2014 Election Archive

I have been a resident of Orangeville for the past 11years. Previous to that I was a Children’s Pastor for 16 years, 8 years in Nepean, ON, 2 years in Regina, SK, and 6 years in Brampton, ON. I grew up …in British Columbia. I have both a Bachelor and Masters degree in Religious Education. I am married and have two children, 10 and 7, who go to school at Credit Meadows Elementary School. I have been an active volunteer in both theOrangeville community and the CMES School community for many years. For the past 3 years I have taken on the role of school council chair and have loved every moment of it. Through that I have also benefited from being part of the Joint Council for the Dufferin family of schools where I have learned a lot about the workings of our school board and the people who run it. I have a passion, to help in anyway possible, to make the education experience for my children and all children of our community the best that it can possibly be. More

Make the “Wright” choice as your public trustee! My family and I have been proud and happy residents of Orangeville for the past 9 years. My husband and I both work in the community and our 2 daughters …attend Spencer Avenue E.S within the Upper Grand District School Board. My community involvement reaches out to the young and elderly and all ages in between. I have been a volunteer crisis and support worker for the Dufferin/Caledon Victim Services for the past five years. My volunteer experience also extends to the Orangeville Theatre Youth Singers choir, Co-chair and Chair for school council, a joint school council member and PIC (Parent Involvement Committee) member as well as a school parent volunteer for 9 years. As a college graduate in the field of purchasing and a purchasing manager for many years this helped me develop my financial management and negotiation skills. Following that, I worked as a 911 operator for Peel Police, this helped me understand the challenges that individuals and families face on a regular basis. After having children, I worked as a stay at home mom and am currently a part time nanny for a family in Orangeville. In the summer months, I also work as a program director, developing activities for seniors, children and families; this too has made me become a lot more socially aware of various family needs, thoughts and opinions. Because I am self-employed I have the flexibility to fulfill this role. I will advocate on your behalf whether you are a parent, student, or resident. It will be my job, if elected trustee to build and maintain positive relationships with you, our parents, staff, students and residents of the community. We must continue to work hard to maintain the trust that parents and guardians have placed in us to foster the academic and social growth of our children. I want to encourage more parent participation and involvement in the education process whether you attend board or school council meetings, ask questions or volunteer at your school. I am open, available and looking forward to meeting, discussing concerns and issues and making a positive contribution during my term as trustee. More

David was elected to the Upper Grand DSB in 1999 and has served as a trustee to the present. He chaired the three Standing Committees (now two) - Program, Operations and Human Resouces, served as the Board's …Vice Chair in 2002-2003 and as Board Chair in 2003-2004. David is currently Chair of the Property Committee, the Policy Management Committee and a trustee representative on the Accessibility and Joint Health and Safety Committees. More

Barbara Lustgarten Evoy is the best choice for a new and empowered School Trustee voice in Centre Wellington. She's 2013 Citizen of the Year, owner of Fergus Educational Services, Director of Youth Exchange …and Youth Services - Fergus Elora Rotary, speaker for schools and parent groups, host of TV's Parenting With Barbara, radio host of A Moment With Barbara, parent advice columnist - Dear Barbara, Chair of the Annual Family Information Fair, and a Child and Parent Advocate & Coach. She's deeply entrenched in the community and committed to the well-being of the families, students and schools of Centre Wellington. More

