Todd Burnstad

The board meeting included communications from the Chair and Superintendent regarding provincial education funding, recent school music events, registration processes, and feedback surveys. The board recognized nominees for the Edwin Parr Teacher Award and celebrated the selected recipient. Business matters addressed included a Student Senate work plan update, a request for information regarding past election costs, the approval of class size and complexity grant fund expenditures, and the approval of the process and timeline for the upcoming budget. The board also received various committee and representative reports and heard a notice of motion concerning classroom complexity funding.

The document serves as an information report detailing recommendations approved by the Caucus Committee during in camera sessions, as required by Section 5.4 of the Trustees' Handbook. The approved items included the renewal of the International Spanish Academies Program - General Protocol of Action Agreement (#15509), which mandated approval by the Board and signature by the Superintendent of Schools. Additionally, the Caucus Committee approved the Advocacy Committee's work plan for 2025-26 (#15475).

This Ten-Year Facilities Plan serves as an evidence-based tool to guide the Division's approach to addressing long-term enrolment and infrastructure requirements for Edmonton Public Schools. It outlines strategies to manage the critical challenges of diminishing available space due to rapid student growth and the increasing deferred maintenance of aging school facilities. The plan emphasizes consistent investment in new capital projects and facility maintenance, including new school constructions and modular classrooms, to ensure equitable access to high-quality learning environments and diverse educational choices for all students.

The Board Meeting Agenda for March 17, 2026, included several key items for discussion and information. Discussion topics involved staff group budget presentations for the 2026-27 Budget, the annual review of Board Policy HG.BP Student Behaviour and Conduct (recommended to remain unchanged), and an update on the Ten-Year Facilities Plan 2026-2035. The Facilities Plan information detailed the impact of rapid enrolment growth (projected to reach over 144,000 students by 2035) and the significant deferred maintenance backlog exceeding $1 billion. Other items included a Class Size Information Update and a report on Municipal Trustee Election Costs. A motion was given notice to write a letter to the Minister of Education regarding classroom complexity funding.

The meeting commenced with a Land Acknowledgement and the singing of O Canada. The agenda for the March 3, 2026, Board meeting was approved as amended, with item 8 deferred to March 17, 2026. Communications from the Board Chair included Ramadan Kareem wishes, recognition of International Women's Day, comments on the provincial budget which included a 7% increase for education, and recognition of the Division's 60th anniversary Night of Music. The Superintendent addressed the community regarding pre-enrolment, registration season, open houses, and the Division Feedback Survey, noting cautious optimism regarding the provincial budget. The Board approved the minutes from the February 10, 2026 meeting and celebrated the Edwin Parr Teacher Award nominees, with Cokee Schmidt selected as the Division's recipient. Key decisions included the approval to incur expenses up to $8.7 million for the Class Size and Complexity Team Grant and the approval of the Process and Timeline for the 2026-2027 Budget. A motion was brought forward regarding a follow-up on election costs. Trustee Kusiek provided an update on Ward F activities, including school council meetings, a community walk promoting peace, a Career Day at Avalon Junior High, a Lunar New Year Celebration, a Ward F Coffee conversation focusing on parent engagement, and the first annual Hearts in Harmony production. A notice of motion was given concerning a letter to the Minister of Education regarding complexity funding.