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 Holitizki presented information about the 2025–2026 School Food Program to the Board: SD8 will receive $597,706 from the Feeding Futures initiative and $122,231 through the new National School Food Program. These funds will expand access to school food for vulnerable students, with over 3,000 students expected to benefit. Programs such as Fresh for Kids and Indigenous food equity supports will continue as well.
Director Ben Eaton updated the Board about the Student Trustee Program and the District Student Voice Framework. The program, in place since 2018, has support students to communicate their perspectives to the Board of Education, and to learn about governance and leadership.
Superintendent Trish Smillie and Director Laury Carrière presented information about the Indigenous Education Council (IEC) to the Board of Education. Each board of education in B.C. is required to establish and maintain an IEC. The IEC supports and advises the SD8 Board to provide comprehensive and equitable education and support services for Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) students and improve Indigenous student outcomes, integrate Indigenous worldviews and perspectives, advise on grants available for to Indigenous education and students, and to ensure respect for local First Nations in whose territories boards operates. An example is giving priority to local cultural content, protocols, and language.
A Board of Education representative has been invited to attend Indigenous Education Council (IEC) meetings as a non-voting member to listen and convey information back to the Board of Education so all trustees are informed about IEC initiatives and decisions. Trustees were invited to express interest in the role by September 12, 2025.
Director Laury Carrière provided an update to the Board on activities across SD8 for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Informed by consultation with the Indigenous Education Council, schools will host assemblies, engage Elders and Knowledge Keepers, and embed reconciliation into year-round curriculum and learning practices.
The Board approved the audited financial statements prepared by Secretary-Treasurer Cathy MacArthurfor the year ending June 30, 2025. The Board received a clean audit report with no deficiencies or errors provided by an independent auditor. The district remains in a stable financial position with an accumulated surplus of $4.398 million, aligned with Board policy and Ministry of Education and Child Care expectations and requirements.
Secretary-Treasurer Cathy MacArthur presented the 2024–2025 Statement of Financial Information (SOFI) to the Board. The SOFI includes audited financial statements, debt schedules, executive remuneration, and vendor payments. The report will be submitted to the Ministry by December 31, 2025, and posted to the district website.
Director Chris Kerr updated the Board about current capital projects, including progress on HVAC upgrades, energy efficiency retrofits, and planning for future window replacements. Director Kerr also provided information to the Board about preparations for extreme heat events.
The Board approved the 2026–2027 Minor Capital Plan submission totaling $1.863 million. Projects include $1.4 million in School Enhancement Program upgrades for window replacement and sprinklers, $463,000 for HVAC systems under the Carbon Neutral Capital Program, and funding for six new buses.
The next Meeting of the Board held in Public is scheduled for October 14, 2025 in Creston.
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.