Peel District School Board
Location
5650 Hurontario St
Mississauga, Ontario, L5R 1C6[1]
Canada
District information
Superintendents[2]13
+ 4 associate directors[3]
Chair of the boardBrad MacDonald
Director of educationRashmi Swarup[4]
Schools259 schools (2021-22)[5]
Budget~CA $1.98 billion (2021-2022)[6]
District IDB66125
Students and staff
Students153,000+ students (2021-22)[7]
Staff16,964 (2021-22)[8]
Other information
Elected trustees12[9]
Student trusteesDeepanwita Sen, Selena Zhou[10]
Websitewww.peelschools.org

The Peel District School Board (PDSB; known as English-Language Public District School Board No. 19 prior to 1999[11][12]) is a school district that serves approximately 153,000 kindergarten to grade 12 students at more than 259 schools in the Region of Peel (municipalities of Caledon, Brampton and Mississauga) in Ontario, immediately to the west of Toronto.[13]

The board employs more than 15,000 full-time staff and is the largest employer in Peel Region.[14] As of 2023 it is the second largest school board in Canada.[15][16]

History

In 1970, 10 local boards came together as the Peel County Board of Education. In 1969, the board served a community of a quarter million residents—20 percent of the population. The newly formed Peel County Board had 50,000 students in 114 schools and an operating budget of $41 million. (2009 annual report)

In 1973, the name changed to the "Peel Board of Education," before being changed the "Peel District School Board" in 1998.

On September 1, 2006, the school board announced that on Wednesday September 6, 2006, would launch a new website in 25 languages, all spoken in the Peel Region, to help parents who have a first language other than English.[17]

Directors

The Peel board unveiled its current logo in September 2006. In November 2004, the board approved the creation of the Picture the Future committee—a cross section of staff and trustees—to oversee the creation of the first new logo since 1969. The committee worked with design firm Hambly and Woolly Inc, selected through a competitive RFP process, to develop a new visual identity for approval by the board. The design was based on the feedback from over 500 people including staff, students, parents, representatives of faith and culture communities and unions and federations.[22]

Equity

We Welcome the World Centres

In 2009, the Peel board opened three We Welcome the World Centres in Brampton and Mississauga. As an initiative to bring awareness to the We Welcome the World Centres, Ruth Thompson Middle School created a video that montage of various students, teachers and staff saying the word " Peace" in 2008 and "Welcome" in 2009 in their native tongue. The centres help newcomer families with school-aged children register for school and get settled in Canada. Welcome Centre staff provide assistance and information about free services in many languages.[23]

Religious Accommodation

Through a program called Faith Forward, the Peel board provides resources to help broaden awareness of a wide range of faiths, cultures and religious celebrations. These resources include a Holy Days and Holidays calendar, poster series, resource guide, lesson plans and training. The board’s direction is any celebrations of faith and culture need to be inclusive of all students and staff.[24]

The board acknowledges each individual’s right to follow, or not to follow, religious beliefs and practices free from discriminatory or harassing behaviour and will take all reasonable steps to provide religious accommodations to staff and students. Examples of accommodations are observation of major holy days, dietary requirements, religious attire, and space for private prayer or rituals.

Co-Accountable Model

The Peel board believes the work of making all staff feel welcomed and included goes beyond hiring. Its Co-accountable Model project supports diversity across all employee groups. At the core of the project is the belief that any work at real inclusion must actively involve the people inside and outside the organization in a new kind of partnership—one in which accountability for success is shared.

Under the Co-accountable Model, the Peel board will:[25]

  • create formal mentoring events and summits, including the creation of targeted advisory groups for all protected classes to assist in community outreach
  • train key leaders on fundamental concepts related to beliefs, assumptions and behaviors
  • make online simulations accessible to all Peel board employees to foster awareness of the diversity dividend
  • provide advice and counsel on this project as it moves forward

Demographics and cultural sensitivity

Among Canadian school districts, the Peel board is among the most ethnically and culturally diverse. The Peel District School Board enacted procedures and policies intended to accept and embrace various cultures and ethnic groups, and Brian Woodland, the school board's director of communications, said that the district embraces various religions.[26] The school board alters curricula to accommodate students of different backgrounds; for instance, if students from a religious background or culture are forbidden from drawing people, the school will alter the art curriculum. Peel was among the first Canadian school boards to permit students to wear kirpans to classes. The school board does not allow religious leaders to lead prayer sessions within schools.[26]

Programs

Adult and continuing education

The Peel board offers a variety of adult programs during the day, at night and on weekends.[27] Programs include credit programs to help adults complete their secondary school diploma, adult ESL programs to help adults develop and refine their English language skills, and literacy and basic skills courses to help adults upgrade specific skills.

