Kate Baggott's Blog: Cornfields of the Sea, page 3
October 13, 2014
Go, Go, Go: Global Story-Telling Experiment is Underway
Before I became obsessed with my local school board election, I outlined a plan for a global story-telling experiment. One of the things I did this weekend was get it moving!
Volunteers in 9 countries, 3 US states and three provinces agreed to let me leave postcards bearing their addresses lying around cafes, libraries and other public areas to see if complete strangers will mail them off. Cards will be left as far away from their destinations as possible. As volunteers receive their cards, they'll send me messages & give me the text on the back of the cards they've received. I'll then post the text of the story right here as it returns home! Let's see if all 30 cards are returned over the next few months. Right now, I've put the card number, its point of departure & its destination with a few story passages that didn't fit on post cards.
The Only Organic Yogurt Guru in the World
card #1Sent to: Sweden Headed toward: Ontario, Canada
card #2Sent to: Ontario, Canada Going toward:England, UK Status: ARRIVED
Obviously, if my issues are my parents' fault, the old men's issues were caused by my grandparents.
card #3Sent to:Sweden Going toward:Prince Edward Island, Canada STATUS: Arrived
Unfortunately, they’re dead and the issues between my father and his brother have not improved.
card #4Sent to:Abu Dhabi, UAE Going toward: Ontario, Canada STATUS: Arrived
My sisters have suggested that I might have something to do with problems between the old men.
They might have a point.
card #5Sent to: Hawaii, USA Going toward: Ontario, Canada STATUS:Arrived
Uncle Reeve wants me to come and work for him. It’s an on-going theme. He wants me to take over the trading firm.
card #6Sent to: England, UK Going toward:Ontario, Canada
card #7Sent to:Abu Dhabi, UAE Going toward:Ontario, Canada STATUS: Arrived
Uncle Reeve wants me to leave my father’s comfortable wealth, and even more comfortable couch, for stratospheric riches.
“Come on,” he says. “Come be one of the boys.”
card #8Sent to:Ontario, Canada Going toward: Germany STATUS: Arrived
It would be a more attractive offer if he didn't always sound like he was begging me to be his substitute son.
“Go make some friends your own age already, Uncle Reeve,” I tell him. I try to pretend I’m being sarcastic so I don’t hurt his feelings.
card #9Sent to:Scotland, UK Going toward:Ontario, Canada
card #10Sent to: Scotland, UK Going toward:Ontario, Canada
That tells you how the mind of a man who has dedicated his career to Organic Yogurt functions.
card #11Sent to: England, UK Going toward: Ontario, Canada
card #12Sent to: England, UK Going toward: Hawaii, USA
I am talking about the fear of not being rich enough.
card #13Sent to: Hawaii, USA Going toward: Ontario, Canada
card #14Sent to: Norway Going toward: Ontario, Canada
card #15Sent to: West Australia Going toward: Ontario, Canada
Uncle Reeve was once just like my father. He came of age and took a look at his bank balance too. The numbers he saw were the same ones my father saw, but Reeve believed he needed a little more.
Of course, his family would always have a big house furnished with comfy couches, with a bright kitchen and a dishwasher.
card #16Sent to: Germany Going toward: Hawaii, USA
card #17Sent to: West Australia Going toward: Alberta, Canada
card #18Sent to: Norway Going toward: Ontario, Canada Status: ARRIVED
What is wealth for if one cannot share a chlorinated lane with the grocery store butcher, a retired line man and a city councilor three mornings a week?
card #19Sent to: Ontario, Canada Going toward: Abu Dhabi, UAE Status: ARRIVED
Why put in a pool to call your own when you can be part of a community? My father swims with his friends. He swims with the world!
card #20Sent to: England, UK Going toward: Oregon, USA
card #21Sent to: Ontario, Canada Going toward: England, UK Status: ARRIVED Text:
He’s got one of those “personal indoor lap pools” with a motor that creates a current for him to swim against. It’s a treadmill for swimmers.
It’s a toy. It’s a toy other people might admire and that is how the mind of man who has dedicated his life to the stock market works.
card #22Sent to: Ontario, Canada Going toward: West Australia STATUS: Arrived
Uncle Reeve was once just like my father. He came of age and took a look at his bank balance too. The numbers he saw were the same ones my father saw, but Reeve believed he needed a little more.
card #23Sent to: Ontario, Canada Going toward:Sweden Status:ARRIVED
If my father was a man freed by family net worth, Uncle Reeve became a slave to the challenge of making more than his forefathers had created.
card #24Sent to: Germany Going toward: Virginia, USA
card #25Sent to: Abu Dhabi, UAE Going toward: Ontario, Canada Status: ARRIVED
Then, the stress from all the financial risks he was taking became so great that he needed custom-fitted black-out blinds on all of his windows so that he could fool his body into believing that the sun rose and set according to breaks in the trading day.
card #26Sent to: Germany Going toward: Ontario, Canada
card #27Sent to: Norway Going toward: Ontario, Canada
card #28Sent to: Ontario, Canada Going toward: Scotland, UK Status:ARRIVED
There was Big Sexy Strawberry with a kick. It is made with homemade jam, real Ontario ginseng and royal jelly. It was the first Canadian Organic Yogurt to break into the Asian market.
