Business Plan Halifax Regional Centre for Education - 2021-22 Business Plan
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Halifax Regional Centre for Education 2021-22 Business Plan
Issue Date: June 30, 2021
Business Plan
Halifax Regional Centre for Education
Document Status: ApprovedHalifax Regional Centre for Education 2021-22 Business Plan
Issue Date: June 30, 2021
Table of Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION AND PLANNING CONTEXT ........................................................................................3
2.0 MISSION .........................................................................................................................................................3
3.0 ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE ............................................................................................................4
4.0 PRIORITIES ................................................................................................................................................. 19
5.0 ANNUAL REPORT OF ACHIEVEMENTS FOR 2020-21 ..................................................................... 21
6.0 FINANCE AND OPERATIONS ................................................................................................................. 25
7.0 KEY FACTS ................................................................................................................................................. 26
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1.0 INTRODUCTION AND PLANNING CONTEXT
The Halifax Regional Centre for Education (HRCE) operates 135 schools serving approximately 53,000
students and employing 6,032 teachers and support. The HRCE shares a geographic boundary with the
Halifax Regional Municipality with schools located throughout the region serving urban, suburban and
rural populations. The student enrollment in the HRCE is growing with approximately 1,000 additional
students expected to enroll for the 2021-2022 school year.
The HRCE works in partnership with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
(EECD) to provide programming and services from pre-primary to grade 12. The regional centre strives to
address current and emerging student needs.
This business plan covers the period April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022. While the budget covers that time
frame, most, if not all, of the business plan priorities are intended to fall within the next school year,
September 2021 to June 2022.
In planning for 2021-2022, the Regional Executive Director of Education and the Senior Staff applied the
core beliefs of the Regional Student Success Plan (RSSP) adopted in November 2019. These beliefs are:
• All students can learn and achieve at high levels.
• All teachers can teach with precision and impact.
• All principals can effectively lead instruction and learning.
The RSSP complements school-based Student Success Plans and focuses efforts on the high leverage
strategy of collective professionalism to meet the needs of all students. The objective is to improve results
for all students in the areas of mathematics, literacy and well-being. This process aligns with the work of
other Regional Centres for Education, the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial and EECD, which provides
provincial coherence and alignment in public education.
The HRCE continues to see growth and success in many areas of its operations while managing within the
current fiscal reality of the province. The priorities outlined in this business plan (Sections 4.0) were
developed to build on this success while aligning with the recommendations defined above.
It must be noted that the business plan was developed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The unpredictable
impact of this pandemic on the operation of the HRCE and our schools could result in subsequent changes
to the priorities outlined in this plan.
2.0 MISSION
The mission statement of the HRCE is:
Providing a high-quality education for every student every day.
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3.0 ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
The Halifax Regional Centre for Education is led by the Regional Executive Director of Education (RED)
who reports directly to the Deputy Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development. Supporting
the work of the RED is a 10-person Senior Staff Team comprised of the following:
1. Senior Staff Advisor
2. Director, School Administration
3. Director, Programs and Student Services
4. Director, Human Resource Services
5. Director, Financial Services
6. Director, Operations Services
7. Coordinator, Communications
8. Regional Coordinator of African Canadian Education & Services
9. Regional Coordinator of Mi’kmaq Education & Services
10. Executive Administrative Assistant to the Regional Executive Director of Education
Members of Senior Staff have the collective responsibility to fulfill the mandate given to the regional
centres for education as outlined in Section 59 (2) of the Ministerial Education Act Regulations. These
responsibilities include:
(a) focus on the delivery of student programs and services as its primary responsibility;
(b) manage its affairs in a productive manner, including achieving timely results, and
demonstrating continuous improvement;
(c) be responsive to student, parent and community needs for program and service delivery, and
to the needs of school advisory councils;
(d) be accountable for quality education, decision-making and resources;
(e) be adaptable and flexible to address emerging needs.
To fulfill this mandate, the HRCE is comprised of six departments:
Office of the Regional Executive Director
The Office of the Regional Executive Director is responsible for the overall leadership and management of
the organization’s executive and corporate activities. Core functions are broadly described as follows:
• Performs the duties of the Regional Executive Director as prescribed under the Education Act and
Regulations.
• Leads Senior Staff and provides for the supervision of all activities related to the core functions in
all departments.
• Establishes annual objectives to address issues of planning, strategic leadership, staff development
and system improvement.
• Provides Communications Services as they relate to system goals, outcomes, issues identification,
and public support for education.
