Navigating the New School Year in New Brunswick: An Interview with Superintendent Derek O’Brien

As the school year begins, students, parents, and educators are preparing for both challenges and opportunities. In a recent interview on Southwest Magazine, Derek O’Brien, Superintendent of the Anglophone South School District, discussed key goals, rising enrollment, policy changes, and more. 

Nathalie Sturgeon – Local Journalism Initiative

One of the district’s top priorities this year is improving student achievement. O’Brien emphasized a dual focus on fostering a sense of belonging in schools and enhancing academic performance.

“We’ve spent a lot of time working in our schools to help students feel that they belong, and we’re going to continue with those initiatives. But we’re really going to focus on achievement, which is what schools are fundamentally there to do,” O’Brien said.

In addition to creating a supportive learning environment, O’Brien pointed to numeracy, literacy, and second language learning as essential areas for student success.

“We want all of our students to thrive in their programs. For us, the key areas are numeracy, literacy, and second language learning,” he explained. These foundational skills are critical to helping students excel academically and later in their professional lives.

Managing Enrollment Growth and Overcrowding

The district is experiencing growth in enrollment, which presents both opportunities and challenges. O’Brien noted that the student population has risen from around 24,100 last year to an expected 24,500 or more this year.

While this growth is encouraging, it has also led to overcrowding in some schools. “In certain areas, we are facing challenges with student numbers because many of our schools are already full,” O’Brien said. The district is exploring ways to make better use of existing space to accommodate the increasing number of students.

Policy Changes: Cell Phones and Early Dismissal

This year brings two notable policy changes. The first is the full implementation of the province’s new cell phone policy. Although Anglophone South had already introduced similar policies, the provincial mandate offers additional support to teachers.

“We want teachers to have the flexibility to decide when a cell phone is a useful tool in the classroom,” O’Brien said, “but we also know that devices can be a significant distraction for learners.”

Another change is the adjustment of school hours for kindergarten to grade 2 students. Previously, these students were dismissed an hour earlier than their older peers. This year, their hours are being aligned with the rest of the student body.

“In other jurisdictions, kindergarten to grade 2 students have more instructional hours,” O’Brien explained, adding that the shift will give younger students more learning time.

Recruitment and Staffing Challenges

With the rise in student numbers, the district is working to address staffing shortages. O’Brien highlighted the need for more teachers and educational assistants, as well as bus drivers.

“We’re constantly recruiting new teachers and staff to meet the needs of our growing student body,” he said. “We’re also training new bus drivers and hope to be fully staffed in the coming months.”

Health and Safety Measures

As the fall season approaches, health concerns, including COVID-19, remain on the radar. O’Brien stressed the importance of good health practices within schools.

“We encourage families to practise the best health and safety measures as they come into our buildings each day,” he advised. The district is upgrading ventilation systems and working closely with public health officials to ensure a safe learning environment.