Later, there was Beat the Blues, blueberry and St. John’s wort Organic Yogurt. Sure, the anecdotal reports that eating Organic Yogurt could cure depression upset the medical establishment and generated media controversy. It also made a lot of unhappy people feel better.
Being a “financial genius” like my Uncle Reeve is a pretty big deal, but there is more than one in existence. Becoming the world’s only Organic Yogurt Guru, on the other hand, that’s really special.
card #29Sent to: Ontario, Canada Going toward: Norway STATUS: Arrived
Even if Uncle Reeve recovered from the whole "he's a father, but I am richer" thing, he never got over the "I'm one of 4 Canadian billionaires, but he's the only organic yogurt guru in the world" thing.
card #30Sent to: England, UK Going toward: Ohio, USA
The End
October 12, 2014
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:
October 8, 2014
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 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:
October 7, 2014
Writer-Citizen DSBN Trustee Candidate Linda Crouch
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.
Linda Crouch is the fourth of the 9 candidates to respond to my questions in full. Linda works as a real estate agent and has two children enrolled at DSBN schools. The emphasis marks in her reply are her's.
Question 1. What in your background do you believe prepares you for this public office?
Linda's Reply:
While I have a wealth of more than 12 years of experience in public school and community advocacy, one needs certain personal attributes to be successful and effective as a School Trustee.
My personal attributes: My tenacity, work ethic, research skills, sincere love & appreciation for the value of our communities, understanding of how integral schools are to our quality of life & economy in Niagara, oral & written communication skills, integrity, honesty, empathy, intelligence & confidence. My greatest quality for this position is my passion & willingness to stand up for the issues that I believe in.
My background is extensive. It’s easiest to go to www.lindacrouch.ca then choose “About Me” to review the list.
All of those life experiences and skills combined will make me an excellent School Trustee.
Question 2. What has been your role in community volunteer work, educational activism and politics?
Linda's Reply:
My Community, Political Volunteer & Advocacy Role: Co-founded successful north St. Catharines resident group (Walker's Creek Neighbourhood Association) in 2002 with 125 households membership at its peak, addressed City Council, liaised effectively with City Hall staff and Councillors on wide-ranging issues including petitioning for re-zoning our parks to protect from use that could include housing & much more. This group is still effective, relevant & in existence.
My track record is best evidenced by the following newsletters that I wrote & edited delivered to my community:
a) Re: Lakebreeze (Closed DSBN elementary school) as a Community Recreation Centre (2006):
http://yourdigitalgarage.com/_wcna_ca...
b) Specifically written for residents as to issues in the 2010 election, this newsletter was distributed to 10,000 home & businesses in the north–end of St. Catharines:
http://yourdigitalgarage.com/_wcna_ca...
c) My successful address to St. Catharines City Council in 2002, advocating for a playground when our neighbourhood was incorrectly perceived as a place where families would not move into, as it was “older” & not a brand new subdivision. History has borne out that assumption by staff to be incorrect.
As per: https://www.facebook.com/LindaCrouchF... and https://www.facebook.com/LindaCrouchF...
b) My Educational Activism: Again, extensive, best evidenced below:
Effectively getting DSBN to post their Board agendas online: http://www.610cktb.com/news/local/Sto...
DSBN Hid Contentious Issue from Candidates and Public in 2010 election:
http://niagaraatlarge.com/2011/02/06/...
Opposing the DSBN Academy: http://sandyscruxofthematter.wordpres...
http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/20...
Article on my School Chair Volunteer Efforts for Career Day on Page 3 of the Toronto Sun:
http://yourdigitalgarage.com/_lindacr...
I got a lot done in my community working with the City.
However, it is my experience that to get anything done at the DSBN, one must work within its system.
Question 3. While local elections are not party-driven, do you have any party affiliations that influence your political ambitions?
Linda's Reply:
Zero. I vote for who the best person is for the job.
Question 4. How would you describe the current relationship between elected trustees and hired superintendents? Or, how do you think that relationship should look?
Linda's Reply:
In my opinion the current relationship is: dysfunctional, unbalanced, detached from the communities they serve.
It’s also why we need 11 good trustees on the board, not just 1 or 2. We need 6 smart caring people to carry or defeat recommendations from the DSBN senior staff.
That’s why I support Diane Chase in Wainfleet/West Lincoln, Mike Kamatovic in Fort Erie/Port Colborne and Larry Lemelin in Welland. I ask you to have your friends, families and co-workers in those communities check these people out and please consider voting for them:
Port Colborne & Fort Erie: https://www.facebook.com/votemichaelk...
Wainfleet/West Lincoln: https://www.facebook.com/DianeChasefo...
Welland: Larry Lemelin
109 Stoneybrook Crescent,
Welland ON
h- 905-735-6262
I have confidence that these candidates will do a better job than the current Trustees.
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?
Linda's Reply:
As Trustee I would certainly take the training available.
As a person who worked as a researcher for law firms for 20 years, including Bay & King firms and who also had Niagara municipalities as clients, I am capable of processing and thoroughly understanding those types of responsibilities.
Question 6. Where do you stand on the issue of amalgamation of school boards in Niagara and in Ontario as a whole?
