The Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) accepted community feedback until Oct. 24 as part of its ongoing policy review process, aimed at ensuring its policies reflect community needs, align with legislation and support student well-being.
The WRDSB seeks community input on policies they are currently reviewing. Individuals interested in providing input, such as parents, teachers, students or concerned citizens, can provide feedback on specific policies through a form on the WRDSB website. Their input is considered by staff, the Board of Trustees and the Policy & Governance Standing Committee (PGSC).
“The staff, students, parents, caregivers, families, and community members are encouraged to share their feedback on policies currently under review,” Estefania Brandenstein, the Communications Officer at WRDSB, said. “This ensures our policies remain responsive to community needs, aligned with legislation and reflective of our Strategic Plan.”
The School Board sought public input on the following policies: G500 Director of Education Executive Limitations/Requirements, P1017 – Human Rights Policy, P2009 Board Advocacy, P3005 Expressions of Sympathy, P3008 Use of Board Resources During the Election Campaign, P4006 Parking on School Board Property, P4020 Naming and Renaming of Board Facilities and P6006 Adult and Continuing Education.
Input from parents and staff previously helped update the Human Rights Policy to better reflect students’ needs and ensure inclusive practices.
Policy revisions must be approved by the Board of Trustees and align with the WRDSB Strategic Plan and current legislation.
“Information gathered using this process helps inform and guide updates that strengthen our commitment to student achievement and well-being, enhance communications across the system and ensure our policies reflect the evolving needs of our schools and communities,” Scott Miller, director of education at the WRDSB, said.
After receiving community feedback, WRDSB staff review and revise the policies on the checklist. They will then share drafts with the committees for consultation, review the policy for additional input and send the drafts to the Leadership Council for final evaluation. The PGSC presents the draft policy at a Board meeting for approval before announcing the finalized policies on the WRDSB website.
Miller added that engaging the community is not a one-time event but an ongoing commitment.
“We continue to involve staff, students, parents and community members in policy consultations to ensure that our policies promote learning, inclusion and success for every student,” he said.
Parents and community members said the process provides a meaningful opportunity to contribute.
The WRDSB encourages all interested community members to remain engaged and watch for future consultation opportunities. The process demonstrates the board’s dedication to transparency, accountability and policies that support both student achievement and equitable access to education in Waterloo Region.
Through ongoing consultation and feedback, the WRDSB continues to strengthen policies that promote equitable access to education and foster safe, supportive learning environments for all students.
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