Riley, Denise
Belmont Zone
I’ve been privileged to represent this community as a school trustee for 12 years—6 of those years as Chair of the Board. I have been active on many board committees, and currently the Chair of the Education committee. I take pride in the career programs, sports academies and enhanced educational opportunities the Board of Education has initiated from which all students benefit.
Working together towards providing the best educational experiences for students has not been without challenges; including constantly changing funding formulas, inadequately funded ministry initiatives and legislated changes to class size and composition. In spite of this we have vibrant schools with students receiving amazing learning and achieving success.
There will be new challenges and/or exciting opportunities ahead that will affect all of us. I’ll mention two; first, the Boards expanded mandate to implement early learning and adult literacy, second, the need to address both upgrading or replacement of our aging facilities and a new high school in the Belmont zone. It will be especially important to have wide consultation with the community on these issues.
As your trustee I will continue my proven record of being hard working, fair, open minded, and consultative. I will continue my promise of accessible and open governance on the board. I will encourage collaborative public participation to promote students best interests and I will continue to advocate for adequate and sustainable funding to address smaller classes and increases services for our special needs and aboriginal students. Schools are where we nurture our next generation and my commitment to you is to help build a strong education system for tomorrow’s citizens.
