BOARD COMMITTEE Items
Board of Directors Annual
General Meeting 1. Land Acknowledgement (Zahida Hirani-Saran, Board Char)
SCHOOL GOVERNANCE The Land acknowledgement was read by the Board Char at 7:00 PM
2. Call to Order (Zahida Hirani-Saran, Board Char)
Date: February 20, 2025
The Board Chair called the Board of Directors Meeting to order at 7:01 PM.
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: AACS Secondary and Online
Attending Zahida Hirani-Saran (Char) a. Approval of the February 20, 2025, Meeting of the Board of Directors
Fauziat Raji (Vice Char) Agenda
Constance Amenaghawon
Ajoke Omage Motion: Fauziat Raji Moved to approve the agenda
Kerry-Ann Sitcheron (7:06) Seconded by: Jennifer Singh
Ian Gray Vote Outcome: 6 in favour. Motion carried.
Adedayo Ojeleye (Online)
Jennifer SIngh b. Approval of the Meeting Minutes for January 20, 2025
Khryssa Genery
(Recording Secretary) Motion: Fauziat Raji moved to approve the meeting minutes of January
Guests: None 20, 2025.
Seconded by: Ajoke Omage
Vote: 5 in favor, 1 abstention; motion carried.
c. Approval of the Meeting Minutes for January 21, 2025
We acknowledge that Aurora Academic Charter
School and our community work, live, and play
Correction: The title should be "Board of Directors Meeting Minutes."
on the traditional territories of the Cree,
Motion: Ajoke Omage moved to approve the minutes as presented with
Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Métis, Dene, Nakota Sioux,
the title amendment.
and Inuit whose footsteps continue to mark
Seconded by: Adedayo Ojeleye
these lands in the future. We continually
Vote: Unanimous; motion carried.
express our gratitude and respect for the land
as we honour Treaty 6, its role in education, and
the ancestral Knowledge Keepers and Elders
3. Director of Finance Update)
who are still with us. Aurora Academic Charter
Presented by: Constance Amenaghawon, Finance Chair
School believes that truth must be
a. January Financials
acknowledged to move forward in
The Board Chair requested that dates be added to each item for clarity.
reconciliation. We take this time to reflect on
Financial reporting included expenses by program and object. Teacher
our roles and commit to building and
salaries paid in January were reviewed, with clarification on non-certified
strengthening our valued friendships and
staff. A breakdown of expenses by program was presented, including
instruction and ECS classification. Total expenses were $1,337,061 (42% spent)
partnerships with Indigenous peoples in our
with a projected deficit of $864,000.
teaching and learning. We celebrate the rich
diversity of the Indigenous peoples as it
connects with the diversity of Aurora Academic 4. Superintendent’s Report
Charter School’s culture, values, and desire to Presented by: Ian Gray, Superintendent
live in peace and prosperity together on this The superintendent report commenced at 7:22.
land we all call home. a. Research and Grants
A research grant proposal was submitted to Alberta Education, focusing on
ᐊᒥᐢᑿᒌᐚᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ pedagogical strategies to increase student resilience, agency, and adaptivity.
Amiskwacîwâskahikan The Aurora Wellbeing and Flourishing Forever Student Mental Health Pilot
Treaty 6 Project continues with monthly online sessions for parents and families
b. Leading Learning
i. Principals Report
1. Primary
Sherbrooke Principal's report was reviewed. The Alberta
Education survey transitioned from paper to digital.
Kindergarten assessments for 2025-2026 are nearly
complete.
2. Secondary
Diploma results were reviewed, including a 100% score in Biology noted for special
recognition. The honor roll and awards ceremony had a 40% turnout from parents. A
parent engagement night was held focusing on cybersecurity. The program is being
developed with NorQuest College to expand the dual credit program.
ii. SLS Report
Monthly teacher consultations and community mental health initiatives continue at Sherbrooke.
A scholarship handbook has been developed and distributed. Primary referrals increased by 11%.
Secondary referrals saw an increase in behavioral cases and counseling related to mental health
concerns.
b. School Operations
i. Facilities
1. Sherbrook Campus
Sherbrooke Campus continues to experience heating issues, with potential
solutions being explored, including a facility audit.
