Renfrew County School Board Launches Strategic Plan for 2026-2030

The Renfrew County District School Board (RCDSB) has launched a new four-year strategic plan aimed at guiding educational priorities from 2026 to 2030. This initiative follows an extensive consultation process that included over 50 engagement sessions and garnered more than 2,600 survey responses from students, families, and staff. According to a press release from the board, this marks the highest level of public feedback the organization has received to date.

Board officials emphasized that the input directly influenced the direction of the strategic plan. “This plan is a true reflection of our community’s voice,” stated Leo Boland, the board chairman. He added that the established priorities are designed to ensure that every learner achieves personal success.

Key Priorities of the Strategic Plan

The strategic plan identifies three main priorities that will shape the board’s work over the next four years. The first priority focuses on Indigenous education. The RCDSB is committed to integrating Indigenous histories and perspectives across all subject areas while also enhancing support for Indigenous students.

The second priority centers on foundational and future-ready skills. The board aims to bolster student achievement in literacy and mathematics, alongside expanding learning opportunities in critical areas such as artificial intelligence, digital citizenship, financial literacy, and career readiness.

The third priority underscores the importance of well-being and belonging. The board plans to cultivate school environments that support the mental and physical health of students and staff, fostering a sense of community and inclusion.

Kristen Niemi, Director of Education, remarked that the plan is fundamentally about student success and staff well-being. “At the heart of our 2026–30 strategic plan is an unwavering commitment to the achievement and well-being of all RCDSB learners,” Niemi stated. She expressed a desire for every student graduating from the RCDSB to be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Implementation and Community Engagement

Board officials noted that the new strategic plan reflects the increasing expectations placed on schools to prepare students not only academically but also socially and digitally. As the demands of technology and the workforce evolve, the RCDSB is dedicated to staying ahead of these changes.

To ensure transparency and community involvement, the RCDSB has committed to providing regular progress updates throughout the four-year implementation period. This will allow families and stakeholders to monitor how these priorities are being realized.

“We look forward to partnering with every member of the RCDSB community to implement this plan,” Niemi added. She emphasized that achieving these ambitious goals will require collective focus and teamwork, and the board is eager to begin this important work while maintaining open lines of communication for ongoing feedback.

The full 2026–30 Strategic Plan is accessible on the Renfrew County District School Board’s website. The RCDSB currently provides public education to approximately 9,000 students across a network of 21 elementary schools and 7 secondary schools in Renfrew County.