Yu Xiao – Ward 8 TDSB candidate
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1. Why are you the best candidate for trustee?
I have lived in this ward (#8) for 12 years. My two sons were born in this community. I believe strongly in the importance of education and I know how critical it is to future success in life for our children. As a father of two who are now enrolled in the public school system, I know my children’s needs first hand. From past interactions between me, my family, teachers, other parents and schools, I know what issues the TDSB is facing, and what potential TDSB can achieve by embracing new trustees that would bring in fresh thinking on public education and new professional areas of expertise that would contribute to the success of TDSB.
2. What changes would you like to see at the school board in the next four years?
The quality of education that TDSB provides to its students would improve significantly, not only by the measure of scores from EQAO (Education Quality and Accountability Office), but also measured from other aspects, such as creativity, innovation, new ideas and talents of students that are enrolled in the public school system.
3. What is your position on the TDSB consolidating under-enrolled schools and selling off closed school properties?
I see this as an opportunity for TDSB to reduce overlapping spending, to concentrate and re-allocate limited resources to communities that are in desperate need. But in terms of which school to close or which property to be sold, the TDSB should follow through a comprehensive review process and with inputs from impacted local communities to come up with a meaningful approach and plan, with the objectives of not just focusing on short-term commercial gain, but also on the long term vision in accordance with TDSB’s mandate and in line with city development planning.
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?
Yes, I support the province’s decision in this regard. I believe it should follow the examples of other broad public sector unions in the province to freeze wage increases until this fragile economy has fully emerged from the current recession.
5. Please provide personal details on your bio.
I have been formally educated in the public school system for 20 years, achieving a bachelor degree in engineering and a masters’ degree in business administration. I have a multi-disciplined work background for the past 15 years with roles varied from technician to department head, from business consultant and financial analyst to information technology service management where I am currently employed.
