SD27 School Board Proposes Major Changes to Meeting Format

The Board of Education for School District 27 (SD27) is considering significant changes to its meeting procedures as it prepares to reconvene after the holiday break. Board Chair Angie Delainey has proposed a series of measures aimed at enhancing public engagement and streamlining the meeting process.

In a memorandum issued prior to the board’s last meeting of the year on December 15, Delainey outlined potential modifications to the procedural bylaw. Among these proposals is the requirement for attendees to submit questions in advance of meetings, the possibility of closing the public gallery, and transitioning to virtual meetings via Zoom to allow broader participation from parents and community members.

Delainey emphasized that the memo’s purpose is to inform the community about these potential changes and to invite feedback, stating, “We put that out with the intention to gather feedback through [email protected] or for the public to reach out to their zone trustee.” She noted that the board has already begun receiving input from the community, which she views as a positive development.

The board’s current public engagement approach has raised concerns for Delainey. She pointed out that unexpected questions often go unanswered, and time constraints can hinder the ability of all members of the public to participate fully. “If a special interest group attends the meeting and takes up all the time allotted for public questions, then members of the public are unable to ask their questions,” Delainey explained. By implementing a system where questions must be submitted by 2 p.m. on the day of the meeting, she believes that the board can provide more comprehensive answers and ensure equitable participation.

Delainey recalled discussions with former board chair Will Van Osch, who informed her that the board had previously required written questions as part of their procedural bylaw. “I hope we can have a lot of conversation about that because I do want to provide information back to the public in a way that’s more meaningful,” she stated.

Addressing potential disruptions during meetings, Delainey expressed the need for greater decorum. “We want people to know that by no means are we looking to take away access to the public to be able to participate by viewing our meetings,” she reiterated, highlighting the distinction between public meetings and public engagement.

One of the motivations for considering online streaming of meetings is safety. Many board members live in or near Williams Lake, while others travel from outside the community. Delainey mentioned her personal discomfort with driving at night, particularly during winter months, and aims to mitigate risks associated with travel after dark.

Over the holiday season, Delainey and her fellow board members plan to review the procedural bylaws and meeting practices of ten other school districts across Canada. This research will provide insights into effective practices that could be adopted in SD27. A decision on the proposals will be made during the board meeting scheduled for January 26, 2026. If any changes are approved, they will be implemented by February.

The board chair encourages community members to provide their thoughts and feedback, reminding them that “nothing is set in stone.” Delainey urges anyone interested to reach out via email or to speak directly with their local trustee.