Board Highlights - October 7, 2025
Chinook’s Edge Board hears about increased funding for technology in 2025-26
The Chinook’s Edge Board received an update on technology. Trustees learned the division has allocated $2.5 million of its budget to support all aspects of technology in Chinook’s Edge. This includes resources to support the division’s use of Artificial Intelligence, and evergreening money to ensure current technology is available to students and staff. The division has received an increase in the SuperNet grant, and additional funds in the form of a cyber security grant to ensure networks and data are secure.
Board receives communications update
The board received an update regarding communication work from Communications Coordinator, Laurette Woodward. Woodward shared highlights from the past year including the growth of social media engagement with school pages and at the division level, completion of the website refresh project, and storytelling and celebrating the good work happening in schools and the division. Communication goals for the 2025-26 school year include the launch of a digital newsletter tool for schools, support for social media and storytelling, and supporting the transition of the new Superintendent.
Board receives transportation update
Trustees received an update from the Transportation department. The board heard that an audit of the division’s driving training school went very well, with no concerns. The fall start up was more challenging than usual because of the number of late family registrations. The division is discussing what it might do to support earlier registrations. The division has a fleet of 109 school buses and plans to purchase eight more vehicles this year to keep the fleet current. The average age of the fleet is 7.5 years old.
Updates to policies support change in meeting schedule
The Board has updated several of its policies to reflect its shift away from holding regular Education Committee meetings. Items that were previously discussed at Education Committee meetings will be assigned to other committees, or discussed at the Board’s regular monthly meeting, or in a special meeting. The shift reflects the Board’s commitment to the work of governance.
Board says thanks to trustees for their service
Trustees said thank you to fellow trustees Jackie Swainson and Gord Kerr at the meeting. Neither individual is running again in the upcoming school board election. Swainson has served as a trustee for six terms; Kerr has served for four.
*Jackie Swainson attended the meeting online and so is not in the photo.
