Name: Shawn Gaudet
Position for which you are running: I am your candidate for York Catholic District School Board Trustee
Do you reside in the ward in which you are running (council candidates):
Outline your background/experience (100-word limit):
I am a dedicated candidate, possess strong communication skills, excellent problem solving skills and have a strong Catholic faith. I have earned an Administrative Studies degree in Business and a professional certificate in management. I have extensive work experience with financial institutions and with a federal crown corporation. It will be an honour & a privilege to receive your support for change.
What are the top four qualities required to be an effective municipal representative? (4-word limit)
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responsible
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integral
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transparent
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focused
Explain why you are the best qualified candidate. (100-word limit):
The York Catholic District School Board needs change. I am promoting change because not enough is being done to increase awareness of our child and youth mental health issues and bullying. I will also focus on expanding special needs services and help make them more effective. Providing more resources and upgrading existing resources in our schools is a priority to help our students meet the needs of a challenging workforce. I will balance the budget. I will listen to your concerns and advocate on your behalf to the board and be your voice for Catholic Education in York Region.
What are the two most important issues for your ward/constituents? (200-word limit):
The mental health of students and faculty in the classroom is an important consideration. Student mental health issues need to be addressed. I will listen to your concerns and be your voice for Catholic education and help guide parents through their difficult situations while providing feedback. Resources will be allocated appropriately to programs that help achieve the mission of the York Catholic District School Board. There is a strong link between mental health and student achievement. I am committed to promoting mental well being in all students. Balancing the budget of the YCDSB is very important. Taxpayers of Newmarket, East Gwillimbury and Georgina have experienced trustees at the YCDSB run deficits for many years. The current budget has been approved with a deficit. It’s time for a change. I will work diligently on ensuring all revenue and expenses, including grant funds, are accurately recorded and well managed. Parents are the taxpayers and I want to be as transparent as possible to everyone. YCDSB trustees should focus on the best interests of taxpayers when considering budget approval. Your vote for me ensures more transparency when it comes to how your money is spent within the York Catholic District School Board.
What will you do to ensure you are accountable to your constituents? (50-word limit):
Accountability is very important for school board trustees. Your vote for me ensures more transparency and better education for your children that will help prepare them for the 21st century learning environment, while balancing the budget. I will be transparent in my communication with parents, ensuring everyone understands what the board is accomplishing. I intend to strengthen accountability and improve the management of Newmarket, East Gwillimbury and Georgina taxpayers funds, through increased communication on the Board of Trustees direction and decisions. I will celebrate student achievements, improve inclusiveness, be responsible, integral, transparent and community focused for your children’s education career.
What is the most important issue for council/school board to address in the next term? (100-word limit):
Ensuring every student receives the best education the York Catholic District School Board can provide, is the most important issue. I will ensure parents have a voice for their children and a platform for them to speak about issues that are important in today’s changing society. I will help parents and students through difficult situations and implement best practices from other schools that have found effective methods of reducing bullying and harassment. I support Ontario’s Open Mind Healthy Mind strategy and the School Mental Health Assist program. These programs help support schools in addressing mental health concerns in children & youth.
Describe your dream project that would result in a better quality of life in Newmarket. (100-word limit):
I believe there is a need for greater coherence between parish, school and home. It is important to encourage more support from local parish pastors at the school level to promote greater visibility for discussion with our students. We can strengthen and open more lines of communication by encouraging meetings between the local pastor, parents and faculty together. Catholic education helps to nurture values in students such as responsibility, accountability, collaboration and caring within family and community. Building relationship between the parish, parents, students and educators is very important for everyone to help foster community togetherness.
Answer Yes or No (1-word limit):
Are the school board’s equity and inclusivity policies working? No
Are the EQAO and large-scale testing a fair measurement of student achievement? No
Could the school board improve accountability to parents and students? Yes
Should trustees block followers on their board social media accounts? No
Should there be fixed terms for trustees? No
