Board Chairs and Superintendents meet with Minister of Education

Minister of Education Shirley Bond

On Wednesday, April 23, the chairs of BC’s boards of education, along with school superintendents from across the province, met with Minister of Education Shirley Bond, Deputy Minister James Gorman, and ministry officials. The all-day meeting, held in Richmond, focused on the future, with three agenda items:

• Strengthening connections to enhance Aboriginal Education. Discussion centred on how Enhancement Agreements and the First Nations Education Act can strengthen connections and student achievement.
• Strengthening connections amongst educational partners. The discussion on this issue underscored the need for improved communication and collaboration among and between ministries, education partners and community partners.
• Strengthening connections with the public, where there is a tendency to focus on problem areas and often ignore the significant accomplishments of the BC educational system.

Wednesday’s meeting was the third such meeting of the ministry, boards and superintendents.

Also at the meeting, BCSTA’s new President, Connie Denesiuk presented Minister Bond with her signed copy of the Protocol of Recognition between the Government of British Columbia and the BC School Trustees Association on behalf of boards of education. The Protocol reaffirms the dual governance model of education in BC, and the role played by the Ministry of Education, boards of education and BCSTA in that model.

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Don’t forget the April 30 Tele-PD session on The Fourth “R” of Schooling – Relationships

This one-hour presentation by Dr. Shelley Hymel will address the ways that trustees can support efforts to embed relationship-building into curricula in their districts. Sign up here.

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Note from David Reycraft: It’s a wrap!

Tomorrow is my last day as Acting Director of Communications for BCSTA. Monday, April 28, will be the first day on the job for the new Director of Communications Carolyn Warner. I know that Carolyn is looking forward to her new job and will be spending the weekend learning the difference between BCCPAC, BCCT, BCPSEA, BCPVPA, BCSDSTA, BCSSA and BCTF. I’m still struggling with all those education acronyms!

Over the last year it has been a real pleasure for me to be part of BCSTA, an organization that supports such a dedicated group of citizens – the trustees of BC’s boards of education. My best wishes to all of you! – David Reycraft.

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