School District #27 Briefs

Bus drop-off and smokeless tobacco highlighted at recent meeting

Following are the highlights of a recent School District #27 (SD27) regular board meeting:

Capital project delays

SD27 secretary-treasurer Kevin Futcher presented his report to the trustees.

Under the Facilities section, he noted District staff has worked diligently to complete outdoor projects before winter arrives.

Several projects were delayed due to the three-month long labour dispute, said. These included the 100 Mile House Elementary School bus drop off, which has now been completed with paving, walkway fencing, removal of an old building and other improvements.

He added the Ministry of Education, Capital Assets Branch will allow school districts to apply to carry forward unused Annual Facilities Grant (AFG) monies resulting from the labour dispute in a one-time-only extension.

Noting SD27 will apply if any projects are left uncompleted with AFG funds remaining after the grant period ends on March 31, Futcher said he expects this to be the case with the winter weather precluding some current projects.

Smokeless tobacco restrictions

The SD27 Smoking and Smokeless Tobacco Policy has been updated to include a ban on electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes).

Trustees acknowledged the importance of providing healthy learning and working environments and the significant health hazard implicit in the use of tobacco products.

Therefore, all smoking – including tobacco, e-cigarettes, smokeless tobacco or the holding of lighted tobacco – are prohibited on all SD27 property and in all its schools, buildings, buses and district vehicles (excepting SD27-owned residences, and with a limited exception for the ceremonial use of tobacco).

No Smoking signs will be posted in all of these areas, and user groups will be advised of these regulations.

 

100 Mile House Free Press