2014 Election Archive

Born and raised in Leamington, Ontario, and daughter of Dani Mastronardi and Katherine Ketler, Jessica was first elected as a Student Trustee of the Greater Essex County District School Board in 2010-2011. …During her term she also served as the Officer of Administration on the Public Board Council of the Ontario Student Trustee Association. In the past three years, she has graduated from Leamington District Secondary School, and has recently completed her third year of a Joint Honours degree in Political Science and Communications at the University of Ottawa. Jessica has maintained her passion for municipal politics by working as a City of Ottawa Councillor's assistant for the past year. Jessica believes in and advocates for open, transparent and positive communication along with strong school-community partnerships. At the heart of Jessica's professional achievements - whether as a Student Trustee, leadership roles on campus, or Councillor's assistant - is a deep passion for the students, parents and community of Leamington, and her desire to serve them. Ready to sit at the board room table again, Jessica encourages you to explore the site to assist you in learning more about her views and the municipal election. Please visit: www.jessicamastronardi.com More

I am a life-long resident of Leamington and a graduate of LDSS. As a retired Ministry of Labour Inspector I believe that I can add an element to the Board that needs to be enhanced. My experience at posing …difficult questions and making sure that they are answered should serve our community well. I am a career civil servant and believe that what we need in elected positions is servants. Let me know what you want me to bring forward on your behalf. More

All my life I have been involved in community activities - Tomato Festival, Chamber of Commerce, Minor Hockey, Parent council and then Trustee. Throughout the past eleven years as Trustee, I have been …recognized by my peers and been given the opportunities and responsibilities as both Vice- chair and Chairperson of the Operations and Finance committee and Vice Chair of the Board. I have served on JEAP, SAL, and the Audit committees. I have taken opportunities to add knowledge and perspective as a Trustee. At all times the educational experience of the student has been the cornerstone of all decisions. The ability to listen to others and work together for a best outcome has been an asset. I am passionate about education. I am dedicated to the role of Trustee. I am responsible with the resources of the board. I have the support of my family. I am committed to ensuring that the GECDSB continues to provide the best possible education for our youth while being responsible with the resources we are allocated. Thank You, David Taves More

Abdul Cisman is a Probation and Parole Officer and a trained mediator. As the founder of two after school programs in Windsor, he is passionate about education of children in Windsor Essex. Through his …community volunteerism, Abdul received numerous awards and recognition include the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. Abdul is genuinely concerned for the well-being of children and youth. He is a board member at Windsor Essex Children Society. Abdul holds B.A. and B.Sc and Advance Certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution from University of Windsor Law School. Abdul is a proudly married and lives with his family in ward 10. More

Tom Kilpatrick is committed to improving student achievement and he supports all programs that are designed to help students develop their full potential, a position he has backed up as a Greater Essex …County District School Board Trustee for more than 30 years. Tom's experience is a tremendous asset to the Board. He served a number of years as its Chairperson. He recently retired as the Coordinator of the Economics and Management Department at St. Clair College. More

I am a retired Federal Public Servant, where I worked as a community outreach officer. I delivered information about a variety of programs and acted as an intermediary between the public and the administration. …I have learned how to communicate and listen effectively. I have also learned how to navigate the complex world of public administration, including policies and budgets. I continue to volunteer on the United Way Council, the Elder Abuse Resource and Protection Committee, and the Windsor and District Labour Council. Our students deserve the best education we can provide, and parents deserve a greater opportunity to have their voices heard. I believe in greater accountability by the Board to all stakeholders. Teachers and support staff are our greatest asset. They have intimate and expert knowledge of many issues surrounding the education of our children. I believe that the voices of the entire community must be heard. More

Bik Grewal is an Engineer with a Masters in Mechanical Engineering from Wayne State University with very strong financial background. He has a strong passion for education. Bik believes that a solid education …is essential for our society’s success. “The education of our children is the most important asset of any community.” And knowing that Bik can have a positive impact as a Public School Trustee. Bik likes to use technology to its maximum potential. Eg. 24/7 online access to students’ updated grades/progress. Bik is active in many local associations and proudly participating in our multicultural community. More

