Re: Independent review of decision making processes
The board and administration of School District 8 agree that it is important to ensure our processes and programs are meeting the changing needs of our students and our community.
Although the board has elected not to pursue an independent review of decision making processes, as suggested by the Trafalgar Middle School parent advisory committee, we are committed to improving our communication and engagement with the communities we serve.
We are undertaking several initiatives that will help us in this regard.
As an example, we have extended invitations to each of the municipalities we serve to meet with their elected representatives. As well, we are in the process of reaching out to service groups, businesses, educational institutions, and other organizations that have a vested interest in the education of our children and youth.
Furthermore, we are in the process of developing community engagement committees within each family of schools in our district.
Each committee will be comprised of members who are involved such as trustees, principals, teachers, support staff, parents and students. Each committee will be responsible for organizing community engagement processes relevant to the unique context of each community.
The topics for discussion that will take place can include one suggested in the Trafalgar PAC’s letter, which was “an opportunity to identify two or three past efforts to work with their school, district staff, and/or the board of education which they feel were either successful or unsuccessful in engaging parents and the broader community to address key education issues.”
Through these processes, communities can provide input regarding expectations for students, requests for special programming, and contribute to the conversation about the changing needs of our students.
Each committee will also be responsible for reporting to the board on an annual basis regarding the outcomes of their engagement processes.
We believe these will be excellent conversations throughout our unique and large geographic district that will not only enable us to connect with our communities but also make sure that the community’s voice is heard and acknowledged in our education system.
Mel Joy
Chair, Board of Education, Kootenay Lake School District