2014 TVDSB Candidate Survey - Dan Judson

On September 14^th, I emailed the London candidates for Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) Trustee.  As outlined in a previous blog post, this was done to provide more exposure to this important position and to give Londoners an opportunity to get more insight into the candidates.

Dan Judson - Candidate Wards 7,8,9,10,13

First let me say thank you for drawing attention to the office of School Trustee. I, like you, believe that the office is of much more importance than people generally believe. I am still astonished at how many people do not know what a Trustee is. I will be happy to answer your survey questions. 

Why do you want to be a school board trustee?

My passion for the well-being of the children in our community is second to none. I have two sons in public school. As a father I have been actively involved in their school, and have chaired our parent council for 4 years. In that capacity I have had frequent dealings with trustees and the board. I have been a successful advocate while maintaining a good reputation. I believe that my common sense, my respectful and practical approach to issues will be effective tools as a member of the board.  Education is a major determinant of future well-being and success, and it is worth the commitment of holding the office of Trustee. I will use my skills, abilities, and resources to do my absolute best to ensure that all of our students have access to the training they need in an environment that is safe, welcoming, and inspiring.

What do you consider to be the most important role of a school board trustee?

The most important role of a school board trustee is to be a conscientious representative of the schools and families in their wards. To that end, the trustee must be vigilant in learning and applying policies and processes that ensure a culture of learning, promote fiscal responsibility, and facilitate an environment welcoming to ALL students.

What do you believe to be the most important issue for the TVDSB to address over the next four years?

The most important issue over the next four years will likely be the same as for the last four yours – to be proactive in ensuring that we deliver a quality education that will prepare our students for the future that awaits them, and wisely apportioning our resources to achieve that goal. In addition to that, equipping our staff and students to manage challenging behaviours will be an increasing need.

What skills and experience do you have that qualify you to be a school board trustee?

• As a pediatric physiotherapist I have worked with children with disabilities and their families for 15 years, and as such am well acquainted with many issues that families face in schools especially at times of transitions.
• As a public employee I understand the need to operate in a creative manner in the face of fiscal restraint. As a leader in the healthcare field I have extensive experience working with our community partners who provide service to our students and younger children.
• Chair of “Parent/School Council” at my local school for 4 years. In this capacity I have had dealings with trustees and other board members. I have proven to be an effective advocate while maintaining a good reputation.
• Exceptional interpersonal and negotiating skills.
• Experience as a Board of Directors member for SARI – Therapeutic Riding for the Disabled, and Chair of their Program Committee.
• At my local school we have successfully undertaken initiatives to: ensure that no student goes hungry at our school, address children’s mental health, promote literacy and numeracy, and address all feeling welcome by focussing on school spirit and branding.
• International experience planning projects to provide primary health care in needy areas of Romania, Albania and West Africa.
• Planned an international project to build a school in Guinnea Bissau, West Africa
• One of six founding/contributing members of the Pediatric Physiotherapy Council of British Columbia. Co-authored the council’s position paper to present to the provincial government

How can voters get in touch with you for more information?

Voters and interested parties are welcome to contact me at my email address: dan.s.judson@tvcc.on.ca or my website at www.danjudson.ca.