School District : 73 Kamloops/Thompson
Policy Subject : BOARD GOALS
Date Passed : March 23, 2009
Date Amended : NA
Policy : BOARD GOALS

Policy No. 101.1
Date Approved: March 23, 2009
Date Amended:

The Board of Education seeks to support the Core Values and Mission Statement by maintaining an active and responsive approach to governance and by giving priority to the following specific goals.

1. To enhance learner performance by:
• adopting as a priority, improved student achievement in literacy, numeracy, social responsibility at all grade levels and reducing the achievement gap with First Nations students;
• supporting student achievement by adopting best practices;
• supporting the Kamloops/Thompson "Aboriginal Enhancement Agreement";
• continuing to implement the Board approved principles recommended through a Long Term Planning process; and,
• improving secondary completion rates.

2. To support safe and healthy schools and workplaces by:
• maintaining safe and secure learning and working environments;
• continuing to develop and implement a comprehensive safe and healthy schools program in partnership with others;
• promoting physical fitness, good nutrition and healthy life styles;
• reviewing student conduct and incident reports and conducting hearings or appeals as required; and,
• enhancing quality of work life through employee wellness initiatives.

3. To support efficient and appropriate facility use by:
• monitoring of enrolment patterns to develop contingency plans to meet instances of overcrowding or declining enrolments;
• supporting joint use initiatives with other levels of government where appropriate; and,
• embracing the use of energy conserving technologies.

4. To manage finances efficiently by:
• preparing and enacting balanced budgets as required by the School Act;
• incorporating regular financial and committee reports into Board proceedings;
• continuing to lobby for sufficient funding to meet all obligations; and,
• exploring alternate funding sources.

5. To communicate effectively by:
• reporting student achievement results to parents and to the public;
• celebrating and recognizing the successes of students and staff;
• advocating for public education as a Board and through the British Columbia School Trustees Association;

• encouraging parent involvement through Parent Advisory Councils, School Planning Councils and the District Parent Advisory Council;
• conducting public business of the Board in an open and public forum; and,
• supporting liaison between community partners and Thompson Rivers University; and,
• sharing of accurate public information while ensuring the privacy of individual learners.

6. To develop a rich learning environment by:
• supporting programs for gifted learners;
• continuing support for fine arts programs;
• supporting the international student initiative;
• supporting the French Immersion programs;
• maintaining and enhancing First Nations language and cultural programs;
• introducing students to post secondary education and career opportunities;
• supporting locally developed courses and language programs;
• monitoring and encouraging the Career Technical Centre program in partnership with Thompson Rivers University;
• supporting alternative delivery models for education;
• maintaining local partnerships with community agencies, community partners and all levels of government;
• supporting programs for school readiness and life long learning; and,
• continuing to support schools of choice.

7. To enhance human resources by:
• managing negotiations and contract implementation responsibly;
• maintaining the long-term employee recognition program;
• encouraging staff development opportunities;
• supporting the Leadership Development program; and,
• recognizing passion and enthusiasm in our staff.