The board received media attention in 2011 for its Foreign-Trained Teacher course, a course designed to help new Canadians enter the teacher profession.[28]

The Peel board also offers International Language Programs[29] on weekends for school-aged students. At the secondary level, students can earn credits towards their secondary school diploma. Students also have access to night and summer school, literacy and math support, and online school.[30]

Alternative programs

The Peel board’s Peel Alternative School (PAS) offers a variety of alternative programs designed with the individual needs of students in mind. Programs include:

Foundations Program The Foundations program is for students in at least their third year of high school who have not successfully completed grades 9 and 10. Students benefit from small class sizes and individual attention while they take up to three credits per semester.

Fresh Start Suspension and Expulsion Programs Students under suspension or expulsion from a Peel board school who are motivated to change their behaviour can attend Fresh Start. Through the programs, students continue academic studies while learning the skills required to be successful in school, in relationships and in the community.

Junior High, Intermediate, and Senior Alternative Programs These programs are designed for students who are at risk of dropping out of school. Through smaller classes and more individual attention, students develop improved social skills and attitudes towards school and society.

Supervised Alternative Learning (SAL) SAL is a program for students aged 14 to 17 who, for a variety of reasons, are at risk of leaving school early. A SAL Plan is created to help students progress towards obtaining their Ontario Secondary School Diploma or achieving other educational and personal goals.

Temporary External Learning Link (TELL) The TELL Program is designed for students in at least their third year of high school. These students typically have not acquired the credit accumulation of their peers and require a flexible schedule due to family or work commitments.

Teen Education and Motherhood Program (TEAM) The TEAM Program is for students between 14 and 20, in grades 9 to 12, who are pregnant or who have a child. The academic program is individualized to meet each student’s needs. There is a focus on parenting skills, and students participate in weekly workshops presented by a Peel Public Health nurse.

Regional programs

Regional programs start in grades 6, 7 and 9. Students in regional programs still complete all of the requirements of the Ontario curriculum, but there is an increased focus on an area of interest. Information nights take place throughout the fall for students registering to start the program the following September. Programs include:

  • Arts
  • Flexography (package print technology)
  • International Baccalaureate
  • Advanced Placement
  • International Business and Technology
  • SciTech
  • Sports
  • Strings
  • Truck and Coach

French immersion

French immersion begins in grade 1 and extended French begins in grade 7. Registration for both programs takes place in January. The Peel board provides on-line information for parents on how to decide whether French immersion is right for their child and other information about French learning.[31]

Specialist high skills major programs

Specialist High Skills Major programs start in grade 11 and are offered in the following areas:

  • Arts
  • Business and entrepreneurial studies
  • Construction
  • Environment
  • Health and wellness
  • Hospitality and tourism
  • Information and communications technology
  • Justice, community safety and emergency services
  • Manufacturing
  • Sports
  • Transportation

Regional Enhanced Program

The Peel District School Board runs the ELC Regional Enhanced Program, in grades 1 to 12, a gifted education program, for students defined as having "an unusually advanced degree of general intellectual ability that requires differentiated learning experiences of a depth and breadth beyond those normally provided in the regular school programme to satisfy the level of educational potential indicated."[32]

The curriculum of an Enhanced program could include special tasks or projects designed to challenge gifted students. At the high school level, the course material is the same but the manner of teaching and/or the assignments given can vary based on the needs of the students.

There are two high schools designated as Peel Regional Enhanced Centres that provide the Enhanced programming and curriculum from Grade 9 to Grade 12.[33] The precise number and variety of Enhanced courses differs from school to school, but most schools offer the core mandatory courses as Enhanced. Bussing and transportation for Enhanced students is provided by the school board.[33]

SchoolArea Served
The Woodlands SchoolNorth, central, and west Mississauga
Heart Lake Secondary SchoolCentral Caledon Brampton, Bramalea, and northeast Mississsauga (Malton).

