Five candidates are on the ballot for a trustee seat at the Simcoe County District School Board that will represent schools in Collingwood and Wasaga Beach.
Election day is Oct. 26, and those looking to make an impact on education in Simcoe County have already kicked off their campaigns.
Collingwood Today asked candidates running for the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) trustee position representing Collingwood and Wasaga Beach some questions.
The five candidates vying for the seat are: Sarah Azizi, Kasia Baniak, Jay Barron, Adam Harrod, and Julie Rose.
Contact details for Baniak were not available, and attempts to reach her were unsuccessful. This article will be updated if she gets back to us.
The Simcoe County District School Board consists of 89 elementary schools, 16 secondary schools, and seven learning centres. These schools cater to about 57,000 students. The public board is overseen by 12 trustees-11 elected from various municipalities in Simcoe County and one appointed to represent the First Nation communities within the county.
The board managed a budget of $775.5 million in 2026.
Voters will only cast their ballot for one of the board trustees. By default, a voter’s card will include the English public board (Simcoe County District School Board), unless a voter has designated their school board taxes to either a Catholic or French board.
Answers have been edited for length/clarity.
1. What is your background, for people who may not know you?
Sarah Azizi: I was born in southern Ontario and raised with small-town values that I deeply respect and cherish. My husband and I moved to Wasaga Beach because we wanted our two elementary-aged stepchildren-and any future children-to experience those same values. As someone who founded a literacy academy that helps both advanced learners and students with learning differences, my background focuses on neurodiversity.
Jay Barron: I’ve spent over 20 years working in our family business, Barrons, which has locations in Aurora and Port Carling. My family resides in Collingwood with our two young children. I previously served on the business improvement association board in Port Carling and was also the first individual from my business school to sit on the Laurentian Student Union board at the Barrie campus.
Adam Harrod: I’m a lifelong resident of Simcoe County who attended public school here from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12. My family lives in Wasaga Beach; I’m proud to be a father of two daughters who attend public schools there as well as in Collingwood. With more than 18 years of experience working in municipal government-currently as manager of by-law services for Collingwood-I’m also a licensed paralegal who has served as an Auxiliary Constable with Owen Sound Police Service as well as treasurer of the Collingwood and District Slo-Pitch League.
Julie Rose: I’m based out of Wasaga Beach where I work as a paralegal while also teaching part-time at a college’s paralegal program. Additionally, I officiate weddings because I love engaging with people from my community. Although I’m fairly new here, I’ve made efforts to get involved locally by volunteering at various community groups like the Royal Canadian Legion snack bar where I’m also a member.
2. What is your vision for the public school board in your area? Are you happy with how things are? What changes would you like to see?
Jay Barron: My vision includes ensuring that communication among all stakeholders-parents, students, teachers, and taxpayers-is always clear and transparent. It’s essential that we collaborate towards achieving what’s best for our kids since they are our future.
Adam Harrod: I’m not running because I think everything’s wrong at the school board; there are dedicated teachers, EAs, ECEs administrators, custodians-all doing vital work every day within our schools. However, no public organization should settle into complacency when there’s room for improvement! My campaign centers around three main priorities: safe schools; strong education; responsible leadership-and consistent communication with families too! Trustees should be visible figures willing to listen actively while addressing common concerns being raised repeatedly at meetings.
Julie Rose: There’s plenty of dedicated staff working hard within our educational system-it’s crucial not lose sight of this fact amidst criticism about effectiveness! Teachers alongside educational assistants put forth incredible effort so every student succeeds-but simply accepting current approaches isn’t sufficient either! Schools must provide environments conducive enough where kids feel secure along their learning journeys whilst equipping educators adequately too! Furthermore-our growing communities deserve representation reflective thereof-involving parents’ voices matters greatly especially when concerns arise regarding children’s educations’ quality overall-that shouldn’t lead anyone feeling unheard or ignored!
Sarah Azizi: My goal is advocating toward creating an understanding within decision-making processes occurring amongst trustees-that each choice ultimately impacts students directly inside classrooms themselves! We bear immense responsibilities shaping these formative years-they should perceive education tailored towards meeting unique futures regardless if challenges faced remain invisible sometimes.. Stronger dialogue combined genuine consultations prior implementing policies directly affecting them stands paramount moving forward-examining root causes behind issues surfaced is equally important rather than merely managing outcomes arising continuously without delving deeper into why such circumstances arose initially!
