Back-to-basics approach to education

Bill Atwood

Observer Staff

IN ANNOUNCING BILL

98, THE Better Schools and Student Outcomes

Act, the Ministry of Education is looking to increase its oversight over school boards and bring in further regulations on how they operate.

The bill, which got second reading on Monday, focuses on five key areas: accountability and transparency, gover-

Act, also gives ministry more tools for accountability

nance and leadership, maximizing capital assets, teacher training and oversight, consistent information, and approaches to student learning.

The act would require school boards to report on progress and student outcome priorities and require them to be more financially transparent.

It would also give the minister more powers to strengthen financial accountability and transparency rules and limit school boards from participating in business activities depending on risk.

The bill would allow the ministry to establish a performance appraisal process for directors of education. It also permits the province to take → EDUCATION 6 unused lands from the school boards for other provincial projects such as affordable housing or long-term care homes.

The bill also aims to further protect students by expediting disciplinary

News tips

Email: newsroom@woolwichobserver.com

Online: observerxtra.com/tips

Woolwich council this week approved the closure of Mill Street in Elmira each summer. The blanket approval for the remainder of council’s term permits the installation of a patio from the Victoria Day weekend through to Labour Day.

With the sudden expulsion of MPP Michael Harris from the PC caucus earlier this month, the party opted to appoint its own candidate for Kitchener-Conestoga. Mike Harris Jr., who has no relation to the riding’s current MPP Michael Harris but is instead the son of the former Ontario premier Mike Harris. From the Apr. 26, 2018 edition of The Observer