Parents and school council leaders want more support for literacy, career skills, mental health, and Indigenous education, according to a recent survey by the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board.
The feedback came from School Council Chairs and Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) members who took part in a board survey in spring 2025. It asked about priorities and awareness related to the Student Achievement Plan (SAP).
The plan focuses on three areas: academic achievement, preparation for future careers, and student well-being.
Most of those who responded support current efforts like reading and math coaching, mental health training for staff, and programs such as co-op and coding. Awareness of these programs was high, and many saw them as essential for student success.
Top parent-identified priorities for 2025–2026 includes improving reading and math (41.7 per cent), expanding hands-on and career-focused learning (25 per cent), enhancing mental health supports (25 per cent), and deepening Indigenous and culturally responsive practices (8.3 per cent).
Parents also emphasized the need for early help for students with learning disabilities and more culturally relevant learning—especially for Indigenous students. They called for teaching that reflects student identity, including land-based experiences.
The survey results were presented in a report at the June 23 HPEDSB board meeting and will help shape the final SAP for 2025–2026.
More updates are expected this fall.
