Public Engagement: Strengthening Local Voice
In December 2023, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (EECD) announced changes to strengthen local voices in education. Click here to read more.
The Halifax Regional Centre for Education (HRCE) established the following initiatives in 2024 in response to the mandate.
What Is Listen to Lead?
Listen to Lead is a comprehensive consultation process that invites participants to share their experiences, insights, and suggestions on education in the Halifax Regional Centre for Education. The goal is to identify strengths, challenges, and opportunities within our schools and programs, to assist HRCE in making informed decisions that support student and staff success and well-being.
Listen to Lead will take place annually going forward with the following cadence:
In May, HRCE will reach out to connect and consult with staff, students, families, and the community.
From June to September, HRCE will review the feedback and narrow down the most meaningful action items to support what we’ve learned from you.
From October to March, HRCE will adopt recommendations and work toward continuous improvement.
In April, the progress and results will be reviewed and a reported to stakeholders.
Why Your Input Matters
At HRCE, we believe that the best ideas come from those who are directly involved in our educational community. Your feedback helps us understand what is working well and what needs improvement. By participating in Listen to Lead, you are helping us create initiatives and programs that reflect the diverse needs and aspirations of our students and families.
Listen to Lead | Spring 2025
In May 2025, Halifax Regional Centre for Education (HRCE) conducted its largest community consultation to date. We asked staff, students, families and community stakeholders to tell us how we can ensure the best environment and experience in our 136 schools. Thank you to the 16,603 people who weighed in anonymously on ThoughtExchange with important ideas and feedback.
See the in-progress Adopt & Action report card here. Updated: November 2025
Public Engagement Sessions
The Regional Executive Director of Education will lead a series of public engagement sessions with HRCE families and regional leaders three times a year to discuss student achievement, well-being and capital planning. Feedback from each session will be shared with families, EECD and HRCE staff to help inform our work. More information can be found below. Families are our partners in education. We are listening to lead.
Public Engagement Session #3: Listen to Lead - May 14, 2025
Public Engagement Session #2: Student Well-Being - June 4, 2024
Public Engagement Session #1: Student Achievement - February 28, 2024
Regional School Advisory Council
A Regional School Advisory Council made up of SAC members was established in 2024 to advise the Regional Executive Director. Click here to learn more.
2025-26 RSAC Meeting #1 - November 26, 2025
2024-25 RSAC Meeting #3 - May 27, 2025
Regional Student Advisory Committee
A Regional Student Advisory Committee was established in 2024 to advise the Regional Executive Director.
2025-26 StAC Meeting #1 - November 26, 2025
2024-25 StAC Meeting #3 - May 27, 2025