During the April 4th Committee of the Whole Board meeting, WCDSB trustees received a comprehensive report on the independent investigation into the police involvement concerning a 4 year old student in crisis.

As a board of Trustees, there is much that we have concerns about regarding this very difficult situation. But first, Trustees acknowledge the pain of the family involved and that of the Black community of the school and of Waterloo Region. We must fully understand the wide-reaching implications of all that occurred before we begin to move forward toward healing and growth.

We understand that systemic racism exists in our board, in our communities, in the society in which we live. It is our role as Trustees to ensure good governance through the continual reviewing of policies and procedures, as well as monitoring the actions of the board itself to eradicate systemic racism for the good of all WCDSB staff, students, and their families.

We also acknowledge that the journey we are on to remove systemic anti-Black racism did not start last night, or after the review was called. We hold staff accountable, and we believe actions speak louder than words. We were pleased to see in the report of April 4th, 33 discreet actions and initiatives that are currently underway in WCDSB, specifically focused on eliminating systemic racism. The work crosses the priority areas of Nurturing our Catholic Community; Equity and Human Resources; Professional Development; and Student Achievement and Engagement. These are all steps in the right direction, and in keeping with the recommendations we received. We appreciate the hard work that has gone into these many initiatives, even if we have not yet landed where we ultimately strive to be.

Through the Recommendations that came out of the provincial investigation and the many good works already underway in our schools, we are confident that WCDSB is moving in the right direction. WCDSB Trustees are committed to supporting, advocating, and monitoring the progress that WCDSB will be making over the next few years to become a leader in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in education.

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