Regular Board Meeting: June 17, 2025
Agenda
The Regular Meeting of the Langley Board of Education was held in-person and streamed online.
Announcement: National Indigenous History Month & National Indigenous Peoples Day
Board Chair Candy Ashdown made an announcement to acknowledge National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day (which is later this week on June 21). Ashdown explained that the month and day is aimed at celebrating and honouring the history, culture, and perspectives of the Indigenous community in British Columbia and the country. As she said it is a time to deepen our understanding of Indigenous cultures and reflect on the impact Indigenous People have had on our community. There will be learning opportunities happening across the District and in our schools. She closed the statement by encouraging everyone to take part in community activities and their own learning.
The above video will begin on this agenda item.
Announcement: Pride Month
Board Chair Candy Ashdown made an announcement in honour of Pride Month. Ashdown said it is an opportunity to celebrate the freedom to be ourselves and show off our colours. She explained throughout the month of June schools are acknowledging, organizing school activities and events, and celebrating 2SLGBTQIA+ members in the community. She mentioned schools will be taking part in learning opportunities across the District.
The video will begin on this agenda item.
Superintendent’s Reports
Annual Truth and Reconciliation Update
District Principal of Aboriginal Education Mike Pue introduced himself in the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language, the language spoken by local First Nations. He started his presentation by sharing positive news related to the official signing of land being returned to the People of Matsqui which occurred earlier in the day. It was a significant milestone for the community. He carried on with his presentation by outlining the First Peoples Principles of Learning and the Guiding Principles that help lead the District in its work of Truth and Reconciliation, “One heart, one mind” and “Working Together.” He took a moment to remember Brenda Matthews, a former District Aboriginal Support Worker who passed away, who was very impactful to the Aboriginal Education program and influential to his work in the department over the years. As he noted that he had been in his role for seven years and that he would be transitioning to be the principal at Walnut Grove Secondary, the presentation included reflections from his time.
He talked about the start of the Langley School District’s journey of Reconciliation which was inspired and influenced by Josette Dandurand (former cultural presenter), Luke Dandurand (Aboriginal Support Worker), and Cecilia Reekie (cultural presenter), who travelled to Ottawa to provide testimony at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Upon their return to Langley, they shared knowledge, experience and stories with the community. Pue commented on how progress has been made but more work is needed. He shared a video from Chief Robert Joseph on what Reconciliation is, which as he said in the video it is “loving others.”
Mike Pue continued his presentation by adding the goal of Reconciliation work is for students to know that they belong, are loved, and cared, for as per the Aboriginal Enhancement Agreement. He shared examples of Truth and Reconciliation work in action across the District. He shared a video from Langley Fine Arts about a community mural art project which depicted how schools create relationship, safe spaces, and a sense of belonging. He talked about the No More Stolen Sisters March and the powerful leaders in the District that empower others and advocate for an end to violence against women. He shared an example of a meaningful Reconciliation assembly at Betty Gilbert Middle followed by a community walk through Aldergrove. He showed another video of the House Posts celebration at Donna Gabriel Robins Elementary and how it was a learning opportunity for the students to understand the process and protocols of Indigenous culture. He made comments about Josette Dandurand, the Kwantlen elder, cultural presenter, and one of the first people to share their story of Residential school experience with the District community, who now has a school named after her. He shared a video outlining the District’s Odyssey conference, a staff professional development conference focused on Indigenous culture and the work of community coming together to build on skills that help all students. He closed the presentation by showing a collage of books by Indigenous authors and a video from Aboriginal educator Kevin Lamoureaux talking about the goal of ensuring safety and belonging for students in schools. His last example to note was the Aboriginal Achievement Awards which included the largest group of Indigenous grads for the District in recent years.
The report was approved as presented. The video will begin above the agenda item.
School Calendar Amendments 2025-2026
District Principal of Human Resources Kevan Reeve addressed the Board to outline a necessary change in the calendar for the Langley Education Centre in order for it to be aligned with the other District calendars. As he outlined, there was an error made earlier in the spring when they were first presented.
Recommendation: That the Board of Education approves the amended School Calendar for the 2025-2026 school year, as presented.
The Board approved the above motion. The video above will begin on this agenda item.
Secretary-Treasurer’s Reports
2025-2026 Annual Budget Bylaw (3rd and Final Reading)
Secretary-Treasurer Brian Iseli updated the Board and shared an overview of the 2025-2026 budget and closed with the recommended board motions.
Recommendation:
That the Board of Education directs staff to appropriate the following Restricted Surplus amounts to balance the 2025/26 Annual Budget:
Internally restricted to balance future budgets $808,446
Internally restricted for student capacity needs $720,000
Recommendation: That the School District No. 35 (Langley) Annual Budget Bylaw for fiscal year 2025/26 in the amount of $408,629,794 be given third reading, passed and adopted on this 17th day of June 2025.
The Board approved the above motion. The video above will begin on this agenda item.