Linda's Reply:
I think that this is coming, it’s just a matter of when it happens. I support it if it is done in a way that streamlines education and delivers it best for our students in Niagara.
Right now the DSBN budget is $431 million which is $52 million higher than in 2010.
We all have to be looking at efficiencies in our system without compromising education.
http://www.dsbn.edu.on.ca/about/defau...
Question 7. Where do you stand on the issue of provincial oversight of school closure decisions and financial transparency of the DSBN?
Linda's Reply:
School Closure Decisions: I don’t believe that the Ministry of Education is doing its job now when communities ask for a review of the ARC process re school closures.
Comments made here about our School Board are echoed across the province unfortunately. The current system appears to be broken and needs a hold on closures until it is fixed.
I support the efforts here advocated here for a Smart Moratorium re proposed school closures for the goal set out here to achieve a better system. http://www.communityschoolsalliance.ca/
Financial Transparency: The DSBN should post full agendas as municipalities do, with reports attached. This should be for committees as well as board meetings.
Taping of board meetings, available to the public on the internet also will help with DSBN transparency.
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?
Linda's Reply:
I have noticed this and have heard that from graduates of teacher’s colleges. I haven’t yet looked into it but I plan on seeing what can be done once elected as Trustee.
This is one of those things that I believe can only be fixed from working within the DSBN.
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?
Linda's Reply:
Troubling results, yes. It’s a general guide to what’s going on in Ontario and Niagara.
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?
Linda's Reply:
Why does the Catholic board apparently do things better than the DSBN? It’s not just in Special Ed but we have to analyze what they are doing with their funding. I was told that there was a funding problem from years ago that carried through.
The DSBN says we have $1.2 million more in funding in this year’s budget for Special Ed. That’s a start, but we need to improve it.
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?
Linda's Reply:
Did you know that School Councils in Ontario can make recommendations to their principals and school boards on any matter? (http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/general/...)
As a School Board Chair at Dalewood School (DSBN) in 2013, I knew this and tabled a recommendation which was approved by consensus of our Council regarding a change in DSBN policy.
Parents and municipalities all need voices to be heard by the Trustees at the DSBN. That’s not happening now, as shown by Parliament Oak, for example.
Under the Education Act, a Trustee has no individual authority. “However it is the responsibility of Trustees to bring to the board the concerns of parents, students and supporters of the board and consult with them on a multi-year plan.” More at http://cge.ontarioschooltrustees.org/...
According to CARE Niagara: “Did you know that any citizen of this country can ask for a judicial review of any elected bodies decision? You don't agree with a decision of Council or regional council or a school board or Queens Park? You can do it too. An application for review is our democratic right and the least expensive way to overturn a decision you disagree with. “ https://www.facebook.com/pages/CARE-N...
Question 12. Additionally, please provide links to your web site and/or Facebook page and twitter handle.
Linda's Reply:
Website: www.lindacrouch.ca
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LindaCrouchF...
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:
Linda Crouch is the fourth of the 9 candidates to respond to my questions in full. Linda works as a real estate agent and has two children enrolled at DSBN schools. The emphasis marks in her reply are her's.
Question 1. What in your background do you believe prepares you for this public office?
Linda's Reply:
While I have a wealth of more than 12 years of experience in public school and community advocacy, one needs certain personal attributes to be successful and effective as a School Trustee.
My personal attributes: My tenacity, work ethic, research skills, sincere love & appreciation for the value of our communities, understanding of how integral schools are to our quality of life & economy in Niagara, oral & written communication skills, integrity, honesty, empathy, intelligence & confidence. My greatest quality for this position is my passion & willingness to stand up for the issues that I believe in.
My background is extensive. It’s easiest to go to www.lindacrouch.ca then choose “About Me” to review the list.
All of those life experiences and skills combined will make me an excellent School Trustee.
Question 2. What has been your role in community volunteer work, educational activism and politics?
Linda's Reply:
My Community, Political Volunteer & Advocacy Role: Co-founded successful north St. Catharines resident group (Walker's Creek Neighbourhood Association) in 2002 with 125 households membership at its peak, addressed City Council, liaised effectively with City Hall staff and Councillors on wide-ranging issues including petitioning for re-zoning our parks to protect from use that could include housing & much more. This group is still effective, relevant & in existence.
My track record is best evidenced by the following newsletters that I wrote & edited delivered to my community:
a) Re: Lakebreeze (Closed DSBN elementary school) as a Community Recreation Centre (2006):
http://yourdigitalgarage.com/_wcna_ca...
b) Specifically written for residents as to issues in the 2010 election, this newsletter was distributed to 10,000 home & businesses in the north–end of St. Catharines:
http://yourdigitalgarage.com/_wcna_ca...
c) My successful address to St. Catharines City Council in 2002, advocating for a playground when our neighbourhood was incorrectly perceived as a place where families would not move into, as it was “older” & not a brand new subdivision. History has borne out that assumption by staff to be incorrect.
As per: https://www.facebook.com/LindaCrouchF... and https://www.facebook.com/LindaCrouchF...
b) My Educational Activism: Again, extensive, best evidenced below:
Effectively getting DSBN to post their Board agendas online: http://www.610cktb.com/news/local/Sto...
