Edmonton School District No. 7 One Kingsway Edmonton, Alberta
McCauley Chambers Board Meeting #01 Tuesday, November 7, 2017 2:00 p.m.
A. Roll Call
B. Approval of the Agenda
C. O Canada - Vimy Ridge Academy
D. Remembrance Ceremony
1. Vimy Ridge Academy Remembrance Ceremony
E. Communications from the Board Chair
F. Communications from the Superintendent of Schools
G. Minutes:
2. DRAFT – Organizational Board Meeting – October 24, 2017
H. Comments from the Public and Staff Group Representatives (NOTE: Pre-registration with the Board Office [780-429-8443] is required by 4:30 p.m. on Monday, November 6, 2017, to speak under this item.)
I. Reports:
3. Research Findings Related to District Schools’ Participating in the Alberta
Education School Nutrition Program BOARD OF (Information) TRUSTEES Note: There will be a presentation for this report.
Michelle Draper Board Chair J. Other Committee, Board Representative and Trustee Reports
Bridget Stirling K. Trustee and Board Requests for Information Board Vice-Chair L. Notices of Motion Sherry Adams Shelagh Dunn M. Meeting Dates Trisha Estabrooks
Ken Gibson N. Adjournment Nathan Ip Michael Janz Cheryl Johner
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Information Report
DATE: November 7, 2017
TO: Board of Trustees
FROM: Darrel Robertson, Superintendent of Schools
SUBJECT: Vimy Ridge Academy Remembrance Ceremony
ORIGINATOR: Liz Yule, Assistant Superintendent
RESOURCE STAFF: Michael Chute, Bryan Radmanovich
BACKGROUND Remembrance Day is set aside to remember all those who gave their lives for the freedoms and privileges we have in this country. Many Canadians have proudly served over the years to preserve peace and freedom. During the last century, Canadian soldiers have served in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Gulf War, and now the war in Afghanistan as well as in many peacekeeping operations around the world. More than 118,000 soldiers have paid the ultimate sacrifice for Canada in the name of peace and freedom.
CURRENT SITUATION This afternoon, the students from Vimy Ridge Academy would like to remember and pay tribute to all those who sacrificed their lives so that we could live in peace. We at Vimy Ridge Academy are continually reminded that the cost of freedom has been great. These students recognize and accept that they are the next generation of Canadians and that they must attend to their responsibilities and be committed to the betterment of society through the daily practice of goodwill.
The following words were taken from a speech that was found in John F. Kennedy’s pocket on the day of his assassination---a speech that he never gave. He wrote:
We…in this generation are by destiny rather than by choice, the watchmen on the walls of world freedom. We ask, therefore, that we be worthy of our power and responsibility and that we may exercise our strength with wisdom and restraint. And, that we may achieve, in our time and for all time, the ancient vision of: Peace on Earth and goodwill toward all man.
Our young people have been handed a legacy. They do remember. They will not forget.
KEY POINTS The following is the sequence of events that will be followed for this afternoon’s Remembrance Service (approximate time of service—20 minutes): • Singing of O Canada (Teacher – Mr. Geoffrey Evans) • Chairman calls meeting to order, conducts business and introduces Vimy Ridge Academy • Importance of Remembrance (Student) • In Flanders Field (Video)
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Information Report
• Reply to Flanders Field (Student) • Dance students perform • Pittance of Time – (Video) • Playing of Last Post (Recording) • Lament (Recording) • Two Minutes of Silence • Playing of Reveille (Recording) • Singing of “God Save the Queen” (Teacher – Mr. Geoffrey Evans)
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Edmonton School District No. 7
MINUTE BOOK
Organizational Board
Minutes of the Board Meeting of the Trustees of the Edmonton School District No. 7 of the Province of Alberta held in McCauley Chambers in the Centre for Education on Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at 2:00 p.m.
Present: Trustees
Sherry Adams Trisha Estabrooks Michael Janz Shelagh Dunn Ken Gibson Cheryl Johner Michelle Draper Nathan Ip Bridget Stirling
Student Trustees
Farzeen Ather Zachery Flynn Astrid Krueger
Officials
Angela Anderson Karen Mills Darrel Robertson Lisa Austin Leona Morrison Mike Suderman Grace Cooke Kathy Muhlethaler Liz Yule Todd Burnstad Lorne Parker Ron MacNeil Kent Pharis
Board Chair: Michelle Draper Recording Secretary: Shirley Juneau
Staff Group Representatives
CUPE Local 3550 – Carol Chapman, President
The Board Chair called the meeting to order with recognition that we are on Treaty 6 Territory, a traditional meeting grounds, gathering place, and travelling route to the Cree, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Métis, Dene and Nakota Sioux. We acknowledge all the many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit whose footsteps have marked these lands for centuries.