Capital Projects Update 2024-2025
Secretary-Treasurer Brian Iseli provided an update on capital projects the District is undertaking. There are ten in total. He shared photos and/or artist renderings of the projects with the Board. Iseli noted the Peter Ewart Seismic/Expansion with substantial completion that took place on March 2025. The Langley Secondary expansion has started and it is expected to be completed for August 2026. Josette Dandurand Elementary is on schedule to open in September 2025. The Nicomekl Elementary modular is underway and expected to be completed for August 2025. Construction on the Smith Middle and Secondary are about to get started and is expected to be completed for September 2027. Lynn Fripps modular is underway and expected to be completed in August 2025.
Recommendation: That the Board of Education receives the report on Capital Projects 2024/2025 for information, as presented.
The report was approved as presented. The video will begin above the agenda item.
Five-Year Capital Plan 2026-2027
Secretary-Treasurer Brian Iseli shared an overview of the five-year capital plan. He provided the Board an overview of the submission timelines. He talked about the previously supported projects (funding not approved) which includes R.E. Mountain Addition (12-classroom expansion). He also showed a slide with the list of major capital projects planned for the District including modular addition for schools including H.D. Stafford Middle, Donna Gabriel Robins Elementary, Willoughby Elementary, and Douglas Park Community School, acquisition of various school sites, among other items.
Recommendation: In accordance with provisions under Section 142 (4) of the School Act, the Board of Education of School District No. 35 (Langley) hereby approves the proposed Five-Year Capital Plan (Major Capital Programs) for 2025/2026, as provided on the attached Major Five-Year Capital Plan Summary for 2025/2026 to be submitted to the Ministry of Education and Child Care.
Recommendation: In accordance with provisions under Section 142 (4) of the School Act, the Board of Education of School District No. 35 (Langley) hereby approves the proposed Five-Year Capital Plan (Major Capital Programs) for 2026/2027, as provided on the attached Major Five-Year Capital Plan Summary for 2026/2027 to be submitted to the Ministry of Education and Child Care
The Board approved the above motions. The video above will begin on this agenda item.
Three-Year Financial Plan
Secretary-Treasurer Brian Iseli shared an overview of the three-year financial plan. He explained that it was required by the Ministry for boards to develop a three-year financial plan. Iseli shared some highlights from the plan including revenue and expenses over the three years. He noted the District would utilize surplus funds to balance future budgets.
Recommendation: That the Board of Education approves the Three-Year Year Financial Plan, as presented.
The report was approved as presented. The video will begin above the agenda item.
D.W. Poppy Covenant Bylaw
Recommendation: That The Board of Education of School District No. 35 (Langley) – DW Poppy Secondary School Sanitary Pump System Covenant Bylaw 2025 be given first reading.
Recommendation: That The Board of Education of School District No. 35 (Langley) - DW Poppy Secondary School Sanitary Pump System Covenant Bylaw 2025 be given second reading.
Recommendation: That The Board of Education of School District No. 35 (Langley) unanimously approves having all three readings of DW Poppy Secondary School Sanitary Pump System Covenant Bylaw 2025 at tonight’s meeting.
Recommendation: That The Board of Education of School District No. 35 (Langley) - DW Poppy Secondary School Sanitary Pump System Covenant Bylaw 2025 be given third reading, passed and adopted on the 17th day of June, 2025.
The Board approved the above motions. The video above will begin on this agenda item.
Lynn Fripps Covenant Bylaw
Recommendation: That The Board of Education of School District No. 35 (Langley) – Lynn Fripps Elementary School Sanitary Pump System Covenant Bylaw 2025 be given first reading.
Recommendation: That The Board of Education of School District No. 35 (Langley) - Lynn Fripps Elementary School Sanitary Pump System Covenant Bylaw 2025 be given second reading.
Recommendation: That The Board of Education of School District No. 35 (Langley) unanimously approves Agenda Page 3 having all three readings of Lynn Fripps Elementary School Sanitary Pump System Covenant Bylaw 2025 at tonight’s meeting.
Recommendation: That The Board of Education of School District No. 35 (Langley) - Lynn Fripps Elementary School Sanitary Pump System Covenant Bylaw 2025 be given third reading, passed and adopted on the 17th day of June, 2025.
The Board approved the above motions. The video above will begin on this agenda item.
School Site Acquisition Charge (SSAC)
Secretary-Treasurer Brian Iseli provided an overview of the School Site Acquisition Charge (SSAC). Iseli said the purpose of the SSAC is to collect funds from developers to cover the costs of new school sites. He noted the process is conducted annually.
He shared development and student projections, a list of eligible school sites, and the current formula for the charge. He explained the next steps in the process, which would be to adopt the eligible school sites and once completed, the District would need to inform the municipalities of the charge.
Recommendation: That the Board of Education approves the Eligible School Sites, as presented
The Board approved the Eligible School Sites as presented. The video above will begin on this agenda item.
