Public school trustee reflects on past year

To begin with I would like to thank the communities of Collingwood and Clearview for allowing me the opportunity to be your elected education trustee. It has been a terrific first year filled with interesting experiences and new learning and I thought I would answer some of the questions I have been consistently asked and also share information about upcoming education news for our area.

What exactly is a school board trustee and what do they do?

My role is a balance between listening and responding to people’s (mainly parental) educational concerns,  attending special school events and participating  in five to six monthly board and committee meetings at the education centre in Midhurst.

Trustees are a governing body of 12 people from all walks of life and we work with the school board to bring forth community concerns, ask questions and provide input on system wide issues.

What specific responsibilities do you hold at the board?

Somewhat similar to our local town councils I attend committees each month: Business and facilities (recently it was announced that large additions to Cameron Street and Mountain View have been made capital priorities for 2018); Human Resources; Program (of which I am the Chair); and the Special Education Advisory Committee.

For the upcoming year I will also serve as mentor for three student trustees who sit at the board table as well as attend student senate meetings, which is comprised of students from all across the county who come together to share ideas and discuss initiatives.

What is the purpose of the ARC in Stayner?

ARC is an Accommodation Review to begin in January with the recommended solution to consolidate three Stayner schools into two; it most likely would result in the eventual closure of Byng Elementary School, whereby Clearview Meadows would become a JK to  Grade 6 school and SCI would become a Grade 7-12 school. This consolidation model, if approved by the Ministry, would bring an estimated $10 million in renovations and program enhancements to the Stayner schools.

What area of education are you most concerned about?

Support for student mental health and overall wellbeing is a top priority for me. The SCDSB has agreed to conduct an audit of how we are currently delivering support services in our schools and at the same time looking at how other boards deliver and co-ordinate these supports. I plan to lobby for increased funding for both special education and mental health when budget talks resume in January.

In closing, I would like to thank all of the many parent volunteers in our schools who dedicate so much of their time, energy and expertise. I am looking forward to another great year as your trustee. Please feel free to contact me at achandler@scdsb.on.ca or 705-229-6217. You can also stay up to date by checking my Facebook page at SCDSB Trustee Annie Chandler or follow me on Twitter at @annie4education.

Annie Chandler is the Simcoe District School Board Trustee for Clearview Township and Collingwood.