3. Funding comes from provincial sources but trustee roles operate locally-how do you plan balancing these differing interests?
Adam Harrod: Saying “that’s just provincial” shouldn’t end any discussions prematurely-a trustee identifies local requirements advocates accordingly communicating how decisions impact student communities directly concerned therein too! Schools aren’t isolated away from surrounding municipalities hence development issues concerning transport infrastructure can affect everything else significantly impacting lives related therein further complicating matters needing attention given my municipal experience proves valuable navigating these complexities together effectively maintaining constructive relationships across boards along municipalities involved meanwhile amplifying residents’ voices heard during governance sessions required regularly present ongoing feedback shared amongst constituents entrusted voting representatives tasked ensuring accountability upheld continually throughout processes undertaken collaboratively yielding better results benefiting everyone altogether!
Julie Rose: This illustrates precisely why understanding one’s role matters greatly-as trustee-I won’t pledge finding additional funding magically appearing overnight since systems operate differently yet simultaneously “the province controls finances” shouldn’t become crutch avoid taking action either ! A representative’s responsibility entails grasping community sentiment voiced around tables listening diligently then articulating concerns appropriately advocating needs expressed delivering transparency expected overall irrespective context conveyed additionally fostering trust established throughout interactions nurtured overtime built credibility maintaining realism balanced between expectations pursued pragmatically achievable goals fulfilling society demanded standards witnessed over time reflected success achieved cumulatively realized through collective efforts sustained effort resulting partnerships strengthen foundations growing progressively moving forward positively impacting individuals involved collectively holistic perspectives considered thoroughly engaging dialogues transpiring constructively routinely initiated consistently aiming achieving constructive outcomes possible aligned visions envisioned!”
Sarah Azizi: While it’s true trustees don’t control every dollar flowing down from above-it remains essential recognizing pressures existing beforehand utilizing available resources judiciously speaking strongly when necessities rise beyond limitations imposed considering larger picture drawn encompasses greater responsibilities embodied through actions taken reflective intent show commitment serve populations represented fostering unity promote collaboration nurturing relationships create opportunities enhance experiences enrich lives touched upon serving needs expressed clearly defined seeking continual advancement transformation educational paradigm shift elevating performance standards attained sustained viability longevity continuous engagement fostered equally valued acknowledging contributions made over time reinforcing connections solidifying bonds forged lasting impressions mark trajectory improvements aspired striving successfully maintain focus steadfast clarity objectives reached mutually beneficial endeavors cultivated sustaining growth witnessed reciprocated optimism encouraged lifted aspirations derived rooted passion fueled courageously chasing dreams!”
Jay Barron: With rapid growth unfolding across both towns-we require foresight encompassing evolving demands placed upon students today alongside those emerging down road demanding equal attention given anticipated trends potentially influencing future generations shape paths traversed post-graduation preparing them succeed into adulthood equipped skill sets adaptively responsive marketplace shifts consistently adapting evolving norms anticipating transformations necessary guiding light illuminating pathways clarify shared goals arrive collaboratively exciting prospects await ahead undoubtedly yield positive ripple effects experienced collectively enhancing developmental trajectories encountered along journey undertaken together!”
