Division Office ~
Approval of Annual Education Results Report (AERR)
School divisions are required to publish annual reports on performance measures, including surveys and student achievement.
The results discussed in the 2023-2024 report include an assessment of the division’s assurance results in student growth and achievement, teaching and leading, learning supports and governance. In each of these areas, Pembina Hills’ results were evaluated over a three-year period, as well as compared to Provincial results. The division continues to measure well in citizenship but has opportunities for growth in scoring on provincial testing.
The Annual Education Results Report is available on the Pembina Hills website.
Fort Assiniboine School Junior High enrollment triggers viability review
Each year, the Superintendent applies the school closure and grade reconfiguration criteria (Policy 15) to all division schools and notifies the Board of any schools that meet these criteria.
At the November 27, 2024 Board meeting, trustees received the 2024-2025 Grade Configuration and School Closures Report that indicates that the junior high school enrolments at Fort Assiniboine School have met the criteria to trigger a review. The outcome of this review could include: adopting a “wait-and-see” approach to monitor enrolment trends going forward or changing the grades offered at Fort Assiniboine School.
Trustees passed a motion to revisit the report at the December 18, 2024 board meeting.
Approval of Audited Financial Statements
All publicly funded organizations in Alberta are required to publish annual financial statements which are audited by a professional accountant. The Board approved the financial statements for Pembina Hills School Division for the year ended August 31, 2024 and received a report from the division’s auditor.
Pembina Hills ended the fiscal year with a deficit from operations of $2.3 million. While the deficit was budgeted at $1.15 million, lower-than-expected enrolment adjustments saw total Government of Alberta grant revenue come in $1.5 million less than planned. While operating reserves were sufficient to cover this shortfall, these reserves have now been largely depleted.
The annual audited financial statements are available on the Pembina Hills website.
Transportation Safety Advocacy
To date, the 2024-2025 school year has seen a record number of “fly-bys” for the division’s bus fleet. Fly-bys occur when a vehicle illegally passes a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing and stop sign extended putting student safety at risk.
The board discussed this important issue and the related safety measures already in place, including the installation of extended stop arms on buses, external bus camera setups and operating procedures to teach students to be as safe as possible. However, fly-bys are the result of driver behaviour which is beyond the control of the division.
The board has decided to formally advocate for an education program to educate and remind drivers of their obligations to stop when red lights are flashing and of their role in ensuring student safety.