EPSB Governance
“The primary function of a school board is to establish, with the involvement of the community, the policies by which the schools are to be administered.” See the end of this article to see the wording of some of EPSB policies.
The following speech was given by Dale Hudjik to the Edmonton Public School board on December 8, 2009.
Mr. Chairman. EPSB’s policy CH.BP “Policy Development and Review”[1], the Board’s policy on policies, states: “Board policies establish direction and guide the desired operation of the Edmonton Public Schools. Policies reflect the values trustees bring as representatives of the community to a specific issue. In its interest to represent community values, the board welcomes the involvement of school, district and community members in the policy development process.”
As of November 1, 2009 there were 198 EPSB policies. 112 are labeled ‘AR’ administrative regulations. 84 are labeled ‘BP’ for “Board Policy”. 2 are labeled ‘BR’.
The policy with the oldest effective date is: JGB.AR “Utilization of Surplus Space in Schools”. JGB.AR “Utilization of Surplus Space in Schools”. It is dated July 1, 1983 and is marked “to be reviewed.”
EPSB’s policy on policies states: “Each policy statement shall be reviewed a minimum of every five (5) years.”
About 50% of all policies have elapsed review dates. 93 have issue dates before the year 2005 making their review overdue according to Board Policy.
Policy is an essential part of how a board provides leadership to an organization. Quoting from the Trustee Code of Ethics[2]: “The primary function of [a school] board is to establish the policies by which the schools are to be administered, and that the administration of the educational program and conduct of school business shall be left to the employed superintendent…”
Mr. Chairman. The primary function of a school board is to establish, with the involvement of the community, the policies by which the schools are to be administered.
Thank you,
[1] http://epsb.ca/policy/ch.bp.shtml
[2] http://www.epsb.ca/policy/asbaethics.pdf
This is not making the claim that all EPSB policies are ‘bad’ but look at some examples including a policy that is currently under review. We can, we must do better!
e.g. of the abstractness and terseness of some policies (all overdue for review)
The quantity and quality of homework that young students must do is controversial in Alberta. Read EPSB guidance to its administration on this topic…
HKB.BP “The board recognizes the value of homework that furthers students' learning in relation to the curriculum.” That’s it.
I don’t think this policy is a complete sentence…
INB.BP “The board believes that public schools should provide high quality instruction including those in kindergarten, at no direct cost to parents”
This policy could apply as equally to slate and chalk as to Facebook…
KA.BP “The board believes that the performance of all students and staff is enhanced through the appropriate use of technology.” (currently under review)