<p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/3226c26d-b86d-4a79-9b51-efb5535f0cef" alt="Stakeholder Engagements 1" width="822" height="411" style="width:822px;height:411px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Black Gold Board of Trustees and the division’s senior leaders are sharing feedback regarding inclusion with families who gave their input earlier this year. The division has shared a summary of comments with families who participated in three stakeholder engagement sessions held in February. All parents or guardians whose children require additional support for learning were invited to attend.</span></p><blockquote class="editor-quote"><i><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“We are grateful for the feedback we received, and we will be taking action on our findings,” </strong></b></i><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">says Devonna Klaassen, BGSD Board Chair. </em></i><i><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“We recognize the importance of ensuring each student has what they need to be successful in school, and we hope families and students see their voice as having impacted the steps we plan to take moving forward. Thank you again to the individuals who gave us their time and shared their perspectives with us.”&nbsp;</strong></b></i></blockquote><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The engagement sessions were held in February 2026. The division spoke to 43 students in Grade 7 to 12 to better understand their daily experiences in school. 110 parents / guardians registered for the engagement sessions in Calmar, Leduc and Beaumont. All parents of students with Individual Student Plans (ISPs) were invited.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><i><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">What is going well</strong></b></i><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The division heard that students and parents value strong, trusting relationships, collaborative development of ISPs, quiet and flexible spaces, creative and practical learning opportunities, and the great start students receive in kindergarten and pre-K.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><i><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Where we could grow</strong></b></i><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Also, students and parents emphasized the importance of consistent implementation of ISPs, strong transition between grades and schools, clear communication about supports, and access to supports and resources. Also, students emphasized social belonging as essential for success, and teaching practices that support learners.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><i><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Next steps</strong></b></i><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The division shared initial next steps following the feedback it has received. These include a discussion with school based leaders in early March, aimed at strengthening and refining the work in schools.&nbsp; Also, the Board will review Policy 19 - Safe, Caring, Respectful and Welcoming Environments. It plans to utilize the feedback in its advocacy work with the province for adequate funding, and also for provincial ministries to work together so that students can access resources they need.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Additionally, Black Gold will take steps to clarify the ISP journey for families, we are examining how to strengthen our approach to ISPs, and will continue our work&nbsp; - in partnership with families - of supporting all of our students as they increase their own social skills, and empathy and kindness in the way they treat their peers.&nbsp;</span></p><blockquote class="editor-quote"><i><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“As we continue this work, we encourage families to remain connected with their child’s teachers and school,” </strong></b></i><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">says Michael Borgfjord, BGSD Superintendent. </em></i><i><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“Strong relationships between students, families and educators are central to student success. We remain committed to continuing to listen, learn and strengthen how we support students and ‘inspire success’ across Black Gold School Division.”&nbsp;</strong></b></i></blockquote><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>