January 10, 2023 Board Meeting Highlights

January 10, 2023 Board Meeting Agenda Package: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pIUA2pQQjklNVvuD0nZ-7ya6ueA16tiy/view?usp=share_link

Warren Peers School Presentation
Principal Lora Fletcher-Wilson and grade 8 student Cade Wilson made a presentation to the board showcasing the many initiatives taking place at Warren Peers School. The school is a K-9 school located in Acadia Valley with current enrollment of 41 students. The presentation focused on how the school has incorporated the new division-wide goals of kindle hearts, ignite minds and forge futures into daily activities and lessons. It was noted that for this year’s exhibition of learning the school will involve having all students be involved in writing a ‘how to’ book. Once the book is completed it will be published and an author signing day will be held where students can sign copies for friends and family. The full presentation can be found in the Board Agenda package.

Building Operations Accountability Report
Director of Maintenance Operations Darrell Drefs presented the Building Operations Accountability Report for information. Highlights of the report included an update around preventative maintenance projects, staff professional development, Infrastructure/Capital Maintenance and Renewal (IMR and CMR) expenses, completed IMR and CMR projects during the 2021-2022 year and approved projects for the current year. In total, the division spent $725,362 on IMR projects through the 2021-2022 year. Operations and Maintenance expenses for the 2022-2023 school year are estimated at $7,075,385 with a projected deficit of $1,109,799. The full report can be found in the Board Agenda package.

Wellness Accountability Report
Manager of Human Resources Tammy Toews presented the employee portion of the Wellness Accountability Report for information. Newly introduced strategies to promote wellness include HONE Work+Life (an app where staff can anonymously report personal wellness weekly) and strategies to increase staff capacity to access available health benefits. School psychologist Greg Godard presented information related to student wellness. In Prairie Rose, 7.8 full-time equivalent staff are employed as Family School Liaison Workers; an increase of 24% since 2019. The Student Wellness team supports counselling, group teaching, parent training, VTRA’s and crisis response. It was shared that the largest number of student cases being noted since September are related to anxiety, family issues and peer relationships. 

Annual Education Results Report 
Superintendent Reagan Weeks presented the 2021-2022 Annual Education Results Report for approval. The report provides an overview of PRPS results in the assurance categories of Student Growth and Achievement, Teaching and Leading, Learning Supports, Governance, English Language Learners and First Nations Metis Inuit. It was noted that overall, Prairie Rose results were very strong, despite the many challenges faced by students, parents and staff throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The board approved the report as presented. The full report can be found in the Board Agenda package. 

South Alberta Flight Academy Field Trip
The board approved the Eagle Butte High School / South Alberta Flight Academy proposed field trip to Washington, DC, from June 29 - July 4, 2023. The trip will include visits to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, International Spy Museum, a tour of College Park Aviation Museum, Holocaust Museum and a meeting with aviation professors at Georgetown University. Twenty-four students in grades 10-12 are expected to participate. The motion was put forward by Shauna VanderSpruit.