Consultation on School Board Governance Extended

The public has more time to provide input on increasing effectiveness of school boards.

Education Minister Karen Casey today, Aug. 19, extended the deadline for consultation on proposed legislative changes outlined in a government discussion paper, Increasing the Effectiveness of School Board Governance in Nova Scotia.

Submissions will now be accepted until Sept. 2. The consultation, announced July 31, had been originally set to conclude at the end of this week.

"It is very important that we ensure the public has a reasonable amount of time to provide input on our proposed changes to school board governance," said Ms. Casey. "Because of vacations and summer schedules, we decided our deadline may be difficult for some groups and individuals to meet."

The minister said the new deadline will strike the appropriate balance between providing sufficient time for public comment and ensuring Nova Scotians and potential candidates know what changes to expect on the issue of school board governance before nominations close on Sept. 9.

"I think it is important that all potential school board candidates be fully informed about our proposed changes before they make the decision to run for election," Ms. Casey said.

Feedback received from the public and education partners will be used to prepare new legislation, which will be introduced in the fall sitting of the legislature.

The Department of Education discussion paper proposes giving elected boards a broader range of disciplinary measures against disorderly members, while ensuring any board member who has been disciplined has access to a fair and transparent appeal process.

The proposed changes will also set out clear guidelines and expectations for all elected members and board meetings.

The discussion document is available on line at the www.ednet.ns.ca .

Comments can be submitted by e-mailing [email protected] , writing School Board Governance Effective Governance Review, Department of Education, Corporate Policy Branch, P.O. Box 578, Halifax, N.S., B3J 2S9, or by faxing 902-424-0519.