Candidates Step Up for Trustee Roles Despite Challenges

Outgoing Ottawa public school trustee Donna Dickson mentioned that she and her fellow trustees have spent the past year feeling “in limbo.”

They currently lack pay, authority, or any official duties – and Dickson doesn’t see a clear end to this situation anytime soon.

Lyra Evans, who is also leaving her trustee role to run for a council seat, remarked that it feels like a poor arrangement.

“Who is going to put themselves out, be subject to public scrutiny, for no ability to make meaningful change and lose money?” she asked.

“You give up two nights a week with your kids. It was already a tough ask. It is getting far tougher.”

Nonetheless, many people are still stepping forward. There are currently 19 candidates vying for a position on the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB), with at least one candidate registered in each of the 12 zones.

Brendan Ray is presently the only candidate in Zone 11, which covers the central River and Gloucester-Southgate wards.

He noted that he has been involved in education since 2003, including working as a university administrator. In his view, Ontario’s public schools are facing their most serious crisis in over a century.

He pointed out issues related to student safety and transportation but also mentioned recent provincial interference with elected boards. He believes the community requires a board with a strong voice.

“This is something that I’ve been frustrated with as a parent,” he said. “So I’ve decided that, OK, if not me, then who?”

Brendan Ray is so far the only registered candidate in Zone 11, which includes River and Gloucester-Southgate wards. (Arthur White-Crummey/CBC)

The OCDSB and other Ontario board trustees have felt sidelined this past year after Education Minister Paul Calandra placed them under supervision, delegating all decision-making powers to an appointed provincial official.

Calandra stated this would continue “for as long as it takes to put them back on track.”

Natasha Mott is among three candidates running in Zone 5, which encompasses much of old Nepean. She expressed understanding when asked why she wants this job by .

“I am ever the optimist,” she replied.

“I really believe that we will get back to a place where trustees will have a voice again and I just want to be set up to do that.”

Even if it takes time, she hopes supervisor Bob Plamondon will be open to meeting with whoever wins the mandate from their community.

Diminished powers not a deterrent

Suzanne Lyon is another candidate for Zone 5; she’s retired from federal service and previously served on a parent council. She said it got her “hooked,” though she’s always wanted more decision-making power on the school board.

“Nobody really knows what the new board is going to look like, but whatever it is that comes, I want to be part of that,” she stated.

She acknowledged it would be disappointing if she had to wait months or years before taking her seat at the table but emphasized there’s plenty she could do while waiting.

“Parents and families need a voice and my door will always be open,” she added.

“I had experiences as a parent of a child in the OCDSB where I needed to talk to my trustee; I want to be that person for people in Zone 5. I know how important that is. There are so many issues and challenges that families face.”

If supervision ends eventually, major changes by the government will still reduce trustees’ roles significantly – they’re losing much of their influence over budgeting and won’t have power anymore over firing the school district CEO.

But Lara Bremner , who ‘s also running in Zone 5 , believes there’s still impact within these positions. The oversight aspect won’t disappear , allowing trustees still able ‘to determine strategic priorities’ for their boards.

“ Even if it’s changed , it’s reduced , adjusted , it’s still an important role,” she explained. “ It’s vital , actually , being conduits between families & schools ; bringing those voices & perspectives into board discussions.”

Bremner mentioned she’s okay with recent provincial shifts regarding trustee roles calling them “ reasonable.” She thinks parents desire solid governance instead of falling into “ ideological debates” which often distract current boards.

Aside from reducing their powers , there’s additionally $6K cut from annual stipends making total yearly compensation now $10K-already low payments becoming even slimmer.

This insufficient payment means prospective trustees might struggle recouping campaign costs should supervision extend further delaying paycheck arrivals according Evans mentioning continued monitoring prevents them earning income throughout terms.

Ray expects he’ll lose money regardless whether winning or not post-campaign efforts yet emphasizes importance lies beyond honorarium value alone.

Mott shared similar sentiments saying during participation on family school councils likely cost her personally; thus minimal earnings wouldn’t shock her either!</strong</strong

Naturally Brenda Abramson’s candidacy represents Barrhaven within Zone3 conveys feelings resembling others present here too!<strong " If you believe strongly about something – money shouldn't dictate actions." she'd say!

” If candidates step away completely – then provinces gain more confidence controlling everything happening through district management! ”

“ When no one stands forth-there’s zero possibility shifting control back!”

For one individual specifically pursuing campaign goals holds greater significance than securing positions altogether: Wealth manager Shannon Boschy ran against Evans previously losing extensively!<strong Evans made history first transgender trustee represented OCDSB; whereas Boschy ran counteracting ideologies centered around gender topics." Now aiming roll-back diversity policies perceived via lens termed ' woke ', activists lingo alongside radical identity politics.' Zone10 hosted his campaign featuring downtown Ottawa area despite leaning left politically expressing little concern about election victory.<strong "I seek provoke meaningful dialogue!” says Boschy confidently projecting larger discussion frames shape societies rather than actual election outcomes." Many candidates share thoughts stating how crucial advocacy remains representing communities they come from!"“It’s essential boards convey: ‘ We’re elected representatives speaking up !’ Utilizing this premise advocates behalf residents reflects fundamental purpose!” claims Ray emphatically!

The deadline registering interest candidacies city councilors mayor goes until August twenty-first; marking end date Ontario municipal elections scheduled take place October twenty-sixth.

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