2014 Election Archive

Linda Gilbert is passionate about learning and making a difference for our Kids. She has served for the past 2 years on the School Board’s Parent, Family and Community Engagement Advisory Committee (PEAC), …representing the North Area Elementary Schools. “When I had the opportunity to represent York Region at the Ministry of Education’s Parent Involvement Symposium last Spring, I was inspired to become a School Trustee.” She has served on the Parent Council for 8 years, organizing parent education events like: Mathletes, Internet Safety, Raising Resilient Children & Healthy Eating. She has a B.Sc. Business and an M.B.A Organizational Behaviour. “With over 20 years of volunteer and business experience, I understand what is required to effectively communicate ideas and move projects forward to successful completion.” As School Trustee: “I will endeavour to foster an open dialogue between parents, students, educators and community leaders to develop ideas to improve our schools. I commit to making informed decisions in the best interest of student learning & achievement and the physical, emotional and social well-being of ALL students.” Feel free to contact me through my web-site: Linda-Gilbert.com, follow me on Facebook or email me at lmgilbert@sympatico.ca “Together we can create exceptional learning experiences for our children to help them reach their potential and prepare them for their futures.” More

Loralea has had the privilege to serve as your Public School Board Trustee for the past eleven years. She has actively participated on almost every board committee; bringing the views and concerns of East …Gwillimbury/Whitchurch-Stouffville to every decision made at the School Board. Loralea is well known for her excellent communication skills whether in front of a large group of educators at a conference or speaking with individual constituents. She is an excellent listener and is able to effectively advocate at the board table for parent or student concerns. She is fair and honest and is always ready to help when there is an issue, large or small. Loralea is a long time resident of the area she represents. Before serving as a trustee, she spent many years active on a number of local school councils in various positions. She is a graduate of the University of Toronto (Political Science and French) and as a lifelong learner has recently earned her Masters of Education (MEd) in order to better understand emerging research in the vast field of education. Although there is a steep learning curve to becoming an effective trustee, Loralea has become a highly skilled and effective advocate for quality publicly funded education whilst maintaining strong fiscal responsibility and accountability. More

Professor Robert Ritchie, who teaches in the General Education department of the School of Advancement, has been selected as one of TVOntario's Top 20 nominees for the public broadcaster's Best Lecturer …Competition this year. Robert has been teaching at Centennial for approximately 25 years, leading courses in the areas of psychology and sexuality. Initially he was hired as an instructor in the Correctional Worker program, where he taught such courses as the Criminal Justice System, Static and Dynamic Security, and Counselling Skills. Robert had worked his way through undergrad and graduate school as a part-time correctional officer in such institutions as the Toronto West Detention Centre, the Vanier Centre for Women and Toronto's Don Jail More

Dennis Bailey has been the senior lawyer and Executive Director at the Community Legal Clinic of York Region in Richmond Hill for over 15 years. He has represented clients in various courts and tribunals, …including those in the education field. Dennis has served on both elementary and secondary school councils, including as Chair. He was invited to speak at the YRDSB’s “Quest” and “R.I.S.E. Equity” conferences. He co-organized a York Region conference on publically-funded education(2007) and the York Region consultation for a provincial Women’s Health Strategy(2010). Dennis is the founding chair of York Region’s Social Planning Council. He was a founding member and has contributed to advisory committees at Osgoode Hall Law School and Humber College. Dennis is the parent of 2 YRDSB students and is a skier, windsurfer, canoeist and gardener. Dennis is an active church member. He has been a RHHA minor hockey official and a scout leader. More

