July 29, 2016
Manitoba Government Receives Final Report from Winnipeg School Division in Response to Governance Review
– – –Third-party Review to Ensure Ongoing Openness, Transparency: Wishart
Education and Training Minister Ian Wishart met with trustees from Winnipeg School Division (WSD) yesterday to discuss shared priorities in education
“I was pleased to have constructive discussions with Winnipeg School Division trustees about the future of public education in Manitoba,” said Wishart. “While the school division has made progress in improving transparency and accountability, in accordance with established departmental practices, we will be seeking an independent third party to audit board policies, bylaws and practices as they pertain to the recommendations in the Wiens report.”
In order to further support the public’s confidence in the governance of WSD, the province will be seeking an independent third party to complete the review in early 2017, with a report to follow, the minister noted.
“Manitoba’s new government was elected on a mandate to ensure openness and transparency, not only in government but throughout partner organizations that deliver important services Manitobans rely on,” said Wishart. “We look forward to working in partnership with Winnipeg School Division and all school divisions to find innovative ways to improve public education in Manitoba.”
“We are proud of the continued work of WSD trustees and administration to make our organization the most open, accountable and transparent school division in the province,” said Mark Wasyliw, chair, board of trustees, Winnipeg School Division. “We look forward to an outside review and are confident in the outcome. We want to thank the government for its assistance in this matter and look forward to concluding this process.”
A review was requested by the province in 2015 in response to public concerns about the level of transparency and accountability in some of the school board’s practices. It was conducted by Dr. John Wiens, dean emeritus and a professor in the faculty of education at the University of Manitoba.
The Winnipeg School Division Governance Review is available online at: www.edu.gov.mb.ca/edu/docs/index.html.
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