08) KAPLAN LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN FOR RE-ELECTION TO TDSB

 

    Long-time advocate for universal quality public education, Howard Kaplan, has announced his campaign for re-election as Toronto District School Board trustee in Toronto's Ward 5, York Centre.

 

    "Too many students are falling between the cracks while others are unable to reach their full potential because of inadequate government funding and short-sighted policies," said Kaplan. "It's time we put in place a funding formula that addresses students' real needs."

 

    With the provincial budget released, Kaplan appeals to the Liberal government to keep its election promises and provide adequate funding for all day kindergarten and special education, especially for some of the needier Ward 5 schools in the TDSB. "We need increased capital funding to deal with the shortfalls, which lead to pressure to sell off school land and buildings," said Kaplan, who spent considerable time during these past four years as a trustee, working with parents opposed to selling off public spaces as a band-aid for manufactured budget failings.

 

    "I also call on the Minister of Education to provide the funds we need to reach fair collective agreements with our teachers and support staff this upcoming year. We respect our staff and our contracts at the TDSB. Now is the time for the provincial government to show its commitment by dedicating new funding to education," Kaplan emphasized.

 

    Kaplan's campaign manager is Elizabeth Hill, herself a veteran 18 year former trustee on the TDSB and York Board of Education. "Howard works tirelessly to ensure that our schools are safe and healthy. He really supports `Kids - not Cuts', and that's why I'm working to re-elect Howard," stressed Hill.

(The above article is from the August 1-31, 2014, issue of People's Voice, Canada's leading socialist newspaper. Articles can be reprinted free if the source is credited. Subscription rates in Canada: $30/year, or $15 low income rate; for U.S. readers - $45 US per year; other overseas readers - $45 US or $50 CDN per year. Send to People's Voice, c/o PV Business Manager, 706 Clark Drive, Vancouver, BC, V5L 3J1.)