Renfrew County District School Board unveils new strategic plan

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The Renfrew County District School Board has unveiled a new four-year strategic plan that sets out its priorities for students and staff through to 2030.

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The 2026–30 Strategic Plan follows a year-long consultation process that included more than 50 engagement sessions and over 2,600 survey responses from students, families and staff. According to a press release from the board, this represents the highest level of public feedback the board has received to date. Board officials say the input played a central role in shaping the plan’s direction.

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“This plan is a true reflection of our community’s voice,” board chairman Leo Boland said. “We heard what students, families and staff told us they need, and we have established priorities to ensure every learner achieves their personal success.”

The plan identifies three strategic priorities that will guide the board’s work over the next four years. 

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The first focus of the plan is Indigenous education, with commitments to integrate Indigenous histories and perspectives across all subject areas and to strengthen supports for Indigenous students.

Another priority centres on foundational and future-ready skills. The board aims to improve student achievement in literacy and math while also expanding learning opportunities in areas such as artificial intelligence, digital citizenship, financial literacy and career readiness.

The third priority emphasizes well-being and belonging. The board says it will continue to build school environments that support students’ mental and physical health and foster a sense of belonging for both students and staff.

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Director of Education Kristen Niemi said the plan is grounded in 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 said. “We want every student graduating from the RCDSB to have the knowledge, skills and confidence to thrive in a rapidly changing world.”

Board officials note that the plan reflects growing expectations on schools to prepare students not only academically, but also socially and digitally, as technology and workforce demands continue to evolve.

The RCDSB has committed to providing regular progress updates to the school board community throughout the four-year implementation period, allowing families and stakeholders to track how the priorities are being put into action.

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“We look forward to partnering with every member of the RCDSB community to implement this plan. Accomplishing these ambitious goals over the next four years will require collective focus and teamwork. We are excited to begin this work and commit to sharing regular progress updates and seeking your feedback along the way,” Niemi added.

The full 2026–30 Strategic Plan is available on the Renfrew County District School Board’s website.

The RCDSB provides public education to approximately 9,000 students in Renfrew County through a network of 21 elementary schools and seven secondary schools.

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