For the last 9 years, I have been truly privileged to advocate for our children and youth each and every day as your public school Trustee. Thank you for the trust you place in me.
This past year, I was deeply humbled to be elected as Chair, pledging to restore public confidence in the TDSB through greater transparency, accountability and fiscal responsibility.
I delivered on this promise. I led the TDSB to a balanced $3 billion operating budget, as well as a balanced capital plan that will modernize our school buildings for the 21st century.
I oversaw a reduction in Trustee expenses and the creation of an independent Office of the Integrity Commission to ensure ethical conduct, open communication and respect.
Change is neither quick nor easy, but it comes through strong leadership and a lot of hope and hard work. I am proud of the positive changes we have accomplished by working together.
As we head into the summer, I want to take this opportunity to thank you once again for the privilege and honour to serve. As always, please contact me if I can be of any assistance.
Positive change that’s working
Chen sets high standards of transparency and accountability during term as TDSB Chair.
On May 27, Chair Shaun Chen submitted a response on behalf of the Board of Trustees to the provincial Governance Advisory Panel looking at the future of the TDSB. Below is a condensed version of the submission.
When we took the oath of office last December, it was with an earnest desire to start a new chapter.
Over the last six months, we have demonstrated that our primary concern is working hard to do what is best for the education of Toronto’s public school students.
Since the election, one of the most notable changes at the TDSB has been our renewed focus on leading by example and strengthening relationships. We must work as a team, and we must walk the talk.
Working together, we have accomplished a number of important initiatives. We reduced Trustee expenses by over 55% and approved a new governance policy, in line with the Minister of Education’s directives.
We became the first school board in Ontario to create an Office of the Integrity Commissioner, which will ensure respect and adherence to good governance and oversight.
We drafted a new whistleblower policy that allows employees, parents, students and community members to come forward and report wrongdoing without reprisal.
These are among the many positive changes underway at the TDSB.
We believe the road to continuous improvement lies in the future, not in the past. That is why the vast majority of Trustees feel strongly against breaking up the TDSB into smaller entities, a move that is under consideration by the Panel.
We consider de-amalgamation to be a step backward in the evolution of the TDSB. It is important to note that amalgamating the city’s public school boards cost taxpayers more than $75 million in 1998. Today, it will likely cost more than $100 million to undo this work.
Breaking up the TDSB will also pit region against region, leaving some communities behind. It will also reverse years of work in ensuring an equitable distribution of resources, so that students in all corners of the city have the supports they need to succeed.
De-amalgamation will redirect considerable time and resources away from where the focus is and should be: on delivering high-quality programs for students - in schools that are modern and well-maintained.
If there is a phrase that best describes the role of TDSB Trustees, it is this: governing globally, acting locally. Trustees provide broad policy and financial oversight, while interacting with parents and public school voters in local school communities.
Hearing directly from the constituents we serve has always been one of the most important things we do. It is a vital part of a democratically elected, publicly accountable school board.
That is why we are very concerned by the Panel’s suggestion that TDSB Trustees could be appointed. We do not share this view, and we do not believe the hundreds of thousands of Torontonians who have cast their ballots for Trustee would either.
At its very core, the fundamental role and function of democracy in the governance of education, and the rights of school board voters, should be part of a broader discussion on how to better enable school boards to serve students across the province.
As for us, we look forward to continue working in partnership with our stakeholders to find responsible and creative ways to move the TDSB forward.
Agincourt schools celebrate 100 years
Agincourt schools celebrate 100 years of memories, tradition and success
A century of history came alive at Agincourt Junior Public School and Agincourt Collegiate Institute this year as former graduates joined current students, parents, staff and community members to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Scarborough’s two oldest schools.
At the ‘Little A’ elementary school celebration on September 20 were Jean Campbell, dedicated Agincourt volunteer and member of the class of 1948, as well as Percival Burrows, who proudly displayed his father’s handwritten journal from World War II.
Later in the year, Agincourt Collegiate hosted four days of festivities from April 30 to May 3, including an alumni tea social, open house and concert performed by the school’s nationally recognized music program. “Alumni take great pride in Agincourt, and we want our kids to have that same passionate feeling,” says Principal Roy Hu.
Grade 8 transition program in Malvern
Grade 8 transition program gives Malvern graduates a head start into high school
Now in its second year, the Grade 8 Transition Program enables recent elementary graduates in the Malvern area to earn a secondary credit during the summer before they enter high school.
On August 15, students gathered with their families at Blessed Mother Teresa Catholic Secondary School to celebrate successful completion of the program, a partnership between the TDSB, Toronto Catholic District School Board and City of Toronto.
“We help them achieve their dreams,” says Nicole Allong, founder of Acknowledge Positive Moments, an organization that provides professional sports and arts training to children. Allong presented scholarships to three deserving graduates this year: Shemar Doyle, Cassandra Black and Peyton Hislop. “Once the light is lit, we have to keep the children moving,” she adds.
103-year-old Helen Doan graduates
Newest TDSB graduate is also oldest: 103-year-old Helen Doan
When Helen Doan was a teenager, her mother unexpectedly fell ill. As a result, Doan was unable to graduate from the former Central Commerce Collegiate, where she attended in the 1920s. All that changed this year on May 13, when the 103-year-old great-great-grandmother finally got what she had hoped for all these years.
“I attend a lot of graduation ceremonies, but nothing compares to this,” says Chair and Trustee Shaun Chen, before helping to present Doan with an Ontario Secondary School Diploma. “The expectations and opportunities for young women were very different back then, which is why I am so honoured to be here to congratulate our newest and most deserving graduate,” he adds.
Trustee Sheila Cary-Meagher, who helped secure approval for the honourary diploma, says, “It was a charming and lovely idea that someone who valued education as much as she did would get one.”
Recognizing excellence
Pearson school culture ‘transformed’ by innovative teacher Vivian Yeung
A transformational teacher, Vivian Yeung was among 14 educators and staff from across the city who received an Excellence Award at TDSB headquarters on May 5.
As the assistant curriculum leader of co-curricular activities at Lester B. Pearson Collegiate Institute, Yeung not only oversees the development of over 60 student clubs and organizations, she introduced a leadership course and started a school-wide leadership symposium that enables students to design and lead their own school-based initiatives.
“She has inspired, organized and sustained a level of engagement in the student body that is transforming the very culture of the school,” explains Principal Peter Paulseth, who was on hand to help present Yeung with her award.
One of the most involved teachers at Lester B. Pearson, Yeung also coaches basketball and baseball, teaching students the spirit of teamwork and setting positive examples, and leads an annual trip for students to build homes, libraries and schools for underprivileged communities in the Dominican Republic.
Superintendent of Education Nadira Persaud says Yeung is someone who “goes beyond the call of duty” to inspire staff and students to be the best they can be.
Given out annually to recognize excellence among 38,000 staff members who work in classrooms, schools, offices and sites across the TDSB, this year’s awards honoured individuals whose contributions have helped build positive relationships and allowed school communities to thrive.