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S.M. 2013, c. 31

Bill 14, 3^rd Session, 40^th Legislature

The Education Administration Amendment and Public Schools Amendment Act (Parent Groups for Schools)

(Assented to December 5, 2013)

WHEREAS studies have shown that student achievement improves when parents play an active role in their children's education;

AND WHEREAS parent groups in local schools can play a supportive role in improving the education and well-being of children;

AND WHEREAS the Manitoba Association of Parent Councils ("MAPC") supports, promotes, and enhances meaningful involvement and participation of parents in education;

AND WHEREAS having the perspective of MAPC will assist the government in understanding issues that are important to parents;

THEREFORE HER MAJESTY, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, enacts as follows:

PART 1

THE EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION ACT

C.C.S.M. c. E10 amended

1

The Education Administration Act is amended by this Part.

2

Clause 4(1)(b.1) is amended by striking out "school advisory councils" and substituting "parent advisory councils and parent councils".

3

The following is added after section 4:

Recognition of MAPC

4.1(1)

For school divisions and school districts other than the francophone school division, the Manitoba Association of Parent Councils, Inc. ("MAPC") is recognized as the representative of school-based parent groups, including parent advisory councils and parent councils.

Minister and MAPC to meet annually

4.1(2)

The minister must meet with MAPC at least once every 12 months.

Minister may refer matter to MAPC

4.2

The minister may refer to MAPC a matter relating to parent involvement in schools. MAPC is to consider the matter and report to the minister its findings or recommendations.

PART 2

THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS ACT

C.C.S.M. c. P250 amended

4

The Public Schools Act is amended by this Part.

5

Subsection 41(1) is amended

(a) in subclause (b.3)(i), by adding "parent" after "school's"; and

(b) in clause (v), by striking out "school advisory councils" and substituting "parent advisory councils".

6

The following is added after section 55.1 and before the centred heading that follows it:

Consultation re annual school plan

55.2

In preparing the annual school plan for the school, the principal of a school must consult with the parent advisory council or school committee.

Information to parents re parent involvement

55.3(1)

At least annually, the principal of a school must provide parents with information about

(a) the role and function of a school-based parent group;

(b) if a school-based parent group has not been established at the school, the manner in which one may be established; and

(c) a parent's right to become a member of the school-based parent group at his or her child's school.

Interpretation: "school-based parent group"

55.3(2)

In subsection (1), a school-based parent group is, as the context requires, the parent advisory council, parent council or school committee.

7

Clause 58.6(f) is amended by striking out "an advisory council" and substituting "a parent advisory council, parent council".

8

Clause 178(1)(a) is amended by striking out "school advisory council" and substituting "parent advisory council".

PART 3

COMING INTO FORCE

Coming into force

9

This Act comes into force on the day it receives royal assent.