Wolf Creek School Division Update - May 23rd, 2025

PONOKA COUNTY -- The Wolf Creek School Division's Board of Trustees were busy at this month's regular meeting, passing both the budget for next school year, as well as their new education plan for 2025 through 2029.

2025-2029 Education Plan:

The plan outlines the Division's priorities, measures, and strategies for improvement over the next four years. The strategies are based on extensive stakeholder engagement throughout the 2024–2025 school year. The Division says this included input from trustees, staff, students, parents, and divisional leadership. As required, the Education Plan will be submitted to Alberta Education by the end of the month.

2025-2026 Budget:

According to the Division, the budget for next school year includes a projected deficit of $1,016,108, fully covered by operating reserves. The Estimated Budgeted Operating Reserves (not including school-generated funds) will be $2,503,000 as of August 31, 2025. They add that the budget will be signed by the required authorities and submitted to Alberta Education before the official submission deadline.

Summer Technology Projects:

Blackfalds Secondary Campus and Lacombe Jr. High will see a variety of technology upgrades over the summer, including new wireless access points, smartboards, and computers. Meantime, Xerox copiers have been replaced with new models in schools and offices across the Division. Technical staff will be visiting each classroom, office, and library across the Division to make sure that all of the technology is ready to go for the first day of school.

Annual School Administrators' Retreat:

The retreat focused on reviewing the recent accomplishments and preparing for the 2025–2026 school year. Administrators also worked on drafting their school plans and participated in various professional development sessions. Meantime, Wolf Creek Trustees also approved the Education Plan for 2025 through 2029 at their recent meeting. The Division says the plan outlines their priorities and strategies for improvement over the next four years.