Belinda States-Bezanson - Halifax Regional School Board - School District 2

From:
Belinda States

To:
Darce Fardy

Sent: Monday, October 06, 2008 8:36 AM

Subject: Re: Right to Know

Hello Darce

Sorry for the delay I was out of town

I Belinda States-Bezanson am running for District 2, Halifax Regional School Board, Elected Board Member. If elected the following are my values and criteria that I will use to help guide me when a decisions need to be made:

I am very keen on government openness, and as a citizen I strive towards it.

I believe the school board should be transparent so that all decisions are made with all students in mind and accountable to voters. I value diversity and I feel that diversity should be valued across the board. We live in a multicultural society and the board should look more like the communities we serve and value the importance of culture in our schools. Transparency prevents special interests from monopolizing resources. As a Board member I would requires all position to come to the board for approval

I want to raise the level of integrity of the Halifax Regional School board starting with the elected board. Instead of back room dealings, decisions should be made in the best interest of all students.

As a board member I will stand for the quality of education and equal access to education. We need to insure that no student is left behind. We need programs and policies in place to prevent dropouts and have all feel welcome in our school system. I believe that there are enough resources within our current school system to have our literacy rate higher than it currently is.

I also feel that no matter what District you're voted in for, you should do what right for all districts. The board will have to work together to make the right decisions for all schools. We cannot allow personalities or personal agendas to get in the way. It should always be remembered that it is students first. I will advocate for my district but will do what is right for all students no matter what district they are from.

I feel that board member should make sure that the interest of students should come first. The money the board spends on legal fee and defending themselves in Human Rights complaints can be monies spend on putting paper in the schools for the students

The money spent to send 13 principles and the supernatant to China is money that should have been spent on EPA's for our special need student.

These are just a few examples of money being spent with out our students in mind. We have to always remind ourselves about the Boards Motto " Student First "

I believe that no student should be left behind…

Belinda States

mailto:belinda135@hotmail.com

David Finlayson - Halifax Regional School Board - School District 7

From:
david@davidfinlayson.ca

To:
darce@eastlink.ca

Sent: Wednesday, October 01, 2008 10:03 PM

Subject: RE: Right to Know

I strongly believe in having an open, honest and transparent school board. To be truly accountable to the voters, we need to share the information which helps the HRSB to make any decisions. This will hopefully lead to a better understanding of the thought process behind any significant strategy decisions and a better relationship with stakeholders in the schools and at homes.

I think the informed voter should be able to access this information as it will demonstrate some of the process behind decisions.

David Finlayson - District 7

david@davidfinlayson.ca

http://www.hrsb.ns.ca/content/id/1066.html

http://www.davidfinlayson.ca/

David Cameron - Halifax Regional School Board - School District 5

From: <cameronm@ns.sympatico.ca>

To: "Darce Fardy" <darce@eastlink.ca>

Sent: Saturday, September 27, 2008 2:17 PM

Subject: RE: Right to Know

I believe very strongly in open discussion and debate within school board

meetings. There must, of course, be some exceptions, such as when contract

or other negotiations are in progress. But once decisions are made, the

outcome should be public information. In all other cases, such as in the

development of policy, all discussions should be open. As to accountability,

elections provide the surest form of accountability, since the choice of who

is elected is entirely in the hands of the voters. Between elections, it

must be the responsibility of those in office to provide information as to

what they are doing. It is, of course, also the responsibility of citizens

to ask questions that will provide the answers they are interested in.

David Cameron

cameronm@ns.sympatico.ca

http://www.hrsb.ns.ca/content/id/1064.html

Pam Sullivan - Halifax Regional School Board - School District 4

From: "Pam" <sullyrock@hfx.eastlink.ca>

To: <darce@eastlink.ca>

Sent: Saturday, September 27, 2008 6:32 PM

Subject: response to your letter

Hello, I received your letter and am happy to respond through this email. I am certainly in favour of full openness and disclosure as well as accountability. It's certainly a song I've been singing my whole life (rants in the kitchen while listening to yet another CBC story about a crooked politician) so it would be more than just a little hypocritical of me at this point to say otherwise. I believe fully and completely that people in elected positions have a responsibility to the people who put them there to be as forthcoming and honest as they possibly can. The arrogance of certain politicians (who shall remain nameless) in this regard is something which never ceases to amaze me. For me, my reasons for wanting to run for the School Board are purely around the kids - not just my two, but all kids. Anything which will better inform parents and help them to better understand the system as well as the part they play in the process is obviously the right way to go. Hope this was what you were looking for.

Pam Sullivan

sullyrock@hfx.eastlink.ca

http://www.hrsb.ns.ca/content/id/1062.html

Chris Poole - Halifax Regional School Board - School District 4

From: Chris Poole

To: Darce Fardy

Sent: Thursday, September 25, 2008 8:10 AM

Subject: Re: Right to Know

Hi Darce

I agree that people need to be informed in order to make the best decision for their families, though I also believe in protecting personal information that may identify and potentially harm a child, or their families.

