2014 Election Archive

I am a proud father of two children who currently attend St. Emily Catholic School, and an active community volunteer. As a Barrhaven resident for over a decade, I have been privileged to serve on the …school Councils of two of the schools in Ward 4 over the past six years, most recently as the Chair of the St. Emily Parent Council. At St. Emily, I was proud to be involved in an initiative to introduce technology (i.e. Smart Boards, laptops, and tablets) into our school; beginning with our resource team serving children with special needs, and then extending into our classrooms. At St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, I served on Council as the representative to the Catholic School Parent Association, and was part of the successful effort to renew the yard with a new play structure. As Council Chair at St. Emily (2012 – 2014), I oversaw our Council’s efforts to expand our community into the new St. Cecilia Catholic School. We created a fund to set up the new St. Cecilia Council with the resources necessary to improve the school from Day 1. After the school split, we ensured that our community, divided only by an imaginary boundary, remained cohesive. To that end, St. Emily and St. Cecilia Councils work to coordinate family skate nights, bringing the two communities together. Professionally, I am an Energy Manager for Federal Buildings in the Ottawa – Gatineau area. Our goal is to reduce the energy use of our assets, operate more efficiently, and make the most effective use of taxpayer dollars. Over the past 20 years, my team’s efforts have reduced the Public Works energy use and Greenhouse Gas emissions by more than 30%, and along the way we have saved taxpayers more than 100 million dollars. Recognized as an energy conservation expert within the Federal government, I have in-depth knowledge of technological advances that can reduce both the cost and environmental impact of operating our schools. As trustee, I will seek membership on the OCSB’s Environmental Stewardship Committee. The OCSB Planning and Facilities Department has done great work to reduce the energy use by over 25%, while expanding the number of schools to meet our growing population. I will work to build on this success, in order to direct more resources to our classrooms and students. As a parent of a child with special learning requirements, and whose children have attended a school with twice the population for which it was designed, I have had first-hand experience with the strain on resources within our Board. Our dedicated school staff are making exceptional efforts to fill the gaps in the resources they have, but there are cracks in our system that the most vulnerable children can fall through. During this time of rapid expansion, it is critical that we proactively plan for the most efficient use of our resources, while ensuring that ALL students have the resources they need to succeed. It is also vital that the opinions and concerns of parents are heard by the Board, and that Board decisions and results are transparent to our community. My goal is to bring my specialized knowledge and experience to the Ottawa Catholic School Board. Through open communication, innovative thinking, and dedication to directing our resources to our children, I am committed to Building on our Educational Excellence. I am a proud father of two children who currently attend St. Emily Catholic School, and an active community volunteer. As a Barrhaven resident for over a decade, I have been privileged to serve on the school Councils of two of the schools in Ward 4 over the past six years, most recently as the Chair of the St. Emily Parent Council. At St. Emily, I was proud to be involved in an initiative to introduce technology (i.e. Smart Boards, laptops, and tablets) into our school; beginning with our resource team serving children with special needs, and then extending into our classrooms. At St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, I served on Council as the representative to the Catholic School Parent Association, and was part of the successful effort to renew the yard with a new play structure. As Council Chair at St. Emily (2012 – 2014), I oversaw our Council’s efforts to expand our community into the new St. Cecilia Catholic School. We created a fund to set up the new St. Cecilia Council with the resources necessary to improve the school from Day 1. After the school split, we ensured that our community, divided only by an imaginary boundary, remained cohesive. To that end, St. Emily and St. Cecilia Councils work to coordinate family skate nights, bringing the two communities together. Professionally, I am an Energy Manager for Federal Buildings in the Ottawa – Gatineau area. Our goal is to reduce the energy use of our assets, operate more efficiently, and make the most effective use of taxpayer dollars. Over the past 20 years, my team’s efforts have reduced the Public Works energy use and Greenhouse Gas emissions by more than 30%, and along the way we have saved taxpayers more than 100 million dollars. Recognized as an energy conservation expert within the Federal government, I have in-depth knowledge of technological advances that can reduce both the cost and environmental impact of operating our schools. As trustee, I will seek membership on the OCSB’s Environmental Stewardship Committee. The OCSB Planning and Facilities Department has done great work to reduce the energy use by over 25%, while expanding the number of schools to meet our growing population. I will work to build on this success, in order to direct more resources to our classrooms and students. As a parent of a child with special learning requirements, and whose children have attended a school with twice the population for which it was designed, I have had first-hand experience with the strain on resources within our Board. Our dedicated school staff are making exceptional efforts to fill the gaps in the resources they have, but there are cracks in our system that the most vulnerable children can fall through. During this time of rapid expansion, it is critical that we proactively plan for the most efficient use of our resources, while ensuring that ALL students have the resources they need to succeed. It is also vital that the opinions and concerns of parents are heard by the Board, and that Board decisions and results are transparent to our community. My goal is to bring my specialized knowledge and experience to the Ottawa Catholic School Board. Through open communication, innovative thinking, and dedication to directing our resources to our children, I am committed to Building on our Educational Excellence. More

