The Board of Trustees were led in prayer by Chair Heather
Starosielski in recognition of the tragedies that took place within the
community of St. Paul on May 9.
Curriculum Redesign
Meeting in St. Paul – Alberta Education is hosting a series of community
consultations across Alberta on specific components of their Curriculum
Redesign process. The session in St. Paul takes place on May 21, 6:30-9:00 p.m.
at Portage College. Use the following link to register: http://www.learning-network.org/programs/register/1110
COSC – June 11,
6:30-8:30 p.m. – School council members, administrators, trustees and the
local ATA are invited to the annual Council of School Council meeting at the
Central Office board room. The focus on this year’s meeting is on the
Curriculum Redesign currently underway by Alberta Education. An Alberta
Education rep will lead the information and discussion session. There will also
be time for networking and information on other division initiatives. RSVP to
Trustee Lafrance or Trustee Cook by June 4.
Wellness accounts
– The health insurance provider for Alberta school employees asked school
boards their opinion on a wellness account for employees. The account would
cover items such as gym memberships, child/elder care, professional
development, etc. The Board voiced their opinion against wellness accounts as
it leads to further total compensation expenses.
Teacher Excellence
Task Force – on May 5, the task force members released the details of a
report, which includes 25 recommendations for improving teacher excellence in
the classroom. The common theme is “For every child, in every class, there is
an excellent teacher.” Input is sought from all education stakeholders,
including parents, students, teachers, trustees, etc. The 200+ page report can
be found at the following link: https://inspiring.education.alberta.ca/initiative/task-force-for-teaching-excellence/.
Feedback on the report can be given on this site.
Ashmont intersection
safety concerns – The Highway 28 turnoff into Ashmont is causing concerns
for the transportation of students and staff. There are approximately 20 busses
and 80 staff members using this route every school day. The speed limit was
reduced to 80 km/h, but it is not always followed and the amount of traffic
since the last review has increased. The Board will write a letter to the
appropriate provincial traffic safety department with their concerns.
Policy Review –
Policy 16 Recruitment and Selection of Personnel and Policy 17 Student
Transportation Services were reviewed with no changes. Policies up for review
next month include: Policy 4 – Trustee Code of Ethics and Policy 7 – Board
Operations.
Admin Procedure 168
– Fragrance/Scent–Safe Workplace – the new procedure is currently being
introduced across the division for those students and staff who may suffer a
medical reaction when exposed to a fragrance or scented product.
International Travel
– the Board approved the Ashmont Secondary School trip to Italy and Greece over
spring break 2015, providing those who attend follow all Board polices and
procedures.
Superintendent’s
Report:
- Staffing – numbers for 2014/15 are relatively stable in comparison to the current school year. However, this is based on enrolment projections, and matters may change once the Sept. 30 enrolment count is complete.
- ADLC Service Agreement– contract has been renewed in order to provide distance-learning services for students. There is no bundle cost this year; instead, reverting back to the original model of a school-by-school basis.
- August 22, 2014 – first Admin Council meeting of the new school year for all admin and trustees.
- Aug. 25,26,27 – Student registration dates
- June 21 – National Aboriginal Day is on a Saturday this year. Schools will hold celebrations either before or after that day. On June 11, the Board will be treated to a traditional aboriginal meal just before their board meeting.
- ECS Calendar approved with all schools either following odd or even days for attendance. Start dates are: September 8 – odd number; September 9 – even number.
- Health and Wellness Grant - $50,000 available over five years. Schools are to submit proposals for a division-wide grant proposal.
- Ag Safety Day – May 15 – Grade 4 and 5 students from across the division took part in the St. Paul event.
- Administrators took a moment of silence to honour the Armed Forces who served in Afghanistan as part of the national recognition of their service.
Financial Report
– Budget preparation for 2014/15 underway. Transportation dept. usually purchases
two new busses per year, but an opportunity came up to purchase two used busses
in the current budget year. Electrical panel replacement at Regional School may
take place this budget year instead of next year.
Capital Projects
Update - Two Hills Mennonite School – capping of the artesian well
currently in progress. The Board is still requesting further clarification from
Alberta Education and Infrastructure on the viability of current build site.
