BarrieVotes.ca 2026 municipal election

Education

Seven trustee races across four boards are on the Barrie ballot while the provincial squeeze on the trustee role tightens, the public board posts its first enrolment decline in years, three new schools are being built in the city's south end, and the city's post-secondary institutions are growing and shrinking at once. What the education vote is actually about.

Are Barrie's school boards under provincial supervision?

The Ministry of Education's oversight list, as retrieved for this page, names eight boards under supervision: Dufferin-Peel Catholic, Near North, Ottawa-Carleton, Peel, Thames Valley, Toronto, Toronto Catholic and York Catholic. The Simcoe County District School Board and the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board do not appear, and no Ministry announcement has named either. At a supervised board the elected trustees stay in office but the board's powers are exercised under the Minister's control; none of that applies here.

Source: School board oversight (Ministry of Education page, updated 2026-05-29), Government of Ontario — Ministry of Education. Original document. The authoritative list of boards under provincial supervision and their supervisors. Eight boards as retrieved; neither Simcoe board appears. A live page, updated in place. Retrieved August 9, 2026.

Which trustee races are on the Barrie ballot?

The Province capped every board at twelve elected trustees for the 2026 election: the regulation sets each board's number at "the lesser of 12 and the number determined for the board for the purposes of the regular election in 2022". Both boards electing trustees for Barrie were already under the cap, so their races are unchanged by it. The seven races on Barrie ballots, with the 19 certified candidates, are on the candidates pages: three zones for the English public board, two for the English Catholic board, and one each for the French public and French Catholic boards. Trustee zone boundaries moved with the City's ward redraw, so a zone's number this year does not describe the same streets it did in 2022.

Source: O. Reg. 412/00: Elections to and Representation on District School Boards (as amended by O. Reg. 100/26), Government of Ontario — e-Laws. Original document. Section 2.1 sets the number of trustees on each board for a regular election at "the lesser of 12 and the number of members determined for the board for the purposes of the regular election in 2022". Retrieved August 9, 2026.

What does a school trustee actually do now?

The Putting Student Achievement First Act, 2026, introduced on April 13, 2026, changes trustee governance across the province. As the government described it: trustee discretionary expenses and honoraria are limited, boards have at most 12 elected trustees, at English-language boards the director of education becomes a chief executive officer whose dismissal requires the Minister's approval, and budget matters trustees cannot agree on go to the Minister for decision. The announcement frames the package as refocusing boards on achievement; trustee associations read it as narrowing the elected role. Both readings are about the same text, and trustees elected this October will serve under it.

Source: Ontario news release, "Ontario Introducing Legislation to Refocus School Boards on Student Achievement" (2026-04-13), Government of Ontario — Ministry of Education, dated April 13, 2026. Original document. Announces the Putting Student Achievement First Act, 2026 on its introduction: a maximum of 12 elected trustees per board, limits on trustee discretionary expenses and honoraria, and a chief executive officer in place of the director of education. Also states that since 2025 "eight school boards have been placed under provincial supervision". Retrieved August 9, 2026.

How big are Barrie's two English school boards?

The Simcoe County District School Board approved a $771.4 million budget for 2026–27 in late May — down about $3 million year over year, with enrolment projected to fall from 56,936 to 56,358, the board's first decline in at least five years. In April the board issued redundancy notices to 99 secondary teachers, citing that decline; the union said, in the April 2026 reporting cited below, that recalls were possible by September — no report of recalls had been found as of October 7, 2026, and the board's labour-update page for the union carries none. The Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board runs about 50 schools and approved a $375.1 million budget for 2025–26 under a multi-year financial recovery plan addressing a $7.1 million deficit driven largely by special-education costs. Note that the two boards' most recent published budgets are a school year apart — SCDSB's 2026–27 against SMCDSB's 2025–26 — so the figures sit side by side without being a same-year comparison. All of these figures are from the contemporaneous reporting linked below — the boards' own budget documents are the underlying record.

Reporting: BarrieToday on the SCDSB 2026–27 budget (May 2026); BarrieToday on the layoff notices (April 2026); BarrieToday on the SMCDSB recovery plan (June 2025). Figures are the reporting's, stated as such.

