August 16, 2018 · 0 Comments
By Jasen Obermeyer
Orangeville Councillor Gail Campbell still wants to continue serving Orangeville, this time looking to run for Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) trustee.
Councillor Campbell did not seek re-election in the upcoming municipal vote in October, but instead is looking to go back to the school board. Before being a member of council, she was a public school board trustee for 15 years.
“That wasn’t going to be the end,” she told the Citizen Tuesday. “I’ve always wanted to be involved in the community.”
She explained that there are several challenges to tackle, one of which is making the schools more inclusive for all students. “I want to be sure that they’re just not slipping through the cracks, and they will get the help they need.”
Ms. Campbell said that she feels “very strongly” about the new provincial government’s plan to scrap the current sex-education curriculum, which was one of the reasons she decided to run. “We need to offer programs that are appropriate for today’s curriculum.” She added that she would like to see some sort of special funding for students who can’t afford class activities that cost money, such as field trips. “We have to ensure that every child has the ability to go.”
She mentioned that although Orangeville “has done fairly well” in regards to accessibility, she wants to make all the schools in the board’s jurisdiction accessible.
Ms. Campbell said her years of experience working on council and previously as a school board trustee are reasons she should be one again, adding that she prizes being able to work independently and with others. “I have integrity. I’ll do what I say I’ll do. If there is a mistake and I’m responsible, I’ll take responsibility for it.”
She added that she is very active in the community, having served on various committees and boards. “I have a lot to offer. I always do my homework and arrive at meetings ready to discuss and solve issues.”
Shelley Bergant, Kim Reid and John Trafananko are also running for school board trustee.