The Board Chair advised that the fire alarm system at the Centre for Education is a Two Stage alarm system. Stage One is a single repeating alarm tone indicating a warning only and that evacuation is not required. Stage Two is a triple repeating alarm tone indicating that evacuation is required.
A. O Canada
B. Roll Call: (2:00 p.m.) 1 October 24, 2017
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The Superintendent advised that all Trustees were present.
C. Approval of the Agenda
Trustee Gibson requested that agenda item number 11 be moved to follow agenda item number 7.
MOVED BY Trustee Johner: “That the agenda for the October 24, 2017, organizational board meeting be approved as amended.” (UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED)
D. Communications from the Board Chair (Pro Tem)
The Board Chair welcomed everyone to the Edmonton Public Schools October 24, 2017, Organizational Board meeting. She welcomed back returning board members and welcomed Trustees elect Dunn and Estabrooks. The Board Chair advised that the reading of the Declaration of Election Results would happen later in the meeting and that each of the Trustees would have the opportunity to take their Oath of Office for the next four years of undertaking and continuing the important work of the Board. She expressed that elections are an interesting time and provided candidates the opportunity to connect with many stakeholders to hear what is working well in education and areas that they would like to see changed. The Board Chair said that for the most part, candidates heard that constituents believe that the Edmonton Public School Board is on the right track to achieving the goal of student success. The Board Chair advised that there are areas the Board will need to work on in the coming term, including the District’s continued need for infrastructure and ensuring supports are in place for the growing complexity in the classroom. The Board Chair reported that the District released its 2016-17 achievement results. She said the results showed gains in high school completion rates overall, specifically with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit (FNMI students and recognized there is still work to be done in areas of focus. The Board Chair shared that she was pleased how the Board works in collaboration with Administration and the Student Senate, to achieve the District’s goals. The Board Chair explained that the vision of transforming the learners of today into the leaders of tomorrow will guide the Board of Trustees and School District. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, the Board Chair thanked staff for all the work they do every day to foster growth and success for all students. She said that she looks forward to a strong four years of enhancing public education through communication, engagement and partnerships. The Board Chair advised that a new City of Edmonton Council was also being sworn in today along with new Boards of Trustees around the province and that the work of the Edmonton
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Public School Board includes continuing to build and strengthen relationships with other elected officials. The Board Chair congratulated and thanked everyone who put their name forward to run in the 2017 municipal election and said the commitment to democracy and human rights is at the core of Canadian values. The Board Chair advised that Read-In week ran from October 2nd to 6th and the theme was I am a Reader – I Read for ME! She thanked all Edmontonians who participated in the Read-In 2017.
The Board Chair shared that October 2nd was Custodial Staff Appreciation Day, and that the District honoured more than 600 custodians and CUPE Local 474 staff.
The Board Chair shared that October 5th was World Teachers’ Day, a day set aside by the world community to celebrate teachers. She said that the District appreciates and values the Edmonton Public Teachers and recognizes the important role they play in nurturing and guiding infants, children, youth and adults through the life-long learning process.
The Board Chair advised that in recognition of both staff groups, the District shared messages of thanks and videos highlighting their work on the District website and social media channels.
E. Communications from the Superintendent of Schools
The Superintendent offered his congratulations to the returning Trustees and new Trustees Dunn and Estabrooks. The Superintendent acknowledged and thanked Mr. Orville Chubb for his work on the Board and for his passion for public education and said his deep concern for students always came through in his work as a Trustee.
The Superintendent also welcomed the new Student Senators. He said that is admirable to see so many young people step up to represent their peers and get involved in decision making.
The Superintendent advised that he and the Assistant Superintendents were currently participating in catchment reviews and extended an invitation to the Board of Trustees to attend at their convenience. He said that there is a busy time ahead for everyone and that he looks forward to working with the Board over the next four years.