KIDS FIRST. Serving as an elected official, community leader, Canada’s first female licensed Master Electrician, education is an inherent part of Shelley’s’ life. A three term trustee Shelley understands …the educational system. Student graduations are the highlight of this trustee’s career. Shelley’s Role as Trustee, her proven strengths, knowledge, experiences are: Roberts’s rules of order, policy, decision making; all levels of government, Equity, equality and inclusion, Fiscal responsibility, appointment Royal Commission - technical studies, Locally developed curriculum - African Canadian Studies, Ontario Public School Board Association voting delegate/alternate, Committees: Chair and Vice Chair of Education/Operations and Finances/Special Education Advisory/Student trustee interviews, Profile: Grade nine Ontario Science book, Community awards: Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal: Windsor Black Coalition: Windsor Islamic Association: North American Black Museum: Champion for Education GECDSB: Elementary Teachers of Ontario: inspirational women and Tapestry. More

Kim McKinley demonstrated her passion for education for 13 years as a volunteer in our public school system before becoming a Trustee in 2006. She was recognized in 2005 by the Greater Essex County District …School Board with a Champions for Education award for her volunteer service at Oakwood Public School and Massey Secondary School. Trustee McKinley also received the United Way/Windsor Star Light the Way--City award for many years of volunteerism and leadership in the community, which she maintains as a supporter of the local area Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's "Walk to Cure Diabetes" More

As the Director of Quality Assurance at the Windsor-Essex Children's Aid Society, Jessica Sartori has a wealth of experience caring for the well-being of children through research and tracking measurable …outcomes. An active community volunteer, Jessica has volunteered for many events and community initiatives. She has also sat on several boards which positions her well for the upcoming strategic planning cycle. Jessica has a PhD in Applied Social Psychology and lives with her family in ward 1. She would be delighted to represent residents and bring her values of compassion, integrity, and responsibility to GECDSB. More

I raised two children with special needs who attended east Windsor public schools. During that time I was a member of the GECDSB SEAC (Special Education Advisory Committee) and Founder of PS for Our Kids …(Parent Support for children with vision impairment). I have been an advocate for seniors, youth and the disabled for over 25 years, including the Board of the CNIB, the Erie-St. Clair LHIN Advisory Board and working as a Low Vision Councilor. I assisted students, parents and teachers accessing equipment and services to improve success in the classroom setting. I was a member of the Windsor Feminist Theatre providing workshops for women and for 10 years I was a youth counselor at Leon Residence for Women. My experience provided me the opportunity to work with 9 school boards which allowed me to see the various manners of service delivery and to advocate for my clients’ needs. More

Cheryl Lovell brings a distinctive perspective to the GECDSB's Board of Trustees. She has always had a firm belief that every aspect of our lives is affected by technology. Windsor's industry is dependent …on the skilled people who design, build, maintain and operate the infrastructure of our society. Trustee Lovell contends that in order to compete for international markets the school board needs to establish strong, consistent, accountable and sustainable technological programs for all of our students. More

Randa Marar possesses the essential skills needed to understand complex issues, legal and financial obligations; she is a team leader, a problem solver and a facilitator. Having held a Senior position …with a National Company, Randa has been responsible for the direction and performance of a business and organization. She has also served as Chair for Tecumseh Vista Academy (Elementary and Secondary) where she represented more than 1500 students and their families from Windsor-Essex County. As the mother of two delightful children (ages 6 and 9) who are currently in the Public Education System, Randa brings a unique parental perspective and passion to the job. She is a community minded individual, a local business owner and a child advocate. Randa has no conflict of interest and will be able to vote on all issues. This is what Randa says about her 3 Pillars: Budget/Infrastructure - “Our schools need further improvement, maintenance and modernization. More school closings and consolidations are anticipated. I want to make sure it’s a fair process that doesn’t pit community vs. community. We must work collaboratively to achieve what’s best for our children.” Student Achievement - “Low test scores are costing our children a competitive edge. We need to carefully assess the data and diagnose the problem. Our children need to be provided with the essential tools needed to master mathematics. We need to see students engage in learning that addresses their individual needs, learning style and potential. We want to see our children succeed and be well prepared for the future.” Building Relations - “I want to engage families more in their schools and deepen the dialogue between the board and the community. I want to rebuild confidence in the public education system. I am prepared to effectively communicate the needs of our constituents, monitor progress and demand accountability. I will demonstrate the rewards of creating collaborative relationships inside the board and across Windsor-Essex County.” More

Gale Simko-Hatfield believes that the priority in education today must be to assure students of success by providing effective programs and efficient services that allow them to achieve their full pot…ential. More

Elected to represent Lakeshore/Tecumseh in 2010 she has been diligently involved in the Board's Special Education Advisory Committee as Chair and Vice Chair, and has recently become the Trustee Representative …of our Greater Essex County Parent Involvement Committee. Connie is dedicated and hardworking for both students and her constituents and would appreciate your support once again. More