• Provides for the review and development of policy.
• Manages all matters relating to privacy and access (i.e. FOIPOP & PIIDPA).
• Undertakes all other duties as may be assigned by the Regional Executive Director.
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Financial Services
The Financial Services Department, through the office of the Director, is responsible for overall leadership
and management of the finance function of the HRCE, as well as administration of the EXCEL childcare
program. Core functions are broadly described as follows:
• Performs corporate accounting, payroll, financial reporting and regional accounting services
functions for the HRCE.
• Oversees the preparation of the HRCE’s annual business plan, budget (both General Fund and
Supplementary Fund) and year-end financial statements.
• Oversees the implementation of the HRCE’s policy and procedures for procurement.
• Administers the EXCEL childcare program that provides before and after school childcare services
for parents/guardians.
• Oversees administrative contracts and agreements on behalf of the HRCE.
• Undertakes all other duties as may be assigned by the Regional Executive Director.
Human Resource Services
The Human Resource Services Department, through the office of the Director, is responsible for overall
leadership and management of human resources within the HRCE, providing advice and support to ensure
that employees carry out their responsibilities in a safe and productive work environment that promotes
student learning. Core functions are broadly described as follows:
• Supports recruitment, screening, hiring and retention.
• Administers benefit and compensation plans, pension plans and insurance for all employees.
• Provides support and advice on job postings and applications, collective agreement interpretation
and leaves.
• Provides support and coaching through the performance appraisal process.
• Supports the HRCE’s commitment to fostering a safe and respectful workplace free from
harassment.
• Supports professional development.
• Facilitates preparation and maintenance of job descriptions, evaluation forms, personnel files and
other records pertaining to employees.
• Provides labour relations support through the administration and negotiation of the collective
agreements for four unionized groups.
• Provides support for services as mandated through the Human Rights Act, Trade Union Act and
Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Facilitates and supports employee recognition initiatives.
• Provides support to employees who are injured at work, facilitates return to work programs and
accommodations.
• Undertakes all other duties as may be assigned by the Regional Executive Director.
Operations Services
The Operations Services Department, through the office of the Director, is responsible for overall leadership
and management of the building operations, technology services, facility rentals, and student transportation
functions of the HRCE. Core functions are broadly described as follows:
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• Provides regulatory inspection, maintenance, repairs and custodial services to all schools, buildings
and grounds.
• Facilitates the planning, prioritizing, implementation and management of all short and long-term
capital-building requirements.
• Administers support services in the areas of information technology.
• Manages student transportation through contracted service providers.
• Administers the rental of school buildings to community users in partnership with the Halifax
Regional Municipality.
• Undertakes all other duties as may be assigned by the Regional Executive Director.
Program & Student Services
The Program & Student Services Department, through the office of the Director, is responsible for the
overall leadership in the delivery of the Public-School Program (PSP) from implementation to evaluation.
Core functions are broadly described as follows:
• In collaboration with the School Administration Department, provides leadership in improving
system, school and classroom practices so that all students can learn and achieve at high levels.
• In collaboration with the School Administration Department, leads the implementation of the
provincial Inclusive Education policy including supports, interventions and strategies designed to
improve student well-being and achievement.
• Provides leadership in the area of programs, student services, health promotion, technology
integration, and education and accountability as they relate to students.
• Provides for the delivery of special education student services under the provisions of legislation
and policies.
• In collaboration with the School Administration Department, provides leadership to and support of
the Student Success Planning process in support of student learning.
• Ensures the effectiveness of delivery processes of all programs and services for students.
• Coordinates provincial, national and international assessments of program and student
performance.
• Partners with post-secondary and community agencies to facilitate the transition of students beyond
public education and provides support in establishing other positive partnerships with the
community.
• Provides leadership on matters of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy, Diversity, Inclusion, Race
Relations, Cross Cultural Understanding and Human Rights (RCH) and Education for
Reconciliation as they relate to system goals and outcomes.
• Undertakes all other duties as may be assigned by the Regional Executive Director.
School Administration
The School Administration Department, through the office of the Director, is responsible for overall
leadership and management of school operations. Core functions are broadly described as follows:
• In collaboration with the Program and Student Services Department, provides leadership in
improving system, school and classroom practices so that all students can learn and achieve at high
levels.
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• In collaboration with the Program and Student Services Department, leads the implementation of
the provincial Inclusive Education policy including supports, interventions and strategies designed
to improve student well-being and achievement.
