Approve Policy 6 Trustee Remuneration
Motion 5 · Open Board Meeting, May 27, 2026
Summary
- Proposed a new standalone Policy 6 to formalize how trustee remuneration is reviewed and updated, replacing provisions previously embedded in Policy 7.
- The policy requires a formal remuneration review during the final year of each board term, with any resulting changes applying only to the subsequent board, not the board conducting the review.
- The policy sets the chair's remuneration at 30% above the base trustee rate and the vice chair's at 15% above base, increased from the current approximate differentials of 8% and 6%.
- Supporters argued the differentials reflect the substantially greater time commitment of the chair and vice chair roles, and that competitive remuneration helps attract candidates from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
- One trustee opposed, arguing the increases were inappropriate given recent budget decisions that cut district teacher-librarians, youth and family workers, and other classroom supports; that higher pay does not attract better candidates; and that the new board should set its own remuneration.
- Secretary-Treasurer confirmed the policy does not change current trustees' pay; the automatic annual CPI increment to base pay continues regardless, and any new differential rates would only apply to trustees elected in October 2026.
- A procedural motion to postpone consideration until December 2026 was defeated before the main motion proceeded.
Vote
Public comments
Read all 6 statements
Transcript
40 segments
hand the chair back to you because I need to speak on the motion that's coming up thank you okay so we will go I'd like to ask for someone to move that the board approved policy six trustee remuneration and expenses and further that the board rescind trustee remuneration and expenses Guidelines set out in Appendix B of Policy 7 Board Operations. Moved by Trustee Richardson, seconded by Trustee Freedcoat. Thank you very much. I'd like to open discussion. Trustee Richardson, would you like to open? Sorry, is your...
Thank you, Chair. And I hadn't realized that I would, so I have prepared remarks. The matter of remuneration of board members is... is an interesting issue in that it could be seen as a conflict in the sense that we are discussing our own remuneration. But I think that this report clearly indicates that the committee has examined the various matters in terms of what others are doing in terms of remuneration. and have looked at what other similar districts are doing. And in favour of this, I think there was a great deal of thought to it. I guess we probably should turn this over to someone who is not moving forward or seeking to gain re-election to eliminate this, but I think that this report reflects the fact that this is a getting elected is is a choice but that to encourage people to to perform this function that it is appropriate that they be appropriately remunerated and therefore this reflects a that careful deliberation and I would seek approval of the report as circulated estima
i'm going to try to move a motion so i would like to move that we postpone consideration of the approval of policy 6 until the december 2026 board meeting tech is there a seconder
I'll second for discussion.
Okay, Trustee Ma.
Yeah, the reason why I'd like to postpone consideration of this motion is sort of echoing what Trustee Richardson had just talked about, that we are right now, this motion in front of us contemplates giving increases to the Chair and to the Vice Chair salaries, remuneration, I should say. for starting in September. And I believe that the new board should be responsible for looking at this and... Okay, somebody pointed to the motion. So are you asking me if this is what I wanted to move?
I'm sorry, keep speaking to your... We're working in the back end to get the appropriate... I believe staff are working to get it up there. You can continue. Thank you very much.
So... think it's important for the new board to look at this draft and to say is this the direction that the new board wants to go in terms of the remuneration and i think for us to do this now seeing that it's almost the end of our term doesn't seem to be right and so i would urge people to defer and to postpone this until december
Sorry, we're a little delayed when we edit, and that's why it says December 202, but it's coming.
Thank you.
We'll just wait for one moment for it to update because it's molasses uphill at this point. It's a little slow.
Trustee Ma, I'd like to ask if that looks...
I think it should say that the Board postponed consideration of the approval of Policy 6.
Of approval of? Of the approval of Policy 6. Okay.
Wonderful. Thank you. I'm going to go to Trustee Zeng, who would like to speak to the motion on the floor.
The amendment. OK, thanks chair through the chair. My personal concern is not about the timing of such a motion or the timing of any changes to the policy. I think it's. It's probably fair and adequate that the changes come. Public meetings with basically full transparency. Where all the constituents of the trustees can see, what led up to the decision making and what kind of process was followed and what kind of discussion was had leading up to a decision on anything, but on remuneration specifically, I think transparency is probably the most important aspect, not the timing.
Trustee Fraser. I'm a little confused about something you said, Trustee Maher. My understanding is that the trustee remuneration increases by the CPI every September, but the increase would not apply until this board, until the new board is elected. So I think you said that the increase would come in September, but I don't think that's correct. Do you have a question for Trustee Ma or is that a statement? Can you clarify if you said that the increase for trustees will come in September? Because my reading of the policy is that it would come with the new board.
So my answer to that question is the graph that was given in the supporting documents shows September 1st.
That's on page 24 of 35 of the agenda package.
Okay, I'm going to make a quick comment on this. I think it's absolutely inappropriate for the board to set its own remuneration. It creates a clear conflict of interest as members are effectively deciding their own pay. I think it undermines public trust and accountability. And since compensation decisions should be made independently, they made independently to ensure their fair. and that they're transparent and that they're aligned with the organization's best interests rather than personal interests. And so I will not support this. Are there any other comments before we go to...
