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Revised (Nov 20 2008)
Other ministries and agencies
School district staff and boards often deal with other ministries and agencies of government as well because districts operate such a wide range of programs that are central to a community’s needs. Youth services, special education, Aboriginal education and human rights and justice issues, early childhood education programs and adult education courses require districts to have effective relationships with ministries and agencies dealing with postsecondary, social services and health care. It is helpful if school trustees become familiar with the full spectrum of public services available to children in their community and the statutory duties different bodies have to ensure these services are delivered.
In an effort to support children with special needs and ensure all are properly supported, a cross-ministry framework that includes the Ministries of Education, Health and Children and Families was recently established. With it has come funding to support these students. CommunityLINK (Learning Includes Nutrition and Knowledge) provides funding to boards to support vulnerable students academically and socially. Funding is used for breakfast and lunch programs, inner city and community school programs, school-based support workers and counselling for at-risk children and youth.
The Ministry of Education has policy stating how LINK funding is to be used. Boards of education that take advantage of the funding are required to submit reports to the ministry on November 15 of each year.
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The Minister of Education
