Rainy River District

A census is the collection of data from an entire population or group of people, such as all RRDSB families. It is similar to a survey, although in comparison, a survey collects information from a random sample of individuals rather than from an entire population.

School boards across Ontario, including RRDSB, are completing a census with their school communities to gain a clearer understanding of the needs of their student populations and school communities. Under the Anti-Racism Act, 2017 and Ontario’s Education Equity Action Plan, school boards are to collect data and report on the data they collect. The censuses are a tool that will help to identify and address systemic barriers to student success, close gaps in services, and guide decisions that support more equitable outcomes for all students and staff.

Copies of the census are available for review on our website www.rrdsb.com/countusin. The census is voluntary and confidential. Key questions include gender identity, sexual orientation, language(s) spoken, Indigenous identity, ethnicity, race, religion and disabilities. This information will provide us with valuable insight into our staff and students and their lived experiences, assist us to honour their voices, ensure effective programming and allocate resources where they are most needed. The time and effort invested in completing the census makes a difference.

Formal consent from families is not required. Legislation permits the collection of student data intended for planning and programming purposes. This census is voluntary. Students can choose not to participate, and families can withdraw their child from participation by contacting their child’s principal.

Respondents may select “I prefer not to answer” for any question, or choose not to participate at all; however, the higher the completion rate, the richer and more reliable the information will be for school improvement and program planning. The census is voluntary and confidential.

To ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate, all necessary accommodations, supports and assistive technology will be provided. The census is available on paper and in large print, if needed.

The student census is confidential but not anonymous. Responses will be linked to student records so we will be able to use the results to better understand the diversity within our student population and so we can work to ensure equity for students of different backgrounds. Individual responses, like all other personal student and family information, will remain confidential and protected under freedom of information and protection of privacy legislation.

We respect the privacy of our staff, students and families. School boards must adhere to strict privacy and confidentiality standards when collecting personal information. The data will be stored in a secure, confidential data file, that will be accessed only by authorized RRDSB staff. It will be deidentified before sending to a contracted third-party data analyst research company to identify and summarize board trends. The information is collected with strict adherence to, and under the authority of, the Anti-Racism Act, 2017, S.O. 2017, c. 15, the Education Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E.2, and in compliance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.56.

The census data is used to reveal trends or gaps within RRDSB leading to actions for improving school climate, enhancing learning environments and removing barriers for equal opportunities and outcomes. Once responses have been processed and analyzed, RRDSB staff will produce a series of reports to share the findings and to help inform Board and school decision-making for programs and instruction. Data reports or analyses will never single out a student or staff member. By law, no individualized information for anyone who completes the census can be released.