Governing Board

Purpose

The governing board is a legally constituted body of representatives of the school community. Its purpose is to set the direction for the school by adopting an educational project, the school's budget and by approving various proposals from the principal. It's decisions must be in the students’ best interest. It is not responsible for the daily administration of the school and the staff, as these are the principal's responsibility.

Composition

The governing board is composed of an equal number of staff and parent representatives. In high schools, two student representatives are included in its composition. All are voting members. Two non-voting community representatives are appointed by the voting members. The principal takes part in the meetings but is not entitled to vote.

Establishment

The board is formed each year in September. The voting members are elected by their peers. The parents’ representatives have a two year mandate and to ensure continuity from year to year, only half of their seats are open for election each year. The seats reserved for staff representatives are distributed amongst the teachers, the non-teaching professional staff and the support staff. In elementary schools, one of the staff representatives is a member of the childcare staff. All of the parents’ seats must be filled each September in order for the governing board to operate. Otherwise, the principal assumes the powers and functions of the governing board.

Operation

The chair is elected from among the parents’ representatives.
The governing board must hold at least five meetings in the school year but may hold in-camera meetings to examine issues involving individuals.
The time, date and place of the meetings must be communicated to parents and staff.
The members adopt an operating budget as well as internal management rules.
Quorum for meetings requires that a majority of the members be present, including at least half of the parents’ representatives.
Decisions are by majority vote of the members present.
Minutes of the meetings are recorded and kept in a register by the principal.

Powers & Functions

Adopts the educational project and the school budget.
Approves proposals brought by the principal on matters such as the school’s success plan, the rules of conduct and safety measures, use of the school’s premises, student outings, program enhancements, the principles for setting the cost of consumables and user fees, etc.
Advises the school board on facilitating the operation of the school and on improving the organization of the services provided by the school board.
Decides on non-curriculum services to be provided to the community and may organize cultural, sporting or social activities.
May enter into an agreement with another educational institution of the school board to pool goods and services or to hold of joint activities
May solicit contributions from individuals or organizations to support school activities.

Message from the Chair

As GB Chair, I realize what an amazing team we have here at Lakeside Academy. We have a group of dedicated teachers and administration that put every ounce of their energy towards our children’s daily well being. They make it their responsibility to help the students discover their potential and to encourage them in the development of that goal.

The students at Lakeside Academy become active participants in the total learning process. They are challenged to get involved, to respect their role in their educational development and to respect their abilities.

As parents, we have our own potential to fulfill. It is important that we discover it and focus on achieving it. I am in the process of doing just that! I take Pride in Lakeside.

I extend an invitation to everybody to attend our Governing Board meetings. I set the proper atmosphere to get the work done while respecting each others’ difference of opinion for the best interest of every student attending our school.

Sincerely,

Anna Rossi

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