School District No. 35

The Regular Meeting of the Langley Board of Education was held in-person and streamed online.

To view the agenda, visit the Board Meeting webpage here.

Announcements

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Board Chair Candy Ashdown made a statement to acknowledge the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. She opened her remarks by referencing the 5^th annual stɑl'əw pow wow that was held recently in Langley, an event which she said was a symbol of pride and resurgence of Indigenous culture. She explained how the end of September is marked by the observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on September 30. She explained how students and staff have been observing Orange Shirt Day for 14 years in honour of Phyllis Webstad and all children who went to residential schools, those that didn’t make it out of residential schools, and those that didn’t make it home. She told the Board that the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation stems from one of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action (94 calls to action). With it being a day to promote Reconciliation, the Board wore orange shirts to symbolize the District’s commitment to ensuring that ‘Every Child Matters’ and inspiring all students to reach their full potential and create a positive legacy for the future.

The above video will begin on this agenda item.

Honouring of Retiring Trustees

Board Chair Candy Ashdown recognized the dedicated service of retiring trustees Marnie Wilson, Joel Neufeld, and Sarb Rai, thanking them for their contributions to student success and the advancement of the District’s strategic goals. She highlighted Trustee Wilson’s advocacy for student and staff well-being and inclusion, Trustee Neufeld’s work in strengthening community partnerships and supporting school capacity and choice programs, and Trustee Rai’s commitment to equitable opportunities and support for diverse learners. Ashdown noted that each trustee leaves a lasting legacy that will continue to positively impact students, staff, and the broader school community. She closed her comments by thanking trustees for their service and presented a gift to them.

Joel Neufeld shared heartfelt comments noting how much he has learned and grown in the past four years and thanked staff, students, and families for their support. He also thanked his family and said he was proud to serve the community.

Marnie Wilson shared comments about the role of trustee and advice to any incoming trustees. She thanked colleagues, staff, and parents for their work and support. She also thanked her family and said it was an honour to be a trustee.

The above video will begin on this agenda item.

Superintendent’s Reports

Strategic Plan 2023-2026: Year in Review and Final Year Update

Superintendent Mal Gill provided an overview of the District’s Strategic Plan Year 4 Update. He said it is divided into three main areas: Educational Opportunities, Community of Partnerships, and Operational Priorities. His remarks about Educational Opportunities were brief as there would be more details to be shared by other leadership staff in the Framework for Enhancing Student Learning (FESL) presentation expected later in the meeting. Gill outlined the goals of the Educational Opportunities portion of the Strategic Plan. Some of the highlights included the District’s focus on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and the newly created Family of Schools model in supporting students. In relations to the Community of Partnerships, he said the District is continuing to work with local First Nations and employee partner groups to build relationships. In regard to Operational Priorities, he talked about capital projects and mentioned the excitement of the opening of the two new schools in the Smith neighbourhood. He noted there have been a lot of capital projects completed over the last few years and that is thanks in part to the lobbying of the Board. He praised the ongoing joint and collaborative work of operations and education staff, working together to meet goals of the Strategic Plan and the Framework for Enhancing Student Learning (FESL), including the focus on supporting priority learners. He noted some recent examples of highlights from different operational departments including Facilities, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Finance.

He closed his portion of the presentation outlining how all of the collective work has resulted in successful grad rates (the District’s six-year completion rate of 97 percent of all students and 87 percent for Indigenous students). The District’s goal is to get to 100 percent grad rates. He said the District works with staff to ensure that goals and actions demonstrate that every child matters.

Recommendation: That the Board of Education receives the update on the Strategic Plan 2023-2026 for information, as presented.

The Board approves the report as presented. The video above will begin on this agenda item.

