In 2014, School District No. 46 (SD46) saved about $88,000 in utility costs, thanks to energy saving upgrades, secretary treasurer Nicholas Weswick reported at the Jan. 13 school board meeting.
The upgrades include things like solar hot water heaters at Elphinstone Secondary School, occupancy sensors and energy efficient lighting upgrades at various schools and heat pump replacements where needed.
Planned upgrades for 2015 include boiler upgrades at Halfmoon Bay and Langdale elementary schools and the installation of waterless urinals and more occupancy sensors at selected sites. SD46 also wants to ask students how they can help save energy.
“Moving forward, the district plans to engage individual schools in the creation of student-led energy teams with a goal to promote a reduction in energy consumption through behaviour change initiatives,” Weswick reported.
Revenue announcement
There are more students than expected in SD46 this year and that realization is causing some problems with the funding formula.
Essentially SD46 will still be working with the same pot of money, but will have to push more out to schools on a per pupil basis this year.
“Finance staff is working through the expenditure budgets to determine the final impact, but it is estimated that remaining unrestricted surplus funds will be required to balance,” Weswick said in his report. “In addition, contingent spending items from the preliminary budget are being withheld until there is greater certainty.”
School Road intersection
The Town of Gibsons and the Ministry of Transportation are now settling on a plan to redevelop the intersection at School Road, North Road and Gibsons Way in order to improve safety for students and pedestrians who cross there.
Once a final plan is decided upon, the cost to fix the intersection will be divided between the Town, the ministry and SD46.
Francis Fleming award
Nominations are now open for the Francis Fleming Award for Inspirational Achievement, and applications will be accepted until Feb. 27.
Although known for her academic achievements, Fleming was loved for her ability to inspire and motivate others, which is a key requirement for award nominees.
Nominees must also have made a significant contribution to the community or to an individual or group, be a respected leader in the community and be a mentor and friend to many people, young and old.
The only other criteria for the award is that candidates must be affiliated with SD46 as an employee, parent, student or community member who is supportive of the school district.
Reggio Emilia
Some early childhood educators from SD46 will soon travel to Portland, Ore. to learn more about the Reggio Emilia approach first-hand at a school using the method, which focuses on child directed learning.
Several SD46 early childhood educators have been using the approach during the school year, and they want to learn more.
“We’ll be spending three days in Portland and this will give us a chance to learn together and continue to collaborate and deepen our own understanding of Reggio Emilia,” said Kirsten Deasey, early learning coordinator for SD46.
FSAs
Foundation Skills Ass-essment tests start this month and will continue until Feb. 20.
“The main purpose of the assessment is to help the province, school districts, schools and school planning councils evaluate how well students are achieving basic skills, and make plans to improve student achievement,” said superintendent of schools Patrick Bocking in his report.
Satisfaction survey
There is a provincial satisfaction survey going on now.
Students and parents of students in grades 4, 7, 10 and 12 can complete the assessment online once they are given a log-on number from their respective school. Information from respondents will be used to “enhance the learning experience of students,” Bocking said.
Find out more about the survey at www.bced.gov.bc.ca/sat_survey/.
Online portfolios
The school district is looking at different online portfolio programs to possibly adopt in the future. The online option would allow SD46 to better share student progress with parents. One website that’s showing some promise is www.freshgrade.com.
