Board Meeting Highlights - March 10, 2026
Additional information can be found in the March 10, 2026, Board Meeting Agenda package: https://www.myprps.com/news/march-10-2026-public-board-meeting-20260309162819
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Yuill School of Agriculture Framework
Trustees received a presentation from Nichole Neubauer, Director of Agriculture for Prairie Rose Public Schools, on the Yuill School of Agriculture Future Framework (2026–2031), outlining the long-term vision and direction for the program.
The framework focuses on preparing students for future careers in agriculture through hands-on learning and strong partnerships with industry.
Key elements of the framework include:
Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) pathways, where students develop skills through real agricultural work and mentorship with producers and industry partners
School-based agricultural enterprises, giving students opportunities to participate in livestock, crop, greenhouse, and other farm-based operations
Trades and Ag-Tech integration, including equipment operation, mechanical systems, and emerging technologies such as robotics, automation, and drones
Leadership, entrepreneurship, and dual-credit opportunities, helping students build career pathways into trades, post-secondary programs, and the agriculture industry
Trustees also received an update on the new Yuill School of Agriculture logo, which incorporates the Yuill brand and reflects the program’s connection to the land and agricultural roots of the region. It was also noted that Mr. Bill Yuill has granted approval for PRPS students to use the Yuill cattle brand on livestock raised through the program, reinforcing the partnership and legacy behind the initiative.
Video – Yuill School of Agriculture Framework Overview
https://vimeo.com/1170820986/7ce40a3c8c
The framework will guide the continued growth and development of the Yuill School of Agriculture over the next five years.
Executive Report
The Superintendent and Executive Team provided updates on current divisional initiatives and activities across Prairie Rose Public Schools, including Prairie Rose’s support of the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games, with the Transportation department providing bus services for athletes and participants attending the event in Medicine Hat in August 2026.
Trustees also viewed a new Foremost Rodeo Academy promotional video highlighting student opportunities within the program.
Video – Foremost Rodeo Academy Promotional Video
https://vimeo.com/1172167179
2026 Alberta Budget
Trustees received a summary of the 2026 Alberta Budget and discussed potential implications for school divisions.
Highlights from the provincial budget include:
a 7.2% increase in overall education funding
increases to the base instruction grant
adjustments to Operations and Maintenance and Transportation grants
announcements related to new school construction projects
Prairie Rose Public Schools will not receive its detailed funding profile until late March or early April, making it difficult to determine the exact impact on the division at this time.
Capital Plan – 2026–2029
Trustees reviewed and approved the Prairie Rose Public Schools 3-Year Capital Plan (2027–2030) and 10-Year Planning Priorities (2027–2036), which guide long-term planning for school facilities across the division.
The capital plan considers enrolment trends, facility conditions, transportation, and school utilization across the division. Current utilization rates range from approximately 50–60% at several rural schools, while Eagle Butte High School is operating at approximately 92% capacity.
Priority projects include:
New Redcliff Junior High School – a proposed new Grades 7–9 school designed to expand programming opportunities and support future growth in the community
Oyen K–12 School Consolidation – a proposal to combine Oyen Public School and South Central School into a single modernized K–12 facility
Burdett Replacement School – construction of a new K–9 school to replace the aging Burdett School and address infrastructure challenges
Eagle Butte High School Facility Expansion – a proposed expansion to address enrolment pressures and support continued programming at Eagle Butte High School
Trustees were also informed that value scoping recently took place for the Oyen project, with a draft report expected later this week. Early indications suggest the recommendation may shift toward constructing a replacement school in Oyen rather than modernizing the existing OPS and SCHS facilities.
Calgary Islamic School Program Fees – 2026–2027
At the recommendation of the Calgary Islamic Society, the Prairie Rose Public Schools Board of Trustees approved an adjustment to Calgary Islamic School alternative program fees for the 2026–2027 school year.
The adjustment reflects the continued growth of the program and the evolving needs within classrooms, particularly in Arabic, Qur’anic, and Islamic studies, where students may be learning at different proficiency levels and require additional classroom support and resources. The change also helps ensure fees remain aligned and competitive with similar faith-based and alternative programs in the Calgary region.
Alternative program fees support the delivery of the program, including instruction, administrative support, learning resources, facility leases, and building maintenance and upgrades.
A letter will be sent to the families of the Calgary Islamic Schools with a summary of the approved alternative program fees for the 2026-2027 school year.
Land Sale
The Board approved the sale of a two-acre parcel of land in the County of Forty Mile near Maleb, which includes the site of a historic schoolhouse from before Prairie Rose Public Schools was formed through amalgamation.
A local family that has preserved and renovated the historic schoolhouse approached the division to purchase the land. Trustees approved the sale at $2,500 per acre, recognizing the historical significance of the property and the family’s efforts to maintain the building. The sale will require Ministerial approval before it can be finalized.
Locally Developed Courses
Trustees reviewed Locally Developed Courses designed to expand student learning opportunities and support skill development in both personal and career-related areas.
Courses highlighted included Personal and Professional Skills 15 and 25, which focus on developing transferable skills such as communication, critical thinking, collaboration, ethical decision-making, and self-awareness.
2026–2027 Division School Calendar
The Board approved the Prairie Rose Public Schools 2026–2027 Division School Calendar for all schools excluding colony schools and the CIS Calgary schools.
Key features of the calendar include:
the school year beginning Tuesday, September 1, providing two shorter instructional weeks at the start of the year
alignment with neighbouring school division calendars to support families and staff
181 instructional days for students and 198 operational days for staff
an earlier Christmas break and early Easter reflected in the schedule
the last day of classes scheduled for June 25, with a diploma exam scheduled for June 28
early dismissal days moved to 12:00 p.m. from the previous 2:00 p.m. time
The approved caledar can be found on the Prairie Rose website: https://www.myprps.com/calendar
Commendations
Trustees shared commendations recognizing the following:
The Transportation team for their work preparing the bid that will allow Prairie Rose Public Schools to support transportation for the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games
The launch of the Start Here. Go Anywhere. promotional campaign
PRPS substitute teachers for their continued support of schools and students across the division