The Vancouver School Board’s Policy and Governance Committee met on the evening of Wednesday, June 14, 2023. More details can be found on the agenda package or by viewing the live stream recording. There were two items on the Committee agenda.

First, the committee discussed potential changes to the School Board’s Policy 8: Board Committees. On February 27, 2023, the Board adopted two motions to review Sections 4 and 5 of the policy and report to the committee any suggested revisions, and that the Student Learning and Well-Being Committee be renamed the Education Plan Committee with revisions made to its duties and functions. The committee was presented with a copy of Policy 8 and discussed various topics, including “How does the policy reflect current practice?”; “What ideas/suggestions do you have to provide greater alignment of policy with practice?”; and “Are there elements missing from the policy which should be considered in making updates?”.

The second and final item on the agenda was an information update about the Student Liaison Office Program. In it’s November 28, 2022, public meeting, the Board passed a motion to implement a reimagined School Liaison officer (SLO) program. The new SLO program is to be put in place by September of 2023. Staff shared feedback about a revised program from several stakeholder groups and Indigenous Rightsholders. Common themes include the importance of cultural diversity and competency, role of the SLO program, youth-centered/trauma informed practices and communication. On June 15, 2023, the Vancouver Police Department Police Board will receive updates from staff regarding the SLO program. VPD and VSB staff will meet following to work on development of a Memorandum of Understanding, as directed by the Board motion.

This was the last Policy and Governance Committee meeting for the school year. The schedule will resume in the fall.

To keep up to date with all of the District’s committee and Board meetings, see the calendar for meeting dates, agendas and livestream links. All recordings of past meetings are available on the District’s YouTube channel.