June 10, 2025 Public Board Meeting Highlights

Additional information can be found in the June 10, 2025, Board Meeting Agenda package: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HfRXmYRN31Yy48zdOOPpe6chhOgPLu--/view?usp=drive_link

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Parkside School Presentation
Parkside School administration provided an overview of the school’s programs, emphasizing elective options available to students, school-wide activities such as “undercover spirit days,” and the Community Character initiative that connects students with local seniors. The school also noted the addition of the new SAHA U15 hockey team next year, and shared that the school had seen improvement on recent Provincial Achievement Test (PAT) results. A scene from the school’s Mamma Mia musical theatre performance was presented by several students. For the upcoming school year, the school will be focussing on strengthening parent involvement.

First Nations, Métis, and Inuit (FNMI) Education Update
Student Experiences Coordinator Carol Carlson presented the annual report on First Nations Metis Inuit education in Prairie Rose Public Schools. In the 2024-2025 year, 133 students self-identified as Indigenous within the division, with a total of 241 when including students from Coulee Collegiate and South Alberta High School. PRPS Indigenous students continue to exceed the provincial average in high school completion rates (78% compared to 58.6%). Other highlights of the report developments included:

• Tipi donations (10 in total) from Saamis Employment and Training Association
• New resources such as 4Canoes Digital Library
• Monthly Truth & Reconciliation content for teachers
• Hands-on learning kits (dreamcatcher, soap carving, drum kits)
• 14 Indigenous students are graduating this year
• Indigenous Peoples Day will be observed on June 21.

Occupational Health & Safety Report
The annual Occupational Health and Safety report indicated 106 student and 15 staff injuries during the 2024–2025 school year. The majority of student accidents occurred in gymnasiums and on playgrounds. Staff injuries were primarily due to slips/falls. Increased WCB claims have resulted in a 10.17% surcharge. An external consultant will be hired to conduct an audit of WCB claims. Emergency preparedness remains a focus, with Hour Zero training and site compliance audits showing most schools at or near full compliance. Forty-four staff received Standard First Aid training, and bus drivers will receive training in August.

Financial Update 2024-2025
The fiscal financial update for the 2024-2025 school year as of May 31, 2025 included:

• Revenues totaled $62.2 million, $2.1 million above budget
• Expenses totaled $62 million, $1.6 million over budget
• The year-to-date result is a surplus of $213,830, an improvement from the previously projected deficit of $281,086

2025-2026 Budget Approval
Prairie Rose Public Schools has approved a balanced budget for 2025–2026 which is the first in more than a decade. The total budget is $83.29 million, a 38.5% increase over the previous year, largely due to the addition of two Calgary schools (AJ and OBK) and over 1,600 new students.

Revenue and Grants
PRPS receives 94.4% of its funding from Alberta Education. Key changes include:

• A $20.4 million increase in instructional funding
• A $1.18 million Supplemental Rural Allocation
• A new $100,000 School Technology Grant
• Increases to Supports & Services (2.32%) and Classroom Complexity (20%)
• Transportation revenue will decrease slightly due to changes in funding formulas and fuel subsidies.

Program Allocations
Total funding by program area:

• Instruction: $65.95 million
• Operations & Maintenance: $9.78 million
• Transportation: $4.61 million
• System Administration: $2.68 million
• External Services: $262,630

Staffing and Wages
Staffing will increase by over 90 FTE to support enrollment growth. The budget includes projected wage increases for both teachers and support staff, with teacher salary adjustments expected to be funded by the province.

Reserves
Operating reserves are projected at $2.66 million (3.19% of expenditures), with capital reserves estimated at $868,000.

Redcliff School Project
A site assessment meeting with the Alberta Education/Infrastructure designated contractor is scheduled for June 17, 2025. The assessment will confirm if the selected location meets compliance requirements. Utility design is also complete, and next steps depend on the outcome of the site assessment.

Student Services Report
The Board received the Student Experiences Accountability Report, which outlined the range of supports provided across Prairie Rose Public Schools. The division employs a diverse team that includes 124 educational assistants, 11.125 inclusion support teachers, 7 student wellness counsellors, a psychologist, two therapy assistants, and a part-time resilience strategist. Additional supports are accessed through contracted services for occupational therapy, physical therapy, and vision supports.

Over the past year, 445 students accessed wellness services, with the most common concerns related to emotional regulation and family issues. A total of 162 Early Childhood Screenings were conducted for incoming students. Five students participated in the division’s hippotherapy program, which is available by referral. Prairie Rose also continues to support the use of trained service dogs in schools, with two dogs—Ian and Taija—currently working with students.

The report emphasized the growing complexity of student needs across the division and identified increasing challenges in programming and service delivery for students requiring specialized support. Educational assistants were acknowledged as essential members of school-based teams in meeting these needs. A new website and monthly newsletter have been developed to improve communication about the services provided and to support staff in accessing available resources.

Executive Report

• Two students are graduating with Veterinary Technician credentials from Senator Gershaw and Foremost schools

Other Items:

• The board approved a new school code for Rosebank Colony School
• The Board approved the 2025-2026 Board Monitoring Schedule
• The Board passed three readings of Bylaw 1-2025 to allow for more than one voting station in a subdivision at the upcoming municipal trustee elections
• The board approved locally developed courses Forensic Studies 25/35, Design Thinking for Innovation 15/25/25, Developing Personal Integrity 15/25/35, and Religious Studies Islamic Studies 15/25/35
• The board approved K-9 Biblical Studies (a PRPS locally developed elective course for Burdett School)
• Cathy Hogg (12 years), Lois Bedwell (8 years) and Pam Cursons (8 years) received awards for years of service from the Public School Boards Association