The Good Spirit School Division met with the public this week to help establish its priorities over the next five years.

Public forum meetings were held in Yorkton and Melville on Monday and Tuesday nights, and two more meetings are planned for Langenburg and Canora on February 13 and 14.

“Tonight is about seeking information from our public in order for the Good Spirit School Division to plan for the future,” said Board of Education Chair Raymond Sass at the Yorkton meeting in Columbia School.

With its current strategic plan expiring, the division is now in the process of developing a new five-year plan.

In Yorkton, external consultant Laura Soparlo led a group of about 30 members of the public through a survey and discussion that sought their input on the division’s instruction, programming, transportation, facilities, financial accountability, and communication.

“The questions are what are we doing well, what can we change, and what should we keep,” said Sass.

The administration is also consulting with staff from across the division. While the ideas gathered from the staff and public will be generalized to fit with the broad guidelines of a five-year plan, said Sass, participants in the consultation will be able to have their voices heard on specific issues.

“If the community and the staff see that there may be some changes needed and there are some common themes that come out of all our discussions, we’re probably obliged to pursue some of those themes.”

For those who cannot attend the meetings, a version of the survey is available online at www.gssd.ca until February 16.