Board Meeting Highlights | September 16, 2026

Board Meeting Highlights

Unofficial Summary of the Public Board Meeting, held September 16, 2026

The Board of Education

Board’s Annual Work Plan 2026/2027 | The Board adopted the 2026/2027 Board Annual Work Plan. The plan outlines Ministry and BCSTA obligations, as well as key timelines for the year ahead. 

School Trustee Elections | Candidates have been declared for the October 17 School Trustee Election. 

District Updates

Indigenous Education Council | On October 6, the District will meet with rights holders at W̱SÁNEĆ School Board Office for the first IEC meeting of the 2026/2027 School Year. 

2025 Enhancing Student Learning Report | The Board approved the 2026 Enhancing Student Learning Report, an annual review of progress toward district strategic goals and provincial educational outcomes. Based primarily on 2024-2025 student data, this abbreviated report provides an interim update in the district’s three-year reporting cycle.

Finances and Budget

2025/2026 Audit Report and Financial Statements | The Board received a clean audit opinion from KPMG, the external auditors, confirming that the district’s 2025/2026 financial statements revealed no issues of concern. The Board approved the 2025/2026 Audited Financial Statements for the year ending June 30, 2026.The Financial Statement Discussion and Analysis Report showed that the district recorded a $444,000 operating deficit, including $251,000 in capital asset purchases funded from accumulated surplus. The district ended the fiscal year with an Operating Accumulated Surplus of $2.3 million. The district continues to monitor enrolment trends while planning for the potential financial impacts of transitioning out of Funding Protection.

Facilities Planning | The Board approved the Five-Year Capital Plan – Minor Submission. Funding requests include: building upgrades to Saturna, Fernwood, Fulford and Gulf Islands Secondary Schools; accessibility upgrades & playground replacement at Mayne Island School; heat pump upgrades at PIESS; and enhancements to the district’s Food Program. The Long Range Facilities Plan is available on the district website, and the Five-year Capital Plan – Minor submission can be viewed in the public meeting package.

Facilities – Summer Work Projects | Summer facilities projects, some of which are still in progress, include the GISS Phase 3 roof replacement, Fulford School HVAC upgrade, GISS cafeteria renovations, SSE accessible playground enhancements, Fernwood gym floor refinishing, interior painting at several district properties, and parking lot line painting. 

Policy Committee 

Policy Amendments | Amendments to Policy 2.10 Inclusive and Respectful Environments, Policy 2.20 Sexual Identity, Gender Diversity and Gender Expression and Policy 2.70 Use of Board Property for Child Care were approved. Policies are available for viewing in the Policies & Administrative Practices Library.