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(Photo courtesy of Chinook's Edge School Division)
At the Nov. 5 Chinook's Edge School Board meeting some of the topics included changes to early years testing, changes in the Local Authorities Election Act, and Artificial Intelligence.
Here are the meeting highlights:
Chinook’s Edge Board to advocate for changes to approach in early years testing
The board will advocate to the province about early years provincial assessments for literacy and numeracy, which are currently delivered in September, January, and May. The division is asking the province to delay the fall testing until October, and to make testing later in the year focused only on students who are at risk. The board will also ask that the province provide additional professional development for teachers and that in the future the government consult with the College of Alberta School Superintendents before implementing changes of this nature.
Trustees respond to changes in Local Authorities Election Act
New provincial rules for local elections are resulting in boards and municipalities needing to decide whether to implement a bylaw requiring a criminal record check for individuals submitting nomination papers before running in an election. The new rules state that regardless of what is listed on the criminal record checks, nominees have the right to run. Chinook’s Edge trustees chose to defer the board’s response until after the next election when they can observe how changes impact boards who chose to develop a bylaw.
Board receives an update on Artificial Intelligence
Trustees received an update about Artificial Intelligence (AI) from Jason Drent, Associate Superintendent, of Chinook’s Edge. The division recently developed an Administrative Procedure for AI. Also, Drent shared that Chinook’s Edge is currently exploring how AI tools can support the work of teachers, how AI might create opportunities for one-on-one tutoring for students, and how the division might use AI to become more efficient and effective at analyzing data, all while ensuring these uses are achieved safely. The board expressed support for the division’s exploration of AI.
Trustees prepare for Alberta School Boards Association meeting
Trustees are prepared to advocate on behalf of the division at the fall general meeting of the Alberta School Boards Association in mid-November. The board discussed position statements that have been proposed by school boards from throughout the province, and if approved will be shared with the provincial government.
Board approves use of provincial mileage rate
Trustees voted in support of using the mileage rate for the Alberta Government Travel Meal and Expense Policy with Chinook’s Edge employees effective September 1, 2025. The division is currently using the federal mileage rate.
Nomination packages for school board election will be available in January 2025
The board heard that nomination packages for individuals who might be interested in running in the October 2025 school board election will be available in January 2025.
Board prepares to speak with Alberta Ministers Searle Turton and Jason Nixon
Trustees serving on the health committee will meet with Searle Turton, Minister of Children and Family Services, and Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services next week to discuss health support for students in schools.
The next meeting is scheduled for Dec. 17.
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