Prairie Rose School Division trustees confirmed leadership appointments and received updates on provincial funding, policy changes and an ongoing cybersecurity investigation at their May 4 board meeting.
Senior administration provided an update on the Manitoba Ombudsman’s investigation into the PowerSchool cybersecurity incident, which remains ongoing. The breach involved unauthorized access to sensitive student and staff data through compromised contractor credentials and has affected school divisions across the province.
The board also received information about the province’s new Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities Play Structure Fund, set to launch in 2026-27.
Superintendent Kevin Clace said the Department of Education has invited school divisions to submit proposals for new play structures that promote safe and accessible play. Grants will cover the purchase and installation of structures that meet universal design principles and Canadian standards.
“It’s to keep communities active, vibrant and glowing,” Clace said, adding the funding could have a significant impact across the division.
“Historically, much of this responsibility has fallen to Parent Advisory Councils and communities, who have worked tirelessly to fundraise the dollars needed to bring these projects to life. This new funding eases that burden considerably,” he said.
“As Superintendent/CEO, I welcome this announcement, which helps ensure that all elementary schools in the province have access to a play structure where students can play, connect and grow.”
Applications are due May 30. Funding will cover up to 75 per cent of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $100,000. Priority will be given to projects already underway, projects requiring accessibility upgrades and early and middle years schools without an existing play structure.
PRSD has one accessible playground project underway at Roland School, and administration is reviewing the application process.
Administrative updates included a revised harassment procedure and a new senior secretary job description, both presented for information.
Arli Cruikshank, PRSD’s information technology supervisor, said the division’s previous harassment procedure was outdated, and PRSD worked with outside organizations to update the language and process.
She said the new procedure is clear and easy to follow, and PRSD is the first school division in Manitoba to make the updates.
The revised harassment procedure applies only to staff incidents. Parents and students are covered under other codes of conduct.
Cruikshank also reviewed the new senior secretary job description. She said one staff member in the public schools and one staff member in the Hutterian schools have been carrying out senior-level duties for years.
Their work goes “over and beyond” the role of a regular school secretary, she said, and the new description better captures those duties while aligning with other position descriptions.
Student and staff achievements were also highlighted, including provincial basketball honours for Elm Creek Cobras athletes and coaches. Trustees also approved an off-site trip for St. Laurent School students to compete in the Manitoba Basketball 3×3 Championships in Winnipeg.
The board noted communications tied to Music Month and Treaty Week proclamations, along with correspondence from the Manitoba School Boards Association regarding provincial teacher collective bargaining.
Clace said PRSD is committed to recognizing Treaty Week from May 18 to 22, alongside its ongoing work to promote Indigenous learning.
“PRSD schools are committed to weaving these teachings meaningfully into the classroom experience throughout the entire school year, a commitment reflected in the rich and varied programming happening across the division from September through June,” he said.
“PRSD teachers, staff, Knowledge Keepers and community partners are doing their part to ensure that Indigenous perspectives and Treaty education are a living, ongoing part of learning for every student in PRSD.”
Earlier committee discussions included updates on a RM of Roland subdivision proposal and trustee representation at the funeral of a Carman Collegiate student.
Clace said the Roland residential development represents a positive growth opportunity, and the division is monitoring the proposal to assess potential impacts on enrolment, programming and capacity.
