Kate Baggott's Blog: Cornfields of the Sea - Posts Tagged "dsbn-trustee-candidate"
Writer-Citizen: DSBN Trustee Candidate Jennifer Ajandi
Yes, this is a writer blog but I am a citizen with children in the District School Board of Niagara public school system. There has been a woeful lack of coverage of the school board election, so I am using my role as a general busybody and citizen to interview the 9 candidates competing for the 4 seats representing St. Catharines and Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Jennifer Ajandi is the second of the 9 candidates to respond to my questions in full. Jennifer teaches at Brock and Ryerson.
Question 1. What in your background do you believe prepares you for this public office?
Jennifer's Reply:
I have served almost ten years on Board of Directors in the past. 4
years for the Ontario Association of Social Workers, Central Ontario
Branch and most recently as Vice-President of the Board at Gillian's
Place. I believe this commitment to community work in these roles
provides me with a foundation in strategic planning, policy and
programming, community engagement, and collaboration. I am also an
educator and have taught in universities for the past 6 years. My
daughter is a current student in the DSBN and I am passionate about
making the education system work and be accessible to all students. I also completed my PhD in Equity and
Education from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education,
University of Toronto.
Question 2. What has been your role in community volunteer work, educational activism and politics?
Jennifer's Reply:
I currently serve on the Board as Vice-President of Gillian's Place
and am dedicated to serving an organization that works to end violence
against women and children. I am also the Chair of the School Advisory
Council at my daughter's school. I believe in community outreach and
engagement and aim to make more links between the education system and
community organizations.
Question 3. While local elections are not party-driven, do you have any party affiliations that influence your political ambitions?
Jennifer's Reply:
I support a strong social safety net and collaboration with community
supports. I believe education and its services should remain publicly
funded. I support political parties that work to engage marginalized
populations and recognize the importance of social supports in the
education system (eg. increase in daycare, breakfast and snack
programs, mental health supports as well as an increase in Education
Assistants, Child and Youth Workers, and Social Workers).
Question 4. How would you describe the current relationship between elected trustees and hired superintendents? Or, how do you think that relationship should look?
Jennifer's Reply:
I believe the relationship between superintendents and trustees needs
to be collaborative and supportive of an open dialogue.
Question 5. The province offers trustees various forms of procedural guidance and training in legal and procedural responsibilities of trustees. Which of these forms of guidance and training will you use and/or participate in to prepare and undertake your role as trustee?
Jennifer's Reply:
I would participate in any and all training that is available to me.
Question 6. Where do you stand on the issue of amalgamation of school boards in Niagara and in Ontario as a whole?
Jennifer's Reply:
I do not support amalgamation of school boards. I believe we need to focus more on the local needs of areas instead of one "superboard". Diversity and inclusion is a strength and we need to provide more support in this area.
Question 7. Where do you stand on the issue of provincial oversight of school closure decisions and financial transparency of the DSBN?
Jennifer's Reply:
I support policies that increase transparency of the DSBN. Also, the ARC process in itself needs to be approached in a genuine way with real community involvement and power in decision making.
Question 8.
Among members of the public, there appears to be a problem with nepotism in the hiring of teachers in the board. Will you look into this issue and, if so, what would you do?
Jennifer's Reply:
Yes, definitely. I am interested in having conversations with all interested parties to think carefully about how to address this.
Question 9. The EQAO results in the DSBN are rather troubling, but standardized testing in general is a controversial issue. What do you think of our students' results on the EQAO and about the role of standardized testing overall?
Jennifer's Reply:
Standardized testing may offer a broad overview of results for particular learning objectives; however, I do not support them as the only tool or even main tool in how to evaluate students' success. There are many areas that cannot be empirically measured... character education, social and emotional skills, expression in the Arts, etc. Students learn and relay knowledge in diverse and multiple ways - one standardized way of evaluating this knowledge will not capture everything.
Question 10. Many members of the public are concerned about the level of support for students with special needs. They have also expressed concern about the continuity of staff assigned to particular individuals and the job security of those staff members. What is your position on how the DSBN is doing supporting students who have special needs and the role of Educational Assistants in providing that support?