As a school board member, I would be encouraging parents, communities, and teachers to participate and contribute ideas, in order for the best decisions to be made by the Halifax Regional School Board. The public and media would be welcome to attend school board meetings.

If elected to the Halifax Regional School Board - District 4, I will do my best to keep the public informed of activities and decisions affecting children's education.

Cheers
Chris Poole

chrispoole@eastlink.ca

454-4277

http://www.hrsb.ns.ca/content/id/1067.html

Tara Ibrahim - Halifax Regional School Board - School District 4

From: "Tara" <taradavid@eastlink.ca>

To: "Darce Fardy" <darce@eastlink.ca>

Sent: Sunday, September 21, 2008 11:19 PM

Subject: Re: Right to Know - Tara Ibrahim District 4 HRSB Candidate

Mr. Fardy,

Thank you for your interest.

I believe that openness and accountability in public office is important and necessary and it is for these issues being part of the reason why I chose to run as the District 4 Candidate. I will do my very best, if given the chance to serve on the HRSB, to support the Right to Know Coalition of Nova Scotia and ensure the Board is accountable to its electorate.

Regards,

Tara Ibrahim

District 4 HRSB Candidate

taradavid@eastlink.ca

http://www.hrsb.ns.ca/content/id/1071.html

Tracey Mohr - Halifax Regional School Board - School District 3

From: Tracey Mohr

To: Darce Fardy

Sent: Tuesday, September 23, 2008 8:29 PM

Subject: Re: Right to Know

Good Day Darce,

I am very impressed that you have contacted me for my input on this important subject.

We are celebrating Democracy 250, and with that comes a pride in knowing what a great country we live in to have such freedom. Government, no matter what level, should be held accountable for what goes on. The public has voted it's representatives in and therefore should be kept informed of what they are doing. The HRSB is no different. If a candidate has committed themselves to represent the people of their community, they should have no reason at all not to be accountable and open with them.

I take great pride in the hard work I do, so why wouldn't I want everyone to know about it. We are working on issues that should be the priority of our public, so what reason could we possibly have for hiding anything from them.

Thanking you for this opportunity,

Tracey Mohr

"MOHR for Our Children"

mailto:traceylmohr@hotmail.com

http://www.hrsb.ns.ca/content/id/1070.html

Gina Conrod - Halifax Regional School Board - School District 2

From:
conrodavon@eastlink.ca

To:
darce@eastlink.ca

Sent: Saturday, September 20, 2008 5:54 PM

Subject: Response to your request.

I am a candidate for School Board in upcoming election for District 2. I believe my job if elected will be to be the voice of my district and advocate for what they want and need. I will be a public servant and believe I have the skill set to perform well for my district on the Board. If elected I would advocate for open communication on all matters relating to public policy. I believe that all levels of government should be held accountable for decisions made on the constituents behalf. The voter puts their trust in elected officials and therefore should be privy to what goes on behind closed doors.

I am unsure what you were asking of me , but hope this lets you know my stand on your cause and would appreciate support in District 2 as I am excited to be elected to School Board. I have 2 girls who will benefit from their education in HRM and I myself attended schools in HRM. My vested interest along with volunteering and seeing first hand what is happening in the schools gives me insight and credibility.

Thank you for your interest,

Gina Conrod

School Board Candidate, District 2

conrodavon@eastlink.ca

http://www.hrsb.ns.ca/content/id/1061.html

Malcolm Mackay - Halifax Regional School Board - School District 4

From: <jomal@ns.sympatico.ca>

To: <darce@eastlink.ca>

Sent: Monday, September 22, 2008 3:55 PM

Subject: School board candidate reply Re; Right to know.

Thank-you for your e-mail re-Openess and accountability in public office. My views on this issue are well documented throughout my political career. I have always spoke against in camera sessions and will continue to do so.

Cheers,

Malcolm Mackay Candidate District 4

457-4259

mailto:jomal@ns.sympatico.ca

http://www.hrsb.ns.ca/content/id/1077.html

Lloyd Jackson - Halifax Regional School Board - School District 3

From: <Jackson.LG@forces.gc.ca>

To: <darce@eastlink.ca>

Sent: Monday, September 22, 2008 8:50 AM

Subject: Reply from Lloyd Jackson

Good Morning;

Thank you for the opportunity to comment. It my press release

and on other sites i.e. Halifax Chamber of Commerce, I have clearly

stated " Moreover, the board must listen to the advice of school

advisory committees as well as individuals and other important

stakeholder groups. "The past practice of playing "hide and seek"

through the guise of in camera sessions and unrecorded votes must come

to end." I think we all agree that the time for games and evasion must

come to an end. Our children deserve better."

Again thank you.

