InnisfilToday has asked candidates for school board trustee in the area to provide a synopsis of why they are running for public office. The following is from Dana Stott, who is running for English public school board trustee. Voting in the municipal election takes place Oct. 14 to 24.
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Four years ago I went into the voting box feeling confident in my selections. I had researched my candidates, met them all personally at local meet and greet events and had proudly displayed my choices on my front lawn while encouraging my friends and family to also vote.
But then, I reached the bottom of my ballot and got to the selection of school trustee. I froze. I had no idea who any of the school trustee candidates were and was embarrassed I hadn’t even thought of researching or looking up the candidates. So, like many others out there, I guessed. I went with the incumbent and figured I’d be safe with staying with the status quo. Fast forward to today. Today I have realized there is a gap in our education and political system and that gap is the school trustee position.
Our current school trustee has held the position for 24 years. Two generations of children have been raised and gone through the system with her as their advocate and champion. While I hold no ill will toward the incumbent and believe she has the best of intentions, the reality is we need new blood in this role. Someone who has new ideas and new energy that can unite the system and the stakeholders that support it.
But, the system seems rigged against it. As an active candidate trying to attain the role of school trustee and get my name out there, I have had unique roadblocks that have not been shared by my fellow candidates. I have been turned away from ward meet and greet events, told not to attend or speak to local school councils and was even denied a place at the All Candidates meet and greet at the local library. Excuses have ranged from, “Well no one had ever attended in the past, so we stopped inviting trustees”, to “We’ve never invited trustees and we are not about to do it now”. I find these excuses completely unacceptable and I believe it speaks to a larger problem within our society. Transparency in our elected officials is paramount and by denying school trustees an opportunity to speak at local meet-and-greet events and participate in surveys and consultation opportunities we are denying the residents an opportunity to make an informed choice about the education system that molds the next generation of residents.
That being said, I have also found support in a select few and thank everyone who has shared a post, invited me to an event, taken a sign or endorsed me publicly to their friends and family. I do not write this article out of anger or lack of appreciation and have especially appreciated those who reached out directly to fill out a survey or answer a question. I know I have a lot more I can do and as a first-time candidate, the learning curve has been quite steep.
But as election day draws near and advanced polling begins I implore you, please research your school trustee. Make sure this role is not some random check mark because our students, educators and parents deserve more. They deserve an advocate that is available, that answers their calls and addresses their concerns with thoughtfulness and will advocate for meaningful change. I believe education is the best way to solve problems and prevent them from repeating themselves. So please educate yourself and let's work together to solve the problems of our education system. If you personally have any questions or concerns about my candidacy I can be reached at [email protected].
