On Oct. 25, Catholic ratepayers will be electing trustees for the It's been a challenging two years under provincial supervision, but parents and trustee candidates say they're looking forward to helping the board heal from its past, working on the present issues facing Catholic schools and ensuring the future of Catholic education.
The Catholic Register contacted the candidates running for Catholic school trustee at the Toronto Catholic District School Board. It attempted to contact all 59 of the candidates, but a few did not respond nor have publicly available contact information. Here are the responses of the candidates who chose to participate.
The responses are in the candidates' own words and is unedited.
Here are the five questions posed to each candidate:
- Please tells us briefly about yourself and your background
- Profession:
Parish:
Your connection to Catholic education (ie. school previously attended, or school your children attend): - Why are you running for trustee?
- Why are you the best candidate for trustee in your ward?
- What is your election platform and what is one initiative you hope to implement to benefit the Catholic education of students at the TCDSB?
- How will you restore public trust and confidence in the TCDSB?
TCDSB Ward 1
(City Wards 1, 2 & 4)
Jakovcic, Peter
Martino, Joseph
Torchia, Steve
Vaughan, Glen
PETER JAKOVCIC
Profession: Graduated Ryerson University, School of Urban and Regional Planning, 12 years private sector as Urban Planner, Development Manager.
Currently Planning Project Manager with Tim Hortons
Parish: All Saints Catholic Church
Connection to Catholic education: All Saints Elementary School and Bishop Allen High School
Contact information for voters:
peter@peterfortrustee.com
www.peterfortrustee.com
647.878.3590
Why are you running for trustee?
I am a proud, practising Catholic and care deeply about our Community, our Catholic faith and our Catholic schools. I, as many others, have a strong concerned regarding the decisions of the current Board of Trustees and how their actions have reflected poorly on the Toronto Catholic District School Board. I am running for Trustee to bring integrity and credibility back to the Board of Trustees and raise the Community’s confidence in our ability to make appropriate decisions and govern responsibly.
I believe in upholding the teachings of our Catholic church and am committed to properly serving the parents and children, the Catholic School Board and Catholic Church. believe as Catholics we all have a vested interest in the health and vitality of our Catholic school system. As a father, I am committed to ensuring that my little boy and the children of all other Catholic parents are educated in a Catholic school system that we can all be proud of.
Why are you the best candidate for trustee in your ward?
My professional experience will prove extremely valuable to serve on a new Board of Trustees that now faces a path of rebuilding. am a graduate of the School of Urban and Regional Planning at Ryerson University and have worked as an Urban Planner in the private sector for over 12 years. As an urban planner I understand good planning, the public’s interest and the nature of Community. I am currently a Planning Project Manager with Tim Hortons. As a Project Manager I knowhow to work with different levels of government, work within a budget and deliver on time. I can bring both private and public understanding to a new Board of Trustees. I am confident in my professional abilities and believe I am the best candidate for the role of Trustee.
What is your election platform and what is one initiative you hope to implement to benefit the Catholic education of students at the TCDSB?
It is extremely important to ensure that the strength and vitality of our Catholic school system is secure. If elected Trustee, I am committed to:
Ensuring the Board of Trustees is transparent and fiscal accountability. I will work to produce a balanced budget, reduce Trustee spending, petition the Provincial government for increased program funding and pursue applicable grants. I pledge to disclose any personal interest and regularly post Board decisions and my Trustee expenses on my website.
Improving Trustee communication and accessibility. I believe in open communication with the Community, the Parents, the Catholic Church and the School Administration. As Trustee, I am committed to attend community meetings and events. I will work with everyone and be accessible to listen to your comments and make appropriate decisions for the ultimate benefit of our students.
Continuously improve the Educational System. Trustees need to make decisions that ensure a high quality of Catholic education. I pledge to strengthen the religious curriculum and student participation in prayer and religious practices. I will pursue increase funding for; counselling/tutorial programs for special needs children, after school programs; and expansion of breakfast programs.
How will you restore public trust and confidence in the TCDSB?
Trustees are role models and the face of the TCDSB. I value our Catholic faith and elect to live my life according to the teachings of the Catholic Church. I believe it is important to lead by example and commit to something greater than oneself. As Catholics, we all have a vested interested in the health and vitality of our Catholic school system.
I will work with the new Board of Trustees to be professional, represent the Board with integrity, work within the new requirements and raise confidence in our ability to make educated decisions and govern responsibly. I humbly request your support. Thank you.
GLEN VAUGHAN
My name is Glenn Vaughan, I'm a professional accountant, currently running my own accounting business. I've been married for 20 years. I was married at Transfiguration of our Lord church, and still consider that my home parish. I have a vested interest in how the TCDSB is run because I have a daughter (age 11, grade 6) attending one of the schools in Ward 1.
I'm running for Trustee in Ward 1 because I want to ensure that the TCDSB has control of its own budget, not the provincial government. I'm also concerned over the current trustees; how they are completing the budget, how they are spending our money. Everything that I spend from my budget will be available for anyone to see.
I feel that I am the best candidate in this ward because I am an accountant, and know how to balance a budget, and also because I have a daughter in the school system.
My election platform is honesty, integrity and Transparency. I want to ensure that the catholic faith continues to be taught at every level, and in every classroom across the board. The one initiative I want to implement is that every school in my ward is taught religion in the school, and kids do not have to attend Catholicism classes at Church on Saturdays. I would like to see every school consistent.
I will restore the public trust by being transparent with all my dealings. I will meet regularly with each of the schools PTA groups (CSAC) and also with church groups. I will be accessible to meet and discuss anything. I will be the voice of you, at the board.
TCDSB Ward 2
(City Wards 3, 5 & 6)
Andrachuk, Ann
Corriero, Vincent
Grnak, Adam
Klufas, Ihor
Lazzara, Monica
ANN ANDRACHUK
Profession: Executive Assistant
Parish: St. Gregory’s, Etobicoke. Parishioner for 26 years
Connection to Catholic education (ie. school previously attended, or school your children attend): I received a Catholic education as did my husband and both of our children who were educated in TCDSB schools. My daughter is a graduate of McGill University and my son is a graduate of the University of Waterloo and is currently in graduate school at Yale University.
Contact information for voters:
Email:andrachukward2@rogers.com
Web site: www.annandrachuk.com
Why are you running for trustee?
I have a solid seven year record of representation and advocacy on behalf of the students, parents and ratepayers of Ward 2. I succeeded in securing Early Learning/All Day Kindergarten sites, lobbied for new buildings for St. Ambrose, Christ the King and St. Teresa’s. Nativity of Our Lord School is receiving a new addition. I negotiated for special programs for improved student learning which include the Arts and Early French Immersion. I have a global vision for the Board while addressing local needs. My commitment to the Ward 2 community is evident and I have been strongly encouraged by my constituents to continue working on their behalf.
Why are you the best candidate for trustee in your ward?
Having served as the local trustee for the past seven years, I have a first-hand knowledge of the local schools, their needs, and community desires. I am committed to Catholic education and its continued funding. I have a successful working relationship with Trustees and Board staff and have the ability to bring together people with differing viewpoints to build consensus. I understand Ministry of Education policy and legislation. I advocate for students and parents and assist them through the official processes of the system.
I successfully completed the “Workshops for Potential Catholic School Board Trustees” course given by the Institute of Theology at St. Augustine’s Seminary.
I have a consistent record of voting to decrease Trustee expenses including the elimination of the Trustee Assistant and will continue to search for system savings. I maintain my positive relationship with the Supervision Team working together to ensure that provincial control is released.
ADAM GRNAK
Profession: I have been a mortgage banker for the last 20 years, currently the Director of Business Development for Canadiana Financial Corporation (CFC). CFC is a privately owned residential mortgage lender based in Toronto.
Parish: My family and I have been attending weekly Mass at St Gregory's since 1999. Prior to 1999, I was a parishener at Sts Cyril & Methodius Slovak Catholic Parish in Toronto.
Connection to Catholic education (ie. school previously attended, or school your children attend): I was born in Toronto and grew up in North York and attended Blessed Trinity and Brebeuf. My three children Remi, Jake and Wade who are in grades 3, 4 and 6 respectively attend school at St Gregory Catholic School.
Contact information for voters:
Cell - 647-680-0399
Email - grnak-bandiera@rogers.com
Website - www.adamgrnak.com
Why are you running for trustee?
I am running for Trustee to restore the trust in our Catholic Trustees, and will act with integrity, transparency, honesty, and good common sense. I will support our Catholic faith and traditions, and do what is best for the children, not myself.
I am here for the children!
Why are you the best candidate for trustee in your ward?
I am the best candidate for Catholic Trustee in Ward 2 because I am a Catholic parent with three children currently in the school system. An active member of the community, currently Chairman of the St Gregory Catholic School Advisory Council (CSAC). In my role as CSAC Chair I meet with parents across the ward every day to discuss the issues and challenges facing their children in our schools today, and will work with them to create real solutions now and for the future. I am honest, keen and motivated to ensure the ongoing viability and creditability of publicly funded Catholic education in Ontario. I am willing to give my time to do what it takes to restore the public's trust in the TCDSB.
What is your election platform and what is one initiative you hope to implement to benefit the Catholic education of students at the TCDSB?
The Catholic Trustee is the face and voice of Catholic education, Trustee's need to act with honesty, integrity, transparency, and good common sense. My goal is to retore the trust in Catholic Trustees, we need good Catholic role models on the TCDSB. We need to maintain a strong foundation supported by Trustees of good character and have a vested interest in defending our constitutional right to operate publicly funded Catholic schools.
How will you restore public trust and confidence in the TCDSB?
If elected, I will ensure the Board adheres to the Education Act and acts responsibly in handling the public's tax dollars entrusted to us for the education of our children. I will work with parents and administrator's to develop and nurture our Gospel -centred approach to education. I will work with government to develop long term solutions to ensure we have the monies necessary to protect programs like special education. I will not let our children down, they're too important.
What is your election platform and what is one initiative you hope to implement to benefit the Catholic education of students at the TCDSB?
I provide a strong voice for high standards in curriculum and instruction. I will endorse increased public/private partnerships to provide superior school facilities and the materials needed to enhance student learning and success. I support increased community use of schools.
I will encourage the acquisition of cost effective 21st century technology for the classroom. I will continue the streamlining of services to increase the efficient use of education dollars and work for an improved Capital Plan for innovative and ‘green’ school buildings and additions.
I will be vigilant in policing Ministry policy for any possible infringements of our denominational rights.
How will you restore public trust and confidence in the TCDSB?
The quality of Catholic education being provided at the TCDSB has never diminished. Our administration, teachers, and support staff have continued to deliver exceptional programming for the educational and spiritual well being of our students.
To restore trust, I will adhere and demand adherence to the new supervisor and trustee-developed Code of Ethics. I will take responsibility to seek and take action toward solutions to problems. I will do what I say I will do. I will work on a comprehensive plan and follow it through.
I will continue to communicate with schools and constituents and advocate on behalf of parents and all students.
My expenses are consistently one of the lowest in the Board and I have redirected unused amounts to schools. I will actively reduce trustee expenses through explicit policy changes.
IHOR KLUFAS
Profession: Licensed paralegalParish: St. Josephat's Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral
Connection to Catholic education: Studied in Catholic schools all my life including Michael Power High School, St. Michael's College at U of T and two seminaries in Rome, Italy and a Pontificial Urbanian University of Rome (philosophy and theology)
Why are you running for trustee?
What kindled my interest was Archbishop Collins saying to the media approximately a year ago why are we not attracting people of good character as trustees to the Catholic school board.
Then, I read about all of these negative stories about trustees not behaving professionally and I thought to myself, every problem is an opportunity. The problem is our negative Cath image in the school board. The opportunity is to vote for leadership and change.
Why are you the best candidate for trustee in your ward?
I come from a traditional Catholic family of seven children (I'm second oldest). It's in a traditional family that you learn the basis, the traditional values because the family is the nucleus of society.
Having been educated in good Catholic schools all my life, I want to give something back because the number one role of a good Cath trustee is stewardship of education and who better to now than somebody who was educated in Cath schools all his life.
I've done community work. I was and am active in two Ukrainian Catholic parishes in Toronto and I'm also active as a president of the Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood of Canada at St. Josephat's Cathedral and that's how you develop our character when you do community work.
I firmly believe that good people are everywhere but you have to find it, and how do you find them? Through the church. The best people I met in my life were through the church.
What is your election platform and what is one initiative you hope to implement to benefit the Catholic education of students at the TCDSB?
- the budget has to be balanced
- To restore the positive image of the Catholic school system
- To be a liaison between the interests of the parents, teachers, principals, school board and clergy
- You need somebody with leadership. There's a time to put down your fist as in the inappropriate behaviour. If you manage toughness of character with diplomacy, I think you will be a lot further ahead.
How will you restore public trust and confidence in the TCDSB?