Yes. Sorry, maybe I'm misunderstanding approval.
I'm getting a lot, sorry. I don't see any hands. Would you please clarify the policy? Thank you very much.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I just want to clarify for trustees the policy language that we have included and also the September 1 date that Trustee Ma was referring to. So first of all, in policy, page 25 of 35 of the agenda, the timing of the review of trustee remuneration is contemplated as being during the last year of each board term. that's when the board will conduct a formal review of trustee remuneration. The implementation clause is on page 26, 2.3, decision and implementation timing. And this states, any changes to trustee remuneration resulting from the review shall be approved by board motion, apply only to the subsequent board term, and not take effect during the term in which the review is conducted. So if this policy was in effect and this board was conducting a review, this board could not determine their own compensation or changes to the base compensation. The only change that is automatic and it's included in the current policy is effective September 1, the base compensation is incremented by CPI. And that is so what we've disclosed for the public on page 29 is the current level of trustee remuneration. So that is as of September 1, 2025. Those are the levels of trustee remuneration in the school district. This policy does not contain any specific recommendations with respect to trustee remuneration effective September 1, 2026. or any changes to trustee remuneration in the current term. So if this policy was adopted today, the board will then have to actually initiate the review, approve new levels of compensation, and those would only apply to the trustees that get elected in October.
Question to you, Secretary, Treasurer, then should this be postponed? It would be another term. before changes would be made?
If this policy was not adopted by this board, but it would be deferred to a future board and the policy is drafted would be adopted by the next board, then the next review of remuneration would happen in 2030. and those changes to remuneration would be implemented for the term starting in 2030.
Trustee Ma. OK, thank you very much for that clarification. So how does the information on agenda package 26 of 35, where it looks at benchmarking and it looks at the chair's remuneration and the vice chair's remuneration, how does that impact on the september uh cpi and going forward like does the board then does the new board then have to debate that and they can change that 30 and that 50 15 or is it set in stone if we pass this um this motion not this motion but the the the other motion um so if the policy is adopted those percentages are then
part of the policy, so set in policy, which the policy can be amended by the board in the future. So in terms of application of this policy, this is like if the board wishes to be very clear that this policy will only apply to the next board, you can absolutely amend the approval of policy motion to state that any changes to trustee remuneration would only apply to the board that will be elected in October 2026.
Would anyone who has not spoken like to ask a question or speak?
Okay. Is there anyone at all who, any more questions before we go to the vote? Trustee Fraser.
Just to make a comment that I do think it's appropriate that the outgoing board makes the changes to the remuneration because it's very difficult to set your own pay level. So this is setting it for the next board. That's a common, from what I understand, that's a common practice in school districts in BC. And so that is, I've heard from other trustees that this is what they do. I think that this is appropriate if the new board that will be elected in October can change policy or act beyond policy or make decisions as they wish. But I think this would take the remuneration looking at the local districts and set an appropriate level.
So we're just speaking to what we see on the board right now. so sorry i was ahead of the uh ahead of the motion i am not in support of postponing i guess i guess that i was speaking to not postponing okay any other comments before vote okay uh those in favor of what's uh on the table right now trustee ma those opposed trustees zhang richardson chan friedcoat uh fraser and young okay we now go it was it uh it was not
supported so we'll go back to the original motion on the table um is there any additional discussion or comments trust trust email go ahead okay so so as publicly elected school trustees we should be very cautious about giving ourselves large raises because we are stewards of public trust These proposed significant self-approved pay increases undermine credibility with our voters, parents, and school staff. It's not right to pass this policy that would see the chair getting 30% more than other trustees and the vice chair getting 15% more than other trustees. The current remuneration sees a differential of about 8% more for the chair and 6% for the vice chair. We just passed the budget where we all agreed that our district is underfunded. Education funding has been frozen province-wide. We just made difficult decisions that cut the district teacher librarian position, youth and family workers, staffing to support vision impaired, and hospital homebound support. We should not be prioritizing ourselves over students. I ran to take on trustee work because I believe in public education and I want our classrooms properly funded. While I understand that there is more work involved in being the chair and the vice chair, these positions should be viewed and taken on as an honor to serve the public. As the public elected us to office, the public should also have a say in whether trustee remuneration should increase. Also, This is not the time to review this policy right before our fall civic elections. This issue should be dealt by the new board. And it's for these reasons that I'm going to be voting in opposition to this motion. When I went home and I thought about this some more when I saw it on the agenda, it really upset me and I didn't run for office to get an increase in pay. I think this sets up the new board because of the huge increases possibly that it actually will further politicize the board and we are supposed to be working as a team and I cannot vote in favor of this.
Trustee Zeng.
