The Vancouver DPAC (District Parent Advisory Council) recently met with the Vancouver School Board (VSB) and their consultant, Spur Communication, to discuss a new initiative called the “Engagement Survey,” launched in June 2024. The survey was designed to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the VSB’s communication and engagement processes. While Vancouver DPAC recognizes the VSB’s efforts to enhance these processes, we have raised significant concerns regarding the survey’s timing, inclusivity, and transparency.

DPAC’s formal response to the VSB’s proposed Engagement Survey was a letter dated June 11, 2024 (click here).   It was prepared with input from Executives, members and parents and caregivers who attended the meeting.  Vancouver DPAC highlighted its concerns with the VSB’s proposed Engagement Survey. Key issues included:
• Inadequate notice for the initial meeting.
• Poor timing of the survey’s launch in June.
• Lack of a clear explanation for the survey’s urgency.
• Failure to address the needs of marginalized groups and those with limited access to technology.
• Distrust in digital platforms due to data privacy concerns.
• Need for greater transparency and more involvement in the planning and creation of the survey questions, including in-person meetings.

Despite these concerns, the VSB proceeded with the Engagement Survey, and the results from their survey of parents and caregivers who have students in Vancouver’s public schools are now available (see link).

On page 5 of the report, the concerns raised by parents and caregivers during the pre-engagement phase are downplayed. Additionally, the report fails to mention Vancouver DPAC’s letter dated June 11, 2024, and asserts that only two parents expressed concerns about the survey.

The report also highlights that, out of 50,000 students enrolled in the VSB, with many having two parents or caregivers who received the survey, only 5,547 responses were collected, with 92.5% of those in English. The results of the survey underscore ongoing issues with communication practices that have eroded trust in the district’s responsiveness and support, emphasizing the need for consistent follow-up and transparency to rebuild that trust.

At Vancouver DPAC, we strongly reiterate the need for the VSB to take meaningful steps to rebuild trust with parents and caregivers. Vancouver DPAC urges the VSB to prioritize genuine collaboration and transparency.  We urge the VSB to restore confidence and foster stronger partnerships with school communities so that we may support the needs of students now and in the future.