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 .
Director of Indigenous Education Laury Carrière presented the Cultural and Identity Development Continuous Learning Report 2024-2025. The report outlines SD8’s efforts to promote inclusive, equitable learning environments that reflect Indigenous worldviews, increase student belonging, and support human rights and anti-racism education.
Key areas of focus include professional learning for staff on cultural safety, humility, and anti-racism; initiatives that promote Indigenous culture and identity such as drumming, dancing, and language programming; support for 2SLGBTQIA+ students and representation in the school curriculum; and equity monitoring through student voice and survey data.
Schools will mark the National Day of Mourning by lowering flags on April 28 in remembrance of those affected by workplace tragedies, reaffirming SD8’s commitment to safe and healthy work environments.
Secretary-Treasurer Cathy MacArthur presented the balanced preliminary budget based on enrolment projections and Ministry of Education and Child Care allocations. SD8 will continue to focus on strategic priorities that include classroom support and climate action.
The Board approved the school fees for the 2025-2026 school year. Fees were developed by school principals with school community input and are supported by financial hardship policies to ensure equitable access.
The Board passed all three readings of the 2025-2026 Capital Plan Bylaw in one evening. Planned capital projects total $1.34M and include infrastructure upgrades across the district.
All policies are available on the SD8 Board Policies and Administrative Procedures page.
Policies approved:
L.V. Rogers Secondary - Student Trustee Solarik
Mount Sentinel Secondary - Student Trustees Gretchen & Metcalf
The next Meeting of the Board held in Public is scheduled for May 13, 2025.
These highlights exclude confidential information such as business negotiations, personnel issues and legal matters. For other information or to provide feedback, please contact our Communications & Engagement Manager at 250-352-6681 or engagement@sd8.bc.ca
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.