Question 1 – Zone 10 Responses
Will you act to postpone the appointment of a new OCDSB director? If no, what are your reasons? If yes, what are your reasons and how will you act?
Submissions in alphabetical order:
– Erica Braunovan
– Wesley Campbell
– Justin Laku Sr.
Erica Braunovan – No
I am not sure there is any point to answering this email, as it has been set up in an incredibly biased way. Any candidate that is not currently an incumbent has only to cut and paste from your email to offer the answer you are looking for – reproducing statements that my colleagues have made and then refuting them in the next sentence is far from impartial.
I believe that given seven months notice of the current director’s retirement that it is incumbent on the board to ensure the best possible outcome for our students by hiring a replacement director prior to the end of the current term. A seven month process is by no means “rushed”. The new board will immediately begin the process of creating a new 4 year strategic plan, and I believe it is best for the new director to be part of that process.
Wesley Campbell – Yes
I would like to see it postponed, a new board hopefully energized by new ideas does not need someone in charge who is advocating more of the same. I believe the new board should have a vote in the future vision and be able to put into place someone they believe can spearhead new ideas and practices.
I can see how the sitting council would think they are the most qualified to pick the person, if I am elected and serve a full term or more I might feel that way as well. It is not an ignorant point of view, more of a personal thought of qualifications. However as a new candidate I am hopeful of change and that begins with being able to be a part of an important decision such as this.
Justin Laku Sr. – Yes
If elected, I’ll support a motion to postpone appointment of a new OCDSB director for the following reasons:
Learning benefits: Newly elected Board Members will have a learning opportunity from the past successes and failures as well as working experience (dealing with Queens Park and City of Ottawa) of the current Board Members. Exchanging notes on school board file(s) will assist in transfer of power and responsibilities peacefully (handover processes).
It is important to bear in mind that, the interactions between the current and newly elected Board Members is very healthy for the growth of the organization as well as fosters positive relation with the outgoing director for future consultation(s) and advice(s). Furthermore, it provides newly elected members with some ideas such as how to avoid past mistake(s).
Why the Rush to Appoint?
I can concur with a motion to appoint new director if there are legal and administrative ground(s) and mismanagement proofs that can be substantiated with evidence(s) not he and she says. Additionally, if the current director is proved to be ineffective, and inefficient by either the current Board or community member(s) then, I’ll support the motion to terminate his/her power and responsibilities with immediate effect, because it is not healthy to maintain a director who proves to be a failure and cannot put interests of student(s) first.
I would appreciate; therefore, if anyone from the current Board has information about ineffectiveness, and inefficiency of the current director, let him or her bring it forward. This information will determine which way forward.