Sept. 30 marked the first time in local debates where all four candidates for the northern Upper Grand District School Board ward were able to be at the same meeting.
In the running are Irma DeVries, Doris French, Tim Meyers, and incumbent Bruce Schieck.
Following presentation of their platforms, candidates were offered the chance to respond to identical questions from the floor.
Do you have any plans to keep residents informed about how their education dollars are being spent?
French said “We have to make use of people in the local Newspapers.”
As well, French said there is a need to keep indicators to let the people of north Wellington that the board is sincere “and that we will do everything we can to keep the school system viable.”
DeVries said there are a few things to consider about education dollars: how much is being spent, and how to find out where to get that information.
“First, you have to want to know it.”
She cited information that exists on websites, but there is a need to get the “techie guys” out there to help get the information to the public.
“But I think the biggest thing is that you, as parents, need to be involved and eager to find that information and find out what it means and translates into for our children.”
Schieck said to keep the community informed, “We need to do it through local Newspapers, which is probably the best.”
He said looking at the audience in attendance that night, he saw a number of seniors.
While some can be done through the internet, “I’m a firm believer in hard copies of everything.”
Meyers said, “The answer is multiple means of communications … whatever is best for different levels.”
He said Newspapers would be appropriate for one level, internet for another and possible personal meeting with others.
What do you do about fundraising and the fact that parents are forced to fundraise for necessities of the classroom needs?
Meyers said one of the ways is through involvement in the community.
He said there are multiple ways of fundraising, such as service clubs, plus he believed there are ways for businesses to become involved.
Schieck agreed fundraising is a big part of school council and the total parent community.
“There just isn’t enough funds there for all school supplies.”
He explained the funding envelope has a set amount of money per pupil that goes to the school.
“Fundraising is going to be a way of life. There’s not enough money coming from the province to cover everything.”
DeVries said that as a member of Listowel Christian School, she said none of her tax dollars went to the school her children attended – even though she was a public school tax supporter.
“We fundraised for all of the things we needed, and for the tuition.”
She pointed to various fundraisers used over the years.
French said “I think the best way to keep in touch regarding the need for money is through the meetings of parent teacher councils.”
At those meetings, decisions can be made as to what fundraising should happen and when the government should be lobbied for more funds.
