Debra Edwards — Orillia, Ramara, Severn SCDSB trustee
I am retired and I have the luxury of “time” to devote to serving the public and assisting families and children to navigate the public county education system; a system that can seem difficult and sometimes confusing to connect the dots when assistance is required with educational issues.
I believe all constituents deserve to be represented and I would advocate on their behalf as their elected representation on the Simcoe County District School Board.
I previously served as trustee, vice-chairperson and chairperson on the SCDSB until 2014 when I was defeated in the municipal election (Orillia/Ramara Township).
I am a mother of four adult children and a grandmother to three grandchildren. I profoundly believe in the importance of family values and leaving the world a better place for our young citizens of tomorrow!
Every child has a fundamental right to an education in a safe, secure and sustainably funded school environment that endeavours as a No. 1 priority to align educational dollar resources with programs as equitably as possible.
Simcoe County is diverse and large geographically with area specific needs having both old and new schools, both large and small in size and various enrolments, but all must be served equitably within SCDSB.
Teachers must be supported to maintain a safe work environment in classrooms. The importance of dedicated teachers in our system is essential to student success!
The needs of all students must be planned and provided for. Accountability in both classrooms and the school boardroom is essential to functionality as we will be judged as an educational system by how well our students achieve globally.
School trustees are held both responsible and accountable for how well all of our students learn locally, nationally and internationally as the world has become very challenging. We must prepare our students to strive for academic achievement, as well as help them develop good character traits.
I believe that my knowledge, experience and expertise would be a great benefit to serving the public as I previously served as: member of the First Nations advisory committee, special education advisory committee, Student Alternative Leave Ed program chair/member of bylaw/policy committee, member of both elementary and secondary accommodation review committees, director search committee strategic planning committee/mission statement, governance review /public consultation leadership, and numerous public speaking engagements.
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