Bradley Hampson

The Board reviewed the refocused Division Strategic Plan and the National Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, subsequently approving the plan and the 2026/27 Budget with a focus on academics, Indigenous way of life, and student services. Key decisions included approving the 2026/27 school year calendar and meeting dates, the reopening of San Antonio School, and several pension investment fund changes recommended by the Employee Pension Committee. The Board also approved a request for religious exercises at Wanipigow School, updated the accessibility policy, discussed preparations for the Annual School Committee Conference, and ratified various school field trips.

The Board of Trustees meeting addressed several action items, including the approval of 2026/27 Special Leave applications and the ratification/approval of numerous Higher Care School Trip Requests spanning various schools for cultural, educational, and outdoor activities. The Board also accepted recommendations from the Awards Panel for the Frontier Achievement Award and the Outstanding Contribution Award. Committee reports included the approval of the 2026 Mill Rate by the Finance Committee and the approval of a $4 million transfer within the Canadian Equities Fund, a 1.2% cost of living adjustment for retirees, and an updated agreement for the Employee Pension Committee. Furthermore, the Board ratified a Collective Agreement reached with the Manitoba Government Employees' Union Local 446. Key administrative discussions involved an update on support for students impacted by the Berens River School Fire, and a decision to redirect the May 2026 school visit planning to Area 3 schools due to the fire incident.

The Board meeting focused on preparing for a Strategic Plan Dialogue with Senior Leadership. The Board confirmed the process to initiate the Chief Superintendent/CEO evaluation. A key ratification involved the Agreement Reached-in-Committee between Frontier School Division and MGEU Local 446 for the collective agreement period covering July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2029. The Board approved a Special Levy Mill Rate of 14.0691 for 2026. Decisions regarding the employee retirement plan included transferring $4 million and approving a 1.2% cost of living adjustment for retirees. Furthermore, twenty-one applications for Special Leave for 2026/27 were approved, along with recipients for the 2026 Frontier Achievement Award and Outstanding Contribution Award. Higher care school trips were ratified and approved across various locations. Discussion items included an update on the Area 3/Division Office relocation, reports from various sub-committees, and review of agendas for the Manitoba School Boards Association (MSBA) Annual Convention and the Canadian School Boards Association Congress. Direction was given to adjust May 2026 school visits to focus on Area 3, specifically planning visits to Berens River and Wanipigow Schools.

The PENT Indigenous Teacher Education program, offered by Brandon University in partnership with First Nation Education Authorities and Frontier School Division, is a community-based teacher training initiative. It emphasizes extended field-based learning, comprehensive mentorship, and integrated academic coursework with practical school-based experience. The program aims to support Indigenous learners and increase the number of local teachers within their communities, offering enhanced academic and personal support services.

The Board of Trustees meeting addressed several action items, including the approval of six Higher Care School Trip Requests for various schools, such as Matheson Island School, Philomene Chartrand School, Waterhen School, and Helen Betty Osborne Ininiw Education Resource Centre, as well as a trip for Falcon Beach School. Additionally, the Board ratified several higher care school trips previously approved by the Chief Superintendent. A disbursement total of $15,490,059.20 for December 2025 was approved. The Policy Review Committee reported approvals for three policies regarding Territorial Acknowledgement, Cell Phones and Smart Device Use in Schools, and Personnel Files, and approved one draft policy on Service Animals for feedback. Other discussions included the Chairperson's report on the Manitoba School Boards Association matters, reports on student services, wellness, and high school programming, and planning for the next Strategic Plan focus area discussion. Incoming correspondence from various entities, including the Manitoba School Boards Association and the Minister of Early Education and Early Childhood Learning, was received.