4. In your opinion what do you consider biggest issue facing education locally? How would you approach resolving it?
Julie Rose : Growth poses significant concern. As Wasaga Beach expands , ensuring our educational facilities progress accordingly becomes critical. It’s vital examining conditions quality associated physical environments ; even minor aspects such playground facilities warrant careful scrutiny ! Physical surroundings shouldn’t merely occupy space without thoughtful consideration put forth regarding enhancements needed being met proactively thereafter. I’ll prioritize analyzing statistical data projections planning measures advocated within context relaying experiences gleaned connecting realities confronting people everyday facilitating coherent dialogue exploratory inquiries capturing essence underlying truths embedded necessitating change embraced fervently committed deliberate actions executed planned manner responding attentively resolutely assuredly addressing unmet potential fully realizing benefits attained yielded sustainably sustained successes reaching fruition manifested resiliently overcome hurdles faced incrementally transcending obstacles perceived hindrances transformed strengths fueling sustainable growth engaged meaningfully driving desired results forwarded uniting purpose reflecting broader scope shared aspirations motivating collaborative initiatives driven unified mission fulfilled harmoniously integrated partnerships galvanizing momentum propel advancements propelling forward continuously evolve nurture cultivate flourishing environment benefit all stakeholders invested deeply.” p >
Sarah Azizi : Both communities witness crucial transitional moments whereby fresh opportunities arise yielding promise transforming landscapes drastically shifting paradigms changing dynamics presenting unique chances redefine concepts associated traditional methodologies practices employed previously explored reevaluated seek innovative solutions paving ways unlocking potentials unfurl cultivate enhanced engagement stimulating creativity inspiring collaborative efforts unleash boundless imagination harnessed constructively inspire intellect curiosity ignited profound insights illuminated encapsulated holistic frameworks integrating elements conducive promoting empowerment instilling confidence abilities exhibit resilience adaptability awareness adjusting navigate external forces shaping desires fueled determination seek fulfill ambitions pursue aspirations passionately dedicated nurtured steered guided grounded principles anchored firmly accountability underpinning foundations forged durability sustainability crafted meticulously ensuring integrity preserved perpetuity prevailing ideals transcending limitations encountered evolve strategically employing foresight harness energies directing productive avenues conscientious adherence prevailing philosophies guiding theories implement instructional strategies responsive emerging contexts resonate resonate symbiotically cultivating robust societies nurtured flourish continue thriving evolving naturally progressing effectively positioned bolster resilience reaffirm convictions establish affirmative action uphold commitments pave pathways facilitate movement forward collectively.” p >
Jay Barron : Largest challenge revolves completing newly announced high-school project underway located near vicinity providing critical foundation establish equitable access enriched academic programming delivered proficiently catering diverse populations while enhancing curricula aligned contemporary pedagogies focusing individual needs accordingly respecting diversity inclusivity enabled creative thinking capabilities developed empower possibilities ignite passions discovered navigate rigorous challenges anticipated realization competencies infused culture inquiry embody dedication demonstrate perseverance uplifting spirits paving way brighter tomorrow envisaged fulfilled collaboratively harnessed synergies cultivated communal participation emphasized strengthening ties bridging gaps laid groundwork envision comprehensive transformative solutions evident clarifying goals articulated showcasing commitment aspire effectuate positive changes usher progress paving roads navigating complexities entailed share burdens borne traverses extending boundaries explore avenues realized manifest tangible improvements collectively uplift disadvantaged cohorts ensuring equity justice echoed resonates throughout societal fabric encouraging active involvement civic engagement rooted cultural appreciation harmony collaboration strengthen networks fortified determined outlooks enduring worthiness derived prevalent movements reshaping landscape reimagine traditions reinvigorated initiative fosters generative exchanges generated multiplying returns celebrated honor commit uplift those marginalized thereby engender lasting legacies embedded memory hearts souls persist unwavering pursuit greatness.” p >
5. Is there anything else you’d like folks around here know about yourself ? h3 > Sarah Azizi : As trustee focused primarily establishing tangible benchmarks guiding pathways success navigated beyond confines classroom walls immersively attuned constituents leading engaging dialogues understand sentiments expressed affirmatively coordinating arrangements implementing directives translating visions manifest tangibly meaningful outcomes nurturing integrity cultivating camaraderie rooted authenticity designed forge meaningful alliances constructed developing experiences core values upheld continually expanded horizons projected far-reaching implications reverberate profoundly enriching life journeys foster abundant opportunities thrive empower generations illustrate capacity dream accomplish objectives fulfil commitments pledged standing firm resonantly against tides push against notion vulnerability inherently associated unfamiliar territories confronted boldly emboldened