PRPS Board Meeting Highlights for June 18, 2024
The June 18, 2024, Board Meeting Agenda Package can be found here: June 18, 2024, Board Meeting Agenda.
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Cell Phones in Schools
Superintendent Reagan Weeks and Board Chair Lois Bedwell provided a short update on the recent Alberta Government announcement regarding student cell phone bans in schools starting next year. It was shared that while the overarching directive of the government order addresses restrictions around cell phone and social media access for students, school jurisdictions will be able to develop procedures to best implement these changes in our schools. Over the summer, Prairie Rose will draft school procedures to align with the new ministerial order in consultation with school principals. School leaders are best to advise on the challenges of the new directive, including the requirements around storage, approved uses, and non-compliance management, as staff will be the ones implementing the procedures at their schools. A final draft will be ready before the start of the 2024-2025 school year and be shared with families before the first day of school.
Health and Safety Report
Health and Safety Coordinator Derek Beck provided the annual Occupational Health and Safety Accountability Report for information. The report highlighted several areas of assessment and evaluation, including school safety inspections, fire inspections, training, incident/accident reporting, legislation, and emergency response planning. It was shared that:
- 20 staff were trained in first aid, and seven first aid trainers were trained for the fire academy programs.
- Fewer injuries have been reported over the past three years. Ninety student injuries were reported during the year at 17 school locations. These primarily consisted of bruises, bumps, sprains, breaks, and cuts, which primarily occurred in the playground or gym. 17 staff injuries were reported.
- The division continues to see higher non-work-related leave costs, resulting in increasing premiums for extended disability claims.
The full report can be found in the June 18, 2024, Board Meeting Agenda package.
Financial Accountability Report - May 31, 2024
Finance Controller Candice Hintz provided the Financial Accountability Report as of May 2024, which represents 75% of the way through the fiscal year. It was shared that overall revenues for the year are expected to come in $2,399,565 higher than what was budgeted at $60,261,372. This is due to funding increases as a result of increased enrollment (which will result in a Weighted Moving Average Adjustment), an increase in fee revenue from academy and micro school programs, investment income increases due to higher interest rates, and school fundraising initiatives. On the expense side, the division expects a decrease in the projected deficit from ($167,381) to ($165,165). Compared to initial budget projections, there have been increases in costs for both certificated and uncertificated salaries and benefits, as well as for the services, contacts, and supplies budget line. The full report can be found in the June 18, 2024, Board Meeting Agenda package.
Executive Report
The following items were mentioned as a part of the executive report summary:
- The grand opening of the new South Alberta Collegiate building will take place on June 19, 2024, from 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm.
- Prairie Rose has secured drivers for 27 of the 39 routes that will be operated by PRPS in the fall. Meeting invitations have been sent out to all municipal partners to discuss the move to the new bus transportation model. So far, all meetings have gone very well, and there has been good feedback about the transition to a board-operated system.
- Timeless Tales launches have taken place at both Foremost and Senator Gershaw schools.
- Congratulations were made to Nichole Neubauer on her recent Medicine Hat College honorary applied baccalaureate degree, which recognizes her commitment to agriculture, education, and community. Nichole has been instrumental in developing and supporting many agriculture programs in Prairie Rose, and the recognition is well-deserved.
Board Report
Board Chair Lois Bedwell recognized two PRPS trustees for recent accomplishments:
- Graeme Dennis was awarded the PSBAA Long Service Recognition Award for 20 years of service as a trustee.
- Shauna Vanderspruit was congratulated on completing and receiving the ASBA Trustee Governance Certificate. The program includes three modules (30 hours) that integrate the theory and practice of leadership and effective governance.
Student Services Report
Director of Student Services Lisa Lindsay presented the annual Student Experiences Accountability Report. It was noted that student services spend the majority of their time supporting students. Therefore, much of the alignment with the PRPS Education Plan is in the area of Kindle Hearts, focusing on the six C’s (Care, Contribute, Connect, Communicate, Challenge and Create). The primary role of student services is to ensure that every student has an advocate and that students are successful and feel like they belong. This is done by applying various supports, tools and strategies. One of the goals for this year has been to determine the essential conditions in PRPS that would allow all schools to implement support for students at the universal support level successfully. Identified supports include expectations, routines, connection to an adult position and visual schedules. A breakdown of coded students, the staff who make up the Student Experiences Team and trends and challenges were also provided in the presentation. The full report can be found in the June 18, 2024, Board Meeting Agenda package.