Mark Bailey is currently completing his second term as a trustee representing two Guelph wards on the Upper Grand District School Board. Son of a career high school teacher and vice-principal, Mark grew …up with public education as a dominant topic of conversation around the kitchen table. After completing a Masters of Arts degree at the University of Toronto, Mark founded a small business providing Information Technology services to local businesses. His creative firm currently boasts four full time employees and a client list that includes the University of Western Ontario, University of Toronto, University of Guelph, Simon Fraser University, the London International Airport, the Ontario Farm Animal Council, Re/Max, and dozens of small and medium sized businesses. Mark is grateful for the flexible hours that small business ownership has provided him to be able to pursue other opportunities, such as public service. Mark has been an active member of his board, currently serving his second term as Chair of the Board, and is active on over a dozen committees. Mark's primary area of focus, and where he hopes to most contribute to the development of public education, is in the area of 21st century learning. Having served as both co-chair and chair of OPSBA's Ad-Hoc Committee on effective use of Technology in Schools, Mark is convinced that technology has a key role to play in encouraging greater student engagement in Ontario classrooms. For Mark, it is not the exploration of technology itself that is the relevant question, but rather how current technologies already engage school-age children, and whether, and to what extent, we can apply these engaging technologies to enhance classroom learning. The widespread success of the "What If?" document serves to demonstrate the growing provincial interest in 21st century learning, and Mark considers himself fortunate to have worked with such a talented group of staff and trustees to produce such a paper. In addition to the ad-hoc technology committee, Mark has served two terms on OPSBA's Education Program committee, where he has developed a passion for an education system that better addresses the needs of the 'whole child,' and the critical importance of addressing our students’ mental health needs. Mark helped champion the mental health summit at both the OPSBA executive and Board of Directors tables. Mark has also been very active in his own community, having served two terms as his neighbourhood association's president, lobbying municipal government for compatible and sustainable local development. Mark is also the founder and president of Guelph Solar Community Co-Operative Inc., a not-for-profit co-operative promoting the benefits of solar energy to Guelph residents and businesses. The co-operative is currently developing two projects that will generate several hundred kilowatts of solar electricity. Finally, Mark founded the OUR3Bridges Neighbourhood Association, a community building organization that has gone on to successfully organize community gardens, ice-rinks, and several neighbourhood activities aimed at engaging youth. Mark is currently enjoying his 16th year of marriage with his wife Heidi, a child development professor at the University of Guelph. Together, they are amazed at just how truly wonderful, unique, and creative children can be, and also of the importance of providing opportunities for their growth. They are very proud of their two boys, Julian and Jack. More

Learning is a journey we begin at the moment of our birth and it continues until we take our last dying breath. Today the exploding multitude of options for learning is making bricks and mortar schools …seem almost obsolete. The challenge for education is to make sure schools remain vibrant, relevant and valued resources to the communities they serve. I ask that you support me with your vote so that I may work to ensure our schools do not stagnate into closed, dark, musty monoliths standing as relics to a way of learning long past, but rather, that they continue to evolve into dynamic centres of learning that are exciting, enabling and empowering not only to our youth, but the entire community. Additionally, that they continue as focal points of gathering within our communities, for socialization and recreation, as well as centers of knowledge as we continue our journey of lifelong learning. Both of my parents started their working careers as teachers in Saskatchewan and I have always taken a keen interest in education and have a passion for learning. Moving to London after elementary and secondary school in Guelph I spent many volunteer hours serving on various local, regional and provincial boards. I served as president of the London Region of The Ontario Restaurant Hotel Motel Association and Business Co-chair of the Elgin, Middlesex, Oxford Local Training Board. Both of these positions also placed me on the Provincial Boards for these organizations. I additionally served terms on the boards of Tourism London and the London Convention Centre. I returned home to Guelph several years ago and now am eager for the challenge of serving on the Upper Grand District School Board. More

Malcolm Bell is a young, fresh face among the candidates. He is a recent university graduate who is personally aware of many of the challenges and concerns facing schools, students and parents. He aims …to create a learning environment that doesn’t make youth excited for Friday. With him, you are voting for a new and passionate candidate. More

My son and I moved to Guelph in 1994 when I became a student at the University of Guelph. I completed a Diploma in Horticulture and a B.A. in Sociology, and he is a graduate of Guelph's elementary and …secondary schools. I have been a literacy tutor at Action Read, and am a part-time worker at the University of Guelph's library. Education is important to me. I know we can do better, and there are a number of ways to do so. More

Ralph has been involved in education for well over 30 years. He started his career as a high school teacher in Guelph and retired from education as the Upper Grand District President of OSSTF. After retiring, …Ralph served as trustee for 10 years, serving as chair of the budget committee and Vice-Chair of the board before taking a break to enjoy being a Grandfather. Ralph’s three children all attended schools in Upper Grand, all three receiving a French Immersion education. As a trustee, Ralph spearheaded the board's Green initiative and played a vital role in having the straw bail portables built in both Orangeville and Rockwood. Ralph is a trusted and respected member of the educational community in Upper Grand and strongly believes it is the duty of the board to provide every child with the best possible education. More

