Board Highlights: June 4, 2026

2026–2027 Budget Approval
Budget Summary: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/13UCvEXm2EMG64Oi0sZ3mMGp0xM71iQVp

Trustees approved a balanced budget for the 2026–2027 school year totaling approximately $94 million. The budget reflects increased provincial funding, projected enrollment growth, and continued investment in student learning and support services. 

The division will see an increase of approximately $4.86 million in provincial operational funding and is based on projected enrollment that is approximately 95 funded full-time equivalent (FTE) students higher than originally budgeted for 2025–2026. Provincial funding increases include enhancements to base instruction, specialized learning supports, English as an Additional Language programming, transportation, and operations and maintenance, along with new funding for class size reduction and classroom complexity.

Instruction remains the division's largest area of investment, with approximately $73.6 million allocated to support student learning. The budget includes an increase of approximately 12.6 teacher FTEs and 17 FTE support staff positions, continued expansion of student wellness services, dual credit programming, and technology investments including Chromebooks, interactive touch boards, and network infrastructure upgrades. The instructional budget includes a surplus of $202,756.

Operations and maintenance revenues are budgeted at $8.82 million. Increased provincial funding and lower projected utility costs help offset rising wage and insurance expenses, resulting in a budgeted surplus of $29,847. Transportation revenues are budgeted at $7.93 million. Rising fuel, staffing, and service costs, along with continued route expansion, result in a budgeted deficit of $202,778.

The Board and System Administration budget totals approximately $3.2 million and includes system leadership, governance, and division-wide support services. The budget includes a deficit of $8,393, which remains within provincial funding guidelines.

Overall, the division is projecting a balanced budget for 2026–2027 while maintaining reserve levels within Alberta Education limits and continuing to invest in programs and services that support student success across Prairie Rose Public Schools.

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Board Highlights: June 9, 2026

Additional information can be found in the June 9, 2026, Board Meeting Agenda package found here: https://www.myprps.com/news/june-9-2026-public-board-meeting

Occupational Health and Safety Accountability Report

Trustees received the annual Occupational Health and Safety Accountability Report, which highlighted ongoing efforts to maintain safe learning and working environments across Prairie Rose Public Schools.

Highlights included annual safety inspections at schools and worksites, emergency response planning, first aid training for 63 students, staff, and bus drivers, and improvements to electronic incident reporting processes. The division also reported 25 staff injuries and 158 student injuries during the year, with most incidents classified as mild to moderate. Continued improvement in workplace injury rates resulted in Prairie Rose receiving a 5% reduction in Workers' Compensation Board premiums.

Future priorities include strengthening compliance with updated legislation, expanding staff training opportunities, and continuing to enhance health and safety practices across the division.

Executive Report

Trustees received updates on several initiatives and activities taking place across Prairie Rose Public Schools.

• Eight students from Foremost School recently travelled to Golden, British Columbia, to participate in the EV Challenge, where they designed, built, and raced an electric vehicle using a modified golf cart frame. The team earned three third place finishes, and all participating students received scholarships. The project was supported by Wally's Welding and provided students with a hands-on opportunity to develop technical, problem solving, and teamwork skills. Watch the video: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18eybsssoF/
   
• Planning continues for the new Redcliff K–9 replacement school. OTA Architects has been hired as the project's bridging consultant, with a kickoff meeting scheduled for June 18. Trustees heard that a school design has already been selected to support future growth and flexibility, while a larger gymnasium has also been approved by the government. Using a template design is expected to help accelerate the planning process.
   
• Students from the South Alberta Collegiate and South Alberta Hockey Academy recently welcomed residents from a Bow Island seniors residence to the South Alberta Collegiate facility. Visitors participated in flight simulator activities, learned about aviation, and took part in recreational activities alongside students. The event created meaningful opportunities for intergenerational learning and community connection.
   
• Construction is now underway on the Yuill School of Agriculture following final permit approvals. Trustees also received an update on the upcoming August 8 fundraising and community event, which will help support the development of the facility and celebrate the project's progress. A new project website has also been launched at Yuill School of Agriculture.

Education Plan Approved

Trustees approved Prairie Rose Public Schools' 2025–2030 Education Plan, Unleash Potential, which continues to guide division priorities over the next five years.

The plan continues to build around the three strategic priorities: Ignite Minds, Forge Futures, and Kindle Hearts. Key initiatives include strengthening instructional practices across all schools, expanding career pathway programming in agriculture, aviation, trades, and community services and health, and increasing student wellness and specialized learning supports.

The plan also introduces a division-wide Portrait of a Graduate and commits to ensuring all high school students have access to post-secondary application support, job interview preparation, internships, and mentorship opportunities. The plan reflects extensive engagement with students, staff, parents, school councils, trustees, and community partners.