• Develops and implements policies and procedures to provide for the effective operation of schools.
• Responsible for the identification and allocation of all school staffing and resources.
• Supports school administrators with communication to parents/guardians and School Advisory
Councils on policies and procedures.
• Provides for the professional development, appointment and evaluation of principals and vice-
principals.
• Contributes to succession planning through the development and delivery of a leadership
development program for aspiring administrators.
• Develops and implements programs and resources to promote practices that provide for a safe,
orderly and supportive learning environment at each school site.
• In collaboration with the Program Department, provides leadership to and support of the Student
Success Planning process in support of student learning.
• Administers the International Services division of the HRCE which includes the Nova Scotia
International Students Program (NSISP).
• Supports students, parents/guardians and community members who require assistance beyond the
administration of the school.
• Administers the Student Information System and provides support to schools.
• Undertakes all other duties as may be assigned by the Regional Executive Director.
2021-2022 Halifax Regional Centre for Education Business Plan Page 7 Created on June 30, 2021Regional Executive
Director of Education
Financial Services Human Resource Services Office of the Regional Operations Services Program & Student
Department Department Executive Director Department Services
Department
Organizational structure as of August 1, 2021
2021-2022 Halifax Regional Centre for Education Business Plan Page 8 Created on June 30, 2021Office of the Regional
Executive Director of
Education
Regional Executive Director of
Education
Executive Administrative
*Senior Staff Advisor Assistant
Corporate Secretary/In‐ Coordinator,
House Legal Counsel Communications
Communications
Officer
For reporting purposes, the Corporate Secretary and the Coordinator, Communications report to the
Regional Executive Director of Education. In the day‐to‐day operations of the HRCE, the Senior Staff
Advisor provides direction to these staff members.
2021-2022 Halifax Regional Centre for Education Business Plan Page 9 Created on June 30, 2021Financial Services
Department
(1 of 2)
Director, Financial
Services
Coordinator, Financial
Services
Accounting & Purchasing Budget Regional Accounting Payroll
Manager Manager Services Manager Manager
Accounting Buyer Regional Accounting Payroll
Supervisor Services Specialist (3) Supervisor
Financial Budget
Analyst Analyst
Mail and Document Finance Clerk Finance Clerk Finance Clerk Finance Clerk Finance Clerk
Services Clerk Accounts Receivable Accounts Payable (2) Accounting / Purchasing Purchasing Payroll (6)
The department is supported by 1 Administrative Assistant.
2021-2022 Halifax Regional Centre for Education Business Plan Page 10 Created on June 30, 2021Financial Services
Department
(2 of 2)
Director, Financial
Services
EXCEL
Program
Coordinator
EXCEL
Manager
EXCEL
Recreation
Programmer (4)
Administrator (3) Registrar
Assistant
Registrar (2)
Program Team
Leaders and
Group Leaders
2021-2022 Halifax Regional Centre for Education Business Plan Page 11 Created on June 30, 2021Human Resource
Services Department
Director, Human
Resource Services
Coordinator HR Clerk
Human Resource Professional
Services Development
Client Services Workplace Compensation Labour
Health & Benefits Relations
Manager, Respectful Manager
HR Health & Abilities Compensation & Labour Relations
Recruitment Workplace Occupational Health
Manager (5) Manager Benefits Manager Consultant
Services Consultant & Safety
HRIS
Supervisor
HR AESOP Compensation &
Workplace Injury Health & Abilities
Administrator (5) Administrator Benefits
Specialist Specialist (2)
Administrator (2)
Central Office HR HR
Receptionist Clerk (2) Clerk
2021-2022 Halifax Regional Centre for Education Business Plan Page 12 Created on June 30, 2021Operations Services
Department
1 of 2
Director, Operations
Services
Coordinator Coordinator
Administrative Coordinator
Custodial Information
Assistant Transportation
Technology
Manager Manager
Manager Supervisor Communications
School VoIP & Network
Transportation (3) Specialist
Technology Infrastructure
Transportation
Support Speciallst
Web Developer
Router (3) DBA
(2)
Specialist Security /
Supervisor Specialist Wireless Supervisor
Communications
School Technology & Infrastructure Computer for
(2)
(4) (2) Schools Program
IT/Network
Building
Staffing Supervisor Supervisor Facilities Administrator, Helpdesk (11)
Management
(3) Rental Transportation (3)
Supervisor (8)
IT Specialist /
Support (17) The department is supported by 3 Administrative Assistants.
