OEA Inc. is a non-profit corporation responsible for the delivery of educational programs for 1,023 Kindergarten through Grade 12 students (Joe A Ross School on Opaskwayak) and the support of 150 post-secondary students at institutions throughout Canada and the United States. We have 150 full time employees.
OEA is governed through a board of directors that derive their authority through the Opaskwayak Cree Nation Chief and Council.
School board elections are held every two years. Five (5) band members from Opaskwayak Cree Nation are elected. Elections are normally held in November. Chief & Council of Opaskwayak Cree Nation also appoint two councillors to the board.
Organization of the Board
The board believes that its organizational structure and functions should be based on the following principles:
- Efficiency and consistency in the organization and conduct of meetings;
- Delegation of administrative authority to board-appointed officials;
- Input from parents and community members;
- Input from a wide range of legal and professional experts.
Board Organizational Meeting
The time and place of the first meeting of the board following an election should be clearly specified with regularly scheduled meetings thereafter (the third Tuesday of every month at 4:30 p.m. in the OEA Boardroom). OEA believes that all board members should be actively involved in the education process. In order to attain this involvement, the board will form sub-committees responsible for the review of selected aspects of the educational system.
Staff Ethics and Code of Conduct
The board expects its staff to conduct themselves in an ethical manner when dealing with students, parents, co-workers, officials, and the public.
All employees should keep in mind that they represent OEA. Their professional behavior should reflect favorable on OEA.
The board believes that the conduct and actions of its staff will be reflected in the behavior of students. Therefore, staff should set a good example for students.
Powers and Duties of the Board
Only the board as a unitary body can make policy or board decisions. Individual board members have no power or legal authority except as persons who vote at board meetings. The OEA board believes that its most important functions fall into the following categories:
P Policy making - the board should be responsible for developing policy and for employing a Director of Education who will carry out its policy;
P Educational program - The board should be responsible for making decisions about the scope and nature of the educational program;
P Financial - the board should be responsible for adopting a budget that will provide staff, buildings, materials, and equipment to carry out the educational program;
P Staffing and appraisal of staff - the board through the Director of Education should be responsible for employing the staff to carry out its educational policies and programs; for establishing salaries and terms and conditions of employment; and for appraising the effectiveness of its staff;
P School facilities - the board should be responsible for ensuring that adequate school accommodations are provided. It may purchase, lease, or acquire lands, buildings, or other property;
P Communications - the board should be responsible for ensuring that the local band members and OEA staff are kept informed about the school, its policies and its programs, and for keeping itself informed about the wishes of band members and OEA staff.