Alberta Legislature building (Lethbridge News Now)

By Justin Goulet

Bill 55

Proposed bill looks to have school superintendents college become regulatory body

Mar 9, 2021 | 4:34 PM

EDMONTON, AB – A new proposed bill aims to strengthen the kindergarten to Grade 12 education system in Alberta.

Bill 55, the College of Alberta School Superintendents Act, would make the college a legislated organization responsible for upholding the superintendent profession. That includes superintendents and deputy superintendents employed in public, separate or francophone school authorities.

“Superintendents play an important and unique role in making sure every student receives a high-quality education,” said Minister of Education Adriana LaGrange.

“Having an education system full of tremendously professional leaders will foster better outcomes for all students across our great province, which is something Alberta parents and students deserve.”

The province noted that the creation of the act comes as a result of engagement with education partners, include the college, the Alberta Teachers’ Association, Alberta Schools Boards Association, Association of Alberta Public Charter Schools, Association of Independent Schools and Colleges in Alberta, Association of School Business Officials of Alberta, and First Nations superintendents and education directors.

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The legislation introduced Tuesday builds on the province’s professional practice standards for superintendents as well as existing legislation governing other professional bodies in the K to 12 education sector, by ensuring leaders are skilled and competent in their professional practice.

Additionally, the college would be responsible for offering professional development to its members and setting learning requirements.

“CASS is thrilled with the opportunity to further define and elevate our profession with this legislation,” said Bevan Daverne, president of the College of Alberta School Superintendents (CASS).

“This will strengthen Alberta’s education system and provide better outcomes for our students.”

If passed, the College of Alberta School Superintendents Act will require amendments to the Education Act and other regulations to ensure enforcement.

The college will not assume union functions, take part in collective bargaining on behalf of its members or help in the negotiation process of employment contracts.

The proposed legislation explicitly clarifies that superintendents must respect the authority of the school board as their employer. The Minister of Education will no longer approve superintendent appointments. However, the guidelines on superintendent compensation will continue to apply.

Membership will be mandatory for superintendents, chief deputy superintendents, and eligible central office teacher leaders who are employed by a school board or francophone regional authority.

The college will hold an annual general meeting and submit a yearly report to the Minister of Education that will be tabled in the legislature. A public member will be appointed to the board of directors and two categories of membership will be created: regulated and non-regulated.

The province noted that given the number of changes that will be required to the college’s operational and governance structure, the proclamation date of the act is set for September 2021.

(Lethbridge News Now)