WEBSITE: jerrychadwickfortrustee.com

EMAIL: jerryfortrustee@gmail.com

PHONE: 416-573-9099

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Why are you the best candidate for trustee?
Experience, skills and training. I retired as an Educator after 33 years working as a Teacher and Principal in 11 Scarborough schools. I have a reputation for always putting students’ needs first and effectively supporting families through school issues. I have consistently demonstrated a skill for building teams, managing change and listening to input from all stakeholders. I have the ability to work full time as Trustee. I am committing my time to the voters. I have a true passion for this opportunity. I will use all my skills and abilities to work for and be accountable to this community.

What changes would you like to see at the school board in the next four years?
A balanced budget must be maintained while we find viable strategies to deal with the maintenance backlog ensuring safety of students, staff and visitors. The concept of community schools (use of facilities outside of traditional school hours) should be extended to more communities. To maximize the value of full day kindergartens for families, we must make certain that schools have year round day care including before and after school. Technology in schools needs to be expanded and current so that we are enabling students’ success and preparing them to be contributing members of Canadian society in the 21st century.

What is your position on the TDSB consolidating under-enrolled schools and selling off closed school properties?
Due to declining enrolment, changes will inevitably happen. We cannot continue to repeatedly spend more than the revenue provided by the Ministry. If further school closures need to occur, we must guarantee that students impacted by the changes receive an improved learning environment that will lead to future success. The entire ARC process must be fully transparent and a true reflection of the needs of the community. Every member of the community must be given an opportunity to express support or concerns. We must ensure that all staff members impacted by consolidations are treated equitably, fairly and with respect.

Do you support the province’s decision to try to negotiate two-year, no wage increase contracts with the school board’s unionized employees when existing agreements expire?
No. We have worked hard to have labor peace in the system and our students have benefitted. This decision by the province will change that. Unions cannot let these actions go unchallenged. Students must not be caught in the middle of this dispute. Their education should not be interrupted as it has in the past. The Trustees have an obligation to vigorously lobby the provincial government on behalf of all students. All of our staff members deserve to have a fair living wage, with raises and benefits similar to comparable positions across the province and the country.

Please provide personal details on your bio.
I was born raised and educated in Scarborough. I completed my B.A. at Brock University, received a B.Ed from O.T.E.C. in primary, junior and intermediate education. I earned a further B.Ed from York University focusing on Reading and Special Education. I received the A.S. Taylor award for outstanding contributions to public education in Scarborough. I was twice selected to travel to Lesotho to educate their Teachers and Administrators. As a teacher, I directed the school musicals and coached a variety of sports teams. I am a life member of Scarborough Music Theatre, appearing regularly in shows at Scarborough Village Theatre.