WEBSITE: www.michaelcoteau.com

EMAIL: vote@michaelcoteau.com

PHONE: 416-750-0054

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1. Why are you the best candidate for trustee?
I have a strong passion for public education and believe it should provide all students with the opportunity to reach their full potential. I have the experience, knowledge and vision to build a better tomorrow for the residents of Don Valley East. Over the last two terms as the trustee of Ward 17, I have been able to deliver on my campaign promises. My recommendations to the board resulted in lowered school space rental fees by up to 70%. Space is now more accessible to community groups, not-for-profits and students. Other areas of success include: my successful motion to reduce trustee expenses by 10%; the elimination of trans-fat oils in TDSB-operated cafeterias.

2. What changes would you like to see at the school board in the next four years?
I think that there are many areas our system can improve, including more program choices, increased daycare spaces and after-school activity, and more funding for students with special needs. However, my particular focus will be in the following areas: First, increased academic performance. We have done well in Don Valley East over the last three years (Primary: 3% increase in reading; 4% increase in math). However, we can do better. Second, lowering the dropout rate. We have improved the dropout rate from 25% to 23%, but there is more work to do. Another area that needs improvement is building repair and maintenance. We are currently $2.6 billion behind in capital repair and this must be addressed.

3. What is your position on the TDSB consolidating under-enrolled schools and selling off closed school properties?
I believe that elementary schools should remain within walking distance for families. Local schools are the heart of a community and act as a hub for programs and services. They also act as a local meeting space for community-based initiatives and provide much-needed green space. When we remove a school from a community we increase the reliance on cars for transportation, which causes pollution, early morning traffic and increases car hazards in school zones.

4. 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?
I believe that local boards should have more control over the negotiation process with our unions. The provincial government fiscal control of boards, allows them to set the framework that essentially binds board. I believe that this “one size fits all” approach does not work in the best interest of Toronto, a city with unique needs that are different from rural communities and small/midsize cities.

5. Please provide personal details on your bio.
I was first elected in November 2003 and re-elected in 2006 as the school board trustee representing Don Valley East. I grew up in the Don Valley area and attended Don Mills Middle School and Victoria Park Secondary School. I hold a Political Science degree and a Canadian History Degree from Carleton University.
Experience:
* Executive Director of a national literacy organization
* Vice-Chair of the TDSB
* Chair of the Programs and School Services Committee
* Board member of the Toronto Foundation for Student Success
* Board member of the Toronto Land Corporation
* Chair of the Nutrition Taskforce
* Chair of the Community Use of Schools Taskforce