Framework for Enhancing Student Learning (FESL) 2026-2027

Deputy Superintendent Woody Bradford provided an update on the annual Framework for Enhancing Student Learning (FESL). He started with a land acknowledgement and said it was important to have an understanding of place to move forward together with learning in a good way. He reminded the Board of the First People’s Principles of Learning and how they guide the work of the FESL. He asked the question, “how do we wrap around children to ensure each child is valued and ensure that every child matters?” He noted that the District’s Ensouling our Schools initiative is part of the answer that also guides the District in this work. He noted that as a District, the systems and structures help support all learners, including priority learners.

He compared the work of the FESL to a “journey.” He said the Framework is about human connection (connection, curiosity, and hope) and also consultation. Bradford spoke about the feedback that was collected during consultation, which included information shared by partner groups, rightsholders, DPAC (District Parent Advisory Council) and students. Bradford and other District staff noted the value of consultation with representatives from secondary schools across the District that was conducted last week and how the feedback helps to inform District staff in their work.

He provided an overview of the FESL, noting the three pillars: Intellectual, Human & Social Development, and Career Development, and closed with remarks around how the “Continuous Improvement” is a driving force for the FESL.

Assistant Superintendent Lisa Lainchbury talked about pillar 1, Intellectual Development, and the importance of curiosity and how it opens access to literacy and numeracy. She talked about the use of literacy screeners, inclusive universal design for learning instruction, and prioritized learning standards (PLS) as examples of targeted actions.

Assistant Superintendent Marcello Moino talked about the goal for pillar 2, Human and Social Development, in ensuring that learners can grow in self-regulation, well-being, and problem-solving. Some of the targeted actions included all priority learners will have an enhanced graduation plan, all Children and Youth in Care will have a belonging plan, and all schools will have an SEL (social emotional learning team) team to help support staff to work with students, among other highlights.

Director of Instruction Kendra Simonetto talked about pillar 3, Career Development, with the goal for students to know “who you are and who you want to be?” and not “what do you want to do?” She made reference to the Career Education department’s logo which is a “compass” that guides students on their career education journey. Some of the targeted actions included career development embedded in school action plans, family of schools and enhanced graduation plans, and expanded access to pathways and dual-credit programs. The overall goal in career development is for students to have a sense of self-identity and can be purposeful and meaningful members of society.

Deputy Superintendent Woody Bradford talked about the importance of removing barriers for students. He noted how in the Langley School District, the operations departments are working with educational departments to meet unified goals. Moving forward, the District is continuing to listen to all the voices and is working hard to give voices to those that are silent. He closed the presentation thanking all the individuals, teams, groups involved in the creation of the FESL.

The Board approves the report as presented. The video above will begin on this agenda item.

School Start-up

Assistant Superintendent Marcello Moino presented information about school start-up. He talked about the first day of school at Yorkson Creek Middle and how it was centred around welcoming students and also welcoming parents. It is one of many schools that strives to ensure students have a sense of belonging when they come to school.

He provided an update on summer builds. He noted the recent opening of the Langley Secondary School (LSS) addition which includes 14 learning spaces. He shared photos from the LSS addition. He shared photos of the two new schools which are under construction: Emery Dosdall Secondary (1900 spaces) and stɑtl̓əw̓ Middle (900 spaces). He explained that the construction of the campus is 28-month process that would normally take 48 months, which is an unprecedented project in the province. The District will also be building two new modulars: at Donna Gabriel Robins Elementary and Josette Dandurand Elementary. There is also an expansion at R.E. Mountain Secondary on the way.

He shared information about Summer Session. In the District, Summer Session ran for five weeks with 20 sites operating. More than 4,600 students were in summer programs.

He closed the presentation mentioning a new initiative called KPU Skills Connect. It involves liaison meetings and a partnership between Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU), Langley Secondary, and HD Stafford Middle with the goal to ensure students know what opportunities are available in the future for them.

Recommendation: That the Board of Education receives the report on School Start-up for information, as presented.

The Board approves the report as presented. The video above will begin on this agenda item.

