This release was issued under a previous government.
“I expect the elected members of all school boards across Alberta to act in the best interests of students. Over the past few weeks, it has become apparent that the board of Edmonton Catholic Schools must improve its practices. To ensure that happens, I have appointed a firm with extensive experience in improving board governance to assist Edmonton Catholic with its current issues.”
National Growth Partners, co-led by Donald Cummings, will work with Edmonton Catholic Schools and provide recommendations to improve overall board effectiveness. National Growth Partners has more than 30 years of experience in advising boards and they have helped transform organizations so they are better prepared to achieve their goals.
Cummings and his team will assist the board to restore relations and foster a working environment that will allow them to implement a policy that ensures transgender students are safe, welcome and free from discrimination in their schools.
“As a board, we want to move forward in a positive manner. We are all here for our students and recognize the need to work together on their behalf as we continue to provide strong Catholic education. We are thankful Minister Eggen is collaborating with us to solidify strong governance.”
This is the second time in Alberta that the Minister of Education has appointed an independent consultant to work with a board. Duties typically include providing feedback, advice and coaching to the board and making recommendations about the board’s procedures and practices.
The management firm’s costs will be split between Edmonton Catholic Schools and Alberta Education and the minister will be provided with progress updates in three months and again in six months.