Maria Hardie — SMCDSB trustee Barrie Wards 6-10
In 1982, I moved to Barrie with my husband and two children. Both our children are graduates of the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB). To ensure my involvement in their day-to-day education, I became a volunteer at their elementary school, St. John Vianney. This led me to become an educational assistant in the system. Following that, and for the next many years, I worked as school office administrator, retiring from St. Nicholas School.
As a family, we are active and involved in the parish life at St. John Vianney Church. My husband and I have served in various ministries over the years.
In 2010, I ran and was elected as a trustee for the SMCDSB, representing Wards 6 to 10. Over these last eight years, I have acted as chair of the board for three years and for four years as vice-chair. In both capacities, I served on many committees.
Trustees are elected by taxpayers to listen to the concerns and expectations of their constituents and to ensure their interests are heard at the board table. I have always worked diligently to be that representative voice of the families and staff in my wards.
I am an advocate for academic excellence, lifelong learning and the personal growth of our students and staff. I have and will continue to encourage the home-school-church tradition, as I believe these three partners must work together to ensure our children are socialized into our Catholic faith.
Should I be re-elected, I promise to continue to advocate for safeguarding our constitutional right to maintain funding for Catholic schools for future generations. I promise also to continue to actively listen and hear the constituents of my wards and be their authentic representative at the SMCDSB table.
Campaign office address: 4 Debra Cres., Barrie