An equitable educational future is a vision for the Hastings Prince Edward District School Board.

The public board of trustees approved a new five-year strategic plan for 2020 to 2025, entitled “Learning Together” at its regular meeting Monday evening, committing itself to inclusivity and acceptance within the school system and student improvement and celebration of achievement.

HPEDSB Director of Education Sean Monteith described the plan as a “roadmap” to where the board intends to go after identifying its needs, determining its priorities and establishing clear and achievable markers for success.

He added that however much the previous strategic plans have impacted school communities or how effective they have been, the board is “taking a public stance” with this new plan in committing to the principles of equity and constant improvement.

“The board will commit itself to be a restorative and healing organization, not a punitive or disciplinary major organization,” Monteith stated.

“We will commit ourselves to inclusion, providing equity and an open door to anyone and everyone. Whether a child is straight, queer, gay, a child of colour, in poverty, or lives in an environment that lacks care and safety, we will commit to being there for you.”

The Director added the board will provide support for children and families who have been severely impacted by past trauma, along with the commitment of reconciliation.

“As far as I’m concerned, as a director who has been part of many strategic plans, this is not just a good strategic plan, it’s probably the best I’ve been a part of.”

“It represents a new beginning and it represents hope for so many kids and families.”

The plan has been in development since December 2019, when community input was invited. Since then, the Board of Trustees and senior staff have completed extensive research and consultation.

From that, the board came up with the following goals and objectives;

Improve Student Success and Achievement
Foster a Culture of Excellence and High Expectations
Promote Safety and Well-Being
Strengthen Community through Equity and Social Justice
Ensure Responsible Communication

The signing off of this new plan was applauded by trustees as a clear, impactful road forward for the board.

A visibly moved Alison Kelly described the process as being very “respectful and kind” and said she benefited from learning from every trustee’s lived experiences in creating the plan.

“I think this will change lives. I think kids who have felt that we haven’t seen them for a long time will be seen,” Kelly noted.

“What I’m most excited about with this plan, is that it involves everyone,” she continued.

“It’s not just the adults (on staff) and the kids, but the parents, community members, agencies and siblings. Everyone has a real stake in creating something really fantastic, that as I said, will change lives.”

Fellow trustee Jennifer Cobb praised the importance of including data tracking in the plan, to monitor instances of trauma and assault within the school system.

The current 2015 to 2020 strategic plan document “Possibilities today and tomorrow,” expires at the end of this year.