The relationship between Rocky View Schools (RVS) and the Edge School for Athletes in Springbank will continue for another year.
Trustees passed a motion to extend the two-year alternative program pilot status for another year, through to June 30, 2013, during its regular meeting at the RVS Education Centre in Airdrie, Dec. 1. The existing agreement, launched in 2010, was set to expire on July 1, 2012.
The board reviewed eight key items in its review of the partnership: consistency with the vision of RVS, accessibility to students, following the provincial program of studies, finances, integration, student transportation costs, and superintendent reviews.
“Many more meetings need to be held between RVS staff and Edge School to create efficiencies and long-term planning goals,” said Greg Bass, superintendent of schools. “Ideally, a 10-year vision document needs to be created.”
A number of areas of strength were discussed about each key item, but there were also a number of areas of emphasis RVS wants to employ.
“I believe our best chance, for RVS and for Edge, is to continue the pilot program,” said trustee Helen Clease. “The list seems long, but it is a list of what we’ve accomplished. It’s here in the second year where I think we’ll start to see success. Those at Edge are our students. We need to honour these guiding principles.”
Not everyone feels the partnership has been a success, however. Trustee Don Thomas said he was unhappy with the arrangement because of a lack of communication.
“To say I’m profoundly disappointed with the partnership so far would be an understatement,” he said. “It takes commitment by everyone involved to make things work. We have to accept part of the blame for that and I’d welcome more debate.”
Trustee Bev LaPeare disagreed with Thomas.
“We still have some things to work on, but I think this is best for the students,” she said.
The greater Bragg Creek Trails Association (BCTA) has asked to confer with Rocky View Schools (RVS) about including them in the planning of new hiking trail near Banded Peak School.
Superintendent of Schools Greg Bass read the request during the RVS board of trustees regular meeting. The BCTA is looking to construct a trail on land bordering the school’s west end, which students would also likely use.
“The BCTA have been instrumental in building trails in the area,” said trustee Helen Clease.
“And this fits in with Banded Peak’s activity plan.
The trustees will revisit the request at their next meeting.
The board approved the RVS’ Audited Financial Statement (AFS) for the year ending Aug. 31, as the motion was carried unanimously.
Board members, as well as two independent chartered accountants, carried out the audit.
“We did better than we had anticipated,” said Bod Willson, RVS director of finance.
“I feel confident about this recommendation,” said trustee Norma Lang.
The RVS board of trustees approved the Annual Education Results, detailing the progression of the 2010-13 Education Plan.
The 18 accountability reports, detailed measurements and achievements, as well as the seven essential conditions for 21 Century Learning: vision, systems thinking, 21 Century skills, learning environments, educator proficiency, access, and infrastructure and accountability.
“We have built a composite of what the three-year accomplishments look like,” Bass said.
“I’m proud of our digital resources. We are committed to this plan.”
“It’s exciting to see how much work we did in the jurisdiction,” said trustee Bev LaPeare.
