Elizabeth Terrell
York Region District School Board
Trustee Candidate
lizterrell73@gmail.com
www.twitter.com/lizterrell73
www.instagram.com/lizterrell73/
What does a School Board Trustee do for the people of Stouffville?
I think the first question is not realistic as being an elected trustee is working with the full board so specifically just for Stouffville is not really the mandate of a trustee so I won’t answer because I don’t want to give any false hopes.
Why would you be good at this job?
I have a variety of Experience, proven Dedication & Perseverance. In 2006 I started my local political journey by running for Whitchurch-Stouffville Ward 6 Councillor. I later switched to the candidacy of YRDSB trustee! Earlier in the year I did seriously consider running for council or mayor but I truly enjoy being your elected Public School trustee. I have been doing the Trustee position for the past 4 years & I look forward to the opportunity to serve another term. I have been a parent for over 30 years. My kids were raised in the public school system and they range from 31 to 16 years old. (Now I’m even a grandparent!) I have 10 years experience as an online course instructor (developer) for Durham College. I was also a prior real estate sales agent & I have over 25 years experience in accounting & finance.
What issues are you concerned about?
We need to balance the budget, if re-elected I would like to put my name in to volunteer for Budget Chair. Unfortunately, YRDSB has a structural deficit which means a deficit budget for the foreseeable future. We have a $1.5 billion dollar budget & unfortunately we will need to find creative solutions (that do not Directly impact the classroom) to try to balance the future budgets and also advocate for better funding from the province. We are currently reviewing School Re-naming Policy & Dress Code Policy. We also have a pending future motion to review staff dress code parameters. We also have a retiring director, so trustees will be hiring a new director for the future term. Also if re-elected, I would put my name in for OPSBA to volunteer at the provincial level to help our province. Trustees also work on the Multi-Year Strategic Plan & a variety of committees, board meetings, policy, property, governance, budget, audit, plus special education & equity & inclusivity. Trustees work with the unions at the local bargaining level to negotiate fair & honest contracts.
Why should the people of Stouffville share your concerns?
Everyone should share my concerns about the existing YRDSB deficit budget because we all live & pay taxes / rents in the region so the public school budget is monetarily related to everyone. All parents / caregivers are connected to the schools for Policy, Property & Procedures. On average the”English-Public” Boards are over 73% of the population therefore the largest public education consortium in the province. Public Education is the cornerstone of our democratic society. Please contact me with your Questions & Comments.
Describe what a successful term with you as School Board Trustee would
accomplish?
I think the last question is hypothetical and I am ok not to answer as I am the incumbent.
