Complex Educational Needs

The Board of Trustees approved a request from Director of Learning Services Amanda Bliska for approval to send an application to the Complex Educational Needs Tribunal. This application is being made to seek additional guidance in providing appropriate education programming to a student with complex needs. Bliska noted that while she has not made such an application in the past, she was hopeful that in this case, the Tribunal would be able to provide constructive feedback on the Division’s efforts to date, and that the application would result in a more collaborative process between the Division and the Province in providing educational programming for this student moving forward. 

Gener8 Summit: Student Delegation

Three students from Fairview Jr./Sr. High School met virtually with the Board of Trustees to present the findings of their Air Quality Analysis research project. These students had the opportunity earlier this school year to be 1 of 20 student teams to attend the Gener8 Energy and Climate Youth Leadership Summit in Calgary. During the summit the students had the opportunity to tour the MacPhail School of Energy at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), network with professionals working in energy careers, technologies, and innovations, learn from several inspiring speakers, and tour Clean02 Carbon Capture Technologies Inc. The students also had opportunities to further develop their project ideas with guidance from liaisons from Inside Education. 

Once back in Fairview, the students executed their Air Quality Analysis research project by measuring the air quality index and CO2 levels within classrooms at FHS. The team presented this data to the Board of Trustees, along with the impacts air quality can have on a successful learning environment. The team also provided a number of recommendations to improve the air quality inside of their school including leaving classroom doors and windows open whenever possible, and having air filters in each classroom. 

At the end of the presentation, the Board thanked the students for presenting this data, and made a request of the students to share their data as it quantitatively supported the Board’s efforts in advocating for a solution to the aging infrastructure in Fairview.

Reinstating Trustee Dion

Following an in camera session, the Board of Trustees returned to the regular meeting to make the following motions: The Board of Trustees accept and abide by the order of Justice E.J. Funk regarding court file number 2409-00092, which includes the reinstatement of Mr. Moïse Dion as a Trustee for the remainder of his acclaimed term and the repayment of honorariums or entitlements not paid during the legal dispute; and, that the Board Chair work with legal counsel in respect to cost and resolution of the matter identified as court file number 2409-00092. 

Board Approves Balanced 2025-2026 Budget

The Board of Trustees approved the 2025-2026 budget during their regular meeting. The budget, as presented by Secretary-Treasurer Rhonda Freeman, is a $60 million balanced budget that supports the goals of the Division’s Five-Year Education Plan while maximizing certificated staffing in schools. 

Locally Developed Courses

The Board of Trustees provided approval for six locally developed courses to be used by the Peace River School Division. These courses include both three and five credit versions of Film and Media Art 15, 25 and 35. 

Dixonville School 

The Board approved a motion to begin the process to dispose of the Dixonville School building after December 31, 2025, and to follow the process required under the Real Property Governance Act. The Board previously provided approval for both the Dixonville Library and Dixonville Playschool Society to remain in the building until the end of December, 2025. 

The Board also requested that Administration respond to letters received by the Board from the Dixonville Charter School Society and request an informal meeting between representatives of the Board and the Society.

Policy 17: School Transportation Services

The Board of Trustees gave second and third readings to an updated draft of Policy 17: School Transportation Services.

Gener8 Summit: Student Delegation