By Tom Mark

North Okanagan-Shuswap Schools First Nations Agreement

Jul 14, 2017 | 6:48 AM

The North Okanagan-Shuswap School District and the Bands of the Secwepemc Nation took part in a signing ceremony of the Local Education Agreement last evening.

Included are the Adams Lake, Little Shuswap, Neskonlith and Splatsin bands.

An LEA is an agreement between one or more First Nations bands and a provincial school board for the purchase of educational services by the First Nation for its status students attending schools off reserve.

It gives Bands greater participation in education of the their students and helps the Board provide educational programs that are appropriate to the cultural and linguistic heritage

It is also a continuing source of satisfaction and pride for the Bands and for the School District

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Swimmer to traverse Okanagan Lake in support of Foundry projects

1h ago

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Thunderstorm Watch issued for the Okanagan

5h ago

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One youth killed, another injured in crash near Lumby

Jun 29, 2026

The agreement is in effect until July 12, 2022.

Meanwhile, the District is going to move ahead with a Safe Teen program at two of its schools.

Outgoing Superintendent Glenn Borthistle said Eagle River Secondary will see an additional .5 full time equivalency staffing allocated in 2017-18 for targeted instruction for social/emotional, drug and alcohol and building healthy relationships instruction.

A.L. Fortune will also get extra funding to add that program for its grades 7 to 12 programs.

There will also be a .6 increase for an Inclusive Support Program.

As well, teachers and staff have been meeting to ensure a smooth transition as A.L. Fortune welcomes grade seven students for the first time.

Borthistle added that district staff will work with school principals to monitor implementation plans and will provide an update in the fall.

Funding was also provided to cover Grade 6-7 students for transition activities including a welcome barbeque, Grade 7 camp, an orientation and new uniforms for grade 7 teams.

Official Trustee Mike McKay gave first reading to a policy initiation on criminal record checks.

The school district currently has guidelines around criminal record checks but Superintendent Borthistle felt that this should be in policy rather then just a guideline.

Borthistle reported that even though it is summer time, it is a very busy time for some members of the school district staff, especially operations, technology and some district office staff.

“They are working very hard to have schools ready and staffing complete for September.”

Borthistle added that he was happy to announce the district’s request for an increase in the classroom enhancement fund was approved.

“In total we are adding 44.2 FTE additional staff.”

McKay thanked Glenn Borthistle, who is leaving the district at the end of July to be a part of Maple Leaf Schools in China.

Peter Jory will be joining the district as superintendent in August..

by Tom Mark