The Board held its public meeting on May 26, 2025. Watch the meeting or view the full the agenda package. 

Superintendent’s tribute 

At each Board meeting, Superintendent McGregor begins her update with the Superintendent’s Tribute, recognizing the contributions of staff, volunteers and partners. This month, all Neighbourhood Houses across Vancouver were recognized for the vital role they play in supporting children, youth and families through a wide range of programs and services. These community hubs offer everything from after-school care and youth leadership programs to food security initiatives, newcomer support and intergenerational activities. Their longstanding partnership with schools helps ensure students and families are connected, supported and welcomed across the District. 

Superintendent McGregor then celebrated a wide range of student achievements that reflect the creativity, innovation and excellence across the District. Highlights included:

• A University Hill student receiving the David Laugharne Award at the Greater Vancouver Regional Science Fair for developing an AI-powered app that enables hands-free computer-use for individuals with disabilities. 
• International recognition was earned by Lord Byng Secondary’s Senior Choir, which won first place at the prestigious Golden Voices of Montserrat competition in Spain, marking a historic moment for both the school and Canada. 
• Eight VSB students who won gold at the provincial Skills Canada competition are now advancing to the national level—a showcase of top student talent in trades, technology and leadership skills.
• The art exhibit put forward by students in the Artist in Residence (AIRS) program. Currently AIRS is featuring the I AM Resilience exhibition at the Education Centre. 
• Patchwork, a student-led sustainable fashion show spotlighting upcycled designs. 
• The Grade 7 Moving Forward ceremony, which took place earlier this month and honours Indigenous VSB students who transition from elementary to secondary school. 

Superintendent McGregor also acknowledged a few District initiatives including the annual DEI conference, Red Dress Day and the first District-wide Indigenous Professional Development Day. 

The update concluded with the launch of the VSB’s Wellness, Health and Safety Statement, underscoring a District-wide commitment to safe, inclusive and supportive learning and working environments. 

Student trustee report 

Student Trustee Athena Yu provided an update on the Vancouver District Student Council (VDSC), highlighting the ongoing VDSC Arts Gala, which invites student submissions until June 2 under the theme Childhood Nostalgia. Winning entries will be showcased at the VSB Education Centre. Athena also reflected on her recent attendance at the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association (OSTA) Annual General Meeting, where she engaged in discussions on student well-being, public education and Truth and Reconciliation. Yu expressed enthusiasm about sharing these insights back to VDSC. 

Board business

Under old business, the Board read, passed and adopted the final reading of the 2025-2026 Annual Budget Bylaw. 

Reports were then received from the Finance and Personnel Committee and the Policy and Governance Committee meetings held in May. Under matters arising, the Board approved the school fee schedules for the 2025-2026 school year. 

Two Notices of Motion were presented to the Board. The first, which was approved, allocates $80,000 from the Contingency Reserve to support summer clinic psychoeducational assessments. The second was a notice from Board Chair Jung, advising that she will bring forward a motion about a universal food program at the next public Board meeting. 

Question period

At each public meeting, the Board invites questions from the public on governance and agenda items. This month, a question was submitted about how the District supports secondary-level arts programming. Board Chair Jung responded that arts education is part of the K–12 curriculum. Secondary students are required to complete arts courses to graduate. Students have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of elective offerings. Course selection is guided by student interest, allowing for deeper exploration and specialization in various artistic disciplines.