2022 Election

My name is Dana Stott and I am the mother of two beautiful children and resident of the Town of Innisfil.

I was never one of those people who knew what I wanted to be when I grew up and as a result …of that I spent my 20s exploring a variety of careers. Through those experiences I found myself drawn to government and education. Government because of the sheer power of an organization to do good or bad to a community and education because it is the best way to solve problems and prevent them from repeating themselves.

This exploration allowed me to have a diverse range of experiences and I have worked for a variety of education sector partners. I have worked with the Ministry of Education, the Ontario Principals’ Council, Lethbridge College, Jeollanamdo Office of Education (South Korea) and the Halton Industry and Education Council to name a few. As a modern public servant I am aware of how to navigate the public sector and understand how politics can influence public policy.

I am running on a platform of change and community collaboration. Our current school structure is filled with road blocks and silos, leaving parents and stakeholders isolated and frustrated with the system's inability to evolve and progress. By breaking down these silos and working as a community to support our student's success I believe I can help the community re-engage with the education system and help parents navigate it to support their kids to be active and engaged residents. Every student is unique and has unique circumstances. As a community navigator for over 15 years I have worked with so many local, provincial, federal and international organizations that all have something to offer and I hope to help connect the students with specialized supports that fit their unique needs. These supports in most cases already exist, it's just a matter of finding and connecting people to them. And if they don't exist, this position would give me some authority to create those missing pieces and help improve the system for future students and their families. More

Liz is part of the Fundraising and Communication team at the Canadian Mental Health Association Simcoe County Branch. She has worked in the Mental Health and Addiction field for over 22 years.

Liz …enjoys connecting with her community in both a professional capacity and through a variety of volunteer roles. She recognizes the value and importance of maintaining an open mind and having an empathic approach when connecting with others.

Liz believes in putting students first and ensuring that schools provide a safe, inclusive learning environment so students can achieve their full potential. She values cooperation, the opportunity to succeed for all our children, open communication and trust.

Giving back to your community is second nature to Liz. Liz believes that when you are part of a community it can help you feel as though you are a part of something greater. It can provide you with opportunities to connect with people, to reach for your goals, and make you feel safe and secure.

School Board Trustees are the local connection to speak up for the students in their community and provide each student with an excellent education to assist them to be the best that they can be. More

First of all, thank you for being here and informing yourself in preparation for the 2022 School Board Elections. My name is Meghan, my pronouns are she/her/hers and I am 36 years old. I was born and raised …in Severn, and now my partner and I are raising our daughter here. I received my education from SCDSB elementary and secondary schools and now my daughter is starting her education journey through the SCDSB as well! I graduated with Honours from the Bachelor of Social Work Program at Laurentian University (Orillia and Barrie Campuses) and have been working as a Registered Social Worker in Simcoe County since 2013. In my free time I enjoy volunteering with Hospice Orillia and spending time with my family.

Should I be elected as your trustee my main priority would be to truly listen to YOU- the student, staff, family, and community- and then advocate accordingly. Maintaining transparency with students and families, as well as building rapport and working closely with municipalities, would also be prioritized. I truly believe I would make a successful trustee because I am dedicated; a hard worker; ready to listen; connected to community; and a compassionate advocate. There is no better time to push for change because the future of our children starts now. Please feel free to connect with me via call or text at 705-331-7539, or email at sbtrusteecandidatemdunlop@gmail.com. More

My name is Jodi Lloyd, and I am seeking your continued support as Trustee with the Simcoe County District School Board. I am a dedicated, hardworking, experienced trustee with a strong commitment to our …students and the betterment of public education.

I know our local schools and their communities and work tirelessly to ensure their needs are at the forefront of every decision that is made at the board table. I make well informed, financially responsible decisions with a long term vision. I am an experienced trustee and have had the confidence of my colleagues to lead our board as Chair for four years, two of which were the most challenging in the history of the board.

There is much work to be done post pandemic to support students with their learning needs and wellbeing to overcome the effects of disrupted learning. We must continue our work to ensure schools are places where all students feel safe, valued and respected. I am committed to the ongoing advocacy that will be required to address funding shortfalls, infrastructure needs and to ensure our children have the educational resources they require for success.

Please visit my website www.jodilloyd.ca More

I am a busy single parent of an 8 year old attending a ward 2 school. In addition to that, I am an entrepreneur, a personal support worker and school bus driver.

