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 Beth Mouratidis, who is running for Simcoe County District School Board trustee in Barrie Wards 4-6. 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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I have been the trustee for Barrie Wards 4, 5 and 6 for the last four years. This term has been a challenging one. Labour actions and the pandemic have shaped many of our discussions and will continue to do so for some time. I am prepared and excited at the opportunity to serve a second term and continue working for students and parents.
Running for trustee was not a sudden decision or one I took lightly. Both my children went through the public system here and I have been involved in school issues for over 20 years. I spoke in front of the board on two occasions. The first was regarding the need for a comprehensive policy for dealing with head lice. At that time, Simcoe was one of two boards in the province with no actual policy. The second was regarding supervision of students at recess.
At the school level, volunteering and work on parent council kept me active. That and my involvement with the Save Barrie Central group led to my decision to run for trustee. It felt like a logical next step that would allow me to continue working to improve our school system and advocate for students.
Since becoming a trustee:
- I attend meetings regularly and ask questions as appropriate.
- I am a member of the First Nation Education Advisory Committee.
- I attend expulsion hearings and supervised alternative learning meetings.
- I chair the human resources committee monthly.
- I advocate that the board encourage parents to get their children’s eyes tested as this has a personal meaning for me. A flyer has been included with the kindergarten package for parents this year.
Education issues continue to matter to me. My granddaughter will be attending school in the fairly near future and I want to help ensure that she and all the other school children get the best system we can give them. I look forward to continuing to put students first.
I have enjoyed the last four years and wish to continue as your trustee. Please reach out with any questions or concerns you may have.
Beth Mouratidis