Secondary school rankings

The Peel District School Board does not officially support the Fraser ranking system and does not rank its schools. The most up-to-date Fraser rankings can be found on the Fraser website.

Organization of the school system within the Board

The Board organizes its schools into "school families", which essentially designate the respective feeder schools into each of the secondary schools within the PDSB. The following list is the organization from the 2018-2019 school year.[34]

Caledon

School familySecondary school (9-12)Intermediate (Middle) School (6/7-8)Elementary school (K-5/6)K-8 school (K-8)
Humberview[35] Humberview Secondary School Allan Drive Middle School
  • Ellwood Memorial Public School
  • James Bolton Public School
  • Caledon East Public School
  • Macville Public School
  • Palgrave Public School
Mayfield[36] Mayfield Secondary School
  • Alton Public School
  • Belfountain Public School
  • Alloa Public School
  • Caledon Central Public School
  • Herb Campbell Public School
  • James Grieve Public School
  • Southfields Village Public School
  • Tony Pontes Public School

Brampton

School familySecondary school (9-12)Intermediate (Middle) School (6/7-8)Elementary school (K-5/6)K-8 school (K-8)
Bramalea[37] Bramalea Secondary School
  • Aloma Crescent Public School
  • Birchbank Public School
  • Clark Boulevard Public School
  • Dorset Drive Public School
  • Eastbourne Drive Public School
  • Fallingdale Public School
  • Folkstone Public School
Brampton Centennial[38] Brampton Centennial Secondary School
  • Centennial Sr. Public School
  • Sir William Gage Middle School
  • Copeland Public School
  • McHugh Public School
  • Morton Way Public School
  • Queen Street Public School
  • Ray Lawson Public School
  • Ridgeview Public School
  • Churchville Public School
  • Roberta Bondar Public School
Castlebrooke[39] Castlebrooke Secondary School Calderstone Middle School
  • Claireville Public School
  • Red Willow Public School
  • Thorndale Public School
  • Beryl Ford Public School
  • Castle Oaks Public School
  • Castlemore Public School
  • Sir Isaac Brock Public School
  • Walnut Grove Public School
Central Peel[40] Central Peel Secondary School
  • Gordon Graydon Sr. Public School
  • Nibi Emoosawdang Public School
  • Agnes Taylor Public School
  • Arnott Charlton Public School
  • Harold F. Loughin Public School
  • Kingswood Drive Public School
  • Madoc Drive Public School
  • Sir Winston Churchill Public School
Chinguacousy[41] Chinguacousy Secondary School
  • Greenbriar Sr. Public School
  • Calderstone Middle School
  • Goldcrest Public School
  • Grenoble Public School
  • Jefferson Public School
  • Red Willow Public School
David Suzuki[42] David Suzuki Secondary School
  • Beatty-Fleming Sr. Public School
  • Royal Orchard Middle School
  • Glendale Public School
  • James Potter Public School
  • Homestead Public School
  • Northwood Public School
  • Westervelts Corners Public School
  • Springbrook Public School
  • McClure Public School
Fletcher's Meadow[43]
  • Cheyne Middle School
  • McCrimmon Middle School
  • Brisdale Public School
  • Burnt Elm Public School
  • Edenbrook Hill Public School
  • Nelson Mandela Public School
  • Rowntree Public School
  • Worthington Public School
  • Aylesbury Public School
  • Dolson Public School
  • Mount Pleasant Village Public School
  • Tribune Drive Public School
Harold Brathwaite[44] Harold M. Brathwaite Secondary School Fernforest Public School
  • Great Lakes Public School
  • Ross Drive Public School
Heart Lake[45] Heart Lake Secondary School Robert H. Lagerquist Sr. Public School
  • Conestoga Public School
  • Esker Lake Public School
  • Somerset Drive Public School
  • Terry Fox Public School
Jean Augustine[46] Jean Augustine Secondary School Ingleborough Public School

