TCDSB STUDENT & BEYOND
Jo-Ann grew up in Markland Woods in Etobicoke, where she and her family were parishioners at St Clement's parish (led Youth Ministry for several years, including during the 2000 World Youth Day in Toronto). She attended St Vincent de Paul (where her father taught) in Roncesvalles and St Joseph College Schools.
She holds a BA in Political Science from St Michael's College, UofT, and an MA in Chinese Politics & Law from the School of Oriental & African Studies (SOAS), University of London (UK).
Jo-Ann was TCDSB Trustee for Ward 9 from 2010 - 2018 (including serving as Chair of the Board and Vice Chair of the Board). In 2018, she and her family moved to Roncesvalles where they attend St. Joan of Arc church.. Their son just graduated from St Vincent de Paul school, where Jo-Ann has served as parent council (CSPC) Chair since October, 2018 (to present).
While parent council Chair at St Vincent de Paul school, Jo-Ann led an initiative in May, 2019, for St Vincent de Paul school students and parents to delegate at a Board of Trustees meeting for desperately needed playground investment in support of student success and well-being. The delegations resulted in the creation of an annual $1.2M Playground Reserve, in June, 2019, for schools across the Board
PROFESSIONAL / VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Professionally, Jo-Ann is a Management Consultant specializing in leading major strategic change initiatives for corporate clients., including merger and acquisition integrations.
She currently serves on several Boards:
TCDSB TRUSTEE FOR WARD 9 - 2010 -2018
Jo-Ann served as Trustee for Ward 9 (2010-18) and was elected Chair and Vice Chair of the TCDSB, and Vice Chair of the City of Toronto - School Boards Committee at City Hall.
SOME MAJOR INITIATIVES AS A TRUSTEE:
As trustee for Ward 9, Jo-Ann answered every call and email from constituents.
She helped to secure funding for the construction of 2 new schools - St Raymond elementary and St Michael's Choir School -as well as $2 million in funding to renovate Pope Francis elementary, the development of Bishop Macdonell and $300,000 in City funding for a new park and outdoor green learning space at Monsignor Fraser Alternative in the Annex.
Jo-Ann served as Vice Chair of the City of Toronto-School Board Committee.
Further, Jo-Ann introduced and championed a wide range of initiatives including:
FAITH IN ACTION
For Jo-Ann, seeking public office comes from the belief that our Catholic faith demands action. And that public policy and budget decisions should be based on the following principles:
As a trustee, Jo-Ann championed such things as the creation of the Catholic Social Justice Committee (working to close learning opportunity gaps for students across the Board), the right of students to create Gay-Straight Alliances, and the reduction in proposed cuts to Special Education and literacy programs at budget time.
Jo-Ann understands that as trustee, she can't advocate on our behalf until she's taken the time to listen to local parents, educators and students, and understands the barriers hindering the success and spiritual, mental and physical well being of our students.
Jo-Ann served as Trustee for Ward 9 from 2010 - 2018 before moving to Ward 4. She was elected both Chair and Vice Chair.
Since 2018, Jo-Ann has been parent council Chair at St Vincent de Paul school in Roncesvalles.
Professionally, Jo-Ann is a Management Consultant specializing in strategic change initiatives for corporate clients.
Advocating for students, parents, and school communities. Advocating for Catholic education – its promotion and protection – with our partners and the community at large. How? Meeting with parents and students, and our education partners, including local Councillors, MPPs and MPs.
Ensuring fair processes in resolving student, parent and school issues. How? Working with senior staff and local education partners to bring together those needed to resolve an issue. Ongoing policy change through board motions where a gap or barrier to student achievement and well being has been shown to exist.
Continuing to strengthen the framework used for effective and transparent decision-making. How? Working with trustee colleagues and our Director, seeking best practices from other jurisdictions and through membership on the Governance & Policy committee.
Meeting with all levels of government, local agencies and community partners to ensure those who influence or control resources for our students and families - they need to hear the voice of our communities and understand the needs of our students.
The board of trustees has responsibility for developing the TCDSB’s strategic multi-year plan, and approving our annual budget, in support of our board’s mission and vision as an innovative Catholic education system which acts compassionately as a witness to our faith.
Creating policies which help to create a level playing field of learning and developmental opportunities (spiritual, mental and physical) for each student. Then monitoring and evaluating the impact of these policies and making changes, where necessary.
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