A long-time resident of Guelph, I have a deep passion for community and especially for the educational community of the Upper Grand District School Board. My husband and I have 2 boys who are proud to …attend a wonderful school in the UGDSB. It is their zest for life and thirst for knowledge that keeps me focused on working towards the goal of an education system that is strong, equitable, and inclusive of all the diverse needs of our students. In order to reach that goal, I have worked alongside of parents, teachers, administrators, Board staff, superintendents, the director, and trustees on various committees and councils. I have served as school council co-chair for the past 3 years and as the Parent Involvement Committee chair for the past 2 years. In addition, I have served as a committee member at the Board level for the Mental Health Steering Committee, the Mental Health Subcommittee, the Learning Choices Committee, the Safe, Equitable, and Inclusive Schools Steering Committee, the Strategic Plan Working Group, plus many others at our school and in our community. My varied experiences have provided me with good insight into the challenges and the rewards of the work of the school board and I feel that this makes me an excellent choice for trustee. More

I have lived in Shelburne for 40 years, am married with three children who attended the schools in Shelburne. Presently I have two grandchildren involved in the French Immersion Program offered within …the UGDSB. I am a former teacher in the Dufferin Board of Education and in the amalgamated Upper Grand District School Board. I was first elected in 2003 and have been involved in various roles within the Board. I am presently the Chairperson of the Program Committe, a member of the Learning Choices Committee, a member of the interviewing and selection team for Elementary Principals in our Board, a Member of The Supervised Alternative Learning, and a member of the Student Disciple Committee. I have previously served as a member of the SEAC committee, Policy committee and the Health and Safety Committee. Within my community, I am a member of the Shelburne Lions Club, Canadian Cancer Society, a crisis and support worker with Dufferin Victim Services and Chairperson of the Shelburne Christmas Hamper Program. More

First elected in 2010, Kathryn is the current chair of the Board's Business Operations Committee, and has served as Chair of the Program Committee. She is also a member of the Environmental Education and …Management Committee. A mother of two boys enrolled in Upper Grand schools, Kathryn holds a BSC in Agriculture from the University of Guelph, a Masters of Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University, and a Masters of Education from York University. She is the President of the Sustainability Learning Centre, and has worked with many companies on greening and sustainability issues. More

Having been a proud resident of Guelph-Eramosa township for over 15 years has given me the pleasure of attending school at Marden Public, June Ave and then John F Ross CVI. My community involvement has …included Training and Community Services officer for St. John Ambulance Cadet Division, Leukemia Fundraiser with John F Ross, Special Olympics and annually with the Hillside Festival. My endeavour to constantly further my education and teach others has led me to attend Conestoga and Georgian Colleges, as well as undertake the role of educational assistant the Special Education classes while attending John F Ross. My current role at Bell Technical Solutions helps me continue my desire to build on excellent community relations and stay in touch with current issues. More

Having moved to Guelph in 2010 I have fallen in love with our city and fabulous educational institutions. As a parent of two I have embraced our lovely city by getting involved in both community and school …endeavours. I currently sit on the Guelph Library Board of Directors where I am the Policy Committee Chair and actively participate and fundraise in numerous school initiatives. Having extensive private and public sector project experience I believe that to deliver change successfully one must commit to being transparent, proactive, taking a consultation approach and building relationships with delivery partners: parents, teachers, students and administration. I hope to bring my passion to the trustee role along with a fresh perspective. More

First Elected as a School Board Trustee in 2006. I have served for eight years in various Board leadership roles, on numerous Committees, and as a provincial Ontario Public School Board Director. I am …an Immigrant from Italy/Malta, a 34-year resident of Guelph, married with three children, 1 dog and 5 chickens. I currently work with the West Willow Village Neighbourhood Group a priority neighbourhood in the City of Guelph on Community Development and Poverty Reduction sustainable initiatives. I have always been an active volunteer and community builder giving my time and skills to many grassroots initiatives. More

