The Board held its public meeting on May 5, 2025. Watch the meeting or view the full the agenda package. 

Superintendent’s update

This month, superintendent McGregor dedicated her time on the agenda to share information about VSB staff supports and actions in the aftermath of the tragedy following the Lupa Lupa Festival. Within her remarks, she shared gratitude for the care, expertise and assistance of many staff throughout the District. She also encouraged students’ families looking for supports for their children to contact their principals as a first step and reminded staff about the resources available to them as well. 

Student trustee report 

Student trustee Athena Yu also began her update to the Board noting the impacts of the recent tragedy and extending the sympathies and ongoing support of the VDSC to all those impacted. She also shared with the Board, that staff and students have shown incredible care and empathy, and described the care, support and resources of staff as source of strength and compassion. 

Yu then shared details with the Board noting the VDSC’s work related to diverse matters including personal digital devices, vaping, student forum, as well as the upcoming arts gala and student leadership grants showcase. 

Board business

The Board received reports from the facilities planning committee help April 9. As matter arise, the Board adopted the 2025-206 Capital Plan bylaw for submission to the Ministry of Infrastructure. It also adopted a bylaw for David Lloyd George city lane right of way. 

The Board also received the April 16 report from finance and personnel committee meetings. As a matter, it approved a motion to allocate $125,725 from the 2024-2025 National School Food Program to upgrade essential equipment for the continuation of providing meals to students. 

Under new business, the Board approved the 2025-2026 financial plan. It provides spending of more than $794 million next year to advance student learning and well-being. The annual budget bylaw, which requires unanimous support on the first two readings, will receive its third reading at its Board’s next regular meeting, scheduled for May 26. With the previous motion approving the financial plan for the upcoming school year, District staff are able to undertake steps in alignment with collective agreement obligations with the budget bylaw pending. 

Several notices of motion were also considered by the Board and approved, including a motion advocating that the City of Vancouver reinstate funding to support student meals. Other motions approved include advocacy to address funding gaps and an amended motion that will see the policy and governance committee to address respectful communications between with stakeholder groups.

Several motions were approved by the Board, including requests for the City of Vancouver to reinstate funding for student meals and advocacy to address funding gaps. An amended motion was also passed, tasking the policy and governance committee to consider how to improve respectful communication with stakeholder groups. 

Question Period

During each public meeting, the Board invites the public to submit questions related to governance and agenda items. The submission form opens at 12:00 p.m. on the meeting day and closes after committee reports are presented. This month, the Chair addressed ten questions submitted, addressing topics such as inclusive education, a trustee motion, the future of Carleton Elementary, and alternatives allowances for trustee participation in Board meetings.