By balancing the budget. Because I'm a licensed paralegal, I understand, so I would vote for a budget that is balanced so you have more credibility with the government and the public.
Let's put the letters “trust” back into the word trustee by behaving professionally at all times, consulting with the parents, teachers, principals, clergy, school board staff and also professionals.
TCDSB Ward 3
(City Wards 7, 12)
Figliano, Matteo
Perez, Jose
Piccininni, Sal
JOSE PEREZ
Biography: Born in Barcelona (Spain)
Education : Primary and Secondary School with the Salesian Fathers in Barcelona
Degree: Mechanical Engineer by the Barcelona Polytechnic Institute (1968). Bachelor of Science by the University of Vivatesrand (South Africa) (1974)
Involvement: Member of St. Alphonsus Parents Teacher Association (4 years: 1989-1993) and 2 years as President (1991-1992). Member of the Board of Directors of the Federation of Catholic Parents Teachers Association of Ontario (1991-1992)
Awards and Recognition: Former City of York for my contribution to the Community (1988)
Why I want to be a Trustee?
When the Government has to intervene and take from the Board of Trustees some of its power is because there’s something wrong with the trustees.
Integrity, Accountability and Trust
It’s time that someone stands up and be there to defend the interest of the children who want a good education. There’s no doubt that our Educational system is in trouble. And the main reason it’s because it has been shortchange and the founding is not there. The Ministry of Education allows for all 12 Trustees in the Catholic Board, approximately, $400.00, which has been included honorarium and expenses. On the last budget, the Trustees expend in honorariums and expenses 1.23 million dollars. Some of the Trustees have been going to Court because of conflict of interest in Board ruling that benefit themselves only. A judge has to remove from her post the Chair of the Board of the Catholic School Trustees precisely for this reason. Two of them were removed for failure to show up. 8 out of 12 have abused the trust that the public gave to them. The bishop needed to intervene informing to the faithful that they should have a closer look before your cat your ballot for a trustee.
We are in the 21st Century. Our Educational system has to move forward to reflect the new changes. Trustees must ensure that the Catholic Schools are not left behind and they received the tax dollars necessary for their education.
I’m willing to bring Integrity, Accountability and Trust to the Board. There’s a need for renewal. There’s a need to change priorities: Children and Education should be the only thing in the minds of those who are putting their names forward to be a Trustees. Because it has been the luck of Integrity and Accountability in the Board of Trustees of the Catholic Educational system and the desire to put Education first are the main reasons that I have decided to put my name forward.
SAL PICCININNI
First elected in 1997, as Trustee in Ward 3 for 10 yearsResided in Ward 3 for 35 years
Attended St. Andrews Elementary, Father Henry Carr Catholic High School
Chair of Administrative Services Committee at TCDSB
Member of the Safe Schools Committee
Member of the Knights of Columbus
Parishioner at St. Roch Church
Email address: spiccininni@hotmail.com or (416)512-3403
Why are you running for trustee?
To continue the work I have done for the last 10 years for the community.
To see a faster turn around in our construction renovation with new schools to provide our children a safe clean environment and to communicate a more transparent process on how this wil be done to the voters and parents.
To make sure that no child is left behind.
The province has balanced the budget on the backs of our most vulnerable students and I would like to correct that process.
To expand on keeping current with Technology so our children are offered the most updated education possible.
To make the bureaucrats at the Board more accountable to you the voters.
Why are you the best candidate for trustee in your ward?
I have the experience and knowledge of the Catholic system and also the new changes made to Education by the Government of Ontario.
I was the first Trustee in the City of Toronto to implement the area review committee (ARC) which is resulting in a brand new school for the Jane and Wilson Community.
I am an active parishioner at St. Roch Parish, I am an usher and a member of the Knights of Columbus.
I am a community builder and have held over 20 soccer and basketball tournaments on Saturdays over the last three years.
I have worked closely with both 31Division and 12 Division Police to make sure our schools and communities are safe.
Have a close working relationship with my local Councillors, MPP's, and MP's and also my Public School counterparts.
I am active and visit all of my schools on a regular basis and attend all CSAC and other school meetings.
I am know as the hardest working Trustee who is very visible in the area and get back to the rate payers right away.
I am proud to say that when I walk into my schools I feel honored when I am greeted with a smile and recognized by all the students.
What is your election platform and what is one initiative you hope to implement to benefit the Catholic education of students at the TCDSB?
My election platform is continue the work that I have done for the last 10 years.
To maintain the partnerships that I have developed with others levels of Government (ex: daycare centers, summer camps, skating for all children in the North York District).
As I stated in question 2, I plan to expand in keeping current on Technologies and new pilot projects to bring the best educational stream to your children.
I would like to see the completion of the new schools and additions through my leadership that we are bringing to ward 3.
To make sure your voices are heard and not ignored by the bureaucrats at the Board.
How will you restore public trust and confidence in the TCDSB?
In Ward 3, I don't believe that this is a big issue. I am constantly out with the parents and at the schools and have spoken to them about this issue. They know that they are being represented by a true leader who is always there for them.
Changes have been made to policies which posts expenses of Trustees on our website. In the next term I will move to post all expenses of senior staff and superintendents to the website as well.
As stated before, I am very active in my Ward and always accessible and available to all my community and their needs.
TCDSB Ward 4
(City Wards 8, 9 & 10)
Barone, Mary
Bottoni, Patrizia
Cipolletta, Rino
Gordon, John
Iozzo, Raffaela
Lupallier, Diego
Rakocevic, Tom
Romano Anthony, Sandra
PATRIZIA BOTTONI
I came to Canada in the early ‘80s from a little Catholic town near Rome and lived in Jane and Finch area for a while. Part of my family still resides in the same ward. In 1997, I moved to Italy for family reasons and came back to Canada in 2007. I am married to Biagio for 20 years and we have two children, Daniele 18 and Giampiero 12.
I am a part time teacher at the University of Toronto and work full time as a community liaison for the Epaca Social Service Agency that assists free of charge senior with matters related to pensions, citizenship, disability, etc.
Parish: My parish is Transfiguration of Our Lord Roman Catholic Church.
Connection to Catholic education: I have a Bachelor of Education and one year teaching practicum in schools belonging to the Toronto Catholic District School Board and three years of teaching experience with the Toronto Catholic District School Board. I was born and raised catholic and my children currently attend TCDSB schools, Transfiguration Catholic School and Monsignor Frasier College .
Contact info:
E-mail: patrizia@patriziabottoni.ca
Tel: 647-338-6729
Website: patriziabottoni.ca
Why are you running for trustee?
I wish to become the new Trustee for ward 4 to defend and promote Catholic education and to help make financial transparency the mark of the TCDSB. I have no political ambition
history of political affiliation and I feel that the governing of Catholic schools demands competent guidance and leadership from a faithful member of the catholic Church who wishes
carry out a vocation, not satisfy a personal aspiration.
I stand for aof trust with the firm belief that investment in Catholic learning
the most important way in which the Catholic community can offer
children a future of intellectual and spiritual wellness. I seek
to see that this promised future becomes a reality for each of our
Why are you the best candidate for trustee in your ward?
I think myself worthy of election because I have a worldly understanding of, having earned teaching degrees from and taught at both Canadian Italian academic institutions. A lifelong learner, I seek continuous personal growth and edification. While working for a social service agency, I am completing a Ph.D. program at the University of Toronto. Teaching at the Toronto Catholic District School Board for some years has been a fruitful experience that rewarded me with an intimate knowledge of Toronto’s Catholic school community.
Above all, I am a devoted Catholic mother and having raised two children partly abroad, gave me a fullof the importance of culturally sensitive approach in a diverse classroom.
My Catholic beliefs are unshakeable and non-negotiable, as they are part of my identity; my efforts are inexhaustible when supporting good causes and accomplishing important goals.
What is your election platform and what is one initiative you hope
implement to benefit the Catholic education of students at the TCDSB?
I seek election on a platform of maximum financial transparency, equitable
responsible spending, and high community engagement. My plan includes seeking partnerships with volunteer associations and the business world with a view to soliciting alternative sources of collaborations that would benefit the school community in all senses. In conformity with TCDSB regulations, I would explore innovative ways to encourage, through my strong networking skills, entrepreneurs and benefactors to help the cause of our catholic schools and to
the quality of the education and extra-curricular programs that we can offer our students.
How will you restore public trust and confidence in the TCDSB?
This can be accomplished by transparency and accessibility.
elected, I plan to keep myself in touch with the realities of our schools by becoming a visible and approachable presence in the community. I will make ongoing dialogue with all Catholic school
the cornerstone of my term in office. I will be an accessible
accountable facilitator of the school community through e-mails, newsletters, meetings, phone calls, and in person. In relation to spending matters, which is becoming a real issue for Catholic school
, a dedicated website displaying all financial transactions will go online to reveal to the
where resources are being allocated and to announce when and where
are to be decided upon. An on going forum will be available to the entire community to gain information and share ideas and concerns. The website will also be a visible source of information displaying the various projects the community and the schools are carrying on together.
JOHN GORDON
My name is John Gordon and I am thirty-five years old. I am the child of a single, disabled parent. I am the only candidate who was born and raised in the ward. I attended St. Norbert elementary school, Chaminade College School and York University. My sixteen-year career in education began when I worked as a classroom assistant for the Separate School Board, now the Toronto Catholic District School Board. I then worked for the Toronto District School Board in administrative positions. For the past five years, I have been a classroom teacher, sports coach and musical director for elementary and secondary schools in the York Region District School Board. During that time I have remained involved with the Catholic School Boards in Toronto and York Region as a workshop facilitator for programs concerning equity and diversity, integration of the Arts.
I am a member of St. Norbert’s Parish. I have received all of my sacraments there, attended St. Norbert School, and am still an active member of the parish.
I can be contacted at (647) 342-4273, via email at johngordon2010@rogers.com or by submitting a message on my website at www.johngordon.net
Why are you running for trustee?
I am running for trustee because our Catholic Education system desperately needs experienced and committed leaders who will restore the integrity of our schools. I have left my position as a teacher to make a full commitment to the children of our community. The position of trustee is much more than the part-time job the media and former trustees have turned it into. It requires a full-time commitment, something I have clearly demonstrated already during this campaign by repeatedly being the only trustee candidate to attend community meetings throughout the three city wards. Being a Catholic School Board Trustee is not simply a job, it is a vocation. Education is my life, and I want to serve.
Why are you the best candidate for trustee in your ward?
I was educated in and have worked in our local schools. My sixteen years of diverse experience in education are directly applicable to the responsibilities of the position. I am the only licensed and Ontario Certified Teacher registered with the Ontario College of Teachers amongst the candidates. I am also the only candidate who has worked in the schools for each community throughout the entire ward.
My experience in schools is complemented by my active role in local, provincial and federal politics. I am the Director of the Provincial Liberal Riding Association for the ward, as well as one of the Vice President’s of the Federal Liberal Riding Association for the ward. I have also worked as a curriculum reviewer for the Ministry of Education and was trained by former Minister of Education Kathleen Wynne.
I have remained a devout and active member of our Catholic Faith my entire life. I have been an altar server, usher, liturgist and Eucharistic Minister at the parishes of both St. Norbert and St. Margaret of Scotland. I am a member of the Screening Committee and one of the Children’s Liturgist’s at St. Norbert. I have worked as an education supervisor with youth groups at St. Augustine of Canterbury over the last two years. I am currently the Youth Director for the San Francesco di Paola Council of the Knights of Columbus, of which I am a proud Third Degree Knight and the fourth generation of my family to be a member of the brotherhood. Lastly, I am the only candidate who has completed the Religious Education Pre-Service Course required to be able to work as a teacher in the Catholic School Board.
What is your election platform and what is one initiative you hope to implement to benefit the Catholic education of students at the TCDSB?
My platform is titled ABC…123. It is a set of three pledges that return to the basics of education. The “A” stands for accountability. I will make all financial transactions completely transparent. The “B” stands for building bridges. As a trustee, I will work to develop and foster positive relationships between the school, educational partners, and members of the community at large to create programs that are essential for students to survive and thrive in the real world. The “C” stands for a commitment to Catholic Values. Our students are being subjected to non-Catholic values and beliefs at an increasingly alarming rate through modern media. Even the Ministry of Education’s Health Curriculum flies in the face of Catholic Values through its sexual education program. My platform will allow students to be prepared for life in the real world by not simply learning in a Faith-based system, but one that is Christ-centered.
One initiative I would implement would be cross-subject integration. Catholic Values and religious education must not remain as solitary subjects, but be woven throughout all of the other subjects. As a teacher, curriculum reviewer and teacher resource writer and trainer, I have the experience of integrating subjects across curriculum areas. I would therefore not simply introduce the initiative at the board level, but actually be able to work with school staff to develop programs that would allow for Catholic integration and at the same time meet the unique needs of individual students in each school.
How will you restore public trust and confidence in the TCDSB?
