Guest Blogger Kathy Kaill

Note: The following post is provided as a public service and is not an endorsement of the candidate or the views expressed in the post. Other trustee candidates may request a similar opportunity and, if time and space permit, will be accommodated. Please keep your submissions short, under 500 words if possible. This will be available only for trustee positions which are rarely covered by the established media.

TVDSB Trustee Candidate for wards 7, 8, 9, 10, 13

I have experienced the struggles of being a parent of school aged children, of childhood bullying, and of policies that have left children secluded and unwilling to go to school. I have also enjoyed and appreciated the wonderful support of teachers, principals, and support staff who encourage enthusiasm, inquisitiveness and structure in all students.

So why do I want to be a school board trustee?

I want to hear others' concerns and help shape policies that will better the educational experience for our children.

I see each child as a unique individual. I want to ensure that all children are given not just an equal opportunity to education, but an opportunity that is tailored to each child so they have the tools and resources needed to reach their full potential.

My goal as school board trustee will be to facilitate the implementation of strategies and policies that will give our students the best foundation for life; that being self-awareness, career, family, and community.

I believe:

• ·        Children are our first priority

The decisions of the TVDSB should centre around the needs of the students. This should come above all else. If funding is an issue, we need to then focus on alternatives to funding cuts such as advocating for more funding, addressing non-essential expenditures or finding innovative and new ways of providing effective programming.

• ·        ​Focus should be on a child’s strengths

There is far too much focus on tests such as the EQAO.I think it is unfortunate we rank our schools, and thus the children in them, on a test that only encompasses a small piece of their full educational experience. Each child is unique and has different strengths. Although the EQAO is mandated and does give us an important snapshot, I believe, as a board and a community we need to look at other ways of measuring the success of our students and schools.

• ·        We need to continue to improve special education programs and supports

The TVDSB has worked hard at providing additional funding for the programs needed to support students with special needs. However, it is still not enough. We need to continue to advocate to the provincial government to provide what is needed to support these vital programs.

• ·        We need to strengthen our community partnerships

There are so many community organizations that offer wonderful support and opportunities to students. ​Our schools need to open their doors to these organizations so our students can easily access the support they need. The schools are only capable of offering so much, but if we work with the resources that currently exist in our community, then we can provide the supports our students need.

• ·        Schools need to provide a safe and secure environment

When students are allowed to be themselves in a safe environment, then will they truly blossom. Safe space allows for sharing of thoughts, encouragement of diversity, and an openness to seeking support in areas such as bullying and mental health.

​I invite you to visit my webpage www.kathykaill.ca to learn more about my platform and qualifications. If you have any question please contact me by phone: 519-434-0043 or by email: katkaill@live.ca

I will end with a quote that I love by Malala Yousafzai "Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world".