Editor's note: MidlandToday has asked school board trustee candidates in Midland, Penetanguishene and Tiny Township to provide a synopsis of why they are running for their school boards. Municipal elections take place Oct. 24, which will include school board trustees on the ballots.
The following response is from Robin Talbot, who is running for English language public school trustee in the Simcoe County District School Board. For more election coverage, visit our 2022 municipal election page by clicking here, where you can find candidate profiles and other election news.
The world is a different place than it was four years ago. What is the greatest challenge facing students in this current society?
The greatest challenge for students today is to obtain a relevant education that will equip them with the tools needed to find good skills to obtain employment or the proper standards for post secondary learning.
What do students need more than anything, which they don’t already have but should?
Students need to be taught in a classroom environment and must never revert to online learning! They also should be able to obtain this education in their community and not be bused all over Simcoe County due to school closures.
Sometimes new policy and legislation goes against common sense. While change is only measured as good or bad in hindsight, what will you do to ensure the best opportunities for students?
The single greatest threat to students is going to be budgeting cutbacks. Ford’s government is going to slash education support just as they have done to healthcare in the province. It is important that we have a trustee that will vehemently oppose Ford’s cuts, not be afraid of confrontation and will fight for equitable budget distribution for Midland, Penetang, Tiny and Tay.