DSBN Hid Contentious Issue from Candidates and Public in 2010 election:
http://niagaraatlarge.com/2011/02/06/...
Opposing the DSBN Academy: http://sandyscruxofthematter.wordpres...
http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/20...
Article on my School Chair Volunteer Efforts for Career Day on Page 3 of the Toronto Sun:
http://yourdigitalgarage.com/_lindacr...
I got a lot done in my community working with the City.
However, it is my experience that to get anything done at the DSBN, one must work within its system.
Question 3. While local elections are not party-driven, do you have any party affiliations that influence your political ambitions?
Linda's Reply:
Zero. I vote for who the best person is for the job.
Question 4. How would you describe the current relationship between elected trustees and hired superintendents? Or, how do you think that relationship should look?
Linda's Reply:
In my opinion the current relationship is: dysfunctional, unbalanced, detached from the communities they serve.
It’s also why we need 11 good trustees on the board, not just 1 or 2. We need 6 smart caring people to carry or defeat recommendations from the DSBN senior staff.
That’s why I support Diane Chase in Wainfleet/West Lincoln, Mike Kamatovic in Fort Erie/Port Colborne and Larry Lemelin in Welland. I ask you to have your friends, families and co-workers in those communities check these people out and please consider voting for them:
Port Colborne & Fort Erie: https://www.facebook.com/votemichaelk...
Wainfleet/West Lincoln: https://www.facebook.com/DianeChasefo...
Welland: Larry Lemelin
109 Stoneybrook Crescent,
Welland ON
h- 905-735-6262
I have confidence that these candidates will do a better job than the current Trustees.
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?
Linda's Reply:
As Trustee I would certainly take the training available.
As a person who worked as a researcher for law firms for 20 years, including Bay & King firms and who also had Niagara municipalities as clients, I am capable of processing and thoroughly understanding those types of responsibilities.
Question 6. Where do you stand on the issue of amalgamation of school boards in Niagara and in Ontario as a whole?
Linda's Reply:
I think that this is coming, it’s just a matter of when it happens. I support it if it is done in a way that streamlines education and delivers it best for our students in Niagara.
Right now the DSBN budget is $431 million which is $52 million higher than in 2010.
We all have to be looking at efficiencies in our system without compromising education.
http://www.dsbn.edu.on.ca/about/defau...
Question 7. Where do you stand on the issue of provincial oversight of school closure decisions and financial transparency of the DSBN?
Linda's Reply:
School Closure Decisions: I don’t believe that the Ministry of Education is doing its job now when communities ask for a review of the ARC process re school closures.
Comments made here about our School Board are echoed across the province unfortunately. The current system appears to be broken and needs a hold on closures until it is fixed.
I support the efforts here advocated here for a Smart Moratorium re proposed school closures for the goal set out here to achieve a better system. http://www.communityschoolsalliance.ca/
Financial Transparency: The DSBN should post full agendas as municipalities do, with reports attached. This should be for committees as well as board meetings.
Taping of board meetings, available to the public on the internet also will help with DSBN transparency.
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?
Linda's Reply:
I have noticed this and have heard that from graduates of teacher’s colleges. I haven’t yet looked into it but I plan on seeing what can be done once elected as Trustee.
This is one of those things that I believe can only be fixed from working within the DSBN.
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?
Linda's Reply:
Troubling results, yes. It’s a general guide to what’s going on in Ontario and Niagara.
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?
Linda's Reply:
Why does the Catholic board apparently do things better than the DSBN? It’s not just in Special Ed but we have to analyze what they are doing with their funding. I was told that there was a funding problem from years ago that carried through.
The DSBN says we have $1.2 million more in funding in this year’s budget for Special Ed. That’s a start, but we need to improve it.
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?
Linda's Reply:
Did you know that School Councils in Ontario can make recommendations to their principals and school boards on any matter? (http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/general/...)
As a School Board Chair at Dalewood School (DSBN) in 2013, I knew this and tabled a recommendation which was approved by consensus of our Council regarding a change in DSBN policy.
Parents and municipalities all need voices to be heard by the Trustees at the DSBN. That’s not happening now, as shown by Parliament Oak, for example.
Under the Education Act, a Trustee has no individual authority. “However it is the responsibility of Trustees to bring to the board the concerns of parents, students and supporters of the board and consult with them on a multi-year plan.” More at http://cge.ontarioschooltrustees.org/...
According to CARE Niagara: “Did you know that any citizen of this country can ask for a judicial review of any elected bodies decision? You don't agree with a decision of Council or regional council or a school board or Queens Park? You can do it too. An application for review is our democratic right and the least expensive way to overturn a decision you disagree with. “ https://www.facebook.com/pages/CARE-N...
Question 12. Additionally, please provide links to your web site and/or Facebook page and twitter handle.
Linda's Reply:
Website: www.lindacrouch.ca
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LindaCrouchF...
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 Al Sherwin
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.
Al Sherwin is the third 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?
Al's Reply:
After graduation from Brock with a B.Ed degree, I found employment in Manitoba working for the Department of Native Affairs. Working within the government allowed me the opportunity to make radical changes in the way education was administered within the province. Public office is simply the same person trying to improve the application in the spotlight of the public eye. Working in the team environment allows one to express views blending into the best approach to education.