Lorenville Public School

Huttonville Public School

Eldorado Public School

Whaley's Corners Public school

Louise Arbour[47] Louise Arbour Secondary School
  • Lougheed Middle School
  • Sunny View Middle School
  • Carberry Public School
  • Hewson Public School
  • Larkspur Public School
  • Springdale Middle School
  • Stanley Mills Public School
  • Countryside Village Public School
  • Mount Royal Public School
North Park[48] Williams Parkway Sr. Public School
  • Hanover Public School
  • Hilldale Public School
  • Massey Street Public School
  • Russell D. Barber Public School
Sandalwood Heights[49] Sandalwood Heights Secondary School
  • Eagle Plains Public School
  • Fairlawn Public School
  • Mountain Ash Middle School
  • Robert J. Lee Public School
  • Shaw Public School
  • Treeline Public School
Turner Fenton[50]
  • Fletcher's Creek Sr. Public School
  • William G. Davis Sr. Public School
  • Cherrytree Public School
  • Helen Wilson Public School
  • Hickory Wood Public School
  • Parkway Public School
  • Sir Wilfrid Laurier Public School

Mississauga

School familySecondary school (9-12)Intermediate (Middle) School (6/7-8)Elementary school (K-4/5/6)K-8 school (K-8)
Applewood Heights[51] Applewood Heights Secondary School
  • Bristol Road Middle School
  • Fairwind Sr. Public School
  • Tomken Road Middle School
  • Barondale Public School
  • Burnamthorpe Public School
  • Champlain Trail Public School
  • Cooksville Creek Public School
  • Dixie Public School
  • Huntington Ridge Public School
  • Nahani Way Public School
  • Silverthorn Public School
Cawthra Park[52] Allan A. Martin Sr. Public School
  • Clifton Public School
  • Janet I. McDougald Public School
  • Munden Park Public School
  • Westacres Public School
Clarkson[53] Clarkson Secondary School Green Glade Senior Public School
  • Clarkson Public School
  • Garthwood Park Public School
  • Owenwood Public School
Hillside Public School
Erindale[54] Erindale Secondary School
  • Erin Mills Middle School
  • Homelands Sr. Public School
  • Brookmede Public School
  • Oakridge Public School
  • Sawmill Valley Public School
  • Sheridan Park Public School
  • Thorn Lodge Public School
Glenforest[55] Glenhaven Sr. Public School
  • Forest Glen Public School
  • Brian W. Fleming Public School
John Fraser[56] John Fraser Secondary School Thomas Street Middle School
  • Castlebridge Public School
  • Credit Valley Public School
  • Middlebury Public School
Lincoln Alexander[57] Lincoln M. Alexander Secondary School
  • Darcel Avenue Sr. Public School
  • Morning Star Middle School
  • Brandon Gate Public School
  • Corliss Public School
  • Dunrankin Drive Public School
  • Lancaster Public School
  • Marvin Heights Public School
  • Ridgewood Public School
Lorne Park[58] Lorne Park Secondary School
  • Hillcrest Middle School
  • Green Glade Senior Public School
  • Owenwood Public School
  • Lorne Park Public School
  • Whiteoaks Public School
Tecumseh Public School
Meadowvale[59] Meadowvale Secondary School
  • Edenwood Middle School
  • Lisgar Middle School
  • Kindree Public School
  • Maple Wood Public School
  • Miller's Grove Public School
  • Osprey Woods Public School
  • Plowman's Park Public School
  • Plum Tree Park Public School
  • Settler's Green Public School
  • Shelter Bay Public School
  • Trelawny Public School
Mississauga[60] Mississauga Secondary School David Leeder Middle School
  • Britannia Public School
  • Derry West Village Public School
  • Levi Creek Public School
  • Meadowvale Village Public School
Port Credit[61] Port Credit Secondary School
  • Camilla Road Senior Public School
  • Queen Elizabeth Sr. Public School
  • Cashmere Avenue Public School
  • Corsair Public School
  • Floradale Public School
  • Forest Avenue Public School
  • Kenollie Public School
  • Mineola Public School
Riverside Public School
Rick Hansen[62] Rick Hansen Secondary School Fallingbrook Middle School
  • Edenrose Public School
  • Sherwood Mills Public School
  • Whitehorn Public School
Stephen Lewis[63]
  • Erin Centre Middle School
  • Ruth Thompson Middle School
  • Artesian Drive Public School
  • Churchill Meadows Public School
  • McKinnon Public School
  • Oscar Peterson Public School
Streetsville[64]
  • Dolphin Sr. Public School
  • Hazel McCallion Sr. Public School
  • Ray Underhill Public School
  • Vista Heights Public School
  • Willow Way Public School
TL Kennedy[65] Thomas L. Kennedy Secondary School The Valleys Sr. Public School
  • Briarwood Public School
  • Chris Hadfield Public School
  • Elm Drive Public School
  • Fairview Public School
  • Silver Creek Public School
  • Thornwood Public School
Woodlands[66] The Woodlands School
  • Ellengale Public School
  • McBride Avenue Public School
  • Springfield Public School
  • Hawthorn Public School
  • Queenston Drive Public School

