Mackenzie, B.C. – Prince George School District trustees will have plenty to discuss at tonight’s monthly public board meeting in Mackenzie.

Trustees will consider a number of recommendations including allowing the use of Ness Lake Bible Camp by district students “on a strictly secular basis.”

It follows an in-camera meeting last June where trustees passed a motion stating the camp’s statement of affirmation was in conflict with the District’s LGBTQ policy. As a result, schools were advised to stop using the facility until these concerns were addressed.

Following that decision, Ness Lake Bible Camp revised their statement of affirmation with the school district’s LGBTQ Advisory Group and it was later determined that it was no longer in violation of the school district’s policy.

Also tonight, trustees will vote on a recommendation to create a draft “Sanctuary School Policy” to protect students defined as refugees. Such a policy would be in step with policies other school district’s in the province are currently looking at adopting.

In a bid to improve communication with smaller communities in the District, the Board will also consider a recommendation to expand the role of trustee liaisons for Mackenzie, McBride and Valemount to include mayor and councils in these communities.

The Board will also vote on a recommendation to hold a regular public meeting in Valemount, McBride and Mackenzie during the 2017/2018 school year. Currently, the Board holds just one meeting outside Prince George each year.

Tonight’s meeting starts at 7 p.m. at Mackenzie Secondary School.