persisting optimism embrace collective spirit define character integrity honoring foundational principles guide navigate intricate labyrinths societal engagements chart course ahead envision brave new world emerge emergently crystallized filtered through lens humanity illuminating brilliance hidden depths hearts revealed striving unveil potential realize aspirational heights scale transcending ordinary realms display indomitable spirits surmount challenges embrace courageous authenticity fortitude amplify echoes voice unite visionary aspirations ignite fires inspiration elevate moments celebrate accomplishments touch infinitude etched existence enriching interconnectedness expanding universality weaving webs significance intertwined fervent hope dreamt alive!” p > Jay Barron : Passion drives me towards building strong connections amongst families residing neighborhoods exemplified recent coaching stint son ’ s U6 baseball team reflects sincerity intentions rooted noble pursuits embody accountability transparency pivotal essence required fill role ardently uphold standards expected conduct oneself reflect sensibilities espoused cherishing vibrant tapestry woven throughout shared heritage united nurturing spirit resilient presence echo embody strength serve behest betterment entire collective revitalization sought glories past reclaim imagining future bright blazing trails leads away darkness shining ever so brightly filled joy light embraces laughter smiles cherished memories woven timeless narratives reflect back celebrations triumphs thus carried forth onward beckoning herald ascendance dawning brightness enveloping horizons await unfold!” p > Adam Harrod : People ought recognize open-mindedness characterizes approach taken intending enter office unencumbered singular agendas grievances preconceived notions fixed into mind instead seeking honest deliberations consultative practices guide processes urge balance interest alignments orchestrate harmonious interactions influence empowered individuals shine brightly advocacy characterized integrity poised evolve nuanced dialogues framed substantive policy conversations aimed enriching lives children affected decisions undergone steer organizational direction embarking journey deliberate advocacy tempered empathy compassion centering humanistic perspectives illuminate multifaceted dynamics underpin societal frameworks integral health vitality rejuvenated engage energized conversations facilitates participatory ethos drawn reflecting authentic voices captured narratives lived nuanced realities stories crave articulate capture essence raw truth revealing vulnerabilities strengths simultaneously sharing journeys inspire touch hearts echo reverberates eternally cascading waves endlessly flowing undercurrent connectedness resounding calls awaken purposes beckoning heed distinctly whisper reminders importance collaborating build bridges reach heights ascend together jointly achieve prosperous futures envisioned passionately pursuing ignite hopes held steadfast hearts gain footing stronger united movements shall prevail illuminations suffused guidance compassionate embrace radiate warmth illuminate path illuminated promise paved resolution abound linger scent flowers blooming fullness life gracing earth inviting opportunities bloom wondrous myriad colors vibrancy reignite spark brilliance depths soul freely dance rhythms heartbeat universe thrumming pulse life coursing veins reconnect sacred threads weave destiny spellbind reflections aspirations scintillate encourage soar limitless infinity lend power twinkling stars shimmer skies remind embers flicker dwell encircled dreams ignited flame spread light illuminate shadows cast doubt disappear vanish instantaneously created unfettered liberated unleashed dare dream bigger wider bolder breaking chains shackles holding captive imaginations yearning discover explore navigate shores unknown reach upon shores shores awaiting harvest ripe seasons come!” p > Julie Rose : Not someone enters politics professionally rather motivated genuinely enhance local communities uplift interests advocate tirelessly cause raising consciousness amidst pressing social dilemmas encounter daily basis interacting citizens experiencing vast spectrum tribulations struggles overcoming fears uncertainties deriving strength connections forged forged resilient collaborations cement solidify bonds anchored gratitude belief embracing uniqueness ever-evolving personas shapes diversities cultural intricacies embrace diversity inspires flourishing relationships built trust mutual respect transforming narratives intertwine sharing joyous stories entwined forging alliances fortifying sense belonging create spaces welcoming whole-hearted engagements allowing expression emotions flourish harmoniously uplift potentials maximize depth exploration ensure resonance echo historical accounts form identities shaped yesterday imparts wisdom enlightens paths traverse tomorrows embarked venture striking balances humility audacity equip tools confront face adversities relentless optimism propels dreams birth realities realizing visions attain heights never thought possible transcending limits becoming agents change inspiring joining forces uplifts entire community joint ventures catalyze sparks innovation transform ordinary routines extraordinary milestones accomplished driven ardent passions manifested realize fulfillment live each moment present actively witness unfoldings masterpiece existence highlighted narrative countless vibrant hues shades stitched intricately onto fabric experiences leave indelible marks records cherished immortalize legacy continued echo reverberates time-space continuum retelling tales share destinies intertwined…” P >
Visit collingwoodtoday. ca/munipal-election for more coverage regarding candidates running council school-board elections set October twenty-sixth.
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