F. Reading of the Declaration of Municipal Election Results
1. Declaration of Election Results
Ms Mills, Corporate Secretary, reported that the following Trustees had been elected for the ensuing four years (2017-2021):
Ward A – Cheryl Johner
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Ward B – Michelle Draper Ward C – Shelagh Dunn Ward D – Trisha Estabrooks Ward E – Ken Gibson Ward F – Michael Janz Ward G – Bridget Stirling Ward H – Nathan Ip Ward I – Sherry Adams
G. Receipt of Oaths of Office
All Oaths of Office were received.
There was a short break in the meeting.
H. Minutes
2. Board Meeting #18 – September 12, 2017
MOVED BY Trustee Janz: “That the minutes of Board Meeting #17 held June 20, 2017, be approved as printed.” (UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED)
I. Reports
3. Actions Taken Under Delegation of Authority – 2017 Municipal Election Board Recess
The Superintendent reported that no actions were taken under the delegation of authority during the 2017 municipal election Board recess.
4. Confirmation of Committees, Board Representation and Regular Meetings
MOVED BY Trustee Gibson:
“1. That the following standing committees of the whole be confirmed: Caucus Committee Audit Committee
2. That the following Board committees be confirmed: a) Governance and Evaluation Committee b) Infrastructure c) Policy Review
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3. That Board representation on the following District staff negotiating committees as required be confirmed: a) Custodial Staff – CUPE Local 474 b) Maintenance Staff – CUPE Local 784 c) Support Staff –CUPE Local 3550 d) Teaching Staff – Edmonton Public Teachers’ Local 37
4. That Board membership and representation of the Public School Boards’ Association of Alberta (PSBAA) be confirmed: • Provincial Executive • Provincial Executive - Alternate
5. That Board representation on the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation Board of Governors and ELEVATE Committee be confirmed.
6. That the following dates and times of regular meetings be confirmed: a) Board: The Board will hold its regular meetings at 2 p.m. the first and third Tuesday of each month when possible, unless otherwise directed by special motion or by the Board Chair. b) Caucus Committee: Caucus Committee meetings will be held on an as-needed basis at the call of the Caucus Committee Chair. The first Tuesday morning of each month will be reserved for such meetings. 7. That Board membership and representation of the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) be confirmed: • Provincial Executive • Provincial Executive – Alternate • Zone 2/3 Executive • Zone 2/3 Executive - Alternate
8. That the Board’s ASBA Issues and Resolutions Committee be comprised of the Board Chair or Board Vice-Chair, the ASBA Provincial Executive Board of Directors representative and the ASBA Zone 2/3 representative be confirmed.
9. That the Board reappoint or review the following positions and committees.”
The Board Chair called the question on Recommendations 1 to 9. (UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED)
1. Standing Committees of the Whole
a) Board Chair
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The Board Chair (Pro Tem) called for nominations for the position of Board Chair.
Trustee Johner nominated Trustee Draper.
The Board Chair (Pro Tem), seeing no further nominations, declared the nominations closed.
The Board Chair (Pro Tem) declared herself, Trustee Draper, elected by acclamation as Board Chair for the coming year.
b) Board Vice-Chair
The Board Chair called for nominations for Board Vice-Chair.
Trustee Janz nominated Trustees Ip and Stirling.
The Board Chair, seeing no further nominations, declared the nominations closed.
MOVED BY: Trustee Janz “That voting for the position of Board Vice-Chair be done by secret ballot.” (UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED)
The Superintendent of Schools and Ms Mills left the room to count the ballots.
Ms Mills announced that the majority of the Board had elected Trustee Stirling as Board Vice-Chair for the coming year.
MOVED BY Trustee Gibson “That the ballots be destroyed.” (UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED)
c) Audit Chair
The Board Chair called for nominations.
Trustee Ip nominated Trustee Johner.
The Board Chair, seeing that there were no further nominations, declared Trustee Johner elected by acclamation as Audit Chair for the coming year.
2. Board Committees
a) Governance and Evaluation Committee
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The Board Chair called for nominations for three Trustee representatives to serve on the Governance and Evaluation Committee.
Trustee Gibson nominated Trustees Estabrooks, Janz and Johner.
The Board Chair, seeing no further nominations, declared the nominations closed.
The Board Chair declared Trustees Estabrooks, Janz and Johner as the Board’s representatives on the Governance and Evaluation Committee for the coming year.
b) Instructure Committee
The Board Chair called for nominations for three Trustee representatives to serve on the Infrastructure Committee.
Trustee Adams nominated Trustees Dunn, Gibson and Ip.
The Board Chair, seeing no further nominations, declared the nominations closed.
