GECDSB Launches 2019 School Climate Surveys

By Zander Kelly

The Greater Essex County District School Board has issued its biannual School Climate Survey to the 15 elementary and 15 high schools in the district.

The surveys are issued so students, faculty and parents can offer critiques and suggest areas where the climate in schools can be improved.

“We want as many parents as possible, guardians and members of school communities to fill out the survey,” said the board’s public relations officer, Scott Scantlebury. “That will help us with our future planning and will make our school environments as safe and welcoming as we possibly can.”

Scantlebury said the board has spent the past two years focused on fostering a welcoming environment – and at least some parents claim the effort is paying off.

Patrick Faraci has a young son who is in senior kindergarten at W.F Herman academy and said the school has been good to them so far.

“Almost all of my concerns have been addressed,” Faraci said. “When I talk to the school they take care of it pretty quick.”

This year, the survey has a particular focus on equality and discrimination issues.

“If you do not feel that you are welcome or that you belong, do you think it is because of any of the following?” reads one question, listing sex, race, grades, religion and disabilities as possible options. Others ask respondents to identify where on school properties they think incidents tend to happen.

In 2017, stairwells were identified as being a problem area.

The 2019 School Climate Survey can be filled out until March 8. If you wish to participate, the survey can be found here.