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 schedule of upcoming board meetings, visit sd8.bc.ca/meetings.

Caring and Inclusive Learning Communities Report

Assistant Superintendent Deanna Holitzki and District Principal Kent Tamblyn presented the Caring and Inclusive Learning Communities Continuous Learning Report 2025-2026, outlining district initiatives that support student well-being, belonging, and engagement across SD8 schools. The report highlighted work underway to foster safe, welcoming learning environments where students feel connected and supported.

The presentation described how schools are implementing strategies related to mental health and well-being, student voice, equity, and culturally responsive learning. The Board received the report as part of the district’s annual reporting aligned with the provincial framework for continuous improvement and SD8’s strategic priorities.

Graduation Completion Rates

Trustees received information about SD8’s five-year and six-year completion rates, which measure the percentage of students graduating within five or six years of entering grade 8. Over the past five years, completion rates have improved, with SD8 achieving its highest six-year completion rate to date and continuing to perform well relative to the provincial average.

Staff noted that improved outcomes are linked to targeted supports such as graduation planning, academic reviews, and expanded learning pathways including dual credit opportunities with post-secondary partners. 

Trustee Remuneration

The Board reviewed trustee remuneration for the coming year. In accordance with Policy 131: Trustee Indemnity, trustee remuneration will increase by 1.7%, reflecting the change in the BC Consumer Price Index between December 2024 and December 2025.

Information Technology Annual Report

The Board received the district’s Information Technology Annual Report, outlining work completed over the past year to maintain reliable networks, strengthen cybersecurity, and support digital tools used by students and staff.

The report also described how the district manages device lifecycles. Aging technology is evaluated for retirement, recycling, or refurbishment, and device distribution is guided by instructional needs across schools and grade levels.

Enrolment Projections and Revenue

Secretary-Treasurer Cathy MacArthur presented 2026–2027 enrolment projections to the Board. Projections show a decline of 109 full-time equivalent students (2.4%) across the district. Because provincial operating funding is based largely on enrolment, this decline is expected to reduce SD8’s operating grant by approximately $983,000.

Provincial funding protection and enrolment-decline support to buffer against sudden financial changes in the district will partially offset the reduction for the coming year. 

The projections will inform development of the 2026–2027 district budget, and a public budget survey was posted on the district website on March 10 to capture public educational priorities and feedback. The survey is open until March 25, and a public budget webinar will take place at 6 p.m. April 21.

Quarterly Capital Update

Director Chris Kerr presented the Spring 2026 Capital Operations Plan update, outlining capital projects and maintenance work underway across SD8 schools.

Director Kerr explained infrastructure considerations related to facility lighting upgrades and charging infrastructure for the district’s electric buses, part of ongoing work to maintain safe and efficient school facilities.

2028–2029 School Calendars

The Board approved school calendars for the 2028–2029 school year following the public field-testing period. Calendars establish the first and last day of classes, winter and spring breaks, and professional learning days.  

Policy Changes

All policies are available on the SD8 Board Policies and Administrative Procedures page. 

Approved:

• Policy 611: Capital Planning (replaces Policy 640: Acquisition and Disposal of Board Assets, which has been incorporated into the new framework.) 
• Policy 612: Fees, Deposits and Financial Hardship (formerly Policy 430: School Fees) 
• Policy 650: Disposal of Real Property and Improvements 

Consolidated:

• Policy 610: Financial Planning and Reporting (consolidates financial governance practices previously addressed in multiple policies.) 

Rescinded:

• Policy 615: Board Signing Authority
• Policy 620: Budget Development, Monitoring and Reporting

Student Trustee Reports

Kootenay River Secondary School (KRSS) - Student Trustee Catherall 

In the last month, KRSS students have been studying hard before spring break begins on March 13. School events included the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympic Games playing in the library during February for students to watch during breaks, and the Drama Club performing for students and staff. The YETI Club is also running again, offering outdoor trips to students this coming April.

Student Council has been very active: they have organized a pancake breakfast on Friday, March 13, and a spring dance after spring break, and Council is soliciting student feedback about school activities and events. In addition, student announcements are now delivered by both those on Council and those in the regular student body following a set schedule. Lastly, the KRSS French class is fundraising through bake sales for a trip to Quebec this coming May, and the 2026 Grad Class has been busy fundraising and completing scholarship applications.  

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Board held in public is scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. PT in Nelson and online. 

These highlights exclude confidential information such as business negotiations, personnel issues and legal matters. For other information or to provide feedback, please contact SD8 Communications & Public Engagement.