An overview of discussion items and major decisions of the Board of Education of School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake). For meeting agendas/minutes and a schedule of upcoming board meetings, visit sd8.bc.ca/meetings.
Assistant Superintendent Deanna Holitzki and Teacher Coordinator Cheryl Makeiv presented the Early Years Continuous Learning Report for 2025–2026. The report highlights district-wide efforts to support literacy and numeracy growth in kindergarten to grade 3 through consistent assessments, targeted interventions, and professional learning. Priority learners—including Indigenous learners, learners with diverse abilities, English language learners, and children in care—remain a central focus, with evidence-informed strategies designed to support early foundational skills.
Assistant Superintendent Holitzki provided an update on child care provision across the district. SD8 continues to collaborate with community partners and the Ministry of Education and Child Care to expand licensed child care spaces on school grounds. The district operates a Seamless Day program at Winlaw Elementary, and also supports multiple third-party child care providers. Needs assessments indicate demand for additional spaces in Creston and Nelson. Provincial initiatives such as the $10-a-Day ChildCareBC program and fee reduction strategies help to improve affordability for families.
Superintendent Trish Smillie presented the schedule for 2026 graduation ceremonies at SD8 secondary schools happening between June 11 and June 20, 2026, at L.V. Rogers Secondary, Mount Sentinel Secondary, Kootenay River Secondary, Salmo Secondary, Crawford Bay Elementary-Secondary, J.V. Humphries Elementary-Secondary, and Elev8 Homelinks.
Director of Operations Chris Kerr provided a quarterly update on capital projects. Highlights include LED lighting upgrades at Adam Robertson Elementary (design phase), completion of window replacements at Central School by December 2025, and resolution of water system issues at Brent Kennedy Elementary. At Crawford Bay School, drainage improvements and installation of new pumps and digital controls have addressed flooding concerns. These projects are funded through the Minor Capital Operations program, Annual Facility Grant, and Food Infrastructure Program.
The Board announced committee representation for 2025-2026:
Joint Safety Advisory Committee: Trustee Trenaman, Trustee Shunter
Policy Review Committee: Trustee Etheridge (Chair of Policy, Operations and Finance Committee), Chair Chow (Board Chair), Trustee Lang (Trustee appointment)
Accessibility Committee: Trustee Nazaroff (Rep), Trustee Etheridge (Alternate)
Indigenous Education Committee (non-voting member): Vice-Chair Bremner
Superintendent Smillie presented the district’s Recruitment and Retention Framework, outlining work underway to attract, develop, and retain a strong, diverse workforce. Progress includes targeted recruitment strategies, expanded partnerships with post-secondary institutions, flexible and accessible training programs for employees, enhanced onboarding processes, leadership development initiatives, and new wellness and engagement structures. The framework emphasizes employment equity, workplace inclusivity, and supports aligned with Truth and Reconciliation commitments.
L.V. Rogers Secondary (LVR)
Student Trustee Andersen reported that LVR students have been engaged in fundraisers for arts programs including Jazz Band, Dance, Drama and Art classes. Grade 12 Art students collaborated with Wildflower Nelson Elementary students to create the art exhibition, “Monsters in the Details”, on December 4. The LVR Dance Academy performed at the Capitol Theatre and the drama class staged, “The Real Inspector Hound.” In sports, the Junior Boys’ Basketball Invitational was held at the school on December 12 and 13 and students have started a Cheer squad to support school events and sports. The grad class launched the annual Kootenay Passport Coupon Book fundraiser.
Mount Sentinel Secondary (MSS)
Student Trustee Keyes highlighted student leadership during the 2025 'A' Girls Volleyball Provincial Championship hosted November 27-29 at MSS. Students were responsible for managing the introductory walk-on and closing ceremonies, game schedules and also participated as scorekeepers, statisticians and line referees. Academy PM students operated live-cams and other technical aspects of the tournament in cooperation with BC Sports. The grad council decorated the school and a 20-foot Christmas tree and the school hosted a successful holiday market. At the 48-hour Zoom Film Festival, MSS received two award nominations - for sound design and for art direction. MSS student Misha Gretchen won best senior supporting actor that netted her a scholarship for a post-secondary acting program.
Crawford Bay Elementary-Secondary (CBESS)
Student Trustee Hamilton highlighted work done by students and staff to reduce the amount of school-generated waste. After students attended an assembly to learn how much of what was thrown out was actually recyclable, new recycling containers were added at the school and the amount of waste destined for the landfill was reduced by 50% in the span of one month. The school also recently held a successful craft fair and grad planning for the Class of 2026 has begun.
The next Meeting of the Board held in Public is scheduled for January 13, 2026.
These highlights exclude confidential information such as business negotiations, personnel issues and legal matters. For other information or to provide feedback, please contact SD8 Communications & Engagement.
About School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake): Our mission is to inspire and support each learner to thrive in a caring learning environment. We are located in the southern Interior of British Columbia and serve numerous diverse communities in the Kootenays including Crawford Bay, Creston, Kaslo, Meadow Creek, Nelson, Salmo, Slocan, South Slocan, Winlaw, Wynndel, and Yahk. We also serve students across B.C. through our provincial online learning school, Elev8. Our dedicated team focuses on providing the best possible educational opportunities for about 4,700 students and their families.