Posted on 2026-08-24 16:26:24.426 +0000 UTC
The High Prairie School Division Board of Trustees met for their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. With no additions to the agenda, the meeting proceeded through the presented agenda items.
The Board received a delegation from Director of Transportation Sheldon Bossert, to present an update on the department and the plan for the upcoming school year. Mr. Bossert identified updates on routes in the new year, fee-for-service information, and red light violations. He also noted that the Division is currently looking for full-time school bus drivers in the Slave Lake area and spare drivers in all areas.
District Principal of Collegiate Planning & Special Projects Brennan McDonald provided an update on the HPSD Collegiate programming. Mr. McDonald presented a capital request to the Board of Trustees to expand the HPSD vertical farm located in High Prairie to provide additional space for both growing additional products like strawberries, microgreens, and spinach, and to provide additional learning space for students. He further noted annual statistics on the vertical farm, partnerships with local organizations and non-profits, and the integration of students from other HPSD schools into the vertical farm via additional programming, including business programming.
The Board approved the capital purchase of the planned vertical farm expansion in the amount of $125,000.
Trustees received and accepted the Board of Trustees' self-evaluation for the 2025-26 school year. The Board also received and accepted the Superintendent's evaluation for the 2025-26 school year.
Director of Corporate Services Sandra Cairns provided an update on personnel and staffing for the upcoming school year.
The Board also identified the requirements for Deputy Superintendent Pam Heckbert to be appointed as Acting Superintendent. Further, a media release will be issued to acknowledge the appointment.
Trustees received and accepted the Superintendent’s Report, Trustee Reports, and Finance Reports. The open meeting was then adjourned for the day.