2015-12-2.jpg;w=960)
April Leblanc: Violence in schools:
The ministry of education has already promised a budget increase to hire more teachers and educational assistants to help stop violence in the classrooms. I strongly feel new and stricter policies are required in this area.
We need to work with our local police department and implement their recommendations. This is an education system, not a prison; violence should never be tolerated or accepted as the norm. Any students prone to violence need to be individually assessed. If determined that all efforts have been exhausted and the violent behaviour continues, then these students should be removed.
Well behaved students deserve attention and an education too, we need to give teachers the necessary tools and support required.
Jay Aspin: Optimistic and Confident the board can get back on track early
The Public School Board campaign has been one of the most open and frank, many would say negative campaigns in decades and that has been a good thing. This open and honest, transparent campaign has exposed many of the current serious problems of the Near North board which has been a refreshing exercise in democracy.
As one candidate, I am very optimistic the board can get back on track early in its operations. There are a couple of factors that lead me to that conclusion. First and foremost, the quality of candidates that have stepped up the plate to offer their expertise. These candidates have experience and capability that will bring a whole range of ideas to improve the board. Secondly, the board’s intimate problems have been exposed in open and frank communications. Congratulations to the local media for conveying that.
Bill Steer: In what he calls an “optimistic and strategic” move, a Near North District School Board (NNDSB) candidate, Bill Steer, has outlined some priorities for the next school board.
Review of the multi-year plan, the governance manual and anxiety training for teachers, are pin-pointed as priorities by Steer, who is a first-time candidate for the NNDSB.
“I’m optimistic and strategic in setting priorities,” said Steer who has hopes to represent the West Nipissing/North Bay zone. “A great deal of work has been undertaken to develop the 2015-2020 multi-year plan, but it yet has to be evaluated by the board,” said Steer, noting that he looks forward to the challenges, if elected.
The plan states: “The development and regular monitoring of the plan is a key responsibility for Trustees with the NNDSB.” Section 169(1) in the Education Act, requires Ontario school boards to develop and have in place a multi-year plan. It is the responsibility of the board to ensure that a formal review of the multi-year plan occurs at the Board of Trustees or policy level on a regular basis; this process is in addition to any internal reviews undertaken by staff and others as the various elements move forward.” Steer says, “This should become an immediate priority for the new board.” The plan is found under the Board tab at www.nearnorthschools.ca .
Frank O'Hagan:
It is my belief that school councils have always been well-intentioned, well-informed and well-educated. All great reasons as well as ongoing partners to warrant more inclusiveness and collaboration now and over the next four years.
My position has been to pause and halt the current decision on Widdifield’s closing and begin from the start with a different set of eyes and perspectives.
It would also be wise to move the students from grades 7/8 from Fricker to WSS and make each of the
I believe there can be three healthy high schools in the city of
The data demonstrates that this is favourable, however, it is important to view this data without bias. Unfortunately, this was not done in the past round of ARC discussions. Some trustees and the director were very much in favour of the super school concept which is NOT what the community wants or is warranted.
