Students Present Priorities
The Saskatchewan Rivers Students for Change (SRSC) presented its priorities to the Board and it was followed by vibrant discussion around the board table. Student Trustees Tia-Lee McCallum (PACI) and Dan Vidal (WP Sandin) were joined by SRSC Executive members Emma Arcand (Canwood) and Ella McBride (DLC) to deliver the presentation that was well-aligned with the division’s Strategic Plan. Students encouraged the Board to take more actions on its Mental Health and Wellbeing priority by, among other things, increasing access to counsellors and providing more capacity-building workshops for staff and students. In addition, the SRSC offered over a dozen ways to strengthen the Learning and Innovation priority through things like diverse class options and more use of blended learning for self-paced classes. In the financial portion, the SRSC urged the Board to allocate funds for better WIFI and provide better quality bathroom products. The student voice provided valuable guidance to the Board.
Inclusive Education Leadership
The Board appreciated the recognition for the division’s leadership in inclusive education in two areas. First, the SSBA invited SRPSD to participate in the development and pilot testing of the Indigenous Education Framework. SRPSD has been actively involved in leading the response to the TRCs 94 Calls to Action and SRPSD’s work on the Indigenous Education Framework will strengthen that work and provide a structure for SRPSD and other divisions reflection and improvement. Second, is the refinement and enhancement of the SRPSD’s Inclusive Education Plan. This year has been spent identifying successes and challenges and next year (2022-23) will include the development of an action plan. Leading sources of research in this area are used to guide SRPSD in its work.
Facilities Report and School Tours
Superintendent Mike Hurd provides guidance and leadership to a dedicated team of caretaking and maintenance staff and their work was evident in the Facilities Accountability Report that the Board reviewed at the recent meeting. The report outlines the processes, staff and costs to service, maintain and care for the facilities and also outlines major and minor projects. Two highlights include the air quality improvement project through installation of ionization units in every building and the conversion to LED lighting in every facility which has saved the division over $275K to date. Those savings will continue to accumulate into the future providing more money to spend on student learning. The Board is excited to return to on-site school tours in May so they can visit schools, connect with students, staff and programs and also see first-hand the work of the maintenance and caretaking team’s great work to keep SRPSD facilities in top condition for learning. Tours are planned for 11 rural schools over two days.
If you want further details about the Board and its meetings, you can find information under the “About Us” tab at www.srsd119.ca. You are also encouraged to contact your local trustee.
We look forward to the connection!
| SRPSD Board of Education | |||
| Barry Hollick, Chair | bhollick@srsd119.ca | Arne Lindberg | alindberg@srsd119.ca |
| Darlene Rowden,
Vice-Chair |
drowden@srsd119.ca | Jaimie Smith-Windsor | jsmith-windsor@srsd119.ca |
| Cher Bloom | cbloom@srsd119.ca | Alan Nunn | anunn@srsd119.ca |
| Bill Gerow, | bgerow@srsd119.ca | Michelle Vickers | mvickers@srsd119.ca |
| Grant Gustafson | ggustafson@srsd119.ca | Bill Yeaman | byeaman@srsd119.ca |