Dave Bennell

The meeting commenced with a land acknowledgement by the Board Chair and the playing of O Canada. Key discussions involved the approval of the meeting agenda and communications from the Board Chair, highlighting participation in Results Review, attendance at a showing of "Backpack Full of Cash," a visit to the Friends of Historic McKay Avenue & 1881 Schoolhouse Society's Winter Celebration, and interaction with the Student Senate. The Superintendent welcomed attendees and announced upcoming open house season planning, as well as the Division Recognition event. The Board approved the 2024-25 Annual Education Results Report (AERR). Furthermore, the Board approved the 2026-27 School Year Calendar and approved two budget amendments: a one-time school budget amendment of $15 million to access the 2024-2025 operating surplus for staffing and classroom supports in 2025-2026, and an $8.8 million amendment for Infrastructure and Technology and Information Management (TIM) central units improvements. Trustee requests for information were submitted regarding election costs and detailed annual reporting on seclusion and restraint incidents, consistent with a prior motion.

The agenda for the Board Meeting included several key items, such as reports from the Governance and Evaluation Committee and the Policy Review Committee regarding their respective 2025-26 work plans, which involve the annual Board self-evaluation, Superintendent evaluation, and a multi-year Policy Framework Review Project. Further discussion points involved a recommendation to bring the Request for Information (RFI) concerning seclusion reporting follow-up to the agenda as an Information Report. Informational reports were also presented on the School Council Annual Report Highlights Summary for 2024-25 and the Phase I Evaluation Report for the School Resource Officer (SRO) Program, which assessed implementation processes for SROs in initial schools.

The agenda includes a land acknowledgement, O Canada, roll call, and approval of the agenda. Communications from the Board Chair and the Superintendent of Schools are scheduled, along with the approval of minutes from previous meetings. Reports include the 2024-25 Audited Financial Statements, Funds for the Professional Improvement Program, the 2025-26 Student Accommodation Plan, a Student Transportation Update, and a Caucus Committee Report. Other items include committee, board representative, and trustee reports, requests for information, notices of motion, and meeting dates.

The meeting included communications from the Board Chair, recognizing Treaty 6 Territory and various events and achievements. The Superintendent of Schools shared updates on Trustee Results Reviews and congratulated individuals for their achievements. The board approved the 2024-2025 audited financial statements, funds for the Professional Improvement Program for both Teacher Certificated Staff and Exempt Staff for 2026-27, and discussed the 2025-26 Student Accommodation Plan and Student Transportation Update. Additionally, there was a report on the Caucus Committee meetings and an update from the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation.

The meeting included communications from the Board Chair and the Superintendent of Schools, covering topics such as trustee orientation, Results Reviews, the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) Fall General Meeting (FGM), the Public School Boards Association of Alberta (PSBAA) Annual General Meeting (AGM), Transgender Day of Remembrance, Hindu Heritage Month, and advancements in construction for Delton and Spruce Avenue schools. The Board approved the 2024-2025 audited financial statements and allocations for the Professional Improvement Program for both Teacher Certificated Staff and Exempt Staff. Updates were provided on the Student Accommodation Plan and initiatives to improve student transportation services. Additionally, the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation update was shared, and a waiver of notice was granted to extend the deadline for Board committee work plans.