How to Communicate
with the Board
or Individual
Trustees
The Board welcomes and values input from students, parents,
staff and members of the community about Board policies, practices,
issues and its overall education system.
There are established avenues in place which can assist with
effective communication and resolution regarding Board matters.
- Students are encouraged to approach their Student Trustee.
- Parents are encouraged to work through School Councils
who share concerns with the Board through Greater Essex County
Parent Involvement Committee.
- Staff should refer to the formal communication protocol
where appropriate or contact the Director’s Office
for further direction.
- Members of the community should contact the appropriate
Trustee representing their constituency. For contact
information please refer to the board website.
FORMAL COMMUNICATION
Formal communication to the Board must fall within the established
protocols provided below. Under all circumstances
when addressing the Board or an individual Trustee, statements
and materials must be free of content which is contrary to
the Ontario Human Rights Code and other laws of Ontario and
Canada. While in attendance at a Board meeting or Standing
Committee meeting behaviour must be courteous and respectful
at all times. All comments must be addressed to the
Chair.
During Presentations, Delegations or Speakers, Trustees may
not put forward motions, enter into any debate or discussion
on the matter. However they may ask questions for clarification
and the question period will be limited to five minutes for
each speaker. Once all questions have been put or the
time limit has been reached, the Chair shall thank the speaker
on behalf of the Trustees.
After each speaker, the Chair may:
- acknowledge receipt as information;
- refer the matter to the Director of Education for subsequent
review and comment and/or appropriate action; or
- refer the matter to a Standing Committee for review and
a report.
The Board by majority vote may limit the number of delegations
and speakers. A copy of “Guidelines for Speaking
to the Board” will be provided prior to the meeting. |
