Beyond the Board - Trustee Newsletter October 2026

In about a week, Black Gold School Division will be sending out a survey to families to gather feedback about the student attendance calendar for 2027-28.

In anticipation of that, Black Gold wants to gather some initial feedback to ensure the division asks the right questions, and families have an opportunity to adequately express their thoughts.

The Board is seeking your input now, and in a week, because it values community feedback.
Your perspectives help the Board make informed decisions. Trustees will consider your input as well as insights gathered from staff about the calendar, and will balance that with divisional operational needs and provincial guidelines. 

This initial feedback opportunity will take about one to two minutes of your time. 
Please click here to provide your input.

Student safety is a top priority in Black Gold School Division. The Board of Trustees recognizes that creating safe and supportive learning environments takes teamwork, both within our schools and across our communities. 

On October 8, Black Gold School Division’s Board renewed a partnership that has multiple partners working together for
this purpose. RCMP, health, social services, neighboring school divisions and municipalities throughout Leduc County work together in the Leduc Area Violence Threat Risk Assessment (LAVTRA) partnership.

When concerns arise about a child or youth's safety, these partners work together to assess risks, share relevant information and coordinate appropriate support.  On October 8, the partnership also expanded to include coordinated responses to traumatic events and emerging community suicide trends.

“By working together, we are better equipped to recognize concerns early, respond effectively and support the safety and well-being of our students and communities,” says Angie Charpentier, Board Chair.

Board Chair Angie Charpentier and Vice Chair Christie Bergman
at the signing.

Every child deserves a safe and caring school environment where they are treated with respect. That’s the principle guiding the Black Gold Board of Trustees as it prepares to update Policy 19. 

While recent changes to Alberta's Education Act require school boards to review their policies, Black Gold trustees began examining Policy 19 three years ago.

Since then, the Board has gathered input from families and students. This includes a division-wide parent engagement three years ago, conversations with parents of students with Individual Student Plans (ISPs) in spring 2026, and feedback from students with ISPs. These conversations helped trustees better understand what is working, where challenges remain and what could be improved.

This fall, the Board established a working group that includes trustees, staff and parents who bring a range of experiences and perspectives. The group will provide insights to the Board as it revises Policy 19. 

The Board's goal is to develop a policy that meets provincial requirements while also reflecting the needs and experiences of Black Gold's school communities.

"We want the heart of our new policy to speak to our intent; every child should feel safe and cared for at school. We want the vocabulary of this document to reflect that intent," says Board Chair Angie Charpentier.

CEO Jennifer Garries, Leduc, Nisku & Wetaskiwin Chamber of Commerce and BGSD Board Chair Angie Charpentier.

Strong schools are built on strong community relationships. That's why community engagement continues to be a priority for the Black Gold Board of Trustees.

Trustees have been focused on building and strengthening connections with municipal and provincial leaders, local organizations and community partners, including Chambers of Commerce. These relationships create opportunities to share perspectives, understand community needs and work together in support of students and families.

Just as importantly, the Board wants to hear directly from families. In the spring of 2027, trustees plan to reach out to parents to hear more about how parents want their voices to be heard throughout the school division.

“Whether through school councils, conversations with community leaders or opportunities for broader family engagement, the Board is committed to listening, learning and being responsive to the communities it serves,” says Angie Charpentier, Board Chair.