They covered a lot of ground in what turned out to be a lengthy final meeting of the Delta Board of Education for the 2023/24 school year this week.
The agenda for the June 18 meeting at the school board’s administration offices in Ladner included a cheque presentation in the amount of $100,000 to members of the Delta Firefighters’ Charitable Society to assist the firefighters Healthy Snack Program.
Board chair Val Windsor, conveying appreciation for volunteers, said a program expansion could include more fridges and freezers in schools to help firefighters expand the food choices offered.
The funding comes from the new Feeding Futures program provided by the province.
The board then heard various presentations from high school Youth Advisory Committees on their initiatives and events this past year, aimed at improving student experiences including helping them feel safer and more included in their schools.
Assistant Superintendent Brad Bauman remarked the youth councils are all about students supporting their peers.
“They don’t have a singular perspective of what school is all about, believing schools are for everyone,” he said.
Trustee Nick Kanakos said the students’ presentations were a clear example of their passion, wisdom and eloquence.
Those in attendance also heard a presentation by Diane Jubinville, Indigenous Success Coordinator, on National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21), as well as the district’s programs, supports and success stories.
Hoping to put funding for public education at the forefront in the upcoming provincial election, the board also approved an advocacy letter to be sent not only to the current government but the other political parties running for office, as well as Delta’s two current MLAs.
Windsor said the current funding model leaves Delta “at a significant disadvantage” with increasingly negative impacts on students and staff.
The letter outlines several requests including targeted support for students with diverse learning needs.
Trustee Joe Muego agreed with Kanakos saying that it is prudent to push and keep the issue to the front, and not end up with “promises that end up getting lost down the line.”
Windsor said during district budget consultations a comprehensive stakeholder survey as done, but those findings must also be shared with all candidates “to hold their feet to the fire.”
The school board also approved a “wish list” of building upgrades and playground projects, which will be submitted to the province.
That list includes $195,000 for a new accessible playground at Gibson Elementary.
Among the other agenda items was an amendment for the proposed crossing guard program for 2024/25, increasing the number of guards from 29 to 31 at 19 locations. The $126,470 cost would be paid by the City of Delta.
The board also approved a capital bylaw for a land exchange with the city, which plans to build a second artificial turf playing field at Mackie Park.
The exchange will see the city receive 2,029-square-metres of land along the south edge of Mackie Park from the school district. The addition creates a parcel big enough to construct the second synthetic turf field.
In exchange, the district receives two parcels of land, one consisting of 1,956-square metres of passive green space along the western edge of Hellings Park, which is to be incorporated into the grounds of Hellings Elementary School.
