2014 Election Archive

Colleen Schenk is in her 20th year serving the areas of North Huron, Howick and Morris-Turnberry. A ‘hands-on’ trustee who has attended and represented her schools, and has always believed that an open …door policy and transparency in public office is of the upmost importance. “You must always focus on the students and put them first” is her motto. Please free free to contact her via email at mcs@colleenschenk.com More

First elected as trustee in 2010, representing St. Marys, Perth South and West Perth

First elected as trustee in 2010, representing Stratford

Experience as a trustee: I was elected as a trustee for the city of Stratford in 2003 and acclaimed as a trustee in 2006. I decided not to run in the 2010 election. I have 7 years’ experience as a trustee. …During that time I served as vice chair of the Avon Maitland District School Board (AMDSB) as well as chair, vice chair and member of several committees at the local level. I was elected by the AMDSB as their representative on the Ontario Public School Boards Association (OPSBA). OPSBA is a provincial organization comprised of all public boards of education in Ontario. OPSBA advises school boards, consults with the Government of Ontario, trains and educates trustees and assists member boards in many ways. I was pleased to serve on several provincial committees with OPSBA. During my trusteeship I published an article about school accommodations and was a regular contributor of articles to local print media (Educationally Speaking) as a means of keeping my constituents informed about local and provincial issues in public education. What I stand for in Public Education: I have always been a strong supporter of Public Education and its ability to provide for all students. Public education has and can continue to provide the trained human resources required for a strong Ontario economy. The Counties of Huron and Perth have benefitted from having strong schools with exceptional staff that provide all students the opportunity to reach their potentials and to become well rounded, contributing members of society. As a trustee, teacher and school principal I have dedicated myself to the principles of a strong Public Education in Ontario and the Avon Maitland District School Board. Those principles include: Equity of opportunity for all students and staff, Adequate funding and responsible spending, Accessibility of education, Community input to schools and use of facilities, Safe and supportive school environments, Comprehensive course options, Innovative strategies and delivery methods, Evolving tactics to help all students reach their goals, Supporting life-long learning, Strong partnerships with parents and guardians, Beneficial relationships with communities and other education partners. Personal Background: For over 20 years I worked in education as a teacher (mostly in secondary schools but also some elementary, adult and community college teaching). I also have over 12 years’ experience as a secondary school vice principal and principal. I taught for three years, two as the department head of science at Lahr Senior School in Lahr Germany for the Canadian Department of National Defence. I have been an involved citizen in Stratford for over 40 years. My wife, Maureen, and I raised our three daughters in Stratford. We are proud grandparents of three grandchildren. For more information or questions, please email: dougfortrustee@gmail.com More

First elected as trustee in 2010, representing Central Huron and Huron East

First elected as trustee in 2000, representing South Huron and Bluewater

First elected as trustee in 2010, representing Perth East