As a trustee I would like to bring …a fresh perspective with a different background and experience to the board. I am looking forward to being an advocate for both parents and educators as well as representing people and bringing forth their concerns.

Transparency between educators and parents is also very important to me. I would like to see parents involved in their children’s schools and with their children’s education.

I would also like to see the recommendations from the Right to Read report implemented in the classroom and will work to bring structured literacy training for teachers and structured literacy resources into the classroom so that all students can learn to read.

I have a passion to provide kids with the best education possible. It is important to me that schools are safe and welcoming environments where academics are prioritized. I believe in providing teachers with the tools and resources needed to do their jobs as well.

Large learning gaps have been created because of lockdowns therefore I want to ensure that SCDSB provides students with the support they need to close those gaps.

Trustees are elected by taxpayers to serve as their representatives so I will work diligently to listen to staff, students and parents and to make their voices heard. More

I am David William O'Brien. I am a resident of Ward 1 with my wife and twin boys that currently attend Eastview Secondary School. I would like to continue to represent Barrie Wards 1,2 and 3 as your Simcoe …County School Board Trustee. I was an active volunteer at my son's elementary school including chairing the parent school council for six school terms. At that same time, I joined the SCDSB Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) that supports all school councils within the board in 2013. I was then elected to chair this committee for three terms from 2014-2017.

Since being elected as your trustee, I have chaired the Business and Facilities Committee, vice-chaired the Human Resources Committee and been a member of the Special Education Advisory Committee. I have a 98% meeting attendance record during my term. I have also regularly participated in School Parent Council meetings for the majority of the schools in my three Barrie wards.

I believe and will continue to support the idea that everyone should be working towards the shared goal of providing the best education for our children within the available funding and resources to ensure that each student feels included and has the supports they need in safe, well-maintained and welcoming schools we can all be proud of.

Please visit my election website to learn more about me and my campaign. More

My name is Lynn Strachan and I am running for SCDSB Trustee in Ward One. I reside in ward 2 in Barrie with my husband and our 5 children, who attend highschool and elementary school in the community. I …run my own consulting firm and am an active community volunteer. I have served on many boards and committees including Barrie City Council, the Barrie Police Services Board, The YMCA of Simcoe Muskoka, Barrie Public Library Board, The Barrie Film Festival and The MacLaren Art Centre.

I am running for our kids and for our community. We need leaders who will fight for quality education for our students, demand support for families, and foster partnerships with the community. I have the skills and experience needed to work with students, teachers, families, and the community to create the best possible school experience for everyone.

I will work with the school community to ensure all voices are heard and respected. I will reach out, listen, and partner with groups and organizations promoting diversity in our communities. I will review all board decisions through a lens of equity and inclusion – demanding educational opportunities and excellence for all.

My top priorities for the term as trustee are:

1. Best School Experience Possible – kids need playgrounds, extracurricular activities, field trips, exciting and innovative learning opportunities. School should be a place where kids want to go, where they belong, and where they feel safe.

2. School safety for students and staff.

3. Traffic and pedestrian safety in school zones. More

I am a licensed professional engineer, who lives and works in Barrie. My partner and I have 2 teenage sons who are both in high school within the SCDSB. As parents we have actively supported our children …in their educational journey. In addition, I am descended from a long line of educators. For the past 70 years, 3 of my 4 grandparents, both my parents and my partner have been active educators.

Twelve representatives from across Simcoe County, with varying experience and understanding of the education system, sit on the board of trustees. It is not clear to most of the public the power that the board has. These 12 people are responsible for administering a $600+ million-dollar taxpayer funded budget. They create and influence educational policy that affects our children’s daily educational experiences. This power must be used in a way that is representative of the community and responsive to the humans the education system is meant to serve. To effectively operate as a board, each member must be willing to develop community with each other, listen to diverse viewpoints, respectfully question information presented, and use those diverse perspectives to move the system forward.

In my career as a professional engineer, project manager, and departmental leader I have led multi-disciplinary teams, managed multi-million-dollar project budgets, coordinated stakeholders and mitigated risks for over 20 years. It is time for me to utilize this skillset to support the activities of the board, and the community at large.

To drive change, we need a focus on holistic advocacy and community engagement. The public education system needs progressive voices with systemic knowledge and critical thinking skills. Society has given me the freedom to use my voice to share and amplify other voices in our community. Having that privilege, I am running to support students, educators, and parents as we navigate these dynamic times.

