Highlights - Board Meeting - December 9, 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.
Delegations/Presentations/Acknowledgements
Acknowledging the Passing of John Roberts
It is with sadness that we share the passing of John Roberts, who was a dedicated educator and long-serving principal who began his career with the district in 1974 at what is now Semá:th Elementary School. He later served as vice-principal at McMillan, Centennial, and John Maclure, and finally as a principal at Dunach and John Maclure Elementary Schools. He concluded his career as a middle school principal for nine years at W.A. Fraser Middle School (which he opened) and then Colleen and Gordie Howe Middle.
Education
Learning Support Services Department: Strategic Plan Progress Report
Director of Instruction – Learning Support Services, Michelle Gehring, provided an update to the Board on progress on the District’s Strategic Plan related to goals for Student Success, Engaging Opportunities, and a Progressive Workforce.
Curriculum Department: Strategic Plan Progress Report
Director of Instruction - Curriculum, Tracy Krys, presented on how the Curriculum Department has made significant progress in early learning and childcare, literacy, numeracy, language and literacy strategies, and technology integration. Key successes include increased childcare spaces, the creation of a Numeracy Framework, implementation of new diagnostic assessments in literacy and numeracy, and the use of technology tools to increase student, parent, and community engagement.
Board Authority Authorized Course (BAAC)
The Board of Education approved BAA Event Planning and Leadership 11 as a Board Authority Authorized Course. Also, the Board of Education approved the replacement of BAA Leadership 11 with BAA Event Planning and Leadership 11.
Community Matters Award
Nominations for the 2026 Community Matters Award will open in January 2026. Nomination details and timelines are available at www.abbyschools.ca.
Operations
Budget Guiding Principles
Secretary Treasurer Peter Neale presented the Budget Guiding Principles.
By-Election Results and Cost
Secretary Treasurer Peter Neale reported on the by-election results and costs as provided by City Council.
Reports by Representatives on External Organizations
BCSTA Report
A verbal update was provided by Trustee Wilson.
BCPSEA Report
A verbal report was provided by Trustee Kanda-Rajwan.
Trustee Announcements
Trustee Meetings & Events: November-December 2025
The following are trustee meetings and events that have occurred in the period since the last Public Board meeting:
- Character Abbotsford - Interview with James Mandigo
- Archway Annual Community Builders' Awards
- Remembrance Day Celebration – Thunderbird Square
- Chamber of Commerce - 29th Annual Business Excellence Awards
- National Philanthropy Day Luncheon
- 2025 Drishti Awards
- Archway - Toys for Tots Christmas Brunch
- BCSTA Trustee Academy
- District Planning Team Meeting
- Finance & Facilities Committee Meeting
- Education Committee Meeting
- Agenda Setting for December 9 Board Meetings