Question 2. What has been your role in community volunteer work, educational activism and politics?
Al's Reply:
As a member of this community, I contribute to several organizations including Rotary, the Community Breakfast Club, school liaisons while an employee of CAA, and my faith community.
Question 3. While local elections are not party-driven, do you have any party affiliations that influence your political ambitions?
Al's Reply:
The simple answer is NO. I have been approached by several groups wanting their commitment to a particular cause/direction, however I have declined because I prefer to be free to determine the best resolution for the DSBN vision.
Question 4. How would you describe the current relationship between elected trustees and hired superintendents? Or, how do you think that relationship should look?
Al's Reply:
Superintendents are there to facilitate the requirements of both the province and the will of the school board. They should have some freedom to make decisions without any encumbrances of the board.
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?
Al's Reply:
As a novice trustee, I will be taking advantage of all the necessary instruction/training. Mindful of the public purse when courses are not available locally or on-line.
Question 6. Where do you stand on the issue of amalgamation of school boards in Niagara and in Ontario as a whole?
Al's Reply:
This would be a wonderful first step to increase the economy of scale in terms of buying services, however, achieving mutual connect will be the most difficult issue.
Question 7. Where do you stand on the issue of provincial oversight of school closure decisions and financial transparency of the DSBN?
Al's Reply:
Remembering that DSBN has a limited budget and can only lobby for more combined with the demographics of the area we as a group have to work within the guidelines dictated by the province. That being said someone from the DSBN has to take the leadership role to change those guidelines in order to maintain local neighbourhood schools.
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?
Al's Reply:
This was reason I was forced to seek employment elsewhere. The scenario; "It's who you know, or who's related to you"; has to stop. Merit should be one of the determining factors.
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?
Al's Reply:
Standardizing testing should only be used a guideline for improvement as answered above.
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?
Al's Reply:
Students with special needs should be respected and at all costs supported by the DSBN in their endeavours. This matter will require more attention on my part to understand all that's involved in this issue.
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?
Al's Reply:
As parents you are one of the major stakeholders in the education system. This your concerns should be addressed at the committee level where "the rubber meets the road".
Question 12. Additionally, please provide links to your web site and/or Facebook page and twitter handle.
Al's Reply:
As an old school graduate and aware of the 21st century electronics Facebook/Twitter et al is not one of my strengths. Once elected a website to exchange ideas will certainly be a necessity.
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:
Al Sherwin is the third 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?
Al's Reply:
After graduation from Brock with a B.Ed degree, I found employment in Manitoba working for the Department of Native Affairs. Working within the government allowed me the opportunity to make radical changes in the way education was administered within the province. Public office is simply the same person trying to improve the application in the spotlight of the public eye. Working in the team environment allows one to express views blending into the best approach to education.
Question 2. What has been your role in community volunteer work, educational activism and politics?
Al's Reply:
As a member of this community, I contribute to several organizations including Rotary, the Community Breakfast Club, school liaisons while an employee of CAA, and my faith community.
Question 3. While local elections are not party-driven, do you have any party affiliations that influence your political ambitions?
Al's Reply:
The simple answer is NO. I have been approached by several groups wanting their commitment to a particular cause/direction, however I have declined because I prefer to be free to determine the best resolution for the DSBN vision.
Question 4. How would you describe the current relationship between elected trustees and hired superintendents? Or, how do you think that relationship should look?
Al's Reply:
Superintendents are there to facilitate the requirements of both the province and the will of the school board. They should have some freedom to make decisions without any encumbrances of the board.
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?
Al's Reply:
As a novice trustee, I will be taking advantage of all the necessary instruction/training. Mindful of the public purse when courses are not available locally or on-line.
Question 6. Where do you stand on the issue of amalgamation of school boards in Niagara and in Ontario as a whole?
Al's Reply:
This would be a wonderful first step to increase the economy of scale in terms of buying services, however, achieving mutual connect will be the most difficult issue.
Question 7. Where do you stand on the issue of provincial oversight of school closure decisions and financial transparency of the DSBN?
Al's Reply:
Remembering that DSBN has a limited budget and can only lobby for more combined with the demographics of the area we as a group have to work within the guidelines dictated by the province. That being said someone from the DSBN has to take the leadership role to change those guidelines in order to maintain local neighbourhood schools.
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?
Al's Reply:
This was reason I was forced to seek employment elsewhere. The scenario; "It's who you know, or who's related to you"; has to stop. Merit should be one of the determining factors.
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?
Al's Reply:
Standardizing testing should only be used a guideline for improvement as answered above.
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?
Al's Reply:
Students with special needs should be respected and at all costs supported by the DSBN in their endeavours. This matter will require more attention on my part to understand all that's involved in this issue.
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?
Al's Reply:
As parents you are one of the major stakeholders in the education system. This your concerns should be addressed at the committee level where "the rubber meets the road".
Question 12. Additionally, please provide links to your web site and/or Facebook page and twitter handle.
Al's Reply:
As an old school graduate and aware of the 21st century electronics Facebook/Twitter et al is not one of my strengths. Once elected a website to exchange ideas will certainly be a necessity.
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:
October 6, 2014
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 Alex Bradnam
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.
