June 28 Board Meeting

June 29th, 2017

Regional Office, Barrhead – 

David Garbutt appointed Superintendent of Schools / Chief Executive Officer
Following a detailed hiring process and approval from the Minister of Education, the Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. David Garbutt to the position of Superintendent of Schools and Chief Executive Officer effective August 1, 2017. Read the news release.

School board adopts $58M PHPS budget and $23M ADLC budget
The school board adopted the PHPS and Alberta Distance Learning Centre operating budgets. The combined budgets are $81 million. See the budget overview for details.

While government funding rates remain the same as last year, our division will have less money because: enrolment is declining, goods and services will cost more (e.g. building insurance premiums are estimated to increase 18% or $35,000), and the costs associated with the carbon levy, where levy rates are set to increase by 50% on January 1, 2018. The projected impact of the carbon levy is $115,000.

The division’s 2017-18 budget illustrates the importance of reserves. Although we will receive less money from the government next year, PHPS will use our reserve funds to keep and launch programs that are important for students. Next year’s budget will include a $1.53 million deficit. Reserves will be used to cover this deficit.

ADLC, which we operate though a service agreement with Alberta Education, tabled a 2017-18 budget will include a deficit of $123,933. We will use ADLC’s reserves to cover this deficit.

School board to write to the Education Minister with concerns over School Fees Regulation
The board will forward a letter to the Education Minister noting their concerns over the restrictions of the recently enforced School Fees and Costs Regulation. In particular, the restriction that schools are not able to charge any fee or cost that is not set out in the board’s reviewed fee schedule that must be submitted the prior school year to Alberta Education.

Division to focus on diversity of student needs, literacy, numeracy and student-teacher relationships
Assistant Superintendent of Education Services Mark Thiesen provided an update on the key strategies of the education plan as they relate to developing professional capital and supporting student diversity. See the draft education plan for more information.

The next regular board meeting is Monday, August 28, 2017 at Regional Office in Barrhead starting at 9:30 a.m. Members of the public are welcome to attend.