Langley Board of Education holds regular meeting on September 22

The Langley Board of Education held its regular meeting in person and online on September 22. Board chair Candy Ashdown recognized the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, referring to Langley’s recent fifth annual stɑl'əw pow wow and noting Orange Shirt Day on September 30. She said students and staff have observed Orange Shirt Day for 14 years in honour of Phyllis Webstad and children who attended residential schools, including those who did not leave the schools or make it home. Board members wore orange shirts to reflect the district’s commitment to ensuring that every child matters. Ashdown also recognized retiring trustees Marnie Wilson, Joel Neufeld and Sarb Rai for their service.

Superintendent Mal Gill presented the fourth-year update to the district’s 2023-2026 Strategic Plan, covering educational opportunities, community partnerships and operational priorities. He said the district’s six-year completion rate is 97 per cent for all students and 87 per cent for Indigenous students, with a goal of reaching 100 per cent. Deputy superintendent Woody Bradford presented the 2026-2027 Framework for Enhancing Student Learning, which focuses on intellectual, human and social, and career development and incorporates consultation feedback.

The board also received a school start-up report. The Langley Secondary School addition has opened with 14 learning spaces, while Emery Dosdall Secondary and stɑtl̓əw̓ Middle are under construction with 1,900 and 900 spaces respectively. The district plans modular additions at Donna Gabriel Robins Elementary and Josette Dandurand Elementary, as well as an expansion at R.E. Mountain Secondary. More than 4,600 students attended five weeks of summer programming at 20 sites. The KPU Skills Connect initiative will link KPU, Langley Secondary and HD Stafford Middle to help students learn about future opportunities.

Secretary-treasurer Brian Iseli presented the minor-capital portion of the 2027/2028 Five-Year Capital Plan, including requested work on a boiler at HD Stafford Middle, a roof at Langley Fine Arts, flooring at several schools, accessible playgrounds and buses. The board approved the reports presented and gave three readings to the 2026 Aldergrove Community Secondary School Portable Disposal Bylaw.