Amendments to Education Act Take Effect

Elected school boards can now more effectively manage the conduct of their members after amendments to the Education Act.

The amendments give more authority to elected school boards to discipline board members. They also clarify the Minister of Education's authority when responding to the conduct of school board members.

"Nova Scotia has a long tradition of community-based school boards," said Education Minister Marilyn More. "Their work is valuable, and we look forward to strengthening the working relationships within school boards and among all education partners.

"These legislative changes ensure that board resources are well-managed, relationships are respectful, and the best interests of the province's students are considered in all decisions."

The Department of Education consulted with school boards over the past year to establish regulations to support the amendments, introduced in November 2008.

Under the legislation, school board members will be required to take an oath of office agreeing to adhere to the prescribed code of ethics. Individual boards may add their own items to their code of ethics as long as they include the standard items.

Boards will also be required to adopt standardized procedures for the conduct of meetings. Board members must inform the chairperson in advance if they wish to leave a meeting, to ensure the board has the proper quorum. The new regulations also prohibit board members from disclosing confidential information.

Boards will have authority to censure individual members for violating the board's code of ethics. It includes the power to suspend a member for one to three months, or to recommend to the minister to vacate a member's seat. A censured board member will have the right to an appeal.

The minister will retain authority currently under the act to replace an entire board, but with the ability to appoint one or more individuals to act as the board.

The legislation also defines how school board vacancies will be filled.

Vacancies less than six months before a school board election will remain vacant. For vacancies six months to two years before an election, the Minister of Education will appoint a person in consultation with boards. Special elections will be called to fill vacancies more than two years before a school board election.