Executive Summary

The York Region District School Board supports and engages in direct ongoing communication with the Government of Ontario to identify and discuss policy and financial issues. The Board communicates indirectly with the government through established professional and interest advocacy organizations, including the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association, the Ontario Public Supervisory Officers’ Association, the Council of Directors of Education and the Ontario Principals’ Council.

The Board Advocacy policy addresses how the York Region District School Board engages with the Government of Ontario to identify and discuss policy and financial issues.

On this page:

Policy #203.0, Board Advocacy

What has Changed?

Major changes to the document: No major changes.

Reason for review: Four-year cyclical review.

Who is affected by these changes and what is the impact on current practice?

Implementation timelines: Immediate upon Board approval.

Lead Superintendent(s)/Subject Matter Expert(s): Senior Manager, Corporate Communications.

Stakeholder Groups with Responsibilities under this Policy

Board of Trustees
Director of Education
Corporate Communications
Supervisors/Principals

Relationship to Board priorities

It is important that the York Region District School Board provide sound, reasoned advice that can enable the Ontario Government to create policy direction and funding models that support and sustain increased student learning. Board advice to the Government guides and informs the development of curriculum and recommends measures that enhance stewardship of resources.

Timelines and Next Steps

This policy was scheduled for second review at the September 12, 2023 Policy and By-Law Committee meeting.

Providing Feedback

Questions about this policy and/or procedure should be raised with your principal, manager or supervisor. If additional clarification is required, principals, managers and supervisors may contact the lead superintendent and/or subject matter expert through Trustee Services.

In accordance with Board Policy #285.0, Board Policies, Procedures and Supporting Documents, the Board welcomes all comments and suggestions on Board policy.

Input is an important component of the review process. If you feel a policy and/or procedure needs to be revised, feedback may be submitted through the school council or by submitting the on-line form. In your response please;

outline clearly the specific section(s) of the policy and/or procedure in which you are not comfortable,
suggest specific alternate wording to reflect your position, and
identify the reason(s) for your concern(s).

Specific recommendations or questions about the review process should be submitted using the on- line form or sent to the Assistant Manager, Corporate Policy via email at policy.committee@yrdsb.ca, or via telephone at 905-727-0022 extension 2570 or in hard copy at The Education Centre – Aurora.

Legislative Context

Education Act

Policy #203.0,

Board Advocacy

1. Policy Statement

2. Application

This policy applies to Board staff, trustees and affiliated groups and agencies.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 The Board of Trustees is responsible for:

reviewing for endorsement and/or information purposes, position papers, presentations and strategies, as presented by the Director of Education;
reviewing for approval and/or information purposes position papers, presentations and strategies, as recommended by Chair’s Committee;
reviewing the Board Advocacy policy in accordance with the approved policy review cycle; and
understanding and communicating with members of the community about the Board Advocacy policy.

3.2 The Director of Education is responsible for:

presenting position papers, presentations and strategies to the Board of Trustees for information purposes or support as required; and
implementing and operationalizing the Board Advocacy policy.

3.3 Corporate Communications is responsible for:

supporting the Director of Education in preparing draft position papers, presentations and advocacy strategies.

3.4 Principals, Managers and Supervisors are responsible for:

identifying to their supervisors or superintendents issues of interest and concern;
recommending to their supervisors or superintendents Board positions on issues of interest and concern;
recommending advocacy strategies to their supervisors or superintendents; and
providing materials upon request to Corporate Communications Services in order to support the preparation of position papers, presentations and advocacy strategies.

4. Contact

Director’s Office, Corporate Communications

5. History

Approved: 2007

Revised: 2012, 2013, 2017, 2018, 2021

Working Document: October 2021

Final Approval: October 2023

Policy #203.0, Board Advocacy