During the Board of Education’s meeting with Members of the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly, the SECPSD sought to re-iterate the Division’s stance on matters crucial to sustainability and provided insight as to the plans and projections, as well as areas of concern for the Division. The SECPSD capitalized on the opportunity to inform MLA’s of data driven implications for student achievement in the education sector.

Among the areas for discussion and information sharing were assessment and grading practices, the bi-level bargaining, new funding model, the implementation of day care seats, student achievement, the school year calendar and addressing instructional time. One of the major areas of concern was the improvement in communication that was necessary between the MLA’s and the Board. It was imperative that structured and improved methods be utilized to ensure that there is support, transparency and accountability on the part of both entities, specifically in situations where information needs to be disseminated to the public. According to Carol Flynn, Board Chair, “…we appreciate when the Government or Ministry collaborates with stakeholders before making announcements or changes that affect education.” Flynn also noted that support from the Ministry was important to the Division and emphasized the need for greater interactions between both parties.

In discussing the autonomy of Boards, the team made references to the new funding model. Under the new funding model, school divisions might experience a decrease in governmental funding. As a growing division, the South East Cornerstone is suggesting

that a new transition plan be developed for those who will experience decreases in funding as a result of the new funding model. On the matter of finances and bargaining, Acting Assistant Deputy Minister Ted Warawa noted that there is 0% mandate for local bargaining of benefits for teachers. This he added, without any guarantees, would have to be discussed with the Treasury Board to determine if any increased costs would be covered. A lack of funding might affect student achievement efforts and continuous improvement, as Boards would be required to source funding from in-house operations. Boards are therefore in need of predictable funding if they are to be equipped to negotiate at the local level. The Panel on Student Achievement, initiated by Education Minister Krawetz and which provided membership from divisional Board members and administrators, was well received by the Division; a series of committees were initiated to develop a report from the Panel. However, with the level of effort that was expended for the collaborative process and the great recommendations that were developed, the division noted its dissatisfaction that aspects of the report which were continuously quoted were never published or shared.

Another area of discussion was the implementation of day care seats, which was received as an excellent means to an end of supporting the demand for a knowledgeable workforce. There will be continued dialogue between Early Learning and the Board of Education, as they seek to develop a workable solution.

Changes or modifications to the school calendar year was one area of concern as the SECPSD believed

that some level of autonomy should be given in order to make local decisions that support continuous improvement. Though the Division is not opposed to starting the school year after Labour Day, legislative changes may be required to ensure that student contact time is in accordance with the required minutes of instruction. The following recommendations were therefore presented by the SSBA and LEADS in order to address instructional time:

• The Education Act be amended to require a minimum standard of 950 hours of instructional time within each academic year.
• The Education Act be amended to enable Boards of Education to extend the school day in order to achieve noninstructional days for professional learning and preparation.
• The Ministry of Education undertake a review of high school graduation credits.

The MLA’s will report their discussions to the Ministry and decisions will be communicated to the Education sector.

Perhaps it’s the resilience, commitment and goal-oriented mindset of the Physical Education teachers; the spirit of dedication and industry of the students or the team cohesiveness, and instructional framework of the SECPSD; whatever it is, the Saskatchewan Physical Education Association deems nine schools within the division worthy of the prestigious Quality Daily Physical Education Award (QDPE).

The Assiniboia Park Elementary, Gladmar Regional , Haig Elementary, MacLeod Elementary, Maryfield, Midale Central, Queen Elizabeth Elementary, Rocanville and Yellow Grass Schools will receive the QDPE banner or a QDPE year patch.

In order to qualify for the award, the schools physical education program had to meet all of the Ministry of Educations’ physical education curriculum guidelines. These

schools have joined a select number of schools from across Saskatchewan that have made a commitment to providing a high quality physical education program for their students.

The SECPSD commends the principals, teachers, staff, students and parents for their vigilance, determination, hard work and selfless sacrifices as they ensure success and achievement for every student in every school.