Alex Bradnam is the first of the 9 candidates to respond to my questions in full. Alex is a sitting trustee seeking re-election after one term in office.
Question 1. What in your background do you believe prepares you for this public office?
Question 2. What has been your role in community volunteer work, educational activism and politics?
Alex's Reply: 1. and 2. (Combined these)
As your current elected Trustee, we have accomplished much during the past four years, but our work is not done! I have and will continue to collaborative make decisions to spend your tax dollars wisely to provide the quality staff, programs, and leadership that our students, parents and public should expect. Everyone expects no less than our best. We can, we should, and we must continue to do this to provide the best education that our children and grandchildren deserve.
As a retired elementary school Principal and Teacher, former local Federation President, former co-chair of the DSBN joint worker/management health and safety committee, member of local and provincial education committees, husband, and father of two DSBN graduates, and grandfather of one (soon to be two), I feel I have a unique perspective on a wide variety of education issues and questions that have been addressed and continue to be worked on. I can honestly say that I have sat on all sides of the table when working with students, staff, parents, and communities within the DSBN. I have the reputation of being a hard worker, and a trusted member of the DSBN Board of Trustees. However, I am not afraid to challenge and ask the hard questions of those who I work with and for. My voting record shows that I have supported many different communities and their wishes and constantly keep up the dialog with parents,, community leaders and DSBN staff. I will continue to work hard to represent the best interests of our students, and all that I serve. Our children are our future. Their education comes first.
Question 3. While local elections are not party-driven, do you have any party affiliations that influence your political ambitions?
Alex's Reply: Absolutely no party affiliations at all. I vote for the best candidate in all levels of government that I feel can serve us the best at that time.
Question 4. How would you describe the current relationship between elected trustees and hired superintendents?
Alex's Reply: I have a great working relationship with our Senior Team. I respect their positions and hope that they respect mine when we 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 have you used and/or participated in to prepare and undertake your role as trustee?
Alex's Reply: I have taken the inservice modules provided by OPSBA (Ontario Public School Board's Association) and try to attend as many MOE (Ministry of Education) workshops and conferences to gain knowledge and clarity of provincial mandates and issues.
Question 6. Where do you stand on the issue of amalgamation of school boards in Niagara and in Ontario as a whole?
Alex's Reply: I have to say that I did not think I would live to see the day that we have one publicly funded school system in Ontario. But I am starting to see the "cracks" in the governing party and other political parties that must have the candidates and members in power to make this change sooner than later. I am in full support of one publicly funded school system in Ontario.
Question 7. Where do you stand on the issue of provincial oversight of school closure decisions and financial transparency of the DSBN?
Alex's Reply: I agree with any community or group that desires to challenge the Province's decision in regards to the ARC process. I believe that the Province is now working on the ARC process to give it more clarity, more community involvement, and a less onerous procedure.
Question 8. Among members of the public, there appears to be a problem with nepotism in the hiring of teachers in the board. Have you looked into this issue and, if so, what did you find out?
Alex's Reply: MOE Provincial Regulation 274 began the process to make seniority the main criterion in the hiring structure. I believe that bill 122 has given the school boards in Ontario the right to set up the hiring process to prevent nepotism based on years of service in the occasional teacher pool.
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?
Alex's Reply: I have never been a "fan" of the EQAO testing that only gives a snapshot of individual student progress. It is just one of many tools used by school boards and teachers to evaluate students. I feel that the press and other outside agencies have unfairly put too much attention on individual classes and schools results. The Province has put an immense amount of tax dollars setting up this agency over the years with mixed results. Yes, individual literacy marks are improving across the Province but the dismal results in mathematics signals perhaps a new approach in spending our tax dollars wisely to improve student success. I believe the DSBN has done a good job in setting up programs for our students and staff to improve literacy and numeracy results. But we can do better, and are challenging our Senior Staff to come up with ways to help our kids, and to support our teachers, to both grow in new methods and teaching styles to raise these marks for all of our students.
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?
Alex's Reply: It is no mystery that our Provincial funding formula for our special need students was flawed for over 10 years. I have been very out spoken that this needed to be fixed. I have challenged all officials in all levels of government in verbal and print form to fix this problem. Finally, the Province has given the DSBN a fairer (not where it should be yet in my mind) level of funding for our special need students and will (let's keep our fingers crossed) give a more balanced funding formula that helps the the DSBN. There is no new money for this but the MOE with redistribute the funding through a revised formula to make this right. Schools are often ruled by contractual agreements. Our support staff have the contractual right to move when positions become available to them. I know that it makes more sense to leave support staff in a school where the familiarity with the student(s) will enhance individual growth, but again, you cannot blame the staff or the administration in the school when changes take place that are out of their control. I am an avid supporter of our budget lines that support our neediest students. I have sat on the only Provincial 4 year term mandated committee (SEAC - Special Educational Advisory Council) within our Board. I "asked" to be appointed to this committee four years ago. The work here is not done!
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?
Alex's Reply: I also sit on the Board's PIC (Parent Involvement Committee). I believe in the democratic right of our public to take an active role in education when ever and where possible ruled by MOE directives.
Question 12. Additionally, please provide links to your web site and/or Facebook page and twitter handle.