I was born and raised in Guelph. I’m a dad to three young children, and our oldest two are already students in the Upper Grand District School Board. I own and operate a communications business in Guelph, …and I hold a BA and an MBA from the University of Guelph. I have volunteered in the Guelph community as chair and CEO of the Guelph Chamber of Commerce board of directors (2013-2014), and I have sat on the Guelph Chamber’s board and executive committee from 2011 – present. I also sat on the board of directors for Guelph’s Hillside Festival (2010-2012). As a professional communicator, I believe in collaboration and consensus building: progress is created collectively, and I offer extensive experience facilitating the discussions that support growth and continuous improvement. More

First elected in 1991, I presently serve on the following committees: Student Discipline Committee, Supervised Alternative Learning Committee (SAL), Strategic Planning Committee, Secondary Principals' …Eligibility List, Standing Committees of the Board (Program & Business/Operations), Negotiations Steering Committee, City of Guelph Liaison. I chaired the Program Committee for many years and chaired Human Resources, Policy and been a member of many other committees. As well, I pleased to have been a member of the Learning Choices Committee which recommended the establishment of the International Baccalaureate Program in the Upper Grand DSB. More

I have been a resident of Guelph since 1990, an integrated member of the Upper Grand District School Board community. My husband and I have raised three girls in Guelph, 12-year-old twins and a successful …27-year-old. I am a current member of the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) for the Upper Grand District School Board, and have been so for the past three years. I also served on the Safe, Equitable & Inclusive Schools Steering Committee 2013-2014. A former president of the Wellington Chapter of Autism Ontario, I also spent years translating the needs of members of the Autism community in order to lobby for more social programming. I have served on parent council of my children's school for the past three years and acted as a parent rep advisor for the School Bullying Prevention Plan. In tandem with local associations and the parent council, I have successfully applied for and received several PRO-Grants, in order to support parent-guided programming and opportunities that help increase student achievement. I want to serve you by being your School Trustee for Wards 2, 3, 4. I would like to put my immense experience towards helping more students in Guelph excel! More

I am excited to run for a trustee position for the Upper Grand District School Board representing Ward 6 and the Township of Puslinch in the upcoming 2014 municipal election. I hold a Public Policy degree …from the University of Guelph and am finishing another degree in Public Management as a mature student which concludes this December. I have also earned a Certificate in Leadership and the Ontario Association Chief of Police certificate. When I am not at school and raising a bright young son named Liam along side my partner Virginia, I work part-time for the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) and actively volunteer in the community. As a current student and father, I am driven to work with the Upper Grand District School Board to ensure my son Liam and his classmates are well-equipped to enjoy a prosperous future. I feel that it is important to give back to our school system and apply a progressive approach to education that reflects our current and future realities to ensure that our children receive the highest standard of education possible today. I appreciate each and every ONE of your Votes! More

Marty Fairbairn holds a PhD in Philosophy from McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario (1996) as well as undergraduate degrees in philosophy and psychology from the University of Guelph. He served as Upper …Grand District School Board trustee from 2003 until 2006, and again from 2010 until 2014. Marty also chaired the board’s standing committee on Human Resources/Finance, as well as Business Operations and the Budget committee. A veteran of school councils and Home and School Associations, Marty sat on numerous board committees including the Special Education Advisory Committee, which he has also chaired for the past two years. Marty is past president of the Canadian Society for Continental Philosophy, an academic think tank whose focus is Continental Philosophy, and was Vice Chair of the Guelph Police Services Board (2005-2010), as well as serving on the Trellis Mental Health and Developmental Services Board of Directors (2009-2013). He also served as ethicist for the University of Guelph’s Research Ethics Board (2007-2011). Marty was also Vice President of the Guelph & District Community Dialysis Association, a patient advocacy group whose main accomplishment was bringing a local kidney dialysis satellite to Guelph in 1999. Marty is co-editor, with Gary B. Madison, of The Ethics of Postmodernity (1999), is the author of multiple academic articles, has delivered many academic lectures and is the past editor of the Journal of Business Ethics. Marty is married and has a daughter, Lesley. More

I am Tyler Rockliffe running in the upcoming municipal election for Puslinch /ward 6 Guelph. I am 40 years old, happily married and have resided in the Puslinch area for the last 3 years. I work in Cambridge. …I am running for school board trustee to give back to my community. I am open, honest and transparent. I am accessible and look forward to the challenge of bettering our school system for our future. I can be reached at tyler_rockliffe@yahoo.ca and can't wait to represent this ward. More