Trustee Report – November 12, 2014

Satisfaction Survey – The division will be completing its own satisfaction survey after the spring break. The last survey was completed in the 2010/11 school year. This falls under the policy of having a division survey once per election term. Division students, staff and parents will be surveyed. Information will be coming forward closer to the date.

ASBA Proposed Policies for Fall General Meeting (FGM) – Trustees across Alberta will be discussing and voting on a number of policies at their FGM on Nov. 17 and 18, including weighting of provincial exams, needs-based funding for public rural schools and funding new school and modular start-up costs.

Faith Based Alternative Programs – Trustees received a letter from new Education Minister Gordon Dirks ensuring boards with alternative faith-based programs are meeting obligations under the School Act and Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Buffalo Trail Transportation Concerns – Due to a number of challenges in providing transportation in rural areas, the Buffalo Trail board is hosting a meeting at the FGM. Board Chair Starosielski and Superintendent Brodziak are attending the meeting.

Wind Power Update – The lengthy approval process for the School Board Commodity Purchasing Consortium in constructing a wind power project is progressing. The project should be complete and up and running by January 2016 and will provide power for a number of school divisions across the province.

Policy Review – Trustees reviewed Policy 2 Role of the Board and Policy 6 Role of the Vice Chair with no changes.

Superintendent’s Report:

• Annual Report and 3-year Plan due at end of November. Admin has completed draft changes for Board review. Feedback due by Nov. 26. Will also go out to schools once complete.
• ECS Entrance Age – Will continue to keep our policy as is due to potential changes at the provincial level with the implementation of the new Education Act in 2015.
• SLA (Student Learning Assessment) – admin gathering feedback on pilot implementation at the Grade 3 level.
• Admin Procedures – non-certified staff grid discussion – safe and caring schools – parent and public inquiries.
• Post-it Note Story – building a welcoming environment using positive comments – if further interest from Success Coaches, contact Mallaig School. St. Paul Journal offered to donate Post it Notes.
• SPUR Radio donation for music programs will be given to junior and senior high music programs that have instruments.

Financial Report:

Annual audit complete and will be presented to Board on Nov. 26. The Board will also be presented with the fall budget update.

Capital Project Update:

• TH Mennonite new school build – the Board received word from the Province that construction will be commencing at the existing site shortly.
• Ashmont modernization– will be participating in an upcoming planning meeting with Provincial officials.