REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES RVS EDUCATION CENTRE 2651 CHINOOK WINDS DR. SW AIRDRIE, AB

MARCH 19, 2020 10:00 a.m. Regular Board Meeting

AGENDA 1. Call to Order 2. Approval of Agenda 3. In Camera Meeting 4. Motions Arising from In Camera 5. Approval of Minutes a) Regular Board Meeting – March 5, 2020 6. Delegations a) Chrissy Craig – Langdon Community Association Chair 7. Superintendent’s Report 8. Chair’s Report/Correspondence 9. Committee Reports a) Planning Committee b) Other 10. Trustee Reports 11. New Business 12. Adjournment

This unofficial agenda is subject to change and is not official until approved at the Board meeting. SUPERINTENDENT REPORT

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

MARCH 19, 2020

AGENDA ACTION 1. Capital Plan Submission Directive

2. / Irricana/ and Rural Area Accommodation Plan Directive

3. Locally Developed Courses Approval Directive

4. COVID-19 Response Update Information

5. Edwin Parr RVS Nominee Announcement Information

Greg Luterbach Superintendent of Schools DIRECTIVE FOR ACTION

TO: THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

FROM: THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

Item: 2021 – 2023 Capital Priorities

Date of Meeting: March 19, 2020

Background: Each school division in is required to submit their proposed list of capital request, in order of priority, by April 1st of each calendar year.

Current Status: See below for the Capital Priorities proposed by RVS Administration for the 2021-2023 budget years. See attachment for supporting information. Proposed Build Out Type of Site Capital Project Community Priority Capacity Project Readiness

2021 BUDGET YEAR Bow Valley High 1400 1 Cochrane Addition Existing School (+700 addition) New 2 Airdrie K-9 900 Airdrie Existing Construction New 3 Cochrane K-5 600 Cochrane 2020 Construction 2022 BUDGET YEAR New 4 Airdrie K-9 900 Airdrie TBD Construction New 5 K-9 900 Chestermere TBD Construction New 6 Airdrie High School 1500 Airdrie TBD Construction New 7 Springbank K-9 900 Harmony TBD Construction Chestermere High New 8 1500 Chestermere TBD School Construction New 9 Langdon K-5 600 Langdon TBD Construction 2023 BUDGET YEAR New 10 Cochrane K-9 900 Cochrane TBD Construction New 11 Crossfield K-5 600 Crossfield TBD Construction New 12 Airdrie K-9 900 Airdrie TBD Construction New 13 Chestermere K-9 900 Chestermere TBD Construction

DIRECTIVE FOR ACTION

TO: THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

FROM: THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

Alternatives:

Alternative I: The Board of Trustees approve the 2021-2023 Capital Plan Priorities as presented, directing administration to submit the Capital Plan Priorities to Alberta Education.

Alternative II: The Board of Trustees approve the 2021-2023 Capital Plan Priorities as amended and directs administration to submit the revised Capital Plan Priorities to Alberta Education.

Recommendation: The Board of Trustees approve the 2021-2023 Capital Plan Priorities as presented, directing administration to submit the Capital Plan Priorities to Alberta Education. DIRECTIVE FOR ACTION

TO: THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

FROM: THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

Attachment

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Airdrie 8593 9227 9902 10516 11075 Difference 571 634 675 614 559 Cochrane/Westbrook/Bearspaw 4718 5006 5186 5450 5788 Difference 190 288 180 264 338 Chestermere/Indus/Langdon 4609 4800 5043 5111 5054 Difference 210 191 243 68 -57 /Springbank 2151 2195 2148 2112 2050 Difference 49 44 -47 -36 -62 Beiseker/Kathyrn 518 493 480 443 458 Difference -16 -25 -13 -37 15 Crossfield 610 624 651 639 669 Difference 45 14 27 -12 30 Colonies 40 43 44 52 42 Difference -4 3 1 8 -10 CLCs 331 324 316 392 501 Difference -61 -7 -8 76 109 Total 21,570 22,712 23,770 24,715 25,637 (+4.7%) (+5.3%) (+4.7%) (+4.0%) (+3.7%)

Bow Valley High School Year Enrolment Utilization 2019 739 89% 2020 820 98% 2021 935 112% 2022 1015 122% 2023 1115 133% 2024 1170 140%

DIRECTIVE FOR ACTION

TO: THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

FROM: THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

DIRECTIVE FOR ACTION

TO: THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

FROM: THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

DIRECTIVE FOR ACTION

TO: THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

FROM: THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

Item: Kathyrn/Irricana/Beiseker and Rural Area Accommodation Plan

Date of Meeting: March 19, 2020

Background Kathyrn School and Beiseker Community School are in the northeast area of Rocky View Schools. Kathyrn School accommodates K-Gr. 8, while Beiseker Community School serves K-Gr. 12 students.

