The staff of the Community-Operated Public School must also have a commitment to this alternative structure of education and must be able to serve the instructional needs of the students in innovative and effective ways. This commitment may require flexibility in class sizes, program delivery, working hours and salaries. The staff is also expected to contribute to the governance of the school, to help direct the education of the students and to have input in the drafting of contracts and agreements. Such a working environment is not attractive to all professional educators. However, the experiences of independent schools in the Maritimes and elsewhere and of charter schools in other jurisdictions indicate that a significant percentage of good teachers are attracted to locally governed schools.

Students

Students are the primary beneficiaries of school activities. The needs of students are paramount and all school programs, policies and procedures are designed to meet those needs in as equitable a manner as possible. In order to allow all students equal access to education, students are expected to conduct themselves in ways that respect the rights and safety of others. Students are encouraged to contribute to the quality of the learning environment and to the education experience. Students at the Community-Operated Public School have representation on the Board of Governors and through this empowerment they have a voice in the form of education that they receive.

Policies regarding student conduct, dress, discipline, etc. will be adjusted as needed but will commence with those policies currently in place. Students, teachers, parents and citizens will have opportunities to contribute to the design and adjustment of policies through the Board of Governors.

Student enrolment is calculated according to the number of school-age students living in the Margaree catchment area. If students from other school areas express interest in attending the Community-Operated Public School, their names will be retained until the local enrolment falls below the maximum school capacity. Then, in consultation with the Strait Regional School Board, the Board of Governors will determine a fair way of selecting from among the applicants.