HALDIMAND—Last week, The Press provided profiles on the candidates vying for the Grand Erie District School Board (English Public) trustee position. Haldimand’s three other school board trustee positions were acclaimed, as only one candidate applied for each; the Conseil scolaire Viamonde (French Public) board trustee is David Paradis, the Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir (French Separate) board trustee is Dorothee Petit-Pas, and the Brant Haldimand-Norfolk Catholic District School Board (English Separate) trustee is Toni Poirier.
The acclaimed candidates were provided the same three questions, so constituents with students in these boards may get to know their trustee. Petis-Pas did not reply as of publication.
Why are you running for the position of school board trustee, and what relevant experience or skills will assist you in this role?
David Paradis
Being a trustee is the best way for me to support my Francophone and Francophile community in Ontario. Having just been acclaimed to a second term, I’m continuing work that draws on over a decade of governance experience (including finance, strategic planning, and leadership roles with charities and non-profits), which has been directly useful in budget oversight, policy, and public accountability as a trustee.
I see this role as where that governance experience meets my passion for secular French-language education as a minority language rights issue in Ontario.
Toni Poirier
I have truly enjoyed serving as the Haldimand County trustee and am pleased to serve our community for another four years.
Having spent more than 32 years as an educator with the board, I bring a strong understanding of education and the needs of students, families, and school communities. I am an active member of St. Patrick’s Parish and remain committed to both my Catholic faith community and the broader Haldimand community.
What do you see as the top challenges facing your board over the next four years, and what ideas would you bring forward?
David Paradis
Our two biggest challenges are transportation funding and keeping pace with growing demand. Both in areas we already serve and communities we don’t yet reach.
We’ve made real progress: a new partnership in St. Thomas to open an elementary school, and a school acquisition in Chatham that becomes our newest école élémentaire in September 2027. Transportation funding remains an ongoing pressure point, and this term I want to keep pushing the province for a funding model that better reflects the geography our board covers (for Viamonde that’s an area the size of Belgium).
Toni Poirier
As the Board’s 2023-27 Strategic Plan comes to completion, I look forward to being part of the work to establish our local priorities for the years ahead. The development of a new Strategic Plan provides an important opportunity to identify the areas of focus that will best support our students and school communities. Central to that work is reaching all students, supporting their wellbeing, and creating opportunities for every learner to experience success and reach their full potential.
Do you think school boards need the province’s additional oversight and accountability measures? Why or why not?
David Paradis
I support increased transparency and accountability; trustees are stewards of public funds and public trust. Our board has posted the top scores on provincial standards testing of any board in Ontario, a reflection of the strength of our teachers and administrators. We have a good working relationship with the minister’s office through our chair and director of education.
I welcome any new framework being shaped collaboratively with boards, so it draws on what’s already working rather than applying a single standard from the top down.
Toni Poirier
Public education continues to evolve, and strong relationships among school boards, communities, and the Ministry of Education remain important. As both an educator and trustee, I value collaboration, accountability, and a positive working relationship with the ministry.
Keeping student learning and wellbeing at the forefront will remain a priority for me. I look forward to representing the families of Haldimand County and bringing my experience and perspective to the work ahead.
Click here to read more of the Press’ election coverage.