Controversies

Former Vice Principal Ranjit Khatkur of South Asian background alleged that her ethnic/racial background was the reason she was overlooked for promotion to principal despite fulfilling all requirements. Khatkur launched a legal complaint at the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario alleging systematic discrimination in the Peel public board.[67] It eventually culminated in allowing the Turner Consulting Group to release a Research Report on Hiring and Promotion at the Peel District School Board.[68] The 111-page report led to changes in the hiring and promotion policies in the Peel Board.[69] Previously Principals conducted interviews alone without having to demonstrate why they chose the applicants they did or document what questions they asked. The changes include having two people conducting an interview to eliminate bias, the principal is not part of the promotion process thereby eliminating their "gatekeeper" role, and begin a diversity census.[69] The report found that it was not only ethnic or visible minorities that experienced discrimination.[69] Tana Turner found that even some white males suspected nepotism, favoritism, or cronyism.[69]

Trustees

Current trustees for the Peel board are[70]

  • Chair - Brad MacDonald
  • Vice Chair - David Green
Trustee Wards City
Carrie Andrews Ward 7 and 8 Brampton
Susan Benjamin Ward 5 Mississauga
Stan Cameron Wards Caledon
Robert Crocker Wards 6 and 11 Mississauga
Nokha Dakroub Wards 9 and 10 Mississauga
Will Davies Wards 2 and 6 Brampton
David Green Wards 1 and 5 Brampton
Sue Lawton Wards 3 and 4 Mississauga
Brad MacDonald Ward 2 and 8 Mississauga
John Marchant Wards 1 and 7 Mississauga
Kathy McDonald Wards 3 and 4 Brampton
Balbir Sohi Wards 9 and 10 Brampton
Deepanwita Sen N/A - Student trustee for Peel schools north of Highway 401 North Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon
Selena Zhou N/A - Student trustee for Peel schools south of Highway 401 Mississauga