Finally, I believe that public access to the board and board meetings needs to be enhanced. Little changes can make a big difference in the perception of the public. Opening doors again, providing a public question and answer period at meetings and removing barriers to access will aid in the greater understanding of what the board does, and how stakeholders can actively engage within their educational system.

I ask for your support this October to start the changes that are long overdue.

For more information, please see my website: //www.kboate.wixsite.com/kenboate More

I am running for re-election as a public board trustee. I have been actively involved in school issues for 20 years. My children have both gone through the public schools in Barrie.

Since becoming …a trustee:

• I attend meetings regularly and ask questions as appropriate.

• I am a member of the First Nation Education Advisory Committee.

• I attend expulsion hearings and supervised alternative learning meetings.

• I chair the human resources committee monthly.

• I advocate that the board encourage parents to get their children’s eyes tested as this has a personal meaning for me. A flyer has been included with the kindergarten package for parents this year.

• I am asking for your vote to continue to put children first.

facebook.com/Bethfortrustee More

My name is Dana Powell, and I am running for the office of School Board Trustee for the Simcoe County District School Board in Wards 4, 5 and 6 in Barrie. I am a 50-year-old married father of two. My wife …and I have lived in Barrie since 1999 and have raised our family here. My oldest child is heading to college and my youngest is in high school. I am a licensed paralegal with the Law Society of Ontario and have been practicing legal services for over 30 years. I have strong communicative, analytical and advocacy skills from my years working as a legal professional. I am currently employed as a prosecutor for the City of Brampton. My primary focus is on the prosecution of provincial legislation and municipal by-law offences, as well as appearing as case presenter at various municipal tribunals and committees. From 1992 until 2002 I was employed as a Provincial Prosecutor for the Ministry of the Attorney General in Toronto. From 2002 until 2015 I was in private practice as a licensed paralegal. While in private practice, I appeared per diem as a prosecutor for the City of Kawartha Lakes, the District of Muskoka, and the Town of Caledon, who in 2015 offered me full time employment. In 2018 I was offered my current position as prosecutor with the City of Brampton. The key issues heading into the term as I see them are: - Equality for all students as outlined in the Education Act of Ontario. - Increased assistance for special needs students - Hiring more Educational Assistants to support teachers in the classroom - More parental involvement with discipline procedures, school suspensions and expulsions.

I look forward to meeting the community and the citizens of Wards 4, 5 and 6 in the upcoming election campaign. I intend to listen and act for your concerns and expectations as your School Board Trustee. As a new person to the position, I look forward to helping continue an equal and accessible school board for all. I will endeavour to earn your support and promise to bring a hard-working professional attitude. I respectfully ask for your vote on October 24th. More

I am a resident of Barrie and father of two, now young adult, children.

For the last 15 years I have been an advocate for families of Children with disabilities in the Education System in Simcoe …County, and for the last 10 years I have represented Autism Ontario on the Board’s Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC). I was the Chair of SEAC for eight of those years and I am currently the Vice Chair. Over these 15 years sat in on countless school meetings, trying to find non confrontational solutions to disputes and difficulties between families and the schools. While my focus has been on the most vulnerable students, the principal is the same for all. Every student deserves access to quality education and the chance to maximize their potential.

I’m asking for your support to bring the skills and experience I’ve acquired to the Board Of Trustees. Please visit my website www.kevinberryfortrustee.ca for more details More

I am a University of Toronto graduate in Political Science who is, among other things, a parent of two school-aged children. I bring to the Trustee role a passion for education along with extensive professional …experience in the Finance and Transportation industries.

I offer Barrie Voters energetic representation with accountability. More

My name is Caitlin Morrison and I am excited and more than a little nervous to be running for Simcoe Country School Board Trustee for Wards 7,8,9, and 10. I don't have a political background and honestly …don't know anything about successfully running for office (you're welcome, fellow candidates). But I want to give back to a community I love, and I want to do everything I possibly can to make sure that my son and daughter and their peers have access to a great education in safe and supportive schools.

I live with my kids and partner of over 20 years in Allendale, and I am so grateful to be in a community like this in a city like Barrie. There is just something about the trees and the lakes and the trails and the feel of downtown and especially the people that I have learned you just can't find anywhere else.

