School Board Considers Online Meetings to Enhance Engagement

The School District 27 Board of Education is contemplating significant changes to its meeting procedures, including the potential transition to online meetings. As the board prepares to reconvene after the holiday break, chair Angie Delainey has outlined several proposals aimed at improving public engagement and accessibility.

In a memo issued ahead of the board’s last meeting on December 15, 2023, Delainey highlighted the possibility of requiring attendees to submit questions prior to the meetings, closing the public gallery, and conducting meetings virtually via Zoom. The chair emphasized that these suggestions are open for discussion and not yet finalized. “We put that out with the intention to gather feedback,” Delainey stated. “We have started to receive some, which is great.”

Delainey’s motivation for these changes stems from her experiences during her first term on the board, which began in 2018. At that time, the board updated its policy manual, and she believes it is time for another review. Currently, the process for public engagement often results in unanswered questions or last-minute inquiries directed at staff, which Delainey views as problematic. “If a special interest group attends the meeting and takes up all the time allotted for public questions, then members of the public are unable to ask their questions,” she explained.

To address these issues, Delainey proposes that questions be submitted by 14:00 on the day of the meeting. She referenced a discussion with former board chair Will Van Osch, who recalled that the procedural bylaw previously required questions to be submitted in writing. “I hope we can have a lot of conversation about that because I do want to be able to provide information back to the public in a way that’s more meaningful,” Delainey added.

Enhancing Communication and Safety

Delainey also noted that disruptions from the public gallery, including loud conversations and ringing cellphones, hinder effective communication. While she supports keeping the public gallery open, she advocates for improved decorum during meetings. “We want to be thoughtful about it. We want people to know that by no means are we looking to take away access to the public to be able to participate by viewing our meetings,” she said.

The idea of streaming meetings online is also being considered as a safety measure, particularly for board members who travel from outside the community. Delainey expressed her concerns about driving at night, especially during winter months. “I personally hate driving at night. I won’t go anywhere unless it’s 15 minutes away,” she remarked.

Over the holiday season, Delainey and other board members will examine the procedural bylaws and meeting practices of 10 other school districts across Canada. This review aims to identify successful strategies that could be adapted for School District 27. The board plans to convene on January 26, 2026, to discuss potential changes based on community feedback and insights gained from other districts.

If any proposals receive approval in January, the board intends to implement them by February. Delainey encourages community members to share their thoughts by reaching out to their local trustee or emailing the board at [email protected]. “Nothing is set in stone. We do want to receive your feedback,” she reiterated, inviting the public to participate in shaping the future of the board’s meeting practices.