Enrolments at Kathyrn School have been steady for the last four years, though not strong. Kathyrn School has a 52 per cent utilization rate, which is not expected to increase unless accommodation changes are made. Enrolments also have been decreasing at Beiseker Community School, yet the school is still at a reasonable 79 per cent utilization. Kathyrn students feed into Beiseker Community School at Gr. 9.

At the Oct. 31, 2019 regular meeting of the Board of Trustees, the following motion was passed:

As per the motion, representation from both administration and the Board of Trustees, held a stakeholder consultation session on January 22, 2020. Close to two hundred members of the public attended this meeting and gave their feedback. Please see Attachment A for the presentation given and Attachment B for a summary of the feedback.

Additionally, public was welcome to come forward as a delegation to the Board of Trustees on February 6, 2020. No one chose to present during this opportunity. In addition, approximately 17 emails were received from stakeholders related to information shared at the public consultation meeting.

Current Status:

The following were the proposals brought forward at the pubic meeting:

Proposal 1: Extend the Kathyrn/Beiseker boundary down to Highway 564. Proposal 2: Extend Kathyrn/Beiseker boundary to Township Road 250 (McKnight extension). Proposal 3: Extend Kathyrn/Beiseker boundary to Highway #1 (not including ). Proposal 4: Grade structure change. Proposal 5: No change. Keep boundaries and grade structure as status quo.

DIRECTIVE FOR ACTION

TO: THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

FROM: THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

As discussed at the consultation meeting, each of the above proposals, except the status quo proposal, will increase the number of students to Kathyrn and Beiseker schools to varying degrees. Students in the proposed areas south of the current Kathyrn boundary are currently designated to East Lake, Chestermere Lake, and Chestermere High, so any boundary change made will impact these students.

The feedback RVS received from the consultation meeting and emails was very diverse. It is for this reason, administration recommends that more discussion of detailed options needs to occur with the community. It’s recommended this occurs in the fall of 2020.

Alternatives:

Alternative I: The Board of Trustees directs administration to extend the attendance area of Kathyrn School (K-8) and Beiseker Community School (Gr9-12) to Highway 564.

Alternative II: The Board of Trustees directs administration to extend the attendance area of Kathyrn School (K-8) and Beiseker Community School (Gr9-12) to Township Road 250 (McKnight extension).

Alternative III: The Board of Trustees directs administration to extend the attendance area of Kathyrn School (K-8) and Beiseker Community School (Gr9-12) to Highway #1 (not including Conrich).

Alternative IV The Board of Trustees directs administration to not make any changes to Kathyrn School or Beiseker Community School attendance area.

Alternative V The Board of Trustees directs administration to not make any changes to Kathyrn School or Beiseker Community School attendance area and to hold another consultation meeting with stakeholders in the fall of 2020.

Recommendation: The Board of Trustees directs administration to not make any changes to Kathyrn School or Beiseker Community School attendance area and to hold another consultation meeting with stakeholders in the fall of 2020.

Student Accommodation Kathyrn, Irricana, Beiseker and Area Kindergarten – Grade 12

January 22, 2020 Agenda u Welcome & Introductions u Consultation process u Overview of Rocky View Schools u Purpose and Challenges u Options u Table Talk u Next Steps u Closing Level of Public Consultation Rocky View Schools RVS Enrolment and Capacity Purpose

How does RVS best support rural families in their educational choices?

How does RVS ensure both Kathyrn School and Beiseker School have enrolment that supports varied educational opportunities? Factors:

1. Some would say it would be preferable to have higher enrolments at Kathyrn and Beiseker schools to provide more options / choices while others appreciate the lowest/one of the lowest class size averages in RVS. 2. Irricana has an option to attend either Kathyrn or Beiseker. 3. Prairie Royal families are currently designated to East Lake and have option to attend Kathyrn. 4. Boundary for Kathyrn has a very odd perimeter, which is still based on decisions made over 20 years ago. Current Boundaries and Enrolments

Kathyrn School Enrolments

K GR1 GR2 GR3 GR4 GR5 GR6 GR7 GR8 Total County 14 9 9 8 9 9 6 9 12 85 Prairie Royal 1 0 0 2 0 0 2 1 2 8 Irricana 8 9 8 4 8 10 6 7 2 62 Other 1 0 1 3 1 0 4 2 3 7 Total 23 18 18 15 18 19 16 18 17 162

Capacity – 305 student spaces Beiseker High School Boundary Beiseker School Enrolments

K GR1 GR2 GR3 GR4 GR5 GR6 GR7 GR8 GR9 GR10 GR11 GR12 Total County 0 3 6 9 4 10 8 6 5 18 13 5 13 100 Beiseker 7 7 6 5 8 11 7 15 9 8 4 6 4 97 Irricana 2 4 4 8 6 4 8 5 8 15 10 6 14 94 Other 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 5 Total 9 14 16 23 19 25 23 26 23 41 27 17 33 296

Capacity – 413 student spaces Beiseker Boundary

Chestermere High and Beiseker Chestermere High High School Boundaries Boundary Prairie Royal – Where do the students attend?

