Board of Trustees
Jenny Versteeg
Chair
Trustee - North Perth
519-335-3623
I was born in London, Ontario and currently make my home just north of Mayne Corners on a dairy farm. I attended a small public school that was annexed into London in the 1960s. I am a graduate of A. B. Lucas secondary school in London and attended the University of Western Ontario where I earned my B.Sc. I have a diploma in Agricultural Production and Management from Ridgetown College of Agricultural Technology. My husband and I are farmers and have a 45-cow dairy farm in Howick Township. We have four children, two girls and two boys. One daughter has completed University while the other is attending the University of Waterloo. Our two boys both attend Listowel District Secondary School.
My electoral zone includes the town of Listowel, Elma Township and Wallace Township which were amalgamated in 1998 to form North Perth. There are five schools in the municipality: Elma Township Public School, Wallace Public School, Listowel Central Public School , Listowel Eastdale Public School and Listowel District Secondary School.
Listowel has been the place that "I head to town for" since I moved to the area in 1979. We knew our kids would end up in school at LDSS and so we chose our church, doctor and dentist (and veterinarian, and machinery dealer) in Listowel as well. Between kids and cows I make the drive from home to Listowel almost daily, and often several times in a day. I clearly remember the first time I drove the section between Gowanstown and Kurtzville because I noted the beautiful rural landscape then, and even wished I could drive it more often! I actually know Elma Township better than Wallace, as I edited their history book Elmanac a few years ago and learned about the community lot by lot.
This is wonderful farming country, and our ties to the area are strong, both in the dairy sector and in the community. I have long wondered how many people I would have met if it weren't for my children. School, 4-H, church and team sports have made it possible for us to know many people in the area. So many of the things that have made our lives good have been possible because of volunteers. We have a reputation for volunteering for things in our family - but the impact of other volunteers on our family is far more significant. I am proud to be part of a community that cares about others.
I believe in a strong public education system that is available to everyone, and in the advantages of kids learning about, and accepting each other as they are because they are classmates. The board goals capture the essence of what a quality public education is all about. Realizing these goals will be a good for North Perth.
As a new trustee there is still much I must learn about the board. When I was thinking of becoming a trustee and wondering how I could contribute to public education, I realized that I very much admired many of quality programs offered by our Board, such as the AMDEC program and the innovative thinking that lies behind it. I also admire the board's ability to adapt to change. While these things are not of my doing, I m proud to be a part of them now.
Doug Pratley
Vice-Chair
Trustee - City of Stratford
519-273-2905
I was born in Toronto and I am now a longtime resident of the city of Stratford. I attended Adam Beck, Williamson Road and Glen Ames Public Schools in Toronto, Malvern Collegiate Institute and University of Toronto, for my Honours B.Sc. (Biology) and then went to Queen's University for my B.Ed. I earned my M.Ed. from OISE in Toronto.
I began my career as a teacher at Stratford Central Secondary School and finished my career as Principal at Listowel District Secondary School. I moved to Stratford in 1972 and I have lived here ever since along with my wife and three daughters, with the exception of a three-year secondment to the DND school in Lahr, Germany.
My wife, Maureen, is a psychiatric nurse who works for Stratford General Hospital. Our daughters have all left the nest, after attending Bedford Public School, King Lear Senior Public and Stratford Central Secondary School.
The City of Stratford is the largest urban centre in the Board. It is world famous for the Stratford Festival. It is small 'city' Ontario at its best - beautiful, friendly, well located and with a quality of life that is second to none. How could one not be proud to represent this fine city and its people?
There is no greater pleasure or duty than to offer the best possible education for every citizen. It is our future as a society. Public education is the fairest and best way to offer the benefits of lifelong learning to our citizens. The city of Stratford, like everywhere, needs to train our citizens so that we can continue to be the exemplary place we are and to offer our bounty to the rest of the world.
Education has served my family, friends and myself well. The opportunity to see that others get the benefits of a quality public education is a pleasurable duty. We have so much to be proud of in our system and we need to work very hard so that we can continue to progress to serve our kids and communities.
Meg Westley
Trustee - City of Stratford
519-273-4959
I was born and raised in Montreal, where I attended elementary and high school. When I was fifteen I moved to South Wales and completed “A” levels at the United World College of the Atlantic. I have a B.A. in Drama from Bishop's University and an M.A. and Ph.D. (both in Drama) from the University of Toronto. I worked as a stage manager, director and dramaturge in various Canadian theatres prior to settling in Stratford. Since then I have taught speech communication at a variety of post-secondary institutions including the University of Waterloo and the Stratford Chefs School. I also write fiction, and have just completed my second novel. My partner Jay Klassen and I have two sons, one studying at Stratford Central Secondary School, the other at the University of Toronto.
Despite growing up in a large city, I always wanted to live in a town the size of Stratford. It is a lively community perfect for raising children: safe and friendly with a wide range of organized youth activities. The city is also highly cultured, with quality theatre, art galleries, music and restaurants to rival any big city. Stratford combines the best of urban and rural life.
