The three provincial school boards are funded by the province and govern the districts of Prince Edward Island (See Prince Edward Island District Administrative chart). Two are Anglophone and one is Francophone. An elected board of school trustees, one from each zone, assumes responsibility for governing each district school board. An administrative team of ministerial appointments to each school board provide resources for instruction, management of personnel, facilities and transportation.

At the school level, legislation sets parameters for the establishment of school advisory councils. Advisory councils have taken several different forms in order to accommodate varying local circumstances for school- level governance. For example a school council may either operate independently or act as a committee of the Home and School Association.

Education Act

The School Act for Prince Edward Island is listed under Chapter 35 and the Regulations under Chapter S-2. As listed in the 1997-98 Annual Report, "The mission of the department is to ensure high quality educational, cultural and recreational programs and services to all Islanders to promote their social and economic participation to the fullest of their potential, and enhance their well-being and quality of life."

Collective Agreements

Collective bargaining takes place at the provincial level with administrative representation from School Boards on behalf of each sector. In Prince Edward Island there are three Collective Agreements between the Department of Education and:

  • Prince Edward Island Teachers Federation;
  • P.E.I. Teachers Assistants; and
  • Canadian Union of Public Employees (non-Institutional employees - custodians and bus drivers.)

Public Education Overview and Learning Requirements

Free education programs and services are provided to Prince Edward Island students from kindergarten to grade twelve. Students who are age seven by 31 January must attend school until their sixteenth birthday.

EDUCATION ACTS

Public education in Canada is governed by provincial Education Acts, also known as School Acts. They are laws set by provincial governments to outline roles and responsibilities of those who are directly involved in the public education system. Education Acts are established to help meet education goals as listed in the mission statement of each provincial department of education. Generally, Education Acts define and outline the responsibilities of the Minister of Education and the Department of Education, School Boards, Schools. Advisory Councils, parents or guardians, and students. All decisions made in the public education system must meet the requirements listed in the provincial Education Act.