Decisions on N.S. school construction not supported by evidence: AG report

Nova Scotia’s auditor general, Kim Adair, has raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the province’s spending on school infrastructure. In a recent report, Adair highlighted the need for a more evidence-based decision-making process when it comes to major school projects, which are valued at a total of $2 billion.

Adair emphasized the importance of considering factors such as enrolment projections, modular and portable use, and upcoming housing developments in the planning of school projects. She pointed out that the current process lacks grounding in evidence and needs improvement to ensure that taxpayer money is being spent wisely.

One example cited in Adair’s report is the announcement of four new schools for the Halifax area in 2023. The Education Department justified these projects based on their proximity to new housing developments, but Adair noted that there were seven areas in Halifax with new housing developments, raising questions about how the selection was made.

The auditor general also expressed concern about the lack of answers and evidence to support decision-making in school capital planning. She highlighted instances where the province could not provide justification for its choices, leading to uncertainty about the rationale behind certain projects.

Adair’s report revealed that 30% of Nova Scotia’s schools are in poor condition, with 3% in critical condition. She emphasized the importance of assessing the condition of schools for planning purposes, even if they do not pose immediate safety risks.

Delays in school replacement projects were also highlighted in the report, including the case of St. Joseph’s-Alexander McKay school in Halifax, whose reopening has been repeatedly postponed. Adair warned that prolonged delays could result in schools that are no longer suitable for their communities and may lead to increased costs.

The issue of political influence in school capital planning was also addressed in the report. While improvements have been made since a previous review in 2016, Adair noted that there is still room for subjectivity and political influence in decision-making processes. She emphasized the need for a more objective and transparent approach to ensure that projects are selected based on merit rather than political considerations.

In response to the report, the province has accepted all six recommendations put forward by the auditor general. Education Minister Brendan Maguire stated that updates to the capital planning process are underway, with collaboration between the Education, Finance, and Public Works departments, as well as regional education centers and the French school board.

Overall, the report highlights the need for greater transparency, evidence-based decision-making, and accountability in Nova Scotia’s school infrastructure spending to ensure that taxpayer money is used effectively to benefit students and communities across the province.