Professionally, I work in the non-profit sector and have helped health, mental-health, and children's aid organizations with strategic planning and grant program development. I enjoy my career and am proud of helping organizations that are doing good work in the world. But my real job title, the one I am most passionate about anyway, is Mom.

Like many parents, the past few years have meant the addition of some extra responsibilities in that role, including part-time teacher. During pandemic lockdowns and online classes, I did my best to help my school-aged son grasp the intricacies of math, vocabulary, social studies, and the like, but I know he was short-changed. I couldn't give him the academic support he would get in a classroom. And I certainly couldn't give him the social development that comes from interacting with peers in the classroom and at recess.

I worry about my son being behind, but I know he is not alone. The truth is, I am worried about all our community's kids. We can't go back in time and give them the classroom or playground time they missed. We can't erase the social anxiety they may have developed. But we can act now to help them catch up and we can do everything we can to help them emotionally. I want to make this happen. That is why, inexperienced as I may be, I am running for Trustee. If you'd like to learn more, please contact me at caitlinamorrison@gmail.com or (416) 420-6069. More

My name is Dani Robinson and I am super excited to be running for Simcoe County District School Board Trustee for Wards 7, 8, 9, and 10.

I have two amazing children; my daughter is in grade 8 at …Holly Meadows and my son is in grade 10 at Bear Creek. I have always been an active volunteer in my children’s school including chairing the Parent School Council for several years. I won volunteer of the year for 2017/18 and I was also offered a position as a Supply Education Assistant for Simcoe County District School Board.

I now work for Canada Homestay Network as a Relationship Manager. I absolutely love working with our local children as well as the international students. I genuinely care for the wellbeing of all of our children.

I have built many different relationships over the years with students, administration, teachers, all school staff members and parents in the community. These relationships are extremely important to me as they have helped me realize the importance of advocating and being the voice for our youth.

I have seen first hand many of our youth struggling with mental health issues, especially since COVID. I am extremely committed to ensuring students get more help and support within the schools. I also feel very passionate about getting more support for the Special Education Department as well as supporting changes to the transportation issues that is continuously brought up by parents and students in our community.

Although, my experience from volunteering and working in various schools in Simcoe County will help me be the best School Board Trustee I can be, I feel my passion, energy, determination and heart will make me stand out the most. I promise to be available to listen and actively hear all your questions and concerns. I will be your voice by bringing them forward to the school board, no matter how big or small your concern is!

Our students in Simcoe County are the future and we need to make sure we come together as a community to set our children up for success! I would be honoured to help our children get to where they need to be successfully by representing Wards 7, 8, 9, and 10 as School Board Trustee. Thank you for your consideration and support. More

Hi, my name is Lisa-Marie Wilson foremost I am a mother to two wonderful children and a nana to two beautiful grandchildren. My oldest graduated with his Honour's Degree from Wilford Laurier University …in August 2019 and is following his mother's example working as a public servant and my youngest graduated in June 2018 from Bear Creek and is currently running his own business.

I received my degree in Psychology from York University and my diploma in Social Service Work from Seneca College. I then began my professional career in public service working for the Ministry of Community & Social Services then the Ministry of Children & Youth Services and now currently with the Ministry of the Solicitor General formally known as the Ministry of Community Safety & Correctional Services

I first called Barrie home when we moved in 1993 since then Barrie has grown tremendously and our population has become wonderfully culturally diverse. I am excited to see this reflected in many ways however, there is more to do.

I have previously volunteered in various capacities in my community from coaching Barrie children's soccer to helping out in the “out of the cold program". I try to live each day by the motto “be the light in the world you want to see" and I am proud to call Barrie home.

In 2018, I ran in the municipal election and was elected to Trustee for Simcoe County District Public School Board. This experience has been rewarding. I have been able to bring a much-needed diverse lens to the Simcoe County District Public School Board and the families and students we serve. This is why I am once again looking for your vote to re-elect me Lisa-Marie Wilson in Wards 7 8 9 & 10

My passion remains to build a truly inclusive equitable and diverse community where each person has the opportunity to succeed especially our children. More

I studied sociology at Dawson College & Recreation at Humber College. I worked for The Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services for 3 decades holding a variety of positions taking early retirement …in 2018. I taught at Sheridan College from 2010-20012.I was the president of WasteWise (2000-19). It’s an environmental charity which provided scholarships and grants to students or environment organizations as well as being the cofounder of George Town BreadBasket food bank 99/2003 & on the Board of Wellington Water Watchers 2021-22 .In 2018 I was elected as a Trustee in GUELPH for the Upper Grand School Board Presently I live with my family in Wasaga Beach biking and skiing when I can. More

Who Am I?

