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.

Cultural and Identity Development Continuous Learning Report

Director Laury Carrière presented the Cultural and Identity Development Continuous Learning Report 2025–2026, highlighting SD8’s ongoing commitment to inclusive and caring learning environments that support student engagement and achievement. The report emphasizes that all learners have the right to equitable access and meaningful participation in education, and that fostering a strong sense of belonging and identity is foundational to student success.

The district is advancing this work through culturally safe and responsive practices, including guidance from the Indigenous Education Council, land-based learning opportunities, and partnerships with local communities. Staff continue to support diverse learner needs through targeted programs and inclusive approaches that promote respect, understanding and cultural safety, with a focus on ensuring each student’s identity is recognized, valued and reflected in their learning experience.

National Day of Mourning

Superintendent Smillie presented information to the Board, recognizing the National Day of Mourning – a day that honours workers who have been injured, become ill or lost their lives due to workplace incidents. The day allows for reflection and reinforces the importance of maintaining safe and healthy working and learning environments across the district.

2026–2027 Preliminary Draft Budget

Secretary-Treasurer Cathy MacArthur presented the 2026–2027 preliminary draft budget to the Board, outlining key pressures and planning considerations for the upcoming school year. The budget development process continues to focus on aligning resources with student learning needs while responding to enrolment changes and cost pressures.

The Board will continue to review the budget and receive the final version for approval in May of this year. 

Capital Budget Bylaw 2026–2027

The Board approved the Capital Budget Bylaw for 2026–2027, enabling the district to proceed with capital projects as approved by the Ministry of Education and Child Care. The bylaw authorizes the district to enter into funding agreements and move forward with planned capital investments.

These projects support the ongoing maintenance and improvement of school facilities, helping ensure safe, functional and effective learning environments for students and staff.

School Fees

The Board approved school fees for the 2026–2027 school year. These fees support optional programs, materials and activities that enhance student learning experiences across schools.

Fees will remain reasonable and support is available for families experiencing financial hardship, in alignment with district policy. 

Capital Budget Bylaw 2026–2027

The Board approved the Capital Budget Bylaw for 2026–2027, enabling the district to proceed with capital projects as approved by the Ministry of Education and Child Care. The bylaw authorizes the district to enter into funding agreements and move forward with planned capital investments.

These projects support the ongoing maintenance and improvement of school facilities, helping ensure safe, functional and effective learning environments for students and staff. 

Policy Changes

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

• Policy 171: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity – approved for field testing. 

Student Trustee Reports

Crawford Bay Elementary-Secondary (CBESS) – Student Trustee Hamilton

CBESS had a quieter month due to spring break, with several new learning initiatives underway. Students in the Osprey class have begun an outdoor education program focused on survival skills, environmental knowledge and teamwork, encouraging more time spent learning outside. Younger students are also collaborating with an Indigenous artist to create classroom-based designs that will be displayed in the school courtyard. 

Senior students are engaging in financial literacy learning through a McGill course, while graduation preparations are underway. Graduates are actively fundraising through community-supported initiatives, including food sales, artisan auctions and local business partnerships. 

Kootenay River Secondary School (KRSS) – Student Trustee Klassen

KRSS had a relatively calm period around spring break, with students returning refreshed for the final stretch of the school year. Learning opportunities continue through programs such as the Life Sciences class raising Kokanee salmon, supported by a local partnership, giving students hands-on experience with environmental stewardship. 

Student life remains active, with a strong food program supporting both nutrition and learning, and student council initiatives including spirit week, daily announcements and planning for an upcoming spring dance. These activities continue to build school spirit and student engagement. 

J.V. Humphries Secondary School (JVH) - Student Trustee Kinnear

Recent school-wide activities include class and graduation photos that brought students together across grade levels. 

Students in outdoor education also participated in a session with visiting forest firefighters, learning about both the physical and mental demands of the profession and taking part in a fitness test that anyone who wants to become a wildland firefighter needs to pass. 

L.V. Rogers Secondary School – Student Trustee Andersen

The school is entering the final term, with a range of academic, arts and extracurricular activities underway. Jazz Band is preparing for the BC Interior Jazz Festival following recent participation in a regional arts festival, and auditions are ongoing for the grad talent show celebrating graduating students. 

Rugby season is beginning and the Health Hub is continuing regular programming for students. Students will also soon receive their first semester two report cards soon. 

Mount Sentinel Secondary School (MSS) – Student Trustee Keyes

School highlights for the past month include a range of experiential and community-based learning opportunities. Students recently participated in a multi-school volleyball tournament, while others engaged in creative learning through Academy PM, including an arts-focused trip to Vancouver to explore post-secondary pathways and cultural experiences. 

The school continues to emphasize personal and social responsibility through initiatives such as Earth Month activities, environmental learning and school-wide efforts to reduce food waste. Upcoming events include assemblies, guest speakers and a community clean-up campaign, supporting both student learning and community engagement. 

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Board held in public is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, 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.