Thanks. So through the chair, I will just say that I think one of the most direct ways that we can motivate and create an incentive structure to have more qualified, more competent and effective leadership and governance in our democratic institutions is to raise their pay. That way the pay is more competitive and it becomes a more of an attractive position for more talented more motivated individuals. That being said, the other on the other side of the equation in the draft policy, it does differentiate quite a bit between the chair and the rest of the trustees, which is somewhat understandable because in the role of the chair, you do have to take on quite a bit more responsibility. And for example, your name is signed on every public letter that the school board issues. And et cetera and et cetera. I think through our discussion, we've established that the way that the policy is set up, in effect, it is not voting in higher pay for us existing trustees immediately, and that if you change the policy, it only applies to the next elected board. The logical conclusion from what I said earlier is that we if this is all done in public and then there's transparency with the decision-making process as we are uh demonstrating right now to me i see no problem with the process and the policy the way that we've brought brought it out so i guess that's all i see any other comments trustee fraser
So I would say that this is done in public. This has been published for committee. We've had discussion at committee. The original differentiation for chair and vice chair was 40 and 20%. And after the discussion at committee, it was reduced to 30 and 15%. I've been the chair and the vice chair, and it is a lot more work than being a trustee. I think that it is an honor to serve. but it also is time. And I don't think we should undervalue the time of people who are doing this work. I want the next board to be successful. I want the vice chair and the chair to be successful. I think this is one element in supporting the success of the next board. They will be elected by the people of Vancouver and from amongst themselves, they will elect a chair and vice chair and the board as a whole. can make any changes they wish to remuneration policy. So I think we, as our board, we can set them up well, but once they are elected as the board, they have the power to act as they wish.
Trustee Richardson, did you have something to say?
Thank you, Chair. I speak in favor of this motion. I think, in fact, we can this isn't the time and the place to talk about the fact that the government has frozen funding which is in fact cutting our funding i think this this is a separate matter this is recognizing a fact that has been long understood around this table that the responsibilities maybe i would suggest the responsibilities of all trustees are the same but it is the time commitment to encourage people to step forward and put their name forward for chair and vice chair. This is simply a recognition of that. So the base salary is not being touched. What we're simply recognizing is that the differential, which has long been apparent or long been present, needs to reflect reality. So I think that it is the responsibility of this board to set the next board up for success. and although it pains me that that the decisions that we had through the budget process to make cuts this is a separate matter and i believe that this reflects what is right for this board as we move forward and i would encourage my fellow trustees to support this motion as presented
Okay, seeing no other comments, I'd like to just comment. For school trustees, I think that remuneration should be fair and competitive to attract and retain capable, dedicated individuals who reflect the communities we serve. And we heard other trustees comment on what it means to attract good and talented folk. Grounding compensations in principles of equity helps ensure people from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds can afford to participate, rather than limiting the roles to those with independent means. And those sitting around this table have very different means. In considering any increases, I think ultimately trustees are acting as stewards for future boards. So setting a level of compensation in good faith and trusting that those who will follow in our footsteps will carry the same responsibilities and deserve to be supported to do the work effectively, which is why I will be supporting this motion. Those in favor. Oh, trustee Ma, go ahead.
So this moved...
OK, I when I say I don't see any other hands and I'm going to speak because the chair usually speaks last and is not part of debate. Usually it's just a comment at the end. I will trust him. You are the queen of process, so I know that you understand that and I will let you speak now, but please in future respect the process. Thank you chair.
So I just like to rebut what some of my fellow trustees have said so. I don't believe that offering more pay attracts better people. I think that people run for office because they want to be involved in education and shaping our school district and supporting students and parents and the staff. And I didn't apply to be a trustee. I didn't look at the remuneration amount. I applied because I wanted to be a part of the system. Somebody else talked about amount of time. that the chair and the vice chair puts in. Yes, they do put in a lot of time, but I know that other trustees also put in time. And when we talk about time, what constitutes? Are we talking about hours? Are we talking about the quality of engagement that we have with the parents and the public and students? And are we saying in effect that because we're contemplating this huge differential, are we saying that base level trustees don't put in the time? We know that there are trustees that don't attend every meeting. So are we going to then say that we're going to start keeping track? Well, we do keep track of attendance. And are we then going to say, you know, if you miss so many meetings that you get a less remuneration. So I think the value of time and the amount of time should not be seen as a reason for this and another person another trustee said that this is separate from the budget and that the budget is one thing and this is another thing but money is money and it comes out of operations and when we're talking about cuts to the system and dollars not in the classrooms for trustees to say well we deserve this much more pay. I'm sorry, but my money goes back into the classroom because that's where the support is needed. Thank you.
Trustee Fraser, I gave Trustee Ma the opportunity to speak, so I am grudgingly giving you the opportunity to speak. Go ahead.
So I appreciate that some trustees may not run and may not look may not run. when they run may not consider the remuneration available, but that's not the case for all trustees. You have to have the time to be a trustee and you have to have your other life, your other work, your other employment, your other responsibilities fit around being a trustee. So I think for some trustees, the amount that you get paid to do the job is very important. And I think some people do not run for trustees because they are not able to make that work for their life. The income is not sustainable for the amount of time they have to commit to the work. I can also speak to the role of the chair and the vice chair. There is a policy about the role of the chair and the vice chair, and that outlines the work that they do and the additional responsibilities that they hold. We did have the opportunity through discussing this at policy and governance, the remuneration, there was discussion about having a sort of attendance-based payment and the discussion at committee was that that would be impractical. So it is certainly something that a future board can consider. This board did consider it and stuck with the base pay for trustees.
