Thank you to everyone who participated in the public consultation on the proposed Community Engagement Policy and supporting procedures.

The consultation recorded 2,234 page visits and 366 survey responses, with participation from parents/caregivers, students, DDSB staff, and other community members. Overall, survey results showed broad support for the proposed policy direction, with 65% of respondents indicating that the policy reflects how DDSB should engage with the community and another 29% indicating that it partially reflects that direction.

What We Heard

Feedback received through the consultation reinforced the need for a consistent framework to guide community engagement across the DDSB. Participants emphasized the importance of:

  • clearly explaining when and why engagement will occur;
  • showing how community input is considered in decision-making; and
  • following up with participants after engagement activities are completed.

Some participants also shared frustration with previous engagement experiences, particularly when it was unclear how feedback was used or why a final decision was made.

How We Used Your Feedback

Based on the feedback received, targeted revisions were made to the policy and supporting procedures. These revisions strengthened the definition of “feedback loop” and clarified expectations for follow-up communication with participants after engagement activities.

The final policy and procedures also provide clearer guidance on identifying communities of interest, selecting appropriate engagement approaches, and ensuring engagement is planned in a transparent and proportionate way.

Final Outcome

The Community Engagement Policy and supporting procedures were approved by the Board of Trustees at the June 15, 2026 Board meeting.

The final approved documents are now in effect and are available for review on DDSB.ca. Copies of the final Engagement Policy and accompanying procedures can also be accessed in the document library to the right.

Thank you again to everyone who took the time to participate and help strengthen how DDSB engages with its communities.

This policy establishes a shared framework – a clear and consistent approach – for how the Board engages with students, families/caregivers, staff, and communities across the District.

Engagement at DDSB is grounded in a simple idea:

Not every decision requires engagement – but when it does, it should be meaningful, transparent, and purposeful.

At its core is a continuum of engagement — a common language and shared framework that helps clarify:

  • How the Board engages;
  • When engagement is appropriate, and
  • What participants can expect from the process.
  • The continuum includes four approaches:
  • Inform — sharing clear and accessible information to support understanding
  • Consult — seeking feedback before a decision is made
  • Involve — engaging participants in exploring issues so that community perspectives directly shape the matter at hand
  • Collaborate — working together to explore options or develop approaches where shared dialogue is appropriate

DDSB is committed to engagement that reflects its obligations to Indigenous rights, human rights, and accessibility.

This includes:

  • prioritizing the voices of those most directly or disproportionately affected
  • reducing barriers to participation
  • and recognizing that engagement with Indigenous rights holders may require distinct approaches grounded in relationships and respect