Board Meeting Highlights | April 8, 2026

Unofficial Summary of the Public Board Meeting, held April 8, 2026

The Board 

VISTA | The Vancouver Island School Trustees’ Association meeting was held in Cowichan on March 5-6. The district’s presentation, Walking in Both Worlds, which highlighted the connection between governance and classroom practices, was very positively received.

BCSTA Motions | Trustees and staff will attend the BC School Trustee Association Annual General Meeting, taking place April 9-11 in Vancouver. Boards of Education from across the province will consider several motions during the AGM.

District Updates 

GISS Student Council | Members of the Gulf Islands Secondary School Student Council have been focusing on their student interview process to gather student perspectives on learning. Student Council is also working to strengthen connections between students and staff. 

IEC Update | The next Indigenous Education Council meeting will take place on the May 4 at Gulf Island’s Secondary School. In the afternoon, the group will visit the land at Xwaaqw'um to learn about ongoing projects.

Superintendent’s Update| The How Are We Doing report highlighting outcomes for Indigenous students, and the 2025 School District Report were shared to support improved student outcomes with a focus on both academic achievement and student well-being. While the district’s transition and completion rates exceed provincial averages, the Student Learning Survey results indicate that continued efforts are needed to support student well-being. Changes in attendance patterns among Indigenous learners, declining absenteeism in Kindergarten to Grade 7 and increasing in Grades 8 to 12, will be an area of focus moving forward.

Staffing & Enrolment | Projected enrolment for the 2026-2027 school year shows a slight decline compared to September 2025 enrolment. School configuration planning and staffing processes for the upcoming school year have begun.

Finances and Budget

Monthly Financial Report | The March expenditure report indicates spending is slightly under amended budget by 0.5%, with 73% of the fiscal year completed. 

Capital Plan and Response Letter | The Board approved the Bylaw to receive funding for several capital projects, including roofing updates at GISS, HVAC improvements at Fulford School, $100,000 for school kitchens, and the purchase of an electric school bus. 

Bus Registration | School bus registration for the 2026-2027 school year is open April 1-30.

Chief Elections Officer | Secretary Treasurer Guy will serve as Chief Election Officer for the upcoming School Trustee elections to be held on October 17, 2026.

Policy Committee

Bylaw Approved | Bylaw #1 Trustee Elections was adopted and will be posted in the Policies & AP Library section of the district website.