Editor's note: BarrieToday has asked candidates for school board trustee in Barrie to provide a synopsis of why they are running for public office. The following is from Lynn Strachan, who is running for Simcoe County District School Board trustee in Barrie Wards 1-3. Municipal elections take place Oct. 24. For more election coverage, visit our 2022 municipal election page by clicking here, where you can find candidate profiles and other election news.
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“For our kids, for our communities" is why Lynn Strachan says she is running for school board trustee for SCDSB. Seeking a seat in Barrie’s Ward 1, Strachan brings over 20 years of experience serving on community boards as an elected official and a volunteer.
"I believe that we need a strong voice at the school board table, someone who will advocate for safe schools, quality education and who will be a voice for parents and students," says Strachan.
Lynn Strachan, a mother of five children attending both elementary and high school in Barrie, believes we need to tackle key issues including:
1. Traffic safety – Ensuring safe routes for children to get to and from school.
2. Enhancing the school experience – Kids need playgrounds, extracurricular activities, field trips, exciting and innovative learning opportunities. School should be a place where kids want to go, where they belong, and where they feel safe.
3. Listening to student voices – Involving students in their education in a meaningful way.
4. Investing in the community – Working with community organizations to provide unique learning opportunities for all students.
5. Parent involvement – Welcoming parent volunteers back into our schools.
Serving as a Barrie city councillor for three terms, chairperson of the YMCA of Simcoe Muskoka, treasurer of the Barrie Film Festival, director on the Barrie Police Services Board, and past director of the Barrie Public Library, Strachan cares about the community. "Schools are an integral part of the fabric of our communities. We have these fantastic places where we can build connections, create a sense of place, and teach our young people to be active engaged members of our city."
Strachan believes that all students should have an equal opportunity to learn and thrive at school. "We need to support students and families to meet their full potential. We need to create learning spaces that are safe and welcoming for all." Strachan believes that there are a lot of challenges facing young people in schools today ranging from bullying to mental health. "As a community, as educators, parents and volunteers we all need to come together to support our children."
Strachan is excited to represent you as your school board trustee and hopes she can count on your vote in the Oct. 24 election. To show your support or for more information, please feel free to contact Lynn at [email protected].
