showing the rest how it’s done. The Foothills School Division, nestled in the heart of southern Alberta, is making significant strides in education by fostering a flourishing community where students, teachers, and the wider community thrive together. As an education leader, the division focuses on innovative programs, inclusive partnerships, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Division leaders have done a stellar job of creating a culture of trust, collaboration, and inclusivity for students. The division maintains total transparency in decisionmaking processes, engaging stakeholders through meaningful dialogue, and leveraging data-driven insights to align the division’s goals with community needs. It also prioritizes open communication and actively seeks feedback from parents, staff, and students, a crucial component to its long-term success. Additionally, the division focuses on establishing strong partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, and government entities to provide students with real-world learning experiences and support services that extend beyond the classroom. By nurturing these connections, Foothills has created a more integrated and supportive educational environment that addresses the diverse needs of its students. Foothills School Division has become a central pillar of the community, where schools are not just places of learning but vibrant hubs of engagement and support. It’s a division where students excel academically and personally, educators feel valued and empowered, and the broader community is committed to fostering a positive, flourishing future for all. AN INNOVATIVE CURRICULUM ROOTED IN COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Established in 1938, the Foothills School Division, just south of Calgary, serves its schools with a core belief that education is not just about academic excellence but also about building a community that supports holistic student development. “We provide the Alberta curriculum, but we do have some alternative programs that define us and what we do,” says Superintendent of Schools Chris Fuzessy. In addition to the Alberta curriculum, Foothills ensures that students have a wide breadth of practical, and culturally immersive programs to help students cultivate both their talents and understand others in their community. 369 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10 FOOTHILLS SCHOOL DIVISION
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