First and foremost, Amanda is a proud resident of Richmond Hill. Amanda grew up in and around Richmond Hill and is now raising her own family in this great Town. With an academic and experienced background …comprised of varied sociological, legal, and regulatory expertise, including recent leadership positions at the local school level, Amanda has sharpened her communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills, which are at the forefront of the role of School Trustee. Amanda graduated from York University in 1999 receiving an Honours Degree in Law & Society and Sociology. Of particular interest over her tenure at York were courses focused on the Sociology of Education, Politics Law & the Constitution, Public Law, Social Order & Organization, Sociology of the Family, Social Interaction & Community, and the Criminal Justice System. Amanda was most recently employed within a prominent company in the energy industry. In her role within the Government & Regulatory Affairs group, Amanda focused on compliance within the organization whereby she provided legal advice to the business in an effort to ensure compliance with all energy related laws (both provincial and federal). Amanda earned a number of awards whilst at this organization for her unparalleled commitment to the organization. Amanda spent approximately eight years with this organization where her knowledge of Canadian law was broadened and honed. Since her tenure within the energy industry, Amanda has enjoyed serving her local public school in various manners. Most recently, Amanda was elected to the position of Chair of School Council which is an advisory body to the school. In her current role as Chair, Amanda organizes and facilitates meetings, reviews Board policies and procedures to ensure compliance, and provides regulatory advice to the school and Council. In addition, she oversees the Standing Committees and Ad Hoc Committees, she organizes and participates in fundraising initiatives, communicates with the community, and contributes to the school wide plan. Prior to her role as Chair, Amanda held the position of School Council Co-Chair, School Council Secretary and Member at Large. Amanda has been active in her school community for five years and continues to be a valuable asset to the community. Amanda is eager to work with you in an effort to improve communication between schools and the community with a goal of improving the educational experience for all (students, staff, parents, community). You can find the details of Amanda's platform here. More

Corrie has advised local schools and the York Region District School Board for the last 8 years. She has been actively involved as School Council Chair, Parent & Community Advisory Member, Equity & Inclusivity …Advisory Member, in-class math tutor, and coordinator of robotics programs. She holds two degrees, an Honors Bachelor of Science in Chemistry & Biology and a Bachelor of Engineering Science (Chemical), both from the University of Western Ontario. Corrie has the education and experience at both the classroom and policy making level to work with staff and parents to find root causes of issues and solve them. As a parent of 4 school aged children Corrie is able to relate and empathize with parental concerns. She takes the time to respectfully listen and advocate for all children, families and communities. Corrie believes the role of Trustee is the best way to serve her community of North Richmond Hill, which she has called home for the last 15 years. More

Sarma.R.Donepudi is an accomplished and passionate Educator, Teacher, Visionary and Literacy crusader. He had been actively involved in teaching and mentoring children, youth, college and industry professionals …in GTA for the past 15 years. He has been a relentless crusader towards instilling competitive spirit among school children in York, Peel and Toronto regions, through organizing competitions and workshops. It is this vision and passion that led him to establish Tutor on Wheels Educational Foundation, WWW.TOWEF.ORG, a non-profit charitable organization in Markham, Ontario mandated to foster and nurture extracurricular literacy among children, youth and parents. He holds double post graduate degrees in Science and Biology from Indian Institute of Technology, (IIT), India. He is also well known as journalist, percussionist and music critic in ethnic communities in Toronto. More

Billy Pang's passion to help and serve students and their parents began during his years in high school. He volunteered as a tutor for elementary school children of low income families. Currently, Mr. …Pang is co-chair of the School Parent Council in Coledale P.S., and a former School Parent Council member in Ashton Meadow P.S. He frequently volunteers in classrooms and on field trips. His passion to ensure quality of education is realized by working with parents, educators and school administrations in the different School Councils. He understands the operations and also identifies specific needs in different public schools. In 2012, the Ministry of Education proposed Bill13. Mr. Pang testified at a public hearing regarding the Bill to the Standing Committee on Social Policy. He met with Michael Chan, M.P.P., Markham, and also joined in expressing concern about the Bill that will affect the quality of education, outside Queen's Park. More

