WEBSITE: waynechen4you.wordpress.com

EMAIL: waynechen4you@gmail.com

PHONE: 416-233-8382

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1. Why are you the best candidate for trustee?
Board Accountability – The Toronto District School Board works for you. As taxpayers, we help fund the $2.6 billion budget. I will be a strong voice to ensure we get the highest value for the education tax dollar.
Develop Successful Learners – Our children are our future and they deserve the very best. We need programs that will engage all students and encourage them to succeed.
Collaborative Solutions – As your Ward 2 School Trustee I look forward to working with you to make sure our community is receiving quality education. I am on your side. Your concerns are my concerns.

2. What changes would you like to see at the school board in the next four years?
With my dedication, experience and a focus on balanced strategic planning along with a strong sense of fiscal responsibility and accountability, here is what the community of Etobicoke Centre can look forward to:
* a strong public school system
* excellent educational programs for all children
* alternative strategies for students with learning difficulties
* lifelong learning for all community members

3. What is your position on the TDSB consolidating under-enrolled schools and selling off closed school properties?
All trustees are governed by the Student Achievement and School Board Governance Act, 2009, which requires the board to ensure effective stewardship of the board’s resources. School closures decisions have many consequences and need to be clearly and carefully considered. It can be very tempting to only see one side.. My experience tells me there is no short cut for going through the facts, especially when it comes to tough decisions. You can be sure that I will work hard to get full community participation (including the ARC process) and do only what is right for the community.

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?
The province alone has the mandate to deal with these wage contracts. The province does not ask for input from the board. Rather than be distracted by what the province may or may not do, the trustees need to focus on those items they can affect, such as policy direction and implementation of board resolutions, and communicate these effectively to the community. The primary role of the trustee is to maintain the focus on student achievement and well-being.

5. Please provide personal details on your bio.
Wayne and Robin Chen have lived in Etobicoke Centre for over 25 years. Their three children have attended Etobicoke public schools. Wayne is a passionate down-to-earth advocate for public education and an active volunteer. With a centered and balanced approach, Wayne has the endorsement and support of a diverse audience. Not affiliated with any political party or interest group, he tackles issues logically and in collaboration with his community. A veteran with 30 years of business experience in the IT field with leading technology firms, Wayne understands the necessity of being fiscally responsible when implementing and managing major projects.