Educational Partnerships and Sponsorships

Definitions

Educational partnerships are mutually beneficial, co-operative relationships in which partners share values; objectives; human, material, or financial resources; roles and responsibilities to enhance learning for students. 

Educational sponsorships are defined as the provision of money, price reductions, equipment, materials, or services in exchange for product or company recognition for a specified period of time. 

Regulation

1. An educational partnership or sponsorship relationship with business or community organizations shall be in accordance with the Board Policy AA.BP - Stakeholder Relations. 

2. Partnership and sponsorship activities shall reflect district and school priorities. 

3. Participation in partnership and sponsorship activities shall be on a voluntary basis. 

4. Principals shall:
   1. consult with the school council, parents, staff, and students (when appropriate) in the identification, development, and implementation of educational partnerships and sponsorships; and
   2. inform the Director of Communications of any proposed involvement in an educational partnership or sponsorship. 

5. The Director of Communications shall:
   1. provide advice and assistance to schools to support the development of educational partnerships and sponsorships;
   2. maintain records of district and school partnerships and sponsorships; and
   3. serve as a contact for business and community organizations interested in partnering with district schools. 

6. When a school or the District enters into a partnership or sponsorship arrangement, the following should be considered:

• the partnership fosters acquisition of employability skills, intellectual growth, and cultural or social awareness for students;
• the partnership is developed and structured in consultation with all partners;
• partner organizations have a stated or written commitment to supporting public education;
• each partner's expertise is recognized and respected;
• defined roles, responsibilities, and terms of the arrangement for all partners are identified;
• there is agreement to measure and evaluate partnership performance to make informed decisions that ensure continuous improvement;
• each partner's contribution is acknowledged and celebrated through appropriate forms of recognition; and
• partner organizations are Canadian owned whenever possible. 

References