Sheelah Donahue—experienced, committed and ready to get to work for our students.
WHAT DOES THE SCHOOL BOARD DO?
The ROLE OF THE BOARD
Information From Board Policy 2, West Vancouver Schools
As the corporate body elected by the voters, the Board of Education is responsible for the development of goals and policies to guide the provision of educational services to students attending District schools and programs, in keeping with the requirements of government legislation and the interests of the electorate.
Selected Responsibilities
1. Approve local school calendars, in accordance with legislation.
2. Approve Board Authority Authorized Courses and Programs of Choice.
3. Hear appeals on the reconsideration of resource materials which are challenged.
4. Approve the naming of educational facilities and land.
5. Recognize students, staff and community members.
6. Approve school catchment areas.
7. Approve transportation service level changes.
8. Approve District partnerships.
Specific Areas of Responsibility
1. Accountability to Governments
The Board shall: 1.1 Act in accordance with all statutory requirements of federal and provincial legislation to implement educational standards and policies. 1.2 Perform Board functions required by governing legislation and existing Board policy.
2. Accountability to and Engagement of Community
The Board shall: 2.1 Make decisions that address the needs and demands of the entire District. 2.2 Establish processes and provide opportunities for community input. 2.3 Annually communicate the District Strategic Plan, and achievements of students and staff to the community. 2.4 Develop procedures for and hear appeals as required by statute and/or Board policy. 2.5 Provide for two-way communication between the Board and stakeholder groups. 2.6 Meet regularly with municipal governments and other educational/public service or business governing authorities to achieve educational ends. 2.7 Model a culture consistent with District interests.
3. Planning
The Board shall: 3.1 Provide overall direction for the District by establishing a vision, values and strategic directions to be addressed. 3.2 Develop and approve the District’s Strategic Plan. 3.3 Annually set District goals and communicate key results, aligned with the District’s Strategic Plan. 3.4 Monitor student outcomes 3.5 Annually evaluate the effectiveness of the District in achieving established goals and desired results.
4. Policy
The Board shall: 4.1 Identify the purpose and the criteria for a new policy. 4.2 Approve all policy statements. 4.3 Regularly review policies. 4.4 Delegate authority to the Superintendent.
5. Board/Superintendent Relations
The Board shall: 5.1 Select the Superintendent. 5.2 Provide the Superintendent with clear corporate direction. 5.3 Delegate in writing, administrative authority and identify responsibility subject to the provisions and restrictions in provincial legislation and regulations. 5.4 Evaluate the Superintendent and review compensation in accordance with the Superintendent’s contract. 5.5 Respect the authority of the Superintendent to carry out executive action and support the Superintendent’s actions which are exercised within the delegated discretionary powers of the position.
6. Political Advocacy
The Board shall: 6.1 Address external issues in a manner consistent with District interests. 6.2 Engage with British Columbia School Trustee Association and British Columbia Public Sector Employees’ Association on relevant issues. 6.3 Advance District positions and priorities through relevant provincial organizations and associations.
7. BoardDevelopment
The Board shall: 7.1 Regularly evaluate the Board’s effectiveness. 7.2 Develop a District Strategic Plan aligned with District priorities.
8. Fiscal Accountability
The Board shall: 8.1 Approve process and timelines for budget deliberations. 8.2 In collaboration with the Superintendent, identify assumptions and draft priorities for the creation of the annual budget. 8.3 Approve the annual budget which aligns with the Strategic Plan. 8.4 Annually approve the District’s facilities planning documents 8.5 Annually appoint or reappoint the auditor and approve the terms of engagement. 8.6 Review annually the audit report and management letter. 8.7 Provide direction regarding the mandate for local employee negotiations. 8.8 Make decisions regarding ratification of memoranda of agreement with bargaining units. 8.9 Approve the acquisition and disposition of District land and buildings. 8.10 Be informed of contracts awarded over one million dollars and approve contracts of over five million dollars.