Jennifer's Reply:
I believe Education Assistants and supportive staff such as social workers, child and youth counselors, and mental health supports in general should see an increase in funding. It is not enough to say we integrate those with various needs in the classroom and in separate classrooms - we need to make sure they experience real inclusion. If students are not experiencing real inclusion, it is still segregation. More staff is needed to ensure a better learning environment overall.
Question 11. What do you believe is the role of the trustee in supporting participatory democracy and the role of parents in school board operations?
Jennifer's Reply:
I believe trustees have a responsibility to represent community voices
and to provide spaces where these voices can be heard and respected.
We should not act in isolation and make decisions without the support
and inclusion of perspectives from all of those involved. Policies and
programs need to be established by those who are affected by them in
the first place. I hope to create an open dialogue where families and
community members feel at ease to discuss their concerns with me as
well as their celebrations!
Question 12. Additionally, please provide links to your web site and/or Facebook page and twitter handle.
Jennifer's Reply:
http://www.JenniferAjandi.com
This post reflects whom I've decided to endorse and this summary post explains why. As usual, here is a list of all the candidate information posts I wrote to cover the race:
Jennifer Ajandi is the second of the 9 candidates to respond to my questions in full. Jennifer teaches at Brock and Ryerson.
Question 1. What in your background do you believe prepares you for this public office?
Jennifer's Reply:
I have served almost ten years on Board of Directors in the past. 4
years for the Ontario Association of Social Workers, Central Ontario
Branch and most recently as Vice-President of the Board at Gillian's
Place. I believe this commitment to community work in these roles
provides me with a foundation in strategic planning, policy and
programming, community engagement, and collaboration. I am also an
educator and have taught in universities for the past 6 years. My
daughter is a current student in the DSBN and I am passionate about
making the education system work and be accessible to all students. I also completed my PhD in Equity and
Education from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education,
University of Toronto.
Question 2. What has been your role in community volunteer work, educational activism and politics?
Jennifer's Reply:
I currently serve on the Board as Vice-President of Gillian's Place
and am dedicated to serving an organization that works to end violence
against women and children. I am also the Chair of the School Advisory
Council at my daughter's school. I believe in community outreach and
engagement and aim to make more links between the education system and
community organizations.
Question 3. While local elections are not party-driven, do you have any party affiliations that influence your political ambitions?
Jennifer's Reply:
I support a strong social safety net and collaboration with community
supports. I believe education and its services should remain publicly
funded. I support political parties that work to engage marginalized
populations and recognize the importance of social supports in the
education system (eg. increase in daycare, breakfast and snack
programs, mental health supports as well as an increase in Education
Assistants, Child and Youth Workers, and Social Workers).
Question 4. How would you describe the current relationship between elected trustees and hired superintendents? Or, how do you think that relationship should look?
Jennifer's Reply:
I believe the relationship between superintendents and trustees needs
to be collaborative and supportive of an open dialogue.
Question 5. The province offers trustees various forms of procedural guidance and training in legal and procedural responsibilities of trustees. Which of these forms of guidance and training will you use and/or participate in to prepare and undertake your role as trustee?
Jennifer's Reply:
I would participate in any and all training that is available to me.
Question 6. Where do you stand on the issue of amalgamation of school boards in Niagara and in Ontario as a whole?
Jennifer's Reply:
I do not support amalgamation of school boards. I believe we need to focus more on the local needs of areas instead of one "superboard". Diversity and inclusion is a strength and we need to provide more support in this area.
Question 7. Where do you stand on the issue of provincial oversight of school closure decisions and financial transparency of the DSBN?
Jennifer's Reply:
I support policies that increase transparency of the DSBN. Also, the ARC process in itself needs to be approached in a genuine way with real community involvement and power in decision making.
Question 8.
Among members of the public, there appears to be a problem with nepotism in the hiring of teachers in the board. Will you look into this issue and, if so, what would you do?
Jennifer's Reply:
Yes, definitely. I am interested in having conversations with all interested parties to think carefully about how to address this.
Question 9. The EQAO results in the DSBN are rather troubling, but standardized testing in general is a controversial issue. What do you think of our students' results on the EQAO and about the role of standardized testing overall?
