Presidents Message
 Don Brown, President |
NLSBA Priorities and Goals
Our NLSBA is an organization created and directed by each of our provincial School Boards. While the purposes and guiding principles for the organization are clearly set out in our Constitution, the AGM has identified priorities for the coming year. These represent a further specification of our three over-arching goals: Advocacy for Public Education,Professional Development for School Board Trustees, and Fulfillment of our Mutual School Board Employer Responsibilities.
The priority issues for the coming year include School Board Autonomy, Improving Student Achievement, and Remuneration for School Board members. This latter point references the challenges of participating on School Boards which volunteer Trustees face with respect to travel, meeting participation, and so forth.
School Board Elections
On November 3, 2009, province wide School Board elections will take place. This immediate challenge will demand considerable planning and organization in the weeks ahead. Initial efforts are currently focusing on the development of a communication plan. The major thrust of this process will begin later in August. However, we do need to encourage on a personal basis, nominations for every electoral zone. In 2005 we were successful in accomplishing this for 60 of our 64 electoral ridings.
CSBA Congress 2010
Another mammoth highlight for the year ahead is the hosting of the Canadian School Boards National Congress in July, in St. John's. The attendance for this event will be in the vicinity of 450-500 School Board members from throughout Canada. A provincial planning committee consisting of the five School Board Chairs and Directors has been active for the past year. Led by the Western District with the support of our entire NLSBA delegation, CSBA 2009 in Halifax was a great kick-off for our 2010 Conference. Hats off to June Alteen and her committee and all the mummers for the tremendous promotion. I appreciate the encouragement support that we are currently receiving from every School Board for the 2010 event.
Orientation for New Trustees
Beyond action plan development and implementation on each of the foregoing items, a major objective will be the orientation of the newly elected School Boards and the initiation of our new Trustees. This will follow the November election.
My purpose in writing is to reach out to you on an individual basis and to invite your personal advice and assistance as we move forward.
NLSBA Board of Governors
Our first meeting of the NLSBA Board of Governors will be set for later this summer (2009), and at that time we will ensure that the ball is rolling on these various topics.
The NLSBA website and provincial office can provide elaboration and further information about the topics I have raised and any other related topic. I look forward to your advice and support.
Sincerely,
Don Brown, President