What new schools are being built in Barrie?

School construction in Barrie is concentrated exactly where the housing is going in:

The French boards each run two schools in the city: Viamonde's École élémentaire La Source and École secondaire Roméo-Dallaire, and MonAvenir's École élémentaire catholique Frère-André and École secondaire catholique Nouvelle-Alliance — the four schools whose trustees the French-board races on the Barrie ballot elect.

Source: Capital Planning — New Schools, Simcoe County District School Board. Original document. The board's own list of schools under construction and in design, including both Barrie southeast elementary schools. Retrieved August 17, 2026.

What is happening at Georgian College and Lakehead in Barrie?

Georgian College, whose flagship campus is in Barrie, reports 13,544 full-time students including more than 5,500 international students (June 2025 audit) — and is absorbing the federal international-student cap: reporting through 2025 put fall international enrolment down 17% year over year, a projected $45 million revenue hit, a $13 million deficit in the 2025–26 budget, and about 270 employees affected by workforce changes, with program intakes suspended but none cancelled.

Lakehead University keeps its existing Barrie campus and is adding a downtown STEM Hub in the former transit terminal at 24 Maple Avenue (vacated when the terminal moved to Allandale in September 2025 — see transit), opening fall 2026, with labs for robotics, machines and mechatronics. Council approved the partnership unanimously: $9.9 million from the City — $6.5 million construction, $1 million startup, and $2.4 million operating through 2029. City money in a university project is a council decision, which makes it election-relevant in a way provincial education policy is not.

Sources: About Georgian, Georgian College. Original document. States 13,544 full-time students including over 5,500 international students, per the June 2025 audit. Council approves partnership with Lakehead University to bring STEM Hub to downtown Barrie, City of Barrie. Original document. The City's own release on the downtown STEM Hub partnership at the former transit terminal, 24 Maple Ave. All retrieved August 17, 2026.

Reporting on the cap's effects: Barrie 360, July 15, 2025; BarrieToday on the projected $45 million hit. Figures are the reporting's, stated as such.

Why does the trustee vote matter in 2026?

A trustee vote in Barrie this fall elects people with real statutory duties at unsupervised boards, into a role the Province is actively shrinking. Nominations closed August 21, 2026 and the City certified the list on August 24: every one of the seven local races drew at least two candidates, so no trustee is acclaimed this year. Who is running, and how each race stands, is on the acclamations page. Which of the seven races is on your ballot is set by your recorded school support — check or change it here.

One caution when reading provincial coverage: reporting about supervised boards, including statements that newly elected trustees there will not return to a governance function, describes those eight boards. Nothing published applies it to Simcoe boards, and this page will say so if that changes.

What the candidates have said

Verbatim, attributed, dated. Every passage below is copied exactly from an archived copy of its source — a campaign website, a news article, or the candidate's own social media post — and links to it. Nothing is paraphrased by this site and no for-or-against label is applied: read the words, follow the link. Passages from news coverage say whether they are the candidate quoted, the reporter's reported speech, or the reporter's characterisation.

Compiled in a research batch dated September 11, 2026, reviewed by hand before publication on October 8, 2026. Passages are capped at 60 words and listed newest first. Campaign pages are undated, so only the retrieval date is shown for them, and they sort by it. A candidate with nothing located on an issue is listed as such, with the date their sources were checked; a race is shown only once every candidate in it has been checked. See methodology.

Mayor

Alex Nuttall

  • Support Lakehead University and Georgian College campuses in downtown Barrie.

    Source: alexnuttall.ca, Commitments page, 'Community, education and jobs', item 09 'Downtown campuses'. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived October 7, 2026. inferred site

  • Created an after-school program with both school boards, opening school gyms to children.

    Source: alexnuttall.ca, Term in Review page, 'Children & Youth', first item. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived October 7, 2026. inferred site

Kay Sayer

No published statement on this issue located for 2 candidates. Campaign website read, nothing located on this issue (October 7, 2026): Tanya Saari. No campaign website on the City's list: Russell Tighe. Indexed news coverage checked October 7, 2026: none quoting any of them on this issue. Social media posts not yet checked.