Jennifer's Reply:
Standardized testing may offer a broad overview of results for particular learning objectives; however, I do not support them as the only tool or even main tool in how to evaluate students' success. There are many areas that cannot be empirically measured... character education, social and emotional skills, expression in the Arts, etc. Students learn and relay knowledge in diverse and multiple ways - one standardized way of evaluating this knowledge will not capture everything.
Question 10. Many members of the public are concerned about the level of support for students with special needs. They have also expressed concern about the continuity of staff assigned to particular individuals and the job security of those staff members. What is your position on how the DSBN is doing supporting students who have special needs and the role of Educational Assistants in providing that support?
Jennifer's Reply:
I believe Education Assistants and supportive staff such as social workers, child and youth counselors, and mental health supports in general should see an increase in funding. It is not enough to say we integrate those with various needs in the classroom and in separate classrooms - we need to make sure they experience real inclusion. If students are not experiencing real inclusion, it is still segregation. More staff is needed to ensure a better learning environment overall.
Question 11. What do you believe is the role of the trustee in supporting participatory democracy and the role of parents in school board operations?
Jennifer's Reply:
I believe trustees have a responsibility to represent community voices
and to provide spaces where these voices can be heard and respected.
We should not act in isolation and make decisions without the support
and inclusion of perspectives from all of those involved. Policies and
programs need to be established by those who are affected by them in
the first place. I hope to create an open dialogue where families and
community members feel at ease to discuss their concerns with me as
well as their celebrations!
Question 12. Additionally, please provide links to your web site and/or Facebook page and twitter handle.
Jennifer's Reply:
http://www.JenniferAjandi.com
This post reflects whom I've decided to endorse and this summary post explains why. As usual, here is a list of all the candidate information posts I wrote to cover the race:
Writer-Citizen DSBN Trustee Candidate Gary Atamanyk
Yes, this is a writer blog but I am a citizen with children in the District School Board of Niagara public school system. There has been a woeful lack of coverage of the school board election, so I am using my role as a general busybody and citizen to interview the 9 candidates competing for the 4 seats representing St. Catharines and Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Candidate Gary Atamanyk has not responded to the list of 12 questions send to each of the nine candidates, but did send the statement below:
Hi Kate
First of all, I do not have any political party affiliations whatsoever. As a public school trustee for 7 years from 2003 until 2010 I have purely represented the educational interests of all students first, before all else, and I will do so in the future. My record speaks for itself. As for any other information that citizens need in order to make an informed and wise decision whether to vote for me, it can be found at www.electgary.net where some of my experience and effective performance as a public school trustee at the District School Board of Niagara is summarized.
I ask for your public endorsement and your vote,
Gary Atamanyk
This post reflects whom I've decided to endorse and this summary post explains why. As usual, here is a list of all the candidate information posts I wrote to cover the race:
Candidate Gary Atamanyk has not responded to the list of 12 questions send to each of the nine candidates, but did send the statement below:
Hi Kate
First of all, I do not have any political party affiliations whatsoever. As a public school trustee for 7 years from 2003 until 2010 I have purely represented the educational interests of all students first, before all else, and I will do so in the future. My record speaks for itself. As for any other information that citizens need in order to make an informed and wise decision whether to vote for me, it can be found at www.electgary.net where some of my experience and effective performance as a public school trustee at the District School Board of Niagara is summarized.
I ask for your public endorsement and your vote,
Gary Atamanyk
This post reflects whom I've decided to endorse and this summary post explains why. As usual, here is a list of all the candidate information posts I wrote to cover the race:
Writer-Citizen DSBN Trustee Candidate Lora Campbell
Yes, this is a writer blog but I am a citizen with children in the District School Board of Niagara public school system. There has been a woeful lack of coverage of the school board election, so I am using my role as a general busybody and citizen to interview the 9 candidates competing for the 4 seats representing St. Catharines and Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Lora Campbell is the sixth of the 9 candidates to respond to my questions in full. Lora has been a DSBN trustee for more than 25 years.
Question 1. What in your background do you believe prepares you for this public office?
Lora's Reply:
Over 25 years as a trustee and during that time I worked at City Hall as Administrative Manager to the City Treasurer (I am retired). I have served on all committees of the Board and over the last four years on Finance, Negotiations (staff and teachers), Policy Advisory and Student Discipline.
