Vancouver School Board (VSB) is seeking Parent/Guardian Feedback

VSB SEEKING INPUT re: STRATEGIC PLAN & LONG RANGE FACILITIES PLAN

They are asking for input and its critical for all our kids, especially in the current budget deficit environment, that we all provide feedback either in person or via online surveys.

The VSB is going to have to make some very tough decisions and they need our input for two key reasons:

1) Feedback and data helps them push back to the Ministry of Education - it's powerful info from parents/guardians, teaching staff and all concerned citizens. 

2) Parent/Guardian input across regional, cultural, community and socioeconomic perspectives helps the VSB make smart, strategic decisions for all our kids - they don't know what they don't know, until we tell them!

Strategic Plan (VSB 2021)

From January to March 2016, over 1000 people participated in Phase 1, titled "Exploring the Issues", the process to update the Strategic Plan.  Phase 2, titled “Setting Direction, Making Choices”, is now underway. It will create the core content of the new plan.

Four “key themes” have been drafted, along with a set of “directional statements” to ensure action on each - these are for your discussion and comment until May 6th. 

There are 2 ways to provide your input:

1) Online Survey

Available online ​until May 1. This short survey covers the same draft content (“key themes and directional statements”) as the guides offered above but does not go into deep discussion. Take the survey here (English, Chinese simplified & traditional available).

2) Workshop

​VSB is hosting a discussion-based workshop at Templeton Secondary School on Thursday, April 21 from 7 to 8:30 pm. Small-group discussions on the same “key themes and directional statements” will start promptly at 7:15 - don’t be late! See the workshop agenda here.

Long Range Facilities Plan (LRFP)

It's time to share your thoughts on the VSB Engagement Survey regarding the Long Range Facilities Plan (LRFP) which includes all things such as enrollment numbers, seismic upgrades, 95% capacity and school closures. Given the Provincial Budget and Education Funding, and the resulting VSB Shortfall, it's critical that we all give input and feedback to this process. The LRFP feeds into the VSB Strategic Plan for the next 6 years through to 2021 - it's all connected!

There are 2 ways to provide your input:

1) Online Survey
Take the survey here.

2) Open House/Workshops

There are two Open House/Workshops left to attend: Apr 24 River District Centre and April 30 at SFU World Art Centre - both are afternoon sessions. 

The Open House component will be one more opportunity for participants to drill down and share their thoughts. The Workshop will be 90 minutes, and will offer a chance to share detailed feedback in a group setting. There will be a briefing portion, questionS & answers followed by facilitated group discussions/listening sessions on seismic upgrades, temporary accommodation, closures, repurposing surplus spaces and new schools. You need only attend one of these sessions and it doesn't have to be the one closest to your school. 

The final event on May 8 is an Open House where the VSB will be sharing the report based on all input during March & April.