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 Tyler Boswell, 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?
After the pandemic, students in our schools need to catch up. The disruption our students experienced such as; online learning and a loss of sports/clubs, has impacted every student in our community. Ensuring our students are able to catch up is one of my key priorities going forward. The Ontario Government has pledged funding for the tutor program to ensure students have the supports they need. As Trustee, I will advocate for an extension of this funding for another year. In addition to the impacts of the pandemic, aging schools, climate change, equity, and affordability are all issues facing youth. That’s why I am running, to ensure the SCDSB (Simcoe County District School Board) is focused on the issues that most matter to students, parents/guardians, and the community.
What do students need more than anything, which they don’t already have but should?
As Trustee, I have heard from students and parents that our schools desperately need better mental health resources. That’s why while as a Trustee these past three years, I have continuously supported efforts for the expansion of mental health resources for students. I am proud of the steps the SCDSB has taken such as expanding graduation coaches and student mental health supports. I know there is much more work to be done and these are programs I will continue to support and speak up for as the next Trustee.
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 three student trustees that sit at the Board table are our guiding voices for student input. They were elected by their peers and I promise to always listen to their input and concerns. For other opportunities, being a recent student myself, I believe that my first-hand experience will allow me to be more aware of the issues facing youth and I can continue to use my position on the Board to provide this perspective.
