Frequently Asked Questions
Please refer to the questions and answers below to further support you in the application process.
1. In the past how many people have applied for positions each year?
Applications received vary between 80 to 180 applications.
2. Is the application available as a PDF?
Yes - please email leadership.development.engagement@yrdsb.ca to receive a pdf.
3. What time are the meetings typically scheduled?
They are typically scheduled from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
4. For subcommittee members what is the time commitment?
There is usually a minimum of five to 10 hours of time commitment per year.
5. How many meetings are there within the year?
There are a minimum of five meetings per year.
6. What is the approximate time commitment per year from PEAC members?
There is usually a 10-hour to 20-hour time commitment. This includes regular meetings and sub-committee meetings and work.
7. On average, how long are the meetings?
We try to keep meetings to one and a half to two hours.
8. What is the term of service for a member?
PEAC member term of service is usually two years.
9. How many members will be selected?
Number of openings varies each year for PEAC members.
10. Will applicants need to undergo any training, such as implicit bias, etc.?
We do offer PEAC members professional development opportunities.
11. Would it matter which grade my child is in?
PEAC applicants may have children in any grade K-12.
12. Is being on a school council a requirement for being a member?
In the application, we ask if you have been a member of the school council and for how long but this is not a requirement.
13, Do you have to be a member of the school community besides having kids attend YRDSB school?
In the application, it is indicated that we are seeking applicants who have demonstrated the identified competencies/skills within your child/ren's school, within other volunteer experiences, or in a professional capacity.
14. Can you be part of PEAC and your local school council within the same school year?
Yes, in the application, it is indicated that we are seeking applicants who have demonstrated the identified competencies/skills within your child/ren's school, within other volunteer experiences, or in a professional capacity.
15. What CEC areas should I apply to if I have children attending schools that fall in different areas?
You are welcome to apply to either area.
16. Do you need any specific qualifications to apply to be a member of PEAC?
We are seeking PEAC committee members with the following skills:
Global communication skills
Community collaboration and consultation skills
Relationship building, problem-solving, partnerships
Ambassadors for diverse identities of students, parents/guardians, and community members, challenging biases.
17. Does an applicant have to have previous volunteer experience?
In the application, it is indicated that we are seeking applicants who have demonstrated the identified competencies/skills within your child/ren's school, within other volunteer experiences, or in a professional capacity.
18. Is there an interview involved?
No, there is no interview as part of the process.
19. Where can we find the link to the areas?
The areas that are accepting applications are in the PEAC member online application.
20. About references, do you prefer references to come from office colleagues, member of other boards the candidate sits on, or personal sources?
There are two references required - one is a YRDSB school administrator (principal or vice-principal) and the other is a reference of your choice. This is outlined in the PEAC member online application.
21. References - can these be from outside the school community itself?
There are two references required - one is a YRDSB school administrator (principal or vice-principal) and the other is a reference of your choice. This is outlined in the PEAC member online application.
22. About references, are there any other options for those who do not have administrator connections?
We do require one reference to be a YRDSB school administrator (principal or vice-principal).
23. What are some of the subcommittees and workgroup activities that we can participate in if not selected?
We also have other advisory committees where parents can be involved and these can be found on Family Engagement - Board Committees.