School Trustees have a duty to consult with various stakeholders, including caregivers, students, teachers, and the broader community. This consultation process is important for several reasons:
- Decision-Making: Trustees need input from stakeholders to make informed decisions about policies, budgets, and programs that affect students and schools.
- Transparency and Trust: Consulting stakeholders fosters transparency, which helps build trust between the School Board and the community.
- Diverse Perspectives: Consulting allows Trustees to understand diverse viewpoints and needs within the community, which can lead to more equitable and effective educational policies.
In SJASD, we use several methods to hear from our stakeholders. For the past two years, our Senior Administration Team has coordinated a forum for student voice. With the help of our School Principals, students from a variety of ages and backgrounds are invited to share their opinions and personal experiences. Careful thought is given so that even the quietest of voices has a platform to communicate their triumphs and challenges. These responses are used at all levels of decision-making in the Division, from the Board table to our schools.
The Board also consults with our Indigenous Advisory Council, which is made up of five Indigenous parents/guardians of students from across the Division. They act as a liaison between the Board and their respective school communities, alerting the Board of any issues affecting students' learning and well-being within our schools. They also provide guidance to the Board as it pertains to Indigenous education and achievement, helping us to evaluate if we are providing adequate support to Indigenous students, families, and educators. We are grateful for their commitment to the work of building an equitable educational environment.
All community members are invited to share their thoughts and opinions by attending one of our Community Consultations. When developing our Strategic Plan, we held Consultations throughout the Division that were well attended. Input received at these Consultations led to adaptions in the plan to address the needs of the community. This past October, a Budget Consultation was held to assist Trustees as we begin developing the budget for the next school year. We value your feedback and are open to hearing it at any time. Our contact information can be found on the SJASD website.
Overall, stakeholder consultation is essential for creating an inclusive, effective, and responsive educational system.
Sincerely,
Tara Smith, Vice Chair
School Trustee – East Ward
St. James-Assiniboia School Division
For more information on Trustee Smith, visit her bio.