Caretakers /
Monitors
Custodians 2021-2022 Halifax Regional Centre for Education Business Plan Page 13 Created on June 30, 2021Operations Services
Department
2 of 2
Director, Operations
Services
Coordinator,
Maintenance and
Capital
Manager Manager Manager Manager
Capital Maintenance West Maintenance East Regulatory
(1) (1) Compliance
Planning & Project
Manager
Specialist
Energy
Supervisor
Operations Analyst Maintenance
Project Coordinator (4)
(1)
Trades
2021-2022 Halifax Regional Centre for Education Business Plan Page 14 Created on June 30, 2021Programs & System Services Department
(Elementary Achievement)
Director, Programs &
System Services
Administrative
(Elementary Administrative
Assistant
Assistant (2) Achievement)
Coordinator,
Elementary
Achievement
School Administration School Administration School Administration School Administration
School Administration
Supervisor Supervisor Supervisor Supervisor
Supervisor
Facilitator
Facilitator
School
Literacy P‐6*
Improvement
Principals Principals Principals Principals
Principals
Consultant Consultant Consultant Reading Recovery
TILT (3) Consultant Consultant Consultant Consultant Consultant Consultant Consultant
Literacy* Mathematics** Literacy* (6)
Literacy* Mathematics** Literacy* Mathematics** Literacy* Mathematics** Mathematics**
Coach Coach Coach Coach Coach Coach Coach Coach Coach Coach
Literacy (4) Mathematics (4) Literacy (3) Mathematics (4) Literacy (4) Mathematics (3) Literacy (4) Mathematics (3) Literacy (3) Mathematics (4)
SLC #1 SLC #2 SLC #3 SLC #4 SLC #5
*Dotted‐line reporting relationship to Facilitator Literacy
**Dotted‐line reporting relationship to Facilitator of Mathematics
2021-2022 Halifax Regional Centre for Education Business Plan Page 15 Created on June 30, 2021Programs & System Services Department
(Elementary Achievement)
Director, Programs &
System Services
(Elementary Administrative
Assistant
Achievement)
Coordinator, System
Services
International
Pre‐Primary Halifax Regional Arts Health Promotion Data Centre
Services
Facilitator Consultant, Data
Staffing
Halifax Regional Arts Program Manager, Project Manager,
Pre‐Primary Manager Principal International Services International Services
SIS Project Manager
Pre‐Primary Supervisor Pre‐Primary Supervisor Pre‐Primary Supervisor Pre‐Primary Supervisor Safe Schools SIS Con. (3)
Pre‐Primary
Assistant
Supervisor (3) Halifax Regional
Parent Navigators Nutritionist Leader Extra‐
Arts Health Promoter
(2) Curricular Sports
Facilitator (69.6 )
Pre=Primary
Administrator
Admin. Assistant
International
Student Services Coordinator,
Homestay
(7)
2021-2022 Halifax Regional Centre for Education Business Plan Page 16 Created on June 30, 2021Programs & System Services Department
(Secondary Achievement)
Director, Programs &
Student Services
Administrative (Secondary Administrative
Assistant (2) Assistant
Achievement)
Coordinator,
Secondary Regional Coordinator of Regional Coordinator of of
Achievement African Canadian Education Mi’Kmaq Education /
Services
School Administration School Administration School Administration
Supervisor Supervisor Supervisor
Facilitator, African
Facilitator Facilitator Facilitator Canadian Ed./Services
Mathematics (P‐12) Literacy (7‐12)* Curriculum (3)
Principals Principals Principals
Consultant French
Consultant Consultant Consultant Consultant English Youth Pathways Culturally Relevant Consultant,
Consultant Consultant Consultant Consultant EAL Second Language Mi’Kmaw Culture
Literacy* Mathematics** Literacy* Program 7‐12 Consultant Consultant, Pedagogy Specialist Mi’Kmaw
Mathematics** Literacy* Mathematics** 7‐12 (2)
& Language Coach
Education
Student Equity
Coach Coach Coach MMI Student
Coach Coach Coach Library Support ANS Student
Literacy (1) Mathematics (1) Support Workers
Literacy (1) Mathematics (1) Literacy (1) Mathematics (1) Specialist (2) Support Workers
(13)
(33)
SLC #6 SLC #7 SLC #8
*Dotted‐line reporting relationship to Facilitator Literacy
**Dotted‐line reporting relationship to Facilitator of Mathematics
2021-2022 Halifax Regional Centre for Education Business Plan Page 17 Created on June 30, 2021Programs & System Services Department
(Secondary Achievement)
Director, Programs &
Student Services
(Secondary Administrative
Administrative
Achievement) Assistant
Assistant (2)
Coordinator, Student
Administrative
Services Assistant (1)
Facilitator Facilitator Facilitator Facilitator
Student Services Student Services Student Services Student Services Schools Plus Leader