Passionate about knowledge that uplifts, an educational system that encourages excellence, industry, healthy competitiveness, I love children and believe every child deserves a good start in his or her …educational journey in life. I am also of the view that it is important to lay a good foundation in our children as a guarantee for their future well-being and educating children in their early years in safe, familiar, friendly and supportive environments go a long way in building self-esteem in them. A lawyer of 32 years, engaged in private legal practice, I continue to use my legal training, knowledge, experience and skills to represent my clients, young people, single mothers, etc. get over their ‘legal bumps’ on life’s roads as they navigate their ways through the administration of justice system, in particular, the criminal and family courts, including Children’s Aid cases. Author of the book, “Human Genealogy”, continuous learner, well-travelled, resident of Tecumseh, Ontario with my husband of over 26 years, Alex (an engineer and member of Professional Engineers of Ontario), youthful mother of 4,(2 college graduates and 2 college students), I appreciate the challenges posed by a rapidly changing world. However, my response is: we must live in it and also prepare our children to face it with confidence, courage, boldness and a ‘can do’ attitude. From the perspective that if we want our children to rise up to the challenges of their generation, it is imperative that we make the required sacrifices now that will entitle us to have such expectations of them, I believe that children have a right to expect their parents and the community as a whole to do right by them and be guided by their best interest, over and above any other interest, pecuniary, personal or otherwise. More

A graduate from the University of Windsor in 1994 with a BA in Psychology, I currently work for the City of Windsor as an Ontario Works Case worker, administering financial aid to individuals and families …in need. I strive for excellence in all that I do and do not accept anything other than 100% effort. This year, I am the honored recipient of the Fran Horvath Award for Promoting equality and diversity in the workplace and the community bestowed upon me by my peers at the City of Windsor. I believe in the labour movement and volunteer as a trustee for CUPE Local 543 I also have a very strong commitment to ensuring that all individuals achieve their full potential. I am a member of the Provincial Board of Directors at Autism Ontario and Chair of the Presidents’ Counsel, a position that liaises between the 28 Chapters across the Province and the Board of Directors. More

As Chairperson of the Greater Essex CDS Board, I bring valuable skills and knowledge to the Greater Essex DSB, keeping what’s best for our kids and our communities at the centre of decision making. I’ve …deep roots in Kingsville-Essex, exemplary attendance and no conflicts of interest. My record shows an understanding of local and provincial issues: FDK with improved learning and self-regulation., Complex $450M budget + declining enrolment requiring thoughtful governance of resources for all learners in all schools, including those with special education needs., By attending all consultations at Labour Relations & Public Education Symposia, I’ve helped shape the new School Boards Collective Bargaining Act. 10+ years of experience on the OPSBA will prove a valuable asset (VP Western Region, Director/ Voting Delegate, Chair of Education Program Work Team)., Priority of Ministry of Education funding for business cases arising from area PARC recommendations in Kingsville and Harrow. More

I am always a parent first but volunteering is also my full time job. My husband, of nearly 21 years, John Hedge and I have three, beautiful, and busy girls. Kristie is 17 and has been on the principal's …list and on the honour roll for all of her years of high school. She is current working as a Homework Helper (Tutor) for GECDSB as well as teaching dance at Darcy's School of Dance. My second daughter Lily, who is 13, is my star athlete. She enjoys any sport that keeps her moving and is the most loving and compassionate person I know. Gracie is 8 and my baby girl. She is also the diva of the family. She loves dance and hopes to follow in Lily's footsteps onto the Kingsville Class OBA team in the fall. I have been on the Kingsville Public School Council since Kristie's first year of school 13 years ago. I have volunteered on many of their committees and have taken care of their hot lunch program for more years then I can remember. I am currently serving as School Council Chair for both Kingsville District High School and Kingsville Public School. This year, I also serve on the Greater Essex Country Parent Involvement Committee (GECPIC) as one of the Executives. I so enjoy taking time to help parents, teachers and administration make connections. Helping out our local dance studio with their administration is something else I like to do and I even happen to take a few dance classes myself. I enjoy taking a bit of time for myself in my tap and jazz dance classes. Everyone needs a hobby to keep them happy and healthy. I have been fortunate enough to be able to take this time to volunteer. I would now like to continue to take the experience that I have gained onto the school board level. I hope that you feel the same and will support me on election day October 27, 2014 More