GUELPH – The Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) released four updated policy drafts for public consultation during the board meeting on Oct. 24.
These policies pertain to student fees, community use of schools, Indigenous education, and recruitment and selection.
Revising the Student Fees policy is an opportunity to “re-imagine how all students are offered the same or similar experiences while at the same time removing barriers and reducing costs for families,” according to a report from the UGDSB’s policy and priorities committee.
The revisions increase clarity and transparency on allowable student fees and change the policy’s name from Fees for Learning Materials and Activities to Student Fees.
The revisions clarify fees cannot be collected for “generic student fees.”
The draft policy also states “schools are no longer permitted to offer upgraded materials for a class at a cost to the student … all materials must be available to all students.”
There are additional examples of ineligible, as well as eligible fees in the revisions.
The draft states “the intent of this policy is not to reduce or cancel programs, sports or extra-curricular opportunities for students.”
The Fees for Learning Materials and Activities policy was adopted in 2011 and last updated in 2018.
Community Use of Schools
The Community Use of Schools policy was revised to include a statement specifying school and board activities take precedence over community use, with community use primarily occurring outside of school hours.
The policy applies to bookings inside school buildings as well as outside on school property.
A new clause states community use is unavailable when schools are closed for in-person learning and during school or board-related events.
The Community Use of E.L. Fox Auditorium has been merged with the Community Use of Schools policy.
Other revisions:
– safety and security;
– application process;
– definitions;
– general principles;
– program details;
– board’s responsibilities; and
– permit holder/designate’s responsibilities.
The revisions specify the policy also applies to staff using schools for non-school sponsored events.
The policy was adapted in 1990 and last updated in 2011.
Indigenous Education (First Nation, Métis, Inuit)
This new policy will merge the Indigenous Education policy and the First Nation, Métis, and Inuit Self-Identification Policy.
Revisions include updates to the policy statement and a statement about the option for students and families to self-identify as First Nation, Métis, or Inuit through a confidential and voluntary process.
“The collection of self-identification data allows the board to better support the achievement and well-being of Indigenous students,” the policy and priorities committee report states.
“Culturally specific initiatives, resources, programming and supports may be preferentially included in self-identified students’ classes.”
The policy was updated in consultation with the First Nation, Métis and Inuit Education Council.
The existing policies were last reviewed in April 2020 and May 2021.
The draft Recruitment and Selection policy includes directions on how to conduct “fair, consistent, transparent, inclusive and equitable” recruitment and selection processes, and “ensures the board is upholding requirements in applicable legislation and honouring collective agreements,” according to the policy and priorities committee.
The new policy is merging and replacing three policies:
– Pre-employment screening;
– Criminal Records Check/Offence Declaration; and
– Teacher Hiring Practices.
According to the policy and priorities committee, the new policy confirms the board’s commitment to “providing a safe and secure learning and working environment for students and staff” and “brings better focus and clarity to the recruitment and selection process.”
To view the draft policies or submit feedback visit ugdsb.ca/board/policy, or call 519-822-4420 ext. 544 to request printed copies. Public input is due by 4pm on Dec. 8.
