County of St. Paul FCSS
Wellness Funding - the Board of Trustees is grateful for
the funding received by the County of St. Paul FCSS and Council in supporting
Wellness Days at schools throughout the division this year.
SPUR Radio
– graciously donated
$6,000 to be used towards division music programs.
Columbus House of Hope
School Program - the division received a grant to
start an education program at the St. Paul women's shelter. The grant covers
the cost of hiring a 0.4 certificated teacher. The Board approved the
application of a school code for the program.
Community Spirit Grant
- SPERD received $9,124.52 for the 2011/12 school year application. All funds
will be dispersed according to how donations were made to each school. The
Province discontinued this grant in its 2013 budget.
Provincial Competition
Support - Principals were asked about
activities that students might reach at a provincial competition level, other
than just sports. The Board accepted a recommendation that the division support
travel costs for any students who reach the provincial competition level
through a school-based program. (Example: Skills Canada)
Returning Officer
– the Board approved Don
Zarowny as returning officers for the October, 2013 Trustee elections.
Modified Voting
Procedure - the Board passed Bylaw No. 2-13 which
allows for more than one voting station in a voting subdivision.
School Trips
- the Board approved recommendations to allow four different school trips in
the 2013/14 school year pending further required information and the
requirement to follow division policies and procedures - Dominican Experience
St. Paul Trip, Ashmont Secondary Canadian exchange trip, Two Hills School to
Dominican Republic and Ashmont Secondary to China.
ASBA Spring General
Meeting - Five trustees attended the conference
in Red Deer, June 3-4. The conference focused on the arts in education and
included a day of regular business meetings with school boards across the
province.
Zone 2/3
- Kayla Fluker, a teacher from Mallaig, was one of the nominees honoured at a
banquet last month for the Edwin Parr Awards.
Windpower Project -
after two years of planning and evaluation of options, the Board took another
step forward by passing a motion to join the Alberta Schools Wind Power Project
subject to the provision of becoming an equity partner.
Policy Review
- the Board deferred changes to the Division Foundational Statements to the
2013/14 school year. Policy 2 Appendix A (Board was altered during the Board
Evaluation and approved for changes.
Admin Procedures
- Trustees received information on two admin procedures regarding exempting
students from awards if they have been academically dishonest. The admin
procedure on school fundraising was also reviewed to coincide with a new
procedure on advertising, canvassing and commercial solicitation.
SPAN Cafeteria Lease
– Central Office admin
met with the leaseholders to discuss a number of issues – the Board accepted recommendation to
renew the contract for two years with a 2% increase in the first year to adjust
for inflation.
Superintendent Report:
- PARTY program – the full day program gives students the opportunity to experience a mock accident and the subsequent results. The program coordinators have requested all Grade 9 students from the division participate at the same time during one full day of activities at the Recreation Centre.
- Risk Threat Protocol - reviewed and updated – a folder will be placed in every classroom this fall.
- "Hold and Secure" - a new terminology for schools which involves an altered lockdown procedure. It includes keeping all school doors locked and all students inside. It could be used during a lightening storm or where there is a potentially threatening person in the community.
- Field Trip Bus - administration is investigation the possibility of having a division-owned bus available for field trips. Results so far are inconclusive.
- Synrevoice - plans for the Board-approved automated call-out system moving forward.
Financial Report
- the Board approved the 2013/14 Budget
at a May 28 special meeting. Because of the prudent actions of our admin and
financial teams, our division was able to maintain the same level of staffing
with a 1% deficit, which will be offset with reserves.
Capital Report:
- FG Miller - scheduled for completion July 31, 2013 - gymnasium finishing taking place as well as completion of change rooms, classrooms and common hallway; paving of west parking.
- Racette - scheduled for completion mid July, 2013 - interior work to be completed by end of June with outside paving to start June 24.
- Two Hills Mennonite – work is ongoing in solving how the ground water under the building slab will be diverted. Geotechnical is confident it can find a solution.
