The Wild Rose School Division (WRSD) had a busy agenda for their board meeting on Tuesday. Here is a look at the highlights:

2024-2025 School Calendar

The Board approved option one of the 2024-2025 calendar, which has spring break falling at the end of March. Other highlights of the approved calendar include:

• The first day for students is after the Labour Day long weekend
• The last day before Christmas break is December 20, with students returning on January 6
• There will be a full week off of school the week of teachers’ convention for both the north and south parts of the school division
  • Feb. 3 – 7 for the north schools (Drayton Valley & Breton)
  • Feb. 17 – 21 for the south schools (Rocky Mountain House, Caroline, David Thompson and Charlotte Small)
• Spring break falls in the last full week of March (24 – 28)
• The last day for students will be June 25

Feedback was received through an online survey, with almost 250 people providing their input. The Board thanks all of the staff, parents, and community members who provided their feedback for the calendar. The calendar can be found on the Division’s website under the staff resources tab.

Bussing

The Board had a discussion regarding bussing to the Drayton Valley Community Outreach School. With busses no longer needing to stop at the old Eldorado school site, the Board wants to ensure that the DVCOS bus students maintain bus service to their school. Although 50 Avenue is not an ideal location for a bus stop, the WRSD Director of Transportation will look into alternative stops, including Veterans Way. The Caroline School bus lane was also discussed. There are concerns with students running in between busses during drop off and pick up times. The Board will discuss options further when they meet to review next year’s budget and reserve spending.

WRSD Inclement Weather Procedure

The Board discussed in detail our current procedure for inclement weather days and compared them to surrounding school boards. There will be no changes to current procedures at this time, but we need to ensure that messaging is clear and consistent.

Academies and Collegiates

The Director of Instruction joined the meeting to share her research and knowledge on the difference between academies and collegiates and the funding available through Alberta Education at this time. Unfortunately many academies have extremely high fees making them cost prohibitive to a large majority of families. WRSD will continue to look into collegiate opportunities. The Director also highlighted the vast variety of courses currently offered by all of the high schools in Wild Rose School Division.  

The Board also heard the accountability report from the Director of Student Support Services.

Superintendent’s Report 

• Education Service Agreement, Capital Projects, EA Information and Orientation Night, Professional Learning for Early Learning Teachers, Early Years Assessment Results for WRSD, Indigenous Education.