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.
The Nelson & Area Community Transportation (NACT) presented to the Board. The group outlined how they provide thought leadership and act as a conduit between the Public and the City of Nelson, RDCK, MoTT, and other organizations (e.g. SD8, Police, Chambers of Commerce) to create a forum for input, decision-making, and communication to further active transportation in Nelson and area.
The Kootenay Lake Teachers Association presented information to the Board about a possible future Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure highway project in Creston, and possible future impacts on Kootenay River Secondary School grounds and facilities.
Assistant Superintendent Deanna Holitzki, District Principal Tamara Malloff, and District Teacher Coordinator Cheryl Makeiv presented the 2025–2026 Numeracy Continuous Learning Report, highlighting numeracy as a district-wide priority to improve proficiency for all learners, including Indigenous learners, learners with diverse abilities, children and youth in care, and English language learners.
A three-year action plan (2024–2027) focuses on data-informed instruction, professional learning, and equitable outcomes through a numeracy coherence model that emphasizes making meaningful connections between mathematical concepts, rather than teaching them as isolated, disconnected facts. Key initiatives include early numeracy work in K–3, development of a K–9 Numeracy Framework, and collaboration through Communities of Practice and School Learning Plan Grants.
Assistant Superintendent Holitzki provided an update on upcoming winter celebrations in December that will take place across SD8 schools. Families can contact their schools for more information about winter celebration dates, times and locations.
Trustee Susan Chew was elected by acclamation to her first term as board chair and Trustee Julie Bremner to her second consecutive term as vice-chair at the School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake) Board of Education inaugural meeting on November 4.
Also elected by acclamation were Trustee Murray Shunter who will serve as a provincial councillor for the B.C. School Trustees Association, with Trustee Mary Jane Blackmore as alternate; and Trustee Al Gribbin who will serve as a B.C. Public School Employers’ Association representative, with Chair Susan Chew as alternate.
Student Trustee Fitz-Earle reported an energetic fall season at LVR, highlighting over $3,300 raised for the Terry Fox Foundation, a first-place win for the girls’ junior volleyball team, and student leadership through the multi-grade school house system where all students and staff are divided into four multi-grade “houses” that participate in various intramural games and events. Other events of note include a class trip to the Doukhobor Discovery Centre, an anti-racism event and trips to learn about local industry in the area. Grades 11 and 12 Art students and Wildflower Nelson students will collaborate on an art project. LVR also hosted post-secondary representatives who met with grade 11 and 12 students, and Remembrance Day ceremonies are now planned with students taking leadership roles.
Student Trustee Klassen shared that KRSS hosted spirit week activities through October including a Halloween event. Student Council is planning a “winter wonderland” dance in December and the Art Club has organized a silent auction to benefit school clubs and local charities. Student council is developing a new school “house” system for intramural games and events, and other student leadership opportunities including setting up a debate club, implementing low-cost options for student meals and snacks, and planning for an annual trip to Europe through the KRSS Drama Club. Post-secondary institutions have recently visited KRSS to share education options with senior students.
Student Trustee Cuff reported a busy October with school-wide Halloween events that included door-decorating with prizes, a costume contest, pumpkin carving, candy toss and musical chairs. The school has also been offering hot lunch every Wednesday and snacks all day for anyone who is hungry. The school voted on a new logo for school team clothing.
Student Trustee Chevalier reported a positive and active fall with student council hosting Halloween activities including a haunted hallway and costume contest won by the grade 7/8 Drama class. Participation during this year’s Halloween activities was measured and shown to have increased compared to past years. Students who applied for the popular Youth Train in Trades program found out whether they were accepted or placed on a waiting list. The graduating class is leading fundraisers, and Leadership students are planning winter events while girls’ and boys’ volleyball teams are competing in local and regional volleyball tournaments that also build school community.
The next Meeting of the Board held in Public is scheduled for December 9, 2025.
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 & Public Engagement.