I will restore public trust and confidence by ensuring that complete transparency and accountability is brought to the position. I intend to make all financial transactions public knowledge. All transactions will be displayed on a public website. I was the first candidate to make this pledge on my website and again on the live RogersTV candidate debate. I also proposed a challenge live on the same debate to all candidates to submit a motion to the board to obtain from the city all trustee candidate election surplus funds, which no other candidate has agreed to submit as a motion to the board. I will establish a committee in each school comprised of staff, parents and community representatives. These committees will meet with me to review all expenses impacting their school to obtain their approval before any financial proposals to the board. This will ensure equal representation for all schools throughout the ward. Furthermore, I intend to maintain a working partnership with each school committee throughout all projects to ensure they remain part of all financial decisions.
RINO CIPOLETTA
I have been a resident of North York ever since I was 5 years old. Back in 1967, my father was offered a fulltime job in Toronto. So my father, mother, sisters and I moved from Oshawa, Ontario where I was born to Toronto.
I still live in the community; I grew up here, I went to school here, I met my wife here, we bought our first home here, we had our children here and now we’re raising our family here, in the community that I’m proud of.
I am married to an amazing person named Helen for the last 21 years and God has blessed us with two wonderful children. Both of our son’s are students in the Toronto Catholic District School system. I am presently the Acting Manager for Investigation Services and a Provincial Offences Officer for the City of Toronto.
Parish: St. Philip Neri at Jane St. & Wilson Ave.
Connection to Catholic education: For the past 20 years I have worked as an advocate and volunteer for this community and for the children. I have been an active member of the Toronto Catholic District School Board system as a CSAC member, Treasurer and Chair since 1995. My commitment has always been for the children and their future. I’ve represented hundreds of children and parents at St. Raphael, Chaminade College and Dante Alighieri Academy.
Contact information for voters: rino_cipolletta@hotmail.com
Why are you running for trustee?
I want to ensure that all catholic students in Toronto get the support, resources, guidance and care that they need to be outstanding catholic members of society and ready for the world of tomorrow. I am aware of the issues that our schools are facing.By providing all of the schools with the necessary equipment; teachers with the best possible resources; our children will be better motivated to learn and excited about going to school. This will lead the children into continuing their education right through to community college and/or university.
It’s time that we take back control of our school Boards direction. It’s time to restore the confidence of the catholic people across the City of Toronto. I have been and will continue to be that person that you can trust.
Why are you the best candidate for trustee in your ward?
I have the experience, understanding and dedication in bringing our school board back onto the right path. Integrity, accountability and open communication has always been my number one priority. I am the only candidate for the past 15 years who has played a leadership role in our community as chair of several catholic school advisory councils. I have represented hundreds of children and parents, striving to foster the good of every child, and not for any personal gain. With one main objective in mind; that all children should receive the best possible Catholic education that we can provide.
What is your election platform and what is one initiative you hope
to implement to benefit the Catholic education of students at the TCDSB?
I will push for transparency, integrity, accountability and open communication in all of the trustee’s actions. I promise to connect with each and every school in Ward 4. There are thirteen school communities that need to be heard from on a regular basis and not just on the election year. I promise to visit each school’s CSAC several times per year and hear what they have to say. I promise to reach out to the community and ask for their opinions and input.
How will you restore public trust and confidence in the TCDSB?
In my activities with the community, I have built trust and confidence in everything that I have done. Honest open communication has always been a priority. The feedback that I have received from the people has been 100% positive. Now I am ready to continue my drive and go to work for all of the families and children in Ward 4. By bringing the stakeholders together, as a whole community, my objective is to make all thirteen Catholic Schools in our ward the best that they can be. I have not, and will not let you down.
SANDRA ROMANO ANTHONY
I am a Health Educator and Community Worker. I have been involved with the Catholic Church, and the community, in the Caribbean, in South America and, for the past 20 years, in Toronto. I teach Nutrition and Stress Management throughout Ontario: at the University of Toronto, various places of worship, schools and community agencies – primarily in North York.
Parish: St. Wilfrid, St. Basil, St. Jude and Our Lady of Lourdes. I’m a Eucharistic Minister, Lector and Cantor. I also volunteer with the St. Vincent de Paul Society and Catholic Women’s League. I’ve been involved with the Catholic Charismatic Movement since childhood.
Your connection to Catholic education (ie. school previously attended, or school your children attend):
I was born and raised in a devoutly Roman Catholic home. I’ve also been a Religious Education (Grade 8) and R.C.I. A. Instructor here in Toronto.
Contact information for voters (ie. phone, email and/or website):
Tel: (416) 929-4909
E-mail: sandra_anthony@sandraromanoanthony.com
Web sites: www.sandraromanoanthony.com and www.nutritionandstressmanagement.com
Why are you running for trustee?
I have been doing “Trustee-type” advocacy work for several years. I would like to help the TCDSB to re-focus on its mission and vision. As one who has achieved much academic success (4 earned degrees), I can contribute to helping our students to succeed - while applying Christian values to the opportunities, challenges and choices they encounter in life. Trustees must make the students their priority and lead by example. My campaign slogan, “Your child is my child”, is based on the African saying, “it takes a village to raise a child”. I consider this a vocation, not a job; I’ll continue to be available and accessible to the community.
We also need greater ethnic diversity on the TCDSB – to better reflect the community it serves.
Why are you the best candidate for trustee in your ward?
As a lifelong, practising Roman Catholic and Religious Education Instructor, with a PhD in Educational Administration and Policy (U of T), I can help the TCDSB to “get back on track”. I desire success for the Board and those it serves – especially the students. I'm committed to helping students to achieve their fullestacademic, spiritual and social potential while benefiting from the unique guidance inherent in Catholic education. I will work, cooperatively, with all stakeholders to ensure that every child gets the help needed to succeed.
I also have extensive Board and Industrial Relations experience – assets in “re-building” the TCDSB. Here are some examples of my Board and community work:
Member: North Health Committee, Toronto Board of Health
Member: Firgrove Stakeholders (School-Community Advocacy Group)
Member: Diversity Mission Reference Group, Heart & Stroke Foundation
Former Board Member: Sherbourne Health Centre
Former Board Member: Silayan FilipinoCommunity Centre
Former Board Member: OISE/University of Toronto Advisory Board
Past Vice-President: OISE/U of T Graduate Students’ Association
Past Member: CUPE Ontario Human Rights Committee
Past President: CUPE Local 3907 (University of Toronto).
As a multi-ethnic woman, who has lived in different countries, I’ll also bring diversity to the Board. Finally, the TCDSB is ailing – it needs a Doctor!
What is your election platform and what is one initiative you hope to implement to benefit the Catholic education of students at the TCDSB?
I am committed to:
- Health Promotion in all schools
- Early Childhood Education
- Open and honest communication with all stakeholders
- Leadership that will enable teachers to meet the needs of Toronto’s diverse student population
- Fiscal responsibility and full accountability
- Maintenance of the Catholic ideals that will prepare students to meet the challenges of our ever-changing world
- Helping your child to enjoy school as much as I did!
Initiative: I will strive to implement comprehensive Stress Management programs which will include topics such as: effective communication, building self-esteem and self-confidence, anger management, time management and developing spirituality - among others. This will not only enhance student achievement and well-being, it will also benefit parents, staff and Board.
How will you restore public trust and confidence in the TCDSB?
To begin the "healing" process, I will forgive returning Trustees who were implicated – they’ve learnt their lesson! Together we'll develop a culture of trust, cooperation and respect - among ourselves and between the Board and staff. Other measures include:
i) Effective and timely communication with all stakeholders; invite them to participate in the process - when appropriate. Show that our focus is on student achievement and well-being.
ii) Developing a budget plan to reduce the deficit without cutting programs. Evaluating the effectiveness, efficiency and equitability of current programs; being creative in developing new ones - within a balanced budget. [I am very creative].
iii) Ensuring that TCDSB policies and procedures are understood by all Trustees; ensuring proper implementation and transparency. Trustees must also be familiar with the details of relevant Acts and Regulations (for example, the Education Act and Regulations, the Municipal Freedom of Information Act & Regulations, the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act and, of course, the Board’s By-laws.)
To help the Board to heal and bond, I’ll also offer Stress Management workshops.
TCDSB Ward 5
(City Wards 15, 16, 23 & 25)
Bonavota, Rosina
Corcoran, Robert
Deocampo, Angela
Greco, Mycheal
McDonald, Chris
Oulahen, Paul
Paton, Ann
Reid, Barrington
Rizzo, Maria
ROBERT CORCORAN
My name is Robert Corcoran and I am honoured to be running for Catholic School Trustee in Ward 5.
I am a long-time resident of Toronto. I have been a practising Catholic my entire life and have been a parishioner at St. Margaret of Scotland Parish for the past 17 years. I am a retired Professional Engineer. The 'retired' part of that title, allows me time to work on the tasks and responsibilities involved in this important position. It also removes any areas of conflict of interest that could be career- related.
My connection to Catholic education has been lifelong and varied. I attended St. Joseph's Convent and De La Salle Oaklands. My wife attended Holy Name and St. Joseph's College School. Our three children were all educated in Catholic Schools including St. Boniface, St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Michael's Choir School, St. Joseph's Morrow Park and St. Michael's College School. My wife retired from the TCDSB in June 2009 after approximately thirty years as a teacher, Guidance Counsellor, vice-principal and principal. My brother in law, the late Father Volpe was a teacher at St. Mike's and a Religious Education resource teacher at the TCDSB. I was a volunteer in my children's schools and most recently in my wife's school. I volunteered and was invited to join the Ministry Supervision Team's Community Advisory Committee as a member at large, working with both Mr. Hartmann and Dr. Alway.
I may be contacted at my e-mail address corcoran4trustee@gmail.com othrough my Facebook page.
Why are you running for trustee?
I am running for trustee for a number of reasons; I want the opportunity for a faith based public Catholic education to continue to be available. " It's a rich resource for growing into the fullness of life as a person of God after the way of Jesus" (Thomas Groome); I know that we need an honest and accountable approach to the role of trustee-with a board that returns to public service with integrity, following a lengthy supervision; I believe in fiscal responsibility-to balance the budget- understanding the challenge still remains to make the best choices for students with funds available.
Why are you the best candidate for trustee in your ward?
I am the best candidate for the position based on my experience in my career and with our Catholic system.
As a member of the Professional Engineers of Ontario, I have always followed the code of ethics of the engineering society. My ethics have never been questioned nor have any of my expense accounts for eligible business costs over forty years of work and travel throughout the world.
As a supervisor with the City of Toronto, Purchasing Division, I practiced transparency in all my dealings with contracts, as well as the accountability and responsibility required when spending taxpayers money.
My recent experience as a member at large on the Supervision Team's Community Advisory Committee provided me with some insight as to the problems generated by the actions of the previous trustees with relation to their failure to balance the budget and abuse of expense accounts.
As I mentioned in #1, being retired allows me the time needed and removes any potential for conflict of interest.
As a lifelong Catholic, I am committed to academic success fostered in a Catholic community.
What is your election platform and what is one initiative you hope to implement to benefit the Catholic education of students at the TCDSB?
There are two major issues on the horizon. In the short term, it is vital the we restore trust and credibility to the Catholic board of trustees. In the long term, we must ready ourselves for the future challenges to our existence. We know this from events during the last provincial election, from the Supreme court challenge, from the history of other provinces such as Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and from the recent rally in Toronto.
We must lead by example, balancing the budget in times of economic crisis and we must maintain the Catholic character of our schools.
There are many initiatives that need to be undertaken...following a tendering process in awarding all board contracts, a needs assessment as one of several ways to look deeper into areas of potential waste by consulting with the stakeholders at the school level etc.
How will you restore public trust and confidence in the TCDSB?
Public trust will not return overnight, it needs to be earned by a board that 'walks the talk' of Catholic education. The public must see a return to responsible, accountable governance that has been missing for several years. We must pay attention to the issues - ministry supervision showed that the budget could have been balanced if the trustees met their responsibility to do so.
CHRIS MCDONALD
My name is Chris McDonald. I am a psychotherapist. I am a member of Blessed Sacrament Parish. I am the product of Catholic education as are all of my siblings, my Mother (St. Joseph College School) and Father (De LaSalle). I attended Catholic grade schools in Toronto and Ottawa. I attended a Catholic high school, Father Henry Carr, in Toronto. I did my undergraduate degree (BSc, Honours) at the University of St. Michael’s College at the U of T. I am currently at St. Mike’s as a part-time graduate student, some 25 years after graduation, completing my Master of Divinity. My wife Theresa and her eight siblings are also the product of the same Catholic system (Our Lady of Peace and St. Josephs Islington/Michael Power). I have a daughter who is currently in kindergarten at St. Monica’s.
Why are you running as trustee?