Okay, I recognize that I didn't follow my own process. So now I have a list of other trustees who'd like to speak and I'm going to allow it. So we're gonna go to trust, okay, Trustee Freedcoat and then Trustee Zeng.
Thank you, Chair. I wasn't gonna speak, but after listening to everyone's comments, I just have a couple of questions for Secretary Tresher. So every time there's a, There's a new board that's going to come. It has been a practice that before the election time, the previous board decide on the trustee remuneration rate.
Vancouver does not have that policy in place currently. The review of the record up to the last two boards only shows that the existing remuneration, which I could not find any records that showed how the base remuneration was determined. It was just incremented by CPI every September. That was the only policy that existed. So in recent history, the base remuneration for trustees in Vancouver has not been reviewed. And this practice that is contemplated in this policy has not existed in Vancouver, but it does exist in other school districts in British Columbia.
Thank you. Just want to make a comment. When I'm looking at how much each trustees in different district makes, I mean, you can look at the amount of enrollment and how much the trustees are making. It is a service to the community. At the same time, I do want to echo what Trustee Fraser has said about there's a lot of things that the trustees are spending their time on. And, you know, these are the things that motivate them to run for office. And this is not for the current board. This is for the future board. So, you know, I am in favor of this motion. Trustee Zhang, would you like to speak?
Thank you. Are there any last comments before we go to a vote?
OK. I just want to bring us back to equity and one of the guiding principles of the board, which is why I will be supporting this. All those in favor. Trustee Zeng, Richardson, Chen, Freedcoat, Fraser and Young, those opposed. Trustee Ma. OK, the motion carries.
That was 5.3 point. One. Nope. So we are going to 5.3.3 on the agenda tonight. Matters arising, and I'm looking at Trustee Ma. Do you have more matters arising?
Statement Watch
Please. This is a favorite part for me of every board meeting, so the superintendents tribute. The Vancouver School District is pleased to recognize the Sarah McLachlan School of Music as an outstanding community partner whose longstanding collaboration has enriched the learning experiences of thousands of ESB students. This evening we are pleased to welcome. Marlo Holder, Operations Manager, Robin Lane, Community Engagement Coordinator, Andrea Unraw, Director of Programming, Kim Leary, Admissions Manager, and Sue Bowman, Board Chair. Since 2010, the School of Music has worked alongside VSB schools to provide three distinct streams of accessible, inclusive, and high quality music education opportunities. The first stream, the Artists in Residence program places School of Music instructors in elementary schools to deliver a series of classes over several weeks. These opportunities are especially meaningful for students who may not otherwise have access to music education beyond the classroom, helping to remove barriers and broaden participation in the arts. This year, the program has reached more than 460 students at Bruce, Grenfell, Renfrew, Strathcona, Shawquasset Crosstown, Thunderbird, and Ucpay. The program focuses primarily on percussion, incorporating hand drums, xylophones, as well as singing and movement. As one elementary principal shared, the program provides inclusive, engaging experiences that encourage our students to explore music, build confidence, and develop a sense of belonging. with instructors fostering positive supportive relationships that create welcoming environments for all learners. A second stream that was initiated in 2011 supports students from the Vancouver Alternative Secondary School. Through this partnership, students attend the School of Music site where they have access to a wide range of instruments, resources, and professional instruction. This year, programming was offered an amazing three days per week with different programs attending each day, including Cedar Walk, Foundations, Peak House, South Vancouver Learning Center, Spectrum, Sunrise Templeton, Take a Hike, Tupper Nova, Vinery, and West. And approximately 80 students participate annually exploring diverse musical disciplines such as band, percussion, turntablism, hip hop, electronic music, piano, guitar, and voice. Notably, two graduating students will continue their music studies at Vancouver Community College, which is a real testament to this opportunity for our students.
