The October 13th regular board meeting was held at Regional Office in Barrhead.
Board approves proof of vaccination policy
Earlier in October, the board received a joint letter from the Ministers of Health and Education encouraging school boards to require staff to either provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or provide negative screening tests. The board received several comments from staff and community members, and reviewed current year statistics on lost time for staff as well as infection rates for staff and students.
The board unanimously supported the development of an administrative procedure that will require staff, volunteers and contractors to either provide proof of their vaccination status, or provide periodic negative screening tests. The board agrees that these measures will help to protect the health of staff and students, and will lead to better educational outcomes.
The administrative procedure will be finalized and released in the coming weeks. Read more about it in this news story.
Facilities information update
Director of Facilities Tracy Tyreman presented an overview of the capital and maintenance projects that have been completed in the past year, as well as discussed upcoming projects underway. See the facilities information update for pictures and a list of the projects completed.
New policy for petitions and public notices
Pembina Hills School Division has a thorough policy framework that guides decision-making and processes within the division. The policy committee met to develop a new Petitions and Public Notices policy as required under the Education Act, and the board discussed and approved Policy 29 at its meeting on October 13.
Exam writing centres closed
Alberta’s Provincial Education Directory lists every school and site active within the province. Many students use this directory to book exam writing locations and to find contact information. The directory still listed the Alberta Distance Learning Centre and the Vista Virtual School Edmonton Writing Centre as active sites, although these facilities were closed to the public in August.
The board passed a motion officially closing these sites for public use.
Check out the board meeting agenda and minutes for more information. You may also view a recording of the meeting here.
The next school board meeting is at the Regional Office on Wednesday, October 27, 2021 starting at 9:00 a.m. It will be the Organizational Meeting where the new board will be sworn in to begin their four year term.