My wife and I have benefitted immeasurably from our Catholic educational experience. I would like my daughter to have an opportunity to experience an education that is fulfilling and expansive and I would like it to be Catholic. The actions and misdeeds of the current group of trustee’s have compromised the 150 year legacy of Catholic education in Toronto. They have singlehandedly undermined the work of generations of Catholics and, in so doing, they have adversely affected each and every child in the Catholic school system. I am running to help restore legitimacy to Catholic education in Toronto.
Why are you the best candidate for trustee in your ward?
I believe I have the right combination of knowledge, skills and experience to serve the needs of our educational community. In addition, I am the only candidate in my ward with a child presently in the Catholic school system. As such, I have a vested interest in her education and the education of all students. I am the best candidate because I come to this role as a parent, whom Trustees represent at the Board and because I view Trusteeship as a ‘Ministry of Service.’ The awareness that my time, knowledge and skills are furthering our children’s Catholic education is a service that any parent would afford their child.
What is your election platform and what is one initiative you hope to implement to benefit the Catholic education of students at the TCDSB?
My platform: Strong, Ethical, Accountable, Catholic leadership.
If elected I will:
Balance the budget & publish Trustee expenses on-line
Develop democratic and transparent decision-making
Revise & strengthen the Ethical Code of Conduct for Trustees
Institute mandatory training for Trustees around their legal duties & scope of authority, professional
ethics including conflict of interest, and Board administrative processes
Increase lines of communication with schools, parents, principals
Ensure equitable utilization of scarce resources across schools
Demonstrate respectful, collaborative, and Catholic values in my conduct
End adversarial relationships within the school board
Cultivate parental engagement in education
Promote and defend the Catholic school system
In addition I will focus on student achievement. Academically we want to challenge our best and brightest. At the same time we must allocate resources to those students who are struggling. Our students should be afforded an environment where they can thrive and not merely survive.
How will you restore public trust and confidence in the TCDSB?
I would make great effort to tell the story. If we want reconciliation with the community you have to tell the story. This is where we have been as a community and these are the misdeeds of a group of Trustees that led us down this wrong road. From here we have to clearly state our goals. We have to hold the common good of each and every Catholic student in our intention. We have to put in place accountable and transparent expenditure practices as per the Hartmann report. I would suggest that we have to provide authority to the Director of Education as a check and balance, for the approval of Trustee expenses to put an end to the era of Trustee entitlement.
Christopher McDonald
christophermcdonald@canoemail.com
Cell 416 993-7310
www.votechrismcdonald.com
ANN PATON
For more than 30 years, my husband, Rod, and I have called Ward 5 home. I attended St. Cyril’s Catholic School , as did all five of my children. Today, Matthew, 28, Joseph, 26, Christopher, 22, Andrew, 19, and Kathryn, 18, are all graduates of TCDSB high schools: Brebeuf College, St. Michael’s Choir School and Loretto Abbey.
For the two decades that my children attended our Catholic schools, I was an involved parent and a dedicated volunteer in the St. Cyril and St. Michael Choir School community as well as my St. Edward parish family. I was an at home Mom for 25 years and started working full time 6 years ago. As a fully bonded financial employee, I also have the fiscal ability and budgeting experience to make informed and accountable decisions.
Why are you running for trustee?
I'm running because I believe in the Catholic School system that myself and my 5 children have had the privilege of experiencing. I am ashamed of the blemish that the previous board of Tustee's has cast on our board. I believe that working cooperatively and positively we can and will restore the trust of not only the Catholic community but also the government and the all taxpayers who help fund our wonderful school system.
Why are you the best candidate for trustee in your ward?
I believe that to be the best candidate I must obey the rules. I must adhere to the code of ethics set out for a trustee. I must have a strong and unshakable faith in my church, and the school system that I will strive to protect and nurture. I believe that positivity and hope are key in developing the stewardship needed to formulate a board of trustees that encompass the needs of the WHOLE Catholic School Board.
What is your election platform and what is one initiative you hope to implement to benefit the Catholic education of students at the TCDSB?
My platform is to lend my experience in balancing and budgeting. I would do my best to ensure that the Board of Trustees work collectively to bring the issues of each ward forward and ensure equality when spending the Catholic taxpayers' money. To be honest, hopeful and forthcoming with the information made privy to me. I will put the children and their needs in the forefront. All problems are worth consideration, investigation and action. I will be accessible and devote as much time as necessary to resolving the problems that are brought to my attention.
How will you restore public trust and confidence in the TCDSB?
The first step to restoring confidence in our School Board is establish clear HONEST communication. Nothing is more frustrating to a student/parent/teacher or administrator than a lack of communication, information and a timely reply, even if the reply is not complete. We need to live our Catholicity each and every step of the way and by engaging all parties in a more positive approach we will quickly turn the negativity encompassing this board into a hopeful work in progress. This blemish won't heal overnight but we can certainly turn this around by practicing the Catholic Stewardship that is so important to all of us.
MARIA RIZZO
I was born in Alberta to Italian Canadian immigrants and moved to Toronto at a young age. I graduated from the University of Toronto and have worked with The Toronto Catholic Children’s Aid Society, The Elizabeth Fry Society and the Chiron’s and Colitis Foundation. I served as a North York Councillor; Trustee on the North York Board of Education representing separate school electors and have served on many non profit boards including North York Community House, Vice President of the The National Congress of Italian Canadians and COSTI to name a few. I am presently the Trustee serving on the TCDSB; Executive Assistant to two city Councillors (Howard Moscoe and John Filion) and a as a parent, I worked with school Parent Advisory Councils at the schools attended by my daughter.
Telephone: 416 419 9913
E-Mail: mariarizzo@rogers.com
Campaign Office: 770 Lawrence Avenue West
Why are you running for trustee?
I have been a Trustee representing Ward 5 on the TCDSB for the past seven years and am seeking re-election to continue to stand up and fight for the students and community. The students are and have always been my main concern. I want to continue the work I have started for our students, staff, parents and neighbours.
Why are you the best candidate for trustee in your ward?
I ensure that parents are genuinely involved in decision making and have always helped parents by advocating on behalf of their children by cutting through the red tape. I am proud of my accomplishments including new schools (for the St. Edward’s, St. Antoine Daniel, St. Cyril’s, Blessed Trinity and St. Joseph Morrow Park school communities); additions at (Sts. Cosmos and Damian and St. Bonaventure), promoting the purchase of Loretto Abbey; a new uniform policy for elementary students; smaller class sizes and fewer split grades, full day kindergarten and improving student achievement.
What is your election platform and what is one initiative you hope to implement to benefit the Catholic education of students at the TCDSB?
I am excited about the movement to increase community use of school facilities to meet demand for youth activities, seniors programs, community learning, and other community initiatives. I will promote cultural harmony, school safety; positive parent, teacher and student relationships, healthy living, and open and transparent communication. I would also like more emphasis placed on environmental initiatives and green infrastructure; eliminating portables and building safe, clean state of the art schools for students and staff.
How will you restore public trust and confidence in the TCDSB?
We are a Christ-centered institution that believes and lives the promise of redemption through confession and forgiveness. The only way that we can even start to regain public trust is to keep the focus on those things that really matter. The virtues that form the pivotal function in educating the students in our care must form the bedrock on which we rebuild confidence.
I am committed to the principles of accountability, transparency and integrity. Transparency and accountability do not automatically earn the public trust. In the end, both depend on people of integrity. Individuals of integrity do the right thing and this has never been compromised during my term of office. The students are and have always been my top priority. The undertaking I have made to represent the community makes me accountable – an accountability which is the guarantor of democracy.
TCDSB Ward 6
(City Wards 11 & 17)
Ciarrocchi, Marlene
D'Amico, Frank
Lepone, Christina
Maida, Rina*
Olinski, Jon
*In an interview, Rina Maida told The Register that she is withdrawing from the race due to a medical reason
MARLENE CIARROCHI
Profession: I work for an Agency of the Government as an advocate for injured workers
Parish: St. Charles Boromeo Catholic Church
I am married and have two daughters who have completed their education through the TCDSB and attended Regina Mundi Catholic School, Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts, and Marshall McLuhan Catholic Secondary School. During the time they were at school I was very active on the various CSAC committees. While I was CSAC Chair at Regina Mundi Catholic School and subsequent, I was instrumental in obtaining a new school addition and safe play structure for the kindergarten area. I attended Board meetings and advanced the position of our school on behalf of the parents and the school community. My experience as CSAC Chair and long time member of the committee along with my work experience has given me the skills required to be an effective trustee.
I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Toronto. I was a political advisor at Queen's Park for ten years and am currently an advisor and advocate for injured workers through an Agency of the Government. .
I invite parents to visit my website at www.marlenefortrustee.ca
I can be reached by e-mail at marlenefortrustee@gmail.com oby phone at 647272-5623
Why are you running for trustee?
I am running for Trustee because I am passionate about education. I know that I can make a positive impact in advancing the common good of all students and the Catholic school community. I will work hard to restore the concept of public trust and public service so that we bring back to the Board its decision making powers. Powers that are so important in the governance of sustaining our Catholic values. Our students are the heart and soul of our future. We must work hard to strive for academic excellence by giving our students the tools, programs and services they need to succeed. The Catholic values they will have learned through their Christ centered education will allow them to become successful and responsible citizens.
Why are you the best candidate for trustee in your ward?
I am the best candidate for Trustee because I have the qualifications to fulfill the role of trustee. I bring to this position, a varied background of experiences, the required abilities and talents to do the job and a genuine commitment to working collaboratively with all stakeholders in making the position of TCDSB Trustee one that parents, staff and the Catholic Community can again be proud of. Specifically, I bring to the position: Commitment, Integrity, Fairness, Consistency, Accountability and Transparency. I also bring a genuine ability and willingness to listen, to research issues, to work collaboratively as a team and to apply my excellent analytical skills in all situations. I am a parent whose children have gone through the Torondo District School Board system. My involvement as CSAC chair and member of CSAC for numerous years plus my years of representation, administrative and political experience will allow me to effectively represent and voice the concerns of students, parents and those of our school community and all stakeholders effectively and efficiently.
What is your election platform and what is one initiative you hope to implement to benefit the Catholic education of students at the TCDSB?
I am committed to :
- Working collaboratively with all stakeholders to facilitate the best education for our children
Working in a collegial manner with Trustees and Board Staff and supporting the Director to fulfill the Boards mission.
-ensuring academic excellence throughout the curriculum
Through our Catholic driven curriculum delivery, through smaller class sizes, through safety in our schools and through effective communication and collaboration in working with all the stakeholders.
-accountability and transparency of programs and services.
I am committed to being accountable and transparent with decisions made by the Board and any expenses.
I want to ensure parental participation and that there is a fair and equitable public process on decisions that affect specific schools and communities.
I am committed to restoring public confidence in the TCDSB by being accountable and transparent in our actions for the common good of all the students.
-promoting the gospel values throughout our curriculum and within our community and preserving and strengthening the Catholic Character of our schools. As a Catholic School Trustee I will always defend our constitutional right to Catholic education. I will promote the value of Catholic education and the significant contribution it has made to our community and to Ontario. I will advocate for government policies that are in accordance with Catholic social teaching and that protect the nature of Catholic education.
How will you restore public trust and confidence in the TCDSB?
“Trust and confidence are the currency of political institutions. “ We must ensure that we are making decisions and spending public money in an efficient and effective manner.
As Trustee the first priority is to balance the budget in order to regain control of the Board. This will be a first step in regaining public trust. I will adhere to the new expense regulations which have been implemented for Trustee’s by ensuring that any expenses are solely as a result of my trustee duties and in compliance with those regulations. I will abide by the Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics which has recently been implemented. Through my current employment this is something that is a natural course of my duties. I will be accountable and transparent in my voting activity and post this information on my website. My actions as Trustee will reflect “selfless devotion to the common good” so that decisions will always be made considering the children first in order to achieve academic excellence in keeping with Catholic values in fulfilling the mission of the Toronto Catholic District School Board. When constituents, ,the community and the government know that we as a Board are working for the common good of our students and community, public trust will be restored.
FRANK D'AMICO
My name is Frank D'Amico, I am presently a recycling plant manager, I am also a Canadian Soldier Reserve, I worked full time at Area Support Unit ( ASU ) Toronto for six years, where I single handedly re-organized files for over five thousand service men and women, I was the recipient of two Commanders Commendations, one Lieutenant Governor's literacy award. I also had the honor of providing security for Pope John Paul II, World Youth Day Toronto, and was responsible for HM Queen Elizabeth II household during Golden Jubilee visit. As a member of 32 Brigade I assisted in raising over 200,000 pounds of food for Toronto food bank's and received a third Commanders Commendation, I am also actively involved in my Community as the Treasurer of Police Community Partnership 13 division.
I was a United Way representative for ASU Toronto, and was on 24 hour standby with the Rapid Response Task Force, as a Member of the Department of National Defense, I have been serving my Country faithfully for the past 12 years.
