The Saskatoon Board of Education held its final regular meeting of the 2025-26 school year on June 16.

Celebrating excellence: Doubleball tournament highlights Indigenous learning and sport

The meeting began with a Celebrating Excellence presentation focused on Saskatoon Public Schools' sixth annual Doubleball Tournament, held recently at wâhkôhtowin School.

Doubleball is a traditional Indigenous sport played with two small balls connected by a string. Students learn the skills of the game while also exploring its cultural significance, teachings, teamwork, and sportspersonship.

The tournament brought together students from six elementary schools and was initiated by Traditional Knowledge Keeper Tim Eashappie Sr. to help make traditional Indigenous games accessible across the division.

Trustees thanked staff, students, and community partners for helping create meaningful opportunities for students to engage in physical activity while learning about Indigenous culture and traditions.

Board approves name for new northeast collegiate

Trustees officially approved the name Holmwood Collegiate for Saskatoon Public Schools' future secondary school in the city's northeast. (SPS Schools Map)

The provincial government announced funding for the new school in March 2024. The collegiate will be located in the Holmwood area, adjacent to Brighton, and will share a site with a new Catholic high school. A future City of Saskatoon leisure centre is also planned nearby.

The name was informed by public engagement conducted this spring, including a community survey and activities involving Grades 4, 5, and 6 students from feeder schools. Many of those students are expected to attend the school when it opens.

The project is currently in the design phase. Pending government approvals, construction is expected to begin next year, with the school anticipated to welcome its first students in approximately four to five years.

Board reflects on the 2025-26 school year

Board Chair Kim Stranden presented the annual Board Chair Reflections report, highlighting accomplishments across the division throughout the 2025-26 school year.

The report recognized achievements in four key areas: academics, character, engagement, and well-being. It highlighted student success, innovative learning opportunities, community partnerships, Indigenous education initiatives, student leadership, athletics, arts programming, and the ongoing commitment of staff to supporting students across Saskatoon Public Schools.

Trustees also reflected on the many ways students, staff, families, and community partners contributed to creating schools where young people can thrive.

Farewell to Trustee Jennifer Scherman

The Board recognized Ward 5 Trustee Jennifer Scherman, who will be stepping down from her role effective June 30 as she relocates to Toronto.

Trustees thanked Scherman for her contributions during her time on the Board of Education and wished her and her family well in their next chapter.

Farewell to Director of Education, Shane Skjerven

Trustees also recognized Director of Education Shane Skjerven as he prepares to retire later this summer following a distinguished career in public education.

Over more than two decades with Saskatoon Public Schools, Skjerven served as a teacher, principal, superintendent, and Director of Education. Trustees reflected on his steady leadership, commitment to students and staff, and the strong relationships he built throughout the division.

Board Chair Kim Stranden noted that Skjerven's tenure as Director included some of the most challenging periods in recent educational history, including the pandemic, and highlighted his thoughtful approach to leadership.

On behalf of the Board of Education, trustees expressed their sincere appreciation for Skjerven's years of service and wished him and his family all the best in retirement.

Looking ahead

With the conclusion of the June 16 meeting, the Board of Education has completed its regular meetings for the 2025-26 school year. Trustees expressed their appreciation to students, staff, families, and community partners for another successful year across Saskatoon Public Schools.

Board meetings resume in September - the 2026-27 board meeting schedule will be posted here prior to the start of the 2026-27 school year.

PHOTO - from left: Aron Knudsen (Coordinator, Waskawiwin Land-Based Education Program), Arden Wipf (VP, wahkohtowin), Anne McLellan (Community School Coordinator, wahkohtowin), Lynden Proctor (VP, Chief Whitecap), Jarod Harvey (Teacher, wahkohtowin), students with wahkohtowin and Chief Whitecap, Tim Eashappie Sr. (Traditional Knowledge Keeper, SPS), Shalene Herron (Principal, wahkohtowin), Dana Babey (Principal, Chief Whitecap), Kessa Fillo (Teacher, Chief Whitecap).