Campaign Launch Speech
My name is David Humphries and I am running for Ottawa-Carleton School Board Trustee in Zone 10 – Somerset/Kitchissippi Ward. I want to tell you why I am seeking this position, asking for your trust and your vote and why I believe I would make the best representative for Ottawa Education that I can possibly be.
Public education is a right in Canada and one that we should never take for granted. Not that any government is going to take it away but we also shouldn’t grow apathetic or completely content about how that education is delivered to our children. Both teachers and students need to be aware of how the education of every child makes our society and makes our city, that much better.
Going to school will always be about the basics — learning how to read, write and perform mathematics— but it is also about preparation for the real world, laying a foundation for post-secondary pursuits, whether at university or a trade school and/or to find out who we are as individuals.
Education is about formulating dreams and learning how to fulfill those dreams. How many fantastic careers, how many great ambitions, how many colossal achievements came to fruition after a teacher planted the seed of that vision in the minds of an elementary school child?
As someone with special needs, I am acutely aware that schooling is never one-size-fits-all. We need to encourage, develop and inspire those students who are facing special needs of a physical or psychological kind; no child should be left behind and no compassion should be left undone! As your School Trustee I am committed to working for all students —no matter what the demands, no matter what the effort, no matter what the challenges.
It’s not about throwing money at the problem. It’s about spending the money in a way that best meets the needs and aspirations of everyone. This position, after all, is called Trustee. I am not only asking for your trust now but I am pledging to keep your trust, if elected. That means never thinking the government has all the solutions that should freely be imposed on your children. Being a Trustee means keeping parents informed, activated and, most of all, engaged in the education process. I want to know what you think. I want to know if you think we are doing the job you elected us to do. I want to know if you think your children are being well served.
For example, the Province has recently decided to scrap a very controversial sex education program. Whether you support or oppose that decision, I am sure you must agree that whatever ultimately replaces that program must be one that is rooted and grounded in parental consultation. The Provincial Government has promised to undertake the process and I will insist, if elected, that it follows through on that commitment. We should never think that you — the mothers, fathers and taxpayers — are somehow not integral to the process of developing an education plan.
I decided to run for Ottawa-Carleton School Board Trustee because I believe I can offer perspectives and experiences that are not only unique but perfectly suited for the job. It was not a decision I took lightly nor do I ask for your support without first recognizing that this is a large and significant responsibility that I can only fulfill with your endorsement.
Thank you.
David Humphries
Candidate for OCDSB Trustee
Zone 10 – Somerset/Kitchissippi