Nova Scotia families receiving more say in public school system

HALIFAX, N.S. — Families, students and school advisory councils (SACs) in Nova Scotia are receiving a bigger voice in the public school system after they asked the provincial government for more say.

The province is making changes to give families and communities a stronger say in school decisions, with SACs receiving increased support and funding to offer input into educational choices.

Families will now have better ways to connect with schools, regional centres for education (RCEs), and Conseil scolaire acadien provincial (CSAP).

Next year, school communities will see changes like a fund to allow SACs to apply for grants of up to $10,000 for projects and an annual conference for all SAC chairs to provide input on policies.

Additional changes will also see more opportunities for input into school fund allocation, including Healthy Schools Grants and increased representation of parents, guardians and the community on SACs.

Families can also take part in public engagement sessions led by regional executive directors held three times a year.

Parents will also be given better navigation within RCEs and CSAP for a better understanding of their goals and to answer their questions.

The government is also creating a new regional student advisory committee that will report directly to regional executive directors/superintendents on student experiences and more.

Additionally, a new regional advisory table, made up of SAC members, will be made to reflect the diversity of each region in Nova Scotia.