See also

References

  1. "Contact Us ( Address at the bottom of the page)". www.peelschools.org. PDSB. Retrieved August 19, 2020.
  2. "Staff Directory". www.peelschools.org. PDSB. Retrieved August 24, 2021.
  3. "Staff Directory". www.peelschools.org. PDSB. Retrieved August 24, 2021.
  4. "Director's Message". www.peelschools.org. PDSB. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  5. "About Us". www.peelschools.org. PDSB. Retrieved August 24, 2021.
  6. "Budget and Financial Statements" (PDF). PDSB. Retrieved August 24, 2021.
  7. "About Us". www.peelschools.org. PDSB. Retrieved August 24, 2021.
  8. "About Us". www.peelschools.org. PDSB. Retrieved August 24, 2021.
  9. "Meet Your Trustee". www.peelschools.org. PDSB. Retrieved August 19, 2020.
  10. "Student Trustees". www.peelschools.org. PDSB. Retrieved September 13, 2021.
  11. "District School Boards and School Authorities". February 9, 1998. Archived from the original on February 9, 1998. Retrieved June 12, 2012.
  12. "ONTARIO REGULATION 107/08". e-Laws, Ontario. April 24, 2008. Retrieved June 10, 2012.
  13. "Environment and Sustainability". www.peelschools.org. PDSB. Retrieved July 21, 2021.
  14. Work In Peel on Peel board website "Untitled Document". Archived from the original on March 7, 2012. Retrieved June 10, 2012.
  15. Rushowy, Kristin. "Toronto and Peel school boards prepare for biggest cuts since Harris years." Toronto Star. Wednesday June 13, 2012. Retrieved on May 20, 2013. "That sentiment was echoed at the Peel public board — the second-largest school board in the country, behind Toronto[...]"
  16. "Environment and Sustainability". www.peelschools.org. PDSB. Retrieved July 21, 2021.
  17. Peel District School Board. "School board to launch websites in 25 languages Archived June 10, 2015, at the Wayback Machine." The Brampton News. September 1, 2006. Retrieved on June 8, 2012.
  18. Gordon, Andrea (September 4, 2017). "New head of Peel school board vows to support marginalized students". Toronto Star.
  19. "Media release". pdsb.org.
  20. "Peel activists, parents 'devastated' Colleen Russell-Rawlins leaving public school board".
  21. "Peel District School Board announces new director of education". The Toronto Star. August 6, 2021.
  22. Logo launch news release "Untitled Document". Archived from the original on December 19, 2011. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
  23. welcome centres http://www.peelschools.org/englishHTML/welcome/index.htm Archived March 1, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
  24. Toronto Sun article http://www.torontosun.com/2011/11/07/mississauga-high-school-cancels-muslim-prayers)
  25. 2011 annual report http://www.peelannualreport.com/
  26. 1 2 Aubin, Benoit and Jonathon Gatehouse. "Do immigrants need rules? The debate rages on." Maclean's. March 5, 2007. Retrieved on October 11, 2012.
  27. "Alternative Programs: Adult Education". Peelschools.org. Archived from the original on June 28, 2012. Retrieved June 12, 2012.
  28. "Course for foreign teachers". BramptonGuardian Article. March 7, 2011. Retrieved June 12, 2012.
  29. "Alternative Programs: International Languages". Peelschools.org. Archived from the original on June 11, 2012. Retrieved June 12, 2012.
  30. "Alternative Programs: Continuing Education". Peelschools.org. Retrieved June 12, 2012.
  31. www.peelschools.org/parents/facts/french.htm
  32. "Getting to know special education programs and services". Peel District School Board. Archived from the original on October 14, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  33. 1 2 "Enhanced Programs at Secondary Schools in the Peel public board and the Dufferin Peel Catholic separate board" (PDF). Association for Bright Children - Peel Chapter. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  34. "Families of Schools 2018-19". Families of Schools. Peel District School Board. Retrieved February 16, 2019.
  35. Humberview school family map
  36. Mayfield school family map
  37. Bramalea school family map
  38. Brampton Centennial school family map
  39. Castlebrooke school family map
  40. Central Peel school family map
  41. Chinguacousy school family map
  42. David Suzuki school family map
  43. Fletcher's Meadow school family map
  44. Harold Brathwaite school family map
  45. Heart Lake school family map
  46. Jean Augustine school family map
  47. Louise Arbour school family map
  48. North Park school family map
  49. Sandalwood Heights school family map
  50. Turner Fenton school family map
  51. Applewood Heights school family map
  52. Cawthra Park school family map
  53. Clarkson school family map
  54. Erindale school family map
  55. Glenforest school family map
  56. John Fraser school family map
  57. Lincoln Alexander school family map
  58. Lorne Park school family map
  59. Meadowvale school family map
  60. Mississauga school family map
  61. Port Credit school family map
  62. Rick Hansen school family map
  63. Stephen Lewis school family map
  64. Streetsville school family map
  65. TL Kennedy school family map
  66. Woodlands school family map
  67. Grewal, San (February 4, 2011). "Tribunal to probe Peel school board discrimination". Toronto Star.
  68. "Research Report: Hiring and Promotion at the Peel District School Board" (PDF). Peel Schools. Turner Consulting Group. January 22, 2013.
  69. 1 2 3 4 Brown, Louise (January 23, 2013). "Peel school board launches plan to hire on the basis of merit, not nepotism". The Star.
  70. "Meet Your Trustee". www.peelschools.org. PDSB. Retrieved September 13, 2021.
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