Board Meeting Highlights - January 13, 2026

event Published 2026-01-13 22:50:30.012 +0000 UTC

Additional information can be found in the January 13, 2026, Board Meeting Agenda package: https://www.myprps.com/news/january-13-2026-public-board-meeting-20260112171955

------

Schuler School Presentation

Trustees enjoyed a presentation from Schuler School highlighting the many ways students are learning, leading, and contributing to their school and community. The presentation showcased activities aligned with Prairie Rose’s priorities to Ignite Minds, Kindle Hearts, and Forge Futures.

Highlights included:

  • Student learning & enrichment: science fairs, exhibitions of learning, CTF programming (carpentry, drones, music, sewing, foods, archery), and student-led projects
  • Wellbeing & belonging: Donuts with Dad, Muffins with Mom, student breakfasts, PJ Day for Purpose, and German Choir Night
  • Arts, athletics & outdoor education: volleyball, basketball, badminton, track & field, curling, swimming, skating, and ski days
  • Community connection: Remembrance Day participation, fire hall tours, town clean-ups, Terry Fox Run, food drives, and community events

The presentation reflected the strong culture at Schuler School and the many ways students are supported academically, socially, and emotionally.

Wellness Accountability Report

The Board received the Wellness Accountability Report, reaffirming Prairie Rose’s commitment to creating healthy, safe, and supportive environments where both staff and students can thrive. The report highlights wellbeing as foundational to learning, teaching, and leading across the division.

Staff Wellness – Healthy & Safe Work Environments

Prairie Rose continues to prioritize both physical and psychological wellbeing for employees, recognizing that healthy staff are essential to strong classrooms and positive school cultures.

Key highlights include:

  • Mental health continues to be a leading factor in workplace disability claims across the education sector, reinforcing the importance of proactive supports.
  • Prairie Rose remains in line with or below provincial averages for disability conversion rates among similar-sized employers.
  • The division continues to promote:
    • Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) resources
    • Wellness bulletins and awareness campaigns
    • Mental Health First Aid training for school leaders
    • Collaboration with ASEBP workplace wellness consultants

These supports are designed to reduce barriers, encourage early intervention, and build a workplace culture where staff feel valued, supported, and able to perform at their best.

Student Wellness Update

The report also highlighted the growing importance of student mental health and emotional wellbeing across all grade levels.

Prairie Rose’s Student Wellness Team currently includes:

  • 10 full-time Student Wellness Counsellors
  • a Resilience Strategist
  • and a Mental Performance Professional

Together, this team provides support across Prairie Rose schools through:

  • Individual and group counselling
  • Classroom-based mental health programming
  • Parent education and training
  • School-based consultation and intervention
  • and resilience and coping skill development

The report noted a continued increase in anxiety-related referrals, growing demand for support at Eagle Butte High School and South Central High School, and the increasing impact of social media and screen time on student focus, emotional regulation, and overall wellbeing. Prairie Rose is responding through expanded supports, staff training, and a strong focus on helping students build the skills they need to manage stress and thrive.

Executive Report

Prairie Rose Public Schools recently hosted a delegation from Parkland School Division to share information on the design and delivery of academy programming. The visit showcased the South Alberta Collegiate (SAC) facility, South Alberta Flight Academy, agriculture programming in PRPS with the Irvine farm and new Yuill School of Agriculture, South Alberta Hockey Academy (SAHA), and the South Alberta Fire Rescue Academy.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Program

Eagle Butte High School will be introducing International Baccalaureate (IB) programming beginning in the 2026–2027 school year. Prairie Rose Public Schools will be offering a modified IB model, starting with IB-aligned Mathematics and English, focused on strengthening critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills while continuing to meet Alberta Education curriculum requirements.

The career-related component of IB programming will be delivered through the South Alberta Flight Academy. Students enrolled in the Flight Academy will have the opportunity to participate in the IB Career-related framework alongside their aviation training, connecting academic learning with hands-on, industry-focused experience.

This phased approach allows the division to introduce IB programming in a flexible manner, with opportunities for expansion as the program develops. 

Watch a video to learn more about the program: https://vimeo.com/1154056857

Financial Report (as of November 30, 2025)

The Board reviewed the Year-to-Date Financial Report, which provides an update on Prairie Rose’s financial position partway through the school year.

Overall, the division is currently in a stable financial position, with revenues trending higher than budget due to Alberta Education funding adjustments and teacher salary settlement funding. At the same time, expenses are also higher than budget, reflecting retroactive pay, additional educational assistant time, increased Student Wellness Counsellor staffing, the addition of a Social Media & Engagement position, and higher software licensing costs related to student growth.

As a result, the division has moved from a balanced budget to a projected operating surplus at this point in the year. Trustees were also advised that the year-to-date surplus is higher than typical due to reduced salary costs during the teacher strike, and that an Alberta Education clawback is expected later in the year. The Board will continue to receive regular financial updates and monitor revenues, expenses, and reserves throughout the remainder of the school year.

Field Trip Approvals

Trustees approved two upcoming field trips that will provide students with meaningful, curriculum-connected learning experiences beyond the classroom.

  • Students from Calgary Islamic School, Akram Jomaa Campus will participate in an exchange trip to Mississauga, Ontario (May 10–17, 2026), focused on cultural understanding, relationship building, and community connection.
     
  • Students from Irvine School will take part in an Eastern Canada educational tour in May 2026, visiting Quebec City, Montreal, and Ottawa to explore Canadian history, culture, and government in support of the Grade 7–9 Social Studies curriculum.

Locally Developed Courses

The Board reviewed and approved Locally Developed Courses that enhance Career and Technology Studies programming and support innovation, technology, and real-world skill development, including:

  • iOS App Design
  • Game Design and Development
  • Cybersecurity
  • Intro to Artificial Intelligence

Commendations

Trustees shared commendations recognizing the following:

  • Western Tractor Days – Appreciation was extended to Nichole Neubauer for her continued dedication in promoting Prairie Rose Public Schools and championing agriculture initiatives across the region.
     
  • Eagle Butte High School (EBHS) – Recognition was given to all staff for their significant work in preparing for the implementation of International Baccalaureate (IB) programming, as well as for hosting an engaging and successful Science Fair.
     
  • PRPS Payroll Team – Trustees thanked the PRPS Division Office Payroll team for their professionalism and diligence in managing the complex timelines associated with retroactive pay processing and contract changes.