Swan Valley School Division Minutes – February 8, 2021


Swan Valley
School Division

Executive Summary of the
February 8, 2021

Submitted by:
Jon Zilkey,
Superintendent/CEO

1. The Board examined Policy 9: Board and Superintendent/CEO Relationship

2. The Maintenance Supervisor, Chris Staniland, gave his annual detailed report to the Board outlining completed maintenance tasks, including water testing at all SVSD building locations. This is a new requirement. He also discussed capital projects on the Division’s list. Chris talked about the unique challenges that maintenance has faced, including Covid, and then he answered questions. A very thorough and well done presentation on Maintenance in SVSD.

3. The Board approved the calendar for the 2021-2022 school year. The first day back for staff will be September 7, with semester one running until February 4, and semester two starting on February 7.

4. The Board reviewed a report from the SVRSS Home School Liaison Worker and the positive work that is being done.

5. The Superintendent informed the Board that the Manitoba Learning Centre will be closing at the end of this school year (formerly the Manitoba Text Book Bureau).

6. The Board reviewed and approved the Division’s involvement in a Brandon University Study on ICT in SVSD, and the changes that have been made due to Covid.

7. The Board discussed a proposed capital project with provincial grant money for SVRSS upgrades to equipment and space at the multi-purpose room, band room and gymnasium. This money is separate from the normal budget that needs to be spent in these areas or will be given to other divisions. The Board looked at the proposal from a company perspective, and SVRSS will support it with the understanding that the project stays within budget and no SVSD finances are used. Final approvals by the province are required to secure the funds.

8. The Secretary-Treasurer discussed the funding announcement for the 2021-2022 budget. While there are still many things to be considered, the province’s decision to restrict raising the special levy will be good for the rate payer. However, this announcement will be extremely challenging for SVSD as it results in no real increase in revenue, with expenses going up potentially at a high rate. This will result in the potential for many reductions in the Division that the Board will need to work through. The budget consultation presentation is scheduled for March 3, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom.
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Minutes of the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees held in the Division Office Board Room on February 8, 2021 commencing at 7:00 p.m. (unapproved)
The following were present:
Chair: G. Wowchuk
Vice-Chair: W. Schaffer
Trustees: D. Burghart
L. Evans – electronic
K. Highmoor – electronic
K. Riehl – electronic
V. Rooks – electronic
Superintendent: J. Zilkey
Secretary-Treasurer: B. Rausch

Addition to Agenda

By Board consensus the following addition to the Agenda was approved:
16.4.3 SVRSS Project

Resolutions:
R1 D. Burghart, L. Evans:
THAT the Minutes of the regular meeting of January 25, 2021, be adopted.
CARRIED

R2 V. Rooks, K. Riehl:
THAT the Board move to In-Camera.
CARRIED

R3 K. Highmoor, D. Burghart:
THAT the Board move out of In-Camera.
CARRIED

R4 W. Schaffer, L. Evans:
THAT as per the Superintendent’s Report, 7.1.6, the Swan Valley School Division Calendar for the year 2021/2022, be approved.
CARRIED

R5 D. Burghart, K. Riehl:
THAT as per the Report of the Secretary-Treasurer, 8.2, general cheques numbering 56458 to 56527 and 2661 to 2671, transfers (bank fees) and EFT’s, which includes general and payroll in the amount of $1,863,090.02 for the month ending December 31, 2020, be approved for payment.
CARRIED

R6 L. Evans, V. Rooks:
THAT the Board move to In-Camera.
CARRIED

R7 K. Riehl, K. Highmoor:
THAT the Board move out of In-Camera.
CARRIED

R8 V. Rooks, W. Schaffer:
THAT the Staffing Reports of the Superintendent/CEO, 7.2 and 16.2.1, be ratified.
CARRIED

R9 L. Evans, K. Highmoor:
THAT we do now adjourn at 11:00 p.m.
CARRIED