(Supports SLC 2 & 8) (Supports SLC 3 & 4) (Supports SLC 1 & 6) Administrative
(Supports SLC 5 & 7) (1) Assistant (1)
School Health Early Intervention Early Intervention Child Youth
Assistive Technology‐ Assistive Program Planning Applied Behaviour Behaviour Assistant Leaders
Partnership Nurse Autism Autism Specialist Practitioners
AAC Specialist (1) Technology Specialist (8) Analyst (1) Specialist (4) (24)
(4.5) Communication (4) (52)
Specialist (4) Specialist (4)
Clinical Lead SL‐P Clinical Lead Psych & Clinical Lead School
(1) Social Work (1) Counsellors (1)
Assistive Technology
Support Worker (10) Autism Specialist Behaviour Support IWK Mental Health
(8) Teachers (8) Clinicians (18)
School Based SLPs School Based Psych Learning
& Social Worker School Based
(44.5) Counsellors (130) Disabilities Team Early EI Autism OT
(52.7) (15) (1)
Schools Plus
Community
Outreach
Workers (47)
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4.0 PRIORITIES
HRCE’s Business Plan Priorities are anchored in the provincial Inclusive Education Policy and our
Regional Student Success Plan (RSSP). The plan focuses on system, school, and classroom practices to
meet the needs of all learners in the areas of mathematics, literacy and well-being.
Core belief of our RSSP:
• All students can learn and achieve at high levels.
• All teachers can teach with precision and impact.
• All principals can effectively lead instruction and learning.
The RSSP is the central focus of our collective work. A copy of the plan is located on HRCE’s website.
1. Supporting Student Learning
We are focused on results! To improve student achievement, the HRCE will:
1.1 Reorganize staff and resources in the Programs & Student Services and School Administration
departments.
1.2 Pilot the new provincial Teacher Growth and Evaluation Process.
2. Inclusion and Equity
We are committed to meeting the needs of all our students! To create opportunities for all students to
experience success, the HRCE will:
2.1 Develop a provincial accessibility plan in partnership with other RCEs and CSAP in accordance
with the Nova Scotia Accessibility Act.
2.2 Develop a plan for employee self-identification.
2.3 Recruit staff to expand support for inclusion and equity.
3. Student Well-being
We are prioritizing the well-being of our students! To improve the environment for learning, the HRCE
will:
3.1 Establish outdoor learning spaces at all HRCE elementary schools.
3.2 Support all capital projects, including renovations and new school construction.
3.3 Respond to growth in our communities by implementing short-term space strategies.
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4. Service to Families
We are working to improve the ways families navigate our system! To enhance communications and
increase responsiveness, the HRCE will:
4.1 Pilot an online registration process for the summer months.
4.2 Pilot Connect@HRCE, a model to provide service to families for transportation, summer
registration, and general inquiries.
4.3 Implement School Cash Online, a web-based payment platform.
4.4 Implement Intrado, a web-based platform of communications tools.
5. Provincial alignment
We are part of a unified system! To ensure coherence and alignment provincially, the HRCE will:
5.1 Implement the new provincial Student Protection Policy.
5.2 Participate in the development of a provincial body for oversight and governance related to
Fraud Risk Assessment.
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5.0 ANNUAL REPORT OF ACHIEVEMENTS FOR 2020-21
Priority 1 - Enrollment Growth: We are growing! To raise the bar and close the gap in a growing system,
HRCE priorities will include:
1.1 Supporting the provincial In September, 2020 Marine Drive Academy opened to students.
five-year Capital Plan
including renovations and Work on the new J.L. Isley High school continued and the building is
new school construction. on track to open in September 2021.
Design and site preparation work continued for the new Bedford
Ravines PP-8 & 9-12 schools. In addition, a school steering team
was formed and began meeting.
Work on the design for the new St. Joseph’s-Alexander progressed
and a plan made to relocate of the students and staff during
construction. A school steering team was established and began
meeting.
HRCE staff also completed a community consultation with the ESDH
and Gaetz Brook school communities to determine the configuration
of the new school planned for the Eastern Shore.
