Gathering your feedback

Part of our strategic planning process involved engaging with staff, students, and families to gather their thoughts on what we should prioritize over the next five years. We did so through a combination of engagement methods with various groups:

  • Internal survey
    • Conducted with Board of Education trustees and the district’s nine Directors of Instruction (nine responses).
  • Community survey
    • Conducted with students, families/caregivers, teachers/education assistants, and staff (302 responses).
  • Focus groups (four sessions)
    • Conducted with students (12 participants), families/caregivers (eight participants), and teachers/education assistants (seven participants).
  • Public town hall
    • Shared and discussed emerging findings with the broader community.
  • One-on-one interviews (10 sessions)
    • Conducted with district leadership, staff, and external partners:
      • District executive director of human resources
      • Principals and vice-principals
      • District vice principal of diversity, equity, and inclusion
      • Child care and early learning
      • Inclusive education
      • New Westminster Teachers’ Union (NWTU)
      • Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE)
      • MOSAIC
      • Community projects and partnerships
      • English language learner facilitators

Survey highlights

A breakdown of survey respondents with the top three responses coming from elementary school families and caregivers followed by secondary school families and caregivers, followed by district teachers and education assistants.
A bar graph showing overall satisfaction of the quality of education in the district. On a scale of 1-5, the average was 3.41 with the majority of respondents answering with a three or a four.
A bar graph showing how respondents felt about the level of support shown by the district. On a scale of 1-5, the average was 3.62 with the majority choosing three and four.
A bar graph showing a ranking of the district's core strengths as determined by survey respondents. Respondents believe the districts biggest strength lies in its communication with families and inclusive learning.
A bar graph showing how respondents feel the district is doing in supporting reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion. On a scale of 1-5, average was 3.8 across all four areas.
A bar graph showing how respondents rate the district's role in preparing students for future success. On a scale of 1-5, the average ranking is 3.29 with the majority selecting three or four.
A bar graph showing what respondents think the district should improve on in the next five years. The top three area as school facilities, academic support and resources, and extracurricular activities.
A bar graph outlining the learning community's top priorities according to the survey. The top three areas are student learning and engagement, staff recruitment, development, and retention, and innovation and curriculum development.

Top overall priorities

  • Expand school capacity:
    • Secure funding and land for new schools to address overcrowding and ensure equitable access to facilities for all students.
  • Strengthen mental health supports:
    • Increase access to counselors, trauma-informed programs, and wellness resources to support students鈥� and staff鈥檚 mental health needs.
  • Enhance staffing strategies:
    • Recruit, retain, and support qualified educators and staff to address shortages and improve student outcomes.
  • Advance equity and inclusion:
    • Implement systemic changes to ensure equitable access to resources, culturally responsive education, and inclusive practices for all students.
  • Foster strong community partnerships:
    • Collaborate with community organizations, businesses, and post-secondary institutions to enhance learning opportunities and wraparound supports.
  • Strengthen organizational sustainability:
    • Develop sustainable systems and succession plans to ensure operational efficiency, leadership continuity, and resilience during growth.
  • Invest in early learning:
    • Expand pre-kindergarten and childcare programs to close achievement gaps and support young learners and their families.
  • Address technology and digital equity:
    • Ensure equitable access to devices, internet, and assistive technology while integrating modern tools to enhance learning and operational efficiency.