As your public school Trustee my priorities include:
Student & Staff Wellbeing - increased mental health supports and partnerships, academic support for all learners, and increased community partnerships to support families in need.
Combatting Racism and Hate - increasing culturally relevant programming, training, and resources embedded in truth and lived experiences.
Special Education Resources to enable inclusive schools and classrooms that ensure student success - adopting best practices within the TDSB and advocating to the Province to increase funding and modernize the funding model so that resources are available to address the current needs of students.
Equitable Access to programming and resources - Honoring student voice, supporting the programs that students want, ensuring programs are accessible and inclusive, and increasing programs in underserved areas of the city to increase access.
Healthy and Active school communities - work collaboratively with schools and our City partners to foster an active travel approach to the school day, increase outdoor education, invest in and advocated for best practices in health and safety.
Schools as accessible community hubs - the TDSB prioritizes school upgrades and community access but funding is limited and the Provincial funding structure is restrictive. I will continue to push for the funding and improvements needed for accessible community schools.
These priorities require me to work collaboratively with the Board of Trustees, education staff, community partners, and stakeholders with lived experience to ensure that programs are designed for success. These priorities also require me to work with partners outside the TDSB, including the Province, the City of Toronto, the Ontario Public School Boards Association, and advocacy groups to ensure stable funding for programming, best practices, and infrastructure, and push for ongoing review and improvement of how education is funded.
Learn more about the role of Trustees in Ontario: https://elections.ontarioschooltrustees.org/
Learn more about Toronto Municipal Elections and register to vote: https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/elections/voter-information/myvote/
Contact:
For questions regarding the municipal election please contact michelle@aarts.ca
For questions or concerns regarding your school or the TDSB please contact your school office staff directly (Find my School) or contact michelle.aarts@tdsb.on.ca or call the TDSB central offices at Tel: 416-395-8787