BM HIghlights May 2025

Board Meeting Highlights - May 13, 2025

event Published 2025-05-14 21:40:45.891 +0000 UTC

Additional information can be found in the May 13, 2025, Board Meeting Agenda package: https://www.myprps.com/news/may-13-public-board-meeting-20250512174737

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Executive Report Summary

  • Division PD Day: Planning is underway for a division-wide professional development day, which will mark the official launch of the new five-year strategic plan. All Prairie Rose Public Schools (PRPS) employees are invited to attend. The day will include a reflection on the past education plan, a vertical mapping session, and three-hour workshops centered on the new strategic themes: Ignite Minds, Forge Futures, and Kindle Hearts.
  • Exhibitions of Learning are now wrapping up across the division. These events have been very well received and provided an excellent opportunity for communities to engage with their local schools. The Board extends congratulations to all students and staff for their hard work and creativity.
  • Training for the upcoming transition to digital Provincial Achievement Tests (Grades 6 and 9) and Diploma Exams through Vretta has been completed.
  • Planning for the 2025–2026 school year is well underway. There will be an increase in funding to better serve students with complex needs.

2025-2030 Strategic Education Plan

The Board was presented with the new five-year strategic plan which will be unveiled to staff at the upcoming PD Day. Input for the plan was gathered through school leader feedback, staff consultations, student engagement, and visits to municipal partners. The plan builds on the strengths of educational initiatives while aligning with Alberta Education priorities, including preparing students for the transition from high school. As part of the approval for the new strategic plan, the division earmarked $500,000 ($100,000 per year) to help support implementation ensuring flexibility and sustainability.

Calgary Schools

PRPS Public Board Meeting, the Board of Trustees announced that an agreement had been signed with Calgary-based schools, OBK and AJ, to join the school division starting the 2025-2026 school year. Both OBK and AJ schools are currently operating under the Palliser School Division. The addition of the two schools to Prairie Rose will bring approximately 1,600 to 2,000 new students into the school division. Prairie Rose was one of several school divisions approached by Alberta Education to be considered for the partnership. PRPS’ role will be to provide administration and K-12 instructional direction to the schools.

South Alberta School of Agriculture

Superintendent Reagan Weeks shared that Prairie Rose, Medicine Hat College, Neubauer Farms and Cypress County continue to explore the development of the South Alberta School of Agriculture (SASA). With more than 25 letters of support for the endeavour from local businesses, the initiative is part of PRPS’ Collegiate application proposal aimed at preparing high school students for future careers in agriculture. By combining systems-based thinking, real-world projects, expert mentorship, and innovative technologies, the program seeks to offer students both high school and post-secondary-level opportunities. The centre would be developed on land leased from Cypress County and located in proximity to Eagle Butte High School.

Superintendent Contract

Board of Trustees approved the re-appointment of Superintendent Reagan Weeks for a new five-year contract, effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2030.

Commendations

The Board recognized several outstanding contributions across the division:

  • Jonathan Dunlop, Athletic Director at Foremost School, for completing 40 km of highway cleanup with his family in support of the school’s athletic program.
     
  • Facility upgrades at SCHS Gymnasium, including lighting, flooring, paint, and curtains.
     
  • Senator Gershaw Schools' Exhibition of Learning for its strong community engagement.
     
  • Nichole Neubauer, for her ongoing advocacy and support of PRPS agricultural initiatives and student programming.

Additional Items

  • ASBA: Spring General Meeting is scheduled for June 1–3.
     
  • PSBAA: Angela Baron presented on Sharenting , trustees attended an MLA reception featuring 20 MLAs; Spring Assembly to be held in Calgary.
     
  • Rural Caucus: Scheduled for June 1 in Calgary.