Inuvik (Feb 28/03) - The new members of the education council met in Inuvik last week to learn the process and discuss present and future plans for the Delta schools.

The newly elected members of the Beaufort Delta Education Council (BDEC) elected a new executive.

The new executive are Alex Illasiak from Aklavik as board chair, Liz Hansen of Inuvik as vice-chair and Jean Ekpakohak of Holman as member at large.

The board also had regular community reports and took in a workshop hosted by Chuck Tolley, former director of board operations for the Department of Education.

Tolley reviewed the history of NWT education, the roles and responsibilities of the elected officials, the Education Act and Robert Rules of Order.

Tolley said there are some points that most new boards need to understand and some weak points that existing boards need to review.

"The board has so much more potential to become more involved in running the school system," Tolley said. "

They have to understand what their duties and powers are."

He said the boards can play a stronger role in setting policy and direction for the schools and strengthen areas of budgeting to better reflect the wants and needs of the region.

While the BDEC has many new members, Tolley said, there are some veterans here who already know the ropes, who will serve the new members well.

"They have people here, who have seen the evolution of the education process," he said.

One of the major concerns with the BDEC has been an inability to communicate directly with Jake Ootes, Minster of Education, Culture and Employment.

In recent months that has taken a change for the better.

"One of the very positive things is the working relationship that the board has with the minister now," Tolley said.

"They meet with the minister several times a year now."

"That's a significant move forward."

He sees a greater need for the further development of the individual DEAs to reflect the common needs of the communities to the BDEC, as well as more and better partnerships with individuals outside the education system.

"There are so many people who are interested in willing to be involved," he said.

Under the act the DEC has a responsibility to students from kindergarten to Grade 12, he says they should be thinking in broader, more inclusive terms, to benefit the schools and the people outside the schools.

"That doesn't make for a system that's doing the best it can," Tolley said.

"I think you have to look at it right from cradle to grave."