Posted on 2026-02-23 22:21:56.169 +0000 UTC
The High Prairie School Division Board of Trustees met via Zoom and in person for their regularly scheduled Board Meeting on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
Career Coach Lead Monica Edwards provided an update on the Career Coaching program. Monica discussed the origins of the program, the Grade 9 to high school transition program, dual credit opportunities, the transition to post-secondary, and career exploration.
The next presentation came from Attendance Officer Lisa Palko. Lisa went through the data on student attendance for this year and highlighted the need for more training with staff and families. Specifically, parents are largely unaware of what constitutes an excused absence. The Government of Alberta states what is considered an excusable absence. Those are listed in Section 7 of the Education Act and are as follows:
(4) Notwithstanding subsection (1), a student is excused from
attending school on a day on which the school is open if
(a) the student is unable to attend by reason of sickness or other
unavoidable cause,
(b) the day is recognized as a religious holiday by the religious
denomination to which the student belongs,
(c) the principal of the school has suspended the student from
school and the suspension is still in effect,
(d) the student has been expelled from a school and has not yet
been enrolled in another education program, or
(e) the board or, if the student is enrolled in an independent
school or resides in unorganized territory, the Minister
(i) determines that the parent of the student has shown
sufficient cause as to why the student should not be
required to attend school, and
(ii) excuses the student from attending school for a
prescribed period of time.
Trustee Strebchuk spoke to the next item, Bloomfield Colony. Trustee Strebchuk noted that Bloomfield Colony has purchased land in the area. A motion was passed to investigate the operation of a school on the Bloomfield Colony.
Superintendent Marran spoke to the next item: Board advocacy letter. The discussion focused on the content to include in the letter to the Minister of Mental Health and Addiction.
Trustees then discussed the next item, meetings with the Ministers. Trustees discussed the ministries they would like to connect with related to Division priorities.
The Board discussed changes to draft Board Policy 14 - School Closures. The policy received first, second, and third and final readings.
Trustees discussed the draft 2026 Board Advocacy Points. Trustees requested to table the discussion and review at their upcoming strategic planning session.
The Board approved the plan for the 2026 Employee Recognition Awards Banquet.
The 2026-27 school year calendar was approved.
Trustees received and approved the Superintendent's Report and Finance Reports. Trustees reviewed the correspondence, and then the meeting adjourned.