| Policy Code | 231 |
|---|---|
| Adoption Date | September 19, 2022 |
| Amendment Date | — |
| Cross Reference | Policy 120 |
| Legal Reference | Education Act, Section 33, 51, 52, 53, 54, 60, 67, 139, 222; Fiscal Planning and Transparency Act; Local Authorities Elections Act; Borrowing Resolution; Disposition of Property Regulation; Early Childhood Services Regulation; Investment Regulation; School Fees Regulation; Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls To Action |
As a corporate entity with natural person powers established by provincial legislation and given authority by the Education Act and attendant Regulations, and the corporate body elected by the electors that support Grasslands School Division, the Board shall provide overall direction and leadership to the Division. It is accountable for the provision of appropriate educational programs and services to resident students of the Division to enable their success, in keeping with the requirements of government legislation and the values of the electorate.
The Board accepts the responsibility of providing an education system that is organized and operated in the best interests of the students it serves. It exercises this responsibility through setting of clear strategic direction, the wise use of resources, fiduciary accountability, and the generative engagements of constituents.
Specific Areas of Responsibility
1. Accountability for Student Learning and Wellness
1.1 Provide overall direction for the Division by establishing vision, mission, and values.
1.2 Support the establishment of a welcoming, caring, respectful, and safe learning environment.
1.3 Annually approve the process and timelines for the refinement of the Three-Year Education Plan.
1.4 Identify Board priorities at the outset of the annual Three-Year Education planning process.
1.5 Enable the infusion of cultural perspectives within student learning, as defined by each community.
1.6 Enable processes to support quality teaching.
1.7 Provide for school and program reviews as necessary to monitor the achievement of outcomes.
1.8 Monitor the effectiveness of the Division in achieving established priorities, desired results, and key performance indicators.
1.9 Provide a continuum of supports and services to students that is consistent with the principles of inclusive education.
1.10 Annually approve the "rolling" Three-Year Education Plan/Annual Education Results Report for submission to Alberta Education and for distribution to the public.
1.11 Explore the use of natural person powers to enhance opportunities for student learning.
2. Community Assurance
2.1 Make informed decisions that consider community values and represent the interests of the entire Division.
2.2 Engage the community in a dialogue about Division programs, needs, and desires.
2.3 Establish processes and provide opportunities for community engagement.
2.4 Establish plans for collaborative work between the Division and First Nations.
2.5 Establish a forum for student engagement.
2.6 Report Division outcomes to the community at least annually.
2.7 Meet twice yearly with the Council of School Councils or with all School Council Chairs.
2.8 Develop appeal procedures and hold hearings as required by statute and/or Board policy.
2.9 Model a culture of respect and integrity.
2.10 Maintain transparency in all fiduciary aspects.
2.11 Develop culturally appropriate protocols to guide the Division.
3. Accountability to Provincial Government
3.1 Act in accordance with all statutory requirements to implement provincial standards and policies.
3.2 Perform Board functions required by governing legislation and existing Board policy.
3.3 Ensure all students, teachers, and Division leaders are provided with resources that enable them to learn about First Nations, Métis, and Inuit perspectives, experiences, and contribution throughout history; treaties, and the history and legacy of residential schools.
4. Fiscal Accountability
4.1 Within the context of results-based budgeting, approve budget assumptions/principles and establish priorities at the outset of the budget process.
4.2 Approve the annual budget and allocation of resources to achieve desired results.
4.3 Approve annual fees for instructional resources, transportation, and tuition for nonresident students.
4.4 Approve expense reimbursement rates.
4.5 Approve substantive budget adjustments when necessary.
4.6 Monitor the fiscal management of the Division through receipt of at minimum quarterly variance analyses and year-end projections.
4.7 Receive the Audit Report and ensure the management letter recommendations are addressed.
4.8 Approve annually the Three-Year Capital Plan for submission to Alberta Education.
4.9 Approve borrowing for capital expenditures within provincial restrictions.
4.10 Set the parameters for negotiations after soliciting advice from the Superintendent and others.
4.11 At its discretion, ratify Memoranda of Agreement with bargaining units.
4.12 Approve the Superintendent's contract.
4.13 Approve annually signing authorities for the Division.
4.14 Approve transfer of funds to/from reserves.
4.15 Approve investment parameters in alignment with the Education Act Regulation.
4.16 Ensure all programs are regularly reviewed to test the relevancy, effectiveness, and efficiency of the programs against desired outcomes.
5. Board/Superintendent Relations
5.1 Select the Superintendent; provide for succession planning as required.
5.2 Provide the Superintendent with clear corporate direction.
5.3 Delegate, in writing, administrative authority and identify responsibility subject to provisions and restrictions in the Education Act.
5.4 Respect the authority of the Superintendent to carry out executive action and support the Superintendent's actions which are exercised within the delegated discretionary powers of the position.
5.5 Demonstrate respect, integrity, and support, which is then conveyed to the staff and the community.
5.6 Annually evaluate the Superintendent, in accordance with a pre-established performance appraisal mechanism.
5.7 Annually review compensation of the Superintendent.
6. Board Development
6.1 Develop a plan to foster governance excellence in fiduciary, strategic, and generative engagement modes.
6.2 Annually evaluate Board effectiveness in meeting performance indicators and determine a positive path forward.
7. Policy
7.1 Identify how the Board is to function.
7.2 Develop/revise policies using a generative engagement process.
7.3 Monitor policy currency and relevancy.
8. Political Advocacy
8.1 Act as an advocate for public education and the Division.
8.2 Identify issues for advocacy on an ongoing basis.
8.3 Develop a plan for advocacy including focus, key messages, relationships, and mechanisms.
8.4 Promote regular meetings and maintain timely, frank, and constructive communication with locally elected officials.
8.5 Arrange meetings with elected provincial and federal government officials to communicate and garner support for education.
Selected Responsibilities
The Board shall:
Acquire and dispose of land and buildings; ensure titles and services to or enforceable long-term interests in land are in place prior to capital project construction.
Approve school attendance areas.
Name schools and other Division-owned facilities.
Approve the Division school-year calendar(s).
Provide for recognition of students, staff, and community.
Make a recommendation to the Minister for dissolution of a School Council.
Approve joint-use agreements.
Encourage the formation of a Council of School Councils (COSC).
8.1 If a COSC is formed, its primary purpose shall be to enhance communications among the School Councils, the Board, the Superintendent, and the community.
8.2 Parents with concerns are encouraged to present their concerns directly to the teacher/principal. School personnel or individual student concerns are not to be discussed at COSC meetings.
Approve locally developed courses.
Hear, in accordance with Policy 120 – Dispute Resolution, unresolved student or staff complaints of discrimination or harassment.
Approve all international field trips and out-of-province field trips.