Highlights - Board Meeting - April 16, 2024
The Abbotsford Board of Education regularly meets throughout the school year. Agendas and minutes from the public Board Meetings can be accessed through the District's Electronic School Board. Below is a summary of highlights from the meeting.
Presentations
Bradner Elementary
Principal Kam Sidhu and students presented on student belonging at Bradner Elementary. Students discussed the various initiatives and programs in place to foster a strong sense of community and inclusion. From cultural heritage projects to passion projects and student leadership initiatives, students shared the story of Bradner Elementary.
Abbotsford Senior Secondary
Department Leader Malcolm Campbell and students shared about their experiences with the Integrated Studies Program. The Integrated Studies Program (ISP) at Abbotsford Senior Secondary was established in the late 1990s by Judy Chapman, with the goal of keeping at-risk students engaged in school and on track to graduate.
2024 BCSS Boys & Girls Wrestling Provincial Champions - W.J. Mouat Secondary School
Students from the W.J. Mouat Wrestling Team shared highlights and showed off their hardware from their exciting season after winning two BCSS Provincial Wrestling championship banners – the BCSS Wrestling Boys Championship and the BCSS Aggregate Championship. on February 24, 2024.
Youth Champion of Diversity Award Recipient - Ishi Sharma
At the Fraser Valley Cultural Diversity Awards on March 7, 2024, Ishi Sharma, a grade 12 student at Yale Secondary School, was honoured in the category of Youth Champion of Diversity. This award acknowledges young individuals who have worked towards creating and building an inclusive community. Ishi received this prestigious award for her contributions in establishing an inclusive environment through her leadership roles within the Student Voice initiative at Yale Secondary School, as well as the establishment of her initiative EDI for Youth. Her commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all youth has been the driving force behind all her actions, and this award serves as a testament to the impact of her efforts.
Education
Strategic Plan Consultation and Preliminary Budget for 2024-2025
Superintendent Nosel and Secretary-Treasurer Velestuk provided an update on the results gathered from the recently closed strategic plan consultation engagement portal, internal and external environmental assessments, and the district's core competencies. Additionally, preliminary budget estimates, including Q3 financial information, were presented.
School Fees and Deposits for 2024-2025
A recommendation was put forward THAT the Board of Education approve the list of school fees and deposits for the 2024-25 school year as presented.
Academy Fees for 2024-2025
A recommendation was put forward THAT the Board of Education approve the list of the Academy fees for 2024-2025 as presented.
Abbotsford School District Child Development Fair
Superintendent Nosek shared Information about the successful Child Development Fair put on by the Abbotsford School District Early Learning Team and community partners on April 6, 2024.
Operations
Barrowtown and Sema:th Elementary Schools - Middle/Secondary Catchment Review
A recommendation was put forward THAT the Board of Education realign the Barrowtown and Semá:th Elementary catchment areas to be part of the W. A. Fraser Middle/Yale Secondary catchments, effective for the 2024-2025 school year, and FURTHER THAT all current students residing in the Barrowtown and Semá:th catchments be given choice to continue attending the Abbotsford Middle/Secondary catchment or attend in the W.A. Fraser Middle/Yale Secondary catchment.
Synthetic Field Operating Agreement and Licence
A recommendation was put forward THAT the Board of Education approve the Synthetic Field Operating Agreement and Licence as attached, effective the date of signing.
Long Range Facilities Plan
Secretary-Treasurer Velestuk provided the Board of Education with information.
Third Quarter Financial Update
Secretary-Treasurer Velestuk provided the Board of Education with information.
Student Transportation Fees
A recommendation was put forward THAT the Board of Education approve the proposed school transportation fees as presented.
Abbotsford Arts Centre - Rental Fees
A recommendation was put forward THAT the Board of Education approve the proposed increase in rental fees for the Abbotsford Arts Centre as presented.
Board Policy 18 - School Catchment Areas
A recommendation was put forward THAT the Board of Education approve the proposed revised Board Policy 18 - School Catchment Areas, as presented.
Trustee Announcements
National School Boards Association
Chair Wilson provided a verbal report.