BM Highlights Dec 9 2025 NEWS

Board Meeting Highlights - December 9, 2025

event Published 2025-12-10 17:20:34.913 +0000 UTC

Additional information can be found in the December 9, 2025, Board Meeting Agenda package: https://www.myprps.com/news/december-9-2025-public-board-meeting-20251208183544

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Prairie Mennonite School Presentation

Trustees heard a presentation from Principal Simon Moreton highlighting the work of Prairie Mennonite School, which serves students from kindergarten through Grade 9. Trustees learned about how the school builds student leadership and school spirit through a house system, supports learning through literacy focused programming, and offers hands-on learning opportunities. The presentation highlighted strong family and community involvement, including parent-led hot lunch programs, student leadership opportunities, community service initiatives, and school wide events that regularly draw strong family participation. 

Operations and Maintenance Report

Director of Facilities Darrell Drefs presented the annual Operations and Maintenance report. Trustees were informed that more than 3,700 maintenance work orders were completed across the division during the past year. Infrastructure Maintenance and Renewal and Capital Maintenance and Renewal projects continue to be prioritized based on greatest need, with a significant portion of funding directed toward roofing and mechanical systems. Updates were shared on completed and upcoming projects, including parking lot upgrades, roof replacement work, mechanical upgrades, and classroom improvements. Trustees were also updated on site preparation for the future Parkside School project in Redcliff and on value scoping work underway in Oyen to review long term facility options.

PAT and Diploma Results

Trustees reviewed the Provincial Achievement Test and Diploma Examination results for the 2024-2025 school year. It was noted that curriculum changes affected the number of Grade 6 students writing Provincial Achievement Tests and that results were released later than usual due to labour action. Participation rates for Prairie Rose students remained higher than the provincial average. Trustees also noted an increase in diploma writers, largely connected to additional testing at South Alberta High School, which impacted overall results. Division leadership shared that strategies within the new education plan are focused on improving outcomes through curriculum alignment and consistent instructional practices.

Annual Education Results Report

Superintendent Reagan Weeks presented the Annual Education Results Report, which outlines student achievement, learning supports, and division priorities within Alberta’s Assurance Framework. Trustees noted a significant increase in student enrollment across Prairie Rose, which continues to inform planning and resource decisions. The report highlighted areas of progress, including student engagement, strong participation rates in provincial assessments, and high school completion rates. The results reflect Prairie Rose’s ongoing focus on igniting minds through strong instruction, kindling hearts through student supports, and forging futures through successful transitions and completion. Results from both provincial measures and local data are used to identify strengths and areas for continued focus, guiding instructional priorities and division planning for the year ahead.

Executive Report

  • Trustees congratulated PRPS teacher Angie Angle on receiving the Prime Minister’s Award.
  • Class size and complexity data from PRPS was submitted to Alberta Education by the November 24, 2025, deadline. The data was requested by the province following labour action by the Alberta Teachers’ Association and included student numbers, staff roles, aggression incidents, and diverse learner numbers. PRPS will also be reviewing the numbers internally to determine where additional support or changes can be made to better support students and teachers.

Commendations

  • Trustees thanked the I.F. Cox School choir for performing Christmas carols for the Board prior to the meeting. Watch the video here: https://vimeo.com/1145338381
  • Appreciation was extended to staff for meeting Alberta Education complexity reporting timelines.
  • Trustees recognized Prairie Rose staff for their work in organizing family events, concerts, and community fundraising initiatives.
  • Trustees thanked the Community Foundation for providing grants that continue to support Prairie Rose schools and students.

Other Items:

  • Trustees received an update on supports for students with complex needs. A division committee has been established that includes principals and instructional and learning team members to help address complex and aggressive behaviours. The committee is focused on improving coordination, sharing strategies, and supporting schools in managing challenging situations.
  • There were no reports from the Alberta School Boards Association, the Public School Boards Association of Alberta, or the Rural Caucus.