Lisa Burdeyny

The meeting focused on the annual budget and strategic planning cycle of the school district. Key topics included the consultation process for budget development, the alignment between financial resources and strategic plan pillars, and the impact of provincial grants on budget planning. Officials discussed enrollment trends, potential expenditures, and risks associated with future operations, as well as the timeline for finalizing budget assumptions and staffing allocations.

This document, titled "Telling Our Story: 2025–2026 | Elementary Level," outlines the strategic focus and progress for the elementary level within the Abbottzford School District. Key strategic priorities include continuing to enhance student success in literacy and numeracy through strengthened instruction, explicit sequential phonics, and a district numeracy framework. A significant emphasis is placed on the effective use of data at both classroom and school levels to guide instruction and track student progress. Additionally, the plan is centered on creating safe, welcoming, and engaging learning environments that foster curiosity, confidence, and a sense of belonging in students from their earliest school experiences. The overarching commitment is to ensure every elementary learner feels supported and challenged to grow academically, socially, and emotionally, building a strong foundation for their future.

Key discussions included an overview of district trades and career programs, noting approximately 20 options, dual credit opportunities, and application requirements. The Board Chair detailed the Board's governance role, emphasizing policy development, budget oversight, and concerns regarding elementary literacy and numeracy outcomes. The Superintendent reviewed the district's conflict resolution process, stressing respectful communication and outlining escalation steps, with a commitment to clarifying roles on the district website. The DPAC President reported on participation in district and provincial engagement, advocacy efforts, and outreach to PACs, resulting in 40 active BCCPAC memberships. The Treasurer's report detailed general and gaming bank balances as of December 31, 2025. The Constitution & Bylaws Committee presented a final draft of proposed updates for PAC review. Discussions also covered online safety, school communication practices, and staffing consistency, with anticipation for a future superintendent presentation.

The meeting began with an acknowledgement of the traditional and unseated territory of the Samath First Nations and the Mas Masky First Nation. Congratulations were extended to Superintendent Nathan Ning for receiving the King Charles III Coronation Medal. The agenda adoption was moved and seconded. Discussion occurred regarding the process for remote versus in-person meetings. The approval of minutes from the December 9th public board meeting and consent items, including school liaison lists and committee appointments, were addressed, with a specific inquiry raised regarding terminology used in an employee association report concerning decolonization, which the Chair deferred to a future meeting. The board then addressed the minutes of the Education Committee meeting held on December 2nd. Key discussion points included a report from the Director of Information Technology, Steve Stoby, detailing accomplishments for 2024-2025 aligned with the 'Engaging Opportunity' strategic pillar. This included the successful replacement plan for all staff devices over the summer of 2025, which optimized resources and improved equity of access, and significant progress in cybersecurity measures, such as utilizing AI for attack disruption, firewall hardening, and increasing multi-factor authentication adoption. The Director also highlighted challenges, including operating with a lean staff (13 FTE versus a full complement of 15 FTE), the increasing speed of cyber incidents, third-party security risks, and the need for continued focus on business continuity and disaster recovery planning. Future plans for 2025-2026 include a full review of all district technology. The meeting concluded with recognition of staff efforts in managing significant community flooding prior to Christmas.

The meeting began with an acknowledgement of meeting virtually due to safety concerns and recognition of the traditional territory of the Samath First Nations and the Matby First Nations. Key discussion points included the adoption of the agenda, which was preceded by commentary regarding the virtual format. The Board also heard an announcement regarding the passing of John Roberts, a respected and long-serving educator and principal within the district, and condolences were extended to his family. The Director of Instruction for Learning Support Services provided an update on the district strategic plan progress, detailing initiatives under Student Success (including pilot projects for literacy for non-speaking students via Early Reader Skillbuilders and use of technology/AI), Engaging Opportunities (including parent workshops on topics like ADHD and community resource connection), and Progressive Workforce (focusing on staff capacity to address challenging behaviors, utilizing BCBAs, and creating a district behavior specialist position). Future focus areas for the 2025-2026 school year were outlined as literacy, well-being, safety, work experience, and strengthening strategic community partnerships. A video showcasing the work of the Learning Support Services department was also presented.