Lloyd Jackson

LloydGJackson50@hotmail.com

http://www.hrsb.ns.ca/content/id/1058.html

Troy Meyers - Halifax Regional School Board - School District 3

From:
troy myers

To:
Darce Fardy

Sent: Sunday, September 21, 2008 4:55 PM

Subject: Re:

Darce,

Thanks for the note.

As a public librarian with over fifteen years of dedicated service, I am deeply committed to the promotion of intellectual freedom and access to information for all citizens.

While we must also protect people's privacy, access to public information is a fundamental pillar of democracy which must be upheld.

Regards,

Troy Myers, Candidate HRSB District 3

troymyers7@gmail.com

http://www.hrsb.ns.ca/content/id/1059.html

David Bentley - Halifax Regional School Board - School District 5 Dartmouth Centre

From: "David Bentley" <davidbentley@eastlink.ca>

To: <darce@eastlink.ca>

Sent: Saturday, September 20, 2008 11:58 PM

Subject: yes

Hi: Sounds fine with me. D

davidbentley@eastlink.ca

http://www.hrsb.ns.ca/content/id/1063.html

Rob Clark - Halifax Regional School Board - School District 7

From:
Rob Clark

To:
Darce Fardy

Sent: Sunday, September 21, 2008 7:41 PM

Subject: Re: Right to Know

I too am very keen on government openness, and as a citizen I strive toward it. I have sent a few emails at the behest of the Electronic Freedom Foundation over the years to federal ministers, for example. The latest, for example, was a protest of the proposed Canadian Copyright Act, to Minister Jim Prentice.

Thus, I fully support your mission. I do understand, however, that there may be occasion where secrecy is expected - staffing issues, etc. In addition, there may be bylaws of the board that force inappropriate secrecy - I pledge to do my best to rationalize those bylaws. Additionally, I'm not fully informed yet, but as a strong believer in accountability and transparency, I will strive to 'adjust the tone' to the appropriate level.

I also appreciate that lack of public engagement is linked to levels of secrecy. Only an informed public can truly be engaged, and we need more engagement. I applaud your mission, as it is also my own…

Rob Clark

robclark200@gmail.com

http://www.hrsb.ns.ca/content/id/1076.html

http://rob.clark4.me/

Paul Russell - Halifax Regional School Board - School District 8

From:
Paul Russell

To:
Darce Fardy

Sent: Sunday, September 21, 2008 5:05 PM

Subject: Re: Right to Know

Hi Darce

I'd like to see a few things, related to the Board, demonstrate a lot more accountability.

First and foremost among this is something that can't be made public: teacher evaluations. I'd like to know, as a Board, how our individual teachers are doing. I'd like there to be a broad comprehensive standard that they are measured by. The results of this would be used to identify those teachers that need more help in one or more areas; or perhaps to recognize that we need to help them find a new line of work.

Our teachers have a very hard job. They have to manage extremely large class sizes, curriculum demands from the Province and from their principal, they are responsible to each of the parents of each of their children, and there are always budget issues. With all of that, teachers are the people who spend the most time most days with our kids.

A single teacher who is really good or really bad can make a students entire school experience also really good or really bad. This isn't limited to the single year that the student has that teacher. If the influence is profound enough then it follows them through the rest of their schooling.

I recognize that what I'm hoping for will take time and a lot of effort, but the rewards are worth it.

As far as openness: Most HR issues and issues around children have to be kept secret. If a student or teacher is suspected of committing a heinous act then the Board does not have the right to release information about that person to the public, only to the police. If a teacher is particularly bad at one thing or another then it's a HR issue and should be kept private. Public input will be helpful in remedying the situation, but that doesn't mean that we release the results to the public. Other than HR and student issues, however, I don't believe that there needs to be any secrecy. We shouldn't have backroom dealings with some companies in response for particular cost or technology benefits, for example.

If you have any further questions or comments please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Paul

http://www.paulrussellforhrsb.ca

http://www.hrsb.ns.ca/content/id/1075.html

Bruce Cooke - Halifax Regional School Board - School District 6

From:
The Cookes

To:
'Darce Fardy'

Sent: Sunday, September 21, 2008 4:20 PM

Subject: RE: Right to Know

Dear Darce,

My name is Bruce Cooke; I am a candidate for the Halifax Regional School Board in District 6. Thank you for your e-mail. I was not aware of your organization "The Right to Know Nova Scotia Coalition".

I guess you in essence want to know if I support the principals contained in the Freedom of Information Act, the answer to that question is yes I do fully support access to government information at a charge that does not prohibit in any way obtaining the information requested.

I must say that I personally do not believe that secrecy in government is one of the major reasons for low voter turn out on Election Day. It is just my opinion but I think that it has more to do with the fact people have forgotten that hundreds of thousands of Canadian's fought and many died for our privilege to cast a vote in an election and choose our own government. I chalk the low voter turn out to voter apathy and sheer laziness.

Regards,

Bruce Cooke

the.cookes@ns.sympatico.ca

http://www.hrsb.ns.ca/content/id/1069.html