DDSB – PUBLIC BOARD
There are six candidates campaigning, most are not well known people, if at all. However, one candidate stands above the rest, The incumbent, Emma Cunningham, a mother of two children and the wife of one husband, has lived and worked in the community for years. She has been at the front of classes as a professor and involved with school affairs since first elected as DDSB trustee in 2022. A solid consideration.
DCDSB – CATHOLIC BOARD
Three candidates, replacing retiree Jim McCafferty. Bessy Stergiou, a 21 year Pickering resident, mother of two and Catholic school volunteer for many years may offer the most for consideration. She is earnest, dedicated and determined to affect important policies in the Catholic system. She has knocked on doors and held coffee clatches explaining her platform and philosophies. An authentic and intelligent candidate who looks like she would be ideal for Catholic School trustee. A definite consideration.
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The condiderations to consider in choosing a school board trustee:
Role: Trustees set policy and budget and oversee the director. They don’t run schools.
Board and seat: Public (two seats in Pickering) or Catholic (one seat). Catholic candidates must be Catholic school supporters.
Track record:
a. Incumbents: voting record and attendance.
b. Newcomers: school council, parent group, and community volunteer work.
Key issues:
a. School capacity and boundaries
b. Special education and mental health
c. Budget and provincial funding
d. Student safety and equity
e. Building upkeep and new schools
Conflicts of interest: Board employment or contracts, and union, vendor, or party ties.
Transparency: Financial disclosure, public answers, and attendance at all-candidates meetings.
Experience: Governance, budget, or public administration experience.
Red flags:
a. Promises outside board authority, such as provincial curriculum
b. Single-issue platforms
c. Vague budget answers