K GR1 GR2 GR3 GR4 GR5 GR6 GR7 GR8 GR9 GR10 GR11 GR12 Total East Lake 2 1 5 3 4 2 17 Chestermere 1 1 3 5 Lake Middle Kathyrn 1 0 0 2 0 0 2 1 2 8 Chestermere 3 2 3 8 High Other 1 1 2 Total 1 2 1 8 3 4 4 2 3 4 3 2 3 40 Irricana – Where do the students attend?

K GR1 GR2 GR3 GR4 GR5 GR6 GR7 GR8 GR9 GR10 GR11 GR12 Total Beiseker 2 4 4 8 6 4 8 5 8 15 10 6 14 94 Kathyrn 8 9 8 4 8 10 6 7 2 62 George 1 2 1 4 8 McDougall Other 1 1 2 Total 10 14 12 12 14 14 14 12 10 16 12 8 18 166 How do we meet the challenges and consider the issues presented:

RVS Ideas: u Increase the boundary for Kathyrn. • Extend boundary down to Highway 564 • Extend boundary down to Township Road 250 • Extend boundary down to Highway 1 (Conrich exempt) u Consider a change of grade structure u Leave things as status quo Boundary Change #1 - Extend Boundary to Highway 564

Highway 564

Designating this area would increase enrolment at Kathyrn School by ~3-5 students/grade Boundary Change #2 - Extend Boundary to Township Road 250

Designating this area would increase enrolment at Kathyrn School by ~6 students/grade Boundary Change #3 - Extend Boundary to Highway 1 (except Conrich)

Designating this area would increase enrolment at Kathyrn School by approx. ~10 students/grade Option 2 - Grade Structure Possibilities

K GR1 GR2 GR3 GR4 GR5 GR6 GR7 GR8 GR9 GR10 GR11 GR12 Kathyrn/ 32 32 34 38 37 43 42 42 40 41 27 17 33 Beiseker

Currently 425 students between the two schools

Kathyrn Capacity – 305 student spaces Beiseker Capacity – 413 student spaces Option 3 – No change. Table Talk

1. As families living in rural communities what are the most important factors for the education of your children? 2. Three boundary changes were presented. Which one do you think would be the best for your family? Which one do you think is best for the larger Kathyrn, Irricana, Beiseker, and surrounding rural areas? 3. What, if any, grade structure change would make sense for these schools? Why? 4. Status quo – what are your thoughts? Is this a possibility? Table Talk

5. What possible solutions would you like RVS to consider? 6. What else do you want RVS to know? Next Steps Written Submissions – Jan 31, 2020 To: [email protected] Purpose: Provide an opportunity for stakeholders to bring forward other options to be considered. Next Steps Delegations to the Board of Trustees Date: Feb 6, 2020 Location: RVS Education Centre (2651 Chinook Winds Dr., Airdrie, T4B 0B4) Time: 10:00 a.m. Purpose: Provide an opportunity for stakeholders to make a presentation to the Board of Trustees at its public meeting (Policy 7 Board Operations (Section 9)). Decision by the Board of Trustees – March 19, 2020 Closing & Thank You! Kathyrn/Beiseker and Area Accommodation Meeting

1. As families living in rural communities what are the most important factors for the education of your children? ⋅ Shorter bus rides 15 ⋅ Smaller class atmosphere and help for students as needed 9 ⋅ experience with higher classes has been that students can fall through the cracks ⋅ benefit of keeping smaller numbers of rural schools, staff are more connected with students and family ⋅ gymnasium already busting at the seams for concerts, grad etc. ⋅ feel that if numbers were to increase, we would need upgrades to the building ⋅ interested in maintaining the wholesome feel of the rural school ⋅ Need more options for high school students 7 ⋅ Students should attend school within the community and have a sense 4 of belonging within it ⋅ Classes not too small, moderate size would be ideal to maximize 4 funding ⋅ Keep cohorts together over time for stability 3 ⋅ Teachers know all students, no one falls through the cracks student 3 teacher ratio is good ⋅ Support for sports programs, maybe combine Kathyrn/Beiseker 3 ⋅ Teacher retention 3 ⋅ Want the school to offer full program and the community to thrive 3 ⋅ Better support for students with needs so they do not disrupt the class 2 these supports are more available at larger schools ⋅ Beiseker High School is too far for some students (K-9 at Kathyrn) 2 ⋅ Don’t move the boundary past 564, we should remain a small school 2 ⋅ Return to basics, cursive writing, arithmetic, reduce computer and 1 calculator time and teach life skills ⋅ Concern with safety of bus rides 1 ⋅ More than one class per grade so students can move if needed and 1 teachers can collaborate ⋅ Choice of High School 1 ⋅ Move boundary north and west, not just south 1 ⋅ Keep grade system K-12 both schools 1 ⋅ Education is better in large schools, provide more resources to small 1 schools

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2. Three boundary changes were presented. Which one do you think would be the best for your family? Which one do you think is best for the larger Kathyrn, Irricana, Beiseker, and surrounding rural areas?

