November 29, 2022 Board Meeting Highlights

event Published 2022-11-30 22:15:00.151 +0000 UTC

November 29, 2022 Board Agenda Package: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZoEaXv1MItp1_gScCGuVYpSJRbEyl8hx/view?usp=share_link

Elf the Musical
Eagle Butte High School students and staff dropped by the PRPS Division Office to share a sneak peek of their upcoming show, Elf the Musical. The performance takes place from December 7th to the 9th at the Esplanade Theatre. Tickets are now on sale for $23 and can be purchased at https://buy.tixx.ca/eventperformances.asp?evt=1242.

Cathy Hogg Leave of Absence
Board Chair Cathy Hogg announced that she will be taking a leave of absence of up to six months for personal reasons.

South Central School Presentation
South Central High School (SCHS) principal Jason Duchscherer and vice principal Deanne Smigelski shared a presentation with the board highlighting events, activities and educational experiences taking part at the school. The three priorities within the PRPS Education Plan were highlighted including how the school was igniting minds (i.e. book study, math prep class, exhibition of learning), kindling hearts (i.e. breakfast club and morning socialization, yoga sessions, student recognition) and forging futures (i.e. work experience, Skills Canada, expanded option courses). It was also shared that SCHS students recently met with a consultant hired through the Town of Oyen to share their thoughts around what would make them want to stay in the community following graduation. The full presentation can be found in the Board Agenda package.

Pat and Diploma Results
Assistant Superintendent Boyd Craven presented the Provincial Achievement Test and Diploma Examination Accountability Report. Key findings of the report include:

  • PRPS PAT Acceptable Standard (71.8%)
  • PRPS  Diploma Acceptable Standard (71%)
  • Scored higher than the provincial average in Math 9 K&E Writing (Acceptable and Excellence), Science 9 Writing (Acceptable), English 30-2 (Acceptable), Math 30-2 (Acceptable), Social 30-1 (Acceptable), Science 30 (Acceptable), Chemistry 30 (Acceptable) and Physics 30 (Acceptable and Excellence)
  • PRPS Colony schools scored higher than provincial colony schools in ELA 6 (Average and Excellence), Math 6 (Acceptable), Science 6 (Acceptable and Excellence) and Social 6 (Acceptable).

All PRPS teachers were commended for their efforts in getting students prepared due to disruptions during the pandemic. It was noted that this is the first time many of the grade 6 and 9 students have written a PAT and that Prairie Rose participation rates were considerably higher than the provincial average.

EBHS Field Trip Request
The board approved a field trip request from the U18 South Alberta Hockey Academy to participate in a hockey tournament in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The trip is scheduled from March 2, 2023 to March 5, 2022. The tournament is a sanctioned USA Hockey event and approved by Hockey Canada and Hockey Alberta.

2021-2022 Audit Results & Financial Statement Approval
Assistant Secretary Treasurer Candice Hintz provided a summary of the audited financial statements ending August 31, 2022. Overall, Prairie Rose Public Schools was given a clean financial audit. Revenues for the year totalled $53,820,516, while expenses were $53,629,757. An overall surplus for the year of $190,759 was recorded. It was shared that additional revenues provided during the 2021-2022 year contributed to the surplus included funds for COVID (masks & tests), safe air (hepa filter systems), learning disruption funding, new curriculum and the fuel contingency grant. The full audit document can be found in the Board Agenda package.

Two motions were passed by the board:

  • That the Board of Trustees of Prairie Rose Public Schools approve the net transfer of $117,010 from Unrestricted Operating Reserves to Restricted Operating Reserves. Further, it approves the net transfer of $100,000 from Unrestricted Operating Reserves to Restricted Capital Reserves.
  • That the Board of Trustees of Prairie Rose Public Schools approves the 2021-22 Audited Financial Statements, as presented.

2022-2023 Revised Budget Approval
Chief Financial Officer Ryan Boser presented the revised 2022-2023 budget for approval. Compared to the spring budget, the school division is now forecasting a deficit of $926,606, which is an increase in spending of $17,708 (the spring budget projected a deficit of $908,898). Revenue changes include learning disruption funding, teacher salary increases, curriculum funding and a fuel subsidy grant. Revised expenses include salary adjustments for all certified and noncertified staff, additional support staff hours, an increase in FSLW hours and the addition of a custodial supervisor. The complete revised budget can be found in the Board Agenda package.

The board approved the following:

  • That the Board of Trustees of Prairie Rose Public Schools approves the 2022-23 Revised Budget, as presented.

Other Items:

  • Approved modifications to GP#5 Board Committees - Terms of Reference