A Handbook for First Nation School Governing Authorities (Revised 2024)
This Handbook is focused on the governance of First Nation schools as one aspect of First Nations’ broader authority over education.
The FNESC and FNSA publication, A Handbook for First Nation School Governing Authorities (Updated 2024), shares information regarding various responsibilities of school governing authorities, considering the issues within the context of the unique opportunities and challenges associated with operating a First Nation school in British Columbia.
The information is meant to apply to a wide range of circumstances and it is presented in largely general terms. First Nations will express their own specific governance approaches in different ways, and the structures used to exercise governance will be culturally-based and implemented within the context of each First Nation’s principles and values. It is therefore expected that the information included within this Handbook will be considered and adapted to meet the unique needs of those who use it.
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SECTION ONE
Introduction: The Context for First Nation School Governance
1.1 First Nation Control of First Nation Education
1.2 BC First Nations Education System
1.3 Purpose Of This Handbook
SECTION TWO
A School Governing Authority’s Role and Responsibilities
2.1 The Importance of School Leadership
2.2 Governance Responsibilities
2.3 The Role of School Governing Authority Members
SECTION THREE
Why First Nations Establish Schools
3.1 Language and Culture Programming
3.2 Expecting High Levels of Learning for All Students
SECTION FOUR
Defining the School’s Vision, Mission and Strategic Direction
4.1 Establishing the School’s Vision, Mission, Values and Goals
4.2 Monitoring the Implementation of the Vision – Focusing on Results
4.3 Collecting and Using Meaningful Data to Monitor Success
SECTION FIVE
Working with the School Principal
5.1 Distinguishing the Leadership Roles of the School Governing Authority and the Principal
SECTION SIX
Advocating, Communicating and Working Collaboratively
6.1 Effective Collaboration and Communications
SECTION SEVEN
Financial Management Responsibilities
7.1 Setting the School Budget
SECTION EIGHT
School Governing Authority Policies
8.1 Attendance Policies
8.2 Information Technology Policies and Procedures
8.3 Record Keeping Policies
8.4 Student Reporting
8.5 Graduation Planning
SECTION NINE
Professional Development
9.1 School Governing Authority Development
9.2 Supporting Principal and Staff Professional Development Efforts
SECTION TEN
School Governing Authority Procedures
10.1 School Governing Authority Meetings
10.2 Leading the School Governing Authority Forward
APPENDICES
Conclusions
A School Governing Authority Self Evaluation
Common School Governing Authority Challenges – and Possible Solutions
School Governing Authority Sample Terms of Reference Outline
Summary
References
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