Election of District Education Councils - May 2021
Make a difference - Get Elected!
The next election of District Education Councils will take place on May 10, 2021.
Your District Education Council (DEC) needs people who are dedicated and passionate about the education of students in your school district and across the province.
Candidates do not need previous experience - just a willingness to learn how DECs use policy and oversight to shape the future of education.
Learn more about the important and rewarding work of the DEC, and consider putting your name forward as a candidate in your community.
What is a District Education Council?
The Education Act gives authority and responsibilities to the DECs. DEC members provide local input and set the goals and directions for education in each school district.
DECs focus on the big picture, setting priorities and addressing the needs for education, performance and infrastructure for all schools. This is different than the Parent School Support Committees which provide advice to principals at the school level.
The DEC develops policies, monitors the performance of the district and sets priorities for education in the district.
The DEC only has authority when it is working as a team to create policies that set boundaries and direct the work of the superintendent.
Members connect with parents and community but do not have authority over principals, teachers or school employees.
Did you know…
The superintendent is the sole employee of the DEC.
Who is on the DEC?
School districts are divided into subdistricts to ensure that all urban and rural areas are represented on the DEC.
Districts have seven to thirteen subdistricts. One member is elected from each subdistrict.
The Minister will appoint a student representative to each DEC. Some districts also have representation from First Nations Communities.
Did you know…
A person elected or appointed to the DEC represents all the schools in the district.
Each subdistrict elects only one member, but every DEC member has a duty to all of the schools and students in their community.
What does a DEC do?
All DECs share the same responsibilities under the Education Act. Each DEC sets a meeting schedule and determines how to best work together.
One of the most important responsibilities is establishing a District Education Plan, which sets out the vision, mission, goal and values of the district.
The DEC is also responsible for:
- hiring and evaluating the superintendent;
- developing and adopting DEC policies;
- establishing and monitoring the annual district plan and district performance report;
- establishing and monitoring the district expenditure plan;
- monitoring student achievement;
- building community partnerships;
- setting priorities for infrastructure planning, including capital construction, school establishment and closures; and
- reviewing improvement plans and performance reports for each school.
Who is eligible to be a candidate in the DEC elections?
To qualify for election to the DEC, you must be:
- eligible to vote in the municipal election;
- a resident of the subdistrict;
- nominated by 10 parents of students enrolled in a school in the district.
Please note that Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and school district employees are not eligible for election to a DEC.
Did you know…
- You do not have to be a parent to vote in the elections or to run as a candidate for a DEC.
- Education is important to everyone.
- If there are no candidates from your community, the Minister will choose an individual from your community to serve on the DEC.
Deciding to be a candidate for the DEC
The following resources can help you make an informed decision about becoming a candidate:
When are the DEC elections?
DEC members are elected in conjunction with the municipal elections and serve a four-year term.
Candidates can contact Elections NB for information about nomination requirements and deadlines.
For More Information
District Websites
Education Act and Governance Structure Regulation
Articles 32-41 of the Education Act provide the structure, authorities and responsibilities of the DEC.
Information about election dates, subdistricts, nominations and candidates in your area.
Telephone: 1-800-308-2922
Education and Early Childhood Development
Learn more about DECs, districts, subdistricts and elections and other information about education in New Brunswick.
Department policies - DECs must operate within policies and a framework set by the provincial government. The following policies are recommended reading for individuals considering a position on a DEC:
- Policy 213 - Conflict of Interest;
- Policy 409 - Multiyear School Infrastructure Planning;
- Policy 703 - Positive Learning and Working Environment.
Telephone: 506-453-3678
Information about DECs and how they work with other partners in education to shape the future of education in New Brunswick.
Telephone: 1-877-331-3037