The third stream provides after-school programming at the School of Music site, open to both elementary and secondary VSB students. And this year, more than 470 students have participated. Through this offering, students receive professional instruction, collaborate across musical disciplines, and work with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities all at no cost. Across all programs, consistent feedback highlights the strong relationships School of Music instructors build with students, with staff, and school communities. Their patient, encouraging, and joyful approach fosters inclusive environments where students feel safe, supported and connected special recognition is extended to instructors robin and carmichael whose dedication and positive connections have had a lasting impact in classrooms and school communities across vsb the impact of this partnership is perhaps best reflected in the words of a grade 7 student and i will say in quotes the sarah mclaughlin school of music is an inclusive community where everyone is treated with dignity and I feel a true sense of belonging. I am incredibly grateful to my piano teachers for their dedication and for the valuable musical knowledge they have shared with me. My experiences at School of Music have deepened both my passion for music and my confidence in myself." From the words of students. And I have many more quotes that we couldn't fit in this evening or I would be speaking all evening and we're gonna share them with you because we thought it was important. So this longstanding partnership really reflects a shared commitment to student well-being, equity and engagement by bringing high quality arts experience directly into schools and by providing accessible programing at their site. The Sarah McLachlan School of Music continues to create meaningful opportunities that inspire students and have a lasting positive impact, evidenced by the many thoughtful reflections, some of which you've heard this evening. On behalf of the Vancouver School Board, We expend our sincere appreciation to the Sarah McLachlan School of Music for their generosity, expertise, and ongoing commitment to supporting VSB students. And I'm gonna come and join you at the front as I explained and make the presentation. Thank you. i'd like to say our sincere appreciation to each of you and a round of applause okay and we're gonna invite all of the supporters that are here with you this evening to come up and have a photo as well if you don't mind so come on up those of you that are here representing schools and programs across the district and we'll take some photos together thank you
Statement Watch
Please. This is a favorite part for me of every board meeting, so the superintendents tribute. The Vancouver School District is pleased to recognize the Sarah McLachlan School of Music as an outstanding community partner whose longstanding collaboration has enriched the learning experiences of thousands of ESB students. This evening we are pleased to welcome. Marlo Holder, Operations Manager, Robin Lane, Community Engagement Coordinator, Andrea Unraw, Director of Programming, Kim Leary, Admissions Manager, and Sue Bowman, Board Chair. Since 2010, the School of Music has worked alongside VSB schools to provide three distinct streams of accessible, inclusive, and high quality music education opportunities. The first stream, the Artists in Residence program places School of Music instructors in elementary schools to deliver a series of classes over several weeks. These opportunities are especially meaningful for students who may not otherwise have access to music education beyond the classroom, helping to remove barriers and broaden participation in the arts. This year, the program has reached more than 460 students at Bruce, Grenfell, Renfrew, Strathcona, Shawquasset Crosstown, Thunderbird, and Ucpay. The program focuses primarily on percussion, incorporating hand drums, xylophones, as well as singing and movement. As one elementary principal shared, the program provides inclusive, engaging experiences that encourage our students to explore music, build confidence, and develop a sense of belonging. with instructors fostering positive supportive relationships that create welcoming environments for all learners. A second stream that was initiated in 2011 supports students from the Vancouver Alternative Secondary School. Through this partnership, students attend the School of Music site where they have access to a wide range of instruments, resources, and professional instruction. This year, programming was offered an amazing three days per week with different programs attending each day, including Cedar Walk, Foundations, Peak House, South Vancouver Learning Center, Spectrum, Sunrise Templeton, Take a Hike, Tupper Nova, Vinery, and West. And approximately 80 students participate annually exploring diverse musical disciplines such as band, percussion, turntablism, hip hop, electronic music, piano, guitar, and voice. Notably, two graduating students will continue their music studies at Vancouver Community College, which is a real testament to this opportunity for our students.
The third stream provides after-school programming at the School of Music site, open to both elementary and secondary VSB students. And this year, more than 470 students have participated. Through this offering, students receive professional instruction, collaborate across musical disciplines, and work with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities all at no cost. Across all programs, consistent feedback highlights the strong relationships School of Music instructors build with students, with staff, and school communities. Their patient, encouraging, and joyful approach fosters inclusive environments where students feel safe, supported and connected special recognition is extended to instructors robin and carmichael whose dedication and positive connections have had a lasting impact in classrooms and school communities across vsb the impact of this partnership is perhaps best reflected in the words of a grade 7 student and i will say in quotes the sarah mclaughlin school of music is an inclusive community where everyone is treated with dignity and I feel a true sense of belonging. I am incredibly grateful to my piano teachers for their dedication and for the valuable musical knowledge they have shared with me. My experiences at School of Music have deepened both my passion for music and my confidence in myself." From the words of students. And I have many more quotes that we couldn't fit in this evening or I would be speaking all evening and we're gonna share them with you because we thought it was important. So this longstanding partnership really reflects a shared commitment to student well-being, equity and engagement by bringing high quality arts experience directly into schools and by providing accessible programing at their site. The Sarah McLachlan School of Music continues to create meaningful opportunities that inspire students and have a lasting positive impact, evidenced by the many thoughtful reflections, some of which you've heard this evening. On behalf of the Vancouver School Board, We expend our sincere appreciation to the Sarah McLachlan School of Music for their generosity, expertise, and ongoing commitment to supporting VSB students. And I'm gonna come and join you at the front as I explained and make the presentation. Thank you. i'd like to say our sincere appreciation to each of you and a round of applause okay and we're gonna invite all of the supporters that are here with you this evening to come up and have a photo as well if you don't mind so come on up those of you that are here representing schools and programs across the district and we'll take some photos together thank you