I was instrumental in getting girls soccer as a girl`s sport (which was not in existence when my daughter (who is an avid soccer player) was attending Laura Secord Secondary School. Being a member of the negotiation`s team for staff and teachers, I am proud to say we have never had a strike and I hope we can continue to work together to achieve this stability in the future.
Question 2. What has been your role in community volunteer work, educational activism and politics?
Lora's Reply:
I have been involved in many organizations over the years and for the last several years - to date I am a Commissioner on the St. Catharines Transit Commission and a member on the Paratransit Advisory Board as well as a Director on Education Foundation of Niagara (EFN) and serving as Vice-Chair and Chair of its Board.
I encourage liaison and meetings with our local MPP and Minister of Education to keep them aware of our concerns with adequate funding, etc.
3. While local elections are not party-driven, do you have any party affiliations that influence your political ambitions?
Lora's Reply:
The only political ambition I have is to be a trustee and no one contributes to my campaign in any way.
Question 4. How would you describe the current relationship between elected trustees and hired superintendents? Or, how do you think that relationship should look?
Lora's Reply:
I believe our relationship is very good. We agree to disagree and resolve issues in an agreeable manner.
Question 5. The province offers trustees various forms of procedural guidance and training in legal and procedural responsibilities of trustees. Which of these forms of guidance and training will you use and/or participate in to prepare and undertake your role as trustee?
Lora's Reply:
After each election the Ontario Public School Board Association`s (OPSBA) January Conference is geared to workshops which are meant to educate new and old trustees (i.e., parliamentary procedures, code of conduct, conflict of interest, board agendas, finances, legal accountability, etc.). I have attended this particular conference many times. OPSBA also has a Public Education Symposium each year in January which I also attend regularly with workshops that relate to trusteeship training.
Question 6. Where do you stand on the issue of amalgamation of school boards in Niagara and in Ontario as a whole?
Lora's Reply:
We need to make sure our house is in order before we attempt to take on another board at this time. As for Ontario as a whole, the Ministry can deal with that.
Question 7. Where do you stand on the issue of provincial oversight of school closure decisions and financial transparency of the DSBN?
Lora's Reply:
When a decision is made by our Board, I stand by it whether I agree or not. The same with Ministry decisions. MOE is presently reviewing and revising the Accommodation Review process and I look forward to receiving it. I believe our Board is doing everything it can to let our communities know how and why we are spending tax dollars (i.e., our budget is publicly accessible, our Finance meetings are open to the public (except matters that are confidential).
Question 8.
Among members of the public, there appears to be a problem with nepotism in the hiring of teachers in the board. Will you look into this issue and, if so, what would you do?
Lora's Reply:
I was not aware we had an issue of this nature. I will contact our Superintendent of Human Resources, Jim Morgan. Our practice is to hire the best qualified person for the position.
Question 9. The EQAO results in the DSBN are rather troubling, but standardized testing in general is a controversial issue. What do you think of our students' results on the EQAO and about the role of standardized testing overall?
Lora's Reply:
Standardizing testing is only one aspect of how we measure a student`s success (it should not be the only way). Our scores can be higher and staff and teachers are working towards this goal and I will support professional development and teacher mentoring to help this happen.
Question 10. Many members of the public are concerned about the level of support for students with special needs. They have also expressed concern about the continuity of staff assigned to particular individuals and the job security of those staff members. What is your position on how the DSBN is doing supporting students who have special needs and the role of Educational Assistants in providing that support?
Lora's Reply:
I believe Educational Assistants are a necessity and we need more as our student numbers are increasing. We can achieve this by lobbying MOE for continued increased funding for special education. I have served on our Special Education Advisory Committee in the past and continue to support programs for these students.
Question 11. What do you believe is the role of the trustee in supporting participatory democracy and the role of parents in school board operations?
Lora's Reply:
I fully support Parent Involvement Committees in each school and I attend their Annual PIC Conference, this year is Nov. 5, 2014. Before I was a trustee I was a parent volunteer at Pine Grove School and attended their School Council meetings (now PIC). Parents were included as a stakeholder when we prepared our Strategic Plan and when we revise it. Also parents are a member of the Accommodation Review Committee process (ARC).
Question 12. Additionally, please provide links to your web site and/or Facebook page and twitter handle.
