The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has completed the Provincial Advisory Council on Education (PACE) Regulations, which are now in force. PACE is a members-based advisory council that will inform government on topics related to the K-12 education system.

The Regulations outline key elements of the operations and membership makeup of the Council, including:

• Setting out the main duties and powers of PACE, including providing advice to the Minister regarding education related issues, and communicating and collaborating with school councils;
• Providing authority to the Minister to divide the province into regions for the purpose of ensuring representation from all areas of the province;
• Establishing a membership of nine to 15 members for PACE. A representative from the school council members of each region will be selected by the chairs of the school councils. One representative will be selected by the French First Language School councils’ chairs and up to seven members will be appointed through the Independent Appointments Commission (IAC) process.
• Allowing members of PACE to be appointed for a term of three years and be eligible for reappointment with a limit of not serving more than two consecutive terms.

PACE will provide a method for meaningful engagement between parents, community, school councils and the department. By having a close connection and establishing links with the school community, PACE will be able to directly reach school councils to gain a better understanding of the concerns and developments respecting K-12 education in a timely manner.

In 2022, as part of the plan to integrate the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District (NLESD), amendments were made to the Schools Act, 1997 to dissolve the NLESD and to make other necessary changes and updates to the legislation including establishing PACE.

Quotes
“The Provincial Advisory Council on Education will be an important mechanism to support schools and school councils in voicing their thoughts and concerns to our government. I look forward to working with the Council members to further strengthen the K-12 education system within Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

“The Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils is very pleased with the completion of the Provincial Advisory Council on Education Regulations. We are confident this new initiative will allow school councils to have a greater voice in shaping the educational future for our children. We look forward to being a part of this collaborative, progressive approach in advancing education in this province.”
Don Coombs
President, Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils

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