New Defibrillators to Be Installed in All SD57 Schools by December

School District 57 (SD57) is set to enhance safety measures across its schools by ensuring the installation of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) by the end of December 2023. Superintendent Jameel Aziz announced this initiative during the board of education meeting on October 14, 2023, at Valemount Secondary School. The decision comes as part of a provincially mandated policy to deploy AEDs and naloxone in every school within the district.

During the meeting, trustees opted to postpone the approval of the policy until their next gathering on November 18, 2023, allowing staff time to review potential revisions to the proposed wording. Previously, Aziz noted that several schools, including all high schools and select elementary schools such as Spruceland and Lac des Bois, along with key district facilities, already had AEDs in place. However, he indicated that these existing devices were nearing the end of their operational lifespan.

Implementation of New Safety Measures

The plan involves replacing outdated AED units and installing new ones in all elementary schools across the district. Aziz emphasized the necessity of updating the equipment to ensure student safety. “We have to do a little bit more training with some of our staff just to make them a little bit more up to date,” he stated, highlighting that training related to AED usage, CPR, and naloxone will be integrated into the new Grade 10 physical education curriculum.

Naloxone, which counteracts opioid overdose symptoms, is already available in all district schools. Aziz reflected on the importance of this medication, recalling an incident from his previous role as a principal where he had to administer naloxone to a student who had suffered an overdose. He acknowledged that while he was unsure if any SD57 schools had necessitated the use of naloxone, he would not be surprised if it had been required.

Nutrition Program Enhancements and Enrollment Trends

In addition to safety measures, the board meeting also covered improvements to nutrition programs in the Robson Valley. Aziz reported a significant increase in access to these programs, with plans to expand breakfast offerings and serve between 70 to 95 lunches daily at Valemount Secondary School in the upcoming year. He noted that a centralized kitchen in Prince George allows for efficient meal distribution, which is not available in the Robson Valley. As a result, upgrades to kitchen facilities in local schools are essential for providing nutritious meals.

Funding for additional staff, kitchen appliances, and grocery provisions is part of this initiative. Aziz also mentioned similar upgrades occurring in Mackenzie, although he focused on the Robson Valley during this meeting. Furthermore, preliminary enrollment figures for the 2025-26 school year indicated a district-wide decrease in student numbers compared to projections, although enrollment at Robson Valley schools has increased.

Despite a shortfall of 72 full-time equivalent student slots compared to expectations, Aziz reassured stakeholders that the decrease would not significantly impact district operations. He noted fluctuations in enrollment trends attributed to factors such as family relocations due to emergencies, specifically referencing the recent wildfires affecting the region.

Trustee Sarah Holland successfully passed a motion for a review of the district’s catchment areas and high school feeder schools, aiming to analyze shifting enrollment patterns. Aziz recognized that although some areas had experienced decreased enrollment, the schools in the Robson Valley remain in “beautiful shape” with considerable stability.

Looking ahead, the next board meeting outside of Prince George will take place at Mackenzie Secondary School on May 12, 2026, providing local residents an opportunity to engage with district discussions in their community.