Elementary PowerPoint 4: School Boards and School Board Members

What would you change about your school? Who would you contact about making that change possible?

School Boards School boards are responsible for operating schools and providing education to students in their region. There are eight school boards in Nova Scotia: Seven English regional school boards. One French school board that covers the whole province.

School Boards in Nova Scotia

The Role of a School Board Setting goals for student achievement Working with members of the community Approving textbooks and learning materials Developing rules for safety and behaviour Determining the number, size and location of schools Approving a plan for spending

School Board Members Each school board has several school board members School board members help connect the community with their school board, bringing the issues and concerns of the community to board discussions and decisions, and information back to the community. One school board member cannot make a decision on their own; it is the board that makes decisions as a group (through a vote).

School Board Members Elections School board members are elected every four years during municipal elections. Each school board establishes smaller areas called electoral districts in which district members are elected to represent. One district member for each district. Board chairs are chosen from and by school board members through a vote after the election.

CSAP school board members The Conseil scolaire acadien provincial (CSAP) elects members from across the province. They are elected by electors who speak French, received education in French, or are the parent of a student in a French first language program.

African Nova Scotian representatives Something unique about Nova Scotia is that each school board also elects one African Nova Scotian representative. They are elected by African Nova Scotian electors (individuals who identify as African Nova Scotian or Black Nova Scotian) living in the jurisdiction of the board.

Mi’kmaq or First Nations members Boards may also include representatives from the Mi’kmaq or First Nations community. These representatives are appointed after the election by provincial government following consultation with the First Nations community and the school board.

Why is it important for school boards to include representatives from specific backgrounds and communities?

Voter Eligibility In order to vote in the school board elections, you must meet the same criteria as for the municipal elections. 18 years of age on or before the first advance polling day; A Canadian citizen; Lived in Nova Scotia for at least six months prior to the advance polling day; Have lived in the municipality since the first advance polling day.

Voter Choice Even if you are qualified or able to vote for more than one type of school board member, you can only choose one position. District member of the regional school board African Nova Scotian school board member Conseil scolaire acadien provincial members (French school board)

Final Thoughts What qualities and skills should you look for in a school board member? What experience should they have? How can you evaluate the school board member candidates? Which school board member type will you be voting for?