COUNCIL OF ONTARIO DIRECTORS OF EDUCATION

THE PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF ONTARIO’S DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARDS

• To advocate for progressive and effective public education
• To provide the Ontario Ministry of Education with positive and accurate advice
• To communicate effectively with all senior educators in Ontario
• To provide members with a forum to discuss current issues and put forth positions
• To liaise with other professional organizations in Canada and in other countries
  

“A Professional Association”

The Council of Ontario Directors of Education, a Professional Association, represents all Chief Executive Officers of the seventy-two District School Boards in Ontario.

It is the common public voice of Senior School District Administrators working with Government and various Associations.

Background:

In 1991 the Council of Ontario Directors of Education was formed in response to calls to formalize the handling of emerging issues in provincial public education, to provide a method of networking and to represent the view of senior executives to the Ontario Ministry of Education.

The prime objective of the organization at its outset was to provide a means of communication for its members and to establish an open and positive relationship with the Minister of Education and the Deputy Minister. In order to make this happen effectively, the following program has been put in place:

• Regular monthly meetings with the Deputy Minister based on a common agenda.
• An annual conference in January.
• Position papers on significant issues
• Professional development sessions
• Liaison with affiliate organizations

Present Role:

CODE maintains a high level of activity working with various branches of the Ontario Ministry of Education as an advocate of boards and as a broker for numerous projects.

CODE operates a number of curriculum projects for the Ministry of Education and for various other organizations. (Code Activities)

Structure:

CODE is made up of six (6) Directors appointed by the Public District School Boards in Ontario, six (6) Directors appointed by the Catholic District School Boards and three (3) Directors appointed by the French language District School Boards. The organization also has an Executive Director.

The CODE Executive acts as a regular liaison for the Directors of the seventy-two Public, Catholic and French language District School Boards in Ontario. The Deputy Minister of Education consults frequently with this group and meets with them monthly. The executive operates by consensus and focuses on general issues affecting students and the operation of school boards.

The organization does not vote on issues, but works to consensus.

Minutes of meetings are circulated to all provincial members.

Current Activities:

• On-going discussions with Ministry of Education regarding the current labour situations
• Discussions with all provincial Trustee organizations
• Frequent representations for special education funding
• Recommendations regarding teacher recruitment and renewal
• Involvement in decisions on new technology for schools
• Development of resources for teachers to implement new curriculum
• Leadership programs for current and aspiring administrators