Lora's Reply:
www.reelectloracampbell.com
This post reflects whom I've decided to endorse and this summary post explains why. As usual, here is a list of all the candidate information posts I wrote to cover the race:
Lora Campbell is the sixth of the 9 candidates to respond to my questions in full. Lora has been a DSBN trustee for more than 25 years.
Question 1. What in your background do you believe prepares you for this public office?
Lora's Reply:
Over 25 years as a trustee and during that time I worked at City Hall as Administrative Manager to the City Treasurer (I am retired). I have served on all committees of the Board and over the last four years on Finance, Negotiations (staff and teachers), Policy Advisory and Student Discipline.
I was instrumental in getting girls soccer as a girl`s sport (which was not in existence when my daughter (who is an avid soccer player) was attending Laura Secord Secondary School. Being a member of the negotiation`s team for staff and teachers, I am proud to say we have never had a strike and I hope we can continue to work together to achieve this stability in the future.
Question 2. What has been your role in community volunteer work, educational activism and politics?
Lora's Reply:
I have been involved in many organizations over the years and for the last several years - to date I am a Commissioner on the St. Catharines Transit Commission and a member on the Paratransit Advisory Board as well as a Director on Education Foundation of Niagara (EFN) and serving as Vice-Chair and Chair of its Board.
I encourage liaison and meetings with our local MPP and Minister of Education to keep them aware of our concerns with adequate funding, etc.
3. While local elections are not party-driven, do you have any party affiliations that influence your political ambitions?
Lora's Reply:
The only political ambition I have is to be a trustee and no one contributes to my campaign in any way.
Question 4. How would you describe the current relationship between elected trustees and hired superintendents? Or, how do you think that relationship should look?
Lora's Reply:
I believe our relationship is very good. We agree to disagree and resolve issues in an agreeable manner.
Question 5. The province offers trustees various forms of procedural guidance and training in legal and procedural responsibilities of trustees. Which of these forms of guidance and training will you use and/or participate in to prepare and undertake your role as trustee?
Lora's Reply:
After each election the Ontario Public School Board Association`s (OPSBA) January Conference is geared to workshops which are meant to educate new and old trustees (i.e., parliamentary procedures, code of conduct, conflict of interest, board agendas, finances, legal accountability, etc.). I have attended this particular conference many times. OPSBA also has a Public Education Symposium each year in January which I also attend regularly with workshops that relate to trusteeship training.
Question 6. Where do you stand on the issue of amalgamation of school boards in Niagara and in Ontario as a whole?
Lora's Reply:
We need to make sure our house is in order before we attempt to take on another board at this time. As for Ontario as a whole, the Ministry can deal with that.
Question 7. Where do you stand on the issue of provincial oversight of school closure decisions and financial transparency of the DSBN?
Lora's Reply:
When a decision is made by our Board, I stand by it whether I agree or not. The same with Ministry decisions. MOE is presently reviewing and revising the Accommodation Review process and I look forward to receiving it. I believe our Board is doing everything it can to let our communities know how and why we are spending tax dollars (i.e., our budget is publicly accessible, our Finance meetings are open to the public (except matters that are confidential).
Question 8.
Among members of the public, there appears to be a problem with nepotism in the hiring of teachers in the board. Will you look into this issue and, if so, what would you do?
Lora's Reply:
I was not aware we had an issue of this nature. I will contact our Superintendent of Human Resources, Jim Morgan. Our practice is to hire the best qualified person for the position.
Question 9. The EQAO results in the DSBN are rather troubling, but standardized testing in general is a controversial issue. What do you think of our students' results on the EQAO and about the role of standardized testing overall?
Lora's Reply:
Standardizing testing is only one aspect of how we measure a student`s success (it should not be the only way). Our scores can be higher and staff and teachers are working towards this goal and I will support professional development and teacher mentoring to help this happen.
Question 10. Many members of the public are concerned about the level of support for students with special needs. They have also expressed concern about the continuity of staff assigned to particular individuals and the job security of those staff members. What is your position on how the DSBN is doing supporting students who have special needs and the role of Educational Assistants in providing that support?
Lora's Reply:
I believe Educational Assistants are a necessity and we need more as our student numbers are increasing. We can achieve this by lobbying MOE for continued increased funding for special education. I have served on our Special Education Advisory Committee in the past and continue to support programs for these students.