My name is Jeevan Trehan and I am a professional Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CGA). Active Volunteering in School: I am a parent to 3 children attending schools in the York Region District School …Board. I have been passionately involved with School Council activities since 2010. I am currently the Chair at St. Augustine Catholic High School and a council member at Sir Wilfrid Laurier Public School. I was the Treasurer and Budget Chair for both School Councils from 2010 - 2013. Through these experiences, I became an instrumental and effective leader in organizing and building community events. At Sir Wilfred Laurier Public School, I helped to build and implement "Fun Fairs" for children and parents and have been actively involved in school fundraising opportunities such as organizing pizza lunches for the school council. I have also organized Parent Engagement seminars at the schools by bringing in professional speakers to discuss various issues on effective parenting, parent involvement, anti-bullying and mental health issues. I have also nominated outstanding and dedicated staff in the schools for awards as I believe it is important to foster leadership collaboration amongst all partners. The St. Augustine Catholic School Principal was nominated by the parent council team and recognized as one of Canada’s 50 outstanding Principals. I strongly believe in the public school education and I am committed to its excellence. Investing in Community: I have been volunteering in the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program run by Canada Revenue and Certified General Accountants since 2002. In this position, I am committed towards helping hundreds of low income seniors, new immigrants and low income families file their tax returns. I am also a member of the CGA Community Relations Toronto Chapter committee which organizes seminars for the CGA members and students for their professional development. I am a mentor to several internationally educated CGA students for the Interactive Online Bridging Project, funded by the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration. I was recognized for my exemplary volunteer services and awarded the Chapter Distinguished Award in 2013 by CGA Ontario. I am also a mentor to many Accounting and Business Management students at the Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning since 2006. I guide the students with networking tips, resume/cover letter preparation, interview skills, and job search strategies and provide them with co-op work in accounting. They gain hands on experience in their field of expertise and enhance their marketability in the job market. Right Qualification: My professional experience coupled with my qualifications will allow me to serve as an informed leader for the York Region District School Board. I possess that added edge to provide insight and support to the important initiatives of the Board. I strongly believe that my experience, dedication, and enthusiasm for student success will ensure that the voice of our students, parents, and other taxpayers in the ward will be heard and contributed to the performance of our schooling system. I welcome the opportunity to meet with you and share our interests in a brighter future for all students. More

Consistently built positive and productive relationships across diverse stakeholders over the course of over three decades working within public education. Provided fiscal and operational leadership, accountable …for a budget of over $10 million per year for over 15 years, through key periods such as the amalgamation of the Toronto District School Board. Drove cost savings and efficiency improvements through best practices in operational excellence. Effectively managed and maintained over 100 staff across 30 sites, acting as a key liaison between administration and staff, union membership and management. Operations and Facility Representative for the Area Review Committee (ARC), Local School Design Community Teams. Strong advocate for environmental concerns, facilitating the creation of kindergarten outdoor learning spaces, accessing funds from Toyota Evergreen Learning and Evergreen Foundation. Consistently built positive and productive relationships across diverse stakeholders over the course of over three decades working within public education. Provided fiscal and operational leadership, accountable for a budget of over $10 million per year for over 15 years, through key periods such as the amalgamation of the Toronto District School Board. Drove cost savings and efficiency improvements through best practices in operational excellence. Effectively managed and maintained over 100 staff across 30 sites, acting as a key liaison between administration and staff, union membership and management. Operations and Facility Representative for the Area Review Committee (ARC), Local School Design Community Teams. Strong advocate for environmental concerns, facilitating the creation of kindergarten outdoor learning spaces, accessing funds from Toyota Evergreen Learning and Evergreen Foundation. Consistently built positive and productive relationships across diverse stakeholders over the course of over three decades working within public education. Provided fiscal and operational leadership, accountable for a budget of over $10 million per year for over 15 years, through key periods such as the amalgamation of the Toronto District School Board. Drove cost savings and efficiency improvements through best practices in operational excellence. Effectively managed and maintained over 100 staff across 30 sites, acting as a key liaison between administration and staff, union membership and management. Operations and Facility Representative for the Area Review Committee (ARC), Local School Design Community Teams. Strong advocate for environmental concerns, facilitating the creation of kindergarten outdoor learning spaces, accessing funds from Toyota Evergreen Learning and Evergreen Foundation. More

Rukshan has actively been involved in the Markham community as a community organizer and educator. He lives in Cornell with his wife and young son. Rukshan holds a B. Comm from Ryerson University and is …a Business Analyst by profession. He is an avid volunteer and a big hockey fan. More