2. Alberta Avenue Campus
The Alberta Avenue Campus is awaiting a government announcement.
3. Skyrattler Campus
The Skyrattler Campus has reviewed flooring colors, and a building graphic
design is underway.
4. School Name Designation
Discussions on Skyrattler’s designation, including whether it will be a middle
school, are ongoing. A Google document will be created for board members to
propose names, and the vote has been postponed to the next board meeting.
ii. Daycare Partnerships
Potential daycare partnerships are being discussed due to the lack of mid-day
kindergarten busing. Concerns were raised regarding availability for Aurora students,
logistics, and third-party agency constraints. Research into other school boards' daycare
policies has been recommended.
iii. Enrollment
1. Enrollment Trends
Enrollment projections for 2025-2026 were reviewed, highlighting a large
waitlist and the potential for an additional grade.
Break 10 Min
The Board Chair called a five-minute break at 8:31 PM. The meeting resumed at 8:39 PM.
5. Policy Committee
Presented by: Kerry-Ann Sitcheron Policy Committee Char at 8:39 PM
b. 2040 BP: Code of Conduct for Members(1st Reading)
Motion: Kerry-Ann Sitcheron
Seconded by: Fauziat Raji
Clarification was requested on terms such as "courteous and respectful." Concerns were raised
about the policy's alignment with the Education Act.
Vote: Unanimous with amendments.
c. 2060 BP: Role and Supervision of School Based Administration(1st Reading)
Motion: Kerry-Ann Sitcheron
Seconded by: Ajoke Omage
Compliance with the Alberta Education Act was discussed. Clarification was provided on principal
reporting requirements post-September 30.
Vote: Unanimous with presented changes.
d. 2062 BP: Administrative and Leadership Staffing (3rd Reading)
Motion: To accept 2062 BP: Administrative and Leadership Staffing for its third and final reading
was motioned by Kerry-Ann Sitcheron
Seconded by: Adedayo Ojeleye
A discussion took place on whether candidate selection should require a majority or unanimous
decision. The Superintendent retains final decision-making authority if the decision comes to a
stand still.
Vote: Unanimous.
e. 5052 BP: Employee Benefits - Non Teaching Staff (3rd Reading)
Motion: To accept 5052 BP: Employee Benefits - Non Teaching Staff for its 3rd and final reading
was motioned by Kerry-Ann Sitcheron
Seconded by: Ajoke Omage
The policy was discussed in relation to ensuring explicit benefits for non-teaching staff in
alignment with teaching staff. The necessity of the policy was affirmed.
Vote: Unanimous.
f. 6101 BP: Student Medical Needs(1st Reading)
Motion: Kerry-Ann Sitcheron
Seconded by: Adedayo Ojeleye
Concerns were raised about the policy’s alignment with Alberta's Good Samaritan legislation. The
policy statement was found to be confusing, requiring simplification into layman’s terms. The
board decided to take it back for revision, ensuring clearer direction on the responsibilities of
parents, guardians, physicians, and school personnel. It was suggested that the policy should
either be more concise or limited to a handbook.
Decision: Tabled for further revision.
g. 6180 BP: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
(Tabled for research and development)
The superintendent explained that the policy has been tabled for further research and
development. He has reached out to other superintendents and is hosting a seminar to develop a
plan for implementing the policy in response to new legislation.
Decision: Tabled until the next board meeting.
6. Board of Directors
The chair commenced the Board of Directors update at 9:11pm.
h. Charter Document Revisions
i. Aurora Academic Charter School Charter 2022
ii. Minister Signed Letter 2022
iii. Suggested Revisions to the Aurora Academic Charter School Charter Document
Charter document revisions to reflect the addition of the secondary division were
discussed. Edits are being prepared for the Annual General Meeting in November. Term
limits and membership criteria for board members were also discussed.
7. Next Meeting
Date: March 17, 2025 at 7pm
Agenda Items: Pre budget discussion at this meeting
8. Adjournment
Motion: Fauziat Raji moved to adjourn the meeting.
Time: 9:15 PM
Meeting adjourned.