Secretary-Treasurer’s Reports

Five-year Capital Plan (Minor Capital Programs) 2027/2028

Secretary-Treasurer Brian Iseli provided the minor capital programs section of the Five-Year Capital Plan. He shared a table that contained a list of all the projects that have been requested to the Ministry. Projects included a boiler update at HD Stafford Middle, roof at Langley Fine Arts, flooring at multiple schools, accessible playgrounds, and buses, 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 Capital Plan (Minor Capital Programs) for 2027/2028, as provided on the Capital Plan Summary for 2027/2028 submitted to the Ministry of Education and Child Care.

The Board approves the report as presented. The video above will begin on this agenda item.

Aldergrove Community Secondary School Portable Disposal Bylaw

Recommendation: That The Board of Education of School District No. 35 (Langley) – Aldergrove Community Secondary School Portable Disposal Bylaw 2026 be given first reading.

Recommendation: That The Board of Education of School District No. 35 (Langley) – Aldergrove Community Secondary School Portable Disposal Bylaw 2026 be given second reading.

Recommendation: That The Board of Education of School District No. 35 (Langley) unanimously approves having all three readings of Aldergrove Community Secondary School Portable Disposal Bylaw 2026 at tonight’s meeting.

Recommendation: That The Board of Education of School District No. 35 (Langley) – Aldergrove Community Secondary School Portable Disposal Bylaw 2026 be given third reading, passed and adopted on the 22nd day of September, 2026.

The Board approved the above motions. The video above will begin on this agenda item.

Audit Committee

Approval of Audited 2025-2026 Financial Statements

Recommendation: That the Board of Education of School District No. 35 (Langley) approves the 2025/2026 Audited Financial Statements and request staff to submit them to the Ministry of Education and Child Care.

The Board approved the above motion. The video above will begin on this agenda item.

Financial Statement Discussion and Analysis

Recommendation: That the Board of Education of School District No. 35 (Langley) approves the Financial Statement Discussion and Analysis (FSD&A) be included with the 2025/2026 Financial Statements.

The Board approved the above motion. The video above will begin on this agenda item.

Surplus Restrictions

Recommendation: That the Board of Education of School District No. 35 (Langley) approves the following internally restricted surplus amounts, as described in note 13 of the 2025/2026 Audited Financial Statements.

• Internally restricted for commitments 2025/2026 for $1,714,433
• Internally restricted for initiatives not completed in 2025/2026 for $295,845
• Internally restricted for Indigenous Education for $307,906
• Internally restricted for Indigenous Education Councils $134,773
• Internally restricted for Administration supports for $280,000
• Internally restricted for Clerical supports for $60,000
• Internally restricted for Exempt staffing positions for 1 year awaiting funding $150,000
• School Generated funds for $2,996,283
• Internally restricted to balance future budgets $2,932,477
• Internally restricted for student capacity needs $3,687,331
• School surpluses $322,074
• Internally restricted for Project Management costs for Smith Middle/Secondary for $300,000
• Internally restricted for Facility upgrades for $250,000
• Internally restricted for Instructional Supplies $100,000
• Internally restricted for Staff collaboration at Superintendent’s meetings $80,000

The Board approved the above motions. The video above will begin on this agenda item.

Interfund Transfers

Recommendation: That the Board of Education of School District No. 35 (Langley) approves the transfer of $82,100 from the special purpose fund and $4,343,593 from the operating fund to the capital fund, as described in note 14 of the 2025/2026 Audited Financial Statements.

The Board approved the above motion. The video above will begin on this agenda item.

Policy Committee

Notice of Motion Return: Policy 5: Role of the Board Chair

Recommendation: That the Board of Education approves Policy 5: Role of the Board Chair, as presented.

The Board approved the above motion. The video above will begin on this agenda item.

Notice of Motion Return: Policy 8: Board Committees

Recommendation: That the Board of Education approves Policy 8: Board Committees, as presented.

The Board approved the above motion. The video above will begin on this agenda item.

Trustee Work Reports

Question Period