Alex's Reply: I do not take part in Facebook or Twitter accounts.
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:
Alex Bradnam is the first of the 9 candidates to respond to my questions in full. Alex is a sitting trustee seeking re-election after one term in office.
Question 1. What in your background do you believe prepares you for this public office?
Question 2. What has been your role in community volunteer work, educational activism and politics?
Alex's Reply: 1. and 2. (Combined these)
As your current elected Trustee, we have accomplished much during the past four years, but our work is not done! I have and will continue to collaborative make decisions to spend your tax dollars wisely to provide the quality staff, programs, and leadership that our students, parents and public should expect. Everyone expects no less than our best. We can, we should, and we must continue to do this to provide the best education that our children and grandchildren deserve.
As a retired elementary school Principal and Teacher, former local Federation President, former co-chair of the DSBN joint worker/management health and safety committee, member of local and provincial education committees, husband, and father of two DSBN graduates, and grandfather of one (soon to be two), I feel I have a unique perspective on a wide variety of education issues and questions that have been addressed and continue to be worked on. I can honestly say that I have sat on all sides of the table when working with students, staff, parents, and communities within the DSBN. I have the reputation of being a hard worker, and a trusted member of the DSBN Board of Trustees. However, I am not afraid to challenge and ask the hard questions of those who I work with and for. My voting record shows that I have supported many different communities and their wishes and constantly keep up the dialog with parents,, community leaders and DSBN staff. I will continue to work hard to represent the best interests of our students, and all that I serve. Our children are our future. Their education comes first.
Question 3. While local elections are not party-driven, do you have any party affiliations that influence your political ambitions?
Alex's Reply: Absolutely no party affiliations at all. I vote for the best candidate in all levels of government that I feel can serve us the best at that time.
Question 4. How would you describe the current relationship between elected trustees and hired superintendents?
Alex's Reply: I have a great working relationship with our Senior Team. I respect their positions and hope that they respect mine when we 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 have you used and/or participated in to prepare and undertake your role as trustee?
Alex's Reply: I have taken the inservice modules provided by OPSBA (Ontario Public School Board's Association) and try to attend as many MOE (Ministry of Education) workshops and conferences to gain knowledge and clarity of provincial mandates and issues.
Question 6. Where do you stand on the issue of amalgamation of school boards in Niagara and in Ontario as a whole?
Alex's Reply: I have to say that I did not think I would live to see the day that we have one publicly funded school system in Ontario. But I am starting to see the "cracks" in the governing party and other political parties that must have the candidates and members in power to make this change sooner than later. I am in full support of one publicly funded school system in Ontario.
Question 7. Where do you stand on the issue of provincial oversight of school closure decisions and financial transparency of the DSBN?
Alex's Reply: I agree with any community or group that desires to challenge the Province's decision in regards to the ARC process. I believe that the Province is now working on the ARC process to give it more clarity, more community involvement, and a less onerous procedure.
Question 8. Among members of the public, there appears to be a problem with nepotism in the hiring of teachers in the board. Have you looked into this issue and, if so, what did you find out?
Alex's Reply: MOE Provincial Regulation 274 began the process to make seniority the main criterion in the hiring structure. I believe that bill 122 has given the school boards in Ontario the right to set up the hiring process to prevent nepotism based on years of service in the occasional teacher pool.
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?
Alex's Reply: I have never been a "fan" of the EQAO testing that only gives a snapshot of individual student progress. It is just one of many tools used by school boards and teachers to evaluate students. I feel that the press and other outside agencies have unfairly put too much attention on individual classes and schools results. The Province has put an immense amount of tax dollars setting up this agency over the years with mixed results. Yes, individual literacy marks are improving across the Province but the dismal results in mathematics signals perhaps a new approach in spending our tax dollars wisely to improve student success. I believe the DSBN has done a good job in setting up programs for our students and staff to improve literacy and numeracy results. But we can do better, and are challenging our Senior Staff to come up with ways to help our kids, and to support our teachers, to both grow in new methods and teaching styles to raise these marks for all of our students.
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?
Alex's Reply: It is no mystery that our Provincial funding formula for our special need students was flawed for over 10 years. I have been very out spoken that this needed to be fixed. I have challenged all officials in all levels of government in verbal and print form to fix this problem. Finally, the Province has given the DSBN a fairer (not where it should be yet in my mind) level of funding for our special need students and will (let's keep our fingers crossed) give a more balanced funding formula that helps the the DSBN. There is no new money for this but the MOE with redistribute the funding through a revised formula to make this right. Schools are often ruled by contractual agreements. Our support staff have the contractual right to move when positions become available to them. I know that it makes more sense to leave support staff in a school where the familiarity with the student(s) will enhance individual growth, but again, you cannot blame the staff or the administration in the school when changes take place that are out of their control. I am an avid supporter of our budget lines that support our neediest students. I have sat on the only Provincial 4 year term mandated committee (SEAC - Special Educational Advisory Council) within our Board. I "asked" to be appointed to this committee four years ago. The work here is not done!
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?
Alex's Reply: I also sit on the Board's PIC (Parent Involvement Committee). I believe in the democratic right of our public to take an active role in education when ever and where possible ruled by MOE directives.
