The Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) has introduced its new 2026/2027–2030/2031 Multi-Year Strategic Plan, a shared roadmap for supporting student success and guiding the work of the Board over the next five years.
Approved by the LKDSB Board of Trustees on October 6, 2026, the plan was developed through an extensive community engagement process and reflects the voices and experiences of students, staff, families, First Nations partners, community organizations and members of the diverse communities served by LKDSB.
The plan is centred around three connected strategic priorities:
Learning: We hold high expectations for all learners.
Well-Being: We value and care for each other.
Trust: We invest in relationships and commit to fiscal responsibility.
At the foundation of all three priorities is Belonging: We champion anti-oppressive education and create equitable, welcoming environments where everyone feels valued and empowered to thrive.
Belonging is woven throughout Learning, Well-Being and Trust, reflecting its importance across the work of the Board and its role in creating environments where students and staff can learn, grow and thrive.
“This plan reflects both the responsibility we have as a Board and the aspirations we heard from the communities we serve,” said Kelley Robertson, Chair of the LKDSB Board of Trustees. “We want every student to know they belong, that they are valued and that they have opportunities to succeed. Learning, well-being and trust each play an important role in creating that sense of belonging. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to thank everyone who shared their voice and helped shape the direction we will take together.”
“This plan was created with our communities, not simply for them,” said Gary Girardi, Chief Executive Officer for the LKDSB. “Our students, staff, families, First Nations partners, community organizations and members of the communities we serve were at the heart of this process. Their ideas, experiences and vision helped shape a plan that reflects who we are, what matters most to us and where we want to go together.”
Under the Learning priority, LKDSB will focus on core academics through responsive programming that keeps pace with instructional practices and technological advancements. The Board will engage and challenge students to develop transferable skills through a breadth of school-based experiences, provide the supports and resources students need to grow and thrive across multiple pathways, advance anti-oppressive practices while reducing systemic barriers, and transform learning through intentional staff collaboration and meaningful professional development.
Through Well-Being, LKDSB will continue working to create safe and stable environments where everyone can belong. This includes supporting students and staff from all backgrounds and identities to see themselves reflected positively in their school and work experiences, creating opportunities to know and care for one another, and supporting the mental health and well-being of students and staff.
The Trust priority recognizes that strong public education is built through relationships. LKDSB will strengthen relationships through consistent and accessible communication, family and community involvement in school life, and meaningful opportunities for student voice. The Board will also continue the work of Indigenous engagement through ongoing listening and action, build confidence through transparent leadership and fiscal and social responsibility, and listen to and amplify voices from diverse and equity-seeking communities, along with staff working directly with students.
Community participation was central to the development of the plan. Engagement opportunities included sessions with students, staff, Trustees, administrators, the Parent Involvement Committee, the Special Education Advisory Committee and members of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice community, along with a public online survey. Dedicated conversations, visits and listening sessions were also held with students, families and education staff from Aamjiwnaang First Nation, Eelŭnaapéewi Lahkéewiit, Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, and Bkejwanong Territory.
"As we move from planning into action, the priorities of Learning, Well-Being and Trust will help create a clear and consistent focus across the Board,” added Girardi. “They are deeply connected, and together they will guide our work to create the conditions where students can learn, experience well-being, build strong relationships and know they belong.”
The 2026/2027–2030/2031 Multi-Year Strategic Plan will guide LKDSB’s annual operational planning, decision-making and allocation of resources. Progress toward the priorities will be monitored and shared with the Board of Trustees and the communities LKDSB serves.