Ministry of Education Approves Chinook 2011-2012 Budget

A press release with School Division response is included within Current Topics on this site.

Math Status Report

Mathematics Coordinator, Ed Varjassy, presented a mathematics status report to the Board on September 12. Math will be the curriculum priority area of the School Division for the next 3 years.

Mr. Varjassy reported that teachers Kindergarten to Grade 9 have been organized into 4 groups of 60-70 teachers. All teachers are engaging in a professional development program called First Steps in Mathematics. They have completed the first of ten modules.

Teachers will be supported by coaches who will plan regular visits to schools to support teachers as they engage in new learning. As well, each school has a “lead teacher” who will take responsibility for ensuring that their school is constantly updated with respect to mathematics initiatives throughout the year.

The school division’s mathematics priority will be guided by a committee made up of representatives of all grade levels and representing schools from throughout the Division. An important task of the committee will be to consider all factors and to then contribute to making a recommendation to the Board about what the mathematics goal should be for Chinook students at the end of 3 years.

Facilities Status Report

Kevin Jones, Manager of Facilities and Maintenance, presented a status report to the Board at its meeting of September 12.

The 2010-2011 operating budget for his department is $9,636,678. Mr. Jones reported that his department had a surplus of $713,312 for the year ending August 31, 2011. Mr. Jones was able to report completion or near completion of a number of capital projects including Maple Creek Composite School, Stewart Valley Daycare, O.M. Irwin Accessibility and Daycare, the autobody area of Swift CurrentComprehensive High School roof, and Eastend school link roof.

The Chinook Board had made a decision to use a portion of its accumulated surplus to do renovations and upgrades to schools and school property throughout Chinook. As a result, a number of school parking lots were paved and upgrades were made to gym floors, school fencing, playground equipment, etc.

Mr. Jones reported that in 2005 the Maintenance Department undertook an assessment of all school facilities in Chinook and rated them out of 100%. The goal set by his department for all schools is to have them at an 80% level. He shared that during the past 2 years 19 out of 30 schools have had an increase in their overall rating.

Mr. Jones reported that his department was able to complete 85% of approved minor renovation projects in the past year

Preliminary Enrolments

Opening day enrolments indicate that the total number of students this year is 5959, a decline of 164. It is important to note that these are preliminary numbers and a final total will be released following September 30.

Tax Abatement

The Board, at its meeting of September 12, 2011 approved a tax abatement for the educational portion of tax on two properties in Leader- the Friendship Center and the Leader Veterinary Service Board.

Maple Creek Composite School Grand Opening

The Maple Creek community and Chinook School Division will, on September 19, celebrate the completion of major construction and renovations to the Maple Creek Composite School.

The project began in response to a need to address environmental issues at Sidney Street School and to update and increase space at the Composite School that would meet the needs of students, staff and community into the future.

LINC Agreement

The Chinook Board and its teachers have agreed to a new local collective bargaining agreement for the period Sept 1, 2011 to Aug 31, 2014. The locally negotiated issues include areas such as Coordinator allowances, personal, parenting and professional development leaves; substitute salaries.

School Community Council Activities

The Board has planned several activities for the fall that are intended to help School Community Councils in supporting their schools. This will include a new members and Chairs Workshop on October 6 and a forum for all SCC members on November 17.