2014 Election Archive

Experience: Appointed in 2012, Completed: Trustee professional development program, Committees: Parent Involvement, Negotiations, Grievance (Current Chair), P/ VP Interviews, Alternate Director: Ontario …Public School Board Association (OPSBA), Planning Committee: PES 2014 (Public Education Symposium- OPSBA), Perfect Attendance: Regular Board meetings, Past Involvement: 9 Years School council experience – Elementary (Chair) & Secondary, Member inaugural Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) 3 years, Facilitator/ Presenter: Professional Development LKDSB Transportation Teachers, BUSINESS: Small Business owner Armstrong-Macko Autopro (27 years), Co-op education workplace, OYAP (Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program) Steering Committee, CAA Advisory group member- AARS Program, PERSONAL: Married, 1 Daughter in Secondary School, Member: Chatham-Kent Toastmasters- Past President, Former VP Public relations, Church: Elder, Sunday school Leader, Former Clerk of Session, Former Chair of Stewards More

Ian has been involved with public education in Sarnia for 39 years. He began his career as an elementary teacher in Sarnia schools and was a full time federation leader for 13 years. Ian has had consultant …roles for the school board and is currently completing his first term as a trustee. He is the Vice Chair of the Lambton Kent District School Board and is Western Region Vice President for the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association. Ian has extensive knowledge of the education system and is passionate about public education. He is a firm believer in the Board’s Mission Statement – “Fostering Success for Every Student Every Day”. More

I am a husband, parent, grandparent and life time educator with over 40 years of education experience at the secondary school and college level. At the present time, 4 of my grandchildren are attending …elementary school in Sarnia. Background, education Honours BA from University of Western Ontario and a Masters of Education from University of Ottawa. Your work/professional experience, Secondary School Teacher for 8 years, Ontario Community College Counsellor for 10 years., Ontario Community College Administrator for 18 years., Learning Specialist at Lambton College for 6 years and associate professor for 9 years. Your political/school board experience, Served on a number of provincial committees such as “The Ontario Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance” and Chair of “The Committee on Student Services” under the auspices of ACAATO, Served as a executive member of the Board of “the Canadian Bureau of International Education”, Board member of London ON YMCA., Ran for trustee for Lambton-Kent District School Board in 2006, Elected trustee for Lambton-Kent District School Board in 2010 - Community Involvement: Rebound Volunteer, Present Volunteer for Thrive Program in elementary schools, Past Volunteer to facilitate parenting groups for parents of children who are having difficulties, Past Volunteer to facilitate “Youth Justice Circles”, Past volunteer for Rebound as a coach for teenage groups, Past volunteer for Special Olympics in Sarnia - Hobbies Enjoy being active but especially enjoy my grandchildren, golf, Sting and Legionnaires hockey, live theatre & reading a wide variety of novels that both entertain & instruct you. Why did you decide to rerun? I still believe very strongly that education is our best investment in the future of our young people, our community and our country. I want to continue to be a part of that investment. I have the time and experience to assist in guiding the Lambton-Kent District School Board to deliver the best education possible to prepare our children for the challenges they will face. I believe that I have contributed as demonstrated by my continued support for: our learning challenged students; our partnership with first nations students as I presented a motion that was supported to give our first nations alternate a vote at Board meetings; my visits to LKDSB schools and attendance at almost 100% of our meetings where I judiciously seek answers as to the actions of our competent administrators. What issues are most important to you and why (under 200 words) When trustees make their decisions on any number of issues, we must first consider what the impact will be on the student and the classroom while looking at all the information and research available. We must lobby the government at every opportunity to receive appropriate funding because of the special challenges facing communities, such as Sarnia and area, with declining enrollments and changing demographics. We must make certain that there is equal opportunity to learn for all students which includes students with special learning difficulties. This also includes ensuring equality and inclusion for all students. This is a provincial mandate and for legal and moral reasons we need to make sure the school facilities are open and accessible to all “regardless of race, class, gender ethnicity, ability, or sexual orientation”. It is not good enough to say there will be problems. We have to find ways to make it work. At this point, I am concerned how the government funds our special needs support system and will be pushing hard for the government to change their funding formula. We have to find ways to bring respect back into the equation at all of our schools. Respect for self, other students and those who have additional responsibilities such as our teachers and administrators. We must include parents as much as we can in dealing with this challenge which, I believe, will help us deal with a lot of issues including bullying. Underlying all of these issues is the need to ensure quality even though there are budget constraints. To help ensure quality, we need to keep up with the learning and administrative technologies that are available or becoming available in this highly technical and ever changing world in which we live. More

Married to Carmen McGregor -Four Children -Five Grandchildren -Resides on Family Farm in former Chatham Township -Lawyer - General Practice in Wallaceburg since 1982 - Part Time Assistant Crown Attorney …-University of Western, Ontario - Bachelor of Law - 1980 -Former - Councillor of Chatham-Kent - 2000 - 2010 - Chair - Sydenham District Hospital - Trustee - Kent Public School Board - Director - Foundation Chatham-Kent Health Alliance - Councillor Town of Wallaceburg - Commissioner - Wallaceburg PUC More

The key issues LKDSB wrestles with are the impacts of declining enrollment, student well-being and school climate, and improving student achievement. These are critical to kids reaching their maximum potential. …I’ve been a marketing and opinion research professional for 21 years, using fact-based insights to help leaders make their best decisions to solve tough problems. My experience will help us tackle challenges from student transportation, school boundaries and facilities, to long-range strategic planning. With two children at Riverview in Port Lambton, I’ll be able to appreciate how policy influences our community and student success. This special lens on issues provides a unique and critical contest for decision-making. I’ll work hard on decisions with LKDSB colleagues and community partners to ensure all our students have equal opportunities to reach their maximum potential. Being Trustee carries great responsibility for the effective use of public finances. Next to health care, education is Ontario’s biggest pot of taxpayer money. Experience in private sector senior management roles and being a current business owner mean I understand fiscal responsibility. As an entrepreneur I constantly seek progressive thoughts to help my business thrive. I’ll do the same to ensure students thrive. I’ll be open-minded to seek innovative ideas and push hard so we implement good ideas. Becoming a Trustee will be the next step in my ongoing commitment to our community. I’ve been a PLAA assistant coach, St. Clair River Run Organizer, reliable school volunteer, Parent Teacher Council member, LKDSB ARC participant, and invested time with important community projects including the Brander Park Splash Pad fundraising committee. Bob Murphy At a Glance: Married 19 years with two children (current Riverview Central students), Resident of Port Lambton (St. Clair Township), Educated in LKDSB at DA Gordon, WDSS and LKCS, Graduate of London’s UWO (BA Hons) and Fanshawe College (elected student council VP), Founder and owner of CRUNCH research insights and advice Inc., Marketing & opinion research professional for 21 years, Past Chapter President and elected Director of the Canadian Marketing Research & Intelligence Association (MRIA). Committed to Community & Youth: LKDSB Accommodation Review Committee member 2013, Riverview School Volunteer/Parent Teacher Council 2008–2014, Port Lambton Athletic Association Boys Baseball Assistant Coach 2010–2014, St. Clair River Run Organizing Committee 2010–2014, Brander Park Splash Pad Fundraising Committee 2013–2014, Vision 2020 Community Initiative volunteer 2009–2011 More