Trustee Report - June 13, 2012

1. Two Hills County Council - asked for clarification on how the Student Health Initiative Program funding flows to the Myrnam and Two Hills schools Family School Liaison Workers. The Board is sending a letter in response.

2. Alberta School Councils Association membership - Trustee Starosielski sent a group email out to chairs of local school councils to ask if the division should continue with the ASCA membership. All responses were in favour; therefore the Board's motion was confirmed.

3. East Central Francophone Division land - St. Paul Education discussed the land that was previously owned by SPERD and was transferred over to the East Central Francophone division when the francophone division was created. Some of the land was recently offered back for sale to SPERD. Although St. Paul Elementary Community School could use the land, the division is not in a position to purchase the land at this time.

4. Budget 2012/2013 - The Board approved the 2012/2013 budget, forecasting overall expenses of $55,144,800 with a $419,771 deficit. There are no significant changes to programs at this time. The biggest assumptions and risks are salaries still to be negotiated (which total 79% of budget incl. benefits), enrolment, federal tuition (don't know final figures until the school year is complete). This year looks better than last year, but there are more uncertainties at this time.

5. Policy 1 - our division foundational statements - will be reviewed at a later date following consultations with all of our stakeholders.

6. Whitefish Lake First Nation letter – went to all families in the Goodfish Lake community on May 4 stating bussing to Ashmont Elementary School for K-3 students will be suspended for the 2012-2013 school year. Another letter, dated May 16, directed to our Superintendent, states bussing would be further suspended up to Grade 6 to Ashmont Elementary for the 2013-2014 school year. The Superintendent will be sending a letter to all Goodfish Lake families currently attending Ashmont Elementary reminding them of registration deadlines. Board representatives will be meeting with Whitefish Lake First Nation Chief and Council. Approximately 65 students from Goodfish Lake attend K-3 Ashmont Elementary and the current budget is built on these numbers - approx 1/3 students at Ashmont Elementary come from the Goodfish Lake community.

7. Superintendent report:

- budget process - discussions with schools - staffing needs are being addressed

- Math and Science Olympics – events will take place on alternate years - Racette will host Science Olympics next year

- Showcase of the Arts - moving to an evening program - GA will host next year

- healthy lifestyles - AP167 - schools will develop their own programs

- AP370 - student awards - on whether to continue with Grade 6 student awards even though this level is moving to outcomes-based report cards - two recommendations: -remove the award or recognize award for highest mark on Grade 6 Provincial Achievement Tests - Board decided to keep the Grade 6 award with highest average of PAT scores

8. Alberta School Boards Association Spring General Meeting - 4 trustees attended – reported on issues such as school boards using social media as a communications tool, parent engagement in education, Education Minister Jeff Johnson’s desire to continue with Tripartite discussions, Education Act legislation and teachers becoming learning facilitators instead of lecturers.

9. Capital Projects:

Racette on schedule

FG Miller - hazmat underway and full tender to go out this month.

Two Hills Mennonite - cost estimates - meeting with stakeholders June 14

10. Community Consultation night – Trustees reported on the May 31 event and the feedback received from participants. The Strategic Planning committee will create a brief synopsis of its findings to be reported back to stakeholders in the near future.

11. Council of School Councils – School Councils had an opportunity to meet with the Superintendent, Secretary Treasurer and the Board on June 13 to discuss the 2012-2013 budget, school council housekeeping items and the division’s new assessment policy (in response to the media coverage on no zeroes). Participants also had the opportunity to view the division’s new promotional video which was premiered at the Community Consultation night. Group discussion focused on the division’s intention to explore the use of social media, such as Facebook and/or Twitter.

12. Tribal Chiefs Ventures Initiative – Program Coordinator Glenda Bristow provided an update on the discussions and objectives being designed in partnership with First Nation communities within Tribal Chiefs. Communication and data sharing are the first two strategic directions being developed.

13. Zone 2/3 – Trustee Rudkowsky reported on the following resolutions that our local school board association zone is developing for the fall: transportation, financial literacy for students, sexual minority students, full-time kindergarten, safe and caring schools.

14. Tripartite negotiations - ATA rep Connie Landsiedel reported that the first Tripartite meeting is scheduled for Friday, June 15. ASBA position - ASBA wants any negotiated items to be fully funded if a provincial agreement is reached.