⋅ A change would help Kathyrn but believes parents would be ⋅ No upset going that long distance to Beiseker, especially given change extra-curricular activities such as sports. ⋅ None I like the small classes as is but if must choose one option I’d go with 564 ⋅ Parents at the table felt that they would rather not having a boundary change at all ⋅ Clean up the boundary a bit – only as far as Hwy. 564 ⋅ 564 ⋅ 564 works good for both schools (Kathyrn and Beiseker) ⋅ Kathyrn school employee – 564 because of the abundance of students which are south that could lessen the burden of the East Lake school will be full in a couple of years – so the rural kids should be sent to Kathyrn (Big Picture – should be designated (Royal) makes a big difference) not down to 250 ⋅ 564 option based on travel time ⋅ Extend to 564 (approx. 3-5 +) ⋅ full day kindergarten is in Kathyrn which is why they are here. They are from Irricana. Any option will do if there is full day kindergarten ⋅ Option one works best for Irricana folks ⋅ Kathyrn family chooses option one ⋅ No further than 564

⋅ RR250 best choice (McKnight) ⋅ McKnight ⋅ Kathyrn would be to McKnight, but for Beiseker that would be Extension too far. ⋅ Extend to township 250 (Mcknight) (approx. 6+) ⋅ TWP RD ⋅ Consensus about 250 change. Question about where the kids 250 would go for high school. Could also extend the grade to include grade 9 ⋅ McKnight, range road 250 ⋅ Like this option to even out the population between Kathyrn and Chestermere ⋅ This makes sense as a long-term projection ⋅ McKnight, range road 250 ⋅ Like this option to even out the population between Kathyrn and Chestermere ⋅ This makes sense as a long-term projection ⋅ This area will see a lot of grow in the future ⋅ This area will see a lot of grow in the future

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⋅ Going to Hwy 1 – physically closer to Chestermere but I would ⋅ Highway like Beiseker because my kids are happy in a small school. It’s #1 a good flow from ⋅ Hwy 1 to Beiseker would be too far. ⋅ Makes sense for Hwy 1 for Kathyrn but not Beiseker ⋅ Extend to Hwy 1 (approx. 10 +) ⋅ Everyone at table agreed that 16th ave is way too far to move down to. ⋅ Highway 1 is too far if we are considering that those students will go to Beiseker ⋅ This is manageable and reasonable for the elementary but is not reasonable for the high school kids to go to Beiseker ⋅ Too far in the opinion of the parents at my table ⋅ Soon enough it will blend into each other ⋅ Concern ⋅ Soon we won’t be a small school about ⋅ In general, rural families want rural schools, however short bus being a rides are important. small school ⋅ Families & kids will just keep getting bigger ⋅ I want my kids to go to a rural school ⋅ Best if things stay as they are (from a parent who lives in the ⋅ Prairie Prairie Royal area) Royal ⋅ Prairie Royal families will end up in Beiseker and the commute is much longer ⋅ Prairie Royal family would choose no change because otherwise high school would end up being Beiseker and they are closer to Airdrie and/or even Chestermere

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⋅ South part of the division goes to Kathyrn for K to 8 but then ⋅ Choice/ go to Chestermere High Options ⋅ Grandfather in the students that are already going to other school, but new students go to Kathyrn (Really like this) ⋅ Students at the far south would have a massive drive to get to Beiseker for High School. Which increases safety risks as far as bussing goes. Or if they choose to drive themselves ⋅ But students should be given an option to which school they go if you do move the boundary ⋅ Children settled should not move ⋅ If you change the boundary people will drive their child back to the previous school ⋅ Parents will drive their child since bus times are so long anyway and so expensive ⋅ Kathyrn kids leaving elementary should be given a choice where they go ⋅ Elementary kids go to Kathyrn then Beiseker or Chestermere ⋅ Ex: school choice ⋅ Soft boundaries (Golden Hills)

