Public Participation Framework

Updated November 2025

Public Participation at Edmonton Catholic Schools

At Edmonton Catholic Schools, we believe that every voice matters. Our Public Participation Framework is designed to ensure families, staff, and community members have meaningful opportunities to share their perspectives on the decisions that shape Catholic education.

Whether you’ve participated before or are new to the process, we want you to know how your input is valued, how it’s used, and how it helps us grow together as a Division.

Why Public Participation Matters

Public participation is more than sharing information. It’s about building trust, strengthening relationships, and making better decisions together. When families and communities are involved, their needs and aspirations are reflected in the policies and programs that guide our schools.

Our framework is based on the IAP2 Spectrum of Public Participation, a recognized standard that helps us match the right level of engagement to the impact of each decision.

What You Can Expect

• Inclusive and fair processes where all voices are welcome.
• Early and clear communication so families can prepare and participate meaningfully.
• Respect for diverse views and the decision-making responsibilities of Trustees.
• Transparency in how input is gathered, considered, and shared.
• Continuous improvement through evaluation and feedback after each engagement.

How Public Participation Works

We use a continuum of engagement to guide how we involve families and communities:

• Inform: We share clear information to help families understand issues and options.
• Engage: We listen to feedback and show how it influences decisions.
• Involve: We work directly with families to ensure concerns are understood and considered.
• Collaborate: We partner with families and communities to co-create solutions and recommendations.

Not every project requires the same level of engagement, but each process is designed to be purposeful, respectful, and responsive.

When We Engage

We invite participation when:

• Decisions or actions will directly impact families.
• We need to better understand community needs and perspectives.
• Matters that carry high risk or importance for ECSD families.
• Engagement is required by law, policy, or procedure.

Examples include school attendance boundaries, new programming, school closures, Division priorities, budgets, and assurance surveys.

Measuring Success

After each engagement, we share a What We Heard Report with participants and decision-makers. This report summarizes feedback and shows how it was considered. We also invite participants to complete evaluation surveys so we can continue to improve our processes.

Key indicators of success include:

• Regular updates to the Framework to keep it relevant.
• Clear communication of outcomes—closing the loop with families.
• Transparent reporting that builds trust and accountability.

Get Involved

Your input helps us make better decisions for our students and families. Watch for upcoming opportunities to participate, and know that your voice is valued every step of the way.