Establishing the Provincial Advisory Council for Education

On July 11, 2024, the Lieutenant-Governor in Council enacted Regulation 43/24 under the Schools Act, 1997, establishing the Provincial Advisory Council Regulations. These regulations aim to improve the educational framework within Newfoundland and Labrador by outlining the structure, roles, and responsibilities of the provincial advisory council.
To ensure comprehensive representation across the province, the Minister of Education is tasked with dividing Newfoundland and Labrador into no fewer than four and no more than seven distinct regions. This regional framework is critical for the effective operation of the advisory council, ensuring that the diverse educational needs of various areas are represented. The provincial advisory council is established with a minimum of nine and a maximum of fifteen members. The composition includes one member from each designated region, who must be a member of a school council, recommended by the chairs of the school councils, and appointed by the Minister. Additionally, there is one member from a French first-language school council, also recommended by the respective chairs and appointed by the Minister. Up to seven additional members may be appointed by the Minister, ensuring that these appointments do not exceed the total number of members from the regions.
The regulations mandate the appointment of a chairperson and vice-chairperson by the Minister, who are responsible for presiding over meetings and hold equal voting rights. The council has specific obligations to notify the Minister regarding various membership changes, including resignations, eligibility issues, and absences from meetings, which ensures transparency and accountability within the council. The council is required to meet at least three times a year, with additional meetings as deemed necessary by the chairperson. Minutes from these meetings must be documented and made available to the public upon request, fostering transparency in the council’s operations.
A majority of council members constitutes a quorum for meetings, allowing for decision-making even in the event of vacancies, thereby ensuring that the council can function effectively despite changes in membership. The council’s duties extend beyond those outlined in the Schools Act; it is mandated to provide advice to the Minister aimed at improving the quality of school programs, the learning environment, and student achievement. Furthermore, the council will facilitate communication and collaboration with school councils, allowing them to provide input and engage with organizations that address educational issues. In addition to the annual report required by the Transparency and Accountability Act, the provincial advisory council must submit additional reports to the Minister as requested, adhering to formats and timelines established by the Minister. This requirement ensures ongoing accountability and responsiveness to educational needs.
By establishing a structured and representative council, the regulations aim to foster collaboration and communication among various educational stakeholders, ultimately improving the quality of education across the province.
Newfoundland and Labrador (43/24) July 12, 2024