Statement Watch
Please. This is a favorite part for me of every board meeting, so the superintendents tribute. The Vancouver School District is pleased to recognize the Sarah McLachlan School of Music as an outstanding community partner whose longstanding collaboration has enriched the learning experiences of thousands of ESB students. This evening we are pleased to welcome. Marlo Holder, Operations Manager, Robin Lane, Community Engagement Coordinator, Andrea Unraw, Director of Programming, Kim Leary, Admissions Manager, and Sue Bowman, Board Chair. Since 2010, the School of Music has worked alongside VSB schools to provide three distinct streams of accessible, inclusive, and high quality music education opportunities. The first stream, the Artists in Residence program places School of Music instructors in elementary schools to deliver a series of classes over several weeks. These opportunities are especially meaningful for students who may not otherwise have access to music education beyond the classroom, helping to remove barriers and broaden participation in the arts. This year, the program has reached more than 460 students at Bruce, Grenfell, Renfrew, Strathcona, Shawquasset Crosstown, Thunderbird, and Ucpay. The program focuses primarily on percussion, incorporating hand drums, xylophones, as well as singing and movement. As one elementary principal shared, the program provides inclusive, engaging experiences that encourage our students to explore music, build confidence, and develop a sense of belonging. with instructors fostering positive supportive relationships that create welcoming environments for all learners. A second stream that was initiated in 2011 supports students from the Vancouver Alternative Secondary School. Through this partnership, students attend the School of Music site where they have access to a wide range of instruments, resources, and professional instruction. This year, programming was offered an amazing three days per week with different programs attending each day, including Cedar Walk, Foundations, Peak House, South Vancouver Learning Center, Spectrum, Sunrise Templeton, Take a Hike, Tupper Nova, Vinery, and West. And approximately 80 students participate annually exploring diverse musical disciplines such as band, percussion, turntablism, hip hop, electronic music, piano, guitar, and voice. Notably, two graduating students will continue their music studies at Vancouver Community College, which is a real testament to this opportunity for our students.
The third stream provides after-school programming at the School of Music site, open to both elementary and secondary VSB students. And this year, more than 470 students have participated. Through this offering, students receive professional instruction, collaborate across musical disciplines, and work with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities all at no cost. Across all programs, consistent feedback highlights the strong relationships School of Music instructors build with students, with staff, and school communities. Their patient, encouraging, and joyful approach fosters inclusive environments where students feel safe, supported and connected special recognition is extended to instructors robin and carmichael whose dedication and positive connections have had a lasting impact in classrooms and school communities across vsb the impact of this partnership is perhaps best reflected in the words of a grade 7 student and i will say in quotes the sarah mclaughlin school of music is an inclusive community where everyone is treated with dignity and I feel a true sense of belonging. I am incredibly grateful to my piano teachers for their dedication and for the valuable musical knowledge they have shared with me. My experiences at School of Music have deepened both my passion for music and my confidence in myself." From the words of students. And I have many more quotes that we couldn't fit in this evening or I would be speaking all evening and we're gonna share them with you because we thought it was important. So this longstanding partnership really reflects a shared commitment to student well-being, equity and engagement by bringing high quality arts experience directly into schools and by providing accessible programing at their site. The Sarah McLachlan School of Music continues to create meaningful opportunities that inspire students and have a lasting positive impact, evidenced by the many thoughtful reflections, some of which you've heard this evening. On behalf of the Vancouver School Board, We expend our sincere appreciation to the Sarah McLachlan School of Music for their generosity, expertise, and ongoing commitment to supporting VSB students. And I'm gonna come and join you at the front as I explained and make the presentation. Thank you. i'd like to say our sincere appreciation to each of you and a round of applause okay and we're gonna invite all of the supporters that are here with you this evening to come up and have a photo as well if you don't mind so come on up those of you that are here representing schools and programs across the district and we'll take some photos together thank you
Statement Watch
Please. This is a favorite part for me of every board meeting, so the superintendents tribute. The Vancouver School District is pleased to recognize the Sarah McLachlan School of Music as an outstanding community partner whose longstanding collaboration has enriched the learning experiences of thousands of ESB students. This evening we are pleased to welcome. Marlo Holder, Operations Manager, Robin Lane, Community Engagement Coordinator, Andrea Unraw, Director of Programming, Kim Leary, Admissions Manager, and Sue Bowman, Board Chair. Since 2010, the School of Music has worked alongside VSB schools to provide three distinct streams of accessible, inclusive, and high quality music education opportunities. The first stream, the Artists in Residence program places School of Music instructors in elementary schools to deliver a series of classes over several weeks. These opportunities are especially meaningful for students who may not otherwise have access to music education beyond the classroom, helping to remove barriers and broaden participation in the arts. This year, the program has reached more than 460 students at Bruce, Grenfell, Renfrew, Strathcona, Shawquasset Crosstown, Thunderbird, and Ucpay. The program focuses primarily on percussion, incorporating hand drums, xylophones, as well as singing and movement. As one elementary principal shared, the program provides inclusive, engaging experiences that encourage our students to explore music, build confidence, and develop a sense of belonging. with instructors fostering positive supportive relationships that create welcoming environments for all learners. A second stream that was initiated in 2011 supports students from the Vancouver Alternative Secondary School. Through this partnership, students attend the School of Music site where they have access to a wide range of instruments, resources, and professional instruction. This year, programming was offered an amazing three days per week with different programs attending each day, including Cedar Walk, Foundations, Peak House, South Vancouver Learning Center, Spectrum, Sunrise Templeton, Take a Hike, Tupper Nova, Vinery, and West. And approximately 80 students participate annually exploring diverse musical disciplines such as band, percussion, turntablism, hip hop, electronic music, piano, guitar, and voice. Notably, two graduating students will continue their music studies at Vancouver Community College, which is a real testament to this opportunity for our students.
