Improving Special Education in Ontario

In an effort to bring real change to the delivery of special education in Ontario I brought two motions to the Special Education Advisory Committee on Monday night. In one motion, we are asking TDSB Director Chris Spence to ask the Minister of Education and other school boards to support a Special Enquiry into the funding and delivery of special education programs in Ontario. There certainly is a long way to go. The second motion asks the TDSB to hire a special education parent facilitator to help families navigate the complex programs and options in special education. These motions will come before the Board of Trustees at our June, 2010 meeting.

Plans are underway to bring new community hub to York Centre.

The TDSB Ward 5 and city Ward 10 have been short of community space for sometime. Numerous groups providing valuable programs and services have had a tough time finding adequate space. At the same time, the Bathurst-Finch area needs strong supports in health care and healthy living. I have been working for three years to correct this program. Now we are one step closer. A TDSB land parcel near Bathurst and Finch on the Northview Heights site has been declared surplus so a new community hub can be built by New Heights Community Health Centre. It is not part of the current field on that corner. Once built, the facility will provide employment and co-op opportunities for students, public space for use, and social and medical support services. The site will have a tree-lined walkway and other “green enhancements” to improve the public space. The cost of the project is partially covered by the federal and provincial governments and the United Way.

Toronto Lands Corporation Continues to show Leadership and Fiscal Responsibility

In 2008, I was among TDSB trustees who voted to establish the Toronto Lands Corporation. This is an arms-length entity that is responsible for the management, leasing, sales and redevelopment of TDSB surplus properties. The TLC also helped the TDSB save many of its swimming pools. I joined the board in spring, 2009. My colleagues include former Toronto Mayor David Crombie, Dino Chiesa, Jane Pepino, Annie Kidder, Hugh Heron, Jane Marshall and Trustees Bruce Davis, Chris Bolton and John Campbell. As of January 2010, the TLC has sold $38.7 million in surplus property and is receiving annual rental revenues of about $11 million. The TLC is a model of fiscal responsibility and is a great example of what public entities can do to reduce the burden of taxpayers.

Community meeting will take place at Stilecroft Public School on Tuesday March 23, 2010 at 6:45 PM

Stilecroft Public School will be hosting a community meeting on Tuesday March 23 at 6:45 PM. Stilecroft is located at 50 Stilecroft Drive. Speakers include Cindy Burley, of the TDSB Special Education and Section Programs department and Robert Samery Director, VP - Parental Alienation Awareness Organization. Also speaking with be Nadine Segal, with the TDSB's student support office. To register, please e-mail james.pasternak@tdsb.on.ca.

Thank You: Skate for Haiti a Great Success

I would like to thank all the people who came out for a fundraising skate on Family Day, Monday February 15 help the people of Haiti. We also owe a great deal of thanks to Chesswood Arena for donating the ice time. The skate was free but everyone donated to Magen David Adom, a registered member of the International Committee of the Red Cross is appreciated. I have watched Torontonians from all walks of life dig deep to help this small devastated country and it says a great deal about the character of this great city.


In the picture, from left to right: James Pasternak, Trustee, York Centre, Toronto District School Board, Faith Weinberg, VP, Canadian Magen David Adom, David Horowitz, Constitutency Assistant, Toronto District School Board, Iris Ehrent, Administrative Cooordinator, Canadian Magen David Adom.

Skate for Haiti to take place on February 15 at noon

Please join us on Family Day, Monday February 15 at noon to help the people of Haiti. Skate for Haiti will take place at Chesswood Arena located at 4000 Chesswood Drive. All children 12 and under should wear a helmet. A tax receipt will be issued for all donations $10 and over. The skate is free but a donation to Magen David Adom, a registered member of the International Committee of the Red Cross is appreciated.