Ward 1

No published statement on this issue located for 6 candidates. Campaign website did not answer when checked (October 7, 2026): Stefano Agostino. Campaign website read, nothing located on this issue (October 7, 2026): Shaughna Ainsworth, Brent Bowser, Hafiz Rahman, Pauline Stevenson. No campaign website on the City's list: Christian Cadera. Indexed news coverage checked October 7, 2026: none quoting any of them on this issue. Social media posts not yet checked.

Ward 2

No published statement on this issue located for 5 candidates. Campaign website read, nothing located on this issue (October 7, 2026): Frank Casera, Shanicka Edwards, Craig Nixon, Ajmal Noushahi. No campaign website on the City's list: Tracy Strohm. Indexed news coverage checked October 7, 2026: none quoting any of them on this issue. Social media posts not yet checked.

Ward 3

No published statement on this issue located for 4 candidates. Campaign website read, nothing located on this issue (October 7, 2026): Amy Courser, Ben Hughes, Ryan Rijo. No campaign website on the City's list: Bryan Jones. Indexed news coverage checked October 7, 2026: none quoting any of them on this issue. Social media posts not yet checked.

Ward 4

No published statement on this issue located for 5 candidates. Campaign website read, nothing located on this issue (October 7, 2026): Iradat Ahmad, Lori Galeazza, Arif Khan. No campaign website on the City's list: Matthew Corbett, Patrick Harriott-Stewart. Indexed news coverage checked October 7, 2026: none quoting any of them on this issue. Social media posts not yet checked.

Ward 5

No published statement on this issue located for 2 candidates. Campaign website read, nothing located on this issue (October 7, 2026): Duarte Da Silva, Robert Thomson. Indexed news coverage checked October 7, 2026: none quoting any of them on this issue. Social media posts not yet checked.

Ward 6

Christel Pena

  • In recent years, reductions in school bus service have increased traffic congestion around local schools and created additional challenges for parents. I will advocate with local school boards to review transportation changes and explore opportunities to restore or improve service where it is needed most.

    Source: www.votechristel.ca, 'My Vision for Ward 6' page, under 'School Transportation & Safer School Access', paragraph 2. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 10, 2026. site

No published statement on this issue located for 2 candidates. No campaign website on the City's list: Nasar George Nader. Campaign website read, nothing located on this issue (October 7, 2026): Nigussie Nigussie. Indexed news coverage checked October 7, 2026: none quoting any of them on this issue. Social media posts not yet checked.

Ward 7

No published statement on this issue located for 2 candidates. Campaign website read, nothing located on this issue (October 7, 2026): Gary Harvey. No campaign website on the City's list: Michael Lewis. Indexed news coverage checked October 7, 2026: none quoting any of them on this issue. Social media posts not yet checked.

Ward 8

No published statement on this issue located for 3 candidates. Campaign website read, nothing located on this issue (October 7, 2026): Samina Alim, Jim Harris, Amanda Fellows. Indexed news coverage checked October 7, 2026: none quoting any of them on this issue. Social media posts not yet checked.

Ward 9

No published statement on this issue located for 4 candidates. Campaign website read, nothing located on this issue (October 7, 2026): Norm Costello, Sergio Morales, Asmar Naveed, Dave Weingarten. Indexed news coverage checked October 7, 2026: none quoting any of them on this issue. Social media posts not yet checked.

Ward 10

No published statement on this issue located for 3 candidates. No campaign website on the City's list: William Cadeau. Campaign website read, nothing located on this issue (October 7, 2026): Bryn Hamilton, Georgy Kapustin. Indexed news coverage checked October 7, 2026: none quoting any of them on this issue. Social media posts not yet checked.

Simcoe County District School Board — Barrie Wards 1, 2, 3

Wes Ayranto

  • I’m running because I believe parents deserve to know what is happening in their children’s schools. As a parent, I haven’t always felt informed and that needs to change.

    Source: votewesayranto.com, About Me page, paragraph 2. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived October 7, 2026. searched site

  • I will work to make sure parents are informed, concerns are addressed and our community has a strong voice in the decisions affecting our schools. I’m not running to fight political battles.

