Policy 2
Appendix: Board Advocacy Plan 2021-2022
Annual Board Advocacy Plan 2021-2022
Background:
Lloydminster Public School Division (LPSD) utilizes a policy governance framework to
manage the school division. As part of the framework, the Board committed to
developing an annual advocacy plan which is to be reviewed and renewed on an annual
basis.
Purpose:
The Board and individual trustees represent and promote the best interests of students
through their interactions with families, the public, the media, community partners,
provincial organizations and with the government. It is the responsibility of the Board of
Education to act as an advocate for students, to continually enhance their experiences,
opportunities and wellbeing within the context and mandate of the Education Act, 1995.
Ultimately, the purpose of advocacy is to influence education policy and to seek to
secure sufficient resources in order to meet local student needs identified by the Board
of Education. Effective advocacy depends on consistency and persistence, as well as
engaging others.
The underlying assumption of the Board Advocacy Plan development process is that the
Board plan should complement the existing strategic direction of the Board. It should
outline focused and specific actions that the Board can take to actualize the stated goals
that have already been committed to in the Board’s strategic plan.
Strategic Advocacy:
In May of 2022 the Board of Education endorsed the priorities contained within the 2022
-2023 Interim Provincial Education Plan. The Board also reaffirmed a local priority on
Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. By approving the 2022-2023 Advocacy
Plan the Board will strategically advocate for the priorities contained within their strategic
plan.
Process:
The Board Advocacy Plan will be reviewed by the Governance Committee of the Board
of Education and presented for review during the August meeting of the Board of
Education. Suggestions for improvement will be collected and a renewed version of the
plan will be approved during the September meeting of the Board of Education. The
Board will revisit and assess the progress of their advocacy efforts in January of 2023,
as indicated on the Board Annual Work Plan.
2022-2023 Board Advocacy Plan
The Board identified four priorities on which to focus advocacy efforts for the 2022-2023
school year:
1. Sustainability
2. Academic Innovation
3. Non-Resident Vulnerable Students
4. Public Relations and Communications
1. Sustainability:
The Board of Education finds itself in the unique position of being impacted by provincial
negotiations in Saskatchewan. LPSD has traditionally utilized the differential in teacher
compensation to support the unfunded portion of LDTC and CBA costs. The
equalization of teacher compensation costs between Saskatchewan and Alberta has left
the division in the precarious position of having compensation costs that are escalating
without funding to support this escalation. This impending context will require the Board
of Education to ensure that partners on both sides of the border understand the unique
nature of the Border City and how education funding is blended to create an educational
experience that does not vary based on the location of your residence.
Proposed Actions:
● That the Board of Education collaborates with partners within the City of
Lloydminster to ensure the needs of Lloydminster students are considered by
both provinces during decision-making processes.
● That the Board of Education and Senior Administration participate in provincial
conferences and meetings to advocate for the border context.
● That the Board of Education advocates to the Ministry of Education for a review
of student funding in Lloydminster Public School Division.
2. Academic Innovation:
The Board of Education is committed to enhancing and promoting academic
innovation opportunities in the school division and will continue to advocate for
programs and resources that will enrich the academic experience of students.
Proposed Actions:
● That the Board promotes the school division’s current and future plans to
develop partnerships with Lakeland College and other Post-Secondary
institutions to offer dual credit course offerings, industry-specific training
opportunities, program enhancement initiatives and strong academics
● That the Board of Education actively advocates (locally and provincially) for
resources that support the development of enrichment-specific programs
● That the Board of Education hosts Post-Secondary Institutions at planned
collaboration meetings to promote partnership development and enhanced
course offerings for students.
3. Non-Resident Vulnerable Students:
Funding adequacy continues to be a primary concern of the Board of Education,
especially as it relates to supporting vulnerable students. The Board has an
inordinate number of non-resident students and families that are vulnerable. Striving
to meet the complex needs of vulnerable students places extra demands on the
school division budget, which is not always recognized through provincial funding
distribution. The Board affirms the need to continue to advocate for adequate
resources for non-resident students with vulnerabilities in order to meet provincially
and locally determined targets around student learning.
Proposed Actions:
● That the Board continues to share information relating to non-resident
vulnerable student demographics and associated impacts on student learning
and the school division budget at planned Board Chair Collaboration
meetings held throughout the year.
● That the Board raises awareness at the provincial level about the impact of
non-resident vulnerable students on the division budget and advocate for a
strategy to address and mitigate the impact.
● That the Board continues to advocate for sufficient funding for vulnerable
students at the provincial level and raise awareness with SSBA Executive
and membership at provincial events.
4. Public Relations and Communications:
Positive public relations and the promotion of the Lloydminster Public School
Division’s mission of; “Ensuring personal excellence for all students” is seen by the
Board as an integral part of advocating for students. Effective advocacy is
contingent on the Board’s capacity for strategic communications and the
development of a robust communications and marketing plan.
Proposed Actions:
● That the Board maintains a strong media presence in order to publicly
promote student achievements with a strong emphasis on academics and
students achieving at high levels.
● That the Board continues to support and promote the welcoming culture of
schools within Lloydminster Public School Division.
● That the Board continues to monitor and provide direction for the LPSD
Communications Plan.
● That the Board seeks out opportunities to engage with staff and members of
the public about the virtues and advantages of LPSD.