I am a passionate supporter of public education. In our schools we are helping to create the citizens of the future. Public education is inclusive: students of diverse background and capability all have access to quality education. The system fosters tolerance, collaboration and responsible citizenship. My priorities are to continually improve both formal and informal learning opportunities for our students. I would like to see every student equipped with strong literacy and numeracy skills. I want them to feel curious and passionate about learning. I also want them to feel safe, accepted and confident. The role of the schools is to release the potential of all our students so they can succeed in life, whatever path they choose.
In Avon Maitland we have wonderful schools and dedicated, inspired staff. We also have strong collaborative working relationships with our community and business partners. I am proud of our programs and the overall success of our students. I am very proud to represent the people of the City of Stratford as trustee.
Colleen Schenk
Trustee - Northeast Huron
519-357-1066
I am now serving my 5th term on the School Board representing the municipalities of North Huron, Morris-Turnberry and Howick. I am also in my second term as President of the Ontario Public School Boards' Association, a group comprised of school board trustees from across the province that help to set policies and programs and advocate provincially on behalf of our students.
Along with my husband John I have 3 grown children and 1 grandchild. I encourage parents and community members to become active in your school communities and help us grow our children into valuable and contributing members of our society.
Carol Bennewies
Trustee - West Perth & Perth South
519-600-2554
I was raised on my grandparents farm in Hibbert township, now part of West Perth. My first introduction to the world of education began at SS # 4 Hibbert, a tiny one room school house where the entire school population never numbered more than 14 students. For all but two years I was the only one in my class, which made for a very short graduation ceremony, before I went to Seaforth District High School . After high school I attended the University of Waterloo where I received an Hon. BSc in Kinesiology.
After four years living in Guelph, where I was a lab technician, my husband and I moved back to the area and bought the house where I was raised, minus 98 and 7/8's acres of land. We have lived here since 1977. Dan is the Product Consultant for Boilersmith Ltd. in Seaforth. I discovered many years ago that I was happiest when I was working with my hands and since decorating was one of my passions, I became a painting contractor. I am now semi retired but still love to transform houses with colour. We have two children, who both attended Upper Thames Elementary School. Our daughter is finishing her requirements as a Chartered Accountant and our son is a Computer Networking technician.
My area covers West Perth, Perth South and St. Marys. It is a large mainly rural landscape including the towns of St. Marys, Mitchell and several small villages. I have two secondary schools Mitchell District High School and St. Marys DCVI along with six elementary schools. Arthur Meighen, St. Marys Central, South Perth Centennial, Downie Central, Mitchell Public School and Upper Thames Elementary School.
Along with a hard working teaching and support staff, all of these schools have very active, involved School Councils, and numerous parent helpers, who volunteer their time to help us ensure the children of our district receive the best education possible. This sharing of responsibility is one of the elements that makes our system successful and makes it possible for the educators to make sure every child reaches their potential what ever that may be. To be allowed to be a part of that process,( although sometimes stressful) and help other children continue to receive the same level of education that my family has experienced, is one of the main reasons I chose to run for another term. I truly believe that working together we can make a positive difference in the lives of our children.
Wilhelmina Laurie
Trustee - Central East Huron
519-482-9265
I am was born the eldest child of Dutch Canadian immigrants, the first of my family to enter into the parochial education system in St. Marys and as such was the first one to break into Canadian culture through that system. Learning how to fit into Canadian culture was a concern for me and my family but also for three quarters of my class who were mostly Italian, Dutch and Belgian immigrant children. From my first days in the classroom I learned that education was the great leveler, creating the same opportunities for all children, regardless of background. Today, as a political activist, I am also aware of the huge mitigating influence education can have on cultures around the world. Ignorance is the tool of autocrats who want to keep power by keeping the common person down. Education is the tool of democracy and human rights in an enlightened society. In many cultures women are denied an education. Social activists know that charitable dollars which extend education to women, and to children of all classes in third-world countries make more of a difference to the peoples of those countries than dollars spent in any other enterprise. So I am a great proponent of education not only in my own backyard, but also throughout the world.
I was raised in the school district in St. Marys, attending Holy Name School and St. Marys DCVI before heading up to Sudbury to pursue studies in Français at Laurentian University where I earned a bilingual degree. My next stop was at UWO in London, where I earned my B. Ed. in French with an Elementary option in 1975. I began my career as a French teacher with 15 years at Huron Centennial School, where I loaded up on extra university courses. By 1986 I had earned a Masters of Education degree in curriculum, which I promptly followed up with two summers of Principals courses. From there I taught at Hullett and Blyth, then took on a two-year position as President of the Huron Women Teachers’ Federation. This gave me my first seat in the Huron County Board of Education as an observer and offered opportunities to serve the board as a resource on various committees. Vice-principal positions at McCurdy, Exeter and Clinton and Principal’s positions at Blyth and Colborne rounded out my experience with three years of supply teaching throughout Central East Huron to finish off.
During this time my husband, Joe and I have raised five children in the AMDSB system and on through post-secondary to the career world. At all times I feel the quality education they received from our system has stood them in good stead in their studies and in their careers, and I look forward to the day when my little grand-daughter is also able to attend an AMDSB school.
