CAPSC Stakeholder Report December 20th

Chair Cochrane, Trustees

My name is Eryn Kelly and I am the Co-President of the Calgary Association of Parents and School Councils (CAPSC). Leslie Newton my Co-President is also with me. 

We understand the Report from the Working Group Established to Review Board Meeting Procedures is a series of recommendations that is intended to bring the conversation around public engagement and governance to a public meeting of the Board of Trustees and that no decisions have been made.  We did speak with Chair Cochrane earlier in the day, shared our views and asked questions regarding this report, and were assured that the intent is to improve the public engagement process, not limit public input at board meetings.

We would like to take this opportunity to provide some preliminary feedback regarding this working document.  

CAPSC recognizes that there is a need to improve the public engagement process with the Board of Trustees as it relates to board meetings. We would like the board to confirm for us that parents and members of the public will have the opportunity to provide input and help shape that process. 

 Stakeholder reports and public inquiries can be limiting and in particular, the stakeholder report can be an intimidating form of engagement for many parents so welcome a process that allows for fuller dialogue and a less formal opportunity to engage.  However, until we have a better idea of what these strategic communication dialogues will look like and how they may impact these reports and inquiries, we ask that they not be suspended.

As for the recommendations that are related to governance, we believe that the public needs a more detailed rationale for the proposed changes and how the new processes will ensure enhanced transparency and accountability.

We look forward to learning more as trustees discuss and debate the contents of this working report at tonight's meeting.  We will be sharing what we have learned with our members and will invite their questions and comments. We will share this feedback with the Board. 

Thank you for your time