The meeting began with an update on staffing and recruitment. District staff noted the monumental effort that is needed behind the scenes as the school year begins.  

It was noted that work includes not only posting and filling vacancies, but also working with individual employees to answer questions and help with various processes. The planning team has also been busy with forecasting and looking at District-wide enrolment trends. The work of the Newcomer Welcome Centre, wellness team and other teams that also happens behind the scenes was applauded.  

Staff also noted that the District recently expanded the pool of universities it recruits from and has welcomed practicum students from University of Northern BC, University of Victoria, Laval University, and McGill University.  

Next, committee members raised questions about this September’s recent influx of newcomer students to VSB and how the District has addressed these enrolment pressures. Staff assured the committee that although the District has continued to enrol new students, the influx of students seen in early September have all been placed in schools. The District has added additional divisions at certain school sites to accommodate the increase in student enrolment. Divisions were also removed from other school sites where the enrolment numbers were not as expected.  

Staff then presented the newly created Employee Wellness Framework, which is aligned with the goals of the Education Plan. The committee then heard about an upcoming Employee Health Fair in October.  

The Chair concluded the meeting by thanking members of the personnel committee for their work and participation over the past four years.  

To keep up to date with all of the District’s committee and Board meetings, see the calendar for meeting dates, agendas and livestream links. All recordings of past meetings are available on the District’s YouTube channel.