Throughout 2020-2021, Operations staff completed many capital
repairs. Examples include upgrading the heating system at Sackville
High, upgrading the electrical system at Springvale Elementary, and
replacing roofing at Nelson Whynder Elementary.
1.2 Implementing short-term Responding to short-term growth pressures, HRCE staff increased
strategies as needed, to our supply of portables by 21. Some of these were new (16) and
respond to growth in our others came from the AVRCE (5). All were installed at schools
communities. during the 2020-2021 school year.
Also, Beechville-Lakeside-Timberlea and Duc d’Anville received
modular additions totaling 14 classrooms and washroom facilities.
1.3 Designing, building, and A new site for BFEC’s Bedford campus was renovated and opened at
opening a new purpose-built the Bedford Place Mall as planned and on schedule.
location for our alternative
high school.
1.4 Opening a new grade 5/6 The former BFEC site on Rocky Lake Drive was renovated and
school for students in brought up to date for elementary education. Rocky Lake Elementary
Bedford. opened as planned and on schedule.
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Priority 2 - Pre-Primary Expansion: We are expanding! To support year four implementation of
the provincial pre-primary program, HRCE priorities will include:
2.1 Leading and implementing a The call for expressions of interest for Lead and Support ECE
strategy to staff pre-primary opportunities was posted from January 22, 2020 to May 15, 2020.
sites for all HRCE school These garnered almost 500 applications. Recruitment activities
communities. included a consistent social media presence, community outreach,
and radio advertisements.
The Pre-Primary team held more than 200 virtual interviews to
ensure staffing proceeded when in-person interviews were not
possible. As a result of these efforts, we were successful in hiring 130
new employees in advance of the 2020-21 school year. 38 addition
employees were hired through the fall.
In all, 165 of 165 vacancies were filled.
2.2 Renovating and In the final year of implementation, 31 schools opened Pre-Primary
reconfiguring spaces in Programs. The Operations team coordinated and completed all
schools to accommodate pre- necessary renovations and infrastructure changes as planned and on
primary classrooms. schedule.
2.3 Developing lease agreements Leasehold fit ups were managed by Operations Services at two
for off-site pre-primary locations, Kearney Lake Road and Appaloosa Run. These were
program spaces where completed as planned and on schedule.
necessary.
Priority 3 - Student Transportation: We are changing! To improve the student transportation
experience for families, HRCE priorities will include:
3.1 Implementing the new The provincial transportation policy was successfully implemented in
provincial Student September 2020.
Transportation Policy.
3.2 Implementing three new The new contracts were successfully implemented in September
contracts. 2020.
3.3 Implementing During the opening period (August through October), all incoming
communication strategies to communications were successfully handled by HRCE’s
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improve the experiences of transportation call centre, a temporary group incorporated into this
families. year’s work plan. No additional staff or resources were required.
Improvements to both internal and external communications,
continued as an area of focus throughout the remainder of the year.
Priority 4 - Organizing for Success: We are prioritizing learning! To raise the bar and close the
gap for all students, HRCE priorities will include:
4.1 Establishing an Accessibility With the support of the EECD, the HRCE is collaborating with the
Advisory Committee in other RCEs on an Advisory Committee.
accordance with NS
Accessibility Act.
4.2 Realigning resources to The Regional Accounting Services team provided an increased level
reduce non-instructional of support to principals and vice principals in managing school
responsibilities for school- resources during 2020-2021. Although in person visits were not
based leaders. possible, ongoing virtual meetings enabled the team to help with
financial reviews, planning and budgeting, and closing the fiscal year.
The hiring of three Building Management Supervisors and the
conversion of four Custodial Supervisor positions allowed Operations
staff to complete Hazard Assessments, Capital Planning, and Fire
Binder Administration at all HRCE school sites.
4.3 Developing and The Director of School Administration continued to allocate budgets
implementing new budget for each of the School Learning Communities (SLCs). As well, a
and tracking tools for shared number of grants previously maintained by the Program department,
resources allocated to were allocated directly to school instructional budgets. This change
schools. simplified the process for schools to access the funds.
4.4 Re-aligning resources to During the summer months of 2020, HRCE offered school registration
provide year-round service to for families. Approximately 1600 students made use of this service.
families
In addition, Schools Plus and Student Services specialists offered a
blended model of virtual and in-person supports to students and
families during the summer of 2020. This support consisted of 4 weeks
of virtual support and 4 weeks of in-person service including
workshops, small groups, and individual appointments.