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⋅ Not sure whether changing boundary to effect high school is the right thing. Would feel more comfortable at Country Hills or McKnight to Kathyrn would be okay, but those would be viable to feed to Kathyrn. ⋅ Transportation – will there be more busses if there are more kids. Don’t want my kids riding the very long bus ride now and not increase the time. ⋅ Increasing the school enrolment to avoid closure ⋅ Increasing enrolment to increase resources ⋅ Rest of the table – were Beiseker parents who feel that they are not personally affected by the boundary changes. ⋅ I don’t know why some communities have 2 choices. Make fair across the board. ⋅ Don’t want kids driving the Hwy 9 ⋅ Any change will clean up the map ⋅ Any of these boundary changes will help with the school of Kathyrn ⋅ This year they increased the bussing fee and they also increased the maximum ride time ⋅ What will the new maximum time with the next budget? ⋅ Parents are moving into the town of Beiseker because they don’t want their kids to ride the bus for 75 minutes every morning ⋅ Very supportive of getting bigger so that it can be two classes ⋅ Keeping the school open do not want it closed ⋅ Move it to the country hill road would keep the school going but not ⋅ Biggest concern, any changes could impact busing ⋅ If you go to Kathyrn, you should have to go Beiseker ⋅ Not wanting to see boundary changes that would pull students from (ex: sports) programs they attend that are available at Chestermere schools ⋅ Lots of kids go to Acme – because money and we are losing funding for Education got so bad we are considering moving ⋅ Delacour golf course approved for 470 houses ⋅ If parents had to drive kids to Kathyrn for middle school they may go to Acme. ⋅ Parents live North of the 72 would /may go to Acme ⋅ Not allowed to travel on bus as a Buddy Ride is proving difficult. ⋅ Consider moving the boundary more west – towards Airdrie. ⋅ There is a very big concern about Beiseker as a high school a viable school. Parents are starting to move younger siblings as well when a student moves to a different middle school ⋅ Not sure whether changing boundary to effect high school is the right thing. Would feel more comfortable at Country Hills or McKnight to Kathyrn would be okay, but those would be viable to feed to Kathyrn. ⋅ Still a concern over transportation times, even at 75 minutes. Do not like the idea of kids sitting on buses that long. ⋅ Live in East Lake boundary already chose Kathyrn for smaller class size ⋅ Depends on the big picture – if things stay about the same then adding more kids isn’t the way to go. If adding more kids means adding more teachers, assistants, resources etc then 564

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3. What, if any, grade structure change would make sense for these schools? Why?

• No grade structure change. Moving the smaller elementary students from the entire No Change area (to make Kathyrn a strictly elementary school) would be difficult on those younger students. • If grades were reconfigured so that the middle school students currently attending Beiseker were moved to Kathyrn, middle school would be reduced wouldn’t have access to already established programs. Kathyrn is not set up to run solid option programs. • parents from Beiseker stated that if grades were reconfigured so that all middle school students were to attend Kathyrn, they would move their students to Acme School. • Don’t touch it, it is fine how it is. • If we are going to extend the boundary don’t see that we’d have to have grade structure change • Happy with grade structure as is • If we do that – its just spreading kids out. No more kids coming in. • Beiseker at 72 percent. Don’t ship kids No need to even the school’s population out by moving kids Any boundary changes start with future Kindergarten/ new families – do not change present kids. • Really liked when 6-8 came down here to Kathyrn. Kids got to know each other Middle were all together versus those grades “split” between two schools and then they all School at went to Beiseker. Kathyrn • I like the elementary and middle at Kathyrn and Beiseker to have K-5 & 9-12 • K-5 Kathyrn and 6-12 in Beiseker – Adds kids to Kathyrn but barely touches Kathyrn Elem Beiseker population Beiseker • Kathyrn k-6, Beiseker 7-12 is good. Junior/Senor • Kathyrn should only go to Gr. 6 – too few options at the middle school level / no solid sports programs. • K to 6 at Kathyrn, 7 to 12 to Beiseker (one family have a strong opinion on this) • Would allow class sizes to be big enough to provide enough options and enough students to have multiple positive peer interactions • If any change then make Kathyrn the K - 5 and Beiseker the 6 – 12 – K-5 (or 6) at Kathyrn and everyone else at Beiseker? And not change the boundary – Having 6-8 from Beiseker was good as a student to get to know the kids before going to high school at Beiseker • If great structure was looked at, parents felt that a potential possibility is Kathyrn K-6, Beiseker 7-12 • Kathyrn K-6, Beiseker 7-12 could work because there’s a feeling that at the grade 7/8 level, students are “outgrowing” the school and start wanting a change/options available at Beiseker

