KB-P0 - Public Information Program

The Board recognizes that the school system is only as strong as the informed support of the people of the School Division.  It shall therefore provide information to the public by:

1. Declaring all regular Board meetings to be open to the public, except where legal, personnel, or negotiations matters are under discussion [ PSA 30(3)]  (See also BC, BCA, BD, BDA);

2. Issuing news releases on matters of policy, program, and fiscal concerns which it believes are important for public knowledge (See also BDD);

3. Having approved minutes distributed to schools and other organizations (see also BDC); and,

4. Attempting to keep employee groups, parents, community members, and the general public informed on the policies, programs, and plans of the School Division.

In addition, the Board is cognizant of the legal obligations placed upon it.  It will therefore also:

1. Publish a summary or a condensation of the annual financial report and state in the publication thereof that a copy of the audited financial report is available for inspection by any resident elector [PSA 41(1)(d)];

2. Make available for examination and inspection in the offices of the Secretary Treasurer’s department a copy of:

   1. The final budget for the current year or any year within the last five years as adopted by the Board and submitted to the Schools Finance Board, but excluding therefrom information that may be related directly to any individual employee or to any current negotiations in respect of employee remuneration or benefits; and

   2. The audited financial statements of the School Board for any year within the last five years [PSA 41(1)(e)];

   3. The Annual Compensation Report as required under the Public Sector Compensation Disclosure Act, 6(1).

3. Provide opportunity for consultation with school advisory councils or local school committees in the School Division before approving its annual budget [PSA 178(1)];

4. Provide to school advisory councils and local school committees any information that is reasonably necessary for their operation [PSA 41(1)(v)]; and,

5. On an annual basis, report to the residents of the School Division any results of assessments of the effectiveness of educational programs [PSA 41(1)(x)].