Our 12-month Social Workers, Speech Language Pathologists, and
School Psychologists supported 135 individual students.
583 students from 118 different HRCE schools participated in virtual
summer workshops. In-person programming occurred at 8 elementary
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schools with a focus on transitioning to junior high for September
2020. 223 students participated in these in-person offerings.
4.5 Developing and piloting a HRCE staff worked with partners from two other regions and a team
technology-based teacher from Clevr to develop an online tool aligned with the provincial
appraisal tool aligned with teaching standards and appraisal process.
the provincial teaching
standards and new appraisal The pilot stage of the project was paused due to the pandemic but one
process. HRCE school, Millwood High, took the opportunity to use the tool
with a small number of term teachers. This early exploration provided
important preliminary input to the project.
Priority 5 - Provincial alignment: We are part of a unified system! To ensure coherence and
alignment provincially, HRCE priorities will include:
5.1 Participating in the HRCE staff implemented the new Transportation policy in September
development and and worked closely with the EECD on Year 1 implementation of the
implementation of new Inclusion policy.
provincial policies and
initiatives. HRCE staff sat on the PEPC committee and worked collaboratively on
policy development, reviews, and revisions. This year, the following
policies were rescinded:
• Student Advisors
• Home Schooling
• Information Sharing under the Youth Criminal Justice Act
• Religious Education in Schools
• Safe, Secure and Healthy Schools
• Policy Development and Review
HRCE staff implemented the new Fraud policy in January 2021.
Actions included the distribution of a one pager (Fraud Policy: Your
Role as an HRCE Employee) to all staff, a one-page summary to all
principals (Fraud Policy: Your Role & Responsibility), a review of the
policy by all school and central office staff, and the continuation of
Regional Accounting Services staff undertaking reviews of school
practices for policy compliance. All appropriate staff will complete the
provincial webinar on Fraud once it is available.
5.2 Implementing The Regional Executive Director of Education accepted a report from
recommendations from the the Director, Financial Services and the Senior Staff Advisor outlining
Fraud Risk Assessment the recommendations included in KPMG’s Fraud Risk Assessment
completed in April 2020 to report.
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better strengthen controls and The report included responses to and action plans for the identified
reduce fraud risk exposure. areas of potential fraud risk. The HRCE Fraud Risk Assessment
(FRA) Committee will re-assess these potential risks by December 31
2021.
The report also outlined the creation of a provincial body with
oversight responsibilities to a Fraud Risk Management Program. This
Committee would include all RCE/CSAP Finance Directors, as well as
provincial representatives.
6.0 FINANCE AND OPERATIONS
Key financial indicators
This section should provide the key financial indicators (see the following table), for the past two years and budget
targets for the upcoming year.
Key Financial Indicators
2020-21 Actual 2020-21 Forecast 2021-22 Budget
Revenue
Province of Nova Scotia 419,798,273 474,692,249 481,509,600
Government of Canada 480,869 600,027 539,000
Municipal Contributions 143,678,800 149,609,000 154,789,800
Other Revenues 17,833,174 10,038,751 17,172,100
School Generated/Based funds 13,836,236 3,700,542
Total Revenue 595,627,352 638,640,569 654,010,500
Expenditures
Office of the Regional Executive
1,314,401 979,472 1,194,200
Director
Financial Services 2,906,360 2,910,605 3,160,100
Human Resource Services 2,813,485 2,918,600 3,118,700
School Administration 446,962,773 470,858,800 480,910,400
Programs 31,436,582 30,747,313 40,235,500
Operational Services 79,259,706 97,155,317 95,137,200
Other Programs 17,511,974 26,290,523 30,254,400
School Generated/ Based Funds 13,662,009 3,984,013
Total Expenditures 595,867,290 635,844,643 654,010,500
Annual Operating Surplus (Deficit) -239,938 2,795,926 -
Opening Accumulated Surplus (Deficit) 12,703,389 12,463,451 15,259,377
Closing Accumulated Surplus (Deficit) 12,463,451 15,259,377 15,259,377
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7.0 KEY FACTS
Key Fact Category
Students September 30, 2019 September 30, 2020
Total Number of Students 50489 (P-12) 1293-PP 50676 (P-12) 24587-PP
Average Class Size P-2 20.5 19.9
Average Class Size 3-6 24.3 23.8
Average Class Size 7-9 23.5 23.8
Average Class Size 10-12 24.9 23.5
