Education Update, Joint Statement

10/19/2012

The Mohawk Council of Kahnaw�:ke (MCK) and the Kahnawake Combined Schools Committee (KCSC) wish to update the community on several issues regarding Kahnaw�:ke Education. Based on Mohawk Council Executive Directive #32/2012-2013, the MCK and KCSC have been working over recent weeks to formalize the new relationship and develop a joint workplan to resolve issues regarding education.

The MCK and KCSC have come to agreement on four key areas: 1) the establishment of a general joint workplan, 2) co-management of the joint workplan, 3) the appointment of an Interim Director of Education and, 4) the scheduling and co-chairing of a Community General Assembly on Education.

This joint workplan will be co-managed by a MCK-KCSC Working Group, with the co-Chairs assuming responsibility for working collaboratively to guide implementation. While work to address the constitution is underway in the workplan, the 1996 Constitution shall remain in effect until amendments are made and ratified. Details on the joint workplan will be made available to the public at www.kahnawake.com and www.kec.qc.com .

To ensure the administration and operations of the education system are stabilized and resume meeting student and staff needs, it is agreed that it is important to appoint an Interim Director of Education. Robin Delaronde, who has been serving as General Manager of Education to help fill the void in the absence of a Director of Education, will assume this position effective immediately. The arrangement will be re-evaluated on 8, Tsothohrk�:wa/January 2013.

The Community General Assembly on Education is being scheduled for Wednesday, 7, Kentenhk�:wa/November. A discussion on the constitution and the reaffirmation and/or selection of four general seats on the KCSC will be on the agenda. A formal agenda is planned to be released prior to the Assembly.

The Working Group continues to meet on an ongoing basis to advance work in resolving issues and strengthening the Kahnaw�:ke education system