Investment in Public Education

Located in one of the most diverse cities in the world, the Toronto District School Board is the largest school board in Canada. Some of our facilities are the oldest in the country. A larger proportion of our students require ESL instruction. These are just a couple reasons why a cookie-cutter funding formula just won't cut it. Having chaired the Scarborough budget consultation and sat on the Budget Committee, I will continue to fight for a funding formula that works for Toronto.

Resources for Youth in Need

While we often honour those who do well, it is youth in need who deserve the most attention. Students who are experiencing academic or social difficulties require opportunities to resolve their issues and realize their strengths. As a PhD student in education, I have researched effective ways to address student disengagement. Youth counsellors as well as mentorship and after-school programs are essential to help kids stay out of trouble. We must also ensure the Safe Schools policy does not hurt our most vulnerable students.

Diverse Programs for a Diverse City

In Scarborough-Rouge River, the diversity in our communities is immense. There needs to be school community advisors in place to assist newcomers, as well as proper allocation of ESL funding. That is why I proposed the successful motion to re-invest $11.5 million back into ESL programs. Special education, adult classes, heritage and language programs must also receive adequate resources to operate. In a city as diverse as ours, it is essential that each and every student is enabled to achieve success.

A Well-Rounded Education

We tend to measure academic excellence through achievement in literacy, mathematics and the sciences; and we sometimes forget about important programs in sports, choir, drama, visual arts—the subjects that not only enrich our lives, but which may also be our areas of greatest achievement. I believe in fully supporting athletics, music and the arts, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded educational experience. As well, young people should have options to explore apprenticeship and training programs.

Green Facilities and Child Care

We have some of the oldest schools right here in Scarborough. Let's keep them in good shape. Proper funding is needed to pay for building repairs and green retrofits, as well as child care in our growing communities. Our students and educators need a clean and safe environment in which to respectively learn and teach. I will continue to advocate for EcoSchools, a program that promotes energy conservation, waste minimization and community clean-up initiatives.

Broader Community Involvement

As your representative to the TDSB, I will continue to seek input from residents, parents, students and educators—directly involving them in the decision-making process. I am committed to being accountable to all stakeholders and to ensuring that the Scarborough-Rouge River community has a means to effect real change in their public education system. My pledge is to consistently work in consultation with my constituents and to build on our active Ward 21 Council.