My parish is St. John Bosco but I was confirmed at St. Clare. I play the high priest character at the St. Francis of Assisi Good Friday procession and support the St. Thomas Aquinas Youth (Y2J) Yes to Jesus, the most wonderful youths in the world. I attended D'Arcy McGee, Dante Alighieri (night school), Bishop Allen (summer school), graduated with honours from Monsignor Fraser College and went to the University of Toronto.
I understand my role is to act strategically, in line with the interests of the entire school community, I want to keep building a strong, respectful, relationship with the community and encourage the communities trust in our first class education system.
I bring with me a healthy dynamic to the Catholic community, I will show respect and trust towards everyone, and for the operating rules of the board. I will approach each decision with an open mind, and make strategic choices for the well-being of the children based on analysis, balancing of needs and concerns, and the ability to see the long term implications of an action.
JON OLINSKI
Profession: Human Resources Administrator – Seneca College
Parish: St. John the Evangelist, Weston
Your connection to Catholic education: I attended and graduated from St. Anne’s elementary school and St. Mary’s High School.
Contact information for voters:
Phone – 647-800-5555
Email – jon@voteolinski.ca
Web – www.voteolinski.ca
Why are you running for trustee?
As a passionate advocate for publicly funded Catholic education, it has been disheartening to continually read about the actions of some of our Trustees. Over the past few years, all of our have been regularly reminded of the importance of electing a Trustee that will represent our collective interests with honesty and integrity. Now it is more important than ever to have strong trustees at the Board table. I want to be part of the solution and to move forward with some of the outstanding issues in our community. I am recently married and will have children in the Catholic system in the near future. I live and attend church in the Ward. I have a vested interest in taking a long term view of a strong school board.
I also expect that shortly after the election, the Province will return the power to govern the School Board to the Trustees. Ward 6 will be electing a new trustee and having someone who has the experience to be immediately effective in the role and to represent the community with honesty and integrity will be more important than ever. I believe I am that person.
Why are you the best candidate for trustee in your ward?
I believe that my experience as an educator, an advocate for public education, a government relations professional and most importantly a practising Catholic have given me the necessary skills to be a strong trustee for our community. As the former Executive Director for the College Student Alliance, an educational advocacy organization that represents the interests of over 120,000 students, I lead an initiative to completely revise our mission statement, policies and procedures. Moving forward, strong policies are going to be key to our collective success as a Board.
I have literally knocked on thousands of doors and one reoccurring theme that I have heard is that we need stronger local representation. We have one school in the Ward that is at almost twice the capacity, another school where 80% of its students are English as a Second Language and a group of schools that older, require renovations and are operating well below capacity. I believe that I have a good understanding of the local issues, and my experience as an advocate and government relations professional will allow to move forward with addressing these issues quickly.
4) What is your election platform and what is one initiative you hope
to implement to benefit the Catholic education of students at the TCDSB?
I am the only candidate running with a complete platform available online at www.voteolinski.ca. My platform themes include safer schools, user fee fairness, balancing budgets and labour peace and ensuring appropriate funding for special needs children. Complete details can be found on my website.
I believe that all of these initiatives are attainable during my four year term as Trustee, however I would like to show provincial leadership by becoming the first school board in Ontario to establish an Ombuds office.
Unlike many other government funded agencies, the Toronto Catholic District School Board is not under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Ombudsman Ontario. In cases of disputes that cannot be resolved by Board staff or Trustees, parents have little recourse other than to file a lawsuit against the Board. In another Ontario Catholic School Board, this has resulted in numerous small claims lawsuits coming forward, which does not accomplish the goal of resolving problems quickly and efficiently. I have heard from many parents that there is no final place for them to go, or a centralized system to track local complaints. I believe that this office could address this gap between parent, trustee and school staff. I would also support allowing the new office to make the final ruling on any disputed trustee expenses.
How will you restore public trust and confidence in the TCDSB?
My first three priorities are related to restoring the public trust in confidence in the TCDSB. Without the control of the Board being returned to the Trustees, we cannot move forward with any other local or city wide initiatives. This has to be our top priority. I have committed to the following -
Trimming Trustee Expenses – Supporting the new policy which limits expenses to $18,000 per year and personally committing to spending substantially less than this amount.
Conflict of Interest – Increasing training at the Board level and ensuring that the declaration of any conflicts are a standing Board agenda item at the beginning of each meeting.
Better Engaging Parents and Ratepayers – Using technology to more easily and to better engage parents and others with a stake in Catholic education, and responding to all emails and phone calls in a timely manner.
I am also supportive of the recently passed Trustee Code of Conduct Policy adapted during the most recent Board meeting. While I believe the policy will require some minor revisions, it provides the new Trustees with a good policy to work with.
TCDSB Ward 7
(City Wards 24, 33, 37 & 40)
Del Grande, John
Issa, Michael
JOHN DEL GRANDE
I currently am employed in with one of Canada’s leading financial banking institutions. I have held prominent roles in fraud management, project management, operations and information technology. Having been involved in politics at all levels of government, I understand each of their responsibilities including challenges and opportunities – allowing me to work with other counterparts to advance common issues.
I am a graduate of Ryerson University in business finance and IT management. My early education was completed at St. Sylvester CS and Mary Ward CSS. I have been a Scarborough resident for 25+ years. I am married to wife, Cheryl with one daughter soon to be in our school system.
Contact information for voters
416-873-0797
campaign@johndelgrande.ca
www.johndelgrande.ca
Why are you running for trustee?
I am running for re-election, as I believe I have always advocated on behalf of parents and students whenever called upon. As the board was taken over by the provincial government, brought on by a minority of trustees poor decision making, much work is left unfinished. There are a number of policies, organizational changes and positive activities that I can enact on behalf of the community to keep this school board, student focused while respecting our only shareholders - the constituents and
electors.
Why are you the best candidate for trustee in your ward?
Having been the local trustee for the past seven years, I have an intimate knowledge of the local schools and school communities. From feedback received during my tenure, I believe I have the respect of a large majority of constituents whom I have assisted and advocated for. I have shown to have a respectful working relationship with all trustees, irregardless of ideology to be able to get and lend support to on an issue-by-issue basis. Having dealt with numerous issues and successes over
the years, knowing the culture and staff, I am in good position to make further positive contributions.
What is your election platform and what is one initiative you hope to implement to benefit the Catholic education of students at the TCDSB?
I would like to see our school board become even further transparent and accountable in all our activities. This will come in the form of open and clear policies possibly through a parents bill of rights so they know the processes and appeals they have at their disposal. Decision making processes will be clear and parents/ratepayers who want to be active and engaged will be encouraged and treated with respect. We need to continue to have our board be the system of choice, by offering innovative
programming coupled with student success in a safe and positive learning environment. I also believe in retaining our public assets for the future and community use.
How will you restore public trust and confidence in the TCDSB?
Trust is continually earned and demonstrated from both past and future practice. While I stand on my responsible record in voting for a sustainable balanced budget and reasonable use of my expenses to support my constituency work and help school communities, I will continue to deliver on all the expectations of this important position. Students, parents , community and democracy are not well served when an appointed supervisor takes control of the board.
My record shows that: I ask thoughtful questions, have been fiscally prudent, shown out of the box
thinking, communicated with my community on a regular basis and advocated on behalf of students and families in need.
Collectively as trustees, we will ensure the board continues to be accountable to the students, parents and ratepayers we serve. This comes through transparency in processes and results that show we are fulfilling our educational mandate and being a responsible organization.
MICHAEL D'ISSA
I was born in the land of Jesus and raised as a Catholic. As a proud Canadian of my heritage, I uphold the morals and values of my faith.
I am a business graduate from the Middle East Technical University (METU). Held leading management positions with companies like British Petroleum ... and currently manage my own company Canstar Advanced Technologies and its tracking division TrackForce.
My kids were brought up and educated in our Catholic system, from St. Catherine elementary school to Senator O'Connor, Loyola and Kings College of Western University for higher education.
I was the moving force behind laying the foundation of our second Jesus the King Melkite Catholic Church in Mississauga.
Why are you running for trustee?
The Catholic community was appalled by the actions of the current trustee board members. Instead of showing an exemplary behaviour to our young Catholic generation they chose to inflate their expenses and treat themselves to exuberant allowances which resulted in a budget deficit and consequently prompted the government to intervene. I want to clean the house and restore the trust into our school board for the sake of our young generation.
Why are you the best candidate for trustee in your ward?
I will restore trust and public confidence through rolling back the perks and maintaining fiscal responsibility
I will reach to our diversified community and personally look after its concerns
Establish and encourage frequent and direct communication with parents
I will insist on implementing our Catholic morals and values in the class room
My business experience polished my budgeting and financial skill set which I would certainly use for the boards’ benefit
I will mirror my technical skills, computers...systems etc.., in the schools
What is your election platform and what is one initiative you hope to implement to benefit the Catholic education of students at the TCDSB?
Put trust where it belongs & Education starts at home. I will encourage parents to actively participate with our schools and as a trustee listen to their concerns and suggestions.
How will you restore public trust and confidence in the TCDSB?
Roll back the exuberant expenses like, hiring assistants, car allowances and implement limited pre-approved budgets by governing authorities with more frequent checks and audits.
TCDSB Ward 8
(City Wards 41, 42 & 44)
D'Aguiar, Benedict
De Luca, Tom
Del Grande, Paul
Enverga, Tobias
Ng, Leo
Pastore, Theresa
Williams, Carol
BENEDICT D'AGUIAR
I am from Goa , India, born in Uganda . I studied in a Catholic High School and went to University in London , England where I did my Mechanical Engineering and Computer Engineering. I then worked for 4 years for British Petroleum. I came to Scarborough , Ontario and have been here for over 20 years. I currently work in IT for a private company.
My Parish is St. Joseph ’s Church at Morrish Road , Scarborough .
I am married for 18 years to a practicing lawyer but known my wife all my life.
I have family and friends with kids in Catholic schools in Canada and in England . My nephew is a Religious Education teacher in England for a Catholic School . He was on the committee that saw Pope Benedict visit England .
CONTACT INFO :
bdaguiar2303@rogers.com
Tel No: 416-287-9455
Why are you running for trustee?
I was very angry and disappointed with the last board, without going into details. I want to run for Catholic School Board Trustee because we need to make a fresh start ---- a new beginning. If elected, I would work with the new board to make sure this does not happen again. The board lost the trust of the people, especially the Catholic community.
I would like to:
- see minimum trustee expenses
- have balanced budgets
- see fair representation at all levels to reflect diverse student population
- have greater parent involvement ( which has been low )
- make schools family oriented and perhaps use schools as community hubs
- use technology and social media to inform parents locally as to what is happening.
- encourage prayer in schools (pray the rosary). We are all one family. When a parent leaves the child at school the teacher and principal become that child's family. A family that prays together stays together.
Why are you the best candidate for trustee in your ward?
I have a solid Catholic foundation obtained on three continents and presently am a Eucharistic Minister, member of the prayer group, member of the choir, and member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Joseph ’s Church. I can use my experiences to suggest changes. I want to give all students in Ward 8 what I received from Catholic education. We studied hard but were also taught to go out and help others who were less fortunate, with passion and love.
When in high school, I volunteered to help the sick and the handicapped in Lourdes , France . I learned a lot by helping others. I want to instill this passion and love for humankind, in all the students in Ward 8. I want them to be proud of their Catholic education so that when they leave high school they will be ready for the world outside, ready with a strong foundation. I will work hard on policies and will vote on issues that foster this in our schools. I will help the children to achieve their dreams so that they can be what they really want to be. For that they need equal opportunity to learn, their confidence built up and a push to achieve.
I was a member of the Board of Directors in a Condominium Corporation for 8 years. I implemented changes to save money on Hydro by replacing all regular lights with florescent lights and made many other changes in policy --- too many to mention here)
What is your election platform and what is one initiative you hope to implement to benefit the Catholic education of students at the TCDSB?
One initiative I would like to see is full time kindergarten in all elementary schools in Ward 8 depending on birth rate in the area.
-- In our multi-ethnic schools I want to see all students benefit from Catholic education.
I want to see that we learn from each other -- new comers have things to offer us. I want
To see more Parents participation, especially fathers. I will do this by way of social events and sporting events which fathers can join.
- Students have told me that students who attend Catholic schools are ashamed to be Catholic. Why? This has to change. I will bring students together from different schools to debate and talk to each other, like a mini WE DAY in the news --- students helping each other.
- Implement a breakfast program and exercise 10 to 15 minutes before class (studies have shown that it improves learning with more flow of oxygen to the brain).
- Encourage prayer in schools (e.g. pray the rosary)
- Make schools family oriented and perhaps use schools as community hubs.
- Increase the budget for new technology. Students are asking for more new technology. Increase the number of computers in schools.
- Use more social media and new technology to communicate to all parents and other constituents.
- Bring the board back to a level of respectability in the Catholic community (I will lead by example and encourage other trustees to do the same).
