Pipestone Flyer
Vol 15. Issue 7, Leduc - Wetaskiwin Pipestone Flyer
Debra Howeihe, Director of Transportation, presented a video of the one year joint Alberta Transportation and Education project “Get on Board” which aimed to improve school bus driver recruitment and retention. Wetaskiwin participation in the project was included twice in the video. The project, which included safety training, presentations, “thank you”s to the drivers, and a year end barbecue, was considered a huge success. Ms Howeihe has a list of 10 recommendations which she can use as follow up to the project as well as a module on driver training.
PLACE Appeal
Mr. Mike Wollin and Mr. Dale Brittain, representatives from the Pigeon Lake Athletic Cultural and Educational Society, attended the Board meeting to request financial assistance in covering the cost of power installation to the new Falun Skating Rink. Various amounts and rational were discussed, and the Board tabled its decision until the end of the meeting, at which time Mr. Bryan Rabel, Director of Plant Facilities, was present to add his perspective to the discussion which considered the request from every angle and implication. The decision was made to give PLACE a grant for $5,000.00 toward the rink, with this amount coming from the Plant Facilities reserves.
Communicating about Negotiations
At the time of the meeting, the Alberta Government Department of Education, the Alberta Teachers’ Association, and the Alberta School Boards Association were still involved in teacher salary negotiations and related issues. The WRPS Board discussed the ramifications of the proposals available to them and how best to communicate the various issues to the public. It is good to know the care and concern with which this board dealt with the matter even though the cancellation of the negotiations means that there is nothing more to report at this time.
Fiscal Monitoring Report
The financial statements to the end of December 2010 indicate that overall expenditures to date are within budget projections. It is important to note that the Government of Alberta Department of Education has mandated a required change in accounting practices so that School Generated Funds must be reported as assets of WRPS. Note that in principle this year’s School Generated Funds are for this year’s kids, and that separate accounts are kept for each school. WRPS is registered as a charity, so can give receipts for donations at the school’s request. Trust accounts for specific programs can be set up through the charity.
Liaison with the City of Wetaskiwin
It was noted that the proposed roundabout at 50th Avenue and 47th Street would be next to impossible for school busses to negotiate, and even harder for the larger busses bringing teams to the recreation grounds.