Spencer Warren is a leading community fundraiser, volunteer and resident in Barrhaven. With his energetic daughter Emily inspiring his interest and passion for supporting community programs, Spencer has …created and organized the annual CHEO Golf Tournament, the Barrhaven Family Fun Day BBQ, and the Ottawa Children’s Gala, ultimately raising hundreds of thousands for Ottawa charities with the support of the community. For his passion and commitment, Spencer has been recognized with the United Way Community Builders Award (2013), and the Living our Values Award – Community, from Hydro Ottawa (2010). Beyond fundraising for charities, Spencer is also heavily involved to his community in other ways. He has been on the Board of Directors of the Stonebridge Community Association since 2011, he is the 2014 Chair of Hydro Ottawa’s United Way Workplace Campaign, and is the Founder and Chair of Kids Play Safe. Spencer intends to bring the same passion and commitment he has given through his community efforts to the role of Trustee for the Ottawa Catholic School Board, Barrhaven, Gloucester and South Nepean. Spencer has worked hard to get a crossing guard at St. Cecilia School, achieve a four-way stop at the intersection of Cambrian and Kilbirnie for kids to cross safely, traffic-calming measures in our communities, and much more - all as a volunteer ambassador to our communities! More

johncurrytrustee.ca

Graduated from Catholic Schools and the University of Ottawa, having studied Sociology and Business. Gained experience in the private sector as Telecommunications Consultant, Office Manager and in Customer …Service and in the public service for the Federal Government for over 17 years in IT Project Management, most recently as Senior Systems Advisor in IT Process Management and Architecture. Related experience includes establishing and adjusting policy and procedures, assessing/integrating/supporting technology and initiatives and performing and coordinating corporate assessments of projects. As an active member of the Church, past service includes Hospital Eucharistic Minister, Lector, Choir, RCIA and currently leading a study/playgroup. Served the community as church/mission videographer, Christian radio host, and in Disaster Assistance. More

Ellen Faddoul, a resident of Zone 3 in Orléans, has a wide range of professional, parish and Catholic school experience. She has worked in administration for the Ottawa Catholic School Board, as a values …and ethics coordinator for the Department of Justice, and as a long-time property manager in her home town of Halifax. An active parishioner at Divine Infant Catholic Church in Orléans, Ellen is on the Pastoral Care Team, is the current President of the Catholic Women’s League, and has been on the core team for the Youth Ministry program. She was a member of the St. Peter Catholic High School Council, as Catholic School Parent Association (CSPA) Representative and as Parish Representative. Ellen is a single mother of three young adult daughters. She has a B.Sc. in Psychology, an M. Div. (theology) and an M.A. in Public Ethics. She enjoys Zumba, walking, crocheting, and reading. More

Following is my brief bio: Having grown up and lived in Ottawa for most of his life, Andrew has always been deeply rooted in the community. Passionate about the need to develop the whole child – mind, …body and spirit, Andrew volunteers his time as President of the Ottawa Royals Baseball Club which is dedicated to the development of youth participation in baseball. Professionally, Andrew is currently Executive Director with the Eastern Ontario Rugby Union and has served in numerous senior executive and community building leadership roles. Previously, he served as Vice-President, Marketing, Sales & Business Development through construction and successful opening of the Province of Ontario’s Ottawa Convention Centre, and has since dedicated his efforts to supporting the growth of non-profit organizations. As a result he maintains a solid understanding of meeting procedures, government policies and is aware of the legal, political and legislative parameters in which OCSB Trustees must operate. Andrew is fluently bilingual and holds an MBA from the University of Guelph. He is married to his wife Gail, and has two sons Alexander (16), a student at St. Pius X, and Nicholas (13) who attends Frank Ryan. To learn more about Andrew please visit his web site at www.andrewbeattie.ca or feel free to contact Andrew directly at 613-857-2353. More

My name is Elaine McMahon and I have decided to put my name forward to be a trustee for the Ottawa Catholic School Board. I have spent my entire professional career committed to Catholic education and …believe that we have an opportunity to not only instil skills that students can transport to the work place but to form the character necessary to be a positive influence in society. School communities centred on Gospel values create students who leave our schools with a desire to contribute to the well being of others. I strongly feel that now more than ever in education, there is a real need to have someone who has been in the trenches and knows the issues as part of the policy making team. Many decisions made in education today that impact the lives of all our school community, are made by people who have never worked in a school environment and so what may look good on paper often does not translate as a good idea when implemented. We must never lose sight of the child in our quest to be the best for the true measure of our success will lie in the number of students who leave our schools with a strong faith and a sense of social justice. More

