News release

Public Input Welcome in Southwest Pilot Evaluation

Education (July 1999 - March 2013)

The team evaluating the Southwest school board pilot project is looking for public input. Public meetings are being held in December, and written submissions are also welcome.

The Southwest pilot tests a form of organization for school boards that is new in this province. In this new form, one chief executive officer who reports directly to the department takes care of things like school buildings, busing and human resources for two district boards. Elected members of both boards can then focus on the quality of education in the classroom.

"As chair of the Southwest board pilot evaluation, my primary focus, and that of my co-evaluators, will be on what is in the best interests of our students, teachers, staff and communities in the region," said Colin Dodds, president of Saint Mary's University. "We're all looking forward to hearing from the many people who are interested in how school boards are run, both in public meetings and through oral and written briefs."

The following public meetings will be held:

  • Glenwood: Tuesday, Dec. 4, 7 p.m. at Drumlin Heights Consolidated School, 5428 Hwy. 3
  • Digby: Saturday, Dec. 8, noon, at Digby Regional High School, 107 King St.
  • Liverpool: Sunday, Dec. 9, 7 p.m., Liverpool Regional High School, 128 College St.
  • Bridgewater: Monday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m. at Hebbville Academy, 16147 Hwy. 3.

Questionnaires for written submissions are available at the regional board's and district boards' offices, Access Nova Scotia sites in Bridgewater and Yarmouth and on the Internet at swrsbpilot.ednet.ns.ca . Completed questionnaires may be mailed, e-mailed or submitted at the public meetings.

More information is available on the Web site, by calling 902- 893-5890 or by e-mailing swrsbpilot@EDnet.ns.ca .

Joining Dr. Dodds on the evaluation team are Pamela Campbell, a retired teacher and administrator from the New Brunswick public school system, and Leonard MacDonald, an education consultant and retired teacher and superintendent from Nova Scotia's public school system.

The team aims to submit a final report to the minister by mid- January 2002.