Public Consultations

The following information outlines the consultation process within Brandon School Division.  Please see Administrative Procedure 1020 for further details. 

Definition of Consultation:

• Consultation is a process that involves interaction between decision-makers and those affected by the decisions.
• It promotes a two-way flow of information and ideas to arrive at better solutions.
• It supports more effective implementation of policy and programs.
• The process will optimize the opportunity for educational and community partners to provide input within the established timeframe.

Criteria for Consultation: 

• The Board of Trustees or the Division undertakes consultation if and when: 
  • the constituency may be affected significantly by the decision;
  • the decision may be controversial;
  • the decision-making process could benefit from a widespread exchange of information;
  • the required decision is value based and/or subjective in nature.

Goals of the Consultation Process:

• To stay focused on the best interests of the students.
• For all parties to understand the processes and have a basic commitment to them.
• To commence the process when the issue or matter being considered is identified.
• Promote trust and open-mindedness.
  

What the Brandon School Division Board of Trustees hopes to gain through the consultation process:

• Advice.
• Two-way communication.
• Joint ownership.
• Enhanced solutions, goals and policy directions.
• Channel the maximum number of interests into a common direction. 

Communication Prior/During/Post-Consultation:

• Provide specific timelines showing each stage of the process.
• Detail limitations on the process in both scope and time.
• The consultation process to be utilized.
• Background information that is timely and comprehensive (website and news media).
• Opportunities provided for input, feedback, and dialogue.