Trustee Professional Development

The Board of Trustees approved a proposal to hold a PD session with an ASBA Consultant around the topic of strong governance procedures. The session will be scheduled after the completion of the by-election process for Wards 4 and 7.

September Enrollment

Superintendent Dr. Jeff Thompson presented the Board with the Division’s updated enrollment count as of September 30, which showed a 4.3% decline in enrollment from June, 2026 across the Division.

During his presentation, Superintendent Thompson highlighted three small rural schools where the decline places them at risk this year of moving to a lower funding threshold within the Rural Small Schools Grant block-funding model.

Nampa Public School (NPS): Enrollment on September 30 was 39 K-6 students, placing it at risk of moving to the next funding threshold resulting in a revenue reduction of $244,232.

Hines Creek Composite School (HCC - Grades K-12): Enrollment on September 30 was 103 K-12 students, placing it at risk of moving to the next funding threshold resulting in a revenue reduction of $122,633.

Red Earth Creek School (RECS - Grades K-12): Enrollment on September 30 was 101 K-12 students placing them at risk of moving to the next funding threshold resulting in a reduction in revenue from the Rural Small Schools Grant of $122,633. Superintendent Thompson noted that RECS differs from the previously mentioned two small rural schools in that it is a “school of necessity” because it is the division’s only school serving that area.

Secretary-Treasurer Rhonda Freeman provided further specific details about the cost to operate the PRSD’s rural small schools compared to the Alberta Education and Childcare grant received under the current Rural Small Schools Grant.

After hearing from both Superintendent Thompson, and Secretary-Treasurer Freeman, Trustees discussed the financial sustainability of current enrollment levels across the Division and the importance of determining their next steps. Trustees noted the importance of speaking with school communities affected by declining or low enrollment in a timely way, and expressed the need to hold a longer discussion on the matter at a future meeting.

Delegation from Menno Simons Community School Council

The Board received a delegation from the Menno Simons Community School (MSCS) Council requesting that the Board consider making the MSCS Alternate School Calendar a permanent part of the annual Calendar development process.

Delegates presented information from MSCS Principal Michelle Dober highlighting this year’s enrollment growth, from 71 students in June 2026 to 80 as of September 30, 2026, as well as the school’s strong attendance rates. Additional information about the perceived benefits of an alternate calendar was provided on behalf of a veteran MSCS teacher.

The Board thanked the School Council representatives for attending and committed to providing a response after the annual calendar committee meetings in February or March, 2027.

Department Presentations

The Board received the first of several scheduled Department Presentations from Central Operations staff. Communications Coordinator Kristin Dyck spoke to the Trustees about her role, which includes both internal and external communications, strategic website and social media management, crisis communications support, and engagement. There was a specific focus on strategic ways to support the Board’s engagement and advocacy work.

Capital Plan Amendment

Secretary-Treasurer Rhonda Freeman presented an amendment to the 2026-2029 Capital Plan following receipt of the Peace River Schools Value Scoping Report prepared for the Board of Trustees by The Workun Garrick Partnership.

The newly amended plan, which was approved by the Board, contains an Integrated Educational Infrastructure Solution for the Town of Peace River as its top priority, which reflects a request to shift from operating three aging and underutilized schools to two. Under the proposed plan:

• Springfield Elementary School would be reconfigured to serve Kindergarten to Grade 3.
• A new Grade 4-12 school would be built on the existing T.A. Norris campus.
• Peace River High School and the original 1956 T.A. Norris building would be decommissioned and demolished after the new school opens. The target operational year is 2031-32.

The Board’s Capital Plan serves as a request to the Government of Alberta. Funding and timelines depend on provincial approval. To see how community feedback was considered and used during this process, visit the PRSD Engage page on our website.

Updated Board Meeting Dates

The Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting to review their policies on November 2 at 10:30 a.m.

In order to accommodate the annual audit process, the Board will hold their regularly scheduled November meeting on Tuesday, November 24.

Watch the full meeting on the Peace River School Division's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PeaceRiverSchoolDivision