Board Planning Cycle

Trustees approved the annual Board Planning Cycle for the 2026–2027 school year. The planning cycle serves as a roadmap for Board meetings throughout the year, ensuring key reports, accountability updates, budget discussions, and governance responsibilities are scheduled in advance. While the calendar provides structure for Board oversight, it remains flexible and can be adjusted as needed to address emerging priorities and opportunities.

First Nations, Métis and Inuit Accountability Report

Trustees received the annual First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) Accountability Report, which highlighted ongoing efforts to support student success, strengthen Indigenous education, and advance reconciliation across Prairie Rose Public Schools.

The report noted that Prairie Rose currently serves 158 self-identified First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students, including 82 Métis students, 73 First Nations students, and 3 Inuit students. In addition, 41 FNMI students also receive specialized learning supports through Alberta Education coding.

Trustees reviewed student achievement data, which showed strong results in several areas. FNMI students achieved a 79.3% acceptable standard on Diploma Exams, exceeding the provincial FNMI average of 77.5%. Prairie Rose also reported a 3-year high school completion rate of 89.5%, significantly higher than the provincial FNMI average of 59.8%, while the FNMI student dropout rate remained at 3.4%, compared to the provincial average of 5.2%.

The report also highlighted continued work to strengthen Indigenous education through land acknowledgements, curriculum integration, staff learning, and initiatives aligned with Alberta's Teaching and Leadership Quality Standards. These efforts support student achievement while helping all students develop a greater understanding of Indigenous histories, cultures, perspectives, and contributions.

Student Experiences Accountability Report

Trustees received the 2025–2026 Student Experiences Accountability Report, which highlighted the extensive supports and services available to students across Prairie Rose Public Schools.

The division currently provides student support through 124 educational assistants, 14.4 learning support teachers, 10 student wellness counsellors, 3.4 speech-language pathologists, therapy assistants, psychology services, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and specialized contracted supports. During the year, speech and language services supported 340 students, completed 70 new assessments, and conducted 121 early childhood screenings.

Student wellness and psychological services continued to play an important role in supporting student success. During the year, the team completed 80 Level B assessments, 41 psychoeducational assessments, participated in 17 Assessment of Risk to Others (ARTO) reviews, and supported 23 intervention self-harm assessments. Student Wellness Counsellors provided services to 555 students across the division, with the highest utilization occurring at Eagle Butte High School, Margaret Wooding School, Akram Jomaa Campus, and Irvine School.

The report also highlighted continued growth in specialized programming and supports, including the successful launch of the CASA Classroom, expanded hippotherapy programming, intensive support spaces for students with complex needs, and new partnerships focused on student wellbeing and resilience. Future priorities are aimed at strengthening behavioural support, increasing professional learning opportunities, and expanding specialized services to meet the increasing complexity of student needs across the division.

Senator Gershaw School Field Trip

Trustees approved a high-risk field trip for 19 Grade 5 students from Senator Gershaw School to participate in an aviation learning experience in Medicine Hat. Students will take part in 20-minute flights through Super T Aviation, aviation-related ground activities, and a visit to Red Rock Coulee.

The field trip supports the Grade 5 Science curriculum, specifically the study of forces in air and flight. Students will have the opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world aviation experiences while exploring how flight principles are applied in practice.

Locally Developed Courses

Trustees approved several locally developed courses for continued implementation in PRPS schools. Courses include Aviation Structures 15-25-35, Introduction to Educational Assistant 35, Speech and Debate 15-25-35, and Competencies in Math 15. 

Accolades

• Trustees recognized the accomplishments of staff, students, and community members across Prairie Rose Public Schools.
  Superintendent Reagan Weeks was congratulated on being named the recipient of an Inspire Award for Women in Business and on receiving an Honorary Degree from Medicine Hat College in recognition of her contributions to education, leadership, and the community.
   
• Trustees extended congratulations to the Prairie Rose graduating classes of 2026 and expressed appreciation to the teachers, support staff, school leaders, and families who helped support students throughout their educational journey.
   
• The Board recognized the work of the Advocacy Committee for coordinating the annual Trustee Awards program, which celebrates student achievement, leadership, and contributions across the division.
   
• Seven Persons School was recognized for receiving a science education grant that provided students with new learning opportunities and hands-on science experiences.

Trustee Reports

Trustees provided updates from provincial and regional trustee associations.

• Trustee Patty Rooks and Superintendent Reagan Weeks attended the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) Spring General Meeting. The event included a fireside chat featuring former Prime Minister Stephen Harper and participation from Alberta's Minister of Education. Trustees also discussed proposed bylaw changes, approved the association's budget, and participated in professional learning sessions focused on governance and advocacy.
   
• The Rural Caucus of Alberta School Boards met prior to the ASBA conference, where trustees participated in discussions focused on advocacy priorities, emerging issues in rural education, and opportunities to strengthen the collective voice of rural school divisions.