Trustee Report – November 9, 2011 Board Meeting

1. School council reporting requirements – School Council Regulations require councils to report back to Superintendent on their annual activities. The Board is assisting with this requirement by providing a template for school councils to review. Councils are also asked to discuss AP 110 School Councils - moving to Board Policy #19 and Community Engagement (Policy #18) – need prior to December Board meeting. 
 

2. Extra budget allocation:

•        SPERD received $632,269.00 in additional funding from the Province:
•       School administrators had a chance to meet twice as a group since then, and were also contacted individually.
•       Administrators came to consensus to address “hot spots” across the division and put money back towards the deficit ($1.2 million for 2011/2012) – to provide some consistency for next year’s budget.
•        The Board approved the plan to hire approximately 5 fte teachers spread across 7-8 schools and approx 4 instructional assistants across 3-4 schools.
•       As a result of other adjustments and an increase in enrolment, the Board was also able to put approx $500,000 against the current deficit lowering it to approx $700,000.

3. SPERD Community Engagement – the division’s Strategic Planning Committee has begun planning an opportunity for its stakeholders to provide input on the way we operate our schools – a meeting is tentatively planned for March in St. Paul, with subsequent meetings to follow in other communities. More details will be available in December.

4. School bus driver shortages – a local bus contractor appeared before the Board to discuss the shortage of bus drivers – the Board did make an exception to policy to allow a town bus driver over the age of 68 to drive for the 2011/2012 school year on a relief basis – the Board is also following up with the proposal for the Alberta Government to establish province-wide tests and standards of competency for bus drivers.

5. ATA/Board relations – The Alberta Teachers Association Local and the Board have written a letter to all students and parents to inform them of their efforts to enhance their partnership in student success. The letter will appear in upcoming newsletters. The Board also agreed to share in the sub costs for an extra ATA member to attend monthly Board meetings.

6. Three-year plan – Trustees began its Three-Year Plan requirements by receiving a draft layout from Central Office admin. Trustees will have a chance to study the plan and make further revisions before it is passed later in November.

7. Transportation survey – Trustees asked administration to look at creating a survey for students and possibly parents on bus safety. Results from the division’s survey this past spring raised some concerns, and Trustees asked for clarification. The Board has forwarded questions to Admin Council to find the most effective way to conduct the survey. School Councils are also being consulted.

8. Supporting K-4 Learners Tablet Pilot - received $50,000 funding from Alberta government for pilot program to use ipads in classrooms - 3 years - Ashmont and Myrnam schools.

9. Capital report:

•        Racette – Traffic impact study finalized. Hazardous material abatement is wrapping up (should be completed by Nov. 10). Construction tender closes on November 17. Award of tender and construction to follow.
•        F.G. Miller – Architectural consultant has been chosen – Bennett Architect Inc. Schematic design consultation with Board to start soon. Cost consultant has been hired. Preliminary hazmat research completed – hazmat abatement will be required.
•       Two Hills Mennonite – RFP for consultant closed on Nov. 4 – final selection to follow. Schematic design consultation with Board to start soon. Cost consultant has been hired. Geotechnical site investigation underway.

10. Superintendent’s report - monthly communications for division staff, CO staff; Children's Fair - Nov. 15-16 - appointment or drop-in - ages and stages questionnaire - range of community services; another round of succession planning in the works; administrative teams to visit other schools; Oct. 24 collaboration PD day successful – planning another session during February PD; Assessment Consortium – conference excellent overall – bringing one presentation to St. Paul on Dec. 5 for assessment committee members, etc.; Rock the Diploma – optional supplementary tutoring for diploma exams being made available online; school calendar - schools to submit bell times and instruction minutes; AISI approved for next cycle - overview of current cycle for Dec. 5 Board meeting.