P.E.I. Learning Partners Advisory Council founding members announced

The members of the new Learning Partners Advisory Council, a group that will advise the P.E.I. government on key education issues and policies, were announced by the province Thursday.

The council's work will be broader than matters affecting just kindergarten to Grade 12. It will look at everything from early years learning to preparing people who are ready for the workforce.

Premier Wade MacLauchlan will serve as co-chair alongside Bill Whelan, a UPEI researcher and former president of the P.E.I. Home and School Federation.

"We sincerely appreciate the willingness of the founding members to devote their expertise, time and insights to advancing educational excellence in our province," said MacLauchlan in a news release.

The other 20 members are a mix of community and education leaders from across the province.

More than 100 applicants responded when the province put out a call in the fall for people interested in serving on the new council.

"The strong public response to our call for engagement emphasizes the significance of the council's work," said Whelan.

The inaugural members will serve for terms of two or three years, allowing other interested Islanders to serve on the Council and offer new ideas and approaches.

In November, the province announced sweeping changes to the education system including the creation of the Learning Partners Advisory Council, Family of Schools District Advisory Councils and the Principals Council.

The councils will hold their first meetings in early February.

The province is also integrating the functions of the English Language School Board into the Department of Education, Early Learning and Culture.