How will you restore public trust and confidence in the TCDSB?
Public trust has to be earned.
- So the board and each trustee must be accountable to their constituents by being open.Students have told me that students who attend Catholic schools are ashamed to be Catholic. Why? This has to change. I will bring students together from different schools to debate and talk to each other, like a mini WE DAY in the news --- students helping each other.
- Implement a breakfast program and exercise 10 to 15 minutes before class (studies have shown that it improves learning with more flow of oxygen to the brain).
- Encourage prayer in schools (e.g. pray the rosary)
- Make schools family oriented and perhaps use schools as community hubs.
- Increase the budget for new technology. Students are asking for more new technology. Increase the number of computers in schools.
- Use more social media and new technology to communicate to all parents and other constituents.
- Bring the board back to a level of respectability in the Catholic community (I will lead by example and encourage other trustees to do the same).
PAUL DEL GRANDE
My Name is Paul Del Grande. I have been married to my wife Cora for 17 years. We have 3 children Natalie and our twins Amanda & Lucas. We have lived in the Highland Creek area for 14 years. Our children attend Cardinal Leger Catholic School. We attend mass at St. Joseph. I am a buyer and have been with the same company for 20+ years.
You can contact me at 416-697-6527 or email pauldelgrande@uniserve.com
Why are you running for trustee?
One reason why I am running for trustee is because I truly believe a good catholic education is the foundation which provides our youth with the knowledge & skills needed to succeed in a demanding world. The other reason is because, I am embarrassed and frustrated with the performance of the past boards behaviour, mismanagement of funds and irresponsible spending. I feel it’s no longer good enough to just complain about it, we need to take immediate action. I am ready to roll up my sleeves, make the necessary decisions and get to work to make the catholic school system one to be a model for others to follow.
Why are you the best candidate for trustee in your ward?
I have worked as a buyer with the same company for 20+ years and as a buyer I have to work within a certain budget and sometimes even under budget. I have been able to do so, on several projects. My skills as a buyer are very much needed at the school board to achieve a balance budget and spend responsibly. I do this on a day to day basis. I believe my skills as a buyer are an asset to the Catholic School Board. The other reason why I feel I am the best candidate for my ward is because I do not need supervision to make sure I act and behave ethically and responsibly. The public just simple does not trust or have faith in some of the past trustees behaviour. I can restore the public’s faith and trust once again. I work in a team environment and know how to get things done. I am responsible, accountable and trustworthy.
What is your election platform and what is one initiative you hope
implement to benefit the Catholic education of students at the TCDSB?
My election platform is:
Eliminate provincial supervision
Balance budget
Highly ethical and professional behaviour from Trustees
Restore trust and faith
Be accountable, responsible and accessible
Listen & work together with students, parents & teachers.
Support student success initiatives and adhere to Catholic teachings.
We desperately need to restore trust in the Board. A way of implementing this is by performing in a responsible, professional and ethical manner, without provincial supervision.
How will you restore public trust and confidence in the TCDSB?
How to restore trust with the public is by listening to the needs and wants of students, parents and teachers and working together towards a common goal. Returning phone calls is also important. Many times I have left messages or needed answers only to be ignored. This is not acceptable, to serve the public means to listen and understand everyone’s issues, not only those that are important to the board. Once again I will restore transparency and accountability in Catholic board system.
THERESA PASTORE
My professional career for 16 years was as an insurance risk manager working my way up to a vice-president of an international insurance company. I retired in 1996 when I decided to devote my time to raising my family and my volunteer work for families. Before devoting full time efforts to
volunteer to parent/family issues around school and board I took part for two mornings a week in grade one for 5 years and loved it
After retiring, I got more involved in volunteering in grade one until my daughter went into high school at Mary Ward. At that point, I decided it was time to move my efforts from St. Gerald's to Mary Ward CSS. Then, I became the Chair of the Parent Council. It was also around this time I became a member and eventually President of the Toronto Association of Parents in Catholic Education(TAPCE)
After a couple of years on TAPCE, I was elected a Director/Treasurer of the Ontario Association of Parents (OAPCE) and participated on many high level committees for input to the Minisitry.
In addition, I have worked hard in the past several years to provide a voice of parents to the Board by being a member of the Catholic Parent Involvment Committee, the Community Advisory Committee, the Safe Schools Committee and the Long-Term Accommodation Committee. I have always felt that parents have a right to have input and have worked very hard in the past and will in the future to be sure that this right is exercised.
Parish: I attend Epiphany of Our Lord Parish, although this parish is not in Ward 8 we have attended this church for almost 30 years, we were married there, our children received all of their sacrements there and despite the fact we have now moved into a new area, we continue to feel Epiphany is a bit like ``home``as the balance of our family continue to attend regularly.
Connection to Catholic education: My children both took the same path in their education. Nicholas and Teresa attended St. Gerald for the elementary teaching and went on to Mary Ward CSS for their high school education. Nicholas completed his BA at Schulich School of Business at York University Teresa is working as a Vetrenarian Assistant (her love is to become a Vet Tech).
Teresa struggled extremely hard in school and was diagnosed with Inattentive ADD and it made it very hard for her to concentrate on her studies. We made a difficult decision to allow her at age 18 to try taking a year off school and see if it helped. She is a different person, she loves animals and is working with a couple of vets that are teaching her so much that she is way ahead of where she would have been.
About three months ago she came to me and said , OK, Mom I am ready to finish my high school, because I want to go to University and get my Vet Tech certificate. I smiled so hard and thought how proud I was that she found her own path and that path lead her back to education.
I encourage voters to contact me anytime with questions or comments at :Theresa
Pastore, 416-287-0077 or cell 647-408-2091
email: theresa_pastore@yahoo.ca
Why are you running for trustee?
First and foremost because I believe I can make a difference. I will bring the voice of families to the issues that we, as trustees, will face for our students, staff and schools. Families will be my
number one priority. Also because I know in my heart that I am honest and accountable and can support my commitment to stakeholders to pledge this publicly.
Why are you the best candidate for trustee in your ward?
It is difficult to say I would be the best candidate as I cannot say that I know enough about
the other candidates except what I have heard them say in the past two meetings. I believe that I would make an excellent candidate because I am committed to my platform of FAMILY FIRST. This is not just talk, some easy promise, an election tidbit, something said to hook parents in, this is something I have done with passion and commitment for the past 15 years.
If you have attended a conference, parent evening, etc. in the past several years there is every possibility that I have been involved in it in some way. I research all new pieces of legislation and policies that affect school, students and parents as they come out. I attend Board meetings monthly and if I feel a parents voice should be heard ,I sign up and do a delegation on the issue so
that there is a record of my agreement or disagreement of the issue.
I BELIEVE A VOTE FOR ME IS A VOTE FOR YOUR CHILD'S INCREASED EDUCATION ACHIEVEMENT.
What is your election platform and what is one initiative you hope to implement to benefit the Catholic education of students at the TCDSB?
Not to be repetitive, but, my election platform is ^Family First^ bringing families back to the kitchen table to learn with their children and resulting in increased student achievement. Making school a safe and welcoming place for not just our children , but, all community members who look to use our school as their meeting place.
The one initiative I hope to implement to benefit the Catholic education of students at the TCDSB is to concentrate a Professional Development day for Teachers on how to teach the Religious curriculum more fully and understand themselves the history more thoroughly. I believe also that there should be a mass once a week or bi-weekly strictly for the teachers and administrators of the schools they are responsible for teaching them about developing the spirit that is expected of the children in our Catholic system.
How will you restore public trust and confidence in the TCDSB? First, recognizing that it will not be as easy as saying, I won't be like the last guy. In fact, most people do not fully understand why the Board came under supervision. Most think it was simply because of budget. It was not. If you
research this matter (which I encourage everyone to do under GOOGLE.CA) you will
find that also at issue were the following:
1.There had been more than one year that the Board had not balanced the budget and even years where they budgetted balanced they failed to meet the budget, thereby ending up in a deficit.
2. The Board seemed to have lost their ability to retain a public code of
conduct in the Public Board Room.
3. The Board had lost their ability to work as a team to resolve issues as a
cohesive group.
The minister was and is looking for all of these issues to be resolved in order to remove the supervision of the TCDSB. In Ward 8, we have parents who are very confused I am sure. For the past many years, we have had Oliver Carroll, who until these past few years seemed to doing a good job. We were all surprised when he was asked to vacate his seat and his seat had to be reassigned. I want to make it clear that the ward was well served with the appointment of MaryAnn Robillard for a year until election
at which time she is retiring (as she stated when she was appointed).
My role in restoring the public trust and confidence will be to pledge to be honest and open in communications with stakeholders, to fight or advocate on families and students behalf so they feel supported in our system. To post not just financial records, but, all my voting records on web so you can communicate with me on any matter you would like.
I want to push the TCDSB communications to increase greatly communications with media and make sure that our schools and systems good news is being highlighted so we can share our pride in our good work.
TCDSB Ward 9
(City Wards 15, 16, 23 & 25)
Davis, Jo-Ann
LeBlanc-Miller, Catherine
JO-ANN DAVIS
Profession: a Senior Associate at Leman Group, a management consulting firm that specializes in executing major one-time multi-million dollar change initiatives, like merger and acquisition integrations and corporate turnarounds, for some of Canada’s leading corporations, government ministries and agencies.
Parish: a lector and Eucharistic Minister at St Basil’s and Holy Rosary churches
Connection to Catholic education: I am a graduate of Toronto Catholic schools – St Vincent de Paul, St Joseph College School, and St Michael’s College, University of Toronto. My father is a retired TCDSB teacher, teaching at both St Vincent de Paul and St Raymond’s.
Website: www.jo-anndavis.ca
E-mail: jo-ann@jo-anndavis.ca
Campaign phone: 416-849-0645
Why are you running for trustee?
I am running for trustee because I am concerned about the future of Catholic education in Toronto. The perpetual scandals being published about our Catholic school system reflect poorly on both the Catholic school system, and on Catholics as a whole.
The growing negative public sentiment towards Catholic schools threatens the public funding for future generations. I cannot sit idly by and watch as our Catholic schools are threatened.
I want to provide the Catholic leadership, and professional experience and personal skills we need to make sure that trustees never again bring our school system into disrepute, that the individual learning needs of our students are met, and that our schools remain distinctly Catholic.
Why are you the best candidate for trustee in your ward?
Trustees are guardians of Catholic education – given that, the most important quality is leadership by example, a quality that is lacking on our current board.
I am actively involved in two parish communities, work in both the Catholic and larger civic community as a volunteer and advocate, and have nine years experience leading complex multi-million dollar initiatives, working on large teams and developing innovative and fiscally responsible solutions.
I’ve demonstrated a willingness to lead, an ability to work with others, and a spirit of service.
What is your election platform and what is one initiative you hope to implement to benefit the Catholic education of students at the TCDSB?
Providing our student with the tools to succeed. In our ward, over 30% of grade 3 and 6 students achieved EQAO results below the level to succeed in the next grade. We must ensure that the right safety nets are in place for our children – especially those most at risk and in need of individual attention - and that our teachers have the supports they need to respond to the individual needs of all our students.
Strengthening our Catholic schools. Keeping our community schools open and work with parents to ensure that our students understand our faith, have an opportunity to discover their true talents, and connect that faith to their actions.
Initiatives: We need to fulfill our promise to a balanced budget over the next year, in order to have the credibility to meet with the Premier, alongside other Ontario boards, and negotiate changes to the current elementary school funding formula. Work with Toronto’s Salt & Light Catholic Network to develop programs as they have in other Catholic jurisdictions.
Strengthen existing evaluation and monitoring processes to ensure that policies are being executed. Working with the TDCB to both decrease costs which could be shared between the two systems (e.g. transportation) and develop solutions that would improve local communities (e.g. safe walking routes for students).
Leading by Catholic example. Our children need role models in their schools and our system needs true Catholic leaders who can advocate on behalf of our school.
Initiatives:
Term limits of two consecutive terms for trustees.
Building on the work of the supervisor for regular and consistent public engagement.
Use technology to allow the community to engage the issues more easily. For example, virtual town hall meetings.
Continue to cut costs at the board-level and spend it instead in our schools.
Improving accountability and transparency. Continue to improve how decisions are made and how information is shared with effective checks and balances and evidence-based analysis that put the needs of our students front and centre.
Initiatives: More user-friendly website which provides easy disclosure about what we’re working on and how the Catholic community can become involved before decisions are made.
Publishing on-line not only trustee expenses, but the reason for the expense.
How will you restore public trust and confidence in the TCDSB?
Restoring trust is not something that can be done overnight. It will take time to undo some of the damage to the reputation of the TCDSB that has been done. Ultimately we will be judged by our actions and those must clearly demonstrate Catholic leadership.
Initiatives: Fulfilling our promise to a balanced budget, and bringing trustee expenses in line with that of the TDSB are a start.