I recently retired in June 2021 as a secondary school teacher for the Simcoe County District School Board. I have been a resident of Collingwood since 1986 and teaching the majority of …my years at Collingwood Collegiate Institute. Being an outdoor enthusiast, I feel very grateful living in this recreational oasis (Collingwood and Wasaga area) considered my home.

Why am I running for Trustee?

I strongly want to represent the voice of the community at the board table on education issues and take measures to enhance the quality of education. Given my background as an educator I feel I would be the ideal candidate for trustee in the Town of Collingwood and Wasaga Beach. The opportunity to give back to my community I would not disappoint you. I believe in supporting policies of inclusiveness, diversity and equity, along with focusing on the well-being of students and their success in schools.

I would like to take the time to share with you my personal philosophy and vision I had of Education back in 1995.

PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

-Audrey Stukas-

In the world in which students will have to work and function, they will need to acquire problem solving skills that they can apply to a wide variety of situations. As educators, it is our challenge to help students achieve their potential in intel-lectual, physical, emotional, social, cultural and moral development. In order to accomplish this, it is my belief and intent to create a positive, supportive learning environment in which students can feel safe and challenge themselves, and thereby to succeed in their own struggle and to derive satisfaction which comes with accomplishment.

As a teacher, I encourage my students to set high standards for themselves in order to achieve academic excellence. In this process they learn to take respon-sibilty for their own achievement and progress.

Whatever their abilities, students need to see that hard work pays off, both at school and in the business world. I believe that through these efforts students will see that sustained self-discipline is the key to success, self-esteem, and future enjoyment.

Since people have different abilities and experiences, school programs must take into account the range of knowledge, skills, and values that individuals from different backgrounds bring to school. In all cases, students learn best when they are encouraged to stretch themselves a little further than their current level of skill and understanding.

Students’ self- image and their attitudes to others are affected both by what is taught and by how it is taught. Students are entitled to have their personal experiences and their racial and ethnocultural heritage valued, and to live in a society that upholds the rights of the individual.

I feel that students need to develop a positive sense of self, respect and concern for others. It is also important for students to develop a sense of belonging in the community, a sense of social responsibility, a commitment to democracy and human rights, and a LOVE OF LEARNING!

If there are any further questions please do not hesitate to e-mail me. Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. More

My name is Brandy Rafeek (née Brass) and I am running in the upcoming Municipal Election on Monday October 24th, 2022, for English-Public School Board Trustee (Simcoe County District School Board - SCDSB), …in Base Borden, and the Townships of Adjala-Tosorontio, Clearview, and Essa.

I have been a resident of Essa Township for almost 40 years. I have three children ages 21, 20 and 15. I have always been an active volunteer in my children’s schools, as it is extremely important to me to have relationships with the other students in their schools, as well as the teachers, administration, and all staff members.

I have spent many years chairing school councils and key school board committees, organizing parent engagement events, various fundraisers, breakfast and snack programs, volunteering to read with children and helping out in classrooms. Throughout my volunteering I have seized every chance that I was given to attend conferences, engagement sessions, workshops, etc. These experiences led me to have been appointed as an interim School Board Trustee in 2018.

During the past many years I have had the opportunity to work closely at the school board level. I have been the chair of the SCDSB’s Parent Involvement Committee for the past 6 years, and the chair (and vice chair) of the SCDSB’s Special Education Advisory Committee (where I am a representative for the Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario LDAO) for the past 4 years. My time on these committees has given me a great understanding of how the governance of our school board works.

Children’s time in school, and the education that they receive, has a huge influence on who they will become. Through public education, we have incredible opportunities to make positive changes in people's lives. We have great potential as to what we can do for families. When done properly, education can be the great equalizer, and can truly bridge the gap.

Spending time volunteering, and connecting with the people in my community, has always been a big part of my life. Since 2019 I have been a member of the Essa Township Parks & Recreation Committee and I am a citizen representative on the Simcoe County Committee of the Whole.

Over the years, I have worked diligently to build and maintain strong connections within our community. As school Trustee, I will work to be an effective and informed link between our community members and the school board, as I believe this is crucial to the success of our students and families.

I would be honoured to serve as School Trustee. More