Board Highlights

The Board of Trustees held its March Public Board Meeting at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Vegreville. Trustees enjoyed visiting with students and staff, observing live learning in action across various subjects, including Science and Construction. A special thank-you to the students who set a meaningful tone for the meeting by leading the opening prayer and the land acknowledgment. We are deeply appreciative of the warm welcome and the vibrant sense of community we experienced in Vegreville.

While in Vegreville, the Board of Trustees met with Vegreville Mayor Tim MacPhee and members of Town Council. The meeting served as a valuable opportunity to strengthen the collaborative relationship between the school division and the municipality.

In Attendance:

Mayor Tim MacPhee

Councillor Marielle Brodziak

Councillor Justin Curtis

Councillor Lisa Gegolick

Councillor Jerrold Lemko

Councillor Taneen Rudyk

Councillor Colby Warawa

Sandra Ling, Chief Administrative Officer

Board Chair Le-Ann Ewaskiw

Vice Chair Dean Sarnecki

Trustee, Vegreville: Ira Borromeo

Trustee, Fort Saskatchewan: Al Stewart

Trustee, Sherwood Park: Brad Koshka

Trustee, Sherwood Park: Ted Paszek

Superintendent Paul Corrigan

Secretary Treasurer Mauricio Reyes

At this month's meeting, the Board engaged in faith reflection on the inseparable relationship between faith and reason, guided by St. Pope John Paul II’s teaching that they are the "two wings" on which the spirit rises to truth. The reflection highlighted that because God is the source of all logic, there is no inherent conflict between religious belief and scientific inquiry.

Assistant Superintendent Brett Cox highlighted how his team supports over 700 division employees by aligning Human Resources with the four pillars of the Division Assurance Plan. Current priorities include streamlining orientation and onboarding processes, fostering key professional relationships, and maintaining a strong focus on recruitment, training, and development.

The Board of Trustees approved the 3 year capital plan for 2027-2030, which include the top priorities for the next 3 years:

1. Zone 1 - Sherwood Park Solution

Pre-planning funds

For value scoping and public engagement to explore options aimed at reducing excess capacity, increasing utilization, and improving learning environments.

New K-8 School in Cambrian Crossing

As a result of value scoping and public engagement, schools requiring consolidation (two-to one) will be identified aiming for the targeted reduction of excess student spaces in Sherwood Park Zone 1.

Replacement/Modernization

As a result of value scoping and public engagement, the needs of the remaining schools will be considered, and a candidate for replacement/modernization may be selected.

2. Zone 2 Sherwood Park Rural - Holy Redeemer Catholic School

Modernization

Holy Redeemer School remains a key asset in a high-growth corridor, but it faces a widening gap between its rising enrollment and its aging infrastructure. Addressing the $5 million deferred maintenance backlogs specifically regarding storm drainage, air systems, and traffic flow is essential to ensuring a safe and modern learning environment.

3. Zone 3 Camrose - St. Patrick Catholic School

Pre-planning funds

For value scoping and public engagement to determine whether a replacement or modernization should be pursued.

Assistant Superintendent Christina MacKinnon presented the results of the 2025-2026 EICS Division Assurance Survey. Key highlights include:

Faith Formation | 96.01%

The division continues to see high satisfaction regarding our Catholic identity. This is reflected in our vibrant celebrations, liturgies, and masses, all centred around the current faith theme, "Growing Together in Christ’s Love." Moving forward, the division will explore new strategies to engage students in active citizenship and foster a deeper understanding of communal responsibility.

Learners and Learning | 93.24%

Following the implementation of the new Individual Support Plan (ISP) process, parents reported feeling supported in the creation of the ISP this year. We remain committed to refining our literacy and numeracy programs to ensure they are responsive to the evolving needs of all learners.

Systemic Wellness | 94.55%

Our schools remain welcoming environments where staff and students respect the dignity and diversity of every person. Staff report strong professional connections, and parents feel confident that teachers truly care for their children. To build on this, we will continue to seek meaningful ways to involve parents in developing ISP strategies that support their child’s growth.

Community Engagement | 94.99%

Staff expressed high satisfaction with the support provided by operational departments. Our future goals include increasing the division’s presence within the broader community and creating more opportunities for parents to participate in school-level decision-making.

The Board has officially approved the 2026-2030 EICS Division Assurance Plan, which will serve as our strategic roadmap for the coming years.

Superintendent Corrigan shared updates on the following:

Human Resource Services

• Staffing cycle for the 2026-27 school year has begun.

Educational Excellence

• The Division Education Assurance Plan for 2026-2030 is now drafted for Board approval.

Secretary Treasurer

• The 3-year capital plan is now drafted for Board approval.

School Safety

• The division has submitted the information for the School Safety Submission with Alberta Education.
• OH&S Officers have been inspecting school sites as part of the process.

On March 30, 2026, our Board was represented at the Rural Caucus Working Group, focusing on the commitment to the long-term sustainability of rural schools, and the continued advocacy for the Rural Small Schools Grant.

EICS held its annual Faith and Wellness Day on March 6, 2026. Trustees joined staff for morning Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) Parish, with Father Christopher presiding. We were honored to welcome Elder Garry, who offered a smudge and led the Four Directions Prayer in memory of Rob Davies, as well as guest speaker Stacey MacNeil-Ayeh.

Celebrating Excellence in Catholic Education

EICS was proud to recognize two outstanding staff members for their dedication to our mission:

• Blake Krause was announced as the recipient of the CCSSA Excellence in Catholic Education Award.

• Debbie Hill was named the winner of the EICS Excellence in Catholic Education Award for Support Staff.

The Board looks forward to formally recognizing Blake, Debbie, and all of this year’s nominees during the April Board Meeting. Congratulations to all who were nominated for their exceptional contributions to our school communities.

Trustees attended the ACSTA MLA Reception on March 30, where they met with Minister Demetrios Nicolaides and MLAs Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk, Jackie Lovely, and Kyle Kasawski. They discussed the continued importance of Catholic education with our government partners and expressed appreciation for their ongoing engagement with our Board.

Trustees attended the International Women’s Day Dinner on March 6, 2026. This event provided a wonderful opportunity to engage with community members and celebrate local leadership.

The Board held its retreat at the Mount Carmel Spirituality Centre, featuring guest speaker Stacey MacNeil-Ayeh, who shared how Catholic partners support religious education across the province. Trustees spent the retreat examining their individual and collective strengths as a leadership team. The experience included celebrating Mass alongside local parishioners and taking a "virtual field trip" to explore the inspiring work happening in our schools. Following this time of reflection, the Board is eager to continue advocating for Catholic education within all our communities.

The Board of Trustees approved the public board meeting schedule for the 2025/26 school year. All public board meetings are open to the public, and begin at 1:00 p.m.

Information and agendas can be found on our website at:

• https://www.eics.ab.ca/trustees/board-meeting-dates-and-agendas

April 22nd, 2026 - Central Learning Services

May 27th, 2026 - Central Learning Services

June 10th, 2026 - Location TBD