Daniel Heaton

The meeting began with an Education Session focused on the School Calendar, reviewing requirements, hours, and future presentation timelines. Key business discussions included an update on Dual Credit programs detailing their operation during the recent labor disruption. Regarding High School Exams, outcomes from follow-up meetings specified capping exam weight at 15% and improving communication, noting that while exams are scheduled for a 3-hour block, actual writing time is shorter. Updates were provided on the revised DSC Guidelines, confirming grant amounts for ASCE and School Council Engagement Funds, and outlining processes for grant dispersal. Significant discussion centered on the request for a parent representative on the Facilities Committee, where the Board sought clarification on selection, communication methods, and accountability before making a decision, likely for the following year. Reports covered Alberta School Council Association updates, including revised timelines for conference applications, and a Trustee Report detailing changes to Board committees and policy review processes. The ATA Report addressed concerns regarding mandatory screening assessments and the filing of Labour Relations Board complaints against TEBA. The Administrators' Committee reported on the return of mandatory screening assessments, positive initial feedback on new Elementary report cards, and the upcoming AEA Survey. The Superintendent noted that the 2026-2027 Calendar would be presented later in January, scheduled a Town Hall event for February 3rd, and announced the opening of ICE Scholarship applications. Committee reports included updates from Policy Advisory, Community Engagement, and Wellness Committees, with the Wellness team noting increased anxiety levels observed in students and families post-COVID.

The board meeting commenced with an acknowledgment of meeting on Treaty 7 land and extending gratitude for indigenous knowledge. The agenda included discussion of the consent agenda, where one item, division student leadership (3.3), was pulled for separate discussion. The agenda was approved as amended, moving a presentation by the Spanish Bilingual Education Association (SBEA) to an earlier slot. Revisions were sought for the minutes of the November 25, 2025, regular meeting regarding the notation of a trustee's late arrival due to a funeral and the standard wording for a trustee not being present for a vote. The SBEA presentation detailed their mission to support and grow the Spanish Bilingual Education program within the Lethbridge school division, addressing concerns regarding program transitions between elementary, middle, and high school, communication gaps, and resource allocation, highlighting student enrollment growth and the need for a long-term vision including high school integration. Specific data points on class sizes, resource needs (like Educational Assistants), and transition challenges were presented. The SBEA also discussed recent advocacy successes, community engagement activities, and plans to offer Spanish language classes to the broader community. They requested board support for a clear vision and resource allocation to sustain and grow the program across all educational levels.

The board meeting included discussions on several operational and planning items. Key topics involved updates on financial reporting deadlines, including capital asset listing (164 structures valued at $172 million net), enrollment verification audits requested by Alberta Education, and enrollment projections for 2026-2027. A significant financial item addressed was a clawback of approximately $6 million due to a 16-day labor action in October. Budget planning timelines for the 2026-2027 school year were reviewed, with the operating budget due May 31st and the capital plan due March 31st. Transportation staff are preparing registration documents for April and reviewing route efficiencies. Technology updates detailed the installation of 48 new wireless access points at SJF Middle School ($32,000 cost) as part of a necessary replacement strategy due to evolving vendor subscription models, estimated to cost $800,000 total by September 2027. Staff also secured a $3,500 grant for micro:bit equipment for coding training. Recognition was given to staff for receiving architecture design and construction awards for the West Kulie Station build and for being highlighted in the CAS magazine regarding the division's esports program. Instructional services reported on the development of a School Resource Guide on sexual abuse in collaboration with the Chinook Sexual Assault Center, and acknowledged nurse practicum students. Division Violence Risk Assessment training was completed with broad stakeholder participation. Discussions also covered the early registration process for early education programs and ongoing community uncertainty regarding the continuation of the two-year Kinderare pilot program.

The key agenda items for this special board meeting included the Territorial Acknowledgement, the approval of the agenda, consideration of resolutions 2025-1 and 2025-2, and the final adjournment of the meeting.

The agenda for the regular meeting covered several operational and action items. Key discussions included various Associate Superintendent reports concerning Business and Operations, Instructional Services (highlighting professional learning offerings during a teacher strike and nutrition programming), and Human Resources (staffing updates and enrollment figures). Action items involved approving an international trip to Italy, tabling the acceptance of the Facilities Committee Terms of Reference to the organizational meeting, amending Policy 301.3, authorizing the use of several locally developed courses, approving an amendment to the City of Lethbridge Joint Use Agreement, and authorizing a natural gas procurement contract. The board also addressed the DRAFT Governance Policy Omnibus, resolving to table it for a Special Board Meeting on October 7th, and accepted a policy on Staff Growth, Supervision, and Evaluation for second and third readings. The meeting also addressed extending the Voluntary Retirement opportunity.