Until the threat of COVID-19 pandemic subsides, an internet connection will be required for people to watch or participate in school board meetings.
School District 57 has announced the switch to an electronic format for its public meetings, starting with Tuesday's 6 p.m. meeting, to comply with the B.C. public health officer's order to limit the size of public gatherings and respect social distancing guidelines.
Until further notice, the meetings will be live-streamed on the district website, www.sd57.bc.ca. Members of the public will still have a chance to address the board through an emailed message in individual segments limited to five minutes each during a half-hour session set aside for that purpose. All submissions must include a first and last name and a contact phone number and must be sent through email to publicinput@sd57.bc.ca before 5 p.m. on Monday. Each submission will be read out loud by superintendent Anita Richardson.
Electronic agendas will be available on the district website on the Thursday prior to each board meeting. Only relevant information as it pertains to agenda items will be considered at each meeting.
At its Tuesday meeting the board will discuss implementation of its new policy manual for distribution to reference groups in 60 days. Also up for discussion are the board's capital projects; the indigenous committee will provide an update on the consultation process for the proposed renaming of Kelly Road Secondary School; and there will be follow-up talks on the three-year contract settlement teachers have yet to ratify.
The board also announced that its Tuesday, April 28 meeting will take place in Prince George, rather than Mackenzie, as it was originally scheduled. Other board meetings this school year are set for May 26 and June 16.
