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 Susan van Amelsvoort, who is running for Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB) trustee in Barrie Wards 1-5. 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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My name is Susan van Amelsvoort and I am a candidate for Catholic school board trustee for Barrie Wards 1-5 in the upcoming municipal election.
My husband Frank and I have raised five children, all of whom attended Catholic schools in Barrie, and have graduated and moved on to post-secondary education.
Frank and I are active members of St. John Vianney parish. I work as an administrative assistant, a position I have had for eight years.
While our children were in elementary and secondary school, I volunteered on parent councils and was chair of their elementary school parent council for two terms.
I also sat on the Catholic parent involvement committee for two years, providing insight into how parent councils and the school board work together to encourage and support parent engagement.
I was a member of the board of directors of the IOOF Seniors' Home in Barrie for seven years, giving me experience on a governance board. Trustees have a similar role in that they are tasked with approving the board budget, providing oversight with development and implementation of the strategic plan, and liaise with community members and stakeholders to bring issues/concerns to the attention of the school board.
I will promote the values of our faith within our school communities by encouraging a closer connection to parishes and families.
I am running as a Catholic school trustee to ensure funding continues to be available to strengthen Catholic education so all students can reach their full potential. The past few years have demonstrated the need for increased support for students with mental health and other special needs.
I look forward to meeting as many constituents as possible throughout this campaign. I am eager to learn more about your ideas and concerns.
Please contact me at [email protected] or 705-790-6261.
For more information, you may visit my webpage at www.vanam4trustee.ca.