    Source: votewesayranto.com, About Me page, paragraph 8, first two sentences. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived October 7, 2026. searched site

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  • If elected, I will bring that same approach to the trustee’s role: listen to families, ask the tough questions, communicate openly and work for better outcomes for our students.

    Source: votewesayranto.com, About Me page, paragraph 10. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived October 7, 2026. searched site

  • 'A trustee should be ... someone who listens, asks questions, demands accountability and helps families understand what the board is doing and why,' says Wesley Ayranto

    Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, School trustee candidate wants to keep Barrie parents informed, September 5, 2026 (Feed summary (article page not archived)). Read September 11, 2026. news

  • Families deserve clear, timely and accessible information about school programs, student safety, school conditions and the decisions that directly affect their children. As your trustee, I will listen to parents and students, communicate clearly, ask the tough questions and make sure your concerns are heard at the board table.

    Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, School trustee candidate wants to keep Barrie parents informed, September 5, 2026 (paragraph 4). Read September 11, 2026. news

  • My priorities are straightforward: better communication, stronger accountability, safe and positive learning environments, and practical improvements that help students succeed.

    Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, School trustee candidate wants to keep Barrie parents informed, September 5, 2026 (paragraph 10). Read September 11, 2026. news

David William O'Brien

  • This issue is not going away, and while trustees do not get  involved in school  operations, we  can acknowledge that this is an issue; ask questions and advocate for all schools  to be safe welcoming spaces  for everyone.

    Source: davidwilliamobrien.wixsite.com, Current Issues page, under 'Bullying in Schools', last sentence. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 10, 2026. site

  • While the provincial government has seen increases in the base  funding for  education, that funding has not kept pace with inflation or the rising costs in 2026 dollars for many of these  necessary and   underfunded services and supports.

    Source: davidwilliamobrien.wixsite.com, Current Issues page, under 'Advocate for more funding', second sentence. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 10, 2026. site

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  • Therefore the funds collected  no longer cover the cost of future land purchases which are the first steps to building a new school. This needs to change.

    Source: davidwilliamobrien.wixsite.com, Current Issues page, under 'C. Need to Increase the Education Development Charges', last two sentences. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 10, 2026. site

  • 'Many of the root causes are linked to a lack of funds from the province to provide the necessary supports and staffing needed within our schools,’ says David O'Brien

    Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, Barrie trustee candidate says school violence must be addressed, August 30, 2026 (Feed summary (article page not archived)). Read September 11, 2026. news

  • There are a number of ongoing issues facing the SCDSB. I believe that many of them including incidents of bullying; violence in our schools can be, in part, attributed to the strains being put on the public education system.

    Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, Barrie trustee candidate says school violence must be addressed, August 30, 2026 (paragraph 11). Read September 11, 2026. news

  • This provincial underfunding also includes insufficient funding formulas for busing and special education, as well as the critical need to build new schools to combat the growing over-crowding in schools and the problems this creates.

    Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, Barrie trustee candidate says school violence must be addressed, August 30, 2026 (paragraph 12, second sentence). Read September 11, 2026. news

Tim Ware

  • 'It’s good to be involved and be able to help create a nurturing, safe and fun educational environment,' says Tim Ware

    Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, Barrie parent looks to move from school volunteer into trustee role, September 7, 2026 (Feed summary (article page not archived)). Read September 11, 2026. news

  • As such, I have the well-rounded experience needed to evaluate major projects, ask the questions that lead to the best possible proposals and involve all the public education stakeholders — students, parents, teachers, staff and the wider community — to make sure the board focuses on the initiatives with the highest impact.

    Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, Barrie parent looks to move from school volunteer into trustee role, September 7, 2026 (paragraph 9, second sentence). Read September 11, 2026. news

Simcoe County District School Board — Barrie Wards 4, 5, 6

Beth Mouratidis

  • These experiences have reinforced for me how important it is to have policies that put students first and support the needs of families.

    Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, Former school trustee eyes return to 'incredibly rewarding' role, September 4, 2026 (paragraph 6, second sentence). Read September 11, 2026. news

  • I continued to advocate for the board to encourage parents to have their children’s eyes tested, an issue that holds particular personal meaning for me.

    Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, Former school trustee eyes return to 'incredibly rewarding' role, September 4, 2026 (paragraph 8, second sentence). Read September 11, 2026. news

Dana Powell

  • Our fundamental responsibility must remain giving every student the opportunity to learn, succeed and reach their potential. That requires strong classroom instruction, safe and supportive schools, and appropriate resources for students who need additional assistance, and responsible stewardship of public money.

    Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, 'Public confidence matters,' says Barrie trustee candidate, September 2, 2026 (paragraph 6, second and third sentences). Read September 11, 2026. news

  • I continue to believe strongly in supporting students with special education needs and ensuring parents have a meaningful voice in their children's education.

    Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, 'Public confidence matters,' says Barrie trustee candidate, September 2, 2026 (paragraph 7). Read September 11, 2026. news

  • I also believe public confidence matters. School boards must listen to the communities they serve, operate transparently and be accountable for the decisions they make.

    Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, 'Public confidence matters,' says Barrie trustee candidate, September 2, 2026 (paragraph 8). Read September 11, 2026. news

Candice Thomas

  • Supporting students with complex needs and protecting the safety and learning environment of the entire classroom are not opposing goals. We need to do both. I will advocate for appropriate resources, meaningful supports and solutions that consider the needs of students, educators and families.

    Source: candicefortrustee.ca, Home page, 'What I'll advocate for', 'Safe & Supportive Schools' paragraph, third and fourth sentences. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived October 7, 2026. searched site

  • I will advocate for meaningful student supports, adequate staffing and resources, and a system that allows educators to properly support the children in their care.

    Source: candicefortrustee.ca, Home page, 'What I'll advocate for', 'The Support Every Child Needs' paragraph, last sentence. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived October 7, 2026. searched site

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  • School capacity, new school construction, staffing and resources require proactive planning, not simply reacting once schools are already overcrowded.

    Source: candicefortrustee.ca, Home page, 'What I'll advocate for', 'Planning Ahead for Growing Communities' paragraph, second sentence. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived October 7, 2026. searched site

  • My priorities are safe and supported schools, proactive support and earlier intervention, stronger communication with families and responsible decision-making.

    Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, Barrie trustee candidate hopes to 'turn concerns into action', September 6, 2026 (paragraph 8). Read September 11, 2026. news

  • Earlier intervention is a must. We can’t wait until a child is in crisis before asking what they need.

    Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, Barrie trustee candidate hopes to 'turn concerns into action', September 6, 2026 (paragraph 9, first two sentences). Read September 11, 2026. news

  • When it comes to school safety, a child’s need for support and another child’s right to a safe learning environment should not be competing priorities. We have to be able to do both.

    Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, Barrie trustee candidate hopes to 'turn concerns into action', September 6, 2026 (paragraph 10). Read September 11, 2026. news

Simcoe County District School Board — Barrie Wards 7, 8, 9, 10

Sean Fitzgerald

  • Ensuring every school is a secure, welcoming environment where students can focus on learning without fear. I advocate for safety protocols and enforceable policies against bullying.

    Source: www.seanfitzgeraldcampaign.net, Home page, under "Key Campaign Priorities", "Safety and Well-Being". Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 10, 2026. site

  • We must protect the integrity of local decision-making. As your trustee, I will be vigilant in advocating for bylaws that strictly monitor trustee spending.

    Source: www.seanfitzgeraldcampaign.net, Financial Responsibility page, paragraph 4, first two sentences. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 10, 2026. site

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  • What is happening right now is that the Ontario government has legislation in place that seeks to replace school board trustee functions with a single person, a CEO who is not elected.

    Source: www.seanfitzgeraldcampaign.net, Empowering the Community page, paragraph 8, first sentence. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 10, 2026. site

  • 'A high-functioning education system provides a sense of community for all,' says Sean Fitzgerald, who's running for public board in Barrie Barrie wards 7, 8, 9 and 10

    Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, Inclusion, equity and diversity among trustee candidate's 'core' beliefs, August 31, 2026 (Feed summary (article page not archived)). Read September 11, 2026. news

  • My core belief is that inclusion, equity and diversity are not just the right things to do, but in so doing makes us stronger, more productive and pays a high social dividend.

    Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, Inclusion, equity and diversity among trustee candidate's 'core' beliefs, August 31, 2026 (paragraph 3). Read September 11, 2026. news

  • Our education system requires the best of us to continue the system’s path of continuous growth and improvement — not tear it down, attempt to impose a personal ideology on to it or campaign for one special interest or another that is often outside of the school board’s purview anyway.

    Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, Inclusion, equity and diversity among trustee candidate's 'core' beliefs, August 31, 2026 (paragraph 4, second sentence). Read September 11, 2026. news

Denise Ketching

  • 'I believe every child deserves to feel seen, supported, safe and valued at school,' says Denise Ketching, public school board candidate in wards 7, 8, 9 and 10

    Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, Barrie trustee candidate looks to bring 'open perspective' to the job, August 26, 2026 (Feed summary (article page not archived)). Read September 11, 2026. news

  • I want to advocate for earlier identification and support for students who need additional help, including those with learning differences, while making sure vulnerable children are not overlooked.

    Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, Barrie trustee candidate looks to bring 'open perspective' to the job, August 26, 2026 (paragraph 7, second sentence). Read September 11, 2026. news

  • Schools should also be safe and respectful places, where bullying, violence, drugs, vaping and harassment are taken seriously, and where every child feels welcome and accepted.

    Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, Barrie trustee candidate looks to bring 'open perspective' to the job, August 26, 2026 (paragraph 9). Read September 11, 2026. news

No published statement on this issue located for 3 candidates. No campaign website on the City's list: Kevin Berry, Darren Steeves, Chaudhry Farooq Haider Virk. Indexed news coverage checked October 7, 2026: none quoting any of them on this issue. Social media posts not yet checked.

Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board — Barrie Wards 1, 2, 3, 5

Justin Heran

  • For this election, I am running to offer a fresh perspective at the board table in a changing time where Catholic education requires strong advocacy, diverse ideas and protecting essential programs. This can all be accomplished by supporting all school staff and students, prioritizing fiscal responsibility, instilling equity and inclusion, and cultivating community collaboration.

    Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, Former trustee hopes to bring 'fresh perspective' to board table, September 1, 2026 (paragraph 8). Read September 11, 2026. news

  • Student success and learning is achieved when opportunities are readily available, schools are equipped to meet the challenges and demands, and when schools are safe and welcoming to all.

    Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, Former trustee hopes to bring 'fresh perspective' to board table, September 1, 2026 (paragraph 9, first sentence). Read September 11, 2026. news

Susan van Amelsvoort

  • Trustees are tasked to protect the constitutional right to Catholic Education, promote the Gospel values and preserve funding for future generations. To do this, trustees must work collaboratively with conviction, strength and humility.

    Source: vanam4trustee.ca, Home page, under 'A Call to Serve'. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived October 7, 2026. searched site

  • Catholic education is an important part of the Church’s mission, rooted in the teachings of Christ and the Gospel. I believe our schools should nurture a strong Catholic identity and foster faith, compassion, service, humility, and love of neighbour in all that we do.

    Source: vanam4trustee.ca, Home page, under 'Rooted in Faith'. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived October 7, 2026. searched site

  • Every student has unique gifts and potential. I will support responsible decisions, meaningful opportunities, and strong programs that help students grow academically, personally, and spiritually while preparing confidently for the future.

    Source: vanam4trustee.ca, Home page, under 'Every child thrives'. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived October 7, 2026. searched site

Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board — Barrie Wards 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Rob Chiaramida

  • 'I have proven to be responsible in fiscal management and will ensure taxpayer dollars are allocated appropriately,' says Rob Chiaramida

    Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, Catholic trustee candidate says he's 'mastered' building budgets, September 3, 2026 (Feed summary (article page not archived)). Read September 11, 2026. news

  • I am running for Catholic school board trustee because I believe every child deserves the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe, equitable, inclusive, faith-filled and forward-thinking environment.

    Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, Catholic trustee candidate says he's 'mastered' building budgets, September 3, 2026 (paragraph 8). Read September 11, 2026. news

  • I am committed to representing all stakeholders to ensure students have access to the resources, opportunities and supportive learning environments they need to thrive and reach their full potential.

    Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, Catholic trustee candidate says he's 'mastered' building budgets, September 3, 2026 (paragraph 11, second sentence). Read September 11, 2026. news

Maria Hardie

  • Catholic education is a gift in our province, and protecting our denominational rights is essential to ensuring that gift continues for future generations.

    Source: hardie4trustee.ca, Home page, under 'WhY Choose Me', 'Funding Preservation'. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived October 7, 2026. searched site

  • Collaboration is essential to strong Catholic education, and I will continue to work closely with those who share a commitment to nurturing the whole child.

    Source: hardie4trustee.ca, Home page, under 'WhY Choose Me', 'Working Together', second sentence. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived October 7, 2026. searched site

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  • Student well‑being and student success are also central to my work. Our children deserve safe, supportive learning environments where they can thrive academically, emotionally, and spiritually.

    Source: hardie4trustee.ca, Home page, under 'WhY Choose Me', 'Continuous Learning'. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived October 7, 2026. searched site

  • 'I believe our schools must remain places where students feel the faith,’ says Maria Hardie, who's running for Catholic board position in Barrie wards 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10

    Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, Increased ministry centralization a 'pressing' issue for trustee candidate, August 28, 2026 (Feed summary (article page not archived)). Read September 11, 2026. news

  • Any time the future of an elected governance structure is publicly questioned, people naturally wonder what it could mean for local representation and accountability

    Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, Local accountability top of mind for Barrie trustee amid electoral 'uncertainty', March 16, 2026 (paragraph 4, quoted words after “Any time”). Read September 10, 2026. news

  • We bring forward community concerns, advocate for equity and ensure decisions reflect the unique needs of each area rather than a centralized, one‑size‑fits‑all approach.

    Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, Local accountability top of mind for Barrie trustee amid electoral 'uncertainty', March 16, 2026 (paragraph 13, second quoted sentence beginning "We bring forward"). Read September 10, 2026. news

  • Hardie says trustees are chosen by their communities to reflect local priorities and ensure responsible stewardship, as well as uphold the mission and identity of their school systems.

    Source: As reported by barrietoday.com, Local accountability top of mind for Barrie trustee amid electoral 'uncertainty', March 16, 2026 (paragraph 9, sentence beginning "Hardie says"). Read September 10, 2026. news reported

  • At the local level, removing or diminishing the trustee system would have real consequences, Hardie added.

    Source: As reported by barrietoday.com, Local accountability top of mind for Barrie trustee amid electoral 'uncertainty', March 16, 2026 (paragraph 12, sentence beginning "At the local level"). Read September 10, 2026. news reported

Conseil scolaire Viamonde

Rachael Golem

  • Screen use in classes must be a deliberate choice, not a default. Like countless parents, I have concerns about children being addicted to screens from an early age.

    Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, Systemic change won't come at parent council, says Viamonde candidate, September 21, 2026 (paragraph 8, second and third sentences). Read October 7, 2026. news

  • If a teacher has a split class and multiple individualized education programs to accommodate without support, the situation is unsustainable, leaving teachers at risk of burnout. We need to optimize structures to place educational assistants exactly where daily complexity demands it most.

    Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, Systemic change won't come at parent council, says Viamonde candidate, September 21, 2026 (paragraph 9, last two sentences). Read October 7, 2026. news

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  • We need to optimize school bus routes to ensure reasonable commutes and actively develop local French-language programming to break regional isolation and stabilize enrolment.

    Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, Systemic change won't come at parent council, says Viamonde candidate, September 21, 2026 (paragraph 10, last sentence). Read October 7, 2026. news

  • Mon objectif est de veiller à ce que les outils numériques soient utilisés là où ils enrichissent l’apprentissage et préparent nos enfants aux compétences de demain, tout en préservant la place essentielle du travail écrit sur papier pour fixer la concentration et la mémoire.

