1) What platform are you running on and how will it positively affect the community?
Being a voice for my community is a top priority for me.
I will work diligently to ensure that all voices are heard at the board level.
I personally feel that it is very important for Trustees to be involved and active in their schools and community, so that they can accurately represent the needs and wants of their local residents and students.
Every policy and procedure within the board must be reviewed and updated, on a predetermined, recurring basis.
The decisions that the board makes have significant impacts on day to day school life.
Trustees have input into these at the committee level, as well as the passing of policies and procedures at the board table.
It is important that Trustees are prepared, ask questions and are engaged in this process.
2) What do you believe are some things that need change in our community, and how do you plan on involving residents in the planning of those changes?
I have always been an active volunteer in my children’s schools, as it is extremely important to me to have relationships with the other students in their schools, as well as the teachers, administration, and all staff members.
I have spent many years chairing school councils and key school board committees. I have worked diligently to build and maintain strong connections within our community.
I am ready to have a voice at the Trustee table.
I will work hard to be an effective and informed link between our community members and the school board, as I believe this is crucial to the success of our students and families.
There is a great need within our community to have more schools built.
We are an extremely fast growing area, and our students need room to grow and flourish.
We have schools that are overloaded with portables, and this poorly affects the learning and work environment for both staff and students.
I am determined to work hard to bring this to the attention of the Ministry of Education, so that we will be awarded the capital funding that is so desperately needed for our community.
3) If you win, what will your first action be as an elected official?
Along with the great need for funding for capital projects in our area, there are many other areas that will need the immediate attention of the board of Trustees.
Earlier this year the Human Rights Commission released its Right to Read inquiry report, which called for critical change to Ontario’s approach to early reading.
I am committed to working with the SCDSB to ensure that these changes happen for our students.
I am looking forward to connecting with as many residents as I can, and I encourage anyone to reach out to me with any questions or concerns, brandyrafeek@gmail.com