The Board Chair declared Trustees Dunn, Gibson and Ip as Board’s representatives on the Infrastructure Committee for the coming year.
c) Policy Review Committee
The Board Chair called for nominations for three Trustee representatives to serve on the Policy Review Committee.
Trustee Dunn nominated Trustees Adams, Estabrooks and Stirling.
The Board Chair, seeing no further nominations, declared the nominations closed.
The Board Chair declared Trustees Adams, Estabrooks and Stirling as the Board’s representatives on the Policy Review Committee for the coming year.
3. Negotiations
a) Custodial Staff (CUPE Local 474)
The Board Chair called for nominations for two Trustee representatives to serve on the negotiations committee with the District’s custodial staff.
Trustee Stirling nominated Trustees Adams and Estabrooks.
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The Board Chair, seeing no further nominations, declared the nominations closed.
The Board Chair declared Trustees Adams and Estabrooks as the two Trustee representatives to serve on the negotiations committee with the District’s custodial staff for the coming year.
b) Maintenance Staff (CUPE Local 784)
The Board Chair called for nominations for two Trustee representatives to serve on the negotiations committee with the District’s maintenance staff.
Trustee Estabrooks nominated Trustees Dunn and Stirling.
The Board Chair, seeing no further nominations, declared the nominations closed.
The Board Chair declared Trustees Dunn and Stirling as the two Trustee representatives to serve on the negotiations committee with the District’s maintenance staff for the coming year.
c) Support Staff (CUPE Local 3550)
The Board Chair called for nominations for two Trustee representatives to serve on the negotiations committee with the District’ support staff.
Trustee Janz nominated Trustees Ip and Gibson.
The Board Chair, seeing no further nominations, declared the nominations closed.
The Board Chair declared Trustees Ip and Gibson as the two Trustee representatives to serve on the negotiations committee with the District’s support staff for the coming year.
d) Teaching Staff – Edmonton Public Teachers’ Local 37
The Board Chair called for nominations for two Trustee representatives to serve on the negotiations committee with the District’s teaching staff.
Trustee Dunn nominated Trustees Draper and Janz.
The Board Chair, seeing no further nominations, declared the nominations closed.
The Board Chair declared herself and Trustee Janz as the two Trustee representatives to serve on the negotiations committee with the District’s teaching staff for the coming year. She advised that Trustee Janz will be the representative for the Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA).
4. Public School Boards’ Association of Alberta (PSBAA)
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The Board Chair called for nominations for two Trustee representatives to serve on the PSBAA Provincial Executive.
Trustee Draper nominated Trustees Ip and Johner.
The Board Chair, seeing no further nominations, declared the nominations closed.
The Board Chair declared Trustees Ip and Johner as the Board’s representatives on the PSBAA Provincial Executive.
5. Ad Hoc Committee and Board Representative Assignments
a) Edmonton Public Schools Foundation Board of Governors
The Board Chair called for nominations for a Trustee representative to serve on the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation Board of Governors.
Trustee Gibson nominated Trustee Johner.
The Board Chair, seeing no further nominations, declared the nominations closed.
The Board Chair declared Trustee Johner as the Board’s representative on the Edmonton Public Schools Founds Board of Governors.
b) ELEVATE
The Board Chair called for nominations for two Trustee representatives to serve on the ELEVATE committee.
Trustee Stirling nominated Trustees Draper and Dunn.
The Board Chair, seeing no further nominations, declared the nominations closed.
The Board Chair declared herself and Trustee Dunn as the Board’s representatives on the ELEVATE committee.
6. Alberta School Boards Association of Alberta (ASBA)
a) ASBA Provincial Representatives
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The Board Chair called for nominations for two Trustee representatives to serve on the ASBA Provincial Executive.
Trustee Johner nominated Trustees Adams and Janz.
The Board Chair, seeing no further nominations, declared the nominations closed.
The Board Chair declared Trustees Adams and Janz as the Board’s representatives on the ASBA Provincial Executive. Trustee Adams was elected as the provincial alternate representative.
b) ASBA Zone 2/3 Executive
The Board Chair called for nominations for two Trustee representatives to serve on the ASBA Zone 2/3 Executive.
Trustee Johner nominated Trustees Adams and Janz.
The Board Chair, seeing no further nominations, declared the nominations closed.
The Board Chair declared Trustees Adams and Janz as the Board’s representatives on the ASBA Zone 2/3 Executive. Trustee Janz was elected as the Zone 2/3 alternate executive.
