Province to Reduce Minimum School Board Size

The province is amending the Education Act to allow the opportunity for smaller regional school boards. It is another measure to ensure resources are directed at students first.

The amendment, introduced today, April 11, will require school boards to have at least five members, along with two at-large members representing African Nova Scotian and Mi'kmaq communities. The current minimum is eight.

"This amendment gives school boards more flexibility to look at their structures and consider options that might increase their efficiency," said Education Minister Ramona Jennex. "We are supporting boards in their efforts to govern and operate more efficiently."

Under the Education Act, the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board sets the number and boundaries of school board electoral districts, as well as the number of elected members. Boards must submit applications to the Utility and Review Board for review every eight years. Presently, boards must have at least eight and no more than 18 members.

"In several parts of the province, municipal electoral boundaries have recently changed," Ms. Jennex said. "This amendment will let the UARB and school boards keep pace with other changes in their communities."

The province's Kids and Learning First plan calls on school boards to direct resources at students first and identify ways to ensure effective governance.