WEBSITE: www.shelleylaskin.ca

EMAIL: shelley@shelleylaskin.ca

PHONE: 416-606-1734

————————————————————————-

1. Why are you the best candidate for trustee?
I am an experienced trustee. I bring a track record of strengthening public education. I have negotiated improvements to local schools including the rebuilding of North Toronto Collegiate Institute; secured more funding for literacy centres, anti-bullying, early learning and parenting programs; and championed ground breaking policies on community involvement, Eco-Schools, equity, literacy, academic excellence, school safety and healthy schools. I have a solid reputation as an innovative thinker, problem-solver and consensus builder. Most importantly, I am a parent of three graduates of Toronto’s public schools and was active in creating responsive and vibrant schools as a volunteer in their schools.

2. What changes would you like to see at the school board in the next four years?
I will work to:
* ensure the voices of students, parents, educators and community members are reflected in decision-making;
* increase in the number of needed resources in schools and support the excellence of teachers;
* create and implement a plan for financial stability;
* reduce the impact of poverty in our schools;
* negotiate innovative partnerships to improve school buildings and grounds,
* increase community access, and fund full service schools;
* champion a thriving, effective public school system that rebuilds public trust, promotes diversity and supports every child to reach his or her full potential.

3. What is your position on the TDSB consolidating under-enrolled schools and selling off closed school properties?
I believe that innovative solutions can be found and will vary depending on local needs and realities. School consolidation may be one option. However, current approaches needs to strengthen. Changes will only be effective if they are agreed to through collaboration and consultation with affected students, parents and community members. Partnerships need to be built to use schools for other community services along with strategies to attract students back to the public system. I will also continue to advocate for differentiated capital funding from the province in order to build schools in overcrowded areas and fix aging infrastructure.

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?
With the province setting the parameters for wages in collective bargaining, local bargaining by boards for compensation is hamstrung. I would hope whatever is determined for unionized staff, the same rules apply to the board’s non-unionized employees. And although I understand the province’s tight fiscal position, it needs to be weighed against the importance of a stable and positive climate to promote quality education and the vital role played by those who teach and support our children.

5. Please provide personal details on your bio.
* Elected trustee 1997 to 2003, Board Chair and Vice-President, Ontario Public School Boards Association
* Volunteer on school councils and Trustee’s Ward Forum
* Senior Advisor, Ministry of Health Promotion and Sport
* Experienced in leading and planning programs, projects and business improvements in both public and private sector
* Member, South Eglinton Ratepayers and Residents Association
* Past member, Children’s Clearance Committee of Advertising Standards Canada, Board of Congregation Darchei Noam, Legal Aid Ontario and The Canadian Centre for Quality Education and Opportunity
* Bachelor of Arts and Graduate Diploma in Cartography
* Married with three children