board policy

POLICY:
The Board recognizes its obligation, consistent with the School Act and relevant provincial legislation, to provide an educational program for all students of school age.  It is the goal of the Board to offer programs promoting excellence in instruction and optimal achievement for all students.   

The Board recognizes that there may be staff, parental and/or student interest in having the district make available District, school or program options with a particular philosophy, service delivery model, or focus.  The Board of School Trustees believes that full consideration should be given to educational options for students where these options are sound and sustainable, and where the options clearly enhance educational opportunities available to students. 

For the purposes of this policy, the term “options” refers to programs within a school, or entire school, or District programs, based on alternative educational models.   Examples of such programs or models include Wildflower and French Immersion.

REGULATIONS: SCHOOLS AND PROGRAMS OF CHOICE

1.    Any group/individual wishing to present a proposal will be expected to present the proposal in writing to the Board.  The group/individual, shall have the opportunity of meeting directly with the Board with regard to the proposal which contains a clear rationale for the program as well as:          

1.1.     a mission statement accompanied by the goals and objectives of the program;

1.2.     a statement which sets out the educational soundness of the program including how the proposal is distinct from existing educational programs or fills a particular educational need not currently offered in the District;

1.3.     a clear indication of the intended school population to be served including age, grade levels, learner characteristics, and the number of students to be served including the neighbourhood communities;

1.4.     a clear understanding of the qualifications and nature of professional staff, and  support staff required to offer the program;

1.5.     a clear understanding of the requirements of the Collective Agreements with CUPE and the KLTF;

1.6.     a clear understanding of the facilities required to offer the program, both immediate and long term;

1.7.     costs involved in putting the program in place and the source of funding;

1.8.     evidence of community support for the program which indicates the parents have an understanding of the proposal and have or will have children who will enroll in the program;

1.9.     how students register for the program; and,

1.10.   evidence of such programs’ success if they are operating in other school districts. 

2.   With regard to any Board-approved option, the Board will not generally provide a level of funding exceeding that which would normally be provided to that school or program.

3.   The Board shall make reasonable efforts to provide information that may be required by groups/individuals in the preparation of proposals.

4.   Following the Board’s receipt of a proposal, the Superintendent of Schools shall provide a written review and evaluation of the proposal.  This review shall include an analysis of:

4.1    staffing/human resource requirements;

4.2    facilities, both interim and long term;

4.3    curriculum development and implementation;

4.4    sources of funding/revenue including government, private, or corporate services and any obligations of the Board in the event outside funds are provided;

4.5    a proposed implementation timeline; and,

4.6    the impact of implementing the proposal on other District schools.

5.   Approval of any educational option will be specific to one location unless otherwise stipulated by the Board.

6.   The final decision with respect to all proposals rests with the Board of School Trustees. With respect to proposals referred to the Board, the Board may:

6.1      Grant approval;

6.2      Grant approval with particular conditions;

6.3      Reject the proposal;

6.4      Locate the program in a particular school or facility; or,

6.5      Refer the proposal back to the applicant group or individual for further work (to be specified by the Board).

7.   The Board will provide to the applicant group/individual, any reasons for rejection of a proposal.

8.   Subsequent to approving an option, or following implementation of an option, the Board may at any time in the current school year or in a future year, review the option to determine whether or under what conditions the option will continue to be approved.