A board-wide town hall as soon as possible after the election
Term limits of two consecutive terms for trustees.
Building on the work of the supervisor for regular and consistent public engagement: virtual town halls, new user-friendly website which provides easy disclosure about what we’re working on and how the Catholic community can become involved before decisions are made.
CATHERINE LEBLANC-MILLER
Profession: Executive Assistant in television and film industry for 21 years.
Parish: My husband and I have been parishioners of Corpus Christi parish for more than 25 years. Prior to that we were parishioners of Our Lady of Lourdes where we were married 29 years ago. I currently serve in a variety of roles including Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Confirmation Co-ordinator, Money Counter, RCIA Sponsor and Pastoral Assistant.
Connection to Catholic education: My three children attended Corpus Christi school until it was closed in June 2000. My sons went on to attend St. John and St. Joseph schools. For high school, my daughter attended Loretto College School (then Ward 9) and my sons attended Neil McNeil (Ward 12). I was actively involved in the CSAC of each of their schools often as an executive member.
Contact information for voters:
Phone - 416-699-3984
email - leblancmiller@yahoo.com
My trustee newsletters may be viewed at www.tcdsb.org
Why are you running for trustee?
I am running for trustee so that I can continue to advocate for parents and their children at the school level as well as in the boardroom. I believe we will continue to need courageous leaders in the aftermath of provincial supervision.
Why are you the best candidate for trustee in your ward?
As a parent activist of many years I am passionate about advocating for parents and their children. By respecting the roles of educators, administrators and support staff I have been able to resolve many issues using a collaborative approach. A veteran trustee of eight years as well as a parent of three children, I bring a wealth of experience and commitment to the trustee role. My leadership in the areas of equity and diversity has earned me the Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Race Relations.
What is your election platform and what is one initiative you hope to implement to benefit the Catholic education of students at the TCDSB?
Our Catholic schools are community schools. I would like to build on the successful community programs I have promoted in our Ward 9 schools. By expanding on the range of Before and After school programs available in our schools I know we can provide the support our families need and value.
A concerted effort to implement programs throughout the board will enhance the Catholic education of students at the TCDSB.
How will you restore public trust and confidence in the TCDSB?
The issue of trustee expenses was addressed during my tenure as Chair of the Board. Concerned about some practices, I led the way by moving to eliminate corporate credit cards for trustees. I never held such a card.
In consultation with senior staff, outside legal counsel (Peter Lauwers), Toronto Police Services (Fraud Squad) and the Minister of Education, I initiated a thorough audit of trustee expenses. The policy changes which resulted from this process have been used as a model for other boards around the province. This includes the posting of trustee expenses on the board website.
In order to restore public trust and confidence in the TCDSB I will continue to work with staff and those trustees who respect the rule of law and the Catholic community we were elected to serve.
TCDSB Ward 10
(City Wards 13, 14 & 18)
Bastian, André
D'Andrade, Julia
Lubinski, Mark
Moscato, Anthony
Poplawski, Barbara
MARK LUBINSKI
My name is Mark Lubinski and I am running for the position of Trustee for the Toronto Catholic District School Board in Ward 10, City Wards 13, 14 and 18 Parkdale-High Park and Davenport.
- Living in the Ward for the past 40 years
- Married and have 4 children
- Children in Catholic School for the past 9 years
- Trained in Health and Safety
- Experienced in Conflict Resolution and dealing with peoples` concerns
- Executive Board Member of Toronto CUPW
Community Involvement:
- Member of St. Demetrius Catholic School Advisory Council (CSAC)
- Member of St. Josaphat`s Catholic Parish Council<
- Board Member of Toronto and Central Ontario Hemophilia Society
- Member of Board of Management for the Business Improvement Area (BIA) Baby Point Gates
Contact information email: mark.lubinski@sympatico.ca
Why are you running for trustee?
I am running for school trustee because I share the same vision as other parents within the Ward. I will contribute to regain the trust of the parents and the community at large as well as to provide a competitive and productive level of education to the children. I believe the Board needs to continue moving forward in areas of technology and computerization in order to provide the best tools possible for our children to learn from.
Why are you the best candidate for trustee in your ward?
I believe that I am the best candidate for trustee because I will bring experience in conflict resolution and mediation of individual and/or group concerns with me to the position of Trustee. In my portfolio as an elected executive board member of CUPW I assist in maintaining a yearly budget of close to a million dollars and ensure that it remains in tact and balanced. I am a parent of children who attend Catholic school and I proudly sit on my children’s school Catholic School Advisor Council (CSAC).
What is your election platform and what is one initiative you hope to implement to benefit the Catholic education of students at the TCDSB?
When elected I promise to promote a safe environment in our schools to ensure the spiritual and well being of all of our children.
How will you restore public trust and confidence in the TCDSB?
I believe the first priority of a Trustee is to restore the trust and rebuild the integrity of the Toronto Catholic District School Board TCDSB in the hearts and minds of the parents, students, staff, parish, Catholic Community and stakeholders; I will work along side other trustees to do this. I will be open and transparent and support a fair decision making process.
I support a process that would allow input from the Catholic community.
I would support the creation an ombudsman office to resolve any problems.
I believe that the spiritual and educational well being of our children is and should always remain a priority.
I will always take the business of the Board seriously.
TCDSB Ward 11
(City Wards 26, 29, 30, 31, 32 & 34)
Kennedy, Angela
McCabe, Brad
Morrison, Kevin
Ward, Ryan
ANGELA KENNEDY
About myself
I grew up in the Beach and have worked as a Registered Nurse and Certified Diabetes Educator at Toronto East General Hospital for 40 years. I was educated in the Catholic School system attending Corpus Christi and Notre Dame and then St Joseph’s School of Nursing in Toronto. My husband Alistair and I have 7 sons and we have 4 grandchildren.
Our boys attended St John Fisher, St Gerald’s, Blessed Kateri and Brebeuf College Catholic School. I currently attend St Timothy’s church and Corpus Christi Church.
My Mother was the first woman principal in York Region, I have two uncles who are priests and my grandmother was a school teacher so I am well connected to Catholic Education. I was chair of the first PTA at Brebeuf in the nineties immediately after it evolved into a parent organization from a ladies Guild and I founded a child care centre at Blessed Kateri School to ensure that the school was there for my community.
I served on the executive of the school councils at each of the schools my children attended and very often was the chair. I also served on the executive of the Toronto regional provincial Catholic parent organization as well as the Catholic representative to the metro parent network when Kathleen Wynn was the public school counterpart and the chair. My involvement in education goes back a few decades and my dedication to working for parents and students goes back just as far.
I am running for trustee because
I believe in:
Catholic Education
the delivery of authentic Catholic Curriculum
treating everyone with respect leadership for unity
Student achievement
Preparing our Catholic students to reach their potential emotionally, spiritually and physically while journeying with Jesus
meaningful parental engagement
small community schools
local school governance
Why am I the best candidate to represent ward 11
I am student centred, collaborative and accountable and committed to the students and parents in ward 11. I have experience, passion, and commitment for the role. I believe in advocacy and in parent’s rights as prime educator. I understand that the trustee’s role is that of governor, not micro manager. I also understand that there is a corporate responsibility as well as an advocacy component to the job. I will continue to ensure that we have policies in place that will guarantee that education dollars go to our students. I am not supported by any special interest group so am there for you the voter.
Election Platform:
Ensure students formed in the Catholic faith
Ensure that all staff enjoy a workplace that is safe, and respectful
Provide every opportunity for student to succeed
Ensure that there is a smooth transition out of supervision and back to governance
Ensure that the transparency around the budget i.e. the public consultation continues
Ensure that the community, parent and union liaison committees continue to be part of the way the board conducts its business.
How I will restore public trust and confidence:
Ensure that The Code of Conduct as per Bill 177 is implemented effectively
Ensure efficient and effective use of tax payer dollars
Support and contribute to a collaborative environment
Work with and communicate effectively with parents, Catholic education partners, Provincial and Federal governments and other stakeholders involved in education
Ensure meaningful organizational changes take place
Contact Angela Kennedy
Cell: 416-689-2417
KEVIN MORRISON
Profession: Independent Marketing Communications Consultant
Parish: St. John’s Kingston Road.
Your connection to Catholic education:
Both my wife and I attended Catholic school from JK through to graduation. Our two daughters attend St. John’s school. Our family is active within the school community. I was chair of the school council (CSAC) over the past year. I play an active role at school council and I work to raise funds and find ways to enrich the educational environment through discussion and collaboration with local schools and the community.
Contact information for voters: I welcome calls and I am almost always available to chat at 416-856-9807. People can also reach me by email at kevin@TrusteeKevinForWard11.com or learn more online at www.TrusteeKevinForWard11.com
Why are you running for trustee?
Children and teachers in ward 11 face an ever growing equity gap between our schools created by underfunding. Over the past two trustee terms the financial mismanagement of the board by our current trustees has meant that a provincially appointed supervisor has had to drain tens of millions of dollars out of our schools to repay the debt that the current trustees created.
It is time to put this disgraceful period of our history behind us and more forward with the right trustees in place. I believe that I can make a difference.
Why are you the best candidate for trustee in your ward?
I am the only candidate seeking election in ward 11 that has children enrolled in a Catholic school. I have played a leadership role in my community as chair of our school council. I have attended TCDSB board meetings and CSAC (school council) meetings and I am aware of the issues that face our schools. I have the endorsement of the Greater Toronto Catholic Parents Network, the Toronto and York Region Labour Council, Catholics United for a Reformed Ballot, the Toronto Sun, several city councilors, my local MPP and most importantly my own community. I am a church going Catholic and I am active in my parish and community.
On August 20th the ward 11 trustee (Angela Kennedy) was removed from her position by an Ontario Superior Court judge for conflict of interest. In June 2008 our board of trustees lost control of the TCDSB as a result of financial mismanagement and a trustee expense scandal. I find it offensive that our disgraced former trustee continues to attribute her recent removal from the board to the work of special interest groups that have plotted to remove her. The Ontario Superior Court of Justice is not a special interest group. As a Catholic voter and a parent I am deeply concerned about the integrity and the poor example of governance by our current trustees.
I am the only candidate that can be trusted to move the board forward and to restore its reputation. I hope and pray for change on October 25th.
What is your election platform and what is one initiative you hope to implement to benefit the Catholic education of students at the TCDSB?
Parental Inclusion I want the board to make more effort to consult with parents on the development of policy and find ways to get parents involved in our schools through better communication.
Special Education
I want to work with my fellow trustees to find a way to bring back the Arrowsmith program for our special needs students.
Equity
I want to see the board develop a policy and possibly a full-time position to promote equity among our schools. It is important that each pupil receive the same educational opportunities regardless of their socio-economic background.
Environment
I want to see the board explore ways to make our schools more energy efficient through community partnerships and green cooperatives rather than using capital expenses to fund these projects. If planned properly the greening of our schools could include solar panels on school roofs that would generate revenue for things such as school facility repairs and educational resources while creating educational opportunities for our students.
Taking Ownership of Our Faith
From a religious perspective I would like to see our curriculum adapt to the realities that young people face every day. I would like to see our school system challenge young people to finds ways to take ownership of their faith and embrace it as their birth right and recognize it as an important part of their self identity.
How will you restore public trust and confidence in the TCDSB?
Bill 177 is a new piece of legislation that requires school boards to set up a stringent code of conduct for trustees and an external audit committee to review the board’s financial statements. When elected trustee, I commit to working within the framework and intention of Bill 177.
I have reviewed the proposed code of conduct that the TCDSB will be seeking to approve in the coming months. I feel that the code of conduct is a good start but requires additional work to create more transparency and a greater incentive for trustees to challenge corruption when they discover it. Specifically, I would like to see a “whistleblower” amendment that will allow an individual trustee to publicly speak out about perceived corruption without having to breach the code of conduct. I would also like to see the appointment of an independent integrity commissioner that can investigate breaches of the code.
TCDSB Ward 12
(City Wards 35, 36, 38 & 43))
Chow-Leong, Andre
Crawford, Nancy
Hancharek, Brendan
Rosario, Derek
Trentadue, Joe
ANDRE CHOW-LEONG
Profession: Currently, I am the Category Manager for the full service format for grocery chain, Sobeys Inc.
Parish: St. Thomas More Parish in Scarborough
Connection to Catholic education: I completed my secondary and elementary education in Ward 12 of the Toronto Catholic District School Board. I attended St. Thomas More Elementary School followed by Pope John Paul II Catholic Secondary School.
Contact info:
416-560-8572
voteandre2010@gmail.com
www.voteandre2010.com
Why are you running for trustee?
Like many, I have closely followed the goings on of the board for the last few years and grew quite aghast at the actions of our Catholic stewards. Upon reflection, I realized I had many ideas and the desire to be a representative of the Catholic community. So about two years ago, I began the process of speaking to people involved in Catholic education to discover as much as I could about the position. The more I learned, the more interested I became and I knew this was something that both interested me and something at which I believed I could be successful.The process to this point has been both enlightening and rewarding.
