05-22-2018 GPPSD Board Highlights

Grande Prairie Public School District

May 22, 2018

BOARD HIGHLIGHTS Central Office, 10127 120 Avenue, Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 8H8

The Grande Prairie Public School District is a learning community in which every student succeeds BOARD OF TRUSTEES BOARD CHAIR John Lehners BOARD VICE-CHAIR Joan Nellis TRUSTEES Andre Ouellette Lesley Craig Lynn Driedger Paulette Kurylo Rob Martin SUPERINTENDENT Alexander (Sandy) McDonald ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT, SECRETARY-TREASURER Norm Guindon ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT, HUMAN RESOURCES Nick Radujko ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF PROGRAMS & PLANNING James Robinson ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT, STUDENT SERVICES Christina Farquharson

REGULAR

BOARD MEETING

TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2018 06:00 P.M., CENTRAL OFFICE This is the final Board Meeting for 2017-2018 School Year.

Board Chair John Lehners congratulating the Grande Prairie Composite High School Class of 2018 graduates during the ceremony on Friday, May 18, 2018.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT Alberta School Councils’ Association/ Alberta Education Curriculum Update Community Meetings Superintendent McDonald reported that GPPSD is planning to host two community information sessions on the new curriculum currently being developed by Alberta Education.

These information sessions, organized by Alberta Education and the Alberta School Councils’ Association, will be held in the Boardroom at the GPPSD central office June 13th, from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm and then again from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Each session will provide attendees with an overview of newly designed K-4 curriculum, the learning outcomes within it, and a look draft deliverables for the curriculum.

More information is available online at: http://cli.re/gmYD1o

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Nutrition Program Planning Update The Board discussed potential changes to the District nutrition program, for implementation next year. In response to an increase in provincial funding, the program is being redesigned to expand to help all elementary schools in the District ensure all K-6 students in need have access to nutrition support at school. Trustees identified that ensuring that this project be provided for all, without identifying individuals, are essential elements for the success of the program.

Deputy Superintendent Update The Board accepted Superintendent McDonald’s recommendation and passed a motion to appoint James Robinson, currently Assistant Superintendent, to the position of Chief Deputy Superintendent for the Grande Prairie Public School District, effective August 1, 2018.

The position had been vacant since Mr. McDonald was appointed Superintendent of Schools in May 2016.

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Page 2 | GPPSD BOARD HIGHLIGHTS

CULTURE & ENGAGEMENT School Assurance Meetings Following the final round of Assurance meetings, Trustees affirmed their belief in the benefit of these meetings in assisting them in building their understanding and confidence in the work being done at our schools.

Trustee Rob Martin noted the presentations from school administration teams has provided him with a much deeper understanding of practice across the District. Trustee Paulette Kurylo pointed out the great value for the Board from these meetings and spoke appreciatively about the work done at our schools by our staff.

Grande Prairie Composite High School Commencement Ceremonies Several Trustees were able to attend the ceremonies this year. They shared their appreciation for the event and look forward to the upcoming Charles Spencer and Bridge Network Graduation ceremonies.

BUSINESS SERVICES

May 22, 2018

This budget is the result of continued enrolment growth coupled with reductions in expenses that will leave the District in a much stronger financial position going into the 2018-2019 school year. Highlights of the approved budget include an increase in enrollment of approximately 2%, and an increase of 8 teachers over the current year.

Board Chair John Lehners expressed appreciation for the efforts of the District and School leadership to address the deficit while at the same time being able to increase the number of instructional and non-instructional staff from the current year.

NEWS & EVENTS JUNE 1 Full day off for students as it is a Professional Learning Day for staff 17 Father’s Day 21 National Indigenous Peoples Day 28 Last day for students 29 Last day for staff JULY 1 Canada Day AUGUST 6 Heritage Day

COMMITTEE REPORTS Board/City Meeting re: Grande Prairie Composite High School John Lehners, Board Chair, provided an update for the Board on ongoing discussions with City representatives regarding the potential redevelopment of the existing Grande Prairie Composite High School and/or land following completion of construction of the new school. He expressed the desire of the Board to make a decision that makes the most sense for the District and community and noted that the Board will need to carefully explore all options in order to ultimately make the best decision for Board the future.

2018-2019 Budget Approval Trustees approved the draft budget for the 2018-2019 school year as presented by Norm Guindon, Associate Superintendent-Business Services/Secretary-Treasurer. At the beginning of the budget development process, Trustees identified the elimination of the operating deficit as a priority for the District. The budget to be submitted to Alberta Education presents a planned deficit of approximately $300,000.00, to be covered by new school opening reserves, and represents a substantial decrease compared to the deficits submitted in recent years.

CONTACT INFORMATION MOHAMMAD HAIDAR Communications & Design Specialist 780-532-4491 Ext. 1013 mohammad.haidar@gppsd.ab.ca

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