Anti-Black Racism and Black Excellence Advisory Committee Nominations

• Be a parent or guardian of a student currently enrolled in one of the Board’s schools for the period of the tenure for which they seek to be elected.
• Demonstrate either expertise, lived experience, or a genuine commitment to learning about anti-Black racism, diversity, inclusion, and human rights - with the goal of dismantling anti-Black racism and promoting Black Excellence within our Board.

• The election will take place during the committee meeting on October 29, 2026,
• All persons who seek to be elected as interim Chair will be allowed three (3) minutes each before the election commences to address the committee on their plans. Candidates seeking election as Vice‑Chair will be provided up to two (2) minutes each.
• To ensure a fair and transparent election process, voting will be open to registered ABR & BE members whose names appear on the official voters' register (ABR & BE distribution list) using this form. The deadline to register is October 23, 2026. Community members who wish to vote are encouraged to join the committee and complete the registration process before the deadline.
• Attendance at the election, whether in person or online, does not automatically provide voting eligibility.
• The election will be conducted in a hybrid format, allowing eligible members to participate either in person or virtually. All voters will use the same secure electronic voting system, ensuring equal access, one vote per eligible member, and the confidentiality of every ballot.

Role of the Chair

For the Anti-Black Racism & Black Excellence (ABR & BE) Advisory Committee, the Chair's role is to provide leadership that helps the committee fulfill its mandate while ensuring meetings are welcoming, focused, and productive.

• Provides leadership and direction to support the committee's mandate, goals, and priorities.
• Facilitates meetings in a respectful, inclusive, and equitable manner, ensuring all members have opportunities to contribute.
• Works with staff support to develop meeting agendas and identify priorities for discussion and action.
• Keeps discussions focused on the committee's purpose and aligned with the Board’s strategic goals.
• Encourages diverse perspectives and helps create a space where members can engage with courage and humility.
• Builds consensus where possible and supports respectful dialogue when differing viewpoints arise.
• Represents the committee at Board events, meetings, or presentations, as appropriate.
• Supports accountability by monitoring progress on committee recommendations, initiatives, and action items.
• Promotes collaboration among committee members, Board departments, students, families, and community partners.
• Upholds the committee's norms and Terms of Reference, ensuring meetings reflect the values of equity, dignity, belonging, and respect.
• Supports the planning and delivery of committee initiatives, programs, and events, in partnership with the Board and community organizations, to advance the committee's mandate and priorities.

Role of the Vice-Chair

The Vice-Chair supports the Chair in carrying out the work of the Anti-Black Racism & Black Excellence (ABR & BE) Advisory Committee and helps ensure continuity of leadership.

• Supports the Chair in planning and facilitating the work of the committee.
• Acts on behalf of the Chair when the Chair is unavailable, including chairing meetings and representing the committee as needed.
• Assists with agenda planning and identifying priorities for committee discussions and recommendations.
• Helps maintain a respectful, inclusive, and productive meeting environment where all members feel welcomed and valued.
• Encourages member engagement and participation, helping to ensure a diversity of voices and perspectives are heard.
• Supports follow-up on action items and committee initiatives between meetings.
• Contributes to leadership succession and continuity, helping maintain momentum on the committee's work.
• Works collaboratively with the Chair, members, and Board staff to advance the committee's mandate and objectives.
• Promotes the committee's norms, values, and commitments related to equity, dignity, belonging, anti-racism, and Black excellence.
• Supports the planning and delivery of committee initiatives, programs, and events, in partnership with the Board and community organizations, to advance the committee's mandate and priorities.

• The committee will meet at least six times in a school year (once in either September or October and at least once in November, January, February, April and May). The Executive may also call for a meeting of the committee outside of these specified meeting dates as may be necessary. Subcommittees or working groups will meet as may be required for the performance of their functions.
• Meetings will be no more than one and a half hours (1.5 hrs) except in special circumstances where members agree to additional time.

• Non-Board officers of the Committee will be eligible to serve two consecutive terms of two years.