Highlights - Board Meeting - October 21, 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.
New Trustee Introduction
Board Chair Shirley Wilson introduced Arsh Kaler, a new Trustee, who was sworn in earlier in the day. Arsh Kaler replaces former Trustee, Korky Neufeld.
Delegations/Presentations/Acknowledgements
Acknowledging the Passing of George Peary
It is with sadness that the board share the passing of George Peary, who dedicated much of his life to serving Abbotsford — as an administrator in several of our secondary schools, as a Trustee with the Abbotsford Board of Education from 2005 to 2008, and as a past Mayor of Abbotsford. A moment of silence was observed.
Rick Hansen Secondary
Library Learning Commons teacher Ashleigh Wighton, alongside two Grade 12 students, shared how Rick Hansen Secondary is fostering a schoolwide culture of literacy. Through initiatives like daily silent reading, the Hansen Reads Program, and an upcoming Read-A-Thon, students are developing stronger reading habits and literacy skills. Staff are also modeling reading through personalized book recommendations and a vibrant reading club. With nearly 600 books signed out and growing student engagement, Rick Hansen is making reading a daily, meaningful part of campus life.
Education
New Administrative Procedure 122 - Unexpected Health Emergencies
Superintendent Dr. Ngieng introduced AP 122, developed in response to a provincial amendment to the Support Services for Schools Ministerial Order effective July 1, 2025. The superintendent noted Abbotsford is already well-positioned, with AEDs in all sites and naloxone available at higher-risk locations.
Facilities and Transportation Department: Strategic Plan Progress Report
Greg Forbes-King, Director of Facilities & Transportation, presented an update on how the department is advancing the district’s strategic priorities under the Optimized Resources pillar. Key highlights included capital projects, operational improvements, and future planning. The Director emphasized the department’s commitment to safe, clean, and functional learning environments, noting that every improvement from HVAC upgrades to portable placements supports student success.
Finance Department: Strategic Plan Progress Report
Monica Schulte, Assistant Secretary-Treasurer, highlighted how the finance team advanced the district’s strategic priorities under Optimized Resources and Progressive Workforce. Key achievements included budget optimization, which helped add over 21 FTE teachers in 2024–25, transparency and stewardship, technology upgrades, and maintaining overall financial health. Schulte emphasized that every financial decision supports classrooms and student success, noting that the department’s work ensures stability, accountability, and smart resource management across the district.
Operations
First Quarter Financial Update
Secretary Treasurer Peter Neale presented the operating results for July–September 2025.
Enrolment Update
Secretary Treasurer Peter Neale reported that district enrolment compared to the budget estimates.
Whistleblower - Annual Report
For the period ending June 30, 2025, and in consultation with the Human Resources Department, the district has not received any reports.
Minor Capital Update and Submission
The Board of Education, in reference to the motion passed on June 17, 2025 approved the revised "Five-Year Capital Plan Submission 2026- 2027 (Minor Capital Projects)" submitted to the Ministry of Education and Child Care on September 30, 2025.
Fraser Valley Cultural Diversity Awards Sponsorship 2026
The Board of Education approved the sponsorship amount of $3,000, targeting youth award, to the 2026 Fraser Valley Cultural Diversity Awards.
Watch Segment
Joshua House Gala Sponsorship
No motion was made for the sponsorship request to be passed this year.
Reports by Representatives on External Organizations
Fraser Valley BCSTA Branch
Chair Wilson provided a verbal report on her attendance at Fraser Valley BCSTA Branch election.
New Business
DPAC
Chair Wilson asked Superintendent Ngieng to provide an update on his attendance schedule with DPAC. Chair Wilson also provided a verbal report on the Trustee schedule for DPAC.
Motion by Trustee White
The motion that educators in elementary and middle schools be required to give one week’s notice to parents before using sexual orientation and gender identity resources in the classroom failed.
Trustee Rai put forward a motion that the Board of Education affirm its commitment to inclusivity by supporting educators in providing learning opportunities that help students develop as informed, responsible, and compassionate global citizens. Parents are as always recognized and valued as partners in education. And that educators continue to exercise their professional judgment in selecting age-appropriate and relevant materials when addressing topics such as sexual orientation, gender identity, and other protected grounds under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the British Columbia Human Rights Code. This motion was carried.
Trustee Announcements
Trustee Meetings & Events: September-October 2025
The following are trustee meetings and events that have occurred in the period since the last Public Board meeting:
- DPAC Meeting
- Field Renaming Event
- Smiles through Seva 3rd Annual Gala – A Spectrum of Light
- Field Reopening Event
- BeMorr Society's 4th Annual Hawaiian Shirt Gala
- Autumn Sip & Social - Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Fraser Valley
- Abbotsford Manufacturing Day Bus Tour
- Crime is Toast - Breakfast with the Chief
- Agenda Setting for October 21 Board Meetings
- Education Committee Meeting
- Leader's Lunch - Unleashing Canadian Prosperity
- Appreciation Banquet - Honouring Ed Fast
- BCPSEA Bargaining
- BCSTA Provincial Council Voter Training