Question 11. What do you believe is the role of the trustee in supporting participatory democracy and the role of parents in school board operations?
Lora's Reply:
I fully support Parent Involvement Committees in each school and I attend their Annual PIC Conference, this year is Nov. 5, 2014. Before I was a trustee I was a parent volunteer at Pine Grove School and attended their School Council meetings (now PIC). Parents were included as a stakeholder when we prepared our Strategic Plan and when we revise it. Also parents are a member of the Accommodation Review Committee process (ARC).
Question 12. Additionally, please provide links to your web site and/or Facebook page and twitter handle.
Lora's Reply:
www.reelectloracampbell.com
This post reflects whom I've decided to endorse and this summary post explains why. As usual, here is a list of all the candidate information posts I wrote to cover the race:
Writer-Citizen DSBN Trustee Candidate Adam Christie
Yes, this is a writer blog but I am a citizen with children in the District School Board of Niagara public school system. There has been a woeful lack of coverage of the school board election, so I am using my role as a general busybody and citizen to interview the 9 candidates competing for the 4 seats representing St. Catharines and Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Adam Christie is the seventh of the 9 candidates to respond to my questions in full.
Question 1. What in your background do you believe prepares you for this public office?
Adam's Reply:
I have been working and coaching kids for over 10 years. I come from a younger generation then the other candidates and fully understand the strengths and struggles that this generation of students are burdened with today. I am here to be their voice.
Question 2. What has been your role in community volunteer work, educational activism and politics?
Adam's Reply:
I was coaching the Niagara District football team when they decided to close the only highschool in Niagara on the Lake. I stood alongside the students to show the region why this school was important in our school system.
3. While local elections are not party-driven, do you have any party affiliations that influence your political ambitions?
Adam's Reply:
No party affiliations at all. I vote for the best candidates that will represent our region.
Question 4. How would you describe the current relationship between elected trustees and hired superintendents? Or, how do you think that relationship should look?
Adam's Reply:
I believe there should be a mutual respect for both positions and hope they can find some common ground when they do not agree on any given issue.
Question 5. The province offers trustees various forms of procedural guidance and training in legal and procedural responsibilities of trustees. Which of these forms of guidance and training will you use and/or participate in to prepare and undertake your role as trustee?
Adam's Reply:
If elected, I will attend the Ontario Public School Board’s Association’s (OPSBA) conferences and Ministry of Education (MOE) workshops offered to trustees to ensure my knowledge is up to date with current provincial issues.
Question 6. Where do you stand on the issue of amalgamation of school boards in Niagara and in Ontario as a whole?
Adam's Reply:
Our number one goal is delivering the best education to our students. I’m sure we need to get our ducks in a row before this happens, and if it does it needs to be done right without compromising the education system.
Question 7. Where do you stand on the issue of provincial oversight of school closure decisions and financial transparency of the DSBN?
Adam's Reply:
The public is upset with many of the ARC decisions. I think by communicating and updating the public during the process will help them reflex on the reasons why the ARC makes the decisions they do. Apparently, the ARC process is being reviewed by the Province. I hope this will give the public the involvement and clarity we are asking for
Question 8. Among members of the public, there appears to be a problem with nepotism in the hiring of teachers in the board. Will you look into this issue and, if so, what would you do?
Adam's Reply:
If elected I will look into this issue.
Question 9. The EQAO results in the DSBN are rather troubling, but standardized testing in general is a controversial issue. What do you think of our students' results on the EQAO and about the role of standardized testing overall?
Adam's Reply:
We should encourage our teachers and staff to develop new systems and teaching styles to develop our students knowledge. A student’s intelligence or educational progress should not be gauged by a simple test.
Question 10. Many members of the public are concerned about the level of support for students with special needs. They have also expressed concern about the continuity of staff assigned to particular individuals and the job security of those staff members. What is your position on how the DSBN is doing supporting students who have special needs and the role of Educational Assistants in providing that support?
Adam's Reply:
The DSBN needs to ensure that we have enough funding to support all aspects that are needed for special needs. I believe this matter is important to all candidates and I will make it a goal to ensure DSBN continues to improve the support of these students and the staff.
Question 11. What do you believe is the role of the trustee in supporting participatory democracy and the role of parents in school board operations?