Why are you the best candidate for trustee in your ward?
This election is about taking the Toronto Catholic District School Board back to the community and I have worked hard to do that already. As an extremely sociable person, I have thoroughly enjoyed this process. I have met with parents, staff members, priests and other stakeholders of Catholic education in Toronto and sought their input. By election day I, or one of my representatives, will have knocked on the door of about 80 per cent of the Catholic constituents in Ward 12, which is made up of four city wards. I will be the only candidate to have achieved that. I have been thorough in gathering information and opinions and each person I have spoken to will impact how I would represent Ward 12.
What is your election platform and what is one initiative you hope to implement to benefit the Catholic education of students at the TCDSB?
My election platform is not guesswork. It is based on the consultations I have actively pursued with Catholic education stakeholders. These are priorities those people have set and I will work to achieve them. There are three items on which I would focus.
a) Community-building - The Toronto Catholic District School Board has lost touch with the community. I will take the Ward 12 seat back to the people who must have input into the Catholic education system. This will involve active communication, whereby I will regularly meet with key stakeholders including parents, staff, administration and priests. With regular consultation, we can restore trust and ensure the most important people in our Catholic education system are directly involved in its implementation. That relationship has been lost over the last number of years due to the actions and inaction of the board that was in place.
b) Zero-based budgeting - In response to financial mismanagement by the previous board, I will attempt to introduce zero-based budgeting. Zero-based budgeting has been proven as a way to remove inefficiencies in a particular budget and as a manner of saving money without reducing levels of service. In traditional budgeting systems, each year's funding allocation is assigned based on the previous year's allocation. Only the change has been justified and at no point is the money that has already been budgeted been justified. Zero-based budgeting uses a different approach whereby at the start of the budgeting process, each area begins with a value of zero dollars. From there, it is the responsibility of the budgeting committee and administration to justify every dollar spent in each area.
c) Special education - Some of our most vulnerable students are often the most neglected. Students with special needs require consistency in the classroom in order to succeed. The province has identified "Bridging the Gap" for students as a priority and Special Education is an important part of that process. There are funds available for special needs students of all types and we must ensure we are accessing all available money from the provincial government as well as lobbying for more Special Education funding.
How will you restore public trust and confidence in the TCDSB?
The most significant way to restore public trust and confidence in the board is the most time-consuming: proving oneself is acting in a manner worthy of a steward for the Catholic education system. By community-building, I would be easily accessible to those with a vested interest in Catholic education. That in itself would make me accountable to the Ward 12 constituents. Beyond that, I will a) ensure all of my decisions and expenses are available for public consumption and that I am actively informing people of them and b) significantly reduce spending by the Ward 12 trustee.
NANCY CRAWFORD
Profession: Human Resources Consultant, City of Toronto
Parish: St. Brigid
Your connection to Catholic education: Our five children have all graduated from TCDSB schools and we have two grandchildren currently attending a TCDSB school in Ward 12 where I am running.
I served as a CSAC Chair at St. Brigid's Elementary and a CSAC member and member of an accommodation review committee at Neil McNeil Secondary.
Contact information for voters (ie. phone,email and/or website): 416-425-8025, pandncrawford@rogers.com )
Why are you running for trustee?
I want to be of service and contribute to the evangelization and education of our children to help them develop in their faith relationship with Jesus Christ and their academic and life skills to prepare them to live fruitfully as a Christian in today's world. I want to strengthen Catholic education in Ontario and provide leadership in the stewardship of all of our resources.
Why are you the best candidate for trustee in your ward?
I am a dedicated and committed practising Catholic. I have valuable skills and experience for this position of trust developed in both paid and volunteer work: I have worked in influence-based situations, on boards and committees in collaboration with other members; I have municipal work experience in conflict of interest regulations, prudent spending of public funds, accountability, information and privacy legislation, auditing and evaluation of programs (are we achieving the goals we set?
Are we getting good return for our educational dollar?), I have a Masters Degree in adult education and counselling psychology which is applicable to the measurement of student achievement and to the science of learning. I am retiring and I will have the time to be an involved and responsive Trustee.
What is your election platform and what is one initiative you hope to implement to benefit the Catholic education of students at the TCDSB?
The Catholic School Trustee is a vital link between the school, the Church, the community and the government. I will work to build bridges and be a vital link between home, school and parish. I will advocate for bullyproofing programs, special education programs, age-appropriate family life education and above all, the faith development of our children.
How will you restore public trust and confidence in the TCDSB?
First through prayer, secondly by living the change that is needed: I will work with fellow Trustees, the Director of Education and the Minister of Education in a collaborative, cooperative and communicative manner, keeping the needs of our children first. I will establish two way communication with all stakeholders by being responsive and accessible. I will study the issues carefully and vote conscientiously.
BRENDAN HANCHAREK
I am currently a full-time student enrolled in the Master of Divinity program at Regis College. The Master of Divinity program is an intense professional program that prepares students for positions of leadership within the Church, and Regis College is the Jesuit School of Theology at the University of Toronto. If I am elected as Ward12 Trustee, then I will become a part-time student in order to be able to focus on Trustee responsibilities.
Although I have lived in Ward12 for 10 years, I have been a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in downtown Toronto for longer than that. My children were Altar Servers at Lourdes, and I am a member of the formal adult choir at Lourdes. We have many close personal friends at Lourdes, and so we still attend the Parish on a weekly basis. This summer, I participated in Mass celebrations in all eight Ward12 parishes in order to become familiar with the congregations. I am married, and I have two children whom have graduated from Pope John Paul II Catholic Secondary School.
Contact Information:
Website: www.hancharek.com
Email: elect_hancharek@yahoo.ca
Campaign Office: 647-705-6298
Why are you running for Trustee?
Starting in January 2010, I attended Trustee workshops over a period of six-weeks that were hosted by the Archdiocese of Toronto at St. Augustine's Seminary. At those workshops, I had the opportunity to learn from the knowledge and experience of current executives, and former Trustees, from Catholic School Boards from across the Province of Ontario. and subsequent to the Trustee workshops, I was strongly encouraged by the organizers of the workshops to become a Candidate for TCDSB Trustee in Ward12.
I am not a politician, and I have never had any political ambitions; but after attending the Trustee workshops, I understood very clearly that what was wrong with the current TCDSB was that its current slate of Trustees were all “politicians” whom had proven by their record of incompetence and treachery (that has been well-documented in the Toronto Star and in the Toronto Sun) that they were primarily focused on themselves, and on their personal ambitions – and not on TCDSB students. The Trustee workshops taught everyone whom attended them that what Catholic School Boards require as Trustees are representative members of the Catholic community whom can be trusted to make appropriate value-judgements in order to design progressive and deeply-Catholic visions for the future direction of the Catholic School Board, and for the growth and development of our students. I am confident that if I am elected as Ward12 Trustee, I will contribute to positive change at the Toronto Catholic District School Board.
Why are you the best Candidate for Trustee in your Ward?
I strongly believe in the need to enhance the faith formation of our students in order to provide them with a strong basis for character development. We must engage our students. If we regard them, and give them responsibility, then many will take ownership of the challenge. We need our students to become Active Catholics, whom will become Active Citizens, whom will become leaders of society and industry. Thus, our students require strong characters rooted in the faith. On my website, www.hancharek.com, I have articulated a clear vision of what I intend to work towards implementing, if I am elected as Ward12 Trustee.
What is your election platform and what is one initiative you hope to implement to benefit the Catholic education of students at the TCDSB?
My election platform is to (1) develop initiatives to enhance the faith formation and character development of students, (2) explore ways of redesigning the current educational paradigm in order to better enable and empower our students to become active and successful global citizens in our new globalized economy, and (3) widely promote the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program to students whom are not interested in university in order to give them the opportunity to begin adulthood with the optimism and independence that a career as a Tradesperson can offer many of them. These issues are discussed in detail on my website, www.hancharek.com, the button: Campaign Issues.
I fully intend to work towards implementing all 3 of these issues. That is the primary reason why I have become a Candidate for Trustee. If I am elected as Ward12 Trustee, I do not intend to become a Candidate for re-election in 4 years. Instead, I will spend the next four years working as hard as I can to implement positive change at the TCDSB, hopefully with a slate of Trustees whom are both optimistic and newly-elected. I believe that if a Trustee does her/his job diligently and properly, then that Trustee should be fairly worn-out after 4 years of working so hard, in addition to maintaining a separate career. Thus, every 4 years comes a new opportunity for new blood and fresh perspectives at the TCDSB. Voters should desire new blood and fresh perspectives for the benefit of TCDSB students.
How will you restore public trust and confidence in the TCDSB?
I will help to restore public trust and confidence in the TCDSB by not being preoccupied with this particular issue. Trust and confidence are earned from people; you cannot simply persuade people to trust or to be confident in anything. Thus, if the TCDSB conducts itself responsibly, and if it works to raise the morale and potentials of its staff and of its students, and if it re-emerges as the flagship Catholic School Board that it once was, due to the guidance of a newly-elected Board of Trustees in this election, then public trust and confidence in the TCDSB will be restored. Public trust and confidence will be restored in the TCDSB if voters enable that to occur by not voting for any current Trustee, or spouse of a current Trustee.
JOE TRENTADUE
Profession: Independent Tax/Business consultant (and computer geek. I developed computer-based Accounting-Tax solutions and was the former Snr. Financial/Budget Analyst for Ford.
Parish: St. Boniface (in ward 12) I went to Holy Name school on the Danforth and served as an alter-server for Fr. Mauro alooong-time-ago!
I met Penny at RHKing. She caught my eye at lunch-period. We both love children! Penny and I married at St. Theresa Shrine of the Little Flower and had our 3 children baptised there by Fr.Sultana.
Our three children have given usfour grandchildren, two dogs, and three grand-dogs.
Our grandchildren are in Catholic schools (St. Theresa and St. Agatha) in this very same community where we both grew-up and went to school together
Fr. Sultana, later came to St. Boniface, where he helped me become the founding Grand-Knight. I later took the 4th degree vow. When Fr. Tom Day needed a Children's Liturgy and Sunday School, he asked me to help create them and so we celebrated Seder Suppers and decorated Jesse trees and had many-many children's Christmas parties with Sister Joanne Kelly and and Fr. John Duffy. I built and launched a web-site for Fr. John Pilkauskas and looked after their computer/internet solutions as my personal devotion to my parish as a Jubilee-Year Project. I ran the Christmas Pageant for 20 years. We are practising Catholics.
Contact information for voters: www.joetrentadue.ca email: jtrentadue@rogers.ca
Why are you running for trustee?
Ask this; if one has no children, and has a full-time-job, how can one possibly be interested in school business? I have a vested interest... my grandchildren!
I am angered that
- REPAIRS/MAINTENANCE of schools has deteriorated so much that the health of our teachers and students is a concern
- ECE's (EarlyChildhoodEducators) are not utilised enough in the kindergartens
- Teaching Assistants have been cut back when they are so badly needed
- Teacher Unions with all their foot soldiers and cash support, can elect Trustees who owe the union leadership their primary allegiance
The previous board’s spending was frivolous and largely due to bad budgeting. Budget is my middle-name, and my focus is the children. I have grand-children - I am vested! I want the best for them. This is not a stepping stone to another public office.
The $18K/yr. can not possibly be a carrot. The long hours, and the many mid-day meetings is difficult enough
to schedule without a full-time job to owe one's primary responsibility to!
Why are you the best candidate for trustee in your ward?
As a former Scarborough school board trustee, I have the exact experience needed, and I live in this ward. I do not have a "9-5" job. I am self-employed and can take time for mid-day meetings. But what good is having the exact experience needed, and what good is having time for mid-day meetings?
Why is all that so important?
Because, like you, I am a parent (a grandparent) who wants the best for his children, and I am able and ready to give my experience, my time, during the day, and at night, and my Catholic Faith and Devotion, to ensure our children have a safe, sound, and Catholic education.
What is your election platform
- to restore public trust and confidence with open and transparent meetings
- to fight for a clear and concise "parents bill of rights" so we all know the processes and appeals. -to emphasise green, environmental initiatives and infrastructures, and the building of green, state of the art schools for students and staff.
- to continue to expand on keeping current with technology so our children are offered the most up-to-date education possible.
What is one initiative you hope to implement to benefit the Catholic education of students at the TCDSB?
- to restore the Sacraments back into the schools
How will you restore public trust and confidence in the TCDSB?
I am a proud, proponent of transparency …first to openly publish my beliefs on-line, on my own web-site.
I promise to:
- continue the posting of trustee expenses on the TCDSB website to promote openness and transparency -fight to expand the scope of annual external financial audits to include trustee expenses, reporting on anomalies and compliance -fight for the elimination of trustee's corporate credit cards
- repair the TCDSB's reputation and trust by leading as an example!