New Legislation Identifies School Board Duties

The province is clearing the path around the roles of school board members. Education Minister Ramona Jennex has introduced legislation clarifying their duties. An audit of the South Shore Regional School Board last November recommended the province help school board members understand their responsibilities, as distinct from the board's operational staff, so they can govern effectively. The proposed amendments to the Education Act include board members maintaining focus on helping all of the region's students and superintendents being responsible for day-to-day management of the board. The province is holding orientation sessions with newly elected boards this month to explain the type of decisions they will face, such as school reviews or approving a budget.