LEARNING, ENGAGEMENT, GROWTH:
Board of Education conducts first online public meeting
LANGFORD – April 28 marked an important step forward in how the Board of Education of School District No.62 (Sooke) continues to conduct its business during the COVID-19 health pandemic, holding its very first online live-streamed public board meeting via Microsoft Teams.
Chairperson of the Board, Ravi Parmar says, “The current global health pandemic and resulting instructions from the Provincial Health Officer around limiting public gatherings has deeply affected everyone in our community. Our Board is pleased to be able to use technology to include the public in our meetings and thank those who connected with us virtually for this historic event.”
The Board celebrates this successful meeting as the start of a virtual way of communicating with our community and looks forward to continuing to embrace technology as we go forward.
At tonight’s meeting the Board voted on and approved a motion to request the Superintendent advise all schools that the Board will not be accepting applications for any out-of-province travel field trips until the COVID-19 related BC Public Health Emergency and travel restrictions have been lifted
The Board also decided and directed staff for the current fiscal year to focus on core work in accordance with the Ministry of Educations pandemic principals to allow for an increased reserve amount in the budget for the next school year.
The Board is extending the budget consultation process to better see how the pandemic will affect the coming school year. The Board will review and debate the 2020/2021 budget in June in order to gain more certainty around the future as it relates to the impacts of COVID-19.
The Board also received an update from Superintendent Scott Stinson on the continuity of instruction plans. To date, SD62 has delivered more than 300 Chromebooks to students to support their learning at home, has provided more than 1200 meals weekly to families we support through our meal program, and is operating three school sites to provide care for the children of Essential Service Workers.
“As a school district, we remain committed to continuing to provide remote and online education opportunities for our students, supporting our dedicated staff and communicating with our families.” Said Parmar. “The Board of Education would like to thank families for their patience and appreciate the support as we navigate this unprecedented time in our lives together.”
To view a recording of the meeting – click here.