York Region District School Board Trustee candidate: Bessie Vlasis

Name: Bessie Vlasis

Position for which you are running: Candidate for Public School Trustee

Do you reside in the ward in which you are running? (council candidates):

Outline your background/experience. (100-word limit):

My family has lived in Newmarket since 1995.  For the past 30 years I have owned and operated a manufacturing company. After a bullying incident, I joined school council to become more informed on the school policies. I have chaired both elementary and high school councils and work with students, families, teachers, administrators and board staff and have worked on a number of committees at the board level. The last nine years I advocate for students through my Not-For-Profit organization.  I founded the Newmarket Parent Network, supporting our families and community by bringing speakers and workshops into our community.

1. Integrity

2. Honesty

3. Discipline

4. Accountable

I am the best-qualified candidate because the work I do in the community with students and families allows me to connect on a level of trust and support. Currently I field calls and questions and advocate for families who are looking for solutions to issues that affect their children in school. Running a business has given me the fiscal sense that is needed when working with large budgets. I have made valuable collaborative relationships with community members and stakeholders that will enrich students’ education and success.  I will be available, transparent and accountable to the constituents of our community.

1. I believe financial responsibility and accountability is important to constituents.  They want to know that their hard earned dollars are being spent in a thoughtful and efficient manner so that the education of our students is the priority and at the forefront of every decision that is made.  If sound financial practices are in place, we should not be seeing shortages for Education Assistants, Child Youth Workers and educational supports. We need to find and address inefficiencies so that more dollars are funnelled into the classroom. Every student should be given the opportunity to succeed.

2. Our children deserve a world-class public education system.  Another priority would be the health and well-being of all students by creating safe, healthy and inclusive environments. Every student should be given the opportunity to succeed regardless of background or circumstance.  Creating positive school cultures were dignity, respect, empathy and belonging become the status quo, will ensure that students learn how to safely engage in an ever-changing world. It will give them the foundation to resolve issues that may arise and the resiliency to move forward.  As parents, we want our children to go to school, thrive academically and have fun.

What will you do to ensure your are accountable to your constituents? (50-word limit):

I will hold a series of meetings with constituents throughout the year for transparent communication. Real time opportunity to listen and learn constituents’ needs and opinions and also share what the board is currently doing, enabling me to be an effective representative of our diverse community at the Board.

The most important issue for the school board to address is regaining and building the trust of the public.  With new leadership and a clear vision I believe this will be accomplished. Building safe and inclusive learning and working environments where both students and staff feel valued and they belong.

Describe your dream project that would result in a better quality of life in Newmarket. (100-word limit)

Yes or No? (1-word limit)

Are the school board’s equity and inclusivity policies working? Too...

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? Yes