7. ASBA Issues and Resolutions Committee
The Board Chair advised Trustees Draper, Adams and Janz as the Board’s representatives on the ASBA Issues and Resolutions Committee.
There was a short break in the meeting
5. Report #8 of the Caucus Committee (From the Meeting Held September 12, 2017)
Information was received regarding actions taken at the September 12, 2017, Caucus Committee meeting.
6. 2018-2019 School Year Calendar
MOVED BY Trustee Ip: “That the 2018-19 District Calendar be approved.” (UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED)
7. Motion re New Board Policy for the Renaming of Schools
MOVED BY Trustee Johner:
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“That the Board of Trustees research and create a policy setting out the conditions under which a school would be renamed and the process for doing so.” (UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED)
11. History of the Development of Board Policy HFA.BP Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (Response to Request for Information #225)
Information was provided regarding the development of Board Policy HFA.BP Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.
8. Motion re Affirming Commitment to Protecting the Privacy and Confidentiality of Sexual and Gender Minority Students
MOVED BY Trustee Stirling: “That the Board of Trustees affirms our commitment to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of sexual and gender minority students as stated in HFA.BP and HFA.AR, including students’ participation in gay-straight alliances (GSAs) and queer-straight alliances (QSAs), and will not disclose information about students’ participation in these groups to any person without the student’s consent. District staff will not refer students to programs or services that attempt to change or repair a student's sexual orientation or gender identity, such as reparative or conversion therapy and that the Board of Trustees will write a welcome letter to all Edmonton Public Schools GSAs and QSAs including this affirmation of our support. Further, the Board will submit a letter to the Minister of Education in support of protecting student privacy and confidentiality in GSAs in upcoming amendments to the School Act.
MOVED BY Trustee Adams that the motion be amended: “That the Board of Trustees affirms our commitment to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of sexual and gender minority students as stated in HFA.BP and HFA.AR, including students’ participation in gay-straight alliances (GSAs) and queer-straight alliances (QSAs), and will not disclose information about students’ participation in these groups to any person without the student’s consent. While respecting the privacy of our students, we affirm the significance of the parental role for all children and we encourage, where possible, safe and healthy conversations between students and their parents and guardians on all issues of importance as we work to help build bridges between parents and students. District staff will not refer students to programs or services that attempt to change or repair a student's sexual orientation or gender identity, such as reparative or conversion therapy and that the Board of Trustees will write a welcome letter to all Edmonton Public Schools GSAs and QSAs including this affirmation of our support. Further, the Board will submit a letter to the Minister of Education in support of protecting student privacy and confidentiality in GSAs in upcoming amendments to the School Act keeping in mind the current guidelines of the
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Alberta Education Guidelines that seek to build bridges between lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) students and their families. ”
The Board Chair called the question on the amendment. IN FAVOUR: Trustees Adams and Johner OPPOSED: Trustees Draper, Dunn, Estabrooks, Gibson, Ip, Janz and Stirling (DEFEATED)
The Board Chair called the question on the motion.
MOVED BY Trustee Janz that the motion be amended. “That the Board of Trustees affirms our commitment to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of sexual and gender minority students as stated in HFA.BP and HFA.AR, including students’ participation in gay-straight alliances (GSAs) and queer-straight alliances (QSAs), and will not disclose information about students’ participation in these groups to any person without the student’s consent. District staff will not refer students to programs or services that attempt to change or repair a student's sexual orientation or gender identity, such as reparative or conversion therapy and that the Board of Trustees will write a welcome letter to all Edmonton Public Schools GSAs and QSAs including this affirmation of our support. Further, the Board will submit a letter to the Minister of Education in support of protecting student privacy and confidentiality in GSAs in upcoming amendments to the School Act. Further, that the relevant contents motion be brought forward to the ASBA November 21st Fall General Meeting as an emergent item for debate. ”
The Board Chair called the question on the motion as amended. IN FAVOUR: Trustees Draper, Dunn, Estabrooks, Ip, Janz, Johner and Stirling OPPOSED: Trustees Adams and Gibson (CARRIED)
Trustee Gibson requested that the following statement be taken into consideration in the letter being sent to the Minister of Education: While respecting the privacy of our students, we affirm the significance of the parental role for all children and we encourage, where possible, safe and healthy conversations between students and their parents and guardians on all issues of importance as we work to help build bridges between parents and students.
