Trustee Report – May 14, 2014

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.