At a recent Chinook's Edge School Division Board meeting some of the topics included a year three education plan, an agreement with the ATA  and the budget for the next school year.

Here are some of the highlights:

Board approves the Memorandum of Agreement with the ATA

The Board unanimously approved the Memorandum of Agreement with the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA). The Memorandum was reached on May 18, 2023. ATA local members will vote on the Memorandum on June 6, 2023.

Board passes $136.8 million budget for 2023-24 school year

The Board approved the 2023-24 budget with expected expenditures of $136.8 million. The budget includes an operating deficiency of $930,000. Reserves are anticipated to be 2.3% of the overall budget at the end of the 2023-24 school year. The division expects overall staffing allocations and class sizes to be similar to the 2022-23 school year. Chinook’s Edge has budgeted for new buses and up to 10 additional routes to accommodate the provincial change in eligibility for students being transported to school. There will be an increase in fees for Career and Technology Studies classes to cover the increasing cost of materials in 2023-24. The division will continue to devote funding for mental health supports for students and staff.

Education Plan 2021-24 (year three) approved by the Board

The Board approved its education plan for 2023-24. The plan began in 2021 and extends until the end of the 2023-24 school year. It is submitted to the province annually. The Board and division continue to focus work around three pillars: academic excellence, social emotional well-being and career connections.

In the 2023-24 school year priority areas within the three pillars include:

●Addressing an increase in student absenteeism, and student anxiety which the division sees as a contributing factor to absenteeism

●A continued focus on students who have complex needs

●Ensuring families continue to feel welcome in our schools (The division saw a significant increase inparent satisfaction in this area in 2022-23)

●Customizing high leverage strategies for Indigenous students to ensure appropriate supports are provided

The Board and division plans to engage students, staff, and parents during the 2023-24 school year to understand what priorities should be addressed in the next three-year plan.