Julia brings a diverse range of experiences to her candidacy for the Ottawa Catholic School Board. She graduated from the University of Waterloo with a degree in Honours Arts and Business, majoring in …Political Science with co-operative education positions in the Prime Minister’s Office, Minister of the Environment’s Office and Rx&D. After graduating, she immediately began working in Ottawa for Environment Canada as a Media Analyst. While working full-time, she completed her Masters of Arts in Communications from the University of Ottawa. She moved to Toronto to gain private sector experience following completion of her Masters where she worked for three years at Toronto Hydro. In 2012, she opened a small communications company which has grown to be based in Ottawa, Waterloo and Toronto. Upon returning to Ottawa, she continued to work on the business part-time, while working for Member of Parliament Stephen Woodworth on Parliament Hill as his Legislative Assistant. Julia is married to John-Paul Muggeridge, a local optometrist and they recently welcomed their first daughter. She spends her spare time volunteering for Special Olympics, running as a member of the Ottawa Lions Track Club and working for her local Electoral District Association. If elected, she will exercise sound fiscal management learned through her work in small business and promote strong Catholic values across all schools in Zone 6. Julia brings a diverse range of experiences to her candidacy for the Ottawa Catholic School Board. She graduated from the University of Waterloo with a degree in Honours Arts and Business, majoring in Political Science with co-operative education positions in the Prime Minister’s Office, Minister of the Environment’s Office and Rx&D. After graduating, she immediately began working in Ottawa for Environment Canada as a Media Analyst. While working full-time, she completed her Masters of Arts in Communications from the University of Ottawa. She moved to Toronto to gain private sector experience following completion of her Masters where she worked for three years at Toronto Hydro. In 2012, she opened a small communications company which has grown to be based in Ottawa, Waterloo and Toronto. Upon returning to Ottawa, she continued to work on the business part-time, while working for Member of Parliament Stephen Woodworth on Parliament Hill as his Legislative Assistant. Julia is married to John-Paul Muggeridge, a local optometrist and they recently welcomed their first daughter. She spends her spare time volunteering for Special Olympics, running as a member of the Ottawa Lions Track Club and working for her local Electoral District Association. If elected, she will exercise sound fiscal management learned through her work in small business and promote strong Catholic values across all schools in Zone 6. More

Chris Kelly is a candidate for zone 8. He is an active member at St Joseph parish in Ottawa. He graduated from the University of Windsor. He has a BA in History and a BA with honours in Political Science. …He studied at Royal Military College for his masters in Security and Defence Management and Policy. He has served in the Canadian for the past 24 years with overseas tours in Bosnia and Afghanistan. In addition to his volunteer work with St Joe's supper table he is a member of Big Soul Project. Big Soul Project helps local non-profit groups by providing musical performers to their fund raising events. I also have a long history of working with non-profit organizations. I have helped these organizations with training of volunteers. I would like to take this experience and apply to the role as a School Board Trustee. It is my hope my experience will be a beneficial contribution to the School Board and Ottawa community. More

My primary reason for running again is that I care what kind of education our children are receiving and when Re-elected I will continue to ensure they receive the best Catholic education possible. About …Me – Happily married to Brenda for the past 29 years and have three grown children, All who were educated from K-12 at Catholic schools in the Ottawa Catholic School Board and all have continued on to college & university. Active parishioner at Resurrection of Our Lord Parish since 1969. Third degree Knight – Knights of Columbus Council 13701, Fourth degree Knight at Bishop John Beahen Assembly 2230. Major fundraiser for the CHEO Foundation for the past 20 years totaling over $362,000.00 to date. 17 years as a Catholic Trustee, 2 Years as Chair of the Board of Trustees, 3 years as Vice Chair. An active member on the majority of all board committees, a member of SEAC for 17 years. 17 balanced budgets, Strong voice for parents and the Catholic community at the Ottawa Catholic School Board table. Committed To – Catholic values in a faith based school environment. Positive relationships with Catholic parents and Catholic ratepayers through community engagement. Further develop stronger partnerships between the school, parish and family. Continue Being Fiscally responsible. Provide leadership, faith, experience, knowledge, accessibility and commitment. Protect and defend fully funded Catholic Education, continue to provide a strong voice – A strong defender of Catholic Education. Continue to be diligent; making the best decisions, based on what is best for our children’s future. Providing safe and healthy learning conditions for students, by upgrading older school facilities. Continue to be involved in our neighborhood school activities to keep in touch with the Ottawa Catholic School Board Stakeholders. More