Rather than go out to retirement pasture I feel that my 36 years of experience in education will serve me well in the position of trustee. With perspectives as a teacher, administrator, federation representative, parent and grandparent, I believe I can look at issues and problem-solve in a multi-facetted way. Raising children with strong literacy and mathematics skills, critical thinking skills and strong ethics, and an enjoyment of sports and the arts are priorities for me. Opportunities need to exist for all students to reach their potential.
I look forward to serving the Board and the constituents of Central East Huron in this new capacity!
Al Sygrove
Trustee - Northwest Huron
519-565-4534
I was born and raised in Sarnia, Ontario where I attended London Road Public School as well as St. Clair Secondary School. Upon graduation from the University of Windsor and London Teacher’s College my wife, Louise and I moved to Goderich in 1971 to begin our first teaching assignments at Colborne Central and Victoria Public School respectively. We have lived in Goderich ever since. During my 30 year teaching career I was able to obtain a Masters Degree in Education as well as a Specialists in Special Education. As well, I had the opportunity to serve as principal at three elementary schools - Blyth, Victoria and Zurich.
Goderich has been a wonderful community in which to raise our two daughters. Our oldest daughter, Jill is a graduate of Sir Sanford Fleming College and is a Technical Resource Assistant at Huron Centennial School. She has given us two wonderful grandsons who also attend Huron Centennial. Our youngest daughter, Laura is a graduate of the University of Guelph and travels the world as a yoga instructor.
I am very proud, as a trustee, to represent the Northwest Huron region. Included in our area are Brookside, Colborne Central, Holmesville, Robertson Memorial and Victoria elementary schools as well as Bluewater Secondary School and Goderich District Collegiate Institute. I have had the privilege of teaching full time or as an occasional teacher at all five elementary schools as well as volunteering at GDCI.. During my brief time as a trustee I have become aware of the challenges which face a small rural school board but at the same time I have quickly come to realize what a progressive board we have. The support I have received from my fellow trustees and senior administration has been greatly appreciated as well as the encouragement I have received from school staff and parents.
I place great value on public education in that it is accessible to all and shows a great respect for the uniqueness of each student. The key to a successful education system is the involvement of parents and community. This involvement is enhanced by the strong School Councils which exist in our region. Working together we ensure that our students are provided with the best possible learning opportunities in order to foster their success.
In conclusion I would like to share a “thought” which I hope will help us to meet our educational challenges in the future.: “None of us alone is as good as all of us together”.
Tina Traschel
Trustee - Perth East
519-655-3527
I am pleased to represent the beautiful, rural municipality of Perth East, which includes Mornington Central, Milverton, North Easthope, Sprucedale, and Central Perth Public Schools.
I grew up in the Seaforth/Walton area before moving to Oxford County and settling near Tavistock.My husband Tim and I live just south of Stratford where we operate a 200 acre dairy farm. We have three growing boys, Tanner, Tyler, and Tayler, who are all involved in a wide variety of school activities including sports, drama, and music.
I think that is why I am so passionate about public education. I believe that every child deserves a well rounded education. As a trustee, I feel it is my responsibility to ensure that every school in our district receives the resources and support to offer programs that will enhance a student’s education, not just academically but socially. I am proud to be part of a Board that focuses on positive citizenship and a collaborative team approach to a child’s learning which includes parents. I encourage all parents to become involved in their child’s education and if I can in anyway help you do this, let me know.
Randy Wagler
Trustee - Southwest Huron
519-235-4445
I am honoured to serve as the Trustee for the municipalities of South Huron and Bluewater, which for School Board purposes are known as Southwest Huron. My wife Debby and I and our family live in Exeter. We have 5 children – 2 girls, and 3 boys.
Currently, 2 of our sons attend South Huron District High School. Our two daughters are attending the University of Waterloo while our eldest son is apprenticing for carpentry.
I grew up in Waterloo County, attended Baden Public School from grades 1-6 (no kindergarten back then!), grades 7-8 in Wilmot Township Senior Public School, and Grades 9-13 at Waterloo-Oxford District Secondary School. I received my B.A.Sc. and M.A.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Waterloo, and my Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Queen's University, Kingston. I have worked in the chemical and nuclear industries, and am presently employed by Honeywell as a Product Manager. I am a registered Professional Engineer in the Province of Ontario.
I am a trustee because I believe that public education is what "levels the playing field" in our society. No matter what the social or economic background of a person, a strong public education system gives everyone the same opportunity to succeed. In our area, the challenge is to deliver a high quality education that is fair and equitable to all of our students in spite of the large geographical area we serve.
I am very proud of the quality of education we deliver in a largely rural area. Even though we are a small Board, I am constantly impressed by the quality and dedication of our staff as they strive to deliver a variety of programs to meet the needs of all students.
The area I serve covers the southern most part of Huron County, and includes the beautiful shoreline of Lake Huron from Grand Bend to Bayfield. Communities include Bayfield, a beautiful lakeside village, Crediton, Dashwood, Exeter - known for its white squirrels, Hensall - known as the "White Bean Capital of Canada", Huron Park, and Zurich - famous for its Zurich Bean Festival.