Regina, Wednesday December 3, 2014 - Conseil scolaire fransaskois (CSF) -- Saskatchewan's Francophone School Board -- welcomes and is already implementing recommendations made by Provincial Auditor Judy Ferguson in her report tabled today. Over a year ago, CSF began a lenghty recovery process, requiring the implementation of improved financial management and governance practices. These practices are in line with the recommendations made by the Province's Auditor, says CSF Board Chair, André Denis :
"The provincial audit and collaboration with the Ministry of Education that ensued, have helped the CSF guide the Conseil des Écoles Fransaskoises" (CÉF) efforts to that end. The audit was useful. On behalf of the CSF, I wish to thank the Provincial Auditor Ms. Ferguson and her team for their approach, adapted to the French-speaking environment in which the CÉF conducts its day-to-day operations. Their patience, especially during the hectic September-October back-to-school period, were matched only by the collaboration and commitment of CÉF staff in supporting the Auditor and CÉF team needs."
CSF Board is proceeding with necessary adjustments to reflect the recommendations made by the Provincial Auditor. Here is the current status of the recommendations' implementation :
1. We recommend that the Board of Conseil scolaire fransaskois approve a written delegation of authorities setting out the authority of each staff involved in procurement decisions.
Response: The roles and authorities approval decision policy has been written and will be implemented as 2015 rolls in.
2. We recommend that the Board of Conseil scolaire fransaskois approve written policies for key financial management processes based on its assessment of financial risks.
Response: The school board is currently completing its policy on risk management and its implementation will occur as 2015 rolls in.
3. We recommend that the Board of Conseil scolaire fransaskois approve a comprehensive code of conduct and conflict-of-interest policy for Board members, management, and staff.
Response: A conflict of interest policy and code of conduct are at the draft stage. The policy will be implemented at the earliest opportunity.
4. We recommend that the Board of Conseil scolaire fransaskois monitor compliance with its code of conduct and conflict of interest policy and address identified conflicts of interest and violations of the code.
Response: The current code of conduct has been reviewed by the CÉF. Monitoring of the revised version is scheduled for deployment in spring 2015.
5. We recommend that the Board of Conseil scolaire fransaskois implement a development plan to address gaps between competencies required and those possessed by Board members.
Response: A preliminary questionnaire will identify individual differences and collective school board members' in key skills. A reflection (gaps and challenges) will be conducted during winter 2015, so to establish a training plan over the coming years. The plan will include training sessions with expert advisors, with priority emphasis on CÉF fiduciary management duties.
6. We recommend that the Board of Conseil scolaire fransaskois require systematic and regular performance evaluations of senior management.
Response: The Board confirms that an assessment of its executives was scheduled this year, even before the provincial audit event, and that it will be completed by June 2015.
7. We recommend that Conseil scolaire fransaskois document its strategy to manage its net debt.
Response: A debt repayment plan was put in place and a rigorous monitoring process is already adopted to achieve these goals.
8. We recommend that the Board of Conseil scolaire fransaskois implement a risk management process that requires the identification and written analysis of financial risks that impact Conseil scolaire fransaskois.
Response: Prior to the provincial audit, the CÉF had started to document its risks before making any decision, to mitigate them. The CÉF recognizes the importance of this process and will continue its efforts, in accordance with the policy on the matter.
9. We recommend that Conseil scolaire fransaskois maintain accurate and current forecasts of financial information within its financial records.
Response: The CÉF is fully aware of the importance of integrating the forecasts to its financial reports and started to insert them in its monthly financial statements. Forecasts and analyses will systematically be factored in to inform decision-making going forward.
10. We recommend that the Board of Conseil scolaire fransaskois use documented analysis to support significant decision items, including analysis of financial, strategic, and reputational implications of recommendations and alternative options.
Response: Detailed and documented analyses are already used in major decisions of the Board. The CÉF recognises the importance of supporting documentation to the decisions, in weighing and documenting their impact. This practice will be systematically maintained as an ongoing practice in the future.
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A first-language school today, a bilingual Francophone for life! - The Conseil des écoles fransaskoises (CÉF) is home to 1,900 preschool to Grade 12 students in 15 elementary and secondary schools across the province. Financed by the Ministry of Education, it is the only French as a first language school board in Saskatchewan.
Contact information:
Claude-Jean Harel
Communications Manager
306.527.4180
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