SD68 changes scope of its safe schools committee to focus on drafting a JEDI policy

Claudia Culley

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Gabriola Sounder

Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools (SD68) has updated the scope and responsibilities of its safe schools committee to gear its focus towards justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI) work.

Previously, the committee had worked to provide recommendations to the SD68 board on matters related to creating safe and caring schools with a focus on anti-racism and inclusion. SD68 stakeholders and trustees have since brought up the need to adjust this focus to ensure best outcomes for the school district and to also make effective use of the committee members’ time.

There are four major changes the SD68 strategic directions committee approved regarding the safe schools committee. The committee will now focus its work on the single task of drafting the “JEDI Policy,” which was previously named the “Inclusion Policy,” to ensure progress is being made on the policy.

“Updating the Inclusion Policy has been a priority for the Board for a number of years but unfortunately the work has not meaningfully progressed,” a SD68 report reads.

Given the committee is shifting its scope of focus, it will become an ad hoc committee that will follow the specific task of drafting the “JEDI Policy.” Once the policy is complete, the committee will come to an end.

“This does not mean that safety issues cannot be addressed in future. However, the issues may be addressed with future ad hoc committees,” the report reads.

The committee will also be expanded to include students in their work. The school district’s Student Voice Circle, which works to enhance leadership and communication skills, provide a forum for discussion and facilitate student input, has recognized a theme of safety concerns in their meetings. Allowing students to have a roll in the safe schools ad hoc committee will help ensure their voices are represented in its work, the report reads.

“The Safe Schools Committee has done excellent work over the past years and will now have the opportunity to continue that tradition with the change in focus, duration and name,” the report reads.

The committee’s membership will be made up of two board trustees, one of whom will be the chair, students from across the district, one Syeyutsus knowledge keeper, the district’s superintended, the executive directors of human resources and communications and the director of priority populations.

It will also comprise of one Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) representative, one Nanaimo District Teachers’ Association (NDTA) representative, one District Parents Advisory Council (DPAC) representative and one Nanaimo School Administrators’ Association (NSAA) representative. District staff, community representatives and subject matter experts may be invited to attend committee meetings as needed.

The committee will meet on Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with their first meeting being held in September. The “JEDI Policy” is intended to be completed by March next year and presented in April and May.

To learn more about SD68, visit www.sd68.bc.ca/.