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• Designate Irricana to Kathyrn for K-8 and go to Beiseker 9-12 – Maybe • don’t want my kid in a Gr 1 class of 30 • Look to develop a high school program that would be a draw. Are their high tech companies • Parents north of Beiseker do not want their kids to be bussed to Kathyrn. They will leave RVS and go to Acme or Linden instead • If Beiseker middle school students come to Kathyrn for middle school they will lose some options • From Beiseker we like the K – 12 school. It is a unique culture. There a lot of great things with the older students in the same school. The kids all like in the same community together. They ride the bus together. The K – 12 students want to stay together. More kids riding busses o If all the 6, 7, 8 students come to Kathyrn they would lose a lot of their choices for options. Shop, foods o By splitting the 6, 7, 8 students to Kathyrn . Older siblings would not be able provide child care for younger siblings . Makes it harder for child care o When all of the 6, 7, 8 were together they made better friendships . They stayed together as a group longer . More kids stayed together and went to Beiseker high school o I like the hockey program and my kids would lose this opportunity if they went to Kathyrn • Wouldn’t work to move high school students back to Kathyrn • Beiseker has equipment for options at the high school level • If we had bigger cohorts – we could have better sports • If we have smaller cohorts – social circles isn’t great • 1 teacher with 35 kids isn’t as good – unless they can handle it • Better to be together – when they go to Beiseker it would be better • When the question was asked about who attended schools, many people didn’t raise their hands because it was the husband who attended and the husband wasn’t here.

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4. Status quo –what are your thoughts? Is this a possibility?

• members of this table feel that Status quo is the best option currently. • Yes, status quo would work but would like to see what that would mean in the long run (would that create possibility of school closure in the future?) • Would rather stick with the status quo • This is all I have known, I am comfortable with this • No but not a hard no. trying to get it right by talking is important. Don’t think it can be done • If there is no population growth then the school will likely close if nothing is done. • Not opposed to status quo because it does not seem that the school is in danger of closing

• Staying with what we have is not working • Boundary needs to change • this is not sustainable to stay the same so we need to pick an option so we don’t end up here in a few years • Biggest fear is that we leave it alone, afraid both schools will be in trouble as there is declining populations. • Status quo is not an option – every person said that at that table. Some form of change needs to happen to ensure sustainability and health of both schools.

• Prairie Royal students should have a choice for high school no matter which option is chosen because they are 1 range road away from the Airdrie catchement . • Do not want to see the quality of education change • Safety feels more manageable in a smaller school • Kathyrn is a safe feeling community, nurturing, close knit, family • Concerned about culture change • Parents want students to have one on one time opportunities with their teachers • Feel that smaller class sizes have helped set students up for learning success • Would give the school four out of five stars and don’t have any negative things to say about the school itself • RVS needs to be proactive in knowing future housing developments in these areas and change boundaries to increase school numbers. • RVS needs to be more stringent on its boundaries. Too many kids granted access to Airdrie Schools and even Strathmore drains kids. • There is concern with both schools if something is not done. There was support for moving the Christian program here to add numbers.

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5. What possible solutions would you like RVS to consider? ⋅ Bus routes and rides are a concern and the deciding factor of what 4 makes sense. There should be a family cap to this cost. Max ride time should be 45 minutes ⋅ Beiseker School needs to have the same options as schools in Airdrie 3 ⋅ Build a larger comprehensive school in Irricana 2 ⋅ Fewer transitions for students – same school for all grades 2 ⋅ Close Kathyrn school and allow it to become a charter school ⋅ Boundary to Hwy 564 ⋅ Improve transportation to rural schools ⋅ Town students should not have to go to other schools ⋅ Provide before/after school care at schools ⋅ Out in/out, home school except for some programs and sports ⋅ Provide a vocational high school program ⋅ Move boundary west to attract rural Airdrie students to Kathyrn ⋅ There should be optional busing to Airdrie so that Beiseker students can attend some courses there ⋅ Students should have less homework like students in Catholic schools ⋅ Should have all middle school students to Kathyrn and High school to Beiseker ⋅ Build a new school in Irricana ⋅ Allow SOFT boundaries as they have in Golden Hills ⋅ Look at offering childcare

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6. What Else do you want Rocky View to know ⋅ Don’t change boundary as far as 16th avenue, no further than Mc Knight 2 ⋅ What about Beiseker? Elementary is declining, schools should work 2 together to balance Irricana students ⋅ Offer special programs to attract students 2 ⋅ Busing is a deterrent, short bus rides would be a perk for choosing rural 2 school ⋅ At the very least extend border to 250 and capture all of Prairie Royal 2 ⋅ Hockey program in Beiseker is great ⋅ Breakfast program in Beiseker is great ⋅ Go back to offering Ride-a-long service to the rural schools ⋅ Lease excess space to a no- profit organization ⋅ Make large square boundaries around each school from which students can attend the school even if the boundaries extend into other school divisions or just do away with boundaries ⋅ Reduce taxes to attract more people to locate in this area. ⋅ Market smaller class size to attract more students ⋅ Some core subjects are not being offered in Beiseker ⋅ Get the school built in Langdon/reduce crowding in Chestermere ⋅ Bring school up to city standards, modernize, fix water pipes ⋅ We need more technology in our rural schools ⋅ Partner with Olds college or specialty farms to offer soil testing, gmos, selling markets type courses ⋅ Reduce transportation fees for students attending rural schools ⋅ Study why people are leaving this area

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DIRECTIVE FOR ACTION

TO: THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

FROM: THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

Item: Authorization of Locally Developed Courses for Acquisition and Renewal

Date of Meeting: March 19, 2020

Background: Locally developed courses (LDCs) are developed, acquired and authorized by school authorities to provide students with unique opportunities to explore a range of interests in subject areas that complement provincial programs of study.

