DURHAM PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD
From Candidate Emma Cunningham:
There are many issues that must be dealt with by the DURHAM PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD, and in my opinion, the three biggest issues are:
- Equity, particularly when it comes to students with special needs who require educational assistants or other staff. Understaffing these areas stops many students from success. Equity also becomes a problem when it comes to schools fundraising to make up for the lack of funds from the provincial government. Students in richer areas have access to additional resources since they are fundraising from people with more money to give. We need to do something to even this out so every child has access to the same high-quality education complete with all the necessary tools.
- Bullying. While there is an excellent zero-tolerance policy written, in practice, bullying complaints often go nowhere if the behaviour isn’t personally witnessed by a staff member. When students eat alone with only occasional checks but a lunchroom supervisor, how can this behaviour be observed and corrected? Most bullies are facing some sort of hardship that causes them to lash out – and addressing the root cause of their unhappiness requires a thorough investigation as well as both discipline and understanding.
- Accountability. Firing the ethics commissioner while an investigation was occurring looks terrible. Either the Board needed to come forward publicly as to why the ethics commissioner must be replaced, or allow the investigation occurring to take place. The Board cannot hide behind closed doors.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to participate.
Candidate for TRUSTEE, DURHAM PUBLIC BOARD,
Emma Cunningham
