Legislation Aims to Improve Board Accountability

Education Minister Ramona Jennex today, Nov. 30, introduced legislation to broaden her authority to review the performance of school boards and increase their accountability for putting kids and learning first.

"Boards are valued partners," said Ms. Jennex. "But as minister, I am ultimately accountable for students and should have the tools necessary to ensure boards are governing themselves properly and working in the best interests of students and their families."

Currently, the minister has limited powers to investigate a board in trouble.

Under the Education Act, the minister can order a financial audit or direct boards to take corrective action when the health, safety and educational welfare of students is at risk. She cannot, however, launch her own investigation.

A performance review critical of the South Shore Regional School Board released this week occurred only after the board requested the minister conduct the investigation.

The review, conducted by Deloitte Inc., found evidence of conflict of interest, excessive use of in-camera meetings and lack of trust between some board members and staff.

"The legislation will also allow for more routine reviews that could identify ways we can work with boards earlier to improve performance, before more extreme action is required," the minister said. "This is a bill that aims to support and strengthen boards."

The proposed legislation would give the minister the power to appoint one or more persons to review matters of governance, operational issues, effectiveness of educational services and programs, and management issues.

Nova Scotia is one of only three provinces that does not have legislation giving the minister authority to investigate school boards.