The third stream provides after-school programming at the School of Music site, open to both elementary and secondary VSB students. And this year, more than 470 students have participated. Through this offering, students receive professional instruction, collaborate across musical disciplines, and work with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities all at no cost. Across all programs, consistent feedback highlights the strong relationships School of Music instructors build with students, with staff, and school communities. Their patient, encouraging, and joyful approach fosters inclusive environments where students feel safe, supported and connected special recognition is extended to instructors robin and carmichael whose dedication and positive connections have had a lasting impact in classrooms and school communities across vsb the impact of this partnership is perhaps best reflected in the words of a grade 7 student and i will say in quotes the sarah mclaughlin school of music is an inclusive community where everyone is treated with dignity and I feel a true sense of belonging. I am incredibly grateful to my piano teachers for their dedication and for the valuable musical knowledge they have shared with me. My experiences at School of Music have deepened both my passion for music and my confidence in myself." From the words of students. And I have many more quotes that we couldn't fit in this evening or I would be speaking all evening and we're gonna share them with you because we thought it was important. So this longstanding partnership really reflects a shared commitment to student well-being, equity and engagement by bringing high quality arts experience directly into schools and by providing accessible programing at their site. The Sarah McLachlan School of Music continues to create meaningful opportunities that inspire students and have a lasting positive impact, evidenced by the many thoughtful reflections, some of which you've heard this evening. On behalf of the Vancouver School Board, We expend our sincere appreciation to the Sarah McLachlan School of Music for their generosity, expertise, and ongoing commitment to supporting VSB students. And I'm gonna come and join you at the front as I explained and make the presentation. Thank you. i'd like to say our sincere appreciation to each of you and a round of applause okay and we're gonna invite all of the supporters that are here with you this evening to come up and have a photo as well if you don't mind so come on up those of you that are here representing schools and programs across the district and we'll take some photos together thank you
Statement Watch
Please. This is a favorite part for me of every board meeting, so the superintendents tribute. The Vancouver School District is pleased to recognize the Sarah McLachlan School of Music as an outstanding community partner whose longstanding collaboration has enriched the learning experiences of thousands of ESB students. This evening we are pleased to welcome. Marlo Holder, Operations Manager, Robin Lane, Community Engagement Coordinator, Andrea Unraw, Director of Programming, Kim Leary, Admissions Manager, and Sue Bowman, Board Chair. Since 2010, the School of Music has worked alongside VSB schools to provide three distinct streams of accessible, inclusive, and high quality music education opportunities. The first stream, the Artists in Residence program places School of Music instructors in elementary schools to deliver a series of classes over several weeks. These opportunities are especially meaningful for students who may not otherwise have access to music education beyond the classroom, helping to remove barriers and broaden participation in the arts. This year, the program has reached more than 460 students at Bruce, Grenfell, Renfrew, Strathcona, Shawquasset Crosstown, Thunderbird, and Ucpay. The program focuses primarily on percussion, incorporating hand drums, xylophones, as well as singing and movement. As one elementary principal shared, the program provides inclusive, engaging experiences that encourage our students to explore music, build confidence, and develop a sense of belonging. with instructors fostering positive supportive relationships that create welcoming environments for all learners. A second stream that was initiated in 2011 supports students from the Vancouver Alternative Secondary School. Through this partnership, students attend the School of Music site where they have access to a wide range of instruments, resources, and professional instruction. This year, programming was offered an amazing three days per week with different programs attending each day, including Cedar Walk, Foundations, Peak House, South Vancouver Learning Center, Spectrum, Sunrise Templeton, Take a Hike, Tupper Nova, Vinery, and West. And approximately 80 students participate annually exploring diverse musical disciplines such as band, percussion, turntablism, hip hop, electronic music, piano, guitar, and voice. Notably, two graduating students will continue their music studies at Vancouver Community College, which is a real testament to this opportunity for our students.
