It's all about the kids!
What is the role of a school board trustee?
I have had the privilege of being elected as a school board trustee for three terms, 12 years. A trustee has several roles and accountabilities, to the constituents who elect them, to the local school board system of Wellington and Dufferin Counties, and to the province/Ministry of Education.
At the community grass roots level a trustee engages and listens to parents and families, answers questions and supports families as they navigate the education system. Trustees bring their knowledge, skills and experience to the Board table. Working together the Board of Trustees reflect on school board plans, reports and the system as a whole, making recommendations to better meet the needs of children, youth and families.
Finally, as with any Board, school board trustees are accountable for how resources are allocated, that they are used wisely and sustainably and are accountable to the communities we serve and all levels of government.
Why run to become a school board trustee?
As a parent, community volunteer and the current school board Trustee, my focus has always been on our children and youth. Student learning and well-being, that is what our public education system is all about!
As parents and caring adults we want all of our children to learn, experience success, be happy and healthy. Every child can succeed, but we also know that schools can't do this alone. I believe that success involves parents, partnerships and the support of our entire community.
My first hand experience with the UGDSB is that we have amazing staff who inspire learning inside and outside of the classroom. Schools work to create equitable, safe and welcoming learning and work environments. As involved parents, we support our children and enrich their learning. Through community partnerships, we create opportunities for students to become engaged, participate in experiential learning and give back to their community.
School Board Trustees work together to provide a clear sense of purpose and direction to the entire school board organization. I would like to continue to put my energies toward building a system that ensures there are many opportunities for youth to be successful, parents engaged and community partnerships.
What do I bring to the Education Table?
There are three baskets of experience and skills I bring to the Education table.
As a parent I have first hand experience with excellent schools, programs like special education, FI and student supports. As a Trustee for the past 12 years I bring a thorough understanding of the board, and a track record of accomplishments such as the establishment of IB at Guelph CVI.
In the second basket are years of Guelph volunteering resulting in meaningful community connections. I have volunteered with several School Councils, worked with a determined group to establish the Guelph Youth Music Centre, organized a Child Care parent group to advocate for infant care, and volunteered with other organizations such as the Suzuki String School, Guelph & District Labour Council, Special Olympics as a coach, and I am an active neighbourhood volunteer, to list a few. All of this engages me with different people, views and lived experiences and holds me accountable for decisions.
Finally I bring board operations experience, the behind the scenes work of budgets, audit, strategic planning, policies and governance. This has been gained from years of volunteer work on not for profit boards, Waterloo-Wellington Training & Adjustment Board, Art Gallery of Guelph, as an Ontario Public School Board Policy Work Team member and Director, and employment roles as Central West Consultant for Healthy Communities and Health Sector Training & Adjustment.
"Doing the best for children is always at the centre of my decisions, supporting teachers and schools is very important as we grow our children and communities."
What is the role of a school board trustee?
I have had the privilege of being elected as a school board trustee for three terms, 12 years. A trustee has several roles and accountabilities, to the constituents who elect them, to the local school board system of Wellington and Dufferin Counties, and to the province/Ministry of Education.
At the community grass roots level a trustee engages and listens to parents and families, answers questions and supports families as they navigate the education system. Trustees bring their knowledge, skills and experience to the Board table. Working together the Board of Trustees reflect on school board plans, reports and the system as a whole, making recommendations to better meet the needs of children, youth and families.
Finally, as with any Board, school board trustees are accountable for how resources are allocated, that they are used wisely and sustainably and are accountable to the communities we serve and all levels of government.
Why run to become a school board trustee?
As a parent, community volunteer and the current school board Trustee, my focus has always been on our children and youth. Student learning and well-being, that is what our public education system is all about!
As parents and caring adults we want all of our children to learn, experience success, be happy and healthy. Every child can succeed, but we also know that schools can't do this alone. I believe that success involves parents, partnerships and the support of our entire community.
My first hand experience with the UGDSB is that we have amazing staff who inspire learning inside and outside of the classroom. Schools work to create equitable, safe and welcoming learning and work environments. As involved parents, we support our children and enrich their learning. Through community partnerships, we create opportunities for students to become engaged, participate in experiential learning and give back to their community.
School Board Trustees work together to provide a clear sense of purpose and direction to the entire school board organization. I would like to continue to put my energies toward building a system that ensures there are many opportunities for youth to be successful, parents engaged and community partnerships.
What do I bring to the Education Table?
There are three baskets of experience and skills I bring to the Education table.
As a parent I have first hand experience with excellent schools, programs like special education, FI and student supports. As a Trustee for the past 12 years I bring a thorough understanding of the board, and a track record of accomplishments such as the establishment of IB at Guelph CVI.
In the second basket are years of Guelph volunteering resulting in meaningful community connections. I have volunteered with several School Councils, worked with a determined group to establish the Guelph Youth Music Centre, organized a Child Care parent group to advocate for infant care, and volunteered with other organizations such as the Suzuki String School, Guelph & District Labour Council, Special Olympics as a coach, and I am an active neighbourhood volunteer, to list a few. All of this engages me with different people, views and lived experiences and holds me accountable for decisions.
Finally I bring board operations experience, the behind the scenes work of budgets, audit, strategic planning, policies and governance. This has been gained from years of volunteer work on not for profit boards, Waterloo-Wellington Training & Adjustment Board, Art Gallery of Guelph, as an Ontario Public School Board Policy Work Team member and Director, and employment roles as Central West Consultant for Healthy Communities and Health Sector Training & Adjustment.
"Doing the best for children is always at the centre of my decisions, supporting teachers and schools is very important as we grow our children and communities."
Copyright © 2018 Linda Busuttil All rights reserved.