Board Meeting Highlights - February 10, 2026
Additional information can be found in the February 10, 2026, Board Meeting Agenda package: https://www.myprps.com/news/february-10-2026-public-board-meeting-20260206222419
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Irvine School Presentation – Building Thinking Classrooms
Trustees received a presentation from Irvine School focused on the Building Thinking Classrooms approach to teaching and learning at the elementary level.
As part of the presentation, trustees and members of the executive team participated in a hands-on learning activity alongside students, working in small groups to solve elementary math factoring problems. The activity demonstrated key elements of the learning approach, including collaboration, problem solving, movement, and standing, all of which are intentionally used to keep students actively engaged.
The presentation highlighted how this instructional approach supports student thinking, discussion, and shared problem solving, while recognizing the important role elementary teachers play in building strong foundational math skills through intentional instructional design.
Transportation Accountability Report
The Board reviewed the Transportation Accountability Report for the 2025–2026 school year, which provided an overview of student transportation services across Prairie Rose Public Schools.
Key highlights included:
- 2,225 students registered for transportation
- 87 PRPS local routes serving 24 schools
- Approximately 16,673 kilometres travelled daily
- Four Calgary routes operating through contracted services
Ridership information included:
- 1,962 rural students, with an average ride time of approximately 40 minutes
- 170 urban riders within Medicine Hat
- 93 urban riders associated with Calgary schools
Additional updates included:
- A new transportation building with capacity to house approximately 20 buses, with additional storage at the South Alberta Collegiate building
- Ongoing driver training and certification, including S Endorsement requirements and driving sessions
- A projected $595,000 transportation deficit for the 2025–2026 school year
- A successful bid to provide transportation services for the Canada Special Summer Olympics, offering PRPS drivers the opportunity to work during the summer months if they choose
Executive Report
The Superintendent and Executive Team provided an update on key operational and program areas across the division.
Highlights included:
- The CASA Classroom is now operational at The Link (former RMAP building), with five students currently enrolled. A provincial announcement regarding the classroom is scheduled for sometime in February.
- A mild January and February resulted in fewer transportation disruptions and weather-related school closures than typically experienced.
- The new semester is underway across Prairie Rose schools.
- Next week is the Family Break, with teachers attending the Teachers’ Convention during the final two days of the break.
Locally Developed Courses
The Board approved proposed locally developed courses designed to expand student learning opportunities and support student-centred and career-related programming.
Approved courses include:
- Student-Centred Learning 15
- Journalism
- Film and Media Art
- Leadership: Character & Social Responsibility
These courses are intended to support student engagement, communication skills, creativity, leadership, and social responsibility.
Advocacy & Association Reports
- Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA): No report provided.
- Public School Boards’ Association of Alberta (PSBAA): Trustees received an overview of professional development offered at the recent meeting. The Spring Assembly will take place in Calgary in May.
- Rural Caucus of Alberta School Boards: Trustees noted the upcoming meeting scheduled for March 1–3, with limited hotel availability.
Commendations
Trustee Lois Bedwell acknowledged Wade Lancot and the PRPS bus transportation team for their work supporting Prairie Rose transportation operations and maintaining efficient and reliable service for students.