“I have the experience, knowledge, skills and abilities to be a valuable asset to The Catholic Education in this community. I am passionate about Catholic Education and I am committed and dedicated to ensuring it remains a viable option in this province.”

Why do you want to be a school board trustee?

I believe in the Catholic Education system. I was educated in it. My children were educated in it and I now have 6 grandchildren in the system. It is one of 4 education systems in the province and is strong, viable and important. I want to ensure that our students receive the best possible Catholic education.

What’s your background and experience, and how do you think that’s relevant to the job?

Retired after a 41 year career as a Police Officer. 36 years as a Catholic Trustee. 17 years sitting on The Board of Directors of The Ontario Catholic Schools Trustee Association, including 2 years as Provincial President. 11 years sitting on The Board of Directors of The Canadian Catholic Schools Trustees Association, including 3 years as National President. Experience matters

How do you see your role as a trustee? What are your main responsibilities?

Roles and responsibilities for Trustees changed dramatically in Ontario, with the introduction of Bill 101, by The Minister of Education. We are now responsible for policy, assisting in budget documents, and ensuring that matters of denominational importance are protected.

Like many governments and boards, school trustees are facing a budget crunch. Without an increase in provincial funding, how do propose to ensure that your board balances student needs with fiscal prudence?

Tough decisions are always necessary, but the final decision is now in the hands of Senior administration, with final approval of The Minister of Education. We can have input.

How will you support teachers and education workers as they begin contract negotiations this fall? How will you support parents concerned about labour disruption?

Contract negotiations are now done Provincially between the Government representatives, CODE (Council of Directors of Education), and the Education Unions. Local negotiations are handled by Senior Administration. Parents concerns about labour disruption will now be directed To The New Student and Family Support Offices that each Board in the Province is required to have.

Guelph is a rapidly growing town, how will you ensure that the school system is able to grow and accommodate the new students and the changing demographics?

Utilizing enrolment projections for the next 5, 10 and 15 years, done by companies such as Watson and Associates. Ensuring that decisions are made with regard to where schools, and or additions are to be made. Requesting funding for new schools, through the Ministry of Education, with proper business plans, when applicable.

Absenteeism seems to be a growing problem in Ontario high schools, what are the ways that you can support teachers and administrators to assure that students are getting the proper instruction?

This responsibility belongs strictly to Board administration. Trustees are not allowed to get involved with day to day operations of schools.

School safety is a big concern, from behavioural issues to school resource officers. How can schools be safe places for learning while also not making it feel like kids are learning in a security state?

The Minister of Education has now mandated that each Board must set up a protocol with Local Police Services regarding Police attendance and involvement in schools, and programs such as School resource Officer programs are there to assist school administrators and staff in dealing with issues. I was a High School resource Officer from 2001 to 2005, and the program is very worthwhile and is more than just enforcement. Officers get involved with programs, doing presentations, coaching sports teams and doing classroom lessons on various topics.

If you get elected to be a trustee, and considering the increase in provincial influence, do you think you will serve a full four year term?

Absolutely I believe I will.

Let’s say I don’t have kids, and thus no proverbial “skin in the game” when it comes to my local school, why should I care about who’s my school board trustee?

Trustees can still be an option for stakeholders to communicate with. We may be able to provide some answers, but if we can’t we can direct the stakeholder to the proper channel to have their question addressed and or answered.

Is there anything else you want to tell voters as they make their decision?

I have the experience, knowledge, skills and abilities to be a valuable asset to The Catholic Education in this community. I am passionate about Catholic Education and I am committed and dedicated to ensuring it remains a viable option in this province.