The provincial government introduced legislation with sweeping changes to the education system yesterday. One local school board is still trying to process what it could mean should the legislation be approved.
Under the Putting Student Achievement First Act, the province proposes to cap elected trustees at a maximum of 12 per board.
They also propose to create two new roles within boards: a chief executive officer, who would have business qualifications and oversee the budget, and a chief education officer appointed by the CEO and hold pedagogical qualifications.
Budget matters would be referred to the education minister when trustees cannot reach an agreement and the termination of the CEO would require ministerial approval.
“We are in the process of reviewing the proposed act, as introduced by the minister,” explained Kari Cramp, Chair of the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board (HPEDSB), in a written statement.
“We will be looking closely at how the proposed legislation and any resulting regulations may impact the governance of the school board. We will know more once the legislation is passed and the final regulations are in place.”
When it comes to the changes to the role of trustees, Cramp said the board believed that local, democratically elected voices are a vital link between HPEDSB and the communities they serve.
“We remain committed to advancing our 2025-2030 strategic plan and fiscal responsibility, as demonstrated by HPEDSB passing balanced budgets for the past three years. Trustees’ primary focus remains the achievement and well-being of our students.”