The third stream provides after-school programming at the School of Music site, open to both elementary and secondary VSB students. And this year, more than 470 students have participated. Through this offering, students receive professional instruction, collaborate across musical disciplines, and work with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities all at no cost. Across all programs, consistent feedback highlights the strong relationships School of Music instructors build with students, with staff, and school communities. Their patient, encouraging, and joyful approach fosters inclusive environments where students feel safe, supported and connected special recognition is extended to instructors robin and carmichael whose dedication and positive connections have had a lasting impact in classrooms and school communities across vsb the impact of this partnership is perhaps best reflected in the words of a grade 7 student and i will say in quotes the sarah mclaughlin school of music is an inclusive community where everyone is treated with dignity and I feel a true sense of belonging. I am incredibly grateful to my piano teachers for their dedication and for the valuable musical knowledge they have shared with me. My experiences at School of Music have deepened both my passion for music and my confidence in myself." From the words of students. And I have many more quotes that we couldn't fit in this evening or I would be speaking all evening and we're gonna share them with you because we thought it was important. So this longstanding partnership really reflects a shared commitment to student well-being, equity and engagement by bringing high quality arts experience directly into schools and by providing accessible programing at their site. The Sarah McLachlan School of Music continues to create meaningful opportunities that inspire students and have a lasting positive impact, evidenced by the many thoughtful reflections, some of which you've heard this evening. On behalf of the Vancouver School Board, We expend our sincere appreciation to the Sarah McLachlan School of Music for their generosity, expertise, and ongoing commitment to supporting VSB students. And I'm gonna come and join you at the front as I explained and make the presentation. Thank you. i'd like to say our sincere appreciation to each of you and a round of applause okay and we're gonna invite all of the supporters that are here with you this evening to come up and have a photo as well if you don't mind so come on up those of you that are here representing schools and programs across the district and we'll take some photos together thank you
Statement Watch
Thank you, Chair. As we head into the final stretch of the school year, something that's really stood out to me is how student leadership across the district continues to grow both in size and purpose. Over the past month, I've had the chance to see students create spaces for connection creativity, advocacy, learning, fun, and care. One example of this was VDSC's district-wide 2016 Throwback Spirit Day. What started as a fun idea quickly became something bigger, with schools across the district participating, leaning into nostalgia, and also sharing at the same time. School student councils have also been leading initiatives that reflect issues students care about and create positive change. Schools have held mental health-focused art showcases, indoor track meets, Asian Heritage Month celebrations, and Red Dress Day commemorations honoring missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. These projects happening across different schools show the importance of student leaders learning from one another and sharing ideas across the district. This month also included an opportunity that was personally meaningful to me. On May 7th, I attended the City of Vancouver's proclamation of Child and Youth Mental Health Day, alongside elected officials and representatives from organizations including Vancouver Coastal Health, Family Smart, the First Nations Health Authority, and Crisis Centre BC. Mental health continues to be a topic that students frequently raise through VDSC meetings, and it has shaped much of our work this year, including through the Mindfulness Minute toolkit shared with schools. Being part of the city's proclamation was a reminder that this work extends beyond schools and that student voice has an important role in conversations about youth well-being and support. Another highlight this month has been the launch of VDSC's annual arts gala. This year's theme, What Comfort Looks Like for Students, has already inspired submissions ranging from visual art and writing to music and performance pieces. What makes the gala special is that it gives students an opportunity to share experiences and perspectives in creative ways. Once submissions close, district-wide voting will open, and we're looking forward to seeing the different ways that students interpret this theme. Looking ahead, VDSD is also preparing for the Student Leadership Grad Showcase. Throughout the year, the fund has supported student-led projects across the district. and help turn ideas into initiatives within school communities. These grants make student-led initiatives more accessible across schools, and the showcase offers students an opportunity to present their learning through their project process, reflect on what they have learned, and share the impact their work has had on their communities. It's a celebration of student learning, and we are very grateful to the board for continuing to support these invaluable opportunities. This month also marked an important transition within VDSC as elections for next year's senior executive team were completed actually just yesterday. Over the upcoming weeks, we will work through the incoming team through transition planning to set them up for success in the next school year. Finally, from May 21st to 24th, I had the privilege of attending the Ontario Student Trustees Association Annual General Meeting. Throughout the conference, students from across the country discussed topics including policy, equity, student wellbeing, reconciliation, and advocacy. One theme that stood out to me was the importance of continuing to strengthen the incorporation of student voice and agency into decision-making processes. I appreciated the opportunity to bring many of these ideas back to our general meeting yesterday for further discussion. I am truly grateful for these opportunities for professional development and networking with other student trustees. As the school year wraps up, VDSC's focus continues to be on strengthening student voice and agency across the district by building leadership capacity, sharing ideas across schools, and ensuring student perspectives continue to inform decisions. I would like to thank the board for its continued support of student leadership in its many forms. The work shared in this report will not be possible without that support. Thank you.
Thank you, Freddie. This was a very thorough, long report this month. and it had lots of great information. Thank you to all the students that participated. Are there any questions or comments for Freddie? Trustee Fraser.
Yes, thank you, Freddie. I see that you had the privilege of attending an out-of-district conference recently. And I'm curious, it was the Ontario Students Trustees Association. I understand there are student trustees across Ontario, but I'm wondering if there were other student trustees from other provinces or were you the only one attending from outside Ontario?
Yeah, thanks for your question through the chair. I was really privileged to be the only student trustee attending from outside Ontario. And it also made me think about just how valuable the opportunity is for for student voice and leadership to be incorporated in our district and how unique these opportunities are.
Great. Thank you, Freddie. Seeing no other comments or questions, I would like to acknowledge the work that you do and also the future work you will be doing. If you would like to share the good news with everyone.
Yeah, I'm very pleased to share that I've been reelected for a second term in the next school year, and I'm really excited to be continuing this work, both as a part of VDSC and at this table.