LDCs allow school authorities to be innovative and responsive at the local level. LDCs accommodate the special interests and abilities of students and address local, community and/or parental interests. LDCs may be used to: • accommodate student needs and interests • encourage and support innovative learning and teaching practices • address unique community priorities; e.g., language, culture, labour market needs • engage students who may be at risk of leaving school early

New Locally Developed Course Gender Studies This newly developed course offering has recently been approved by Alberta Education, High School Curriculum Sector. These courses offer an introduction to Gender Studies in which students will explore critical questions about the role of gender in historical contexts, the impact of gender on contemporary quality of life, and the interaction of gender with contemporary political, economic, and social structures. The goal of this program is to familiarize students with key historical and contemporary issues identified within the field of Gender Studies.

Rocky View Schools is seeking approval to offer Gender Studies 15-3, 25-3, 35-3, for the authorization periods indicated below. High school administrators have confirmed they would like to offer this course for students in their schools.

Course Title Credits Developing Board Authorization Period Gender Studies 15 3 Rocky View School Division Sept. 01, 2020 – Aug. 31, 2024 Gender Studies 25 3 Rocky View School Division Sept. 01, 2020 – Aug. 31, 2024 Gender Studies 35 3 Rocky View School Division Sept. 01, 2020 – Aug. 31, 2024

Courses for Renewal Rocky View Schools is seeking approval to renew the the following expiring Locally Developed Courses for the authorization periods indicated below. High school administrators have confirmed they would like to offer these courses for students in their schools.

Course Title Credits Developing Board Authorization Period Band 15, 25, 35 3, 5 School Division Sept. 01, 2020 – Aug. 31, 2021 Biology (AP) 35 3 Calgary School Division Sept. 01, 2020 – Aug. 31, 2021 Calculus (AP) 35 3 St. Albert School Division Sept. 01, 2020 – Aug. 31, 2021

Page 1 of 2 DIRECTIVE FOR ACTION

TO: THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

FROM: THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

Chamber Ensemble 15, 3, 5 Calgary School Division Sept. 01, 2020 – Aug. 31, 2021 25, 35 Choir 15, 25, 35 3, 5 Calgary School Division Sept. 01, 2020 – Aug. 31, 2021 English (AP) 35 3, 5 Rocky View School Division Sept. 01, 2020 – Aug. 31, 2021 ESL Expository English 15, 5 Calgary School Division Sept. 01, 2020 – Aug. 31, 2021 25 ESL Introduction to 5 Calgary School Division Sept. 01, 2020 – Aug. 31, 2021 Mathematics 15 Forensic Studies 25, 35 3 School Division Sept. 01, 2020 – Aug. 31, 2021 Instrumental Jazz 15, 25, 3, 5 Calgary School Division Sept. 01, 2020 – Aug. 31, 2021 35 Military Studies 15, 25 3 Calgary School Division Sept. 01, 2020 – Aug. 31, 2021 Musical Theatre 15, 25, 5 Calgary School Division Sept. 01, 2020 – Aug. 31, 2021 35 Paleontology 15 3, 5 Golden Hills School Division Sept. 01, 2020 – Aug. 31, 2021 Reading 15, 25 3, 5 Calgary School Division Sept. 01, 2020 – Aug. 31, 2021 Studio Art (AP) 35 3 Rocky View School Division Sept. 01, 2020 – Aug. 31, 2021 Vocal Jazz 15, 25, 35 3, 5 Calgary School Division Sept. 01, 2020 – Aug. 31, 2021

Alternatives: Alternative I: The Board of Trustees approves the above courses for use in Rocky View Schools pending final authorization from Alberta Education, High School Curriculum Sector.

Alternative II: The Board of Trustees directs Administration to pursue an alternate course of action.

Recommendation: The Board of Trustees approves the above courses for use in Rocky View Schools pending final authorization from Alberta Education, High School Curriculum Sector.

Page 2 of 2 INFORMATION ITEM

TO: THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

FROM: THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

Information Item: COVID-19 Pandemic Response

Date of Meeting: March 19, 2020

Background: As per RVS Administrative Procedure AP149 - Crisis Incident Communication in the event of a crisis, the Board’s primary concern is the safety of students and staff, secondarily the preservation of property and tertiary the preservation of reputation. The Board delegates authority, through Rocky View Schools’ Emergency Preparedness plan, to specific employees who are expected to ensure the most effective and efficient use of resources for the maximum benefit and protection of students, staff, and facilities.

