PSD board meeting reveals major updates

PARKLAND COUNTY--- Parkland School Division's regular board meeting was held on December 16th.

The division received approximately $834,000 through the Mental Health in School Pilot project over the previous two years. Alberta Education and Childcare has added a well being and mental health grant to the funding manual of the division. 

"PSD will receive approximately $354,000 in the mental health grant for that one school year, so the funding remains at the same level as was provided during the Mental Health in Schools Pilot," said Board chair Lorraine Stewart.

Stewart also said the board is appreciative of the government's recognition of the need to support students' mental health and well being.

The Student Health and Wellness report was also discussed during the meeting. The Comprehensive School Health approach in PSD focuses on three tenets- active living, healthy eating and mental well being.

Marsie Fisk, Student Services division principal said that schools are now encouraging rural and agricultural learning opportunities as well as creating positive food environments to address historic bias.

PSD also reviewed their transportation services department report. This year, PSD is transporting over 8000 students, which is an increase of 1.4 percent from the previous year. 

Gail Lewis, Director of transportation services discussed the pressure points of the transportation system this year.

"We're seeing more transportation requests tied to family circumstances such as alternate addresses, child care and joint custody. We understand why families ask but these requests can change roots quickly. This leads to more change requests, more calls and more rework for the team, " said Lewis.

It was revealed in the report that more students require mobility supports and specialized equipment and that the division is seeing more complex emotional behavioral needs.