On January 21, Minister Hancock announced the appointment of an official trustee and an inquiry team in Northland School Division. The official trustee, Dr. Colin Kelly, replaced the 23 members of the Northland board, while the three-person inquiry team has been asked to examine how student outcomes and governance in the school district can be improved.
The official government news release notes that:
"My number one priority is that students are successful in school, so I'm taking action now to ensure positive changes occur for students today and in the future," said Dave Hancock, Minister of Education. "My goal is to help set the stage for new beginnings to build a more effective learning environment."
Under Section 42 of the School Act, the Minister of Education has the authority to appoint an Official Trustee when he considers it is in the public's best interests. Hancock concluded there is ample evidence indicating the Board and the jurisdiction are not functioning at a satisfactory level and showing no signs of improvement in the near future. In making this decision, Hancock noted concerns over student performance, achievement and high school completion as well an ongoing trend of high teacher and administrator turnover in the division as primary reasons for the action.
"I have given this course of action careful and serious consideration, and am disappointed at having to enforce this section of the School Act," added Hancock. "The bottom line is that the education of students is suffering and we can't risk losing a generation of young people."
Minister Hancock spoke at a press conference where he announced the decision. You can watch his opening remarks in the two videos below. (Our apologies for the delay in making these available.)
Important, complex and sensitive issue to which your response was strong and I hope will be well received when the results are in.
Good work again Dave.
Wendy Andrews