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