Why is public education important to you?
Public education is a right for all children as they surge, stumble and strive forward in life. Their needs, gifts and talents take specialized responsible care. Education first is the call of the times.
What is motivating you to run for the position of school trustee?
I chose to run for a trustee position in my own neighborhood riding because education has intrigued me for many years. To be involved with the concept of learning has been my goal. I call myself a perpetual student continuing my personal learning path of life. The trustee position will give me the opportunity to bring forward the concerns and wishes of the care givers of children. And add my own observations.
Are you prepared to send a strong message to Queen’s Park about any negative impact of provincial education policies?
The provincial government needs to know the responses of the Trustees who speak on behalf of parents and tax payers. Which means Trustees need to bring the notion of education first forward in their decision making. The future rests on children.
What is your position on the new Ford government’s decision to repeal the sexual health component of the 2015 Health and Physical Education Curriculum? As a school trustee would you advocate for retaining the updated curriculum and not reverting to the 1998 version of the document?
My suggestion is that the provincial government does not repeal the sex education portion. And that it retains the updated health wellness curriculum. The children of today experience and know different realities from the 1990s children. I would vote this way as a trustee and as a citizen should it become a referendum vote.
Do you agree students are being short changed by education funding levels?
a) State reasons why an increase in funding is needed for elementary students.
b) State reasons why an increase in funding is needed for secondary students.
c) If elected, would you lobby the provincial government to increase funding levels for education?
Yes students have been short funded when the focus remains on school closures to save money. The cost of building new mega schools supersedes the cost of maintenance and repair of neighborhoods schools. The funds can be directed to improve and update current topics of education.
a. Yes to increase elementary funding to broaden childrens preparation for involvement interaction and responsibility for the natural world. Outdoor classrooms and focuses impact profoundly on young minds
b. Yes to increase funding in secondary schools to accommodate broader career choices. There is a tradesman, manufacturing, production focused world out there as well as colleges and universities.
c. Yes I would consider being part of a lobby to request for specific increased funding once identified.
Do you agree that elementary schools should have the benefit of Teacher-librarians as well as music, art physical education and guidance specialists?
Both children and teachers will benefit from specialist support for music, art, physical education, and librarians and from guidance counselors. Well rounded education will prepare the young minds for their own particular destinies.
Do you believe, as part of free collective bargaining, that teachers should have the right to strike?
Free collective bargaining is a right of union members collectively. Teachers have the same human rights entrenched in any collective bargaining agreement. This is not a fragile right to be withdrawn at will.
Describe your understanding of the extent and nature of classroom violence in Ontario.
The extent and gravity of classroom violence is a mirror reflection of community violence. While less extreme and under the responsive responsibility of classroom teachers... its presence is evident. Its impact crosses societal distinctions of race gender class and neighborhoods. And deserves attention.
What is your position on corporate involvement in public education? What role should school fundraising play in supporting schools?
Corporate involvement in public education needs to be specific in focus and intent. Financial support can enhance already existing programs and establish new ones needed by the school population. The expected outcomes need to priorize the education of the children.
Outline how the public school system should be assisting immigrant and marginalized families (children and adults).
Addressing immigrant populations requires visibility familiarity and inclusion. Language as an easy factor could start with including greetings and thank yous in various languages to answer all 3 thresholds.
Marginalized families may require more substantial responses. Poverty, learning capacities, physical abilities, body types and features distinguish students and their families. Specialized assistance is helpful here.
Indigenous education thresholds are needed for Canada's Indigenous Peoples in schools. Named in Part of the Constitution the various Nations across the land have much to offer their neighbors about their common world.