Advocacy – Meeting with Minister of Education Meeting
On January 23, 2020 the Board of Trustees had the privilege of meeting with the Minister of Education Adrianna LaGrange and Minister of Indigenous Relations, Rick Wilson to discuss the budget and additional challenges pertaining to the operations in Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools.
After the provincial budget was released in the fall the Board realized the significant financial concerns that will have an adverse effect on our operations. The Board forwarded a letter to the Minister on November 26, 2019 requesting an extension to the budget time frame, and asking to eliminate the deficit over a two –year period instead of a one-year period, as outlined by the province. Approval of this request would eliminate the need for drastic changes next year and allow the Board more time to reach the goal of a balanced budget.
The Minister of Education indicated that she approved the request to extend the time frame to eliminate the deficit by August 31, 2021 and that her letter will be forthcoming granting approval of the Board’s request.
Establishment of Wards
The Board is researching the reduction of the number of trustees and establishing new wards, in an effort to reduce expenses. Sections 76 and 78(1) are the relevant sections of the Education Act that deal with the number of trustees and the establishment of wards. Some neighboring Boards have already initiated the process of reducing the number of trustees and establishing new wards in advance of the upcoming election that will be conducted in the fall of 2021.
2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School Year Calendars Approved
The Board approved the 2020-2021 and 2021 – 2022 school year calendars. The calendar feedback received from the consultation conducted with parents, school councils, staff and community partners was considered when developing the calendars for the upcoming school years. The Board heard strong support from staff and parents to continue the job embedded professional development days that are a critical part of Response to Intervention.
The 2020-2021 and 2021 - 2022 School Year Calendars can be viewed at: https://www.wrps11.ca/schools/calendars-school-year
Print a copy: Board Meeting Highlights January 28, 2020
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