Total Number of Classes & Sections 3515 3543
Staff (FTEs) September 30, 2019 September 30, 2020
School based educators & Administration 3,708.5 3,795.6
School Based Non-Teaching Support 1054.8 1039.5
Programming Support 51.5 56.5
Non-Teaching Programming Support 70.0 69.0
Transportation 8.0 12.0
Property Services 352.7 394.2
Administration 93.0 98.0
Technology Support 35.0 35.0
Other Programs 243.0 398.0
Technology September 30, 2019 September 30, 2020
Students/Instructional Computer 1.5 1.26
Computers & Devices/Technician 985 1142
Property Services 2019 2020
Total School Sq. Ft.* 7,663,193 7,781,942
Sq. Ft./Student* 149.6 153.5
Private Operator Sq. Ft.* 690,809 690,809
Operating Costs** $42,712,602 $47,381,587
Operating Cost/Sq. Ft.** $5.57 6.09
Transportation 2019 2020
Total Buses on Regular Routes* 301 390
Total Spare Buses Operated* 48 53
Total Students Transported* 23,029 27,391
Total Student Transportation Cost** $22,513,794 $31,191,821
Total Cost/Student Transported** $977 $1139
Total number of bus runs daily* 1431 1742
Average number of students/bus run* 16.32 15.72
Cost/Unit – Contracted** $74,796 $79,979
Cost/Unit – RCE** N/A N/A
Total number of KM students transported* 3,527,092.60 3,937,992.49
Total number of KM buses traveled* 7,628,846.76 5,299,853.63
* As of June 30
**As of March 31
Definitions and Calculations:
Students (all based on Sept 30th statistics):
Total Number of Students: Sept. 30th Total Enrolment (funded & unfunded)
Average Class Size P-2
Average Class Size 3-6
Average Class Size 7-9
Average Class Size 10-12
Total Number of Classes & Sections
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Staff:
School based Educators and Administrators: Includes Teachers (including resource Teachers, Principals and
Vice Principals), School Admin staff, Guidance, Psychologists, etc.
School based Non-Teaching Support: Includes Education or Teaching Assistants, School Secretaries, etc.
Programming Support: School Administration Supervisors, Coordinators of school programing and school
services
Non- Teaching Programming Support: Secretaries, administration assistants and those positions not captured in
programming support
Transportation: Bus Drivers, Mechanics, and other related administration staff
Property Services: Custodians, Maintenance and Trades staff
Administration: Superintendents, Finance Staff, Human Resources Staff, Operations Staff, and other related
administration positions
Technology Support: Supervisors of School Technology, Networking Specialists, and other related IT support
positions
Other Programs: FTEs connected to programs including, but not limited to, international services programs,
before & after school programs, etc.
Technology:
Student/Instructional Computer: Ratio of Number of Students: Computers
Computers & Devices/Technician: Total Computers & Devices across RCE/CSAP/Technical Support FTEs
Property Service:
Total School Sq. Ft.: Total square footage of all schools operated by RCEs/CSAP (schools, P3,) excluding RCE
office, bus garages, maintenance buildings.
Sq. Ft. /Student: Total square footage from above divided by Sept. 30th unaudited student count
Private Operator Sq. Ft.: Total square footage of all P3 schools excluding net/net lease P3s
Operating Costs: Custodial, maintenance and utility costs for the previous fiscal year actuals. Includes repairs
and maintenance expenses funded in the annual profile sheet, does not include any major capital expenditures
(TCA) funded by the RCE/CSAP or by the department (TCA Major or repair funding over $150K)
Operating Costs/Sq. Ft.: Total op cost/Sq. Ft. of all schools maintained by RCE/CSAP including net/net P3s
Transportation:
Total Buses on Regular Routes: Total units operated on a daily basis by RCE
Total Spare Buses Operated: Total number of spare buses
Total Students Transported: All students transported – includes courtesy bused and privately conveyed
Total Student Transportation Cost: Actual from previous year
Total Cost/Student Transported: Total transportation audited actuals/total students transported
Total number of bus runs daily: Total of all regularly scheduled bus runs/day
Average number of students/bus run: Average of all students/number of daily bus runs
Cost/Unit – Contracted buses: Total transportation contract cost/all buses
Cost/Unit - RCE: Total transportation cost/all buses
Total number of KM students were transported: Total KM of all regular bus run driven while transporting
students on regular runs in a school year
Total number of KM buses traveled: Total KM of all regular bus runs, extra and co-curricular trips and transport
of buses to and from the various stops during the school year
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