Zone 2: Answer to Question 1

Question 1 – Zone 2 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:
– Adam Grodinsky
– Waleed Qirbi
– Christine Boothby (See Follow-up)

Adam Grodinsky – No
If I am elected, I will give serious consideration to the selection made by the current board. As has already been acknowledged, it is within their rights and perhaps their responsibilities to ensure that the board has a director of education. However, the same will be true of the next board. If I and the next board are unhappy with the selection, it will be incumbent upon us to find a director that suits our vision and values.

Waleed Qirbi – No
I will not act to postpone the appointment of a new OCDSB director, but I will insist that the entire process is fully transparent. I believe that the Board of Trustees requires a qualified director, but the selection process must not be a hasty one. The Board should also work with Incumbents that are not returning to the Board (either due to not seeking re-election or to their failing to be re-elected) to find the most qualified person to serve the needs of the OCDSB and its Board of Trustees.

Finding a new Director should be done with a clear statement of the role of the Director, the required qualifications, and by using a fair application process to ensure that no qualified applicant is prevented from being considered for the role.

By following a transparent process that is clearly stated from the outset, the Board should be able to find the most qualified person for the position. If the Board is not capable of finding a replacement in a short time, the period of selection should be extended.