Question 12. Additionally, please provide links to your web site and/or Facebook page and twitter handle.
Alex's Reply: I do not take part in Facebook or Twitter accounts.
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:
Writers are Also Citizens: Candidates for DSBN Trustee
I know, I know, this is my writing blog. Still, writers are also citizens and we have to participate in democracy. I would even say that it is a responsibility to protect democracy and participation in democracy.
These are the candidates for the District School Board of Niagara Board of Trustees.
The lack of media coverage of school board issues where I live is troubling and we have an election coming up. Education in Ontario is going through some challenges and changes and there is little opportunity to ask candidates about specific issues. So, I am going to do it and paste the results here. I'll be focussing on the St.Catharines/Niagara-on-the-Lake race because that is the one I'll be voting in. I issue a challenge to writer-citizens in Welland, Grimsby, Thorold-Pelham, West Lincoln, Fort Erie and Port Colborne, and Niagara Falls to undertake their own interviews and research to share.
Here are the general questions I will be asking all the candidates. There is some variation in wording for those who are seeking re-election versus those who are seeking election for the first time. If I have engaged in communication with a candidate in the past, I will make note of it in the email.
1. What in your background do you believe prepares you for this public office?
2. What has been your role in community volunteer work, educational activism and politics?
3. While local elections are not party-driven, do you have any party affiliations that influence your political ambitions?
4. How would you describe the current relationship between elected trustees and hired superintendents?
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 have you used and/or participated in to prepare and undertake your role as trustee?
6. Where do you stand on the issue of amalgamation of school boards in Niagara and in Ontario as a whole?
7. Where do you stand on the issue of provincial oversight of school closure decisions and financial transparency of the DSBN?
8. Among members of the public, there appears to be a problem with nepotism in the hiring of teachers in the board. Have you looked into this issue and, if so, what did you find out?
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?
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?
11. What do you believe is the role of the trustee in supporting participatory democracy and the role of parents in school board operations?
12. Additionally, please provide links to your web site and/or Facebook page and twitter handle.
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:
These are the candidates for the District School Board of Niagara Board of Trustees.
The lack of media coverage of school board issues where I live is troubling and we have an election coming up. Education in Ontario is going through some challenges and changes and there is little opportunity to ask candidates about specific issues. So, I am going to do it and paste the results here. I'll be focussing on the St.Catharines/Niagara-on-the-Lake race because that is the one I'll be voting in. I issue a challenge to writer-citizens in Welland, Grimsby, Thorold-Pelham, West Lincoln, Fort Erie and Port Colborne, and Niagara Falls to undertake their own interviews and research to share.
Here are the general questions I will be asking all the candidates. There is some variation in wording for those who are seeking re-election versus those who are seeking election for the first time. If I have engaged in communication with a candidate in the past, I will make note of it in the email.
1. What in your background do you believe prepares you for this public office?
2. What has been your role in community volunteer work, educational activism and politics?
3. While local elections are not party-driven, do you have any party affiliations that influence your political ambitions?
4. How would you describe the current relationship between elected trustees and hired superintendents?
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 have you used and/or participated in to prepare and undertake your role as trustee?
6. Where do you stand on the issue of amalgamation of school boards in Niagara and in Ontario as a whole?
7. Where do you stand on the issue of provincial oversight of school closure decisions and financial transparency of the DSBN?
8. Among members of the public, there appears to be a problem with nepotism in the hiring of teachers in the board. Have you looked into this issue and, if so, what did you find out?
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?
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?
11. What do you believe is the role of the trustee in supporting participatory democracy and the role of parents in school board operations?
12. Additionally, please provide links to your web site and/or Facebook page and twitter handle.
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:
September 19, 2014
A Global Story Telling Experiment
Folks, I need a little help from 100 people around the world for a little experiment in global story-telling.
What I need from you is your address and a little time.
I'd like to send you 2 or 3 post cards that will be pre-addressed with passages from an original short story on the back. Each of the cards will be addressed to another person who lives as far away from you as possible.
The idea is for you leave to the cards lying around in your town or city: at a museum, at a cafe, in a train station, inside a library book...where ever people meet and greet. The experiment is to see how many of them get mailed or posted to their recipients.
Somewhere in the world, on another continent, in another county, on an opposite coast, a postcard with your name and address will be left lying around. If an when you get it, send me an email with the passage from the story that was written on your card. I'll post the passage on my Goodreads blog to see how much of the story has traveled.
If you're willing to participate in this experiment, please email me your postal address at baggyk@yahoo.com
What I need from you is your address and a little time.
I'd like to send you 2 or 3 post cards that will be pre-addressed with passages from an original short story on the back. Each of the cards will be addressed to another person who lives as far away from you as possible.
The idea is for you leave to the cards lying around in your town or city: at a museum, at a cafe, in a train station, inside a library book...where ever people meet and greet. The experiment is to see how many of them get mailed or posted to their recipients.
Somewhere in the world, on another continent, in another county, on an opposite coast, a postcard with your name and address will be left lying around. If an when you get it, send me an email with the passage from the story that was written on your card. I'll post the passage on my Goodreads blog to see how much of the story has traveled.
If you're willing to participate in this experiment, please email me your postal address at baggyk@yahoo.com
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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