An overview of planned 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.

School Food Programs

Trustees received an update on school food programs. SD8 will receive $589,425 through Feeding Futures and $183,350 through the new National School Food Program. Approximately 85 per cent of district students accessed food equity programs in 2025-2026. Priorities for the coming year include equitable access to food, Indigenous student food security, local food partnerships and expanded school food programming. 

Student Voice and Student Trustees

Trustees received an overview of the Student Trustee Program and District Student Voice Framework, which support student participation in decision-making at the Board, district, school and classroom levels. Student Trustees provide a connection between their respective schools and the Board, bringing forward school-level student perspectives for consideration in Board discussions. Student Trustees may serve up to a two-year term beginning in their grade 11 year.

Truth and Reconciliation Learning

The Board received an update on district activities connected with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The wuqanqankimik Education Council emphasizes honouring survivors, strengthening relationships with local Aboriginal communities, including student voice, and ensuring Truth and Reconciliation learning continues throughout the year. In keeping with the Council’s guidance, schools provide assemblies, learning activities, resources and community-based opportunities. 

2025-2026 Audited Financial Statements

The Board approved the 2025-2026 Audited Financial Statements and Financial Discussion & Analysis. The district received a clean audit opinion with no issues, deficiencies or unadjusted errors reported.

The Board also approved $1,689,775 be added to restricted operating surplus. 

An accumulated operating surplus includes restricted funds, which the Board has set aside for specific future costs such as existing commitments or planned purchases, and unrestricted funds, which have not been designated for a specific purpose and are maintained as a contingency reserve for unexpected costs.

The district maintains $3,143,944 in unrestricted accumulated operating surplus. This falls within 3-5% of operating expenditures as required by policy. 

Statement of Financial Information

Trustees received the district's 2025-2026 Statement of Financial Information (SOFI). The annual report, required under the Financial Information Act, includes the district's audited financial statements, debt schedules, remuneration and expense information, and vendor payments. The report will be posted on the SD8 Finance page. 

Capital Projects Update

The Board received its quarterly update on capital projects across the district. Trustees discussed project costs and funding, including HVAC work at Salmo Elementary and FireSmart work at Jewett Elementary. 

Minor Capital Plan

The Board approved the district's 2027-2028 Minor Capital Plan submission to the Ministry of Education and Child Care. Funding requests approved by the Board include kitchen equipment for schools, sprinkler upgrades through the School Enhancement Program; school HVAC upgrades and funding for eight buses. 

Policy Changes

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

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Board held in public is scheduled for October 13, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in Creston.

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.