2018 Election

Let me introduce myself. My name is Diane Sowers and I am seeking re-election as your Norfolk Trustee on the Grand Erie District School Board.

I was born and raised in Haldimand-Norfolk County, …and currently reside in Simcoe. My children all attended elementary and secondary school in this area and their children are currently enrolled here. So I’m familiar with generations of the progress and also the struggles of the Grand Erie District School Board. With a background in small business accounting, I have an insight into budgeting and business management.

I see the School Board as a diverse group of individuals who commit to overseeing the education of all children within its district. Who collectively, put the needs and best interests of the students they represent first and foremost, each and every time a decision is made on their behalf, always being aware the outcome will affect the families here, and the surrounding communities. The Board must take on this task, implementing technology, utilizing old fashioned morals, values and ethics, while keeping an eye on the changing times and being fiscally responsible all at the same time.

There are serious issues like bullying, cyber bullying and teen suicide that need to be more seriously and actively addressed, with participation from the whole community.

Let’s educate students and teachers on environmental issues, responsibility to protect our natural resources, be more environmentally conscious of our world, as they will inherit it from us, both good and bad. We’ve mortgaged our environment, and they will have to help us now to repair the damage and ensure there is a sustainable agricultural future here in Ontario. We’re in the agricultural capital of the province so let’s utilize our area’s resources to help with that.

It takes a village to raise a child, so it will take our entire community to raise the thousands of students within our district. Let’s partner with our province and local community more actively, and frequently so the children can reap the benefits and so can the community as a whole.

If you share the same vision of your school board, on October 22, I’m asking you to check my name, Diane Sowers, on your ballot under Norfolk School Board Trustee. Let’s continue to build on the change you voted for last term and work together to make a difference. More

Greg Anderson has been an elected school trustee since 2014 and is currently the Chair of the Grand Erie District School Board in Brantford, Ontario. Greg is a retired School Superintendent who worked …in Grand Erie from 2000-2013. Prior to that, Greg was a Principal, Vice-Principal , and elementary and secondary teacher with the Halton District School Board. Greg holds an M.Ed. from the University of Toronto and a B.A.(Hons.) and B.Ed. from Queen's University. Greg is also the current Chair of the Brant County Health Unit and the President of the Brantford Boys and Girls Club and Past President of the Rotary Club of Brantford. Greg is a strong advocate for children and their families and is a recognized leader in Brantford. He resides near Brantford with his wife and has four grown children and six grandchildren. More

With my experience as both a parent and as a registered nurse I understand the challenges of mental health, anxiety and depression, which impacts students, staff and families. As the mother of 4, I will …bring the voice of parents, mental health, leadership, inclusivity and resilience! Working in health care, with experience in health planning brings experience collaborating with legislators, with government and with local stakeholders.

Professionally, I am a Registered Nurse, with 22 years experience, employed as the Patient Care Manager and Palliative Lead for the Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Norfolk Local Health Integration Network (HNBH LHIN). This role requires keen listening, thoughtful problem solving, supportive coaching and advocacy for patients living with life limiting illnesses.

As a life long learner, I have attained:

-Registered Nurse (Mohawk College)

-Bachelor of Health Administration (University of Athabasca)

-Masters of Arts, Leadership (University of Guelph)

In addition, I am currently:

-Vice President, Communications with 12 years of previous board-governance experience with the Brantford Aquatic Club Executive.

-Active member on the local Dolly Parton Imagination Library Committee, which gets books into the hands of children every month.

I am committed to ensuring that the Grand Erie District School Board continues to be a great place for the students and teachers of the City of Brantford!

I am passionate about growing our community through high quality education and am committed supporting students, staff and families! More

My platform:

Time For Change:

I have five years experience with public school board in Northern Ontario where I helped write Healthy Lifestyles for our Children, a paper that was accepted …and passed at the legislature in 2009. I was also the OPSBA representative as well as the Northern Ontario representative. For three of my five years with the board. I was the Chair of the By-law committee where I assisted with writing by-laws as well as revamping the Governance Model of the board.

I retired from working in our Court System in Northern Ontario and now prepare legal transcripts when needed.

I believe Trustees have a duty to be accountable and transparent through open lines of communication. This will be my priority when elected. More