants, the Mirhady Foundation, Finning Tractor, the Radcliffe Foundation, Fricia Construction, and The Keg Restaurants. "The list goes on... We couldn't do it without you."
More Information at the Langley School District Foundation web site

Secretary Treasurer Thanked
Secretary Treasurer Wayne Braun, who will be leaving the district in January, was thanked by Board Chair Joan Bech and other trustees during the Trustee Highlights portion of the meeting. "In the last few months he has worked long hours and accomplished a great deal," Chair Bech said. "He has brought rigor and transparency to the district finances." Mr. Braun took up the position of Secretary Treasurer in August and announced Nov. 20 that his last official day with the district would be Jan. 15, 2010.

All Day Kindergarten report Received
A report on All Day Kindergarten was delivered by Superintendent of Schools Cheryle Beaumont. All Day Kindergarten has been mandated by the Ministry of Education, with spaces to be available for up to half the school district's kindergarten students in 2010-2011, and for all students in 2011-2012. By year-two the program will be fully implemented and "the kindergarten program in the province will be a full day one" Ms. Beaumont noted. "Half-time kindergarten will not be provided as an option." In preparing for the transition the district will organize: meetings with kindergarten teachers, a parent information forum, a meeting for parents of students with special needs and training for teachers. The district will also be working with schools to determine where Full Day Kindergarten can be offered in Year One.
See the Superintendent's Report on All Day Kindergarten

Community Literacy Plan Received
Langley's Literacy Outreach Coordinator Hattie Hogeterp presented a Community Literacy Plan on behalf of the Langley Literacy Now Community Steering Committee. The plan's Vision is "Literacy, in all its forms, woven throughout the fabric of the community, creating learning opportunities for all." Ms. Hogeterp noted that community literacy is supported by four 'pillars': Early Childhood Literacy, K-12 Literacy, Adult Literacy, and Aboriginal Literacy. The plan sets out goals, objectives, timelines and evaluation measures. It includes an Action Plan, based on an 'analysis of literacy assets and gaps.' Two gaps in particular were mentioned in Ms. Hogeterp's presentation: adult literacy; and a lack of awareness in the community of early childhood programs.
See the Community Literacy Plan Presentation, More information at Langley Literacy Now

District on track for Balanced Budget in 2009-2010
Secretary Treasurer Wayne Braun reported that the district is "projecting a balanced Operating Fund Budget" in 2009-2010, based on the first quarter financial data. He noted anticipated cost pressures in the 2010-2011 budget due to: a teacher salary lift, teacher pension costs, introduction of the Harmonized Sales Tax, and Medical Services Plan premium increases. Mr. Braun added that the Ministry of Education is committed to the 'same funding levels' in 2010-2011 as in the current year. He noted that the district's Deficit Elimination Plan, which has been approved by the Board and is now awaiting approval from the Provincial Government, has been 'incorporated into the 2010-2011 budget cycle'.