Adam's Reply:
I think it is very important for our public and students have an active role in the school board processes and decisions. I would like to see the Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) allowed to have a stronger voice at DSBN. By working together we can guarantee our students the best education system.
Question 12. Additionally, please provide links to your web site and/or Facebook page and twitter handle.
Adam's Reply:
Currently, not available.
This post reflects whom I've decided to endorse and this summary post explains why. As usual, here is a list of all the candidate information posts I wrote to cover the race:
Adam Christie is the seventh of the 9 candidates to respond to my questions in full.
Question 1. What in your background do you believe prepares you for this public office?
Adam's Reply:
I have been working and coaching kids for over 10 years. I come from a younger generation then the other candidates and fully understand the strengths and struggles that this generation of students are burdened with today. I am here to be their voice.
Question 2. What has been your role in community volunteer work, educational activism and politics?
Adam's Reply:
I was coaching the Niagara District football team when they decided to close the only highschool in Niagara on the Lake. I stood alongside the students to show the region why this school was important in our school system.
3. While local elections are not party-driven, do you have any party affiliations that influence your political ambitions?
Adam's Reply:
No party affiliations at all. I vote for the best candidates that will represent our region.
Question 4. How would you describe the current relationship between elected trustees and hired superintendents? Or, how do you think that relationship should look?
Adam's Reply:
I believe there should be a mutual respect for both positions and hope they can find some common ground when they do not agree on any given issue.
Question 5. The province offers trustees various forms of procedural guidance and training in legal and procedural responsibilities of trustees. Which of these forms of guidance and training will you use and/or participate in to prepare and undertake your role as trustee?
Adam's Reply:
If elected, I will attend the Ontario Public School Board’s Association’s (OPSBA) conferences and Ministry of Education (MOE) workshops offered to trustees to ensure my knowledge is up to date with current provincial issues.
Question 6. Where do you stand on the issue of amalgamation of school boards in Niagara and in Ontario as a whole?
Adam's Reply:
Our number one goal is delivering the best education to our students. I’m sure we need to get our ducks in a row before this happens, and if it does it needs to be done right without compromising the education system.
Question 7. Where do you stand on the issue of provincial oversight of school closure decisions and financial transparency of the DSBN?
Adam's Reply:
The public is upset with many of the ARC decisions. I think by communicating and updating the public during the process will help them reflex on the reasons why the ARC makes the decisions they do. Apparently, the ARC process is being reviewed by the Province. I hope this will give the public the involvement and clarity we are asking for
Question 8. Among members of the public, there appears to be a problem with nepotism in the hiring of teachers in the board. Will you look into this issue and, if so, what would you do?
Adam's Reply:
If elected I will look into this issue.
Question 9. The EQAO results in the DSBN are rather troubling, but standardized testing in general is a controversial issue. What do you think of our students' results on the EQAO and about the role of standardized testing overall?
Adam's Reply:
We should encourage our teachers and staff to develop new systems and teaching styles to develop our students knowledge. A student’s intelligence or educational progress should not be gauged by a simple test.
Question 10. Many members of the public are concerned about the level of support for students with special needs. They have also expressed concern about the continuity of staff assigned to particular individuals and the job security of those staff members. What is your position on how the DSBN is doing supporting students who have special needs and the role of Educational Assistants in providing that support?
Adam's Reply:
The DSBN needs to ensure that we have enough funding to support all aspects that are needed for special needs. I believe this matter is important to all candidates and I will make it a goal to ensure DSBN continues to improve the support of these students and the staff.
Question 11. What do you believe is the role of the trustee in supporting participatory democracy and the role of parents in school board operations?
Adam's Reply:
I think it is very important for our public and students have an active role in the school board processes and decisions. I would like to see the Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) allowed to have a stronger voice at DSBN. By working together we can guarantee our students the best education system.
Question 12. Additionally, please provide links to your web site and/or Facebook page and twitter handle.
Adam's Reply:
Currently, not available.
This post reflects whom I've decided to endorse and this summary post explains why. As usual, here is a list of all the candidate information posts I wrote to cover the race:
Cornfields of the Sea
When I was in high school, I was lucky enough to be part of a writing workshop with author Barbara Greenwood. Every member of the workshop was to write a short story for a group anthology. I thought w
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