The Ministry of Education has announced that the PRO Grants will continue for the 2019-20 school year. The program has been changed from an application-based funding model to an allocation-based grant provided to each school board. 

TDSB was allocated $133,405.35 for projects that demonstrate a commitment to respecting the role of parents in students’ educational experiences. All funds must be spent and reported to the Ministry by August 21, 2020.

The Board, at its meeting on November 27, 2019, approved the allocation of the $133,405.35 to the following areas: 

Learning Network /Centre & Ward Engagement ($103,405.35)

Learning Centre Executive Superintendents will consult with Superintendents of Education, Trustees and the Parent Involvement Advisory Committee to identify to organize initiatives that fall within the following areas:

• Supporting and enhancing school council capacity
• Enhancing the efficacy of families around mental health and wellbeing, equity or achievement and/or
• Engagement of diverse families and school councils in the School Improvement Process (e.g. workshops/training for families)

2020 Parents as Partners(PAP) Conference ($30,000.00)

For many years, the TDSB has hosted the Parents as Partners Conference for families in collaboration with Community Advisory Committees, Parent Involvement Advisory Committee, Special Education Advisory Committee, staff and community agencies. After consulting with our partners, a decision has been made to postpone this conference until fall 2020. The current labour context has made it difficult to ensure that the conference will maintain the breadth of options and offer participants a similar experience to previous years and concerns about coronavirus (COVID-19) may negatively impact attendance. The planning team is committed to hosting another comprehensive and rewarding conference in fall 2020.

PAP is scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2020 and will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at The Toronto Congress Centre. The day will offer families/guardians the opportunity to participate in day long learning, sharing and networking with families, staff and community partners.  The day will feature a keynote address, informative workshops and a vendors’ marketplace of local associations and agencies which provide many different kinds of support to children and families.

Stay tuned for project updates.