Current Status:

Timeline:

January 28 Memo from Alberta Health Services (AHS) Chief Medical Officer Regarding Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) sent to all RVS staff and parents.

February 7 Memo from AHS Chief Medical Officer regarding COVID-19 Risks and Self- Isolation sent to all RVS staff and parents.

March 4 Memo from AHS Chief Medical Officer update regarding COVID-19 sent to all RVS staff and parents.

March 9 Cancelation of Bow Valley High School service trip to Cambodia communicated to impacted parents, staff and students.

March 10 Administrative Leadership Team Meeting – Greg Luterbach, Superintendent of Schools, reviewed RVS Pre-Pandemic and Pandemic phase information with school- based administrators.

March 10 Memo regarding Bow Valley High School trip cancelation sent to all RVS parents and staff.

March 11 World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General characterizes COVID-19 as a global pandemic.

March 12 Email letter to RVS parents regarding changes moving forward and steps being taken to ensure safe schools.

Page 1 of 2 INFORMATION ITEM

TO: THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

FROM: THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

March 12 Email letter to RVS staff regarding changes moving forward and steps being taken to ensure safe schools.

March 12 Email to RVS administrators regarding changes and their responsibilities to ensure safe schools.

March 13 Email letter to RVS parents regarding COVID-19 update.

March 13 Email letter to RVS staff regarding COVID-19 update.

March 13 Alberta COVID-19 update Chief Medical Officer releases restrictions on public gatherings.

March 14 Release of Alberta Guidance for Schools and Child Care Programs document.

March 14 Telephone Town Hall presentation and Question & Answer with the Alberta Education personnel and Alberta Chief Medical Officer.

March 15 Afternoon (approx. 4:50) Alberta COVID-19 update. Minister of Education announces schools are closed to students immediately until further notice.

March 16 Telephone conference call discussion with Alberta Education and CASS personnel regarding student continuity of programming.

March 16 Email parent letter from RVS Board Chair regarding COVID-19 update specifically regarding schools closed students and continuity of programming.

March 16 Skype update and Q&A with RVS administrators.

March 16 Staff memo COVID-19 update.

March 17 Staff memo regarding working from home.

Recommendation: The Board of Trustees acknowledges receipt of the report on COVID-19 Pandemic Response as presented.

Reference to Policy/Administrative Procedure: AP149 Crisis Incident Communication

Page 2 of 2 INFORMATION ITEM

TO: THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

FROM: THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

Information Item: Rocky View Schools 2020 Zone 5 Edwin Parr Award Nomination

Date of Meeting: March 19, 2020

Background: Each year Rocky View Schools initiates a process to nominate a first-year teacher to receive the Alberta School Boards Association Edwin Parr Award. Edwin Parr homesteaded in the area near Athabasca in 1920. Prior to 1925 he began his long career in educational affairs as a member of the board with the George Lake School District. He served as chair of the board with the Athabasca School Division and was on the council of the County of Athabasca from its formation in 1959 until his death in January 1963. Edwin Parr was president of the Alberta School Trustees' Association from 1956 to 1962. “Ed Parr”, as he was known to all, instituted an Annual Teacher Award in his school system. Each year a member of the teaching staff was chosen to receive a gold watch and an appropriate certificate for long and meritorious service. To honour his memory and to honour the profession he so dearly respected, the Alberta School Trustee’s Association (now ASBA) established the Edwin Parr Teacher Award in 1964.

Criteria: . Any first-year K-12 teacher is eligible for nomination. . A minimum of 100 full-time equivalent days of teaching within the current school year is required (i.e. September 2019 to June 2020). . A teacher may have up to 120 full-time equivalent days of teaching service prior to signing a full-time contract . A teacher must hold an Interim Professional Certificate or other valid Alberta teaching authority. . First year teaching experience must be completed in Alberta from a school jurisdiction that is a member of the ASBA.

The Candidate: Emma Uhlenberg, from George McDougall High School, has established herself as a valued classroom teacher, colleague collaborator and community member. Emma excels in building relationships and approaches every member of the learning community with a positionality of inquiry to determine what is needed to create success. She is diligent and collaborative with a level-headed maturity far beyond her years. Her ability to connect and design engaging learning, along with her intelligence and passion for Science create excitement for her students. She also contributes to George McDougall as Varsity Girls’ Soccer and Junior Girls’ Varsity Basketball coach. She is encouraging, welcoming, and supportive with indefatigable energy. Despite her impressive proficiency, she remains humble and eager to receive feedback to continually expand her capacity and is well respected and appreciated by her colleagues. We sincerely congratulate Emma on her well-deserved nomination.

Recommendation: The Board of Trustees acknowledge receipt of the Rocky View Schools Zone 5 Edwin Parr Award Nomination as presented.

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