Battle River Regional Division No. 31

The meeting addressed several items including the approval of the agenda and previous minutes. Key discussions involved accepting the Annual Education Results Review for the 2024-2025 school year, approving Draft Calendar D for the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 school years, and approving the Audit Committee Terms of Reference. Additionally, Trustee Valerie Sims was added as a member of the Audit Committee. Revisions to Policy 3 (Role of the Board) and Policy 4 (Role of the Trustee) were approved, including an amendment to Policy 4 Appendix A. The Board authorized the purchase of new school buses up to a maximum cost of $1,200,000, funded through current year budget and reserves. Approval was granted to use funds from the Transportation Bus Barns Reserve for a bus parking project, and a Joint Use and Planning Agreement between the Division and the Village of Ryley was approved. A motion regarding discontinuing student honour pins was passed, while a motion to table student recognition was defeated.

The Board of Trustees addressed several key items during the session. They approved the Joint Use and Planning Agreement (JUPA) between BRSD and the Village of Ryley, authorized the purchase of school buses for $1.2 million, and approved the Annual Education Results Report (AERR) for 2024--25 for submission to Alberta Education. Furthermore, the Board reviewed and approved school year calendars for 2026--27 and 2027--28. Information regarding class sizes was received, and the Policy Committee reviewed policies 1 through 4, resulting in approved changes to Policies 3, 4, and their related schedules/appendices. The Board also received positive news regarding significant insurance expense savings for 2025--26 and conducted Christmas gift deliveries to division schools.

The Board approved the Joint and Use Planning Agreement (JUPA) between BRSD and the Village of Ryley, and also approved the purchase of school buses. The Annual Education Results Report (AERR) for 2024-25 was approved and will be submitted to Alberta Education. School year calendars for 2026-27 and 2027-28 were reviewed and approved. The Board received information about class sizes within the division and met BRSD directors from each department. Policies 1-4 were reviewed, with changes approved for Policy 3, Schedule A, Appendix A, Policy 4, and Appendix A. The Board of Trustees also noted significant savings in insurance expenses for 2025-26.

The meeting included the administration of Oaths of Office for all Trustees, the election of the Board Chair and Vice-Chair, and the establishment of signing authorities for bank accounts, funding and grant applications, and school division contracts. The board also addressed a borrowing resolution and motion, taping of meetings, and the establishment of standing committees and their memberships. Additionally, the board discussed its representation on external committees, its annual work plan, and set meeting dates.

The Battle River School Division's Education Plan for 2023-2026 outlines the strategic direction to achieve its vision of "Every Student, Every Day, A Success." The plan is structured around three primary priorities: ensuring all students improve in literacy and numeracy, cultivating an optimum learning environment through high-quality teaching, and fostering and honoring all students' unique backgrounds through equitable practices and mental wellness support. The plan also emphasizes key areas of focus including learning, equity, advocacy, and community engagement, aiming to achieve increased equity for all students, increased enrollment, and positive community and stakeholder relationships.