The Prairie Rose School Division (PRSD) Board of Trustees met Oct. 20 to review ongoing projects, staffing changes and financial matters, with updates provided by senior administration and department leads.
Transportation supervisor Megan Bergen reported that the division’s annual bus driver training day took place Oct. 24, coinciding with Manitoba School Bus Safety Week. She noted the division reinforces safety practices throughout the year.
“No changes were made as a result of safety week, as safety implements are put in place on a regular recurring basis throughout the school year as needed,” Bergen said.
All families receive a ridership expectations document outlining student and parent responsibilities, along with bi-annual evacuation drills and in-school bus safety instruction.
The board also received the superintendent’s staffing report, welcoming Elizabeth McCallum as divisional occupational therapist and Sonia Picton as secretary at École Carman Elementary.
Superintendent and CEO Kevin Clace said recruitment efforts for the 2026-27 school year are already underway.
“We actively participate in university recruitment fairs to promote PRSD as an employer of choice and work directly with professional colleges to support the recruitment of specialist positions such as occupational therapists and school psychologists,” Clace said, adding that determining staffing needs for the next school year will begin in January.
The division reported enrolment of about 2,300 students as of September, a decrease of roughly 50 students from last year. Clace said the reduction was expected, citing larger graduating classes and smaller kindergarten cohorts this fall. Since Manitoba school division funding for 2026–27 will be based on September 2025 enrolment levels, the data will guide future staffing, transportation and program planning.
Clace also updated the board on school infrastructure projects, including upgrades at Carman Collegiate and Elm Creek School. A provincial promissory note has been issued to fund the Carman Collegiate roof replacement, which remains on schedule for completion in March 2026.
“There continue to be ongoing disruptions due to the project, and I am very grateful for the cooperation from staff and students to ensure the learning environment experiences minimal disruptions,” Clace said.
The division is also moving ahead with the renewal of the Elm Creek School science lab, funded through Manitoba’s Capital Project Planning and Delivery Division.
“The existing lab has reached the end of its life expectancy, and we are grateful to the Province of Manitoba for this significant investment,” Clace said. “These projects demonstrate an ongoing commitment to renewing aging infrastructure and supporting safe, modern, and effective learning environments.”
Trustees approved August 2025 general expenditures totaling $2,593,353.77. Clace said the increase from last year reflects construction costs tied to the Carman Collegiate roof replacement, which will be fully reimbursed by the province. As a result, he noted, there will be no unbudgeted impact to the division.
The board also discussed rising insurance rates through the Manitoba Schools Insurance Program administered by HUB Insurance and the Manitoba School Boards Association. Clace said divisions across the province are experiencing significant increases.
Budget consultation planning for 2026–27 is underway.
The next PRSD board meeting is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m., held in person at the division office in Carman and via Google Meet.
