EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been updated to include comments from candidate Shawn Cooper, who submitted responses after publication.
Election day is Oct. 24, and school board trustee candidates hoping to make a difference in education in Simcoe County are currently on the campaign trail.
CollingwoodToday.ca posed questions to candidates running for the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board trustee position representing Clearview, Collingwood, Springwater and Wasaga Beach.
There are five candidates running for the seat: Diane Belvedere, Shawn Cooper, Heather Eby, Carol Fraser and Kelly-Anne Kenny.
At the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board, there are eight elected trustees. The board is comprised of 50 schools – 41 elementary and nine secondary schools across Simcoe County – and serves about 21,000 students.
Their operating budget for the 2022-2023 school year was $298 million.
Voters will only vote for one of the board trustees. By default, a voter's card will include the English public board (Simcoe County District School Board), unless a voter has directed their school board taxes to a Catholic or French board.
Some answers have been edited for clarity and length.
1. What is your background, for people who may not know you?
Diane Belvedere: As a student, I have enjoyed the benefits of Catholic education myself, from elementary school, through high school, and as a U of T graduate from St. Mike's College. Throughout my work career, I have always endeavoured to give back, volunteering through various parishes in our Archdiocese, leading youth groups, teaching catechism, sitting on church council, as well as treasurer for CWL (at St. Dominic's, Oakville). Since having children and moving to Collingwood a number of years ago, I have continued to volunteer and help wherever I am needed. Since my eldest started school, I have volunteered on school parent councils and I am presently serving as a lector at St. Mary's parish. It would be my honour to continue to serve this wonderful community as your SMCDSB trustee, sharing my experience, advocating for our children and representing all our families of faith.
Shawn Cooper: I proudly served as Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board trustee from 2010-2018. I was elected Director of the Ontario Catholic Trustee Association from 2013-2015. I worked as a Legislative Assistant with the House of Commons in Ottawa. I am a member of St.Mary’s Parish in Collingwood, and a member of the Knights of Columbus. I am also a graduate of Jean Vanier Catholic High School (now Our Lady of the Bay) and St.Mary’s Catholic Elementary School in Collingwood.
Heather Eby: My family and I have lived in Elmvale for eight years and we love our small community. I am a mother, entrepreneur and small-business owner. I own a sign painting/gilding business and am very excited about the journey I have been on and the roads yet to be discovered. This will be my first political appointment, but I believe there is a big advantage to that. I will be a fresh set of eyes, ears and ideas, unencumbered by political motivations.
Carol Fraser: I have over 11 years of experience in navigating the SMCDSB system with a child with special needs. This has provided me with a great deal of insight in these matters.
Kelly-Anne Kenny: My 30 years of experience working as a contracts, privacy and compliance manager would be beneficial to overseeing the development of policies and procedures to guide the board in its operation.
2. What is your vision for the Catholic school board in your area? Are you happy with the way things are? What would you like to see change?
Diane Belvedere: In the past two years of COVID, nothing is as it was. The school closures and online learning were dramatic shifts for all of us and reopening with partial restrictions in place was necessary to return to 'normal' while keeping the children safe. This experience has affected all of us in different ways. I believe these past few years have highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy dialogue between schools and parents so that we may work together to find a way forward, always able to react to whatever changes and challenges that the next few years may bring. I see my role as trustee to look for those bridges, like a mediator, where we can come together as a team. In the end, we – parents, the school staff and board alike – want what is best for our kids.
Shawn Cooper: My vision for the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board is to provide the highest quality of education in the province. I'd like to provide an environment that nurtures faith, illuminates minds and develops graduates that can transform the world. I would like to provide a welcoming, supportive environment that encourages communication between families, students, clergy, trustee and the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic School Board.
Heather Eby: Nothing is ever perfect and there is always room for improvement. I would like to see families and teachers work together on their child’s education. Education doesn’t end when you leave the classroom. It is our job, as parents, to help and support our children’s education and that means working with our educators to make sure everyone is reaching their full potential. When we work together to enrich our children, everyone wins!
Carol Fraser: Creating a fully inclusive environment for students and teachers alike is critical in these ever-changing times. I can’t wait to learn how things work in the board and working towards change to benefit everyone.
Kelly-Anne Kenny: Advising the board as to ever-changing education requirements of Ministry of Education legislation, while maintaining a focus on student achievement, well-being, equity, being a good citizen and a faithful disciple of Christ.
3. Funding for schools comes from the provincial government, but the trustee position is at the municipal level. How do you plan to balance provincial, municipal and resident concerns?
Diane Belvedere: Growing up, my Dad had a long career as a civil servant with the Ontario government. Through watching his engagement and passion for his work, I learned early on the necessity of communication, collaboration and diplomacy between the levels of government and interests. I love getting involved in my local community, and as a practising Catholic, I would like to represent the families of faith. Just as each individual has a valid point of view and interest, each level of government will have its own focus, and through listening and communication, we can always find a way to work together.
Shawn Cooper: As a trustee from 2010-2018, I requested annual meetings between the area MPPs and Cabinet Ministers. As a trustee, I worked with the families of Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, Springwater and Clearview to identify our priorities and communicate with local MPPs to ensure those priorities were recognized at Queen’s Park.
Heather Eby: A lot of the decisions made by this government are being done unilaterally. The best thing we can do, to help our educators and communities, is to work together and strive to find a common ground.
Carol Fraser: Until I have some hands-on experience, I cannot answer this question appropriately.
Kelly-Anne Kenny: Did not send a response to this question.
4. In your opinion, what is the biggest school-board-level issue in your area? How do you plan to deal with that issue?
Diane Belvedere: When representing such a large community of people, we cannot simply focus on one issue, nor do I think it's healthy to come to office with any activist agendas. Having said that, as a parent, I see first-hand what my kids and their friends face every day at school. From kids with special needs (like my son), to kids with exceptional leadership skills (like my daughter), I see the school-board-level issue to make sure that every kid finds their path through school, allowing them the space and resources required to strive.
Shawn Cooper: The largest Catholic school board issue is the under-utilization of communication. With respectful dialogue and effective communication, local students will be poised for success.
Heather Eby: One of the biggest school-board-level issues in our area is that there are a lot of students that need extra help with reading and language skills, at the primary level. The provincial government has cut extended reading programs and a lot of students are being left behind. I will do my best to make sure that any additional funding available, or any policies being made (or revised), benefits special education programs to help the children twho most need it.
Carol Fraser: There are many issues to be addressed and it's a work-in-progress project. True inclusivity is my number one mission to achieve.
Kelly-Anne Kenny: My commitment to the children, parents and the community is to: ensure a strong educational system and strong student achievement, promote accountability throughout the school board, create collaborative relationships inside the board and across the community, promote continuous improvement, promote community involvement, establish communications, and ensure effective stewardship of the board's resources.
5. Is there anything else you’d like people in the area to know about you?
Diane Belvedere: My family and I attend Sunday mass at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Collingwood. Stop me and say 'hi' after mass. I'd love to meet you.
Shawn Cooper: In Collingwood and area, we need to support students and faculty in their journey. As a former student and trustee I believe that I am in the unique position to bring the communities issue to the board level.
Heather Eby: This is my first time running for school board trustee. It will be my job to be a voice for students, parents and teachers; to share their concerns and to be an ally throughout the year. I am looking forward to serving our community and schools.
Carol Fraser: I have experience on client advisory boards and continue to explore ways to make the lives of our children better as we follow our path of faith. Community support is key to achieve a successful path for our students.
Kelly-Anne Kenny: Did not send a response to this question.
