The last few months have been very busy for CSBA, and I am very proud of the work we are all doing collectively to support public education across the country.
A large focus for the CSBA has been national support and advocacy for governing school boards.
The relationships between governing school boards and provincial governments vary across the country, and we have been hearing from members and education partners in different provinces about their experiences. Most recently we heard from Paul Wozney, President of the Nova Scotia Teachers Union, and Adam Davies, a former school board member in Nova Scotia. They lent us their voices for presentations I’ve delivered to share experiences in public education since school boards were dissolved. They have major concerns about transparency, access to information, and the opportunity for community input. But the short story is, public education has not improved since governing boards were dissolved.
In May, members of the CSBA Board of Directors met in Ottawa and combined our meetings with time spent at Parliament Hill. We met with multiple Members of Parliament and Senators to discuss public education and democratic representation. Federal government links to education through their support and governance of various programs and initiatives, links to our shared communities and constituents, and commitment to strong democracy. While the delivery of education sits with the provincial government, federal government should, and does, have an interest. We were happy with these meetings and provided information on public education and the role of governing school boards. These messages on the importance of democratic representation in the administration of public education need to be consistent, and delivered to multiple audiences across the country, particularly with those portfolios most closely linked to education (youth, health, democratic institutions, and Indigenous affairs.
While it’s important to connect with politicians and senior government staff, the importance of connecting with our communities cannot be overlooked.
The CSBA continues to encourage school board trustees to meet with education and community partners to discuss how we can work together to best support students and highlight the positive contributions of school boards. We firmly believe there is a role for all of us to play in advocating for public education and supporting students.
Planning is well underway for the 2019 National Trustees Gathering on Indigenous Education and CSBA Congress in Toronto. Our hosts at the Ontario Public School Boards Association have been busy planning an exciting program for us, and we look forward to visiting Toronto for the conference. We have some wonderful keynote speakers lined up, including National Chief Perry Bellegarde at the Gathering, and Dr. Gabor Maté at the Congress. Please visit our website for the latest information and links to registration. This conference is an important time to come together to learn from field experts and our peers on issues related to education and governance.
During our May meeting, Dr. Paulette Tremblay, CEO, Assembly of First Nations provided an overview of the structure and the work of her organization. Dr. Tremblay reiterated the importance of public education and the need for ongoing support throughout Canada. We have advocated for three bills that will promote and protect Indigenous languages. We have also advocated with respect to national funding of supports for new Canadians attending our schools.
At the end of May I was pleased to attend the Fédération des commissions scolaires du Québec Annual General Meeting. I had the opportunity to speak about the work of CSBA, the importance of democratic community representation in public education, and the current climate in each province. I was joined by National School Boards Association Executive Director and CEO, Tom Gentzel who also spoke to the group. It was a fantastic gathering, and I thank the FCSQ for the invitation to attend and present.
I am very much looking forward to seeing you all at the upcoming Gathering and Congress in Toronto. Register before June 14 to take advantage of the Early Bird Fees! There is a lot to talk about, and I know that we can accomplish great things in support of students when we come together.
Yours in education,
Laurie French