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Public opinion sought on catchment changes

The Vernon School District is seeking public feedback on potential catchment area adjustments
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While some schools in the Vernon school district sit above the capacity line, others are being under-utilized, a report to Vernon School District states.

The boundary review sub-committee recommended at Wednesday’s board of education meeting that the board adjusts Ellison Elementary and Okanagan Landing Elementary catchment areas.

“At Okanagan Landing Elementary, they need a portable,” said boundary review committee manager Robyn Stephenson. “At Ellison, they have two classrooms. We’re definitely at a place where schools are over capacity and we need to find a way to address that.”

The board of education approved a public consultation of the recommendations regarding changes to Ellison and Okanagan Landing catchment areas prior to a decision being made.

Meanwhile, the board updated the process for grandfathering at Coldstream Elementary after a recent catchment area reconfiguration affected several families in the area.

In an effort to keep incoming children with their older siblings, the board voted to allow transfer for Coldstream kindergarten siblings provided there is adequate space, while still leaving room for catchment area students.

Finances balanced

Despite dipping into its contingency reserve, the Vernon School District reports clean, balanced books for 2017.

Due to an unexpected WorkSafeBC fine of $620,000, the district utilized $404,663 from its contingency reserve, leaving the reserve marginally below the recommended surplus range. However, district management will look at ways of restoring the reserve.

Grant revenue also saw an increase over the past year, rising faster than enrolment and wage growth.

“Because of that extra funding, we’ve been able to put more funding into our schools,” said assistant secretary-treasurer Adrian Johnson.

Special Olympics BC seeks partnership

It’s the peak of provincial winter sport for special needs athletes in B.C., and, with the help of the Vernon School District, the city could host the 2019 Special Olympics BC Winter Games.

“We have never held provincial games in Vernon and would love to make this happen,” said Special Olympics BC manager of sports Leslie Thornley. “Special Olympics BC understands the tight budgetary restraints that schools find themselves in and we would compensate the school district for hard costs connected with this partnership.”

The board will take the information under consideration for decision at a later date. The games would take place February 2019.

Chairs elected

Before discussion could get underway, the Vernon School District sought to elect a board chair and vice-chair for the 2017/18 school year.

An uncontested Kelly Smith once again claimed the title of board chair. Also a repeat winner, Mitzi Fortin was voted in as vice-chair, despite competition from trustee Robert Lee who was nominated by trustee Lisa Deboer.