GYPSD news

CapitalProjectsUpdate

Facility Services provided their regular updates to the Board on two current capital projects in the Division: the modernization project for Grande Cache Community High School (GCCHS) and the new replacement school in Edson, Mary Bergeron Elementary. GCCHS: The new mechanical systems start-ups have begun and interior finishing work is well underway. Flooring, painting and millwork installations will be completed this month. Installation of the gym flooring and polished concrete floor has also started. The month of April will mostly consist of close-out items: fire alarm verification, air and water balancing, deficiencies and final cleaning. We are targeting the end of April for substantial completion and demobilization with only seasonal work remaining, which will be completed as the weather permits. Edson: All structural masonry has been completed and the structural steel is 95per cent complete. Heating and hoarding in one third of the building is in progress. The concrete slab in the mechanical room is scheduled to be poured be end of this week followed by the installation of the mechanical equipment. Window frames are currently being installed.

Other News in Brief

• Trustees received the 2nd Quarter Financial Report that reported revenues and expenditures are within target of the projected budget for the year.

• The 2018-2021 Three Year Capital Plan and 2018-2027 Ten Year Facilities Plan was approved for the complete modernization of Grand Trunk High School in Evansburg as its top priority, subject to funding received from the province. The full plans are available for viewing on the division’s website.

• Policy 2 - Role of the Board was amended to increase the value of contracts requiring approval by the Board from $100,000 to $200,000 to align with provincial guidelines.

• As part of the Board’s practice to encourage local community members to attend public meetings, the May 17th Public Board Meeting will be held in Grande Cache.

• Edson Trustee Joan Zaporosky was approved as the Board’s new representative with the Alberta School Councils’Association.

• The Board approved Thursday, May 25th as the upcoming date for the bi-annual Council of School Councils’ Meeting. This event will be held in Hinton and is an opportunity for parent council representatives, trustees and administration to meet and discuss matters of mutual interest.

• Karen Shipka, Assistant Superintendent - Learning Services, updated the Board on technology initiatives implemented at the pilot school, Harry Collinge High School in Hinton. These include a wireless infrastructure upgrade, Google Suite migration and the ‘bring your own device’project.

• GYPSD’s Family School Liaison Counsellor program is in place across the division to support and counsel students and their families on issues that may be creating barriers. The program currently has nine full time counsellors who work with the RCMP, Addictions, Child and Family Services, and other organizations to partner together to offer resources and supports to those in need. School Highlights - Niton & PCHS

Staff and ten students from Niton Central School joined today’s Public Board Meeting to discuss some of their school programs including their new Junior ATB branch and their archery club. Students also got the meeting energized with getting everyone up and participating with them on a demonstration of‘Brain Gym’exercises. Assistant Principal Ryan Hall from Parkland Composite High (PCHS) in Edson brought one of his Grade 12 students to talk about his success in their new Dual Credit program between PCHS and NAIT in becoming a fully certified oil and gas operator upon graduation with support from the partnering employer, Husky Energy.