I am talking to students, parents, educators, and neighbours about what matters to you. I'm hearing a lot of disappointment about the way the province is underfunding school boards and how the OCDSB is not meeting the needs of our students. 

I am hearing the same thing over and over again: school issues are widespread across Zone 4 and the city. Our schools have crumbling infrastructure and IEPs are going unmet due to understaffing of teachers, ECEs, EAs, and specialized support workers. These problems are affecting us all.

The programs our students rely on for success are being reduced which means that more of our kids' needs are going unmet. When students need extra learning supports, families struggle to get the supports their children need. Many struggles are lost because families are already pulled in multiple directions and simply do not have the time and energy to navigate layers of bureaucracy. If a family is successful, the student might get a small percentage of what they need, at the expense of pulling educators from other students. This is a common experience across the OCDSB and we must do better for all students.

Collective problems deserve collective solutions. 

I am happy to share what I have heard so far but I am far from done hearing about what matters to you! If you do not see your experience reflected here, please reach out. The OCDSB belongs to all of us and I will work tirelessly to make sure our local community needs are being reflected in my campaign and the board's policy, governance, and budget. 

Here is what I have been hearing so far:

• Students need more educators and specialized support workers. As your trustee, I will advocate for a school board budget that puts the needs of our students first.
• The Elementary Program Review was a bad plan and we are glad it has been overhauled. However, under this appointed Supervisor, parents are more in the dark about OCDSB policy than ever before. Local democracy must be restored so that school communities can always have a say. I will always be honest about the issues facing the school board and champion the solutions that local communities demand. 
• The Alternative School program should never have been cut. When the OCDSB has a diversity of programs, more students succeed. I am committed to restoring a more robust program offering across our zone and the city. 

I cannot wait to hear from more folks about your priorities!

With warmth and gratitude, 

Emily