James Trodden

The regular meeting included several key discussions and actions. Student representatives from various schools provided insights on experiential learning, CTS programs, and their value in rural settings. The Board discussed Federal Student Loan Forgiveness for Teachers. A critical discussion involved the follow-up from the School Success Report, leading to a motion to investigate the complete or partial closure, or grade/division reduction, of Delnorte School for the following school year, which carried. The Superintendent also provided an update on her areas of emphasis from the 2024-2025 evaluation. The Secretary Treasurer presented the first quarter fiscal update. The Policy Committee recommended receiving several policies for review (including Board Operations, Ward Establishment, Employee Relations, and Facility policies) and recommended the first reading approval of Policy 701BP, Student Transportation Services, which was subsequently approved for a second reading. Trustee reports covered updates from ASBA, PSBAA/PSBC, TEBA, and the upcoming Rural Education Symposium.

The Board of Trustees met with MLAs to share division highlights, current initiatives such as the Wainwright replacement school and Lakeland College programming, and to advocate for rural education funding models. A motion was passed to send a letter to the Minister of Education and Childcare advocating for equitable and sustainable funding reflective of rural divisions. During delegation, parent representatives presented in support of maintaining Grades 1-12 programming at Delnorte School. The Board consolidated dates for the Mayors and Reeves meeting and supported the Friends of Education nomination for the Irma Enhancement Committee. Student engagement focused on Inclusive Supports, with students sharing perspectives on belonging and support strategies. The Superintendent reviewed first-semester enrolment reports and confirmed that Buffalo Trail Public Schools will receive one Classroom Complexity Team, designated for Vermilion Elementary School.

This document is an annual review assessing the status of schools within the BTPS system, providing data up to the 2023-2024 school year. It details key metrics including enrollment trends, distributed learning usage, facility utilization rates, academic performance (Provincial Achievement Test and diploma results), high school completion and dropout rates, and school-level financial surplus/deficit. The review aims to inform the Board of Trustees and provide recommendations based on these assessments.

The meeting commenced with a moment of remembrance for Terry Gunderson. Key agenda items included the approval of the agenda with an amendment for a condolence letter, and the acceptance of the minutes from the November 26, 2025 meeting. Discussions during the Superintendent's report covered the 2025-2026 Education Stakeholder Engagement Plan/Schedule (received for information), the approval of the 2024-2025 Annual Education Results Report for submission to Alberta Education, acceptance of the Draft 2026-2027 School Calendar, and receiving the Council of School Council update. The Secretary Treasurer reported updates on an Access to Information Request, the Privacy Commissioner's investigation report regarding the 2024 PowerSchool breach, and a Petroleum & Natural Gas Lease Extension with Surge Energy. New business involved approving invitations for Mayors and Reeves to meet with the Board in March 2026 and authorizing letters to MLAs requesting meetings. The Board also passed a resolution to acknowledge the support for Terry Gunderson and send condolences to his family. Trustee reports included highlights from ASBA and information on new trustee webinars. A significant portion of the meeting involved student engagement regarding Rural Identity & Community Connections, where students shared their perspectives on school values, community connections, and desired guest speakers. An information item concerned attracting more teachers to Northern Alberta, prompting the Superintendent to request further government details.

This Education Plan outlines the strategic direction for Buffalo Trail Public Schools, focusing on the third year of its 2023-2027 plan. It is structured around three core priorities: supporting learning success for all students by enhancing foundational literacy and numeracy skills, expanding programming, and developing highly effective staff; fostering safe and caring learning environments through inclusive practices and comprehensive wellness support; and building strong collaborations by deepening parent and community engagement, celebrating rural identity, and expanding student voice and leadership. The plan aims to maximize student learning and empower them to be caring, responsible, and contributing global citizens.