I was once told by a successful author, “If you are going to write … then write!” His goal was that each day he would write at least 5000 words. I expect I will fall somewhat short of that goal.
Nevertheless I have had the inclination for some time to write to let “my electorate” know who I am and where I stand on issues. So now is the time to get on with it and … well, write!! I say “my electorate” in quotes since I was in fact appointed to the position of Public School Trustee for the area of The Municipality of Meaford and The Blue Mountains.
But, I am legally acting as your “elected” representative and I think and act accordingly. So in my mind you are “my electorate”. So, hello, I am Paul Wehrle your Public School Trustee for the Municipality of Meaford and The Blue Mountains.
As the Sun Times wrote about me, I did run in the election where the late Jean Sullivan was first elected. I knew Jean and I believe the electorate made a fantastic choice when they elected her. She set a standard that I hope I can live up to. So, here I am.
As for the activities of the last rather hectic six months, the Board is moving forward on all of the recommendations in the Geoff Williams report and the outreach results (which are both available on the Board web site). We are also reflecting on the parent survey and what it actually says (also on the Board web site). Much of it harmonizes with the observations of the Williams Report however the numbers are sometimes misleading.
The mathematician in me would dearly love to comment on that; however, there is a more obvious problem as I mentioned before. That was the disappointing level of participation. So, whatever the numbers say it represents a very small portion of the people I serve; indeed my area was one of the lowest in participation.
There are probably a number of reasons for that and we could speculate ad nausea and get nowhere. Another survey will be circulated in the future and please, if you can spare the time, do the survey. We need feedback, both about the things we do well and about those which you feel need improvement.
One of the key issues brought forward in all of the surveys and reports is the Board Meeting times. A motion will be coming to the Board from the Policy Committee for us to move to two full Board Meetings per month to be held in evenings starting in September 2010. The benefits appear almost overwhelming and I am confident that it will receive Board approval.
That is a significant effort towards following up on a common theme among the reports. The Trustees and Administrative Team are following up with a similar level of intensity on all recommendations, and over time I am sure you will see dramatic changes in how we do business in a number of areas.
In the meantime let me assure you, to me its all about the students. In business I often challenged my staff to try to draw a direct line between what they were doing at any moment in time and the product leaving the shipping dock.
I apply the same thought process to whatever I am doing for the Board. If I do not see a direct correlation between what I am doing and the safety, productivity and well-being of students, faculty and staff, I stop doing it and get on with something important. Keeping you, my constituents, informed is one of those important tasks. There will be more to follow …
The phone number listed with my name on the Board web site is in fact the Board’s number
(1-800-661-7509). When the attendant answers, simply say my name in full (pronounced Paul Whirley) and the call will automatically be forwarded to my phone. Please contact me if you have any questions at all.
Paul Wehrle
Public School Trustee
The Municipality of Meaford and The Blue Mountains
