Summary of Insights from Board, Leadership, and Partners – New Westminster Schools

Strengths

Strong relationships: The district benefits from close-knit relationships within its small size, enabling meaningful collaboration between staff, administrators, and the broader community.
Equity and inclusion: Initiatives such as sanctuary schools, SOGI, anti-racism work, and partnerships with organizations like MOSAIC demonstrate a commitment to equity.
Dedicated staff: Teachers, EAs, and counselors are recognized for their commitment, passion, and ability to adapt to challenges. Leadership has made strides in creating a supportive and accessible environment for staff.
Flexibility: The district’s smaller size allows for quick decision-making and a personalized approach to emerging needs, such as adapting to population growth and addressing capacity issues creatively.
Community engagement: A strong sense of community and collaboration with partners, such as Fraser Health and city stakeholders, reinforces the district’s connection to its families and broader networks.

Capacity: Overcrowded schools, lack of available land for expansion, and insufficient classroom space.
Staffing concerns: High turnover, burnout, and challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified teachers, EAs, and counselors impact the district’s ability to meet student needs effectively.
Resources: Budget constraints hinder the district’s ability to provide adequate mental health support, assistive technology, and enrichment programs.
Internal systems: The district’s reliance on ad-hoc solutions has created inconsistencies, especially as the district transitions from small to medium size.
Communication gaps: Families and staff feel that district messaging can lack transparency and open, two-way channels.
Professional development gaps: While strong professional development is offered, there are gaps in needs around support for trauma-informed practice, supporting neurodivergent students, and integrating technology effectively.

Funding advocacy: Strengthen advocacy efforts with provincial and municipal governments to secure funding for new schools, staffing, and program expansion.
- Deepen relationships with BCSTA and other districts to strategize together on shared issues.
Professional development: Expand opportunities for staff to build capacity in areas such as inclusive education, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and trauma-informed practices.
Use of space: Reimagine school infrastructure and explore creative solutions like modular buildings or outdoor education spaces to address capacity challenges.
Technology: Invest in evidence-based assessments, data tracking systems, and assistive technologies to streamline operations and enhance learning outcomes.
Early learning: Develop robust early learning programs, including childcare and pre-kindergarten initiatives, to better support young learners and their families.

Population growth: Rapid urban development has increased student enrollment, straining existing facilities and creating a pressing need for new schools and expanded capacity.
Staffing shortages: A lack of qualified educators, EAs, and mental health professionals poses a challenge to delivering high-quality education and support services.
Funding: Chronic underfunding from the province and reliance on portables as temporary solutions undermine the district’s ability to provide equitable education.
Capacity to meet increasing student needs: Our resources are currently insufficient to meet the increasing populations and needs of ELL students, neurodivergent learners, and students living with trauma.
Equity: Without systemic improvements, the district risks inconsistencies in addressing equity and inclusion across schools.

Advocate more assertively for provincial funding and land acquisition.
Build capacity through structured professional development and mentorship programs.
Invest in technology and data systems to improve efficiency and decision-making.
Engage families and communities in planning and advocacy efforts through town halls and transparent updates.
Pilot innovative solutions for education delivery, including outdoor classrooms and reimagined school designs.

Relying on temporary fixes like portables as long-term solutions.
Operating with inconsistent systems and processes that create inefficiencies.
Overburdening staff with multiple roles and inadequate resources.
Delaying action on systemic issues, such as equity and inclusion, by treating them as peripheral rather than central priorities.
Allowing communication gaps to undermine trust and engagement with families and staff.

Expand school capacity:
- Secure funding and land for new schools to accommodate population growth and reduce overcrowding.
Strengthen mental health support:
- Expand access to counselors, social workers, and trauma-informed programs to address rising mental health needs among students and staff.
Enhance staffing strategies:
- Recruit, retain, and support qualified educators and staff to address shortages and improve student outcomes.
Advance equity and inclusion:
- Create equitable and inclusive environments, including support for anti-racism and sanctuary policies, support for ELL students, neurodivergent students, and students with disabilities, and engagement with Indigenous and Métis communities.
Foster community partnerships:
- Deepen partnerships with community organizations, businesses, and post-secondary institutions to enhance resources and opportunities for students and staff.
Invest in early learning:
- Expand access to pre-kindergarten and childcare programs to close achievement gaps and support young learners and their families.
Technology integration:
- Ensure equitable access to devices, internet, and assistive technologies while leveraging digital tools to enhance learning and efficiency.
Strengthen organizational sustainability:
- Develop sustainable systems and succession plans to ensure operational efficiency, leadership continuity, and long-term organizational resilience.