WEBSITE: facebook.com/robert.b.mcguigan

EMAIL: rob.mcguigan@gmail.com

PHONE: 647-924-0614

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1. Why are you the best candidate for trustee?
Through my volunteer work I am in-touch with members of the community and listen to their ideas and concerns about the education system. I will work to fulfill the community’s unique needs as well as the needs of the education system as a whole. Maintenance and improvement of schools in the ward are a priority. Stopping the current habit of deferment of budget money for necessary maintenance of schools is one of my objectives. A fair funding formula for our schools is a necessary goal of mine. Fighting for better schools and school programs is my promise to my ward.

2. What changes would you like to see at the school board in the next four years?
In the next four years I would like to see more transparency of the TDSB and responsibility to students and voters. Value for education dollars is a must. We must take a more detailed look at expenses and cut waste. Stopping maintenance fund deferrals is a must. Safe schools, both structurally and violence free, are essential. Encompassing community values in schools by making schools community hubs will help achieve this. Creative thinking for problem solving such as opening the doors for sponsorship of sports and arts is a change I will work for. Co-operation and openness are keys to success.

3. What is your position on the TDSB consolidating under-enrolled schools and selling off closed school properties?
No! Selling off school property is not the answer – this would mean closing down necessary sport and recreation areas in communities. It would also mean buying other properties at higher prices when it is needed. Building community hubs, health services and continuing education facilities in unused school space would benefit students and the community. Cost sharing of under-enrolled schools could be achieved this way. A new funding formula that recognizes unique community needs is essential. Making decisions under the current system that assumes that all community needs should be treated the same is archaic. We need inclusive, outside-the-box solutions!

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?
While this is a provincial government decision, I do feel it may be a wise one considering the financial state of the province. Paying unionized school board workers more at this time would in all likelihood mean allotting less to other areas of the school system. I feel that caring individuals in our society will recognize the value of our children and their education, realizing that small sacrifices are necessary for the students’ growth and benefit. Our students are our greatest treasure and our future. Everyone should do all that is necessary to support them.

5. Please provide personal details on your bio.
I grew up in Toronto and currently live in Ward 21. My community volunteering started at an early age. I coach two youth soccer teams in the Malvern area and sat on a soccer board of directors. Volunteering keeps me in touch with the community and its needs. I believe in and support service to others. Young people’s education is important to me. Working in the technology industry, I recognize the need of a good education system, the need for good, informed integration and utilization of technology within the system. Understanding community needs and representing those needs is my goal.