SCS.26.02.2 Reestablishment of the TDSB School Council Survey

SUMMARY
This recommendation calls on the Toronto District School Board, in collaboration with the
Parent Involvement Advisory Committee (PIAC), to reestablish the system-wide School
Council survey required under PR558. With the last survey conducted in 2016, the
recommendation emphasizes the need to recommit to a clear survey timeline and to ensure
the survey reflects current conditions and evolving contexts for School Councils. The survey is
intended to provide an evidence-based understanding of School Council operations and inform
future system-level support.

RECOMMENDATIONS
The Toronto District School Board is required under PR558 – Parent and Community
Involvement to periodically conduct a system-wide School Council survey to assess the
effectiveness and functioning of School Councils and to identify how the system can better
support their work. The last system-wide School Council survey was completed in 2016, nearly
ten years ago.
Since that time, the operating context for School Councils has evolved significantly. A
decade-long gap between surveys does not align with the intent of PR558 or with the need for
timely, evidence-based understanding of School Council operations across the system.
The Parent Involvement Advisory Committee (PIAC) believes the School Council survey is an
important tool for understanding current conditions, identifying effective practices, and
informing system-level supports for School Councils.
PIAC therefore recommends that the TDSB:

1. Reestablish the School Council Survey Working Group
   Reconstitute the School Council Survey Working Group, with representation from PIAC,
   School Council and parent representatives, and relevant TDSB research and
   engagement staff.
2. Commit to a Clear Survey Timeline
   In collaboration with PIAC, develop and commit to a clear timeline for the survey,
   including survey design, launch, analysis, and public reporting of aggregated results.
3. Ensure the survey reflects current conditions and evolving contexts for School
   Councils, including:
   ○ Changes in fundraising activities and financial responsibilities, such as
   playground renewal, chromebooks, or learning enrichment material.
   ○ The role of School Councils within current decision-making structures.
   ○ Evolving approaches to parent engagement across diverse school communities.
   ○ Changes in School Council administrative and governance requirements
   Reestablishing the School Council survey is a timely and necessary step to strengthen parent
   engagement, better understand the current operating environment for School Councils, and
   support their work across the system.