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 . 

Career Development Continuous Learning Report 2024-2025

District Principal Tara Malloff presented the Career Development Continuous Learning Report 2024-2025, emphasizing SD8’s commitment to preparing students for life after graduation. Career development in B.C. involves schools, families, and communities working together to help learners develop career-life goals and core competencies.

Principal Malloff highlighted local employer partnerships, efforts to expand access to trades for priority students, and a focus on health and climate-related career options. 

2025-2026 Annual Budget Approved

The Board approved the 2025-2026 Annual Budget Bylaw following a presentation from Secretary-Treasurer Cathy MacArthur. The budget reflects SD8’s strategic priorities, enrolment trends, and funding allocations aligned with the BC School Act. 

The Board approved all three readings of the budget bylaw in one meeting.

2026/27 Major Capital Plan Submission Approved

Director of Operations Chris Kerr presented the Major 2026/27 Capital Plan totaling $18.7 million which covers a proposal to expand Salmo Secondary School to build additional space that would serve as a replacement for the current Salmo Elementary School building and create Salmo Elementary-Secondary School. The Board of Education concluded three readings approved the Major 2026/27 Capital Plan.

Since 2018, SD8 has submitted a proposal for this building expansion. The proposed expansion was also part of the SD8 2021 Long-Range Facilities Plan. 
Necessary upgrades to Salmo Elementary School are made each year using the Annual Facility Grant and the operating grant to ensure a safe, welcoming learning environment for students.

2025-2026 Board Meeting Calendar and Governance Plan

The Board approved the 2025-2026 Board Meeting Calendar and the Governance Framework and Annual Learning Plan. The plan outlines key dates and strategic goals for board learning and accountability in the coming year.

Student Trustee Reports

Kootenay River Secondary – Student Trustee Lecompte

KRSS hosted the UBC traveling medical road show with interactive career stations. Mental Health Week focused the “five ‘c’s’” – careers, connection, community, caring coping and compassion. Mental health activities included videos, a school walk, and ice cream. The senior students launched a water-tag game called “Senior Splash” outside of school hours. Student council have put together a facility proposal to improve boys’ change room privacy.

J.V. Humphries Community School (JVH)– Student Trustees Lamoureux and Zuk

JVH students participated in a K–12 climate hike on May 5 to raise money for the West Kootenay Climate Hub. The Student Parliament created a yearbook and is organizing a field day on May 23 with track sports as well as tug-of-war, water balloon races and a potato sack race. The graduating class is also putting on a talent show and bake sale fundraiser on May 15. Students also enjoyed a school-wide square dance on May 9 that was open to the whole community, and include past grads playing music an community participation. From June 8 to 14, the Outdoor Education program is going to the Sunshine Coast to canoe on the ocean. 

Mount Sentinel Secondary (MSS) – Student Trustee Gretchen

MSS students participated in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), an international study conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to assess the skills and knowledge of 15-year-old students in reading, mathematics, and science. The school will participate in the Moose Hide Campaign Day on May 15 with a student-led assembly, workshops, drumming and sunflower planting, as well as a commitment to end gender-based violence. Students also set up an interactive virtual Highway of Tears walk to educate students about violence affecting Indigenous women and girls and to explore ways to find hope and solutions. MSS will participate in the SD8 Youth Pow Wow on May 16 in Creston. 

Next Meeting

The next Meeting of the Board held in Public is scheduled for June 10, 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.