Recently I had the opportunity to hike up to Kaaterskill Falls in Catskill State Park. It was a great experience to see one of New York State's most spectacular natural sites. I had tried to make it to the falls a few years ago, but the road was washed out.

Enjoying the Summer!

In the final days of school I attended 11 graduations. It was a great thrill to share a few words with students, parents and educators. We have a great team here in Ward 5 (York Centre) and its great to see a good education system getting stronger.

I'm still working through the summer, but I still take some time out to do gardening. I planted 8 small trees, 3 bushes and got the hammock up.

W. L. Mackenzie C.I. Launches 50th Anniversary Celebrations

I had the honour of helping plant a tree in front of W.L. Mackenzie Collegiate Institute as that school launches its 50th anniversary celebrations. There are great events being organized for Spring, 2010 and I plan to be a part of them. Principal Helene Green has been a great inspiration and alumnus Linda Miller has been a fantastic organizer.

Director Gerry Connelly Leaves the TDSB

I have been working with departing TDSB director Gerry Connelly for almost three years. During that time, Gerry was the key note speaker at two of my ward forums and attended Martin Luther King Jr. ceremonies at Rockford PS. She is a strong supporter of social justice and fiscal responsibility and always worked in the best intersts of students in general and the needs of York Centre in particular. She will be working at the Ministry of Education and we wish her well.

Trustees approve a balanced budget

Trustees are legally required to balance their budget. At the June 29 Board meeting, Toronto District School Board Trustees approved a balanced budget plan of $2.5 billion for the 2009/10 school year. The plan invests in priority areas of teaching and learning, student success, and support for vulnerable students. By balancing its budget the TDSB has perhaps the best managed finances of major governments in Canada.

I tabled a motion that stopped cuts to special education.

TDSB has taken two important steps toward long-term budget sustainability and to address the impact of declining enrolment. The Toronto Lands Corporation (TLC) was established in 2007 to make the most of the Board’s under-utilized capital assets. The Better Schools, Brighter Future process takes TDSB to the next level through a multi-year strategy supporting investment in school consolidation, up-to-date programs and school buildings to meet the 21st century needs of students and communities.

“The approval this evening of a balanced operating budget for the 2009-10 school year by the TDSB Board of Trustees marks an important step by this board as it continues to demonstrate its resolve to manage its affairs responsibly,” said Campbell after three nights of budget debate.

“Tonight’s decision was preceded by a number of difficult decisions that have been made by trustees over the past few months.”