The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is responsible for public education in the rural settings of Uxbridge, Brock and Scugog Townships and the urban settings of Ajax, Whitby, Pickering and Oshawa. The DDSB accommodates a school population of nearly 76,000 day students, through 136 elementary and secondary schools and learning centres, and thousands more who take advantage of a wide variety of continuing education and adult credit courses.

The DDSB recognizes Indigenous rights are distinct. In the exercise of those rights, Indigenous staff and students shall not be subjected to actions with the aim or effect of depriving these distinct rights.

The DDSB is committed to learning and working environments that centre human rights and equity and that are safe, welcoming, respectful, equitable, accessible, inclusive and free from discrimination, oppression, harassment and harm.

SENIOR PLANNER & ACCOMMODATIONS COORDINATOR

This is a 35 hour per week, 12 month, permanent position. 

Job Purpose

Provides technical planning expertise and support to various departments in Durham District School Board (DDSB), including the creation of enrollment forecasts and land-use planning, to drive the effectiveness and efficiency of DDSB operations, in support of the organization’s strategic objectives and in compliance with relevant regulation and legislative standards, along with Ministry directives. Oversees the implementation and administration of the Education Development Charges (EDC) program. Manages data of current and long-term accommodation information for various internal and external stakeholders. Manages the Ministry of Education’s Pupil Accommodation Review process (school closure and consolidations) for the DDSB, as set out through Board Policy and Procedure #7113 and Ministry of Education Guidelines.

Accountabilities:

• ENROLLMENT PROJECTIONS: Develop and manage a statistical enrollment projection model to determine elementary and secondary student enrollment on an annual basis, in order to produce annual and long-term projections. Provide support related to the output of the model, which is used by multiple DDSB departments for a variety of reasons, including facilities planning, enrollment, EDC, accommodation reviews and current/ long-term accommodation needs, staffing, and funding requests. Collect data and information for modelling purposes from various primary and secondary sources, including interviews and discussions with DDSB staff. Improve the accuracy and efficiency of the model on an on-going basis. Prepare documents and reports, including the annual OEP document, for internal and external stakeholders.
• LAND USE PLANNING: Manage the end-to-end land-use planning process related to DDSB facilities, including municipal planning, option agreements, and the school boundary consultation process. Manage all planning issues pertaining to specific municipalities within DDSB’s jurisdiction by participating in detailed review processes with municipal and regional authorities on behalf of DDSB, pertaining to new Plans of Subdivision, Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments and Secondary Plan reviews. Ensure future DDSB school sites are located within correct land-use designations and zonings and manage the end-to-end amendment process, if required. Manage the option agreements process with the landowners, in partnership with Legal Counsel. Plan for future facility needs by conducting statistical growth analysis based on regional and municipal growth plans, and recommend facilities-related accommodation plans to internal stakeholders. Develop school boundaries for new/ modified schools by conducting various analyses and managing the school boundary consultation process, which involves conducting analysis, preparing and presenting reports to the Board of Trustees, and managing the public consultation process.
• CLASSROOM and PORTABLE USE: Review elementary school floor plans annually to identify classroom/portables requirements and ensure compliance with DDSB policies, Ministry requirements, and various legislative regulations. Identify misuse of classroom/portables and inform principals accordingly. Develop and manage the list of classrooms/portables in use, which is utilized by multiple DDSB departments for a variety of reasons, including portable storage/ re-purpose/demolition, budgets (custodial, energy/ hydro), and wi-fi services. Plan and manage the process to ensure that sufficient parking and washrooms are available for the additional classroom/ portables, while ensuring compliance with various legislative requirements.
• EDC MANAGEMENT: Manage the EDC (Education Development Charges) creation, review, and renewal process, allowing DDSB to collect funds in order to purchase school sites in new development areas. Complete EDC forms in an accurate and timely manner for DDSB and for 5 of 7 municipalities within DDSB’s jurisdiction. Respond to inquiries from various internal  and external stakeholders, including representing DDSB in appeal situations before the Municipal Council. Partner with legal counsel to support DDSB’s position if appeal is escalated to the Ontario Municipal Board. Partner with the Purchasing department to manage aspects of the RFP process to hire an EDC Consultant, including working with the consultant to develop reports for internal and external stakeholders. Provide information to Board Trustees regarding process, timing, and by-law updates. 
• ACCOMMODATIONS REVIEW MANAGEMENT:  Independent data collection and statistical analysis, research and coordination of various documents to develop the initial staff report on the schools under review. Prepare documents and reports for internal and external stakeholders. Oversee the completion of School Information Profiles (SIP) for every school under review. Provide accommodation review scenarios based on statistical modelling, and recommend the best scenario outlining school closure(s) and/ or consolidation(s). Develop process timelines and ensure accurate & timely completion. Develop a final staff report based on the public consultation process and feedback from the Accommodations Review Committee.  Develop implementation timelines as well as a framework for a transition plan. Complete all activities in compliance with DDSB policies, Ministry requirements, and various legislative regulations, and interpret all updates to Ministry guidelines.
• ACCOMMODATIONS REVIEW STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT: Prepare reports for the Board of Trustees, the Accommodations Review Committee and the public, while managing the public consultation process. Present reports to the Board of Trustees.  Respond to various questions and/ or requests for information raised by internal and external stakeholders, requiring the completion of additional analysis. Prepare and coordinate all internal and external communication components of the Accommodations Review process in partnership with the Communications department. Coordinate and lead various internal & external meetings during the process to provide updates and ensure the process is completed accurately and effectively, while ensuring the presence of all relevant stakeholders. Manage the Partnership, Facility Partnerships, Sponsorships and Donations process.

Education:

• Completion of a post-secondary university degree in Urban Planning or a related field, or combination of education, training and experience deemed to be equivalent.
• Membership with one or all of the following is considered an asset: the Ontario Professional Planners Institute, Canadian Institute of Planners, or the Ontario Association of School Board Officials (OASBO).

Experience:

• 5 years  School Board Planning  experience required
• 5 years  Municipal/Provincial legislation required
• 5 years  Communication (report writing, public relations/ speaking) required
• 5 years GIS Software (ESRI) required
• 3 – 5 years Ministry/Board Policies/Procedures/Standards/ Durham region preferred

Knowledge and Skills:

• Oral and written communication skills
• Public speaking and public relations skills
• Knowledge of statistical modeling, data analytics, trend analysis, and research methods
• Knowledge of various emerging trends and practices
• Knowledge of site planning, transportation, architecture and planning law
• Experience with Microsoft Office programs, GIS Systems (ESRI), and School Planning Software (SPS)
• Sound judgement, analytical, problem solving skills, attention to detail, and organizational skills
• Ability to work well under tight time

To apply online for Posting # 3550008, by 4:30 p.m., Friday, September 22, 2023, please go to ddsb.ca and submit your application under the section Careers – Educational Services.

Compensation: $87,929-$102,878 annually

The DDSB is committed to equity and inclusion in the recruitment and hiring of qualified staff who reflect the diversity of our region. We encourage submissions from candidates who represent the various dimensions of diversity. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs.

About Durham District School Board

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is responsible for public education in the rural settings of Uxbridge, Brock and Scugog Townships and the urban settings of Ajax, Whitby, Pickering and Oshawa. The DDSB accommodates a school population of nearly 76,000 day students, through 136 elementary and secondary schools and learning centres, and thousands more who take advantage of a wide variety of continuing education and adult credit courses.

Connections working at Durham District School Board