On Tuesday, March 24, the first meeting of the Staff Equity-Deserving Advisory Network (SEAN) took place at the Kemptville Board Office, marking an important step forward in CDSBEO’s ongoing commitment to equity and belonging.

SEAN brings together staff from across the board whose perspectives are shaped by their lived experiences, including those from equity-deserving and historically marginalized communities, as well as staff who are committed to advancing equity in CDSBEO schools. The network creates a space where voices can be shared, heard, and valued as part of the conversations that guide system-level decisions.

The purpose of SEAN is to ensure that the lived experiences and perspectives of equity-deserving staff help inform the work of the Equity department. Through open dialogue, members identify barriers experienced by staff and students and share insights to collaboratively support more equitable practices and learning environments across the system.

This year marks the launch of SEAN, with several meetings planned to help establish the group and shape its focus. As the network grows, it will continue to evolve based on the needs and feedback of its members.

At the heart of SEAN is a commitment to listening. Guided by this year’s spiritual theme, a listening presence changes hearts, the first meeting created space for meaningful conversation and reflection. It was a reminder that when we take time to truly listen, we strengthen relationships, build understanding, and move forward together.

Through SEAN, we continue to live out the Called to Belong framework by listening, learning, and acting together, ensuring that every voice has a place at the table.