School Review Committee Seeks Public Input

Nova Scotians are being asked to assist a committee preparing a discussion paper that will lead to a new school review process.

The committee developing the paper would like public input early in the process.

"This will be the first opportunity for people to be part of the process," said Robert Fowler, chair of the committee, today, June 20. "We want the discussion paper to be as comprehensive as possible to support the fall consultation."

Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Ramona Jennex announced in April that the school-review process was not working.

"We need a holistic, positive process that meets the needs of all Nova Scotians," said Ms. Jennex. "Once the committee delivers its options in the fall, there will be further opportunity for public discussion and debate. I encourage all Nova Scotians to participate at all stages and have their say on how we can create a modern school review process."

The review committee will develop a discussion paper by September.

The paper will be made public and feedback from parents, school boards, communities and municipalities will be sought before any decision is made.

Nova Scotians can submit their suggestions online at www.ednet.ns.ca/discussionpaperinput, send it to discussionpaper@gov.ns.ca or mail it to:

School Review Process Review Committee c/o Corporate Policy Department of Education and Early Childhood Development Box 578 2021 Brunswick St. Halifax, N.S. B3J 2S9

The deadline is July 31.

The review committee is made up of a chair and staff representatives from provincial departments and two stakeholder groups. The committee members are:

• Robert Fowler, chair
• Carole Olsen, Frank Dunn and Shannon Delbridge, Education and Early Childhood Development
• Paul LaFleche and Tom Gouthro, Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal
• Dan McDougall, Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations
• Chris Daly, Economic and Rural Development and Tourism
• Janice Harland, Treasury Board
• Betty MacDonald, executive director, Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities
• Ford Rice, superintendent of the Strait Regional School Board, representing school board superintendents.

A new process is expected to be in place by next spring.