Department Accepts Auditor General's School Board Recommendations

The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is already taking action to address recommendations outlined today, Nov. 18, in the auditor general's audit of the Halifax, Chignecto and Strait regional school boards.

"I want to thank the auditor general for auditing the boards at our request as part of our plan to modernize the education system in this province," said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Karen Casey.

"Both the department and the boards accept the recommendations and we are working closely together to increase student achievement and student success, and clearly define our roles and responsibilities."

School boards have identified common goals and priorities for student achievement and safe and inclusive schools.

The department is working with the Nova Scotia School Boards Association to clarify roles and responsibilities of school board management, governing school boards and the department including the role of regional education officers.

"If necessary, amendments to the Education Act will be considered to provide further clarification," said Ms. Casey.

Action is also being taken to ensure all schools are conducting emergency drills as required by policy.

Superintendents directed their schools to complete the September fire drills as required, and the department has asked boards to provide information on their plans to meet national fire code standards.

Nova Scotia's Action Plan on Education focuses on fundamental changes to renew, refocus, and rebuild the education system for the first time in a generation.

The action plan is available at http://ednet.ns.ca .