Central Operations Maintenance Projects

Secretary-Treasurer Rhonda Freemen presented the board with quotes and tender results for both the HVAC system upgrades and roofing maintenance projects discussed during the April 18 board meeting. During the discussion, Freeman noted that while the quote for the HVAC system came in higher than anticipated, she was pleased that the tenders for the roofing project came in under budget. 

The board unanimously approved the HVAC system quote for $790,000 and awarded the roofing tender to Standard Roofing & Exteriors Ltd. of Grande Prairie for $444,895 including contingency. 

“There’s a point in a system’s life when you need to get ahead of it and prepare for the future. This building is really sound, it is going to be here for many more decades. So we want to make sure the systems in it are reliable,” said Superintendent Adam Murray.

The $1.2 million combined project will be paid for using a combination of debentures and capital reserves. At the April 18 meeting, the Board of Trustees approved a debenture of up to $750,000 for these projects. The remaining project expenses will be funded using capital reserves. 

Anti-Racism Policy Receives First Reading

The Board of Trustees unanimously provided first reading to Policy 21 - Anti-Racism Policy. This policy exists as a means for the Division to influence positive systemic change through proactive action to create anti-racist environments.

“The cultural diversity of Division community members is a strength. The Board recognizes that respect for diverse cultural perspectives, traditions, languages, beliefs and values enriches the learning and working environment for everyone and is important to well-being and personal growth,” reads the draft policy.

The policy will now be available for feedback and is expected to return to the Board table for second reading on June 20. 

Read the Draft Anti-Racism Policy HERE.

2024-25 School Year Budget Approved

The PRSD Board of Trustees have approved the budget for the 2024-25 school year. Going into this meeting, the Board of Trustees were aware that some tough decisions needed to be made in order to minimize the budget’s projected deficit. During the discussions, Secretary-Treasurer Rhonda Freeman explained that following the Board’s April 30 budget meeting, the Administration team was able to reduce the projected deficit from $2.2 million to $551,952.

The 2024-25 budget does include a small increase to the Division’s current certified teaching complement, in addition to funding additional Educational Assistant positions.

Through the approval of the budget, the Board of Trustees also approved a small increase to the budget for board governance.

To learn more about the 2024-25 Budget, click HERE.