The Vancouver School Board held its regularly scheduled public meeting on Monday, June 26, 2023. With audience members in attendance, the Board considered matters arising from the Facilities Planning Committee as well as several other motions.

Watch the recording or view the agenda of the meeting.

The Board meeting began with remarks by Board chair Victoria Jung, who acknowledged National Indigenous Day and the District's celebration held at the Education Centre. She highlighted the graduation ceremonies attended by trustees, including the Indigenous Achievement Celebration and the Grade 7 Osler Elementary ceremony, where the student band B Double L Crew performed an original song. Chair Jung expressed pride in the accomplishments of the first school year together as a new Board, emphasizing their focus on student achievement, reconciliation and equity – the core goals within the Board-approved Education Plan. She recognized the collective efforts of trustees and expressed gratitude to the staff for their dedication and hard work. Jung extended her congratulations to student trustee, Mia Liu, for completing her first year and being elected for another term.

Superintendent’s update
This month’s update by Helen McGregor, superintendent, was a special one as it was the first of many tributes to celebrate individuals who exemplify excellence and commitment in education. Trudi Harris, Indigenous education cultural coordinator, and Yash Zandiyeh, Killarney Secondary volunteer basketball coach, were the recipients who each received a plaque created by Spirit Works Gallery. McGregor’s update also highlighted two students enrolled in VSB’s career program, Estella and Angie, who were finalists in the Skills Canada competition held in April, as well as Pride month activities, including a parade led by students and staff of Strathcona Elementary. Students and staff from Seymour and šxʷwəq̓ʷəθət Crosstown elementary schools also joined the parade, advocating for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and celebrating diversity. McGregor informed the Board about several events marking National Indigenous Heritage month and the many end-of-school-year and graduation ceremonies held in June.

Student trustee report
Student trustee Mia Liu’s report highlighted the Vancouver District Students' Council’s (VDSC) year-end projects and plans. The Arts Gala, with a theme of “Planting Your Roots”, received more than 50 submissions, with winners soon to be announced. Liu informed the Board that VDSC tabled two motions pertaining to their executive structure. She also noted that in celebration of the end of the school year, the VDSC produced a wrap-up video that showcased the council’s achievements, including the fundraising of 250,000 cans for local food hubs.

Board Business
The Board received reports from the June meetings of the Facilities Planning, Education Plan and Policy and Governance committees.

Matters arising from the Facilities Planning meeting in June were brought up during the Board meeting for approval. These included the 2024-2025 Five-Year Capital Plan and project funding requests of the Food Infrastructure Program (FIP). The Board also approved a motion directing staff to begin public engagement activities regarding the consideration to close Sir Guy Carleton Elementary School. The Board also approved the 2023-2024 Feeding Futures School Food Programs Fund spending plan.

Question Period  
At each regularly monthly meeting, the Board provides an opportunity to the public to submit questions to the Board regarding Board business and agenda items. The submission form is open from 12 p.m. the day of Board meeting and closes after the Board receives committee reports during its meeting. This month, two questions were submitted. In response to the first, a question about a specific student’s IEP, chair indicated that it will follow up directly, respecting privacy considerations. In response to a question about the heritage status of Carleton Elementary and potential impacts restrictions may have on the potential closure of the unoccupied school site, the chair explained that no decision has been made yet in regard to closure of the school, and that the site’s age and condition would be included by the Board as the process proceeds. 

Keep up to date with the District’s committee and Board meetings; see the calendar for meeting dates, agendas and livestream links. All recordings of meetings are housed on the District’s YouTube channel. Minutes from committee and Board meetings are also posted online.