Highlights - Board Meeting - April 15, 2025
The Abbotsford Board of Education regularly meets throughout the school year. Agendas and minutes from the public Board Meetings can be accessed through the District's Electronic School Board. Below is a summary of highlights from the meeting.
Presentations
Farewell Speeches to Secretary Treasurer Ray Velestuk
Ryan Colbert, Principal at Harry Sayers Elementary and President of the Abbotsford PVPA, Doug Small, President of the Abbotsford Teacher's Union, and Shannon Rose, President of DPAC said a few words of appreciation for Secretary Treasurer Ray Velestuk and wished him the best for his next role. There was also a special recognition presented to him by Allison Gardner, District Principal for Indigenous Education.
Godson Elementary - X-Block
LSS teacher Brett Taylor, and two students presented on X-Block—a weekly 30-minute program where the entire school participates in a variety of activities designed to foster connection and fun.
ASIA Sumas - 8x8 Foot Map
Principal Karen Bennett, Vice-Principal Julie Wilms, Learning Commons Teacher & Project Coordinator Heather Beckett, Social Studies Teacher Ana Horner, and some grade 10 students presented a foot map where students from various grades used integrated arts and learned about Indigenous topics such as animals, languages, residential schools, and territorial boundaries.
Education
School Fees and Deposits for 2025-2026
Superintendent Nosek asked the Board to approve school fees and deposits for the 2025-26 school year. The motion was carried.
Academy Fees for 2025-2026
The superintendent asked the Board to approve academy fees for the 2025-26 school year. The motion was carried.
2024-25 District Planning Team Update
Superintendent Nosek presented some of the summaries and insights from the District Planning Meetings and how the District Planning Team will continue to meet and identify ways to advance the goals of the Board’s strategic plan.
Operations
Third Quarter Financial Update
Secretary-Treasurer/CFO, Ray Velestuk mentioned that the third quarter financial update for the District would be discussed as he presents on the 2025-2026 Preliminary Budget Update.
2025-2026 Preliminary Budget Update
Secretary-Treasurer/CFO, Ray Velestuk presented updates to the 2025-2026 Preliminary Budget.
Student Transportation Fees
Secretary-Treasurer/CFO, Ray Velestuk recommends to the Board to delay fee increases until the following school year for Student Transportation Fees.
Student Transportation Fees
Secretary-Treasurer/CFO, Ray Velestuk asked the Board to approve a 4% increase to the rental fees for the Abbotsford Arts Centre. This was approved.
Capital Bylaw No. 2025/26-CPSD34-01
All three readings of the bylaw was done, adopted, and passed.
New Business
Motion to Amend Policy 6 - Trustee Code of Ethics, Appendix 1
Trustee Rauch motioned to amend Policy 6 - Trustee Code of Ethics, Appendix 1. The motion failed.
Abbotsford Agrifair Sponsorship Request
The Abbotsford Agrifair reached out for the District to sponsor their event.
Trustee Announcements
Trustee Meetings & Events: March & April 2025
The following are trustee meetings and events that have occurred in the period since the last Public Board meeting:
- Indigenous Education Advisory Committee Meeting
- Public Budget Information Meeting
- Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce - Leaders Lunch AGM
- Indigenous Role Model Ceremony
- Abbotsford Hospice Moments of Hope Gala
- Agenda Setting for April 15 Board Meetings & Communications Team Meeting
- Meeting with Minister Beare
- Audit Committee Meeting
- City Prayer Breakfast
- Indigenous Education Advisory Committee Meeting
- Indigenous Education Council Meeting
- Joint Workshop with City Council & Board of Education