Horizon School Division Board Meeting highlights: Instructional model, policy work and budget updates

Posted on April 23, 2026 by admin

By Jared Vas
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Horizon School Division board held its regular March meeting, covering instructional planning, policy approvals, financial updates and facilities work.

Instructional model presented

Associate Superintendent of Learner Services Terry Lynn Duncan presented the division’s “optimal learning model,” a classroom framework based on pre-assessment, formative assessment and summative assessment.

The model outlines structured lesson phases, including lesson opening, guided instruction, collaborative or independent work and closure.

Duncan said the model is intended to improve student engagement, clarify learning goals and allow teachers to adjust instruction based on student needs.

Policy advancement

The board reviewed and moved policies through first and second readings, including policies related to student assessment, digital citizenship, independent students, awards and suicide and threat assessment protocols.

Administration noted that some policies had gone through the policy committee process, while others were reviewed through administrative consultation or email due to timing requirements or minor revisions.

Superintendent report: security and policy work

The superintendent reported that eight security-related policies had been reviewed in response to Alberta Education requirements, with several requiring changes.

Emergency procedures had also been reviewed and submitted in coordination with local police and fire services.

Several policies were reviewed and submitted as part of provincial compliance requirements.

Budget and funding update

Administration provided an update on preliminary provincial funding, noting increases in several areas including operations and maintenance, supports and services and transportation, alongside a decrease in system administration funding.

Community-based grants such as socioeconomic, geographic and nutrition funding are remaining flat, while details on classroom complexity funding have not yet been released.

Budget planning remains in progress pending final provincial funding details.

Facilities update: Myers modernization project

The Facilities Committee reported progress on the Myers district modernization project.

Phase 2 demolition is largely complete and construction work is underway.

Additional project scope items are under review with Alberta Infrastructure.

Administration is also exploring advocacy options to support approval of key upgrades.

Learning and human services updates

Updates included recognition of substitute teachers, recruitment efforts and ongoing student wellness programming.

Learner Services reported on curriculum development work, early literacy pilot programs and division-wide professional development focused on instructional practice and assessment.