The Lambton Kent District School Board has introduced its 2026/2027–2030/2031 Multi-Year Strategic Plan, which it describes as a shared roadmap for supporting student success over the next five years.
The board’s trustees approved the plan on Oct. 6. The board says it was developed through a community engagement process that included students, staff, families, First Nations partners and community organizations.
The plan is built around three priorities: learning, well-being and trust. The board says belonging is the foundation of all three, and describes it as championing anti-oppressive education and creating equitable, welcoming environments.
“This plan reflects both the responsibility we have as a Board and the aspirations we heard from the communities we serve,” said Kelley Robertson, chair of the board of trustees. “We want every student to know they belong, that they are valued and that they have opportunities to succeed. Learning, well-being and trust each play an important role in creating that sense of belonging. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to thank everyone who shared their voice and helped shape the direction we will take together.”
Under the learning priority, the board says it will focus on core academics through responsive programming that keeps pace with instructional practices and technology. It also plans to give students a range of school-based experiences, provide supports across multiple pathways, advance anti-oppressive practices while reducing systemic barriers, and invest in staff collaboration and professional development.
The well-being priority focuses on safe and stable environments, supporting students and staff from all backgrounds and identities, and supporting mental health.
Under the trust priority, the board says it will strengthen relationships through consistent and accessible communication, family and community involvement, and opportunities for student voice. It will also continue Indigenous engagement, practise transparent leadership and fiscal responsibility, and amplify voices from diverse and equity-seeking communities.
Engagement included sessions with students, staff, trustees, administrators, the Parent Involvement Committee, the Special Education Advisory Committee and the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice community, along with a public online survey. The board also held conversations and listening sessions with students, families and education staff from Aamjiwnaang First Nation, Eelŭnaapéewi Lahkéewiit, Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, and Bkejwanong Territory.
“This plan was created with our communities, not simply for them,” said Gary Girardi, the board’s chief executive officer. “Our students, staff, families, First Nations partners, community organizations and members of the communities we serve were at the heart of this process. Their ideas, experiences and vision helped shape a plan that reflects who we are, what matters most to us and where we want to go together.”
“As we move from planning into action, the priorities of Learning, Well-Being and Trust will help create a clear and consistent focus across the Board,” Girardi added. “They are deeply connected, and together they will guide our work to create the conditions where students can learn, experience well-being, build strong relationships and know they belong.”
The plan will guide the board’s annual operational planning, decision-making and allocation of resources. The board says progress will be monitored and shared with trustees and the communities it serves.