9. Student Senate 2017-2018 Work Plan Information was provided by Administration and the Student Trustees regarding the 2017-2018 Student Senate work plan.
Trustee Estabrooks requested information as to how many students provided feedback for consideration in the development of the Student Senate 2017-2018 work plan.
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10. New Model of School Replacements in Mature Neighbourhoods (Response to Request for Information #217)
Trustee Janz requested that the report be tabled and brought forward to a future Infrastructure Committee meeting that all Trustees will be invited to attend. It was requested that the report include information regarding student and staff experiences.
11. Bereavement
The Vice-Chair reported on the passing of Mr. Lyle Lindberg.
MOVED BY Trustee Gibson: “That in order to complete the October 24, 2017, agenda items, the Board of Trustees are in agreement that the meeting proceed past 6:00 p.m. “ (UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED)
J. Trustee and Board Requests for Information
Trustee Gibson stated that the District achievement results for 2016-2017 were released October 17, 2017. He said that despite a strong District focus on numeracy, Grade 6 Math Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs) exhibit a declining trend since 2012. Trustee Gibson requested the following information: • Do the Math Intervention Programming Instrument (MIPI) results of the past several years show a need for improvement in the same areas as that demonstrated in the Grade 6 Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs) results? • How useful of a predictor is the MIPI of PATs performance or would there be value in further adjusting the MIPI? • The number of English Language Learners (ELL) students has increased since 2012. Do the Grade 6 math PAT results just for ELL students suggest a need for additional math strategies for ELL students? • What are the Grade 6 math PAT results since 2012 just for boys, and just for girls? Do such results indicate a need for additional math strategies that differentiate between boys and girls?
Trustee Gibson stated enrolment of elementary aged students, including children coded with mild, moderate, and severe special needs continues to rise for Edmonton Public Schools. Trustee Gibson requested the following information: • What strategies does the District employ to ensure each Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, Division 1 and Division 2 students are assessed by the appropriate professionals for learning challenges? • Does the District receive sufficient funding for timely assessments? If not, does the District track the size and trend in the numbers of students awaiting assessments? 13 October 24, 2017
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• Is there an argument for advocacy that the additional costs of sufficient early assessments is more than recovered by reducing the costs of interventions that are put in place because the learning challenge has not been identified in a timely manner?
K. Notices of Motion - None
L. Next Board Meeting: Tuesday, November 7, 2017, at 2:00 p.m.
M. Adjournment: 6:05 p.m.
The Board Chair adjourned the meeting.
Michelle Draper, Board Chair Karen Mills, Director of Board and Superintendent Relations
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Information Report
DATE: Tuesday, November 7, 1027
TO: Board of Trustees
FROM: Darrel Robertson, Superintendent of Schools
SUBJECT: Research Findings Related to District Schools’ Participating in the Alberta Education School Nutrition Program
ORIGINATOR: Nancy Petersen, Managing Director Strategic Support Services
RESOURCE STAFF: Marnie Beaudoin
REFERENCE: Alberta Education School Nutrition Program
ISSUE The District funded Dr. Sangita Sharma to evaluate our work in the Alberta Education School Nutrition Program at Norwood and Inglewood Schools. BACKGROUND In the 2016-17 school year the province launched a school nutrition pilot. Norwood and Inglewood are the two District schools participating in the pilot. This work is done in partnership with e4c. The pilot provided the District with the opportunity to explore the delivery of a fresh foods approach to school nutrition. To learn from the pilot experience, the District funded Dr. Sangita Sharma to conduct a research project focused on the pilot schools. Dr. Sharma is a Centennial Professor and Endowed Chair of Indigenous Health in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Alberta. The findings from Dr. Sharma’s research will serve to inform the nutrition program at Norwood and Inglewood Schools, and the District will leverage this information to share with all District schools who offer nutrition programming as a support for students. Additionally, it is our intention to provide Alberta Education with a summary of the research to support the provincial initiative. CURRENT SITUATION Dr. Sharma will present a preliminary summary of her findings at the November 7h Board meeting. KEY POINTS • The District has two schools (Norwood and Inglewood) participating in the Alberta Education School Nutrition Program. • The District funded Dr. Sangita Sharma of the University of Alberta to conduct an evaluation of the nutrition program at our schools. • Dr. Sharma will present her preliminary findings at the November 7h Board meeting.
ATTACHMENTS and APPENDICES N/A
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