Kathy Ablett, RN, is currently a Catholic School Trustee with the Ottawa Catholic School Board. Over the past 23 years, she has demonstrated accountability, accessibility and a true commitment to success …for all students. She has been involved in Catholic Education her entire life. Kathy has served as Chairperson of the OCSB and was awarded the OCSTA Trustee Award of Merit. She is also the recipient of the “Success by Six” award from the City of Ottawa. Kathy has six grandchildren in our system. She will continue to make the best choices for all students with your continued support. More

Jason Renaud, a bilingual candidate for OCSB Zone 9 Trustee grew up in the St. Elizabeth Parrish and attended school in the Ottawa Catholic School Board. Jason graduated from post-secondary education at …the University of Calgary (Security Management) and Algonquin College (Police Foundations). In addition, Jason studied Accounting and Economics at Carleton University. Jason holds certification as a Facility Management Professional (FMP®) from the International Facility Management Association and as a Certified Healthcare Protection Administrator (CHPA®) from the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety. Jason is currently working as the Director of Security in a large mental health centre. Prior to that he held leadership positions in the non-for-profit sector and the facility services industry. Jason has managed both large and small teams while working in collaboration with some of the largest trade unions in Canada. Jason enjoys helping people and has always worked on the front-line. Jason is active in the community having volunteered and/or fundraised for several organizations such as: United Way Ottawa, ALS Canada, Canadian Cancer Society, Ottawa-Carleton Association for Persons with Developmental Disabilities and the Ottawa Police Service. Jason is currently a volunteer leader with the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety, representing members in Ontario and Eastern/Northern Canada. Jason is an avid runner and has completed numerous organized events including: Canada Army Run Half Marathon, Bustukha Canada Day 10k, Graham Beasley Duathlon, and the Vancouver Sun Run. More

Background Information: Born and raised in Ottawa, Attended Ottawa Catholic Schools, Former Federal Public Servant (Health & Welfare Canada), Trustee, Ottawa RC Separate School Board 1985 - 1994, Trustee, …Ottawa Catholic School Board 2000 - Present, Former Vice-Chairperson of both ORCSSB and OCSB, Former Chairperson of both ORCSSB and OCSB, Former Regional Director for Ottawa on Ontario Catholic School Trustees Assoc., Recipient of 2013 OCSTA Trustee Award of Merit. Betty-Ann Kealey is committed to: Quality Catholic Education, Maintaining continued success in EQAO results, Preparing today's students for the world of tomorrow. Background Information: Born and raised in Ottawa, Attended Ottawa Catholic Schools, Former Federal Public Servant (Health & Welfare Canada), Trustee, Ottawa RC Separate School Board 1985 - 1994, Trustee, Ottawa Catholic School Board 2000 - Present, Former Vice-Chairperson of both ORCSSB and OCSB, Former Chairperson of both ORCSSB and OCSB, Former Regional Director for Ottawa on Ontario Catholic School Trustees Assoc., Recipient of 2013 OCSTA Trustee Award of Merit. Betty-Ann Kealey is committed to: Quality Catholic Education, Maintaining continued success in EQAO results, Preparing today's students for the world of tomorrow More

You want someone that has board of director experience and to take charge when necessary to fight for your children. You want someone that has his or her “grass roots” in Ottawa and was taught from elementary …school to high school within the Ottawa Catholic School Board. You want someone that “practices what he preaches” by exemplifying involvement within the Catholic Church as a lecturer, commentator and a Knight of Columbus. I am your candidate for zone 7. Please visit my website at www.voteforjohntoday.ca More

I am the proud father of my 6 year old daughter who attends St. George Catholic School. Family, Education and Community are important to me, and they are truly interdependent. A trustee’s responsibility …is to ensure that our children have the proper educational environment that allows them to learn and build the foundations for our community. A trustee’s responsibility is to listen to and engage all those that he/she represents, the students, the parents, the school board and the community. I have the experience to do just this. I am a professional business consultant that helps businesses identify problems and find efficiencies in their operations. It is my job to get up to speed quickly and find solutions. Everything has a solution, it is strictly a matter of listening to what is important and prioritizing the issues. I am actively involved in community and school events. From helping raise funds for the Ottawa Food Bank to assisting with the breakfast program at school. Community assistance is a value I want to impart upon our youth. In business I have raised over $3 million for private and public ventures, a skill that would be invaluable to the OCSB. The ability to engage the private sector to get involved with our schools and our children only strengthens our community. I have extensive board experience and understand how to create consensus to ensure that goals are identified and realized. Having started a company and seeing through to public offering, I am adept and experienced at getting the job done. Presently I sit on the board of Capital City Opera, a not for profit organization that educates young people and our community about opera. I want to bring my extensive experience to the office of Trustee for the OCSB. Vote Kevin J. O’Shaughnessy More