    Source: rachaelgolem.ca, Home page (Accueil), 'Mes Priorités', item 1 'Un usage raisonné des écrans', second paragraph. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 10, 2026. site

  • Mon objectif est d’optimiser nos structures de soutien pour affecter les aides-enseignants (EAs) là où la complexité quotidienne du terrain l’exige, garantissant ainsi un cadre solide et gérable pour tous.

    Source: rachaelgolem.ca, Home page (Accueil), 'Mes Priorités', item 2 'Un soutien accru en classe', second paragraph, last sentence. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 10, 2026. site

  • Cette démarche privilégie l’optimisation des circuits d’autobus pour garantir des trajets raisonnables, ainsi que le développement d’activités locales en français pour briser l’isolement.

    Source: rachaelgolem.ca, Home page (Accueil), 'Mes Priorités', item 3 'Une équité régionale', second paragraph, first sentence. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 10, 2026. site

Eric Lapointe

  • I'm committed to putting students and families first and ensuring a strong, inclusive and successful French language education system.

    Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, Firefighter seeking re-election as trustee on Viamonde board, September 19, 2026 (paragraph 6). Read October 7, 2026. news

  • During my time on the board, I've also had the privilege of serving on the special needs committee, giving me valuable insight into supporting every student and ensuring they have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.

    Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, Firefighter seeking re-election as trustee on Viamonde board, September 19, 2026 (paragraph 5). Read October 7, 2026. news

Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir

Donald Blais

  • Fournir tous les outils et la formation nécessaires aux membres du personnel pour maintenir un climat sécuritaire dans nos écoles. Créer un sentiment d’appartenance, autant pour les familles, les enfants et les membres du personnel, quels que soient leurs origines, leurs croyances ou leurs orientations.

    Source: votedonaldblais.ca, Home page, under 'Une école sécuritaire'. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 11, 2026. site

  • Minimiser les débats à huis clos et maximiser les débats publics.

    Source: votedonaldblais.ca, Home page, under 'Transparence'. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 11, 2026. site

Show 4 more passages

  • Supporter le Comité de l’enfance en difficulté et leur assurer le budget nécessaire pour un fonctionnement efficace.

    Source: votedonaldblais.ca, Home page, under 'L’enfance en difficulté'. Page. The page is undated; retrieved and archived September 11, 2026. site

  • Priorities include a safe school: Provide all the necessary tools and training to staff members to maintain a safe environment in our schools. Create a sense of belonging for families, children and staff members, regardless of their backgrounds, beliefs or orientations.

    Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, MonAvenir candidate running on experience, established connections, August 29, 2026 (paragraph 7). Read September 11, 2026. news

  • Transparency: Minimize closed-door discussions and maximize public debates.

    Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, MonAvenir candidate running on experience, established connections, August 29, 2026 (paragraph 8). Read September 11, 2026. news

  • Childhood in difficulty: Support the committee for children in difficulty and provide them with the necessary budget for effective operation.

    Source: As quoted in barrietoday.com, MonAvenir candidate running on experience, established connections, August 29, 2026 (paragraph 10). Read September 11, 2026. news

No published statement on this issue located for one candidate. No campaign website on the City's list: Innocent LeGrand. Indexed news coverage checked October 7, 2026: none quoting them on this issue. Social media posts not yet checked.

Common questions

Are Barrie's school boards under provincial supervision?

No. The Ministry's oversight list, as retrieved for this page, names eight supervised boards; the Simcoe County District School Board and the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board do not appear, and no Ministry announcement has named either.

What school board trustee races are on the Barrie 2026 ballot?

Seven, across four boards: three zones for the English public board, two for the English Catholic board, and one each for the French public and French Catholic boards. Which race is on your ballot is set by your recorded school support — the candidates are on the candidates pages.

What new schools are being built in Barrie?

Three, all in the south end: a southeast elementary of 662 pupil places under construction, a second southeast elementary at Thicketwood Avenue and Ball Gate (